VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

KUS I think you are valid. see line below

I'll bet the guys that hang out in the woods across the road find it entertaining too...

what guys are you referring to? the once that watch where we hide our keys or the other type?

A simple request for windsurfing instruction morfs into an exploration of perverted park pastimes...we're all doomed!

Thanks for all your useful replies . Based on your input it seems my CH
will pitch me into the Strait so many times I'm bound to drown.
Since this was a freebie and I hate to pay to play I'll take my chances.
If it's really a disaster I'll call Kevin in Parksville. BFN

Kevin in Parksville #250-951-9873 for lessons - he's on the beach until the end of Sept. Found that out after I made plans to go to Hood River for lessons. But it was Good times! Now I need some beginner gear.
140 or 150 GO to start - used would be nice.
You are all very entertaining!

Hi espiritofme.. Hood River? Where's that? Do you have any info on who/how to contact for the lessons you took there?
Thanks!

hmm, there is that Google thing .... maybe if you "google" hood river AND windsurfing....you might get a couple or three hits I bet just a thought

I had a personal reference given to me - glad I went with the referral...well worth the trip.
Hoodriver - take I5 - 205? - 85 45 min East of Portland, Oregon
GOOGLE the route - to be safe.

I5 to 205 then 84 East

While I'm here - I can get a complete windsurfer from the 80's - yes the good old days - feedback on the learing curve please.

Espritofme, refer back to the start of this thread RE: learning curve on 80s kit.

My advice, don't bother on the old stuff. Learn on the new, wide, stable, FUN gear. THEN the 80s stuff will be more fun for you in a sort of laughable, retro, "I can't believe I was going to learn on this piece of s#%$" novelty way. Unless, of course, you are into things like leather and self flagellation. Then the flogging you'll take will be super fun.

Espritofme, if you really want retro you can get some of the good side of the old equipment but on modern gear with an alround modern lonboard like the Kona One or an RRD Longrider. These are true longboards, but are infinitely easier to sail than the old ones, due largely to their step tails. But of course they cost a lot without many being available used, whereas old stuff is free (or should be). I took a lot longer to learn than I should have largely because I stuck with 80s and early 90s (shortboard) gear till about 3 years ago. The new freeride stuff is SO much easier! And there is lots available used at a good price.

Hey Electra - Kevin in Parksville said he's instructing till next Sunday. Have you got a wet suit? Would you like to see if we can pick a day and take a joint lesson I'll drag my Start board up somehow, and Kevin has nice new style narrower boards which you can rent. Bring your free board too to see what the difference is. We want either SE or NW wind in the 10 to 15 knot range. Or if there's a good 10 to 15 k SE, we could just take our own stuff to Departure Bay, maybe Jude and his gf would like to join us, plus see if we could get one of the local Nanaimo / Cedar "pro's" to come keep us safe Gramma Jo