Sunday, January 25, 2009

Safina's Windsurfing Quiver

When I was in grad school I gave a lot of free windsurfing lessons for the VIMS Sail and Paddle Club and the Windsurfing Enthusiasts of Tidewater. Now that I'm a busy, working scientist, I still give some windsurfing lessons, but I charge. It's worth it for students, though, because when they're ready to fledge I hook them up with lots of cheap / free gear.

This student of mine got an F2 Phoenix longboard for $62 on ebay, and I gave her a mast, 3 sails, 2 booms, a harness, a u-joint and an extension for just $70. It was mostly gear donated to me for free by a generous kiter who used to windsurf.

Here's Safina with her 5.9 Ezzy-
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Again with a 4.1 Aerotech-
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And with a tiny 2.9 Gaastra that she can use if it's really nuking-
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Anyway, the moral of the story is that there's a lot of gear languishing in garages out there that could make a beginner windsurfer happy if you take the time to teach and set them up.
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5 comments:

  1. OutdrsmnJanuary 26, 2009 at 5:06 PM

    I tell you no one can ever accuse you of not being a super nice guy.

    The thing I can't get over is how easily you are able to get the pretty girls interested in windsurfing. That is truly a gift my friend.

    I'm with you, SPREAD THE STOKE!!!

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  2. FrankJanuary 27, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    Man if I met a girl that pretty that wanted to learn to windsurf. I would be giving away equipment too. James you are a lucky man! Do you start them on a long board? Warm water probably helps too.

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  3. James DouglassJanuary 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM

    Outdrsmn- Thanks, dude. :)

    Frank- Safina is married, but yeah, it's cool to see an attractive, athletic woman entering our sport. :) I do the lessons on my Kona longboard. Warm water does help.

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  4. PeconicPuffinFebruary 3, 2009 at 6:36 PM

    "Warm water does help."

    Yeah, her smile helps too!

    :)

    P.S. I like your message to the new E.P.A. head.

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  5. Sarah TaylorFebruary 9, 2009 at 5:40 PM

    Safina! I was happy to see her smiling face as I scrolled down to read your blog, James.

    I learned to sail with that same Aerotech sail that she has only mine was flappy and crappy and falling apart.

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