Lessons: Wind Surfing and Wake Boarding

[Killevippen]

I could use your help. Last year I bought a wake board and have make some progress, but my ten year-old has now surpassed me. Any recommendation on lessons for the both of us (either at a school or a private instructor at our beach)?

Similarly, I just bought wind surfing boards, one for me and one for the kids, but have no idea of how to start. Again, any recommendations?

Thanks!

[madrasahs]

"...I just bought wind surfing boards, one for me and one for the kids, but have no idea of how to start...any recommendations?

I'd start in an area of knee-deep water. (You're going to drop off a lot -- at first -- getting back on board is easier).

If you have zero sailing experience, I'd get those basics first, maybe with a borrowed single-sail vessel like a Sunfish. Anybody can sail downwind, getting back is another matter.

Windsurfing requires a lot of upper-body strength. A 34-year-old California gal (whom you wouldn't expect would have much upper-body strength) is competing in this year's World Olympics in Greece. She last competed in the 125-mile Ensenada Yacht Race, taking 30 hours to complete the course.

Windsurfers also compete for the speed record for sail-powered vessels. Last I saw, they were looking at 50 knots. (A catamaran presently holds the World's Speed Record).

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/sailing/03/14/speed/
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