Yes, it's still a problem. Whether or not it's become less of an issue due to new kit is something I can't answer, but I would imagine that newer, more forgiving sails have reduced the risk.

Catapulting is a technique issue anyway, so just make sure you give her some tips.

The catapult can be enjoyed....one just has to accept the inevitibilty that you might break something..either gear or yourself.......or not.

Its a bit like flying..once the plane is screaming down the runway
theres not a lot you can do about it if something goes wrong.

The last couple of times I catapulted ...a while ago now (touch wood)
I am sure i experienced that "incredible lightness of being"..even a sort of out of body experience..before smacking into the water.

I remember thinking...that was kind of nice....I think I want to do that again........

so, whats everyones advice for the perfect catapault....

heres mine

1. sheet in to power up as soon as you start getting over poweder
2. turn up your toes to lock yuorself in your foot straps
3. at lift off - release the boom and assume the superman position / sign of the cross
4. smile - someone on the beach may be filming you - make it look like you are loving it

theWaterBoy said...

so, whats everyones advice for the perfect catapault....

heres mine

1. sheet in to power up as soon as you start getting over poweder
2. turn up your toes to lock yuorself in your foot straps
3. at lift off - release the boom and assume the superman position / sign of the cross
4. smile - someone on the beach may be filming you - make it look like you are loving it

If you're going for distance, don't forget to lengthen the harness lines!

And you forgot step 2.5 - stand up straight and move your weight inboard.

and 8 : Decide whether you want the clear jelly fish as entree or mains with the brown jelly fish on the side...

kiwibro said...

The catapult can be enjoyed....one just has to accept the inevitibilty that you might break something..either gear or yourself.......or not.

Its a bit like flying..once the plane is screaming down the runway
theres not a lot you can do about it if something goes wrong.

The last couple of times I catapulted ...a while ago now (touch wood)
I am sure i experienced that "incredible lightness of being"..even a sort of out of body experience..before smacking into the water.

I remember thinking...that was kind of nice....I think I want to do that again........

this issue is really slowing my friend's pace in learning cuz he's afraid of getting catapulted..time and time we tell him no harness no footstraps no footstraps no planing no planing no funas Kiwi bro says it is 'inevitable' maybe that scared him to the point he got catapulted and bruised his rib..well that's windsurfing any sport has it's own catapult

yes, the boom is a limb breaker. ouch!

here's my tips for catapult from hell.

do a chop hop.
move your body over the board while in the air
sheet in and keep head looking forward

Hmm, looks like it will be unavoidable for her. Call me an old softy, but the thought of my girl being catapulted across the drink at 20 knots is somewhat unsettling.

ikw777 said...

Hmm, looks like it will be unavoidable for her. Call me an old softy, but the thought of my girl being catapulted across the drink at 20 knots is somewhat unsettling.

Yep mate, keep her in the kitchen

I think you should let her make up her own mind.
Anyway, by the time she gets to the catapult stage, she may find it fun, and not mind being thrown over every now and again.

Windxtasy said...

Some catapults have even been fun. Flying through the air into the water on a hot day can be like a sideshow ride.

Once got flipped onto my back and went skimming on my back for a good 15metres. Disorientating, but fun.