jn1 said..
$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Many years ago, I had a manager on 6 figures who was keen to take up Windsurfing. He talked up doing it for many months, until... he discovered how much equipment cost when he went to push the button.... This young single guy could easily afford it. But somehow, the cost rubbed him up the wrong way.
I used to think so too. I think we are in the opposite of the Goldilocks position - a bit of a low point in the saddle between cheap and expensive. Those who are very monetarily constrained think it's too expensive. Those with ample disposable income have no problem instead buying $70k wake boats, etc. There are a lot more of those by a long shot on our lake than windsurfers or even, probably, sailing craft. Similarly, there are more by a large amount more $4k wheelsets on $15k bikes than any type of wind gear- windsurf, wing or kite.
Sometimes, I think that the windsurfing industry or at least a subset would do well just by simply marketing itself as a premium product. North Sails may already be doing that. Make itself pricey and appeal to those who "simply want the best". There's always a niche for that in every industry.
. Highly weather dependent sport bound to have it's frustrations. But nothing like it when the stars align (as we all know)
