start small!

at this stage unless you have wads of cash stashed around don't go out buying any gear just yet.

Like with most things in live start small. Go find a spot which has waves breaking up to about 2 maybe 3 feet. This is big enough to learn things such as timing getting over waves, jumping on the way out and getting onto a wave on the way in.

It's also small enough for you to learn how to safely hold on to your gear while in the impact zone. This is probably the most important part to learn.

Don't worry about doing proper bottom turns and cut backs at this stage... it will come with time.

I am sure there are number of Vic sailors here that can recommend the best place with small waves down your way.

You can then progress from there.

Regarding your gear, the biggest difference between most flat water freeride style boards and wave oriented boards is the amount or nose rocker they have. Wave oriented shape usually have more "bend" (rocker) in the front of the nose to prevent the nose from getting when you ride down a wave. What board do you current have (model, make, year).

In the long run you will also want a wave sail in the 5.2 or so range as your low wind sail.

To begin with I'd probably buy a used or last season model sail/ board when you feel the time is right.

Lastly, my recommendation would to get hold of the Peter Hart's "Serious about waves" DVDs. They at first seem a bit cheese but once you get his instructional style you will realise they are a gem. Probably the best instructional wave sailing DVDs currently on the market. He will talk you in more detail about the things that I outlined above.

Hope this is of any help.

I would say go to one of the Vic Wave sailing series - talk to the crew - get involved with them - a great way to get started - our Social wave crew in SA have been doing local events and people that hardly ever hit the waves in the past have just been growing in confidence week by week.

Go for it - once you've had a few waves - no matter how much you get trashed - you'll always be looking for the next wave session in the future!!

Good luck - and have fun!!!

Thanks for that. My board is a thommen X95 its got plenty of rocker but a fairly wide and flat tail which is really good for early planing maybe not so great for the waves but I spose theres only one way to find out. I think the thing i am worried about is going out with a crappy begginers type mast and a mainly monofilm sail and it all failing to bits when I have a big stack which I know I will. What sort of wind should you be aiming to go out in say 15 knots? which would probably mean 5.7, or do I go out in 20 so I can use the 4.7? The Vic wavesailing thing sounds the goods I think. Too bad they havent chosen any spots on the Peninsula so there all a pretty solid drive. But ive been meaning to check out sandy point at some stage so maybe it will work out fine.

stehsegler said...

start small!

It's also small enough for you to learn how to safely hold on to your gear while in the impact zone. This is probably the most important part to learn.

This is the bit that worries me the most. I've just started going into some small waves but I haven't progressed past pure body and gear survival sailing.

Are you talking about the shore break or after falling off in waves. I'm fairly sure I don't want to be to close to my gear once i think I'm going to be washing machined but don't wan't to leave it to the mercy of the waves either.

Just wondering if you could please elaborate and shed some light on this for the noobs Stehsegler? Or should this little princess just hardin up and expect some broken gear as part of the learning process?

all you need is the ability to waterstart.

get into it.

basically take it easy, the first time i got out into decent waves i was more into survival then wave sailing, always checking the sets coming through...

but hey get out there, you might break some gear you might not, just relax especially when your being smashed by a wave, your only under for a short time...