Hello all,

The short version: Are any newbies / returnies / intermediates / anyone at all interested in a casual chat on equipment and rigging techniques at Pelican Point this Wednesday evening?

Have you just bought new or secondhand equipment? Thinking about buying kit? Dusting the cobwebs off the old stuff and could use a few pointers about how it all goes together? Could you use a little help with it?

If so, bring your kit down, look for the pale yellow VW Kombi or the black-and-purple sails and come and say hello. I should be there from 5pm-7pm.

Cheers,

Ian

PS - I could probably use some help with the bigger 6.5+ sails and slalom boards and some of the really old equipment, so if any of the slalom guys are keen to lend a hand please let me know.



Long version:

Over the last month, I've seen loads of people on the water at Pelican Point who are pretty new into the sport.

Some old, some young, some with new kit, some with old.

There seems to be a lot of people either taking up windsurfing or coming back to the sport after a long break which is absolutely brilliant news.

What I'm also seeing is a lot of people on the water with new rigs that could be rigged a lot better, and a lot of very old equipment that's been pulled out of the garage for the first time in ages.

Also seeing loads of posts on Seabreeze about equipment when returning to windsurfing.

I've been talking to loads of newbies / returnies at Peli and helping them rig or offering advice, but I know (from talking to them) that a lot of people are a little wary about approaching more experienced sailors and asking for help, or they feel like people are watching them and critiquing their sailing so they feel intimidated (nothing could be further from the truth).

This isn't about kit snobbery or getting people to buy the latest and greatest - it's just about trying to bring these guys and girls into the fold and help them get out and about a bit more and have more fun and hopefully progress and stay in the sport.

The reason I've chosen Wednesday is I'm hoping to maybe tie it up with a couple of the slalom crew who can offer advice on areas I don't have so much knowledge in (i.e. slalom equipment, tie-on booms, etc).

Cheers!

Ian

PS - I'm not affiliated with any shop or school and I'm not offering lessons (there are some excellent schools in Perth for that, including one based at Peli Point), although I may offer an opinion on technique for something if asked.

PPS - if anyone knows Bryce and his daughter, please let them know about this.

Good onya mate.
I know there are a lot of people in the sport that are only too happy to help out if asked, but to start an initiative like this is a ripper.

I'll be down as long as im not working. I've got cambered sails but find it hard to get them rigged. im looking forward to the help

The wind forecast is looking like rubbish for wed

It's easy enough for me to still show up though, as I generally drive past Peli point on my way home (up the road) so if people are still keen, I'll be there sometime around 5pm regardless of the wind speed. I drive a white hyundai iload with a little starboard man on the front

Luke

Funny you should bring this topic up. I've come back to the sport last season after a 10 year break and talked to a few others in the same boat recently. Peli point might be the common denominator or is it a phase the sport is going through? I've got some old gear and also some new stuff and loving both though must say like the light feel of new sails and RDM/boom. A great atmosphere down on the river and enjoying keeping fit while having fun. Helps having some decent wind this year too. Getting the skill levels up to go back off the coast but the river is good for now and handy (and shark-free!). Unfortunately can't make Wednesday nights.