complete beginner in San Diego

buddha · Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 24

Where can I find a good board and what board do I need for this area?

Also where to get lessons.

Basically I need all kinds of info since I am clueless and new.

I live less than a mile from the J Street marina in Chula Vista.

loopless · Joined: 30 Jun 1997 Posts: 426

Best bet is to contact and join the SDWA (www.sdwa.org) . They have boards you can rent ($5 a day!). One is a total beginner board and the other is a bit more advanced. Unfortunately you need to pick the SDWA boards up near Mission Bay.... Get going with those boards and then you can start asking around for gear.

The board/sail combo best for you will ultimately depend on skill level and weight. You can probably start a very "exciting" thread in this group as everyone weighs in with their ideas.

The bin-annual swap meet at Seal Beach in LA could be a great place to get gear ( not sure when that is), but you need to be clued up or someone will unload junk on you! Find a friendly SDWA member to advise.

gregorvass · Joined: 21 Nov 1996 Posts: 1113 Location: Behind You

I will give you stuff. Contact me personally.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Oh, no ... don't tell us you're going to unload that old yellow Aiken sinker on this poor dude?

Just kidding ... but it did happen to an absolute beginner back in the day, except that it wasn't free; a shop SOLD it to him at full price as his very first exposure to WSing in an area far more suited to 240-liter longboards and jet skis. The poor sap gave the sport up within weeks.

Good on ya, Gregorvass. And Buddha, you're a wise man in asking about lessons; that SDWA can help you more than you can imagine.

Mike \m/

cmoy · Joined: 07 Jun 2000 Posts: 5

Seal Beach Swap meet is Sunday OCT 24 at the Rivers End Parking lot 8am-12

gregorvass · Joined: 21 Nov 1996 Posts: 1113 Location: Behind You

Watch this about 33 times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GbSXn37f5k

Go buy a "Big " Board and a small Sail.

Go do it.

buddha · Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 24

I met some windsurfers this past week with the SDWA in San Diego at J street. I was impressed with how friendly and helpful everyone was. I got a very good vibe.

It seems like this forum has friendly members also and I thank everyone for their responses and trying to help out a complete beginner.

I have been a tennis pro for over 30 years and also have worked hard to become a very low handicap golfer in my lifetime.

I am usually a hard core enthusiast when it comes to learning sporting activities but with windsurfing I think I will just chill out and try to enjoy it and not go too crazy lol.

I am getting too old to be a fanatic I think lol.

buddha · Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 24

gerritt · Joined: 06 May 1998 Posts: 632 Location: Redwood City, CA

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935