Time to work on the basics

Thurston · Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 101

Now that I have some decent gear, I want to really focus on improving some of the basics. Specifically, tacking jibing and getting in the harness.

I can tack: a very slow, cumbersome process for me.

I have jibed, but am by no means smooth or comfortable with it.

I find my seat harness bulky and annoying, but will wear it often to get used to it. My lines definitely feel too short and I'm getting some adjustable lines to find a good length.

I want to get out on the water as much as possible. The wind and weather here in RI is anything but consistent. I also want to practice and make adjustments to do things the right way. I'm looking for recommendations for youtube or other tutorials that do a good job of teaching technique.

Any suggestions?

cgoudie1 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 10:14 am Post subject: Re: Time to work on the basics

Hi Thurston,

Try these

Harness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4ZF3SP5GB4&feature=player_embedded

Straps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsiS0_V6TP0&feature=player_embedded

Tack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZjLlCwNIII&feature=player_detailpage

Jibe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwfZB4CQ3hw&feature=player_detailpage

Maybe you should consider a Waist Harness. And, I'm not a big fan
of adjustable lines, of which I've never found a set that don't slip
during my kind of sailing. If you're a tall guy, 26-30 inchers
will make things easier. I'm 6'3", and I sail 24s, but I'm not learning.

-Craig

Thurston · Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 101

Thanks Craig!

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

You have a great attitude for success, but you need more than just TOW if you want to learn the correct way. Muscle memory is a huge part of any sport so you want to make sure you are practicing skills properly.
1. Take lessons from a qualified instructor.
2. Attend an ABK camp.
3. Buy a Gopro & attach it to your clew so you can view head to toe.
4. Buy any one of dozens of technique videos.
What we think we are doing & what we are actually doing are generally two different things. Without an instructor or at least video of us to compare against proper technique, it is difficult to spot & correct errors. Also, practice on land as it is a great way to develop muscle memory for much of the skills needed from sail flipping to foot exchanges.

Coachg

rswabsin · Joined: 14 May 2000 Posts: 444 Location: New Jersey

You may find this ABK Instruction Manual handy.

http://abkboardsports.com/tips/manual

Rob

beaglebuddy · Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 1120

By far the best instructional DVD for jibing is The 12 step jibe by Dasher.
Guy Cribbs DVD is good as well and covers many things besides jibing.
I watch these over and over and pick up something nearly every time.

PeconicPuffin · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1830

ABK returns to the northeast in September. sept 5-7 in Hyannis, and the following weekend on Long Island. One of their clinics will give you a year of techniques to work on.

Thurston · Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 101

Thanks guys. A lesson would be great, I'll have to see if there are any good instructors around and what they charge. Not a lot of windsurfing action in my area.

Craig, I got out yesterday in some light wind and practiced some of the tips for tacking in the video you posted. It helped a great deal, thanks!

One of the issue I had was maintaining speed through the tack. I think with a little more wind and practice I'll get the hang of it though.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

As a person that never took professional lessons, I found that one of things that really helped me was getting to know fellow windsurfers and sailing together often. You learn more about the equipment and tuning that way, and you get to watch, learn and improve out on the water. Although it isn't necessarily a ready substitute for lessons, sailing with others promotes confidence and improvement.