While other windsurfers (or should I say the windsurfers) are posting videos of guys doing
moves that include backwards duck tacks and the like, I just want to be able to do this:
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Why Opposite End Windsurfing?
- Dennis G.
- Long Island, NY
- I really,really like to windsurf. It is my favorite thing to do, except for teaching kids about physics, that is. The only problem is that I am not so great at windsurfing, at least right now. Several people in my area have created windsurfing blogs, but they are really, really good at windsurfing (and not too shabby at blogging). So, I've decided to give a perspective from the opposite end of the windsurfing skill spectrum, hence the name Opposite End Windsurfing for my blog. In it, I will share the experiences of someone who is trying to become a really good windsurfer.
Dennis, some people learn to jibe fairly quickly, and some of us have to lay siege to the move. It took me eleven lessons (over four years) with Dasher in Aruba, plus some ABK camps, before I could plane through jibes consistently. If you've taken a bunch of lessons then the best thing you can do is have someone shoot video of your jibe attempts...you'll learn very quickly what it is you think you're doing versus what you're actually doing.
ReplyDeleteAlso note: because it took me forever to learn to jibe well...because I had to learn to overcome every bad jibing habit there was...I'm pretty good for giving tips myself. Feel free to ask!
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the offer on tips. I will probably take you up on it the next time we get some wind so I can get out and try again. As for video, I have a plan for that. Will have to see if/how it works out.
Dennis
ps. are you my only reader at this point? just wondering.
The Puffin definitely has a point when he talks about bad jibing habits. I took me forever to learn a decent jibe. I tried to digest everything I found - private lessons, Vela clinics, articles, videos, etc. What finally got me to the point where I can plane out somewhat consistently was a couple of ABK camps. Turned out my main problem was not at the end, as I had thought, but rather at the jibe preparation and entry.
ReplyDeleteI contrast, my wife learned the planing jibe in a single ABK camp in Bonaire. At the end, most of her jibes were dry, and while she did not plane through, she kept quite a bit of speed. She progressed a lot faster because she did NOT have to unlearn a lot of bad habits (which I am still fighting in every jibe). I bet she'll plane through her first jibes later this year.
So my suggestions are:
1. Attend as many ABK camps as you can.
2. Get a waterproof camera (e.g. the GoPro Hero HD), mount it to the boom end, and check what you did when you get home. Works great to find many problems like bad footwork or bent front arms.
boardsufr,
ReplyDeletethanks for your suggestions. I have been to a couple ABK camps so far, but only one where I concentrated on learning jibes. At the first one they straightened out my stance, then I did a jibe one, then last year I did a race clinic. Planning on attending two in Sept., one for the race clinic and one for jibing. I know that jibe entry is key, that's one area I need to work on a bit.
The video on the boom idea is a great idea too. Maybe I'll try that.
Dennis