Blast from the past

cagjr21150 · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 303

WindSurfing Magazine found this little gem in the February/March 1984 Issue. We're pretty sure all those rules apply today!

What are YOUR ten commandments of WindSurfing?

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The best (NEW) one gets a WindSurfing mag t-shirt!

spennie · Joined: 13 Oct 1995 Posts: 975 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

Here's a few we all should know:

1. Never leave wind to find wind (always #1)
2. If it's windy, you MUST sail, because it might not be windy tomorrow.
3. Always bring ALL your stuff, whatever you don't bring will be what you need.
4. Rig for what it's blowing NOW, not what you think it might blow in a few minutes.
5. Get rig sizing INFORMATION from others, but don't follow their suggestions (unless you're just learning).
6. A new sail will bring you more joy than a new board. Yes, it will!
7. When in doubt, rig the bigger sail, better over-powered than under!
8. Take good care of your fins, they mean a lot more than most people think.
9. ALWAYS check to see if that guy in the water is O.K.. If he isn't, help him out as best you can.
10. If your wife is happy, you'll be able to sail more often.

PeconicPuffin · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1830

I don't know about #6, but otherwise Hell Yeah!

spennie · Joined: 13 Oct 1995 Posts: 975 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

You're not sure about #6? Really? Did you think about it, remembering when you were learning and had shitty sails (or just didn't know how to rig them), but then got a new one, a good one, and how amazing it was? No more yanking out of your hands, no more tailwalking, no more everyone passing you.

I think now that you (I'm assuming) have all good gear, you may notice a board change more, and it's more expensive so it makes a bigger impression on you (& your wallet!), but I still think having a great sail is more important than a great board. Maybe if you bought some Sailworks sails you would understand what I mean......;-)

cagjr21150 · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 303

More Blast from the Past in today's (Tuesday) WS Mag FB
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DanWeiss · Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 2296 Location: Connecticut, USA

Spennie: Nice list! I like 6 a lot.

I LOVE No. 10!

rsanrafael · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 68

cagjr21150 · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 303

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jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

Definitely a different planet back then.

spennie · Joined: 13 Oct 1995 Posts: 975 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

Geeze, rsanrafael, lighten up & gimme a break, just having some fun! I've known Dan Weiss for years, the comment about Sailworks was just a friendly razz---I'm a Sailworks Teamrider, Dan knows it. I try not to be condescending to anyone, ever, since it's a trait I despise.

When I say a new sail is cheaper, I'm referring to a sail, not sail, mast, & boom. Not many people buy a new mast & boom with each sail. Getting a new board for $1,000. probably means you got it used or on a Teamrider deal, since most new boards these days run around $1,600., & a new freeride sail (only) runs around $500. - $600. retail.

I wasn't really backpedaling, either, just pointing out that he'd NOTICE more. If someone has excellent sails like you say, they're probably going to have a decent modern board as well, and any upgrade would be a slight difference. When I switched to Sailworks a couple years ago it was a huge difference, since I was sailing a low-power brand. I confess to the crime of inserting a plug for Sailworks (twice!), but I really do love them!