Where to seek hands on instructions

[MichaelAvondet]

Thanks for the great advice on types of sailing conductions verses boards in Utah. I'm with in a few weeks of purchasing something that will bring a life time of excitement. My question is where should I look for hands on enlighten?


cheers
Mike

[Kenny]

Mike,

Are you looking for a sailboard or kiteboard? There is a slight difference between the two

[MichaelAvondet]

wind surfer

[MichaelAvondet]

Kenny

Please let me know if you have any leads for wind surfer instructions. I'm still
looking as well.

Cheers
Mike

[Josh Shirley]

Mike:

You best bet is to go where the windsurf crowd is. This Saturday check Craig's weather forecast and try going to one of those locations.
We are a pretty friendly bunch so just find us at the beach and introduce yourself.

I have learned to sail here in Utah from lots of peoples advice and guidance on shore and off.

As fall approaches your best bet to learn would be Deer Creek Res. Show up at Island Beach State Park at or just before noon and plan on sailing until 4pm. Just stay within the bouys until you have mastered staying up wind. During the Fall, many people will frequent here because of the predictable wind. As soon as the wind returns to Deer Creek this season you should see Jim S (parachute and all) there everyday. He will give you some tips if you offer to be his rigging monkey.

Provo Boat harbor (none of us will be there unless it is windy.) But late afternoons, probably will have the best wind for beginners -light. Usually picks up around 4:30. Just stay inside the jettes and you should be safe.

Sulfer Creek - if Craig says there will be wind, a few people will show up on Saturdays.

Grantsville Res - small lake so you won't drift away. stronger winds in the morning and lighter, gusty winds in the afternoon. Not to many people venture out there during the day.

Lastly - read what you can, there are some informative websites, videos, dvds, and magazines available. I have some beginner packets available from our last clinic, which includes glossary terms, sailing instruction, gear purchasing guides, and links to websites. If you are interested I could mail you the packet.

joshua_shirley@hotmail.com

[RickHeninger]

Michael,

Sounds like you are pretty excited to get into windsurfing... As far as instruction, it's too bad that you didn't post here a couple months ago. In June we had a beginner's clinic out at Grantsville reservoir where we had a bunch of beginner boards and experienced sailors giving instruction.

So now, atleast here in Utah, you will have to absorb a pointer here and there from windsurfers whom you run into at the local sailing sites. Probably the best thing for you to do is to go to Hood River, Oregon and pay for a few lessons down at the Event Site or "Hook" from any one of 5 or so companies that give lessons.

The U of U used to give classes in Windsurfing and BYU still might, but I have been trying to get the U of U to start again... So for now... That is how it is here. No organized company giving lessons. If I see you out on the water I'll help you out... What kind of sail/truck/board do you have so we can look out for you at any of the local sites?

Good Luck!!! And about the "life time of excitement"... You don't know how right you are! Along with crap load of challenge!

[MichaelAvondet]

Rick,
If your ridding on Sunday 08-27 let me know where. I could be the rig monkey they speek of.

Cheers
Mike