Learning to windsurf, part I

I suppose it could be my age, or maybe having kids.  Whatever the cause, I'm finding myself eager to try all the things I told myself I would try as I grew up.  One of those ambitious goals was set probably 15 years ago when I first went camping in the Columbia Gorge.  I'm not even sure if I was in my teenage years yet, but I remember seeing the windsurfers around Hood River and being mesmerized.  It was my first time seeing something like that, and it quite clearly showed a version of sailing that didn't strike me as so boring.

At the time then, and all subsequent trips, it just wasn't an option to learn to windsurf.  I promptly forgot about my desire to learn how.

Last week, there was a ridiculously overpriced "Spend the Day with Thomas" event at Hood River.  It was, as I mentioned, ridiculously overpriced.  The benefit of going, aside from my son having a great time outside the expensive train, were two fold.  First we consumed delicious ice cream products from Mike's Ice Cream.  I also saw a huge group of people windsurfing and kite boarding.

My interest was immediately renewed and I immediately exclaimed my desire to learn how to windsurf.  After a brief discussion with my wife, it was agreed upon.  I shall learn.

After a google hunt, I have lessons scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend.

My first lesson was on the 4th, starting at 10am.  The flags around the learning area clearly showed learning to harness the indefatigable power of the wind would be difficult, considering there was no wind.  The dry land simulation worked as well as it could, without any wind a lot of it was made more difficult.

Entering the water I quickly found out how wobbly things are.  My experience with snowboarding and slacklining was helpful, but the slipperiness of the board and shape made it difficult to find sure footing.  As such, I fell rather frequently in the beginning.

The actual sailing aspect of it was very simple.  You either turn upwind or downwind.  You sail in a zig-zag line.  I could tack effectively, and had at least one successful jibe.

All in all, I feel almost disappointed at how easy it is to understand the mechanics of sailing.  It was much easier than expected.  I'm at a point where I can understand the technique and what is supposed to be done, and just have to convince my bodily mechanics to make it happen.  In other words, it's time for more practice.

So, off I go for day 2.  Where I will be practicing jibing and have much stronger winds.

(Of note, I did have one rather "good fall" as the instructor put it.  I stepped back and misjudged where my foot was and completely missed the board.  The second amusing fall was when I was attempting a jibe, tripped over the mast and caught my foot between the sail and the board as I fell off.  Good times)