I have decided to have my first go at windsurfing on the estuary at Ynyslas, hopefully some time this winter. What I would like to ask is, how much wind do you guys think would be suitable for a first go. Please take into account I am only fourteen, if that makes a difference. When I had hoped to have a go before I was surfing and the wind was too strong. Thanks in advance, James.

It will dpend on what kit you have, but for a first go I would say somewhere around 15 knots would be ideal... Not enough to be too windy for you (and not really enough for any 'proper' windsurfing) but enough for you to feel the wind and get a feel for the sail etc.

Let us know when you'll be giving it a go and we'll come along for a laugh... Oops, I mean to provide some tips and friendly encouragement!



Al.

Yeah, come along and laugh at me from the water's edge! Thanks for that, I am not too worried about proper windsurfing. I just want to have a go. I have had enough of just rigging it up on the front lawn now. Hopefully I will be able to have a go soon. Thanks Al, James.

Don't you think 15 knts is a bit optimistic for a beginners first go Al?

We find teaching total beginners at the lake, approx 5 knts with a big board and smallish soft (no batterns) sail is best. I'm not really a fan of the dagger less boards either for beginners. I think there's a lot to learn on a long board with a daggerboard, ie, light winds, dagger board down is really good to learn, gybeing and how to use the harness for the first time. That’s after you’ve learnt the basics of sailing along and tacking of course.

Good luck Jamesy

Dunkster

( windsurfing instructor 11 yrs )