Windsurfing Resurgence?

Has anyone, besides myself, noticed the resurgence of this sport? Man the

variety of old gear and congestion in the lot was amazing. Especially for a marginal Thurs. I actually saw a 1988 Fanatic Boa in new condition, with the stepped rear deck and flat rocker. Some guy even had a high aspect cut-away design. This is a pretty welcome occurrence. Welcome back to all the long lost posse!

Mostly because I have a life I rarely visit this site more that a couple times a day. It was fun when it started 100 years ago but now days it is as boring as a night on the town in Kabul.

In the scheme of things. It would be a good thing if there was a second wave of interest. I hope to be a part of it. Short and wide. I am a fan.

My first board was a Bic Techno 283 Now I have three boards that are almost all the same length. A Formula Wood 155 Starboard. A Bic Techno 273, and a Bic Saxo 95 liters, I forget the model. By todays standards, the Saxo is long.

Between that and my 5 sails, three booms and three masts, I have spent over 10k in the last two years.

If I am part of a new revolution for windsurfing, I thank all of you who came before me for developing a sport that is now becoming refined and easy to learn. I wish I had the mistral Prodigy when I started...

Short and wide with a centerboard to start then, short and wide.

Brian Pearson Ebbtide Windsurfing Montgomeryville, PA

Does anyone have access to sales numbers for boards or sails to back this up? Or even just a long term head count of people at their site?

Hey Brian,

Say Hi to Brad over there for me - saw him Monday and got to 'talk shop'...what a nice store you guys have over there.

Pls let him know I'm looking forward to getting my recent order - water's still cold over here too He can let me know what's up via email - thanks!

Have a great season...

-Will V.- http://www.ispros.com/windsurf/willvwindsurf.html

Anyone who wants a resurgence should just try to find parking after breakfast on a windy summer day in the Gorge. Unless the wind is spread out over at least 100 miles, it's tough.

Mike m/

I hadn't windsurfed in over 12 years when I came back 2 years ago, thanks to all my old buds who gave or sold me their used equipment at dirt cheap prices. Over these two years I have purchased a new Seatrend ATV & Starboard GO and all the fixings. When I'm out sailing I wonder why the heck did I ever give it up in the first place. Anyway, the car is packed and I'm heading out for some sailing today as soon as I can escape from work.

<<Anyone who wants a resurgence should just try to find parking after breakfast on a windy summer day in the Gorge. Unless the wind is spread out over at least 100 miles, it's tough.>>

Once had a problem with a guy in a BMW taking up the last two spots because he wanted to park his Bimmer at an angle so it wouldn't get scratched. That problem was cleared up in about 10 seconds.

At least he listened. I've seen many instances of idiocy like that that weren't resolved so quickly, due to a variety of problems from arrogance to outright stupidity. Solutions covered a wide range, from covert action to overt action to patience, depending on the situation.

Mike m/

Windsurfing is still just about the coolest sport on the planet. It is a lifelong challenge and can scare the *&(&$$# out of you but still be fairly safe. I started in 1974 and am still going strong and more stoked than ever and yes I kite but will never stop windsurfing either. Any real resurection will require kids though. Yacht club sailing programs MUST start teaching windsurfing because our current quantity of schools is not nearly enough to grow our sport. Not to mention our pathetic lack of support for our Olympic windsurfing team - join USWA at a minimum.

And what better time to mention the Island Sports Newport Funcup Pro-am Windsurfing regatta which I hope all of you will attend. May 17,18,19
www.islandsports.com/funcup

See you there

I was out at Bird Island Basin (near Corpus) Saturday and it was like the Fourth of July 1987- I thought I was sailing during rush hour traffic. I hadn't seen that many boards on the water there at the same time in many years. The rental outfit (Worldwinds) had a waiting list for gear (12 people that should have made reservations). That's only one day but looking down that beach left little doubt that things are improving. We wanted to hold a fun race but between all the board traffic and folks being scattered all along the lengthy beach, there was no way to get it going. Saw lots of old friends and met a bunch of new ones as well. Only one kiter and to his credit he stayed well north of the heavy board traffic. I was on a 5.4 race sail which was just enough on the inside- up by the third spoil island it was about as much as I could handle- I'm still eating the 600 mg. Ibuprofens to quiet my quasi-antique wind abused joints (and grinning ear to ear).