What do we need to bring to the windsurfing lesson? Your lesson fee (cash, check or credit card please), sunscreen (NOT the oily slippery stuff!), sunglasses with a retaining strap, watershoes (they help maximize traction on the boards), hat/cap, towel and extra set of clothing to be kept in your car, PFD (personal flotation device) if you have it. Please advice me of your size if you do not. Dress? - a bathing suit. Sail2Learn provides iced bottled water for each class.

What should one NOT bring to the windsurfing lesson? Tanning oil - the slippery stuff(!), cell phone, MP3 player or cameras (leave them in your car please), tobacco products (smokeless included), alcoholic beverages. We can go for a beer or margarita afterwards but I want focused learners on boards.

Where do we meet? It depends... Lessons are offered at a few locations based upon the prevailing winds on the day of the lesson. I'll make the call a couple of hours prior to the lesson. A lot depends of the experience of the students(s). I have a windsurfing simulator and also offer dirt surfing lessons (windsurfing on grass) - given on an Outback Mountainboard. At all lessons we will rig the gear and then begin. If possible I would like to meet with you for an hour or so on a day prior to the lesson to get acquainted and access your expectations and experiences. That will help us identify needs and help set realistic learner goals.

Do students need to be good swimmers?
Absolutely! You should be able to tread water for 10-15 minutes - OR at least be comfortable in the water in a PFD for that long. I will have PFDs on hand.

Is there a book you would recommend to prepare for this sailing/windsurf lesson?
Yes. One of the best books on sailing is written by JJ (US Olympic sailor) and Peter (America's Cup sailor) Isler. It is very complete, covering just about every kind of sailing; daysailing, cruising, racing, windsurfing and more. The book is one of the "__X__ for Dummies" volumes, but don't be misled. Only dummies don't buy this book. The title is Sailing for Dummies and the ISBN is 0-7645-5039. You can buy it for about $15 on Amazon.com.

Don't you need to be really strong and fit to windsurf?
No..... Well.... YES! Especially if you do it poorly! Bad windsurfing is easier if you are strong BUT it is more about balance and technique. Using the wind, physics and leverage to your advantage makes all the difference. The land sailing (including a dirt board) will greatly enhance your understanding of the proper mechanics. You will get smarter AND stronger as you progress and windsurfing will get easier and easier... BUT one great thing about windsurfing is that there are always new things to learn.

Will we go out regardless of the weather? Oh no! We won't mess with Mother Nature! We will have a target date and time (possibly a range) for the lesson but if the forecast is poor (lightening, thunder, very high winds) or "iffy" we'll stay home. I favor days that are sunny or partly cloudy, steady and directionally consistent winds 5-15 mph and flat water for beginner classes. IF for some reason we see a surprise squall approaching we will take shelter until it passes.

What if I need to cancel? It happens... Not a problem. We will will try to reschedule. Call me via cell at: 912.481.0718.

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C O N T A C T Email: sbonham@georgiasouthern.edu