Just my 2 cents on this uplifting thread. I've taught heaps of newbies and many children over the last 25 years (was part of a school once in Sydney too). My take is that those kids who have it, do. And definitely yours does.
I've taught some on real old 130L gear and they fly right away, sort of. Others have ideal equipment and a full quiver and matching suits by the age of 7, and still is difficult at times. Rich parents.
My point is: don't spend too much at first. Wayyyy more important is: attitude, making it fun, boom at the right height (important: armpits in light wind for kids), stable board, light on-shore breeze in shallow waters and nice sandy bottom. The latter makes it easier to fall, and gives confidence in trying things. Make it fun, falling must be fun. Fall with them. If conditions ain't right, just don't go.
But part of the gear matters in the end: none of those cut-off old sails please - they just don't work. I have a concern with the Go-oval-boards and gradual kind of approach, i.e. my current club. Learners get going, then you upgrade boards slightly and it's like they have to relearn everything.
Congrats on your kid again. Mine was slow in the uptake, but at 14yo he's now an OK freestyler and sail absolutely anything I throw at him. I currently have an experimental board from a certain supplier, and my son just about sails it better than me !
As always, I recommend freestyle, which I call 'fun sailing', for kids and adults as well. Make a game out of it. Freestyle gives further incentive that is not equipment-based.
Pierrec45 - you are spot on regarding the attitude making all the difference. Kids always like to have fun but there is nothing more certain to stop them from learning than the fear of falling in (or the fear of making mistakes). That is also where I wholeheartedly agree about freestyle being the way to go.
Freestyle is about fun and doing your own thing. Sailing with your sail the wrong way around (clew first or front to sail), the board facing the other way (and any other funny things you can think of for a laugh) ending in a nice splash. The skills gained by freestyling are invaluable. The board and rig control and confidence it gives is the key and can be applied to other windsurfing disciplines.
Kids are more attracted by the freestyle sports these days - they like watching skateboarding, BMX, FMX, snowboarding etc They want to do tricks. They like being individuals. Having their own signature move and style.
I do think the gear is important though as they can't progress when it's a battle. And sure, money will buy good gear and make it easier to learn from that point of view - but, always attitude is the most important part. Wanting someone (your kid) to windsurf doesn't help unfortunately...
I think being part of a community of windsurfers could also be a key. We have this in Canberra, but travelling around, I've noticed it's not always present at other locations. It's great for the kids (and beginners in general) to be encouraged and supported by the community and find they have new friends to hang out with.
I've noticed that in the UK, the windsurfing magazines seem to be concentrating on racing for kids and I think the approach is unlikely to attract them into the sport (which is what we really want). I can't see that formula or one design sailing is attractive to most kids - it's no good to watch, there is pressure to win, it's too far from shore, their friends are unlikely to be impressed - where's the fun in it?
I have windsurfed for a long time and have raced but have always been the biggest fan of freestyle. It is interesting that the windsurfing industry in Australia (at least on the east coast) seem to deny the existence of freestyle (or even freeride) and are reluctant to promote it. But they have, in my opinion, missed the mark and are limiting their future income by not supporting freestyle and freeride which would create the future windsurfers (by inspiring the kids to windsurf).
The majority of windsurfers are freeriders and the industry could be doing more for them too - the sense of community for example could be a lot better supported. Our local shop for example, often organises get togethers, BBQs, video nights, trips away etc. Similarly, when we were in Geraldton, the local club with the support of the local shops, had "Have a go" days with proper instructors and equipment on hand for anyone wanting to try. So good to see and of course will get the kids (and other new comers) interested....
Sorry to waffle on - that was at least 20 cents worth!
Hey Akim - with kids: technically, not freestyle, but just having fun - unless you compete, this is what it's supposed to be, right? In my case, falling a lot.
Very early, as in first 2-3 outings: front to back (pushing the sail) and
"heli-tacks", clew first, tacks on shortboards, gybes on longboards. That motivates them, they get it quickly. Do it in 2-3 feet of water with an easy on-shore breeze. They'll have a blast.
Too bad there's not more freestyle in Oz. I don't understand - was the big thing in my days. I currently live wayyyy inland US and there's ton of it. It's gotta start with kids.
