Hi,
I am doing a Youth Coaching Course at the Moment. It is on the Bic Techno 293 Rig. As part of the course we get given a rig to use for the duration of the course but Unfortunately this course finishes on the 24th so I have to give the rig back. This course if continued can lead on to windsurfing in the Olympics or at State and National Level.
Now My problem is that If I want to continue on with the course I am expected to by a Bic Techno Rig. So far I know that Glasscraft is the Bic store in SA. But I was wondering if buying a Bic rig is the right thing to do to progress further with my windsurfing? Also if anyone has used one could say if they like or dislike them. Personally I like the Board but I haven't really experienced using other boards so I don't know what it is like compared to other boards. Any other comments will be appreciated.
Cheers Pittsy
You really have to ask yourself if you want to continue with the course - otherwise I can't see why you would buy one - they were excellent boards in their time , and are still good boards - but there are soooo many much better boards around now.
Where do you want to be in your windsurfing in 12 or so months is the question you should be asking yourself first!
If you want to do restricted class course racing, and there's a decent following of the Techno 293 class where you are, then 'Yes'.
If you want to freeride, freestyle, wave sail, speed sail, or pretty much anything else, then 'No'. There are better boards around for all of those disciplines.
I had a Techno 283 for just over a year, and don't miss it one bit! Learned a lot on it, but have had much more fun on other kit since.
I can't imagine that this course is the only way to later get into State/National/Olympic level sailing if you decide that is what you really want to do.
As I am a Beginner I have found the course Helpful. But I like riding around doing what I want. I haven't done a Race as of yet so I don't know what they are like.
With the Bic gear I have progress to almost in a harness and footstarps.
But I would like to sail a smaller board. The people running to course are having a meeting next week to discus the future of the program.
Cheers Pittsy
I'm not mad on the T293, but many of the "better" boards are only better if you are sailing in strong winds and/or on open water. If you're sailing in light stuff and/or enclosed waters even a hybrid like the T293 is quicker a lot of the time than anything without a centreboard (unless you go the huge rig route).
Whether the T293 is actually leading to state or national level racing in Oz is another question. We had 3 in NSW, none remain; the kids have gone to Raceboard, Windsurfer One Design, or Formula.
Yeah thats the annoying thing about course if we want to continue we have to buy a Bic Techno Rig. Which isn't to bad for me as I don't have a good rig.
Mate get yourself to Port Stephens (NSW) on the January long weekend and we'll lend you a board and rig for the national Windsurfer One Design titles; if we get someone from SA we'll probably have sailors from every state.
You can race against Jessica Crisp (2 time PWA world champ, Aloha Classic wave contest winner, 3 time Olympian), Stu Gilbert (4 time world champ, ex olympic team), Dennis Winstanley (perennial Windsurfer champ), possibly Lars Kleppich (Olympic medallist, Olympic class world champ), Wazza Holder (masters wavesailing national champ), a couple of other dinghy and skiff world champs, and have a good race in the Youth or under 15 classes.
For less experienced sailors there's a "silver fleet" where you can race against other people with similar backgrounds - but it's mainly just about the sailing and the hanging out on shore.
Sounds like fun I went out today on Boggy Lake today bit sore and tied now. Once school has finished I hope to go out more if I have a rig to use. If I get better, I need a bit more practice in stronger winds. I will email you about the race.
Cheers Pittsy
