Hi -
Located in Canberra
just about to get started and I'm the process of organising a lesson.
Looking for other beginner/ intermediaries to go out on lake Burley Griffin.
I have my own gear
Cheers Sam
What sort of gear, Sam?
There's a small bunch of us who sail longboards some Monday nights at the YMCA Sailing Club at Yarralumla; we'd fall into the veteran category rather than beginners, though. There's occasional beginners out at the beach around the corner on the weekends.
Hi Chris,
JP Funstar 180L
1 x 4.5m Neil Pryde sail
1 x 5.5m Neil Pryde sail (I think)
Just took delivery this week, bought it second hand off ebay, except the seller didn't send me the fin and daggerboard. Still waiting to hear back.
Is that the beach towards parliament house?
Any tips and advice on getting started would be greatly appreciated
I fall into the veteran beginner category, if there is such a category
Cheers
Sam
the local boys will be your best bet for sailing tips - but heres mine...
Wait until you get the fin and dagger board before heading out. It will be a nightmare without.
Good to hear of more sailors in town Sam.
Most people sail from Yarralumla Bay:
www.google.com.au/maps/place/Yarralumla+Bay,+Yarralumla+ACT+2600/@-35.2988954,149.1032925,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6b17b2d58224204d:0x248bf10b62ff9f8d?hl=en
The westerly is OK if you don't mind it a bit gusty. The further round to the north it goes the gustier it gets. Don't even bother in anything SW to SE. Easterlies are awesome but you nee to sail from to point just east of Yarralumla bay.
The man to talk to is Scotty at Wetspot Watersports in Fyshwick.
Couple of links to whet the appetite:
Guys, how regular is the wind in Canberra? How often do you get a steady 18+ knot breeze? Is it seasonal and predictable? Or totally random.
Or does the fact that a lot you sail long boards tell the story?
Select to expand quoteHarrow said..
Guys, how regular is the wind in Canberra? How often do you get a steady 18+ knot breeze? Is it seasonal and predictable? Or totally random.
Or does the fact that a lot you sail long boards tell the story?
Regular? What's that. Last weekend was 0-30 knots from the NW. We do get a great summer afternoon easterly often after work though. The other thing I've found that's different from the coast is that the wind can get up an any time, like 9 in the morning, and then die away, and then come back again. Not like the coast where generally there is more wind in the afternoon than the morning. So you need a board that will float you pretty much all the time just in case the wind dies and cause it's fresh water you need to add on a few litres of volume.
Having said that it's much better than not sailing.
Cheers Pete, I will definitely hook up with you for a sail. Cool videos .
I'm actually trying to line up lesson with Scotty. Can't wait to get started.
Select to expand quoteSambo88808 said..
. . . Looking for other beginner/ intermediaries to go out on lake Burley Griffin . . .
We're a friendly lot, Sam. Don't think you'll need one of those. 
Happy to help you - dark green Outback.
Sailed on the lake there a couple of years back and there was a guy out on some vintage gear with a black hat on. Watched him sail behind the fountain and then he disappeared.
Select to expand quoteBristol said..Sambo88808 said..
. . . Looking for other beginner/ intermediaries to go out on lake Burley Griffin . . .
We're a friendly lot, Sam. Don't think you'll need one of those.
Happy to help you - dark green Outback.
Ready for another good season Brian! Hope that tape on your Naish is still holding out.
Cheers Bristol
Let me know when you are heading out and the conditions are favourable for a beginner
Sam
Hi guys,
I'm also about to get into sailboarding in Canberra so you won't be alone Sam. I feel like a beginner again.
It's been 20 years since I sailed but am really keen to get back into it. I have no gear (yet) and a smalliah budget so this'll be interesting. I've spent the last few weeks stalking the lake on windy days. Have seen some guys blasting along in Westerlies and had a good chat to a few of them. I guess it'll be like riding a bike. I have it bad also - I think I'm addicted to it again, like I was in the 80s and early 90s. I mean it's after 1am on a "school" night and I am reading windsurfing forums! I've still got all of my old windsurfing magazines and books dating from the early 80s and dug them out recently for a read. Great memories. The gear is pretty different these days.
Anyway, I look forward to meeting some locals and sharing in that awesome rush you get when you get up on the plane. I work longish hours so the evening Easterlies (?) are what I am hoping to take advantage of when I can. Hmm - gybing will be challenging after being away from it for so long.
So - anyone got a fairly cheap set of gear they want to sell? I need everything, even a wet suit, but can buy a new one of those. I am looking for a shorter board (no need for centreboard) that will float in lighter winds - equivalent to a 295cm slalom board that I used to sail I guess. I'm told 120L plus is the go these days. Sails - guessing a 7m and a 5.5m to start with but I'd consider anything that is on offer - even much older gear if it is half decent.
Cheers,
James
