heyy I am thinking of going into the waves this summer i will most likely be sailing the alley does anyone have any tips for begginners and is there any help on how not to trash your gear??
Don't sail like you do on flat water. I would even recommend you just stick to waves until you get used to it and can recognise the difference in technique. This is what did my head in until I could see how my flat water sailing was ruining my bottom turns. My wave sailing is still not great but the first thing is being able to recognise what you are doing wrong before you can do something about it.
First, first, first... When you get to the beach ask the local guys what and where. Every day can be a little different and the local riders will tell you where to head and what to watch out for. Asking questions also lets them know you are just starting out and they may keep a bit of an eye on you.
On the Goldy have a crack at the Alley on a NE, it's in the waves but very foregiving. That will at least get you into the environment and comfortable before tackling any down the line stuff.
On a SE at the Alley, beware of riding in too far if on the Nth side of the rock. Big wind shadow and very easy to trash gear down into laceys.
There are a number of other spots along the coast you could try, however there are usually always people around the Alley so you chances of getting help/support are greater.
make sure you can use the board in non powered conditions, its really hard when not powered up getting through white water.
Be prepared to swallow lots of sea water too.....
Other than that, have fun....
COme and sail Queens beach in 20+ Se or Ne, not quite waves but not far off it . A good place to start with cross on conditions and sizable swell, plenty of other people around too.
Try to get hold of a few dvds on wave sailing,the good ones cover most of the stuff you need to know, even if you only pick up a couple of tips it can save you alot of pain and suffering,one of the best ones is "Wave sailing secrets",once you get a few rides you may never go back to flat water again.
[}:)]
