Growing the sport! (Windsurfing) w/minimum commitment

[RickHeninger]

Well, I think the growth of Kiteboarding is taking pretty good care of itself. It's growth is somewhat inherent as was Windsurfing's in the 80's.

Obviously, Windsurfing is a different issue... I have talked with numerous UWAites about all this... I have some ideas, so brace yourselves!
I don't think we have a growth chairperson, I'd be happy to try something.

Why do we want it to grow?!?!? 2 main reasons I can think of...

1.So that equipment will be guaranteed to be available for those of us who are addicted... If they ever stopped manufacturing equipment, it would either be very expensive or non-existent.

2. It's charitable! I know what good windsurfing has done my soul. I know there are others out there just waiting to find the truth! (HA HA)...

I don't think that these ideas are too ambitious either... I'll bounce them off...

I met Brian Wilkinson (Co-Director) up at the BANFF video nights at Kingsbury Hall and asked him why there are no longer, windsurfing rigs available up at the Outdoor Rec Program at the U. (They sponsored the BANF Film Showing) ... He didn't really know, but mentioned the obvious, space, feasibility, saftey, draw... etc. So I told him about the new face of windsurfing (STARTBOARDS) ... learning curve steepening, fun curve way more steep, no more knee sanding (styrofoam), easy, less expensive... He was surprisingly very interested and asked me to email him the info on the new stuff. Well, I did... He is researching it as we read! I think there is a possibility of him getting gear there... Especially if there is a lot of support from us (squeaky wheels)... 3 to 5 start rigs? Maybe more who knows...

A couple days ago, I took my nephews out on my land board... They had a blast... ANd now want to try it on water... So it hit me... If you've never tried a land board, they do help!

We pick a day when we can get 10 or so land boards available to meet on a given day at the ecenter north parking lot. (overflow)... But a few weeks before that, do a "multi level" marketing campaign, where each of us who has a land rig tries to get 4-5 "downliners" to come! (Ok, I am being a little funny with the Utah Marketing thign) but somewhat serious...

We could advertise by hanging flyers up at REI, MILOSPORT, GARTS, etc. for FREE LAND WINDSURFING CLINIC at E center parking lot. "LEARN TO WINDSURF ON LAND BEFORE TRYING IT ON WATER"... Call to register ahead of time... Waivers... In fact, we could do it seperate from the UWA for any liability questions... Even if we were to get 40 people (hopefully mostly younger) to come (Oh, donuts and hot chocky... hotdogs maybe)... If we have 10 land rigs thats 4 people per... We'd just have to hope we pick a good wind day... But even little wind is good for the beginner lesson...

THEN, at the end of the class, we let them know of a day in the NEAR future from that time that they can come up with their parents to Deer Creek and try a STARTBOARD... I know that once people try the Start boards, they are way more likely now to be hooked. Now if the U of U doesn't get them in inventory by then, then we can have individuals supply Start boards... Or other NEW WIDE STYLE BEGINNER BOARDS... I know John D., Fred G, Mike R, Brett L, and a few others have them... I might buy one... On that ONE DAY we all meet up there to let these people give it a try... EVEN IF WE GAIN 10 NEW ADDICTS... It would be so worth it... And that would be a dedication of 2 days...

It would allow people to see pics of the NEW EASIER GEAR, and promote interest...

If I have commitment of people w/gear... I would be happy to spearhead something like this... I would Create the flyers with help of all those talented in flyer creation in the UWA... Distribute them to YOU... You post them in place you think would be advantageous... I would even take calls...

We have all been talking about some solution for some time... I think that this could be a great start...

SO FOUR WEEK SCENARIO PROCESS COULD BE:

-Collect info on who's willing to bring gear (10 land rigs)

-Pick 2 Days (preferably out of school time early June)

-Make Flyers (included would be the date for land training and the date for Water training)

-Distribute Flyers to UWA members involved

-UWA Members involved hang and or pass out flyers (personal invites ideal)

-Land training day 4-5 hours on a saturday or even friday afternoon or if schools out June 3-8 somewhere in there during the week!

-Water training day a Few days later... Get their commitment to come at the end of "Land day"


IF IT DOES NOTHING SO BE IT... But if we get the RIGHT types of young/old people there... I really think it has potential... It's better than the program we have now... There are tweaks we could make too... The land board thing could be done on an individual basis where you personally get kids that do that with you and then commit to a PRESET DATE for the water...

Now I wait for the boom!

PS YES there are big questions...

ECenter allows a few people, but what would it change for 50... Parking? I'd be happy to call ecenter and ask what it would take to allow this...
Maybe somebody knows of better place than ecenter... Maybe we could simply do it in a smaller parking lot at a school... SKYLINE... Even on GRASS they can get a feel of the sails... Many options there... Besides that, Deer creek is already allowed...

[Josh Shirley]

The UWA seems to be a place for socializing; and that is one of the best parts. So promoting the sport has not been top priority to very many members.

But, what Rick is saying makes a lot of sense. I do feel that too many of our fellow non windsurfers are working on windy days and not nearly enough students are skipping class to hit the mud.

I have had many people ask about windsurfing and where to get equipment/lessons, but I have never had easy answers.

I like what Rick is saying about organized demo/"try it out" days. Especially if the U of U is to pick up some rental equipment.
The idea of having an organized demo day is really good.
Maybe just three days during the summer or fall that anyone could stop by Deer Creek/ Yuba/ Decker Lake (Emmanuel's training spot.) "Ozone" Brian set a high standard with his snow kiting masters event. Very well organized and fun. Very non kiter friendly.

If some beginner equipment was available I know I would have three or four friends that would learn.

John Dubock (the new Web Manager) has made a good point: if equipment is available for newbies they will learn.

So if the U provides that equipment the UWA could do some organizing to get people out to use it. Deer Creek would be a great place to have a BBQ/sail and kite day.

This will be my 5th season windsurfing. When I first decided to learn I spent 6 months looking for equipment. I finally found some pre-1985 beginners gear in 2001; then beat myself to death learning to use it. That stuff should be but through a tree shredder for the good of the sport. Luckily, John D, Rick Mc, Layne and Cindy, and others helped me out.

So I would like to second Rick's ideas:
- reach out to new blood through an organized demo day(s)
- and get some wide beginner boards available for use.

Windsurfing/ Kiteboarding education should be one of the UWA's goals, both beginner and advanced levels. There seems to be a few professional windsurfers and kiteboarders that live or come from Utah. So why not get a racing or freestyle clinic set up here as well. Most of these people seem to be here during the spring and late fall.

[Fred Gruendell]

Growing the sport by taking the inititive to share equipment, time and pointers is a great concept. The street sailing is an interesting idea, but I have to say, sometimes it scares the hell out of me. I've not yet fallen on my street sailboard, but I can visualize the road rash. Ouch. ( I wear safety gear, helmet, elbow, wrist and knee guards.) I for one am willing to commit some time and gear if you can get this organized. As you know I also have the Start board. I'm happy to get people on it and I'm amazed that everyone that I've put on the Start has been able to sail away, turn around, and come back to the same point as they started. I though it was due to my expert advice, but nawww I guess not.
Is there a proper way to avoid liability for injury? Some sort of release form?

I'm with you Rick. Let's do it

[RickHeninger]

Fred and Josh and all others who will please get involved as individuals!

I really think that it will be easier than having it be a UWA thing for the liability questions. Unless anybody feels differently. This way, we as individuals can supervise our personal rigs... Much more sensible and simple.

FRIDAY JUNE 16th and SATURDAY JUNE 17th

Seriously, we are excited about this... Search out your friends, their kids, your family members whom you've always wanted to take up windsurfing but never had the gear, the time, structure... Search for those whom you think are more likely to stick with it if possible... We could easily get 50 people just with those numbers...

This is a bit of an undertaking, we will be willing to organize and I'll "emcee" or direct the gig, although, a free and easy, no stress or too much structure spirit with many contributing is what I'd like it to be. Dividing up into groups of 5 or fewer. So you just have to get your people to PRE RSVP or REGISTER with the phone numbers that will be on the flyers. Yes you will be dedicating yourself to those two days during those two time slots. I mean, many of you have done it a hundred times before. This time it's going to be JUST about them. We are too rusty! This'll help us to oil our joints a little!

We are going to be experimenting a little bit... However, I have the FLYERS and ITINERARIES done... To be proofed this weekend... My bro in law owns a printing company and will help that way... We will begin to distribute flyers next week (really not that many). I'll have them at the SWAP... Hopefully.

It will be ALL beginner... Friday Night June 9th from 4:30PM to 9PM for the land sailing (this is more to familiarize themselves with the gear so that saturday they are more ready for the water), looking mostly like a Skyline High School Parking lot (NOT LOOKING TO RIP) ... Then the next morning for the water June 10th 10 AM to 4 or 5 PM... YES WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS...

The Itineraries include ONLY one meal HOTDOGS/APPLES/DRINKS maybe POTATO CHIPS... VERY SIMPLE... BUT IS RELATIVELY WELL ORGANIZED TIME WISE... INTRODUCTION, SAFETY, WAIVERS, DEMONSTRATION, etc.

ALSO, a RELATIVELY SIMPLE GLOSSARY OF TERMS, SAFETY (little weather), WEB RESOURCES (websites)... That's it... Keeping it VERY simple!

PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU WILL BE INVOLVED IN ANY WAY... If you don't email me STILL COME with PEOPLE ... I am not going to wait for the U OF U to confirm that they will be getting the gear... WE HAVE ENOUGH STARTBOARDS with in... PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE WILLING TO COME FRIDAY NIGHT JUNE 9th WITH YOUR LANDSAIL BOARD (WE'RE NOT GOING TO LET ANYONE GO RIPPING OFF ON THEIR OWN UNLESS WE CAN SEE THAT THEY REALLY HAVE A GOOD HANDLE ON IT)...

IF YOU CAN COME SATURDAY MORNING WITH YOUR STARTBOARDS TO DEER CRICK! The STARTBOARDS or WIDE BEGINNER BOARDS ARE THE KEY... We CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THOSE>

Thanks, Rick Heninger, Josh Shirley, Fred Grundell and everyone else who will be helping... (I don't think in this case that there can be too many helpers, one per newbie if needs be!)

[BrettLinde]

I would love to see more interest and more peope trying the sport. I have many friends that I have told I would get them out this year and I would not mind making it a Beginner Day for everyone.
I have a START and Go 200 aka Free Formula 199 but with the soft deck.
Let me know when and if I can help and I will try to arrange it!!!

Brett Linde

[RickHeninger]

SWEET! Thanks Brett... Talk to Lewis etc.! THANK YOU BRETT... Brett informed me that the 10th is FREE FISHING DAY!!! YIKES... So, we pushed it forward a week to the 16th and 17th... That's huge Brett! Thx.

OK, First of all, SATURDAY June 17th on water is easy... Deer Creek Island state park... 10AM...It's just so easy to find... (if we rent a pavillion it's $50 bucks and only $2.00 per person coming into the Park) (or just $9 per car coming in)... However, it'll be just individuals teaching friends and family to Windsurf... Pine View is free w/ good beach but, a little too far... Utah Lake, not good for a big group... Any better locale ideas than Deer Creek Island park???

The Landsailing part is a little more complicated, but key to this plan... Get them to try it somewhere close and familiarize with gear. "HOOK THEM IN!" to want to try it on water.

We have the plan ready to go... We are IRONING out the details as far as a location for the LANDSAILING CLINIC (Orientation)...

So far, I have talked with 9 of you who have COMMITTED to coming with their landboards on FRIDAY JUNE 16th... (Emmanuel, Fred, Sarah, Layne, Josh S, John D., Ivan, Brett L. and me) (I'm assuming a few, and I know many others are more than willing ) Please email me if you are willing and have a land rig. (Make sure it's not your nicest land sail!! I will have a 4.0 sail, and 5.9 sail available. Beginners are best with smaller, but the bigger are still manageable.

The LOCATION is either going to be SKYLINE OR THE ECENTER NORTH OVERFLOW (I know some cops that patrol Skyline:) but I also am trying to see if ECENTER will allow us to open up the lot to park in there... There are NO EVENTS on their calendar for June 9th.) We'll see what they say...

UNLESS ANY OF YOU know of a better place ... parking, permission, FREE, locale available, etc.

The START TIME for the landsail thing is going to be between 5:00 and 6:00 PM... Go till dark...

REMEMBER... BE THINKING OF PEOPLE WHOM YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO GIVE A CHANCE TO LEARN... WE WILL DISTRIBUTE THE FLYERS EITHER AT THE SWAP OR EMAIL SOON!!! THE FLYERS HAVE A BIT OF INFO ON THEM (a little wordy ) NOT TOO BAD THOUGH. WE CAN FINE TUNE THE NEXT TIME! I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO GET A GOOD FEEL OF WHAT IT'S ABOUT. THIS IS WHY PERSONAL INVITES WILL BE KEY!!!


THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY... I WANT TO REITERATE: LANDSAIL RIGS ARE GREAT FOR BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH THE SAIL IF YOU'VE NEVER USED ONE... ALSO, IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER READING THIS... YOU ARE WHO WE WANT TO HELP TOO! PLEASE FEEL WELCOME AND INVOLVED ON THESE DAYS!

FINALLY, I just want to say, those with whom I have talked to with the "UWA" are being VERY COOL and supportive of this. So, it looks like this can happen with out any political/liability crap and it'll be a low key but important effort.

I did learn to sail when I was 9, however, I didn't sail any of the good equipment till I was 28 (8 years ago)!!! So, somebody whose been sailing for 4 years or less has as much experience as me (especially with the new stuff) so please feel free to get involved. I did get my Windsurfing Instructor Certification at the U of U in like 1990... Funny thing is, getting that, really didn't involve learning the steps of a JIBE!!! It more involved the basics. I know a few others of you are Instructor Certified... Let me know....

[obzansky]

Rick,
I will bring my Mistral One Design. Many a beginner has learn on her!
I'll also bring the rescue kayak although a jet ski would be better!
DaveO

[RickHeninger]

Dave,

Rescue Kayak will be awesome! Yeah, I have a few friends with Jet Skis... See if we can get one there... We could always rent one from the Wagstaff's... Come to think of it that may be the way to go being that the Wagstaff's actually own the rights to any "TRAINING OR CLINIC" that happens at that park!

So far for GOOD beginner WATER boards:

Brett L (2), Dave O., John D, Fred and Lana G. (1), Mike R, ... I know I have missed a couple... Please email me or post (were done being modest or shy)... 7 BOARDS... Brett I'll be happy to take responsibility for one of your boards.