HURGHADA ONLINE YOR GUIDE TO HURGHADA

welyonlin · Site Admin Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

Is kitesailing just like windsurfing?

No!

Mitch Morrow, Manager of Windcraft, is a certified kite instructor. Please consult him concerning kite sailing advice.

Kite sailing videos and other helpful information is available at Windcraft.

Safety, Safety, Safety!! (read this part!)
Sunscreen. Yes, you should always wear it. Get the kind that is waterproof and the highest SPF possible. We like the stuff made for kids so it won't bum if it gets in your eyes. Do not use suntan oil. It will grease your skin and your board and you won't be able to stand up. You'll be miserable. Get suntan lotion and put it on before you leave the house so it has time to dry into your skin. There is no shade when you're on the water so this is very important. Hats and T-shirts are also good ideas.

Footwear. You can windsurf barefoot and some people really prefer that. If the beach is rocky or is used by fishermen, has a lot of glass or other debris, we recommend a comfortable pair of water shoes or a cheap pair of sneakers.

Sunglasses. Yes, you should wear them. Get tie-on straps so you don't lose them if you fall in the water. (It might be a good idea to get some inexpensive glasses so you are not concerned or distracted if you do lose them).

Personal flotation device. It is a smart thing. You can wear any kind of PFD but there are some made especially for windsurfing that allow considerable arm movement and are cut to fit over harnesses (you'll find out about those later). Your board can also be used as a PFD. You can climb on it and get some rest if you are tired. If you fall in the water and lose your sail, stay with the board, even though your sail will sink. Sails can be replaced but people can't. Remember this rule: STAY WITH THE BOARD.

International distress signal. Waving both hands over your head is the international signal of distress. If you are in trouble, use this signal, preferably from a sitting position on your board so that it is easier to see you. If you see someone using this signal, call for help.

Know the site. Look around at the place where you've chosen to learn. Ask some questions: Are there other windsurfers around? Is there a school at the same place? Is the wind strong or light? Do I have the right size sail and board for this wind condition? Is the wind blowing in one general direction or is it swirling around? What did the local forecast say about today's weather? Are there sharp rocks or barnacles at the shoreline? Is the water warm? Is there a good place to paddle to safely if I get stuck? Is there someone who can help me if I get tired? Am I using common sense?

How about some answers to those "Know the Site" questions?
Are there other windsurfers around? It's a good thing if other windsurfers are around. First, you know you've found a place that's good to windsurf because they are there. Second, if you get in trouble, they might be able to help you. If they are not on the water and just standing around, you might want to go ask them why, there might be a reason.

Is there a school at the same place? If there's a school at the site, you can guess it is probably a good place to learn. Note, however, that you will usually find instructors willing to offer advice, you might need to sign up for a class because they are more than likely trying to make a living.

Is the wind strong or light? If you're just learning, a gentle breeze is the best type of wind. If there are flags and they are billowing gently, that's probably perfect. If they are whipping straight out and the water is whitecapping, you should not go out on the water. Instead, watch for the wind to drop off. Lighter winds give you time to learn your new skills and practice. Everything is the same in higher winds, except you have to be able to respond and move your body quicker. As you learn your new skills, you'll naturally get used to higher winds. Don't push yourself into higher winds because you'll just get frustrated. And remember, if there's no wind, don't bother going out at all.

Do I have the right size sail and board for this wind condition? If you don't know, ask someone. The mystery of sail size is to find out the size that is right for you once you know how to sail. When you are just learning how to sail, choose a small sail and a big board. By using a little sail you won't go fast but you will be able to concentrate on learning. Our school sails range from 3.5 to 4.0 square meters. A big board provides a stable platform to stand on. Our school boards have a volume around 270 liters. This basic setup is used for people from, around 70 to 220 pounds.

Is the wind blowing in one general direction or is it swirling around? If the wind is swirling around in circles it is very difficult to learn to windsurf. Lakes that are below a dam or with high land mass on one side will probably have this kind of condition. That doesn't mean don't go there - it just means you might have some trouble learning to windsurf at that site because of the conditions - not because you can't learn. Consistent breezes from generally the same direction makes the best place to learn.

What did the local forecast say about today's weather? You can usually get a good idea of the wind conditions at a site by checking your cable weather channel, listening to local radio weather channels and even some television weather news stations. If storms and lightening are forecast, wait for a better day.

Yes, there is a part of windsurfing that is for the "extreme" sea which you see in commercials and in Hawaii. This type of windsurfing is very exciting and, if you really want to, you can learn that too. But today, we'll start with the basics (the skier's equivalent to the bunny slope). If you are planning to windsurf in Hawaii, we recommend taking a windsurfing lesson before you go so you will have more fun when you get to Hawaii.

As with any sport or exercise, do not overdo it. Take breaks and drink water to prevent muscle fatigue or dehydration from overexertion.

Do I have to be a good swimmer? You should be comfortable in the water and going underwater. When you fall into the water you usually end up about 6 feet or so from your gear. A few strokes and you can get up on the board and get going again. We highly recommend a personal flotation device (PFD) for all windsurfers as it is one extra level of safety that won't hurt to have. even if you don't need it. A PFD could also come in handy if you need to help someone else.

Can my friend teach me? Sometimes. If your friend is a good, patient instructor and has beginner gear, it might work. Usually it doesn't work because someone who knows how to windsurf doesn't always know how to explain how to windsurf. Also, partners (people in a relationship together) should probably not try to teach to a partner. This can create frustrations that have nothing to do with windsurfmg! A better idea would be to get some beginner lessons and then have the partners encourage each other to go beyond the basics together. (We usually encourage a partner who already knows how to windsurf to sit through our class, no charge, so they can help out their friend on the water).

Is windsurfing expensive? It depends on what you want to buy. You can rent gear almost everywhere for about $15/hour or more (before you rent, look over the section on gear so you know you are renting the right gear). Usually you have to show a certification card from a school showing that you know how to windsurf or take a class from the rental company.

Buying your own gear will certainly help you get better quick and will give you more opportunity to windsurf. Good, new beginner gear - complete - runs around $700 to $1000,and will last for many, many years. Of course, you can spend more or less. Since you can windsurf almost anywhere there's water and you can carry your gear on top of your car without a trailer, it can be an inexpensive way to have fun and get good exercise. And don't worry about buying beginner gear, you might grow out of it and want something else but you will probably always use it to teach your friends and relatives or you can sell it at a swap meet.

New and used gear is available from most local windsurfing shops. Windcraft, holds two huge swap meets in the spring and fall, where people can look for something that might fit their needs. Before you buy at a swap meet, get some idea of what you need before you go so that you don't buy the wrong kind of gear. For example, some older equipment in good condition might look like a good deal until you find out that you can't get spare parts anymore. (See gear section for more information). You can also buy mail order, but the prices are not usually better than the shops and mail order doesn't support the local shop where you will go when you need help, advice or repairs and spare parts.

Are there sharp rocks or barnacles at the shoreline? If there are, you might consider wearing some kind of waterproof foot protection.

Is the water and air temperature warm? Consider a wetsuit if you think there's a chance of hypothermia. When you windsurf you are usually wet and standing in the wind - so wind chill is a factor. Wear a smooth surface wetsuit so the wind doesn't blow through your wetsuit and give you a chill when you are standinp- on the board. If you are a beginner, you might want to hold off learning in conditions requiring anything other than a light wetsuit.

Is there a good place to paddle to safely if I get stuck? If you're just starting out, choose a site that has "edges" like a lake. Oceans and rivers have currents that can be unpredictable to a beginner but fun for intermediate skills. Give yourself a break and learn at a place that will help you learn windsurfing quick so you can go out in the ocean and rivers and learn more fun windsurfing skills. If you are planning a vacation to a resort destination like Hawaii, Aruba, Bonaire or elsewhere, consider taking a lesson first so you will have more fun on your vacation.

Is there someone who can help me if I get tired? The buddy system is recommended in almost all sports. Having someone around who knows where you are and can help you if you need help is just a good idea.

Are you using common sense? If you have doubts, don't force yourself to go out on your own. A class is available almost anywhere there's water.

http://www.windcraft.com/windsurflesson.html