I love swap meets. When I look at all the boards and sails I feel the energy from the wind and water they've seen, and all the adventures they've had. Or I imagine that I do. And I like the people that you meet...great windsurfers, average windsurfers, wannabee windsurfers, people coming back to the sport after years off...it's all good!
The Spring windsurfing swap meet on Long Island is a-coming, and I'm a-going (selling a Starboard Start in great condition if you need a beginner board, looking for a good storm board if you've got something under 80 liters that only a year or two old) and also pawing through all the other good stuff, because it's fun! Maybe I'll meet you there.
Jonathan Ford, proprietor of Windsurfing Hamptons tells us this:
"SWAP:*_* *May 12th - Saturday 9am - 4pm.* At the shop. Buy or sell used Surfing, Kiteboarding and Windsurfing gear. Buying - '06 closeouts available, specials on New '07 equipment, and loads of used gear to choose from. Selling - Please drop your used gear by the shop from the 5th of may thru the 12th (swap day) before 9am. Rain or shine, windy or not, swap will run. See you then."
The shop has several employees who will help you find appropriate used gear if you don't know what you need or don't see what you're looking for. They're also great at suggesting prices to sellers. Some people have been showing a particular board or sail at this swap for YEARS without selling it, because they're sellling them for what they optimistically think they're worth. Please do yourself (and someone else) a favor and sell low. Get the thing out of your garage and into someone else's, before it loses value and you have to sell it in 2009 for less than you could have sold it for now.
If you need more information, call Jon at the shop at (631) 283-9463. You can find the shop on The Long Island Windsurfing Map.
It's a tad bit out of the way for me to get to. Be sure to bring back plenty of booty.
Posted by: Joe Rouse | April 27, 2007 at 10:06 PM
Joe, you really should try to make it. I'm lots of fun at a swap meet Otherwise you'll have to read about it in the Puffin!
Are you selling or buying any windsurfing gear this Spring?
Posted by: Peconic Puffin (Michael) | April 29, 2007 at 02:30 PM
135 Carve Starboard for devilswimmer please.
Posted by: surfergirl777 | May 06, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Can someone give me the name(s) of places that offer windsurfing lessons? Preferably reachable by public transit from NY City.
Thanks.
Posted by: Don | June 01, 2007 at 09:39 PM
Don, the two closest formal businesses that offer lessons year round are Windsurfing Hamptons in Southampton, and Extreme Windsurfing near Atlantic City, New Jersey. I'm not familiar with Extreme Windsurfing's particulars, but for Windsurfing Hamptons while you can take a train or bus out there, a car would still be necessary (you could arrange a cab, I suppose).
Every Spring and Fall ABK Boardsports comes through the east end of Long Island with a three day clinic...they return in September. Lastly (and a bit closer to the city) there are some guys who teach informally at Hecksher beach on Long Island. Check out the Yahoo Long Island Windsurfers Group and post in there that you're looking for lessons...someone might be able to help you out.
Posted by: Peconic Puffin (Michael) | June 02, 2007 at 08:49 AM
Just had a few lessons, looking for a used rig. Something sturdy and easy to learn on . Thanks- 917-833-2574
Posted by: evan | July 16, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Hi Evan...I suggest you try calling Windsurfing Hamptons at (631) 283-9463. Ask if he has any suitable gear used (they maintain a decent amount of used gear on consignment.)
Posted by: Michael | July 17, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Hi - i have six guys ( two adults and 4 teen boys all very athetic ) -that would like to take a day next week ( tuesday 7-29 or Wednesday ) to get some windsurfing lessons. We live in cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get some beginner lessons for this group? Please advise. thanks ! Doug
Posted by: douglas horst | July 23, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Hi - where can I get a group lesson for 6 beginners for windsurfing next Tuesday 7-29 or wednesday... Please advise. Thanks!
doug
Posted by: douglas horst | July 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Doug, as above I first recommend that you try calling Windsurfing Hamptons (631-283-9463) to see if they can set you up. You might also post a message in the Yahoo Long Island Windsurfing Forum.
Posted by: michael | July 24, 2008 at 07:56 AM
how much you want for the start
Posted by: rei | April 03, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Rei, this swap meet was two years ago. Another will take place in May of this year. You can call Hampton Watersports at 631 283-9463 and ask if they will have any Starts. Good luck!
Posted by: Michael | April 03, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Hey - Does someone have advice on where a novice can windsurf without annoying the regulars and the experts? Someplace not too far from Robert Moses Beach. I live in Long Island City and would like to start windsurfing again after 16 years.
Posted by: anne | April 12, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Ann, you should look into Heckscher State Park. It's a large sailing area with a friendly crowd, and there's room for everyone.
May I suggest you join the "Yahoo Long Island Windsurfers Forum"? It's a great resource for finding windsurfers near you and local knowledge all over Long Island. Here's a link
Posted by: Michael | April 12, 2010 at 10:23 AM