Top five questions I hear regarding ABK windsurfing clinics:
Q1: How good do I have to be to take the clinic?
A1: Ideally you've never windsurfed a day in your life, and so will learn the right way from the start. Barring that, people who have tried windsurfing a few times and been frustrated are ideal. After that, anyone from folks working on basic tacks and jibes, through people who want to loop are best suited.
Q2: Wouldn't I be happier with a few private lessons?
A2: Private lessons are great! But a group setting has three major advantages: Watching other windsurfers try to learn the same stuff you're working on, you gain insight. The struggle with windsurfing's challenges are a lot more fun when shared, and you'll make new friends of similar ability with whom you can sail with and practice in the future. Also, Andy Brandt and his team are probably the best windsurfing instructors in the country ("don't forget Bonaire" Andy says!)
Q3: Wouldn't I be happier spending the money on a new sail?
A3: No. (I learned this lesson the hard way, believe me...for years spending my money on better equipment rather than better skills.) Ask any ABK graduate about the value for the money.
Q4: What if there isn't enough wind...won't I be wasting my time and money?
A4: No. ABK has an enormous amount of technique to teach (both onshore on windsurfing simulators, as well as on the water) that requires almost no wind. Whatever the weather is (barring tornados and hurricanes) there will be a full clinic's worth of stuff to learn. Ask any ABK graduate about this.
Q5: Will a harness make my butt look big?
A5: No. Your butt will look fantastic planing across Napeague Bay!
So pick your weekend and sign up now, joining Andy Brandt and company either for this coming Friday-Sunday as well as September 19-21 (which will feature a separate group for freestyle students.) The editor will be skulking around...please don't throw things at him.
Comments