What a great week having visitors who love Georgian Bay as much as I do stay at the Launch Pad. Mike and Danielle came up to Key Harbour by boat with their two young sons. I promised them a dock big enough for their boat, a rustic visit and some windsurfing lessons!
The first day I went out to teach I set up the Duotone iRIG on a board on the grass by the dock. George was immediately drawn to it wanting to play with the lightweight windsurfing sail. Mike told me the boys were too young but George was happy to try out the inflatable rig. He even thought he might want to try it on water and get sailing!
After that part of the lesson we took gear out to the point. It was time for mom and dad to get some lessons too. We started on the simulator for some basics. But the wind was building like crazy and so I put the lessons on hold and went out for a bit myself to show what can be done out on the water. You can see from my GPS trail that I had a ball wingfoiling by the point!
After the wind settled down again I helped Mike get out windsurfing as he had done it a long time ago. He was quick to sail out, tack and keep himself completely upwind. Sweet. Too bad I didn't get any photos at all.
I helped Daniele get out next and she was on the 2.6m Fanatic beginner rig on the big Viper HD board. She she managed to stay dry - very impressive for a complete beginner. She windsurfed back and forth confidently. Her biggest issue was sailing too close up wind and then I had to coach her how to sail downwind to get back to the point. What a great first session - I got video and an action photo!
Two days later I went out again and this time the wind had just shifted completely to west and was stronger than necessary for a beginner lesson as well. Even with that wind, they both decided to go out again! The kids had fun on the Lily Pad and watching mom and dad...
I was on my wingfoil board, foiling back and forth giving Danielle some coaching advice. I think that is the first time I've given a windsurf lesson and shot video while foiling! Even though it was her second time ever windsurfing she made it back to the point on her own power. No Sea-Doo rescue required.
We did get George on the board in the water at the point, but since he was only six years old, he decided it might still be a bit too soon for him to start windsurfing. Especially as the 10 knot winds were kicking up a bit of a swell.
I was very impressed with Mike and Danielle's windsurfing abilities and George's enthusiasm. I am sure they will be back to the Launch Pad for more windsurfing adventures!
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