Hi everyone,

I'm finally back again it's been a while since I've posted. Perhaps because I've barely been on a board since passing my Start Windsurfing course. To remedy this we've decided to go to Club Dahab on one of their recent offers (heading there on the 14th of March). Staying at the Ganet Sinai.

What tips does everyone have? I have no kit per se but am worried that my hands will get cut up and think a camelbak would be handy to stay hydrated. What should I be wearing as a beginner and which suncream stays on in that heat and salty water?

I'm looking for some travel insurance (inc. obviously windsurfing and diving), the Club Dahab one seems to have alot of exceptions, has anyone looked into alternatives before?

Excellent choice with Club Dahab (and Dahab generally)

Suncream: Lots of. The best stuff is the Prosport (F30 / 44) stuff. 2XS are I think the UK importers. Most windsurfing shops sell it. Take some generic Boots or whatever stuff as well for top up. A long armed rash vest is advisable too as you might not be able to get one there.

A Camelbak is an excellent idea. I've always sailed with one there. A gulp of water from it will be much appreciated by others too.

Prepare yourself for 'Egyptian bottom'. You may escape, but if not, have Immodium and rehydration salts to hand.

Insurance? Well, proper travel insurane obviously. That aside, my experience is that Club Vass / Dahab have always been one of the most reasonable about kit damage. It's a couple of years since I've been with them (prices shot up when they joined TUI) and so things may have changed though. If they offer kit cover, probably best to take it. My experience was that they charged only those who were, frankly, being a bit of a dick, rather than genuine wear and tear / mishaps though. If only all insurance companies / tour operators were the same.

[Edit]

Oh and do take your own harness.

Decent wine (esp. white) and spirits are hard to come by in Egypt too. Even if you don't plan to consume yourself, they'll be hugely appreciated gifts for the expat staff.

if you're going before april 11th then say hi to my friend, James, used to work with him. he's out there as an instructor, lucky barsteward!! wish i had enough money to go visit him

And Bacon and Sausages.......

The personal insurance we offer is for your kit and possesions and for cancellation etc.

We also have company kit insurance for which covers most of the kit. The only thing you would be charged for locally would be if you damaged the fin due to going over a reef or sailing into the beach (John doesn't like it when you do that!).

Another good thing to take is extra strong mozzie spray, Boots do a fantastic one that is pretty cheap too (I didn't get 1 bite)

So, I've been out and done my shopping.

Travel Insurance £23
Board shorts £9
Rash Vest £21
Windsurfing Boots £19
Camelbak Hydrobak£24
Prosport Suncream £19
Sunnies £8 + a retainer £2

+ some snorkelling gear (£28), a cheap rash vest (£9) and board shorts (£4) from Decathlon in case of Ebay failures. Total £166 - Wow, it adds up quickly!

I just need to worry about my jabs now I think. Given that I had no relevant kit before I reckon I'm pretty much there. Anything I'm forgetting (apart from street cred)?