At 42 years young I decided in January this year to have a change of life style. I kicked alcohol in to touch, lost 2 stone and began jogging(slowly) 3 times a week. I felt so good I booked a level one windsurfing course(one lesson to go) and like most of you got hooked. My problem is negative doubts about time to practice, costs, and learning to swim(only joking about the last one). I went down to Rhosneigor a couple of weeks ago and it appears to be a young persons sport(the comp was brilliant by the way).So the million euro question is AM I TO OLD TO LEARN AND PROGRESS???. I think i need some encouragment.

Are you too old? Absolutely not. You'll find plenty of blokes in their 70s and beyond windsurfing. I discovered windsurfing at the age of 35 or 36 (I took it up when a medical revealed I'd become a fat bastard without realising, and then I got bitten by the bug). I was expecting to find I was 'token old bloke' when I made my first trip to West Kirby, but in fact felt a bit of a junior compared to many of the regulars there. Yes, the youngsters learn faster and I'll never match the young hot-shots, but who cares. My only regret is that I didn't discover windsurfing years earlier.



Rhosneigr's great, but it is a pretty challenging venue when there're waves and so on a national competition day it's not exactly an 'average' venue. Likewise the country's best sailors are not really a representative sample of your average group of recreational windsurfers.



Anyway, it sounds like you've got the bug, and that's just at level 1 stage. Just wait until you discover planing! Given you've got enough drive about you to shift two stone and take up regular exercise, it sounds like you're got the right mindset. You'll also find windsurfers are generally a welcoming encouraging bunch, so don't worry about being an 'outsider'.



You do have a point when you mention time and costs though. You can do well out of second hand kit, and there are guys out there having a great time on old kit worth peanuts. However if you are prone to falling victim to 'boys and their toys' syndrome you'll find you do fill your house with kit. I've already had to ditch the sports coupé for a diesel estate and I'm looking longingly at the vans that lots of the other guys have. Your life may become wind-driven too. Read some of the stories on here about leaving the familiy Christmas dinner table because the wind kicked in etc. and you'll get an idea.



Anyway, I'm rambling, so to conclude: yes I've spent a small fortune, all social commitments in my life are void in a Force 4 or higher, but taking up windsurfing was the best thing I've ever done and I don't regret a penny or a moment spent on it. Go for it, and see you on the water!

42 - spring chicken mate - get on with it..... you too can become obsessed with the weather and wearing black rubber...



Like 2fish says - Rhossy is not a 'typical' venue - give kirby a try....

Apart from the days when it gets a bit busy - I can't think of an easier place in the world to sail than WK.



The main benefits are:



1 - Nice clean wind (especially compared to lakes)



2 - Flat water, so no waves to knock you off or squish you



3- Water mainly chest deep when you fall in, so safeity and easy water starting.



4- Parking adjacent to the water, so no lugging your kit for miles



5- Really nice bunch of people



If you want an easy life WK has a lot to offer those who value this sort of thing.



As for age - on some days the 'retired' contingent seem to outnumber those in work/skiving/. I understand some of them windsurf when it's windy and play golf when its not - hard life eh?

Age has little to do with it Floakes, I'm 30, but have inadvertently 'eaten all the pies' over the last 2 years and now badly need to get back into shape for windsurfing (too much time off the water!), I bet you're far fitter than me, and anyway by the sounds of it it's too late to be wondering whether getting into windsurfing is for you, YOU'RE A WINDSURFER! (say it loud and proud!)



So welcome to you're new obsession! whether you get out once a week, once a month in summer or once a year on your annual windsurfing holiday (try one, I recommend Club Vass for 'improvers' - which you now are) there's no escaping the fact that once the bug has bitten......................................



See you on the water mate!

Hi,



We sail @ carsy with a chap called ian, he's, well, an amazing sailor, hes learning to jump his board at the moment.



He got a few years on you as well!! The main thing to consider when windsurfing is are you having fun, cus no matter where you are, windsurfing is all about having fun.