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So you want it all, wind, waves and some flatwater in a tropical paradise, just in your boardies. I've been to Mauritius twice, the second time I took time out on a clinic with Jem. The location is perfect from improvers to pros. An inner reef encloses a lagoon which has waist high flat water; small waves break on the inner reef, and on the outside there's a choice of two full on side shore breaks, Manawa and One Eye, side shore and cross off respectively. Wind blows sideshore from the left 15-20 kts most days, so you'll sail with 4.5 -6.5m sails on 75-85l board for waves and 95l upwards for lagoon. Whats it like on a clinic? A good laugh and you learn something! Jem teaches anywhere from complete beginner to pros. He quickly asseses what style of learning suits you and then sets out to teach/coach you in a way you can relate to = increased rate of acheivement. In the morning you practice what you want to learn, with Jem giving top tips from the beach and then after lunch do some video shoots, before a debrief in the evening or early next day. Jem's really not afraid to challenge your sacred cows, simple things like stance, head movement, harness lengths, simple things that you would have paid attention too but add up to making a real difference. He does this in a fun way, usually with some very loud banter! You soon get used to getting called "bendaaar" etc, but realise that coming from the lairiest guy on the beach its the kettle calling the pot black!! To get the best from a clininc you need to consider some objectives, eg planing carve gibe, vulcan etc. and focus on just one or two things rather than loads of stuff. Mauritius is not only an excellent location in its own right, but very good for clinics. There's plenty of space on the water, good vantage points so Jem can see what you're doing. Oh yeah.... and its warm, sunny and breezey every day. For improvers there's flat water and smallish waves on the insider and for intermeadiates and advanced some conditions are challenging on the outer reefs. For all of you budding forward loopers theres' a secton of the lagoon that gets nice 1-2ft ramps perfect for practicing safely. Book your tickets today...you'll come back with a grin, a better sailor, some good stories, sore hands from all the sailing and a few new moves at whatever your level.
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