Windsurfing Equipment Needed? A Buyer’s Guide

Posted by in Sports Equipment on July 17, 2011

Insider tips for hunting down those bargain buys. Basically there are 3 different routes to explore when it comes to scoping out those windsurfing equipment bargains.

1. Brand New Windsurfing Equipment, Retail Shop discount ‘package deals’ - as with any kind of purchase, buying in bulk from one supplier gives you the customer one great advantage, Buying Power. Windsurfing retail shops are always open to giving discounts to those who are buying a complete windsurf package, 10% off the total price, harness lines or even a boom thrown in for free, there is always something that can be negotiated when bulk buying.

Pro’s: Knowledgeable staff (hopefully!), may have a try before you buy option, possibility of returning faulty kit, buying brand new – everything fits together & just works!

Con’s: Brand new windsurfing equipment loosing its initial retail value quickly, outgrowing your brand new kit, over-priced compared to buying ‘nearly new’ equipment, being given the wrong advice/sold what needs to be sold (hopefully not, if you have gone with a reputable shop)

2. Nearly New Windsurfing Kit – this is where you can really strike gold when it comes to getting yourself a bargain in the world of windsurfing. The great thing about this way of buying is that you can read up on all the windsurfing reviews, find exactly what brand, model, size, year of board you want then use the following techniques to hunt down a bargain.

There are lots of online & offline places to look for your chosen windsurfing equipment wish list, the best of which are probably, using your local ‘free ad’ type newspaper where you can track down some really great genuine bargains that people just want to get rid of to make space in their garage! More recently, the best success searching for ‘nearly new’ windsurfing equipment can be found On-Line, via the Boards Magazine Classifieds section. This is a great addition to their site that even lets you make a ‘wish list’ of all the kit you are after & will even send you an email notification just as soon as someone lists that exact piece of kit for sale so you are first in line for a bargain! Read the rest of this entry »

, , , ,

No Comments

Windsurfing Challenge

Posted by in Windsurfing on July 17, 2011

Windsurfing ChallengeWindsurfing may be viewed by many as being an extreme sport only suitable for a distinctive and fearless breed of adrenaline junkies. It is a sport, like surfing, that is closely linked to fashion due to the increasing trend for surf wear to be sold in even non-specialist retail outlets. However, you don’t have to be a thrill seeking fashion guru to get enjoyment from the sport.

Windsurfing saw a boom in popularity in 1980 and was first recognised as an Olympic sport in 1984. There was a decline in the 90s, partly due to the rise in expensive specialist equipment. However, it is now experiencing a modest revival and new beginner friendly designs are readily available. In addition to tais it is not an elitist sport due to cost either. Beginners’ courses usually include kit hire and work out to be quite reasonable.

Before I carry on let me point out that the water isn’t as cold as you may think. With the trend for holidaying abroad I know a number of people who wouldn’t dare even dip their toe in the water over here. It’s really not that bad though and you will be wearing a wetsuit which should give you a good layer of insulation as well. Also at this time of year the water has had all summer to warm up so, early autumn, in terms of water temperature, is actually an ideal time to get started.

Now don’t get me wrong it is no piece of cake. Windsurfing is a dynamic and challenging sport and there is an awful lot to learn. I have wobbled, tumbled and splashed into the water more times than I can count over the last few months. However just being out in the water is a great form of escapism and what better vantage point to make the most of the coastline. That is, of course, once you can bring yourself to take your eyes off your feet.

Windsurfing is also great exercise as learning to balance on the board means that you are employing core stability which in turn can help strengthen deep postural muscles. The main areas that you exercise are your shoulder, forearms and lower back. However it is really enjoyable and you don’t realise that it is giving you a good workout…well at least not until the following day. Read the rest of this entry »

, , , ,

No Comments