Soul sail 2009 - Cape Town – 13 to 23 November 2009

From the online Dictionary (Babylon.com) :
Soul : Pronunciation [sohl], Noun : the principle of life, feeling, thought; the essential element or part of something.
Sail : Pronunciation [seyl], Noun : a voyage or excursion, especially in (on) a sailing vessel; Verb : to move along in a stately, effortless way; to move along or travel over water.

So there we have it – by implication, therefore, soul sailors are principled, thoughtful folks who move around in a stately and effortless manner – just about sums up planing on flat water in 20 knots with a bunch of buddies.

The crew – Gunter (Stig), Julian (Barrel Boy), Colin (Colon), Gabi (Bingo Wings), Johan (virgin), Pieter (virgin), Breda (virgin), Donovan (Ninja), Chris (Blus My Lus), Gavin (virgin), Ralph and me.

The rules of Soul Sail 2009 :

• No salad makers, no racing, no tea totallers, no healthy eating, no tossers, no miffness, no robberies (Somebody stole a sense of humor last time), no counseling (leave you sad sorry lives at home and bring your happy face)
• Don't borrow other sailor's hardware without his permission - includes screw drivers (Gabi !), board plugs, etc.
• No kiting (Gunter)
• No boyfriends (Gunter)
  Penalties will be given for the following :
• Stealing someone else's food out of the fridge
• Complaining about the wind (too much, too little)
• Duffing a gybe in front of another sailor and spoiling his carve – JULIAN !!!
• Slit-eyes (you know who you are.....)
• Mozambique rum and raspberry drinks are banned
• No molesting of the maid - this is not Hungary

And so the trip begins. We’ve checked out Guru and things look good for a SE starting Saturday after a week and a half of north westerlies in Cape Town. Excitement as I leave work early on Friday afternoon to mentally prepare myself for the flight to Cape Town in the company of Donovan, Chris, Julian, Colin, Gunter and that Hungarian air pirate Gabi. Gunter comes up with a sudden request for us to pick him up on the way to the airport which leads to a bit of a panic as we’re already running late – got to be worth some discount on our next purchase. We meet up with Colin fresh in from Oz, mate, still wearing corks on his hat. Donovan and Chris are all slicked up looking like they’re heading off to some late night jol – Chris, you gotta get rid of those brothel creepers ! As Gunter gets out of the car, a banana falls out of his baggage which results in a whole bunch of speculation as to its final use and fate. Blus my lus, Chris !!

The flight turns out to be uneventful with the exception of Jules and Gabi getting those wonderful seats right next to the engines (1Time !). Gabi takes his 120 JP X-Cite Ride on the plane – it arrives in one piece at CT. Not the same can be said for Colin’s harness which is mauled by some voracious baggage handling machine. So, for the record, the first equipment trasher is not a soul sailor – it’s ACSA !

Colin has organized a ‘ute (Aussie for utility vehicle, otherwise known in Seffrica as a “bakkie”). This turns out to be a good plan as we could load three board bags with no less than seven boards, sails, masts and booms into the back with no problem. The rattling sound of the tappets emanating from the innards of the mighty diesel engine does however detract from the hardcore image one is trying to present.

We arrive at our digs at Dolphin Beach – Julian’s pad and another rented unit facing the sea with stunning views of Table Mountain – now this is more like it ! Gabi is first to stake his claim to a room and locks the door every night – hmmm, what’s this all about then ? Daftly, he comes up with a proposition that no one should make any noise before 8AM. What a tosser. We have clear instructions from Julian not to trash the place.

Gunter finds a dead mouse in amongst the duvets in a cupboard. I initially thought that Gabi had just removed his shoes but no living being could stink like that ! Nasty stuff !!

Gunter’s self professed quest for the week is to hit all the late night pick-up hot spots in Cape Town. He proudly shows us guides to the top 10 night clubs in CT which he downloaded off the internet. But that’s not all – the best pick up lines are also provided. Gunter particularly liked the one which goes like this : “If I wasn’t gay, you’d be my type”. The rest of us spent the following 10 days trying to fathom out exactly how this pickup line could possibly work.

Day 1 Saturday 14-Nov-09

Ignoring Gabi’s request, Colin is up at the proverbial sparrow-fart and wakes us all up. Breakfast at Carlucci’s – this place is an absolute gold mine ! The “Quicky breakfast” is a winner. Everyone is eager for some wind but the forecast has moved the return of the SE out to Sunday. Just as well as there’s lots of logistics to sort out – boards, sails etc. to be rented from Bay Sports. Waggy, as usual, is very accommodating and we leave Bay Sports with bags of rental gear with clear instructions not to trash anything. Donovan is a bit miff because Waggy doesn’t have a 50 liter board for him to sail. The new setup at Bay Sports is nice. The old shop area has been converted into Werner Gnigler’s board shaping workshop. This is where the future is under constant development !

Next up we go shopping for grub. Whilst the rest of us visit Pick ‘n Pay, Gunter goes off foraging for nuts, berries and twigs and distilled water. The first game of punch buggy takes place with Donovan and Chris learning the hard way from Jules and Gabi.

Donovan’s sister visits him and we see an immediate opportunity, fresh in the knowledge that Gunter is on the prowl. We take several photos of Donovan and his sister simulating a cozy relationship and MMS these to Gunter, who no doubt breaks out in a sweat of concern in the knowledge that Donovan has apparently scored first resulting in his place as self-proclaimed soul sail stud being irreparably damaged.

Out of frustration we head of to the Vlei where Julian uses his SUP and 5.7sq.m sail for some freestyle “action”. The rest of us are rather bewildered as to why he would waste his time – the answer becomes apparent when reviewing the soul sail rules (everyone must sail at least once a day).

One of the lekker things about this day was meeting up with all the old faces from days gone by – guys like Bruce and Tex – these gents are legends because at 65 years + they are still sailing whenever they can. Alan Read (one of the original soul sailors) makes a guest appearance but can’t sail as he has a work function to attend.

For several weeks now Donovan has been talking about his cage fighting skills and has regularly requested any takers. Out of sheer boredom, Julian accepts the offer and ends up rolling the ninja onto the ground and proceeds to give him a soggy ear lick. Yuck. Donovan screams like a girl and tries to get away but the weight difference is too great, he, he, he !

Dinner is in order and large pizzas are consumed. I am introduced by Mitch Wagstaff to the burp-fart which is a nasty way of sharing your previous night’s garlic and onion pizza with others in a gaseous form. What on earth has happened with the youth of today ?

Johan and Pieter arrive after 16 hours on the road. Petrol consumption is in the region of 6 km to the liter resulting in a petrol tab of around R2,700 ! One way !! For their efforts they are given the kiddies pink room with matching Barbie duvets - sweet. The first game of tjoon us a choon using iPod is held which drives Pieter mad.

Donovan is taken under Gabi’s wing and becomes his alter ego. He earns the title of “Mini-me” i.e. a small tosser.

Day 2 – Sunday 15-Nov-09

Guru forecasts 19 knots SE. It pulls in at around 12h00 and keeps increasing. It peaks around 4PM at 30 knots. As we arrive at the Vlei, a sailing dinghy regatta is in full swing. The guys are all over the place with little regard for the windsurfers blasting through the fleet (and vice versa). There is initial chaos as each increasing strength gust takes its toll resulting in capsized dinghies littering the Vlei.

Initially we go out on big boards and 6 sq.m sails but it is very gusty, sort of reminiscent of Bronks. Donovan floats down wind on his 70 liter board and does the walk of shame. Gradually it picks up and by 2 PM the guys are out on boards ranging from 85 liter to 100 liters and sails in the region of 5 sq.m. Carnage continues as Gavin gets a big catapult 10 meters from the launch spot – 150 liter boards are not good in 25 knot gusts ! Comment from Malcolm to Gabi – boet, did you see that, he’s trying to do a forward loop. A klap on the kop follows courtesy of an out of control mast. Later we’re notified by someone that one of the soul sailors is in trouble. Rescue boat launches and collects an injured Gavin who is suffering from a leg wound after doing the splits. He is whisked away to the hospital for two days of observation and a cat scan which confirms a torn ligament. Vlei 1, soul sailors 0. Gunter rips a chunk off his toe – Vlei 2, soul sailors 0.

The wind gradually creeps up the scale and peaks in time for the Masters and Blasters slalom racing event. Chaos again erupts at each Blasters beach start and continues into every gybe with the gusts peaking at 30+ knots. The soul sailors observe the goings-on (racing is banned on soul sailing tour –read the rules ! – that’s our story and we’re sticking to it) and are amazed at how many gybes are duffed. Could it be that they are just another bunch of puddle-pirates like us guys from Bronks ? Waggy wins the prize of most vocal father as Mitch scores a 3rd, 2nd and 1st in the three Masters heats. The first Blasters race is won by a guy using an F2 Ride 277 – viva old slalom boards !!

The mayhem is not restricted to the water as Derek ends up trashing Julian’s sail – Sorry Jules ! Pieter and Johan each trash a sail on the water. Make that Vlei 5 – soul sailors 0 !!

Julian and Donovan get itchy feet and we head off to Big Bay where it’s cranking at 30 knots. Donovan is a bundle of nervous energy as this is his first session in the waves. His first run sees him sail beyond the outermost rocks and heading for Robben Island some 7 km distant leaving us to think that he’s not coming back. He does remarkably well scoring some nice jumps. Jules also has a nice sail. For me personally, the water at Big Bay is way too cold and uninviting – that’s my story and I’m sticking to it !

That evening we discover that Johan is our Home-Bru, otherwise known as the stoker from Gauteng. He produces several bottles of home brewed beer which beats the pants off the crap we bought at the bottle store. Respect ! Julian and Gabi arrive back home bearing a tray full of ring doughnuts care of Jurgen – they don’t last too long !

Day 3 – Monday 16-Nov-09

Guru predicts only 15 knots for Langebaan and less for Cape Town. We head off to Kraal Bay and arrive with a miserable southerly wind blowing at around 10 knots. Gunter is feeling strong after the previous night’s dinner of a mielie and 5 unpeeled sweet potatoes – he rigs a 5.7 and 98 liter board and wobbles out in the direction of Shark bay across the lagoon. No sooner has he made it halfway across, the wind changes to SE and cranks up a notch or two to 20 knots. A massive amount of frantic human energy follows as we urgently rig our small sails and hit the water. First off is Pieter on his 93 liter Air and 5.2 sq.m sail. Johan is next on a Ride 277 (his first time on a small board) and he blasts off into the distance looking rather stylish. We sailed for a solid 3 hours in 20 to 25 knots. After the session, most of the guys are stoked, especially those who have never been here before. From that perspective, Kraal bay is an incredibly underrated sailing spot – the waist high water makes it a comfortable transitioning ground for those not used to small boards. There are nice long runs across the shallow turquoise and azure blue water which is relatively warm, requiring only a shorty wetsuit. Meanwhile Gunter, who was last seen 2 hours ago, returns out of the haze looking like some robotic wind-thing with his helmet and tinted visor. Apparently it’s quite lonely along the east coast of the lagoon.

1st incident of the day - Julian sees Pieter approaching and with a closing speed of around 55 to 60 knots decides to gybe….a little too soon…..and ends up colliding with Pieter – 4,000,000 square meters of lagoon and they prang into each other – tossers. Luckily nothing is broken.

2nd incident of the day - on the way back home, the guys spot a rather large Puff Adder crossing the road which disappears into the bushes. Gabi gets out of the car and acts all brave doing his best Steve Irwin impersonation (Colin would’ve been proud) and takes a look in the bushes. As he returns to the car, Julian shouts “it’s behind you !” Apparently the Hungarian national sprint champion resides in South Africa. The brown streak left on the road was not from the snake.

Day 4 – Tuesday 17-Nov-09

Today is the day for windsurfing groupies – Waggy has arranged an impromptu discussion with Werner on board design and shaping. It’s interesting to see the transition from full on slalom boards (narrow, parallel rails, minimal rocker) to the new breed of wide boards. Also interesting is the transition in construction techniques from plastic boards to the current composite layup process.

Breda finds the board graveyard at the back of Bay Sports and goes into spasms of delight. The excitement at the prospect of possibly finding a board which could be repaired slowly dwindles to disappointment as he realizes that there’s a good reason why these boards are actually on the scrap heap – that said, several days later Gabi discovers an almost new Xantos in its bag under a bunch of other junk – we conduct a full inspection and the board looks almost new. Recommendation to Waggy – give it to the poor bloke who arrived at the Vlei on Saturday toting a 25 year old Flight board.

Having witnessed a bit of board production on the go in Werner’s workshop, Pieter decides to do a bit of manufacturing himself. It’s time to convert a 200 boom to a 160 boom. We lie in the coolness of Julian’s lounge and watch in fascination as Pieter, “ably” supported by Breda with verbal stimulus from Johan wrestle with the boom and several tools. In true Overhaulin’ style, the debate on how to effect the modifications gets heated with accompanying gesticulations by the participants becoming more animated. It is a miracle that all fingers are intact at the end of the session. It is also proof that men do not like listening to other men dispensing technical advice. What was to be a 10 minute operation entertained us for an hour and a half. Happily all ended well.

Later that day, we’re treated to a late afternoon session at the Vlei in 12 to 15 knot conditions – not the best, but enough for me to get going on my 115 S-Type and 7 sq.m sails. Colin gets bored and tries to grab Gabi’s boom as he passes. This ends up with Gabi falling on his board and getting a serious set of non-slip induced roasties on his knees. I’ve never quite understood why he doesn’t fall off his board into the nice soft water ??? That evening, Gabi mentions on several occasions (“did I tell you …?”) that he planed past Julian…..Pieter puts his day in perspective with “vir vyf jaar het ek nie so kak geseil nie !”. Personally, I had a blast.

Day 5 – Wednesday 18-Nov-09

We awake to the news that there’s a bird on the couch in Gunter’s digs ! Has Gunter scored ? No, and she’s a bit pissed off to be left at the mercy of 8 soul sailors while Gunter pumps iron at the local Wealth and Croquet club. Gunter arrives to a frosty reception but tries to redeem himself by removing his shirt and flexing. Doesn’t work and results in a lecture on what girls find cool and what is a no-no.

Having a woman to look after for the day, the logical thing is to go shopping. Several items are bought :

• Gabi buys titanium lined booties (ja, right – they’re advertised as “ballistic slippers” but really look to be one pirouette short of “ballet slippers”) at a cost of around R800 each.
• Pieter buys a nice new 5.3 Naish sail and was poeping himself for days after in case his wife found out – beats buying nappies boet, ‘cause baby is gonna crap on them anyway !

Some interesting things are seen at the various shops – new 2010 Pryde booms with S-shaped handles for (apparently) a more comfortable grip. At 8 grand a shot for the X9, I think I’ll rather just be uncomfortable. At another shop we saw North booms with wide square fronts – oddly enough, this design is also meant to provide a more comfortable grip. North has also come out with three piece skinny masts – by buying a separate middle section, one can have a mast size range from 400 to 460 – beats my current quiver of separate 400, 430 and 460 masts. At last someone in the industry is starting to apply their minds to make windsurfing travel a bit easier (an aspect of kiting which is undeniable).

Wind picks up in the morning to around 15 to 18 knots and we decide to sail in the sea off Dolphin Beach. We get a couple of rides but as Pieter finally arrives with his freshly rigged virgin Naish sail, the wind suddenly disappears to a useless 10 knots.

Later in the day we head for the Vlei which kicks in at a nice 15 to 20 knots, good for a 6 sq.m and 115 board and some flat water blasting. Johan’s confidence is up from the previous day’s sail at Langebaan and we move his rear foot straps on his 130 liter board to the outboard position – instant improvement and he is sailing like a king ! Robbie from MAC gives us an outstanding display of really smooth looking lay-down gybes.

Day 6 – Thursday 19-Nov-09

Wake up to general farting and scratching. Julian and Colin are up early as usual and the monotonous drone of their banal conversation intrudes on one’s sleep. Guru shows very light SW so we decide to give Waggles a call – it’s time for a SUP session at Big Bay. After four days of SE wind, the sea looks like Bronkhorstspruit dam, only a lot bluer. We all have a fun time in the little waves – for some, it’s their first time on a SUP board. For others like Gabi, it’s a miff time – he’s overheard muttering something to the effect that only kiters would do this sort of thing…..In my opinion, SUPping will never provide the exhilaration that windsurfing does – however, I can understand that it’s a lifestyle sort of thing which can provide one with an excellent way to distress on flat, no-wind days. According to the SUP guru we all earned our shorts this day, but please tell me what’s with that moffie little twirl of the paddle, Julian?

We end off the day with a braai at Dolphin beach. The sunset is nothing less than spectacular. As we chill on the patio with ice cold beers, we watch as the azure blue skies gradually transform into delicate hues of orange and pink whilst framing a mauve and purple Table Mountain. There’s barely a hint of a breeze. The evening is filled with friendly banter and camaraderie (and the odd insult). Ah yes – this is soul sailing at its finest (even if we didn’t sail !).

Day 7 – Friday 20-Nov-09

We awake once again to a beautiful Cape morning. No breeze. Waggy is in early and has brought his SUPs for the paddle up to Big Bay. I didn’t get up to join Colin, Jules, Pieter and Waggy which I later regret as it seems they had a good time. They encounter seals on the way to Big Bay – the dark shadows and splashing in the water sees Colin open a sudden gap of 50 meters between himself and the rest of the fleet – ja, so much for hardcore Australian watermen. Having reached Big Bay, Pieter and Julian feel that they have not exhausted their testosterone levels and decide to paddle back to Dolphin Beach. On the way past the stranded bulk carrier, they encounter two whales. Upon their arrival back at Dolphin Beach, Johan and I take over control of the SUPs and head out to the ship. We pass the whales on the way out and do a circuit of the stranded ship. We make it safely back around the boat. The water is uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. The guys spot a dead seal washed up and accuse us of clubbing the poor little blighter to death with the SUP paddles ! Later that day, we head back to Big Bay for another SUP session – the beach is alive with well toned nubile maidens playing bats and tossers throwing rugby balls in classic “manly” tradition.

The day sees additional purchases - Johan buys a second hand 7 sq.m sail and Gabi scores the award for big spender – two nice new JP fins to add to his earlier purchase of booties.

We are invited to have dinner at Tex’s place – what a spot ! On the edge of the Vlei with an unobstructed view of Table Mountain. Tex and his wife kindly treat us to a leg of lamb and beers, thanks ! It’s good to share times like these with like minded folks. Needless to say, the talk is all sailing.

Day 8 – Saturday 21-Nov-09

Johan, Pieter and Colin leave. It’s appropriate that the original soul sailors are the ones who remain to the bitter end. Gabi, Julian and I moon around the place a bit as the wind is a gentle SW.

Later in the afternoon the wind picks up to a decent 15 to 20 knot westerly which calls for a session at the Vlei. Julian rigs his 7.8 racing sail and Gabi rigs some antiquated Arrows 7 sq.m sail. I don’t rig anything because my big stuff is somewhere between Laingsburg and Beaufort West in Pieter’s trailer. Julian and Waggy Jnr are flying up and down the Vlei on their JP slalom boards. Gabi is not happy with the way his sail is rigged and, once again, is miff uttering Hungarian obscenities to whoever will listen. I try a run on both Gabi and Julian’s kit and can safely say that a) the Arrows 7 sq.m sail is a dog and b) that full on race sails are crap and meant only for those okes who are so into their racing that they’re prepared to put up with something that weighs like the titanic and is impossible to up-haul / water start. I’ll stick to RAF sails thank you very much.

The evening is a relaxed affair with dinner at the Blow Fish with Waggy.

Day 9 – Sunday 22-Nov-09

It’s now my turn to leave. Traditionally, once a critical mass of soul sailors have made the sacrifice of leaving, the remaining sailors benefit from a solid day of SE. Gunter is supposed to be on the same flight as I but announces that he has delayed his return to Monday – hmmmm, the power of the woman.

Soul sail summary

In summary then, the tone of this soul sail was milder than previous expeditions. Only conclusion I can come to is that Jeremy did not join us so there was no-one to cause nonsense and start food fights.

Some trivialities and ad hoc observations worth a mention

I leant a couple of new things care of Waggy and Mitch – nasty things like drive-by’s, cup-cakes, packed lunches, drop-and-goes and steamy-ovens. Let your imagination run wild …..not pleasant when you experience a drive-by first hand.

Rumour has it that Gunter heads up the Cape Town singles crew on

Face Book.

Not a minute goes by that Gabi is not clad in some form of camo gear – if it’s not his pants, it’s his Crocks (which anyway are the most disgusting form of fashion statements yet invented by mankind) or his sailing impact vest.

A week’s worth of punch buggy results in bruised arms. Punch buggy rules can be changed at any moment on a whim so never, ever trust your punch buggy opponents ! Why do grown men play children’s games ?

Noteworthy statements and phrases :

• “I sexy guy, you want sexy time” – Gabi in Borat voice taking the mickey out of some young punks on the beach
• “I’m nasty to you because you’re stupid” – seen on some oke’s T-shirt – brilliant
• “I’m on solitude island” – Julian, selflessly confining himself to his own little world in which no one is allowed to bother him
• “Where is Gunter” – heard many times at regular intervals through the day
• “Farrrrrttt” as Mitch does a drop-and-go

Respect to Jules for arranging digs at Dolphin Beach. Nice and comfortable as well as central to our requirements. Also, respect to Colin for travelling all the way from Oz to be more soul than anyone in Oz could possibly ever be.

Personal thanks to Pieter for transporting my large board and sail down to CT.

Thanks to all the guys for making this a great, laid back soul sail tour.

Soul sail awards

And now for the awards – we did not have an official soul sail awards evening, so this is my take :

• Most eager - sailor who sailed the most - eager-beaver award ! – Shared by Donovan (eager for Big Bay), Johan and Pieter (maximized their time on water)
• Hardest corest sailor (not in his own opinion which doesn't count anyway) - not necessarily earned through a sailing move either - could be awarded for snorting tequila instead of drinking it or screaming at the top of his voice that all kiters are fags during rig up (or should I rather say pomp-tyd) time at Dolphin beach – Julian, for gybing in front of a speeding Pieter at Kraal Bay
• Moffiest sailor - the oke who complains of the most injuries without showing any decent scars/X-rays – Gunter, one scratch on his toe
• Captain's Cabin award - seeing that Jeremy is not here, this one is up for grabs - if you don't know what it's for, you'll find out only when you get the award - most likely candidates - Gunter, Gunter and Gunter - Gunter
• Biggest moment award - any big moment - not necessarily on the water although, the purpose of the trip being to sail, a biiiiig moment on the water will earn extra points as opposed to a big moment in one's bed (especially if you're on your own). Must have at least two witnesses to corroborate – has to go to Gavin
• Trasher award - always a bitter-sweet one to earn - for that oke who trashes the most kit. Extra points for okes who rent from Waggy and trash his kit – shared by Johan and Pieter for damaging their sails
• Speed merchant - all of us – I find it interesting that, irrespective of kit, we all seem to be within a range of 5 knots board speed of each other
• Soul Sail Virgin award - there are a couple of them - basically the oke who makes the most of this first experience and gets an automatic invite to next year's soul sail (like the Masters golf tournament, only better) – Johan, stoked after his first ride on a 100 liter board at Kraal bay
• SUP award - the oke who gets the longest SUP ride on a wave and rides over the most surfers – shared by Julian and Pieter for their mammoth paddle to and from Big Bay while facing extreme wildlife like seals and whales
• As always, the least sought after award - tosser - no clear requirements but can range from just being a miserable rectum to, well, just being Hungarian.....no real winner, so we’ll give it to Gabi, just because he’s Hungarian
• As always the most sought after award - soulest sailor - will be by majority vote. Voting by secret ballot so that Jules doesn't get angry when Gabi votes for Colin ! No clear winner – I think we’ll all share this one as we all had a blast.

Parting shot

One thing did become apparent to me while hanging around the wind surfing shops. The kit is damn expensive and, dare I say, totally out of reach (pricewise) for a novice or youngster. A basic new kit setup would cost in the order of R18,000 to R20,000 (that’s only one board and one sail). I appreciate the fact that manufacturing techniques are providing us with stronger, lighter and more durable boards and that modern rigs are much lighter and easier to handle with a bigger wind range. This is all good, but what are the long term prospects of sustaining windsurfing as a sport if the entry price is too high. From my perspective as a guy who earns what I consider to be a decent income, I think more than twice before splashing out R10,000 on a new board. Surely there’s scope for a basic board (back to simpler production techniques and cheaper materials, like the old F2s) and simpler sails t bring the entry price down substantially. This will get new blood into the sport – once the bug has bitten, for sure these folks will want to upgrade and will end up buying all the nice expensive stuff. I can’t help but feel that the windsurfing industry is entering a dangerous phase where the pursuit of technology will increase the cost to such an extent as to effectively kill interest in the sport. It’s almost happened before with the move towards small kit and super technical boards in the middle to late 90s. Also, to the shop owners out there, why not package together board / rig quivers using all that old stuff you have floating around and sell it for a couple of grand to newbies. The hard-core attitude which permeated through industry and the windsurfing community in the 90’s almost left us with only one answer – kiting ! Just a thought ……maybe selling an old Xantos board and RAF sail to a new guy for R3,000 is not such a bad thing ? Enough of my ramblings……

Looking forward to SS2010 !!