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Croyde surf wagon observations.......

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TwoFish Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 19:17
Good post Toad. I also enjoy folk enjoying their enjoyment.
 
Al. I'm not going to say anything dismissive about surfers. If you come from a biking background though, consider a surfboard with speed, power, the ability to fly and that can give an buzz that ex racers and (slightly lower down the evolutionary scale) ex F1 champions reckon beats anything else.
 
A couple of sites to check out:
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote energysolutions Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 19:36
Originally posted by TwoFish TwoFish wrote:

Good post Toad. I also enjoy folk enjoying their enjoyment.
 
Al. I'm not going to say anything dismissive about surfers. If you come from a biking background though, consider a surfboard with speed, power, the ability to fly and that can give an buzz that ex racers and (slightly lower down the evolutionary scale) ex F1 champions reckon beats anything else.
 
A couple of sites to check out:
 
 
Are you serious TwoFish?
 
I come from a biking (and various other sports) backround and have contemplated surfing several times (never tried it) but I never figured it was that exciting
 
I`m not knocking it you understand, I`m genuinely curious for as your comments suggest others with motorsport backrounds have been impressed then perhaps I should give it a whirl
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TwoFish Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 19:50
I'm very serious. I'm not a surfer, I'm a windsurfer - that's where the speed / power / flight thing comes from. I'm sure surfing is great, but there's just too much waiting around for me. Windsurfing obviously relies on there being wind, and there's been a severe shortage of that in the UK this year, but when it does blow and your board takes off, it's awesome. A lot of top windsurfers are also keen bikers (see links above). Even when you're getting started though, it's great fun. You won't be riding waves or hitting 40kts at first, but you'll be amazed at the all round workout you get even just leaning to sail a beginner board round a triangular course. Then once you learn what riding a planing board is about . . . . .
 
Oh, and it hurts a lot less when you crash.
 
 


Edited by TwoFish - 05 Aug 10 at 20:13
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote energysolutions Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 20:18
Originally posted by TwoFish TwoFish wrote:

I'm very serious. I'm not a surfer, I'm a windsurfer - that's where the speed / power / flight thing comes from. I'm sure surfing is great, but there's just too much waiting around for me. Windsurfing obviously relies on there being wind, and there's been a severe shortage of that in the UK this year, but when it does blow and your board takes off, it's awesome. A lot of top windsurfers are also keen bikers (see links above). Even when you're getting started though, it's great fun. You won't be riding waves or hitting 40kts at first, but you'll be amazed at the all round workout you get even just leaning to sail a beginner board round a triangular course. Then once you learn what riding a planing board is about . . . . .
 
Oh, and it hurts a lot less when you crash.
 
 
 
Thats exactly why the bikes were swopped for jetskisWink
 
I must admit that video link does look cool and I do live 5 minutes from a major surf spot (portrush)
 
Whats required to start and how much does it cost?
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kawolsky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 20:48
Originally posted by toadsurfer toadsurfer wrote:

Proper surf bums are not hanging around Croyde in rust buckets anyway. All their cash has gone on a plane ticket and they're all on a beach in Sumbawa somewhere where the waves and weather aren't cr*p 90% of the time!
Those of us who actually maybe want a family one day or just don't want to be a 55 year old hippy resign ourselves to the fact that having no money in the UK is fairly depressing which in turn requires a job. Most jobs these days are demanding and require long hours so when I finally save up enough for a van I want something that won't just provide some shelter in the hard shoulder while I wait for the AA.
 
Surfing is an image sport, who cares, it's part of the fun. I lived in Narrabeen in Australia for a while and trust me the pros are all image surfers as well, they just happen to surf real good too! If surfing makes people feel cool, whether it's a pro getting a huge south pacific barrel or a bunch of Bristol students hanging out in Putsborough car park listening to the Offspring after having spent two hours dropping in on other surfers, that is only really a good thing. All surfers will feel cool after riding a good wave.
 
I like my T5 cos I do reckon it looks good. I also admire the older vans. What I like about done up vans of all makes is that, yes, they are image statements, but the statement is saying something about the lifestyle of the owner and the things they enjoy doing that are similar to me. In that way a flash van is always nice to see whereas some city boy in a £70k white leather interior Porsche is not so nice as his statement appears to lean more to 'look how important I think I am over you'. A flash van makes me feel I have a mutual hobby with the owner. A porsche is a more competitve statement.
Surfing is just fun whether you are a pro or a city trader who can only get to the beach once a month. Talk of the conflict between real surfers and image surfers misses the point really.
You are spot on.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ex-car bloke Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 22:21
Originally posted by TwoFish TwoFish wrote:

I'm very serious. I'm not a surfer, I'm a windsurfer - that's where the speed / power / flight thing comes from. I'm sure surfing is great, but there's just too much waiting around for me. Windsurfing obviously relies on there being wind, and there's been a severe shortage of that in the UK this year, but when it does blow and your board takes off, it's awesome.
 
Totally agree. But then I would, wouldn't I?
 
It's interesting reading about all this surf-poser theory.  In all my years of windsurfing one thing has been overwhelmingly apparent.  All windsurfers that reach the "fast planing stage" (and God knows it can take a while to get there and this is the very point) do it because they love it and are obsessed by it.  Because it is simply the biggest buzz imaginable, scary and exhilarating in the extreme and completely addictive.
 
I can assure anyone that the addicted few that spend every winter on otherwise completely deserted Northumberland beaches, with only seagulls as audience could not give less of a shit about whether it's cool or not or whether anyone actually knows that  they are windsurfers or not.  In fact, if you saw the typical motley middle-aged crew that do it at our local beaches you would realise that coolness has less to do with it than bald heads and expanding guts. 
 
There are plenty of T5s around but that's because they're the best thing to carry all your (invariably massive collection) of gear in reliable car-like comfort.  Seems logical to me. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dazoo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 23:00
Sorry - I didn't mean that surfing and subscribing to the surf image were mutually exclusive - certainly not! That's where the image started out. I just meant that the image is additional to the sport. There is absolutely no reason why surfers should not look like surfers. I've been to North Shore, I've seen them all and it is nice to see the mixture!

I'm a biker too, sometimes I like to look like a biker but these days I get more of a kick not dressing the part and suprising people. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TwoFish Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 07:06
Originally posted by energysolutions energysolutions wrote:

Whats required to start and how much does it cost?
 
 
Three ways to get started, two of which are good, one of which isn't.
  1. Book a weekend course or similar with a school / club. You'll be wobbling round a lake/bay/harbour on a board the size of a supertanker rather than surfing waves (this sort of thing). It's still great fun though, especially if you do it as part of a group, and you'll master all the basics and get a good safety grounding too. I'm not sure what's available in Norn Irn. You could consider a long weekend down south.
  2. Book a specialist holiday somewhere warm. That way you get maximum time on the water, the best kit and top instruction on hand all the time, plus a beach and cold beer.
  3. Buy some of the old shit (fit only for the dump) that's touted on ebay, struggle with that on your own, get cold, bruised, miserable and achieve next to nothing.

This 'New to windsurfing guide' is several years old now, but is still pretty much on the mark.

Aussie article
 
New to windsurfing forum
 
and if you live near Portrush, you're in easy reach of some of the best beaches and conditions in Europe. It's be rude not to.


Edited by TwoFish - 06 Aug 10 at 17:00
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dazoo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 09:58
EnergySolutions,

I'm from Portrush originally, grew up there for 28 years. There are always a few windsurf regulars around the town - Portrush yacht club would be a good starting point. Pop down for a few beers at the weekend and just ask around to find out who is windsurfing. Bonus is the beer is cheap!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote energysolutions Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 19:52
Originally posted by TwoFish TwoFish wrote:

Originally posted by energysolutions energysolutions wrote:

Whats required to start and how much does it cost?
 
 
Three ways to get started, two of which are good, one of which isn't.
  1. Book a weekend course or similar with a school / club. You'll be wobbling round a lake/bay/harbour on a board the size of a supertanker rather than surfing waves (this sort of thing). It's still great fun though, especially if you do it as part of a group, and you'll master all the basics and get a good safety grounding too. I'm not sure what's available in Norn Irn. You could consider a long weekend down south.
  2. Book a specialist holiday somewhere warm. That way you get maximum time on the water, the best kit and top instruction on hand all the time, plus a beach and cold beer.
  3. Buy some of the old shit (fit only for the dump) that's touted on ebay, struggle with that on your own, get cold, bruised, miserable and achieve next to nothing.

This 'New to windsurfing guide' is several years old now, but is still pretty much on the mark.

 
 
and if you live near Portrush, you're in easy reach of some of the best beaches and conditions in Europe. It's be rude not to.
 
Thanks for the very informative post
 
Your links have given me a different outlook to my potential approach, before you gave me some pointers/options I would probably have gone with option "3" LOL
 
The real danger is if I try it and like it, the last thing I need is another hobby to chuck money atLOL 
 
I suppose this is like asking how long is a piece of string but does it take long to pick it up?
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote energysolutions Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 19:58
Originally posted by dazoo dazoo wrote:

EnergySolutions,

I'm from Portrush originally, grew up there for 28 years. There are always a few windsurf regulars around the town - Portrush yacht club would be a good starting point. Pop down for a few beers at the weekend and just ask around to find out who is windsurfing. Bonus is the beer is cheap!

daZoo
 
Hi Dazoo
 
Portrush is a safe bet for surfer types, turns out one of my best friends new boyfriend is a surfer and he`s heading out tomorrow, I`ll start by interrogating him about the local sceneWink
 
I imagine you know what the inside of "Kellys" looks like if you spent 28 years in Portrush?Big smile
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TwoFish Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 10 at 20:32
Originally posted by energysolutions energysolutions wrote:

The real danger is if I try it and like it, the last thing I need is another hobby to chuck money atLOL 
 
No problem. If you go for it, it will probably leave all your other hobbies in the shed.
 
If you've been spending bike type of money though, windsurfing should be a cash saver. There is one big expense that many of us hit, but I think you've already got that one covered  . . . . . . T5.
 
Originally posted by energysolutions energysolutions wrote:

I suppose this is like asking how long is a piece of string but does it take long to pick it up? 
 
That's one of the great things about it. You never do. It's not a can't do / can do thing. It's a continuous curve and it's fun all the way (sorry, that sounds a bit 'Blue Peter', but it really is true). You have to push yourself all the way, but it's progress all the way, and totally addictive. I was thrilled when I managed to sail a triangle. Getting the board planing is still probably the biggest 'wow' moment of my life (yep, even better than the other ;-), then there's waterstarting, waves, carve gybing, jumping, looping, double looping . . . . . . however far you you want to take it. Challenge and achievement all the way, normally with the encouragement of a great bunch of people.


Edited by TwoFish - 06 Aug 10 at 20:58
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Studioman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 10 at 11:32
Originally posted by 104T28 104T28 wrote:

Just back from Croyde. Met some friends over from Australia who showed my three nephews some new tricks, surf was pretty good (apparently...I'm no surfer) and we had a fantastic time!
 
Just some T5 (and other Transporter) observations:
 
Ok, the VW's are still the vehicle of choice no question, but my oh my, you do feel like abit of a clone! Some of the blingy T5's looked hugely out of place, like a fisherman with all the latest gear who never catches anything!
 
So much so we started abit of a game spotting what looked coolest and was most practical and we agreed that a twenty year old Sherpa with rainbow paintwork and a dozen boards on the roof looked best.....and guess what? they were very good surfers as well!
 
The few California drivers looked absolutely petrified down the lanes and seemed most rooted to the spot.
 
Older T4's with windows, slightly lowered on moderate five spokes & covered with memorablia, probably looked just about ideal we all thought.....chunky, not too flash and still very useable.
 
Mind you, our mates from Oz only drive Toyota estates back home; how funny is that!?
 
just back from my hols and i come back to all this!
 
would have to say that i have some sympathy with your thoughts 104
 
even on this forum the views and membership have swung towards urban/bling and away from utilty and rugged practicality.
i cannot for the life of me see why you would buy a lovely minimally-designed vehicle then add plastic chrome bits and ruin the ride with urban rapper wheels and tyres!
all of which is at odds with the supposedly cool 'couldn't give a toss' surfer style
 
however, i do still think that a well judged T5 can look perfect and fit for the job if some restraint is shown!
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dazoo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 10 at 16:37
I certainly do know the inside of Kellys very, very well. Spent my formative years there, many of my friends worked there (some recently) and my parents live 1 mile inland from it. Many a morning I was waving to the milkman on my way home from there Tongue

Lots happening in the Portrush surf scene at the minute, here's a pointer:



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote energysolutions Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 10 at 17:42
Originally posted by dazoo dazoo wrote:

I certainly do know the inside of Kellys very, very well. Spent my formative years there, many of my friends worked there (some recently) and my parents live 1 mile inland from it. Many a morning I was waving to the milkman on my way home from there Tongue

Lots happening in the Portrush surf scene at the minute, here's a pointer:



 
Thanks for the link, I think I know the parents of the local guy who is involved with that - I`ll investigateBig smile
 
I assume you moved away because of work? Or did you get barred from Kellys?LOL
 
 
 
 


Edited by energysolutions - 07 Aug 10 at 17:43
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