Newbie Day!

Well I'd say the First Annual Team Indy Windsurfing Newbie Day on Saturday was a great success! The wind was perfect for beginners (NNW 5-10), and with the toasty temps, falling in was more of a reward than a punishment.

The old-timers that were present were Techno Matt, Chef Scott, Cowboy Bob and Captain Gail, Indy Car Mike, and World Wide Wayne and his son Trevor (although they were sailing a Sunfish instead of sailboard...hmmmm.... not sure if I approve of that or not!). The
newbies present were Agatha (who showed up with her brand new JP 180 liter New School board), and John and Rima, who drove up from Bloomington to join in the fun.

Techno Matt served as the head coach, since he had brought along all the appropriate newbie gear, including a printed page of newbie instructions that he got off the internet. So, as Indy Car Mike drifted across the water in the light wind, Bob and Gail rigged up, Agatha rigged her brand new gear, Wayne stood and looked at the water, Coach Matt and Assistant Coach Scott rigged the newbie loaner-gear, and gave John and Rima some beginning on-land instruction, and I lazily sat in the shade and had a sandwich and a coke.

Soon everyone was on the water. Agatha was loving her new board, and the center fin that makes it easy to stay upwind. John and Rima were taking turns on the loaner board while Coach Matt gave them some pointers. You could tell by the look in John's eyes that he was instantly getting hooked on this! Rima did great too, and I just noticed from Scott's pictures that the boom was set a rather high for
her. Rima, you'll definitely back and try it with the boom a little lower... I think it will make it easier for ya!

I eventually rigged my 7.5 and went out and cruised around for a bit. It was a nice day to be on the water, even with light winds.
After we were done sailing, we all headed to Rick's for some cold beers out on the deck. All in all, a great day! Agatha, John, and Rima, it was great meeting you all.

Lookin' forward to seeing you on the water again soon!

- Jibe Marker Jill