The flags were blowing from a light southerly breeze as we arrived at Lakes Bay with the cloudy skies. Ally got the registration table up and running efficiently. Our first 2 students lucked out and were given a full hour of 1-on-1 instruction by Tom, Bill, and then Brian. This made for a tremendous day for them, only to be topped by trying stand-up paddleboarding, compliments of the Extreme Windsurfing crew.
Our second beginner windsurfing session found us greeting Suraj, who recently got hooked with a lesson in Florida, and brought 4 of his friends along to introduce them to windsurfing. This is a true testament to the addictive nature of windsurfing, and something that we, as a club, like to nurture. Brian continued mentoring these 5 guys into the lunch hour, until he was satisfied with their newfound capabilities.
After a delicious lunch catered by Jo Jo’s Italian Grille, 8 of us gathered for the advanced windsurfing clinic featuring world-renowned instructor Petra Kanz. This Q & A session covered the topics of waterstarting, jibing, harness & footstrap use, and more. It was very informative, and a good pre-curser to the following weekends full day advanced windsurfing clinic on the water.
The race committee soon began distributing numbered vests and recruited 10 slalom racers. A simple ¼ mile back-and-forth figure 8 course was officiated by our race committee of Brian and Mr. Larkin. Following a LeMans start (on your mark, get set, go) Jimmy Larson has a big lead approaching the first mark, followed by Jesse Sander. Somehow, they both took turns in the drink as Tom Latham widely jibed around them. With the juniors required to complete 1 lap, Jimmy beat everyone to the line to take first place junior, followed by Michael and Ally. Tom was able to hold the lead through the second lap to earn first place, followed by Jesse, Petra, and Rich Lees.
The wind remained light, with gusts few and far between, so there was minimal planning and footstrap use. We have found that most contestants are decked out for slalom, freeride, bump & jump conditions, so we like to keep it simple to encourage participation. The second race found Jimmy once again first around the mark, with Jesse finding his zone and blowing the doors off of the rest of the fleet. Between races, some flowstyle (aka: freestyle) action could be witnessed with Jesse, Rich, and Petra handling their sails impeccably.
For race 3, I found my daughter trying to take me out. That’s what I get for implementing PWA Slalom “No” Rules. I don’t know how she was able to hold onto both her own boom, and mine, for such a long time? I was able to recuperate and work my way through the pack in the light winds, thanks to my “longboard”. The awards ceremony soon followed, with raffle prizes for all present. Special thanks goes out to Jim Karabasz at Extreme Windsurfing for his generous donations of accessories and apparel. Additional thanks for the provision of New England Windsurfing Journals and Windsport Magazine prize subscriptions.
Lakes Bay is a top notch windsurfing destination, complete with on-site shop ( Extreme Windsurfing ) and hotel (Comfort Inn & Suites ). Wondering if it’s blowing? Bookmark the new Lakes Bay Webcam for visual confirmation.
TThanks to all of our tireless NJWWA volunteers who ensure the success of our Fun Fest program. (Unfortunately, my new GoPro helmet-cam misfired).
Requirements: Open to ages 18 and older Open to ages 9 – 18 with a parent or guardian present Properly fitting lifejacket required
Beginner’s Introduction To Windsurfing Lesson
This is a streamlined level 1 lesson designed to give you a taste of windsurfing. This program will help future potential windsurfers to determine if they want to make the commitment to invest in more lessons and equipment. Students will be accompanied on the water with an instructor and a tethered sailboard. r /> Age appropriate equipment is provided for ages 9 and older.
Availability may be limited to 30 participants.
All watersports participants must have swimming experience,
and be confident and capable of swimming 25 yards, unassisted,
in deep water (level 4), and tread water for 2 minutes.
Water Shoes or old sneakers Required.
Towels & Sunscreen Recommended.
We suggest following up your windsurfing experience
with a lesson from a qualified instructor.
Stand Up Paddleboard
Lesson & Fun Races
Equipment will be provided to share for beginners to try
Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Beginner’s will be given a basic lesson on paddling.
We will hold a short SUP Relay Race before lunch,
Awards will be presented to the top 3 competitors.
Windsurfing Clinic & Fun Races
Equipment is not provided.
This Q & A session may include a static simulator,
covering rigging, jibing and waterstarting. Demonstrations may also be performed
on the water if its windy.
Fun Races will consist of a LeMans Start (1,2,3, go!)
and should be series of slalom races,
(back and forth) depending on the conditions.
Open Class will include Men’s, Women’s, and Junior divisions.
The Sailing Rules of the Road will apply.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division.
Become an NJWWA member and save on future events,
These programs exist because of members who
Volunteer their time and abilities.
Many volunteer opportunities exist; we can find a niche for
yoyou to fill. Please consider volunteering.
Directions:
From North Jersey – Garden State Parkway South to exit 38 Atlantic City Expressway. Atlantic City Expressway East to exit 5 Pleasantville Route 9. Right off of exit at traffic light onto Route 9 South. Follow .50 Miles and make a left at traffic light onto US 40/322 East for 2 Miles. Comfort Inn & Suites/Extreme Windsurfing on the right, 7079 Black Horse Pike, West Atlantic City, NJ, US, 08232p>
From Philadelphia – Route 76 East to Walt Whitman Bridge into New Jersey. 42 South for 10 Miles to AC Expressway. AC Expressway for 39 Miles to exit 5 Pleasantville Route 9. Right off of exit at traffic light onto Route 9 South. Follow .50 Miles and make a left at traffic light onto US 40/322 East for 2 Miles. Hotel on the right.
From Cape May – Garden State Parkway North to exit 38 Atlantic City Expressway. Atlantic City Expressway East to exit 5 Pleasantville Route 9. Right off of exit at traffic light onto Route 9 South. Follow .50 Miles and make a left at traffic light onto US 40/322 East for 2 Miles. Hotel on the right.
Tentative Schedule of Events:
9:00am Beginner’s Introduction to Windsurfing Lesson
10:00am Beginner’s Introduction to Windsurfing Lesson
11:00am Beginner’s Introduction to Windsurfing Lesson
9–11:30 Beginner’s Stand-Up Paddleboard Lessons
(Every 30 minutes, as needed)
12:00 Stand-Up Paddleboard Relay Race (followed by awards)
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Advanced Windsurfing Clinic, for established windsurfers
2:2:00 Windsurfing Slalom Races (back & forth), 3 – 5 races TBD
