2025 Opening Day!

It was great to have a new student and a returning student for the first day of 2025 at the Launch Pad.

Michelle had seen me give lessons to her sister and brother-in-law and parents, but was not quite sure that she wanted to brave the wind and water and actually go out herself. But over time, seeing so many other people have success at the Launch Pad she overcame her hesitation and decided that TODAY was the day. We got her into a comfy wet suit and headed out to the simulator to see if it was actually going to happen…

The wind was south 8 to 10 kn and she did great on the simulator. So I took her up wind with the jet ski to where the water is nice and calm and she got up and sailed back-and-forth even completing a tack. Super proud her success today. The bluetooth talking headsets, definitely helped with us being able to chat with each other as she sailed. Geoff was nearby on the paddle board cheering her on!

Then it was Ron’s turn. Ron had been on the island for lessons a few times in the past few years and this was his best session to date. He was out again on the Duotone iRIG small sail and the big Viper XL board. This time his refresher on the simulator was easy and getting out on the water was perfect. He completed a tack and jibe and floated gracefully back to the starting point. After the session Ron said he was even more eager to get better at windsurfing so he can try it next time he is in Japan!

The nice surprise session happened after I went foiling on the 8m Duotone Ventis with the 142 Sky SUP foil board with the 2140 foil. Phillip came out to give it a try. He got one amazing long run into way out into Georgian Bay. He was over 1km away and we were able to be in touch the whole time on the BBtalkin headsets.

We also got to see a mink on our way out. I think I need to add a wildlife page to the Launchpad website!

As we were packing up the gear our neighbour Danielle and Jim came by to check out the construction. They were both excited to hold a wing and find out more about WeCANfoil.

Looking forward to welcoming more students to the Launch Pad with my new online booking calculator calendar.