Windsurfing is great 30 years later

Don’s family has been up in Key Harbour even longer than my family. They have deep roots going back generations.

His grandparents once even considered purchasing the island that’s now the Launch Pad island. They bought a place just a bit farther out.

Newly retired and looking for things to keep him active and interested when at the cottage he booked a complementary "Key Harbour locals" lesson. We had reconnected with him and had a great chat at the Association annual meeting a few days prior.

On the morning of his lesson we chatted about his goals. Just getting back on the water in some way was the objective. He did mention having seen me foiling out in the harbour several times over the last couple of years. So foiling was of interest but we decided that going back to basics with windsurfing would be a good way to start.

We carried gear out to the point and I put him on the viper HD board with the ice 4.2. He quickly got his balance and muscle memory back on the land simulator. Then onto the water. We had fun sailing together. The BBtalkin headsets worked great and I coached him through his tacks and jibes. It was like riding a bicycle for him. And exciting for me to get someone back on the water after so many years.

Then it was time for me to get a foil session in. I pumped up the 8m Ventis and Don loved holding the wing in the air. That was just the ticket for me to get a quick session at the windiest spot on Georgian Bay. I got some tacks and jibes right by the point. What a great day.