Did you get out enough?

21st Apr 2008 @ 07:07:28 AM

sSs Team Rider Carl Tomlinson is one of those hardy northerners who continues to windsurf throughout the winter (except when under the knife for a bit of surgery to the elbow). According to Carl it's not just about wearing the right gear, but choosing your venue and having realistic expectations make winter sailing well worth the effort. Carl gives his top tips for banishing the winter blues:

The forecasts and conditions haven’t been inspiring this winter, we’ve had a couple of really memorable days but on the whole the weather hasn’t been in our favour. Progression in windsurfing requires regular practice just like any another sport which is why most people get away for winter and do some training where the conditions are good.

Back in the UK though the cold winter days are difficult to get motivated for a freestyle session when it’s 6 degrees C. Even now in April it’s been barely 8 degrees for many of the recent sessions. The demotivational effects of the cold are plain to see, in this picture of Llanfairfechan there’s only me out. Its blowing 18 knts side shore from the left, the whole place is to myself, but in summer there’d be at least 6-10 people sailing the summer sea breezes. So I thought I’d offer up a few tips on making the most of the poor & cold conditions.

Firstly check the forecasts and use you local knowledge to find spots that work in marginal conditions. For example Llanfairfechan accelerates the SW wind through the Menai Straights by a couple of knots so is sailable when everywhere else isn’t.

Secondly, you know its cold so go for a “splash & dash”, a short, say 2 hour session, but sail as if it were your last. Jem Hall calls it an “hour of power”. Go for a new trick at least ten attempts. Even if you don’t make progress you’ll feel good about having a go.

Thirdly, put some rubber on; its really important to keep yourself warm. Recently I ditched my Gath and started using a neoprene peaked surf cap, which is miles warmer because the cold water doesn’t tend to rush under the material. About 30% of heat is lost from the head, so wearing a cap may not look cool, but a warm head is a motivated head and that means a better session. Also if your head is warm the body is less inclined to direct the blood supply away from the limb extremities such as the hands and feet, so they stay less affected by the cold for longer.

Those of you that won’t wear (Atan) booties, wait till you’re 45 and you’ll wish you did!!

Fourthly book a trip abroad next winter; you know you won’t regret it!!

Carl is also sponsored by Aloha sailboards in Chester

Beach at Llan'

Twin Tip ready to go