Questions for Windsurfing Instructors

Windsurfing Talk Story 3rd Program on KOPO LP 89.5 FM for August 25^th, 2007 at 6PM @ P.Y.C.C.
With Kanza Scott and Mike Abrams interviewing David Dorn of Action Sports Maui windsurfing school.

Questions for Windsurfing Instructors

1)     Please tell us about your background, and how you became a windsurfing instructor. How many years have you been teaching and are you certified?

[David] I started windsurfing in Australia when I was twelve years old. It took four of us to carry it to the water. My friends and I would all take turns trying to ride the big windsurfer board. It had a big heavy sail and wooden booms. Eventually we learned how to get it going, and then we all got our own boards and would go windsurfing together. Then I started working in the local windsurfing shop when I was 16. I did my first windsurfing instructors course in 1989 at our local school. My boss was the top instructor trainer in the country and made me work very hard to get my certification. And have been teaching ever since, that is about 27years. I became a certified windsurfing instructor with the AYF in 1990. I later became a senior instructor and eventually a Master Windsurfing instructor, that teaches the instructor courses. I also got re-certified under the US Sailing teaching system in 1997.

2)       Do you teach all levels of the sport of windsurfing or do you specialize in a certain category?

      I do teach all levels of the sport, but there are some new trick that are beyond me. I love teaching kids, beginners all the way up to wavesailing, jumping and looping. 

      3)     Are teaching techniques different today then they were in the past? How have teaching methods changed in recent years?

      Yes the techniques have changed. Mostly because the  equipment has improved so much over the years. We no longer have to teach students how to tie the boom onto   the mast, or take the daggerboard out of the board when going down wind. Now students learn so much faster. And the instructions are easier to follow. I still see some people teaching the old style techniques, but it still kinda works. I guess. The new method has been streamlined and simplified so the 6year olds can understand the basic concepts and jump right on the board and go.

      4)      In your opinion do you think the sport of windsurfing is growing or declining and why?

That is a good question. I can still remember when the sport of windsurfing was new, and it exploded in popularity.  It was amazing. There were so many people doing it. But eventually it seemed to slow down because there were so many other fun sports coming along too. Then you had the real enthusiasts doing it and a steady stream of newbees learning too. Windsurfing has started to take off again because there is a younger generation discovering the sport. Many of these younger kids have parents that windsurfed before or still windsurf. Some kids are third generation  windsurfers, that have windsurfing grandparents. Windsurfing is definitely growing again and has a strong future.

       5)     Is windsurfing equipment today better made to facilitate learning the sport?  If so what changes to equipment have been made to better assist students?

The new beginner equipment, is easier to use that before. The sails are lighter so they are easier to lift up, and the boards are now wider and more stable. We also have more sail sizes available, with some companies making specialty sails for women and children. There are tiny sails for six year olds that are mini-versions of the adult sails. Everything on the rig has been scaled down and resigned to suit them.

 6)     Can you identify the most popular age groups entering the sport as beginners?

There are still adults 25-35 learning, and there are teens 13-17,And the kids 6-12 years would be the fastest growing age group.

7)      Do you observe more locals or more visitors signing-up for lessons?

We see local families doing more lessons, and we also see the visitors. The local families we will see coming down more regularly and they are more likely to stay with the sport over time.

8)     Where are the visiting windsurfing students coming from? What countries seem to be most popular for visiting pupils? 

We see students coming from all over the world. Not as many Japanese as we used to . Now it is mostly US mainlanders, Canadians, and Europeans. We have some English, Australian and New Zealanders too. We are now seeing more students coming from eastern European countries and south America too.

9)     Can you identify each level (Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced) of windsurfing corresponding to a set of mastered skills?

A beginner is someone in their first stage of learning tacking and jibing on the longboard.  An intermediate student is just learning the waterstart and how to ride a shortboard. For the first time. An advanced student can ride a shortboard comfortable, use the harness and footstraps, and jibe comfortably, and they can stay upwind consistently.

10) Where are the best places, by level, to learn windsurfing on Maui? Does the time of day matter?

The best place to learn on Maui is Kanaha beach in the morning. Because the wind blows side onshore for safety, the wind is light in the mornings, and it has a sandy beach that is protected for the waves by the surrounding reef, so the water is relatively calm. It is important for beginners to go in the early part of the day, because the tradewinds get stronger later in the day. Advanced students usually go out in the afternoons.

11) Where is the best place on Maui to learn to wave sail?

The best place to learn to wavesail is lower Kanaha, where the waves are close to shore. If you have a problem, you are not too far from shore, and there is a long beach with plenty of places to swim in to.

12) How much do windsurfing lessons cost? Are there special group rates?

            Windsurfing lesson prices have not changed in over five years. A group beginner windsurfing lesson is $79 including all the gear. There are private lessons, and there are kids camps from $50 per day. We also give kaamaina discounts for families doing longer courses.

13) Do you feel that Maui is a very tough place for beginners to learn the sport of windsurfing and why?

I have taught in many different places. And Maui definitely has the most windy days.  So you have to get out early to take advantage of the lighter winds. Then there is no problem. On maui you will learn faster.

14) How many weeks or months on average would it take a beginner to advance to the level of an intermediate sailor here on Maui? How many lessons per week do you recommend for students whom really want to advance?

Everyone learns at a different rate. It depends on your comfort level and your motivation. The average person will spend 6-8weeks, two or three times per week. To become an “intermediate”. But many will learn faster. The most important thing is to go at a comfortable pace for you.

 15) Do you recommend lessons for advanced sailors that may rack-up over 100 days per year?

Yes definitely, There is always something new to learn. Just like any serious sport the athlete can benefit from advanced lessons and coaching. Especially if there is a particular technique that they want to learn.

16)  Is it common for serious sailors to hire personal windsurfing coaches today?

Yes many serious sailors will hire coaches and personal trainers to help them progress.

17) What do you tell your students about the safety of the sport today?

Windsurfing is quite safe as long as you always respect the ocean and the weather. I tell every student to know their limits, and listen to their instincts, no their egos. Also give other sailors plenty of room to move.

18) Do you recommend the use of video cameras for learning the sport?

Photography and videography are great learning tools. When you see yourself from another perspective, it can be quite revealing. The way you see yourself is often different from how others may see you from outside. That is why video cameras can be helpful.

19) When is it time for a student to change from a long board to a short board?

I recommend that students should master tacking and jibing and the beach start, before trying the waterstart on a shorter board. There is not set timeframe, but it will make sailing in stronger winds easier.

20) Do you have any last words of encouragement or wisdom for our listening students?

Windsurfing will be lots of fun, for years to come. So take your time and learn at the pace that is right for you. If it sometimes gets frustrating so take a little break and try again later. Also, Windsurfing is fun to share with your friends, and learning is easier when you have people to share the experiences with. Keep practicing and have fun while you are learning. 

 thank you and Aloha.