Realistically speaking, how hard is it to learn to windsurf? Is it something that could be learned in one day? Maybe not to be proficient but at least to get up on the board and be able to get across the water and enjoy oneself? Or is it much harder than that? We're early 50s, don't get a lot of aerobic exercise, but have been weightlifting at the gym for several months. What is the main thing needed? Strength? Balance?

Thanks for your input. We're trying to decide if it will be worth it to take lessons. We are snorkelers mainly and love doing that so don't want to spend our entire vacation learning to windsurf. We just thought if it could be readily learned, it might be fun to try for a new additional hobby. Also, what is the general cost of lessons?

Larry, check out www.jibecity.com You should get a lot of information there. Also, if Ann Phelan is lurking, she is a wealth of information on this topic. Good luck and be safe!

Hello Larry..since there is no wind I can take time to email.

Here is the thing, time on water is key. If you dedicate time to practice, it's a great sport. The hardest part is the beginning..it's hard to pull the sail out of the water and balance to get going..BUT as you get better you learn to water start vs uphaul (pull the sail out)...You do need some level of coordination which we all have..strength is somewhat important in the beginning but later we use harnesses to hold us..I know people 80 who sail and here kids are 2 and 3 years..

If you come to the windsurf capital of the Caribbean you MUST take a lesson. You can do it..I know..

Email me if you want to talk..

Annie
www.bonairecaribbean.com

Please take Ann's advice and take a lesson as it is well worth it to start out with some very good help. You can get up and moving in a day and have some fun. Just try it and decide for yourself. John and I were also older when we started and are now hooked. Remember that we all had to start with the basics. Come and join the fun.

Thanks, everyone, for your input. We may just give it a whirl! Would we roast wearing dive skins (to protect from the sun)?

Lac Bay is shallow and the water warm. We wear lycra dive skins for sun protection. A full wet suit would be a little warm. Glad you are going to give it a try. Let us know how it goes.

Hi, Here's the post-trip report. It was SOOOOOO hot while we were on Bonaire in August that neither my wife nor I felt up to trying windsurfing. Maybe on another trip when weather is a bit cooler...We still thank you all for your input. We'll keep it in mind for the future.

I think if you schedule a lesson or two you should be able to consider yourself a "windsurfer" after a few days at Jibe City. I've seen Ronald help a lot of people learn, even before he was the instructor. Ann is right, time on the water is a major element and if you are in Bonaire you have the perfect conditons. Lac Bay is shallow, clear and safe.
Wow, I miss it already!