Not a bad weekend for a newbie

[Icarus]

I was able to take my windsurfing gear out to Lake Minnewashta on Fri, Sat and Sun. Friday was pretty good, light winds, but good to start learning on. Unfortunately, the wind stopped blowing while I was out on the lake, D'OH. Good thing the wife was kayaking on the lake too so she gave me her spare paddle so I could get back to shore.

Sat was a little too windy for me to learn on, winds on Lake Minnewashta were around 20 gusting up to 30. But Sun was just right (kinda like the 3 Bears). Was out there for about 3 hours trying to learn as much as possible. Had about 10 mph winds. Was able to get going pretty good and was actually successful doing a tack (only one, others was having problems). I think I got lucky on that one. still need lots more practice.

All in all, I had a blast. On that note, does anyone have any suggestions on some protection for my hands. Because I wipe out a lot, I spend lots of time uphauling the sail and when that cord and hands get wet, sometimes it slides in my hands, creating blisters.

[steveb]

icarus. Some people can use gloves which can be purchased at the House or Scuba center. Some find they cannot use them because it causes the forearms to cramp,I'm one of these people.
There's a relatively new product called an easy uphaul, it allows you to use your harness hook to pull the sail most the way out of the water,it saves a lot of wear and tear on your hands and your back.
I also strongly recommend callouses, you'll find your hands will toughen up. Your wife will complain but I find my hands very useful whenever I have a sanding project about the house.