N00b looking for some advice/possible lessons...

[ShrewLWD]

Hey guys,

I was taught WS during my teens, but haven't touched a board again until now. Back then, I was shorter and lighter. Now I'm 6'4" and 230 pounds.
I purchased a Mistral Prodigy and a 6.5 Express sail.
I have researched and have plenty of theory in the noggin, but am having trouble applying it. (Kinda like knowing how Chess pieces move doesn't make one a Chess Master).
I can tack, I can Jibe. I can keep my balance (that's a good one, I hear! ) I can rig up too.

Here's some of my issues...
--I've read I should lock a larger sail further down towards the nose of the board. Is this true? True of a shortboard like the Prodigy too?
--I simply cannot sail beyond 3 or 9 on a clock face, with the wind blowing from 12. I find the best I can do is get up some speed on 3 or 9, then turning to 10 or 2 until the speed drops to 0. Is there a specific stance that allows consistent sailing in these directions?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Also, if there is someone in the Maple Grove or Plymouth area willing to spend an hour or two cleaning up my stance and bad habits, please let me know! I'll throw some dollars and bubbly your way to make it worth your while.

[Jim N]

Heading upwind (pointing ) can be a challenge! Judging by your size, I'd say a larger sail might help. I like ones with cams especially for upwind.
Also the size and shape of your fin is crucial. A straight fin at close to a right angle to the surface is called a "pointer" for a reason. You probably want something 45 cm long or more. Yes, mast base forward in the mast track does promote pointing. If you have a dagger board, you'll want it down when heading up. It also helps to be "planing" before attempting to point. You may actually have to sail slightly down wind to get planed-up, then get in the straps and apply upward toe pressure in order to orient the board in an up-wind position. I know there's a national one-design racing class for Prodigies, so you could probably find a chat room with helpful hints. GOOD LUCK, enjoy the wind! JN P.S: Jeff Adamski offers lessons, and is one of the top course board racers around.

[Eric S]

hey Shrew,

I live about 30 mins from Maple Grove up here in Zimmerman. I broke my leg a few weeks ago and am about to get back on the water. The Prodigy is a board I'd like to demo. I think the Stock racing sail is a 7.5 so the 6.5 should work OK.

Let's hook up. I'll trade you some pointers for some time on your board. You're taller than me but I'm fatter than you. I gained about 20lbs with this broken leg. Need to get out and put down the fork.

find my email at the bottom of this page:

http://www.downhaul.com/

Eric

[ShrewLWD]

Great! Thank you both!
Jim N ->Can I get some contact info for Jeff Adamski please?

Eric S -> I sent you an offline email to hook up with you. Let me know if you don't get it.

[Jeff A]

Give me a call at 763-441-1521...
I sure I can give you some helpful hints.
Jeff A