From: jaime@netcom.com (Jaime Cordera)
Subject: Re: Excerises
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1992 22:46:43 GMT

In article <74100168@hpl-opus.hpl.hp.com> poulton@hpl-opus.hpl.hp.com (Ken Poulton) writes:
>> I am writing as a pretty keen, improving windsurfer.  I would describe
>> myself as intermediate (can waterstart, manage the odd neat carve
>> gybe, and enjoy jumping as high as I can....) but my arm strength is a
>> bit weedy.
>
>I think having good sails properly rigged is more important (and much
>more fun) than building up your arms.  I used to have to quit after

Well-balanced equipment is a good idea, but it's still more fun to be in
good shape at the beginning of the season, when the gusty spring storms
(you remember, steady 35 gusting to 45 ?) come and demand a whole lot more
strength, as well as skill.

I go for a general conditioning program, including aerobics (running, and
the occasional long bike ride), stretching, and free weights. 

I also include several windsurfing specific exercises: calf raises, for 
strength in the footstraps, and toe pointing stretches for flexibility in the 
same.  These made a big difference in decreasing the cramping I got in my
calf and foot (arch) at the beginning of last season.

Also, squats or similiar exercise for additional leg strength. Bicycling would
probably be better here, but running/squats are more convenient for me.

The other general conditioning exercises take care of the rest of my 
windsurfing muscles, including hand-strength. Be sure to include bent-over 
rows to take care of the lats in the off-season.

Contrary to some views expressed here, I find for myself that I am in generally
good shape at the beginning of the season, and in generally poor shape at the
end (although my windsurfing-specific muscles are in prime form). Windsurfing
is just not that good for overall conditioning, even if it is a whole lot
more fun than running and lifting weights :-)

Going beyond just conditioning, you might try windsurfing-related sports
to maintain or improve your balance/control skills. I try to get my skateboard 
out every once in a while, and, after suitable armor is donned, take a few spins
in front of the driveway.  This is real convenient, and  not very expense. You
can skip the $100+ models that the school kids go for and hop down to
Toys-R-Us and pick up a cheap version for $35-40. Spend the money and get some
body armor too (gloves, at least). The first time you fall on the asphalt,
you'll be glad you did.

You can also try surfing, as I am, which is probably a whole lot closer to
windsurfing, and a whole lot safer (no asphalt to fall on). It's more expense,
(expect to pay between $300 used and $500, new) for a beginner board. From
silicon valley, it's also a whole lot more driving time than windsurfing, and
it's a whole lot more crowded, and it's a whole lot less satisfying than
windsurfing (no flames, please, I'm speaking only for myself !!!). It also
requires lot's better balance, so I expect my transitions and wave-sailing to 
improve quite a bit as a result.

Good luck and keep looking for those storms  !!

Jaime

-- 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jaime Cordera   6'0"" 200lbs                                   jaime@netcom.com
9'4" Bic A. Rock, 9'0" ASD slalom, 8'8" ASD Wave, Waddell Race and Surf/Slalom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------