From: jscott@adobe.com (Joyce D. Scott)
Subject: Re: Windsurf classes
Followup-To: rec.windsurfing
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 22:38:12 GMT

In article <1993Jan11.213616.8744@gallant.apple.com>, kevinh@apple.com
(Kevin Hester) wrote:
> 
> In article <jscott-110193102435@mace404.mv.us.adobe.com> Joyce D. Scott,
> jscott@adobe.com writes:
> >Incidently, I have found Marnie and Dave at Maui Magic to be excellent
> >instructors and the classes they run are well worth the money.
> >
> >Joyce
> 
> This brings up a question which has been on my mind.  Just how much do
> these windsurfing courses cost?  How much do they help?
> 
> Kevin
> "A just barley able to waterstart Windsurfer"
> 
> PS: Please let the wind come back!
> ---------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
> S. Kevin Hester      | Disclaimer: Nothing I say has anything to do     |
> kevinh@apple.com     | with Apple Computer.  The red zone is for        |
> Portable Beer Brewer | loading and unloading of passenger vehicles only.|

I'm using this post to answer several question that came to me after my
post on using one-way radios for windsurfing lessons.  Hope this
information helps.  Let me say first that I am convinced that taking
lessons, especially in a windsurfing paradise like Maui is absolutely the
best way to learn!!

I'm not able to get to my windsurfing info files right now, but here's what
I can say off the top of my head about learning windsurfing on Maui.

Maui Magic operates from Kanaha Beach park in Kahului on the North shore of
Maui right by the airport.  The beach is perfect for learning with mild
shorebreak and lots of launching room.  The wind is side onshore and there
is no danger if you can't get back upwind, just a nice walk back along the
beach (referred to by the locals as "the walk of shame").  Maui Magic is
based in a Windsurfing shop that used to be Ed Angulo's place, but he is no
longer associated with it.  I believe it is called Maui Windsurfing
Company.  When I get to the information, I can post a phone number.

Especially for a beginner, Maui is a wonderful place to windsurf and the
equipment and instructors are the excellent.  Maui Magic runs classes for
beginners to advanced sailors in groups of four or less students.  They
also can arrange for private lessons.  The group lessons are Introduction
to Windsurfing, Waterstart 1, Waterstart 2, High Performance, and Jibe. 
All of the instructors are very good.  I especially like Marnie and Sarah,
but I may be responding better to the women since they understand the
problems I face because most windsurfing equipment was designed for men who
have bigger bodies and better leverage than I.  The group lessons are about
three hours and usually include instruction on the beach with some practice
on the beach and then time on the water.  High Performance and Jibe classes
use the one way radio when you are on the water, the other classes are
pretty much individual instruction with no more than four people per
instructor.  I've gotten a reasonable amount of attention even with four in
the class, and there have been occasions when I have take a group class as
the only student (they don't cancel as long as there is wind and at least
one body to teach).  Oh yes, wind.  It is a rare day that there is no wind
on Maui.  If it is not blowing well on the North shore, they teach on the
South shore at Kehei.  

As a beginner I think the best way to go is to arrange for a series of
lessons, they give you a discount for booking three lessons.  The
instructors are around the shop in the mornings and can give you advice on
what equipment to rent, what the day's sailing conditions are and what
class you are ready to take.  You also get a discount if you call ahead and
arrange for rentals and lessons before you arrive.  None of this is cheap,
but then Hawaii is not cheap.  My memory may be off but I remember about
$150 for three lessons and about $150 to rent equipment for one week. 
Beginner lessons include equipment, but you need to rent for the rest of
the classes.  The equipment is good and in good shape and you can stop each
morning before class and exchange boards and sails if you want
bigger/smaller/different color or whatever.

Oh course, all this is subject to my memory which drops bits all the time,
so if anyone out there has more accurate info on prices, etc. please post.

If you are going to go to Maui as a beginning windsurfer, I can't recommend
strongly enough that you take lessons with a reputable shop or teacher.  It
will make all the difference as to how much you enjoy your vacation and how
much progress you make with your windsurfing!

I'm due back in Maui for two weeks in July and suffering painful
windsurfing pangs now...

Joyce
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing