Prerequisites:
- Registered as a UBC Sailing Club member for the current season
- At least 10 times on the water (with 15 knots of wind or more) after completing L2 windsurfing
- Very comfortable with the beach start (given reasonable amount of wind)
- Able to go upwind (or at least stay upwind) without a daggerboard, ideally on a shorter/smaller board (very comfortable on 150-160 L)
- Thick wetsuit
Join us for an exhilarating high wind windsurfing trip to Nitinaht Lake!! We will also run a high wind lesson for advanced L2 and L2.5 windsurfers eager to get to L3, with spots for at least 3 students (possibly more if there's enough interest to book another campsite). Keep an eye out for windy days this summer as a chance to prepare and hone your skills!
We'll meet at Jericho the night before to review and test rigging, cover waterstart theory, packing, and logistics. Transportation will be arranged separately (we'll carpool so if you're willing to drive your car or a Modo, please let us know as it will really help to split the windsurfing gear among vehicles!). We'll all be splitting the costs of the ferry, campsites, and gas equally (not included in the lesson fee). Once registered, you will be added to the trip Whatsapp group closer to the date for better coordination. We have 2 sites at Nitinaht Lake Campground.
High wind conditions are essential for this session, and our ability to conduct the lesson depends on favorable weather. In the event of unsuitable conditions, we will provide a full refund or a credit to your UBSSC account, if you prefer. Despite the high wind, Nitinaht Lake is a safer environment than Squamish, with easier launching and fewer hazards, making it possible for experienced L2s to join and leapfrog to L3. Note L2s who pass to L3 will also gain L2.5 board and sail access, although they will still need to attend a foil orientation to have access to our foils.
Advanced windsurfing lessons aim to help you sail in high winds with a smaller board. This course covers:
- Rigging and handling gear in high winds
- Planing and using the foot straps
- Waterstart!
To pass the course, your instructor must feel confident in your ability to do the following:
- Take proper care of the lighter and more delicate advanced equipment in a safe manner.
- Be able to waterstart with enough wind.
- Be able to control the board while planning and using the foot straps.
- Select appropriate gear for the conditions.
- Practice good decision making and able to self-rescue back to shore at any point.
For you to pass this course, your instructor must see that you can demonstrate all of the above and they must feel confident that you can safely launch and return to shore in high winds. Note our instructor will also determine whether it is safe for you to participate in a high wind environment and associated hazards, and we reserve the ability to request you to re-join another session after more practice on the water.
If you are unsure if this is the right class for you, feel free to contact our head windsurfing instructor at windsurfinginstructor@ubcsailing.org. What should you wear? Please look at this page (note this is for Jericho, make sure to plan layers for our destination).
It'll be some long and demanding sessions, be sure to bring lots of water and snacks + food and electrolytes to stay hydrated and energized! Get ready for some unforgettable days on the water!!