This is a short message and all but I think I finally figured it out
the other day after thinking about it a long time. And this is just a
little theory of mine. Windsurfing is such an old boys club. Like
golf (especially how it was before Tiger and Nike and what not). Same
idea going on if you follow. Yes there are plenty of women involved
in the sport and everything, and some younger people (under 25). I'm
just referring to the character of the sport. And I think this is one
of the main reasons why the sport is not growing very much, especially
for younger folk. Just open up a magazine - except for the typical
Hot Shots section, most of the people are older males. Do you think
any kids want to mimic these people? NO. Do I or any other young
sailors look forward to checking out the "how to waterstart" for the
umpeenth time? No. Do kids want to be like their parents? No. So
if older folk are always the people in these mags, why would kids want
to windsurf?
Honestly it would be nice if there were enough resources within the
community to get something like a "Thrasher" or "Surfer" style mag out
there. But seeing what happend to Wind Tracks, that ain't going to
happen. I'm telling you, I like looking at all the big phat tricks
and everything. yeah i know, I'll hear how "but windsurfing isn't an
extreme sport". yeah yeah yeah. But kids want to be extreme, and if
they see all the extreme stuff that can be done windsurfing, they may
think "wow, that looks fun, i'd like to do that." Furthermore, does
surfing have to be extreme? No, i've seen plenty of older folks on
their bigass longboards having a good time. but you don't see that
***in the suf mags because nobody wants to see it.
So basically, the windsurfing magazines suck. They will suck forever.
I'm looking forward to learning how to uphaul in 15 knot winds. Oh
yeah. forget about the goiters, spocks, big Jaws barrels, blazing
speed runs, etc.
Ok, so this turned into a rant. But whatever. Hopefully someone will
see something in this and see kinda what i'm saying. agree or
disagree, whatever. These are just my feelings. And I'm not a total
punk kid anymore. I'm 20. been sailing for 10 years. so i guess its
just built up frustration. And the fact that i haven't sailed since
august and what not.....
oh nevermind
Cris Pavloff - sailor turned student