I just had a great session this arvo at Cotton Tree, on my old Wally Windsurfer. Only my second sail since buying it and fixing it up.
Only about 10 knots, sailing in the river and in and out of the mouth, picking up a couple of little waves.
Just goes to show you don't need to spend up big on equipment to have a ball windsurfing. It's a delightful thing to sail, with an Air Sails 6.0m battoned wave sail that feels light and neutral in the hands. And smooth power delivery as you sheet in.
People who are interested in windsurfing only need to pick up an old original Windsurfer to get started and they won't regret it.
I only bought it out of curiosity, see what the old school of windsurfing is like, compared to my new gear.
I gotta say it's just as much fun!
Good fun for the kids too, used Wally One Design, new Barracouta Sails 3.5M sail on a standard mast, wave boom, complete for under $800
I'm pretty sure with the video they chopped off the last bit.
ie. there can only be one... one design......... it's the original, the windsurfer one.
The Italians are getting back into the Wallies in a big way - they are talking about 60+ entries at Lake Garda in about 10 days time. I'll be there, but due to injuries and illness I couldn't get much sailing done before I left Oz, despite sailing one day in light snow. Yep, snow.
Great to hear KennyK. I would never be without one. Grew up sailing them and still get just as much fun now. There are so many day's that any "new age gear" can't compare to the fun that can be had in light consistent wind. I would so love to have a Phantom, but still need the Wally. Good to see someone experience this nice surprise. Enjoy it forever!!!!!
I have also done a bit of wally sailing in the last couple of years and it is pretty special to take one out in 5-8 knots and glide around. I think when I owned one originally it was fun but it was really just a stepping stone to high wind short board sailing ....inspired by the pictures of Mike Waltz and the other Maui crew we saw in the Mags...35 years later it seems easier to appreciate the simplicity and functionality of the Wally and the simple pleasure of light wind cruising......and some very average attempts at rail riding......