articles, stories, and announcements from Austin windsurfers

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Thanks from the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation

On behalf of the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (SPF), I thank the Austin Windsurf Club for choosing the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation as the charity chosen for the 2008 Learn to Windsurf Weekend.

Funds generated from the weekend will go to the SPF research fund. Over the past few years, there are advances in knowledge from the funded researchers about Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) that we believe will help lead to the cures. Funds raised through various events such as the Learn to Windsurf Weekend are the funds generated for research grants.

Thank you to all who helped make the weekend a success!!
Marlene Doolen
SPF Ambassador for Texas
www.sp-foundation.org

Learn to Windsurf - All Summer Long!

In a new move for 2008, the club is holding Learn to Windsurf events throughout the summer.

The warm-up event was April 26, where our president, vice president, and several other members taught adults and children alike on a lovely afternoon. Our new rigs of Starboard Starts and Ezzy sails are really paying off for our students.

Our main event of the year, the Learn to Windsurf Festival, was held on May 31 and June 1 this year. As in previous years, we had Roger and Ellen leading our clinic with their fantastic teaching skills. This year, we were blessed with breezy winds, about 10-15 mph.

With 4-5 students per hour from 10-2, the club introduced lots of new people to the sport. Roger's towing method keeps the instructor close to the student at all times, so the instructor can coach and the student observe at close range to see how it is done. We also signed up several new members in the process. Check out the photos.

Big thanks to all the volunteers (too many to name here) that worked hard to make the all these events a great success, including barbecue, gift bags, registration, set up, tear down, coaching, and smiling faces.

But the club is not resting. On June 28, the club hosted 18 students on a hot, but windy day. Notwithstanding white caps beyond the buoy line, our water couches brought the new sailors through their first time on the water. Look for announcements for the remainder of our Learn to Windsurf days later in the summer.

Don't forget that Mike S hosts our Thursday evening sessions for new sailors. Of course, all club members are welcome to sail, hang out, and even lend a hand. Mike announces details on this email list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/austinwindsurf-practice

Friday, June 27, 2008

Newsletter Editor Position - Open for 2009

Did you ever think, "hey, I got a few things to say!"? Perhaps you have a flair for the written word or looking for a little job experience. Then, the club needs you as Newsletter Editor.

After two years as the Club Newsletter Editor, I have new leadership responsibilities in a communication professional association, so my time will be very limited starting in 2009.

Some fresh blood will bring a new spark to our newsletter. Contact Vanessa at newsletter@ausintwindsurf.org for the details. All our volunteer positions come up in the fall.