Search Topics
How Windsurfing Entered My Life
Submitted by: AnnaNANA
PolandStudent, sailing instructor, addicted windsurfer.
A year ago, during a long dark and snowy winter I made a list of what I want to do in the summer of 2013.
One of the desires was to try windsurfing. All my life I looked enviously on windsurfers being happy about very strong wind while I was struggling on a boat with reefed sails.
Last year I was a student and due to my university schedule and unwillingness I didn’t have a job as a regular office job is not for me and I did not have an idea for another. Also working as a sailing instructor in spring wasn’t an option because my ex boss and I had an argument and he fired me.
Somehow, I kept thinking about windsurfing though I couldn’t manage to make some savings.
In June my friend called me that private school where she works organizes a yearly family sailing trip for parents and children in Mazuria, the most beautiful and best Polish inland sailing spot. She said a girl skipper is needed for mom with two boys. I agreed instantly.
Not only did I earn some money but also had the best holidays in my life with amazing people. I got back from the trip to my summer house but still windsurfing wasn’t an option as individual lessons were too expensive.
One day my friend and I went with her children for some paddle boating. It was a beautiful windy day. Windsurfers were of course on the water. I looked at them longing to finally join them. A minute later our common friend called only to say she is bored and wanted to try windsurfing with her husband but it would be cheaper if I joined them. We started our lessons on the following day and what I earned earlier was just enough to cover 2 courses and additional rental hours.
However, when I was finally windsurfing I found myself yearning for an adventure in Hel, a Polish most popular wind and kite spot. Once more didn’t have money. Starving for the wind and sailing, I waited two weeks until I saw a prognosis for the weekend 2-3 stars on wing guru, which meant 5-7B. I could not miss it.
After calculating how much I have and need, I decided I could spend 2 days there. So I borrowed a tent and bought a night train ticket.
The same hour I arrived I made friends, got a small discount on the rental and didn’t spend a night in tent. I forgot to mention I don’t like them. The next day someone lent me their rig for free. Then I decided to stay longer. I made more friends and when it was windy I could always sail.
I stayed there two weeks instead of two days. Nothing is impossible!