Well, just said goodbye to Alan and Emmet from Ireland after another fantastic week of coaching. The wind was a little marginal this time but we managed to make the most of the conditions and even played a trump card heading south to sail 4.5s when there was a force 1 up here. Anyway, this is what Al said in a forum post....
"Just back from my week in Fuerteventura, thanks to all for the advice given.Just to share my experiences.........I took you up on your advice Oisin and booked a clinic for a week with Stephen Gibson (http://gibboinfuerte.blogspot.com/). I felt like I've crammed a years worth of progress into 7 days and avoided all the usual hassles with gear rental/service/transport/local knowledge. Couldn't recommend him highly enough for all sailing levels and will defo be back again. Picked up some nice gear too for a song thanks to Stephens contacts." Pretty happy, I reckon.
Also, read here what Nick, my student from two weeks ago, and an absolute beginner (until now) had to say.......
"I have just got back in from 7 days of 'flat out' fun with Fuerteventura legend Steve 'Gibbo' Gibson.
I hooked up with the man from the toon via a friend of mine for a week long , learn from scratch course. Being a total novice to the wind, although I can hold my own on a surfboard, snowboard, skis I thought it would be a nightmare to grasp wind surfing. NOT the case. Gibson explained everything in a 'canny' manor that was easy to understand and take in whilst making me feel totally at ease.
From the moment we hit the water at Waikiki beach, he was next to me or behind me talking me through, then showing me the how's, if's ,why's do's and don't do's. As part of my package all the kit was supplied. I feel there is no better way to learn than actually having the teacher out there with you talking you through everything that is going on piece by piece. He can then show you the correct way in close up as he is actually doing it.
I don't wish to give it the large one but by day 5 I was out in a good strong wind with a 5.0 up (not hooked in) screaming back and forth at speeds that felt like a ton although Gibbo reckons it was only 15mph! tacking quickly and Jibing.... Hope i have spelt it right.
The evenings were spent in Gibbo's bar .... 'Gibsons' eating cracking scran, downing beers, talking about the days fun and watching vids of the man himself whacking out a whole armory of tricks, loops and huge airs.
The highlight of my days on the water..........?
Gibson screaming out behind me, 'way ay one scoop man ', hitting a head high wave at half tilt and forward looping over my head about 10 feet away.... ! A proper giggle.
If you need to contact him to verify that I did actually have 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream get him at gibboinfuerte@yahoo.co.uk ". Bit bizarre, but very complimentary, haha.
And lastly, my advanced student from April, Alex's pa had this to say......."Hi All,
I can't recomend Steve's clinics highly enough. Not only for his professional instruction but in ensuring the best beach is hit for the days wind direction. Fuerta may be very windy, but it does need someone who knows the place to ensure that you end up in the right spot to make the most of the conditions - get it wrong and it may not be windy and you can spend all week chasing. Local knowledge of where to go and where not to sail when you get to the right spot can also ensure that you don't trash your kit in the first five minutes.
We've just come back from Steve's first clinic (Alex) and he has ensured that we have been able to make the best of the conditions on each day. Alex's sailing has really improved through Steve's tips and all in all its been a really good crack.
If anyone reading this is planning on going to Fuerta to improve their windsurfing or to just get some time on the water - get in touch with Steve. I promise you will not regret it. Top local knowledge and professional instruction - with video - which really helps get things dialled.
Thanks for everything Steve - Alex will be back. "
Pretty positive feedback so far, looking forward to my next one already............
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