Why does it seem windsurfing is fading away

[ka360]

[loscocco]

http://www.surfertoday.com/kiteboarding/7364-kiteboarding-replaces-windsurfing-in-the-2016-olympic-games#.T6V9a4zAwjc.twitter

[acctx]

[waitinSD]

“I wonder how high the correlation is between political persuasion and a penchant for regulated recreation?”

Hey Kelly
How about telling that genius iso about your “political persuasion?”

[GURGLETROUSERS]

With most normal human beings 'burn out' is the inevitable consequence of over indulgence. Windsurfing has portayed and marketed itself as a high octane sport with somewhat obvious results. More are burning out and leaving the sport countrywide, than are taking it up.

Lots of reasons have been put forward as to why newbies choose to go elsewhere, but aren't some of the stated attitudes in this thread alone, about dedicating yourself to windsurfing above all else in life, part of the problem?

Normally balanced people see the obvious pitfalls of such a demand, and choose instead to lead a full life, not be slave to a single minded (narrow minded) obsession. As Jingo said in a different thread, many who choose to follow the dream live to regret it, and the result isn't always pretty.

I was totting up the other night just how many good windsurfers we've lost over the last few years from our local beach. It came to over 40.

Windsurfing needs to be marketed as an interesting, fascinating, and very satisfying sport that doesn't demand opting out of normal life. It has to be made as accessible as possible ... with S.U.P. option as backup for windless conditions, if needs be. (They should just make sure they produce the right kind of gear for it!)

[windward1]

It is hard to lead a balanced life when the stoke is so high.

[swchandler]

G.T., you raise an interesting point about windsurfing. Windsurfing does take a very dedicated person that will create their life around the sport. Most folks won't or cannot always do that, and often prefer a more normal well rounded life. That's a big limiting factor.

I have to admit that after 27 years of windsurfing, I no longer enjoy driving all over the planet like I used to. That's provides a dilemma of sorts for me in the future, because I'm increasingly finding myself in a position of looking for satisfaction in the less exciting aspects of the sport. Fortunately, I only live a few miles from the ocean, so my odds are much better than those who have to drive a notable distance just to get to the water.

[beallmd]

I think, rather than people burning out on windsurfing, they get older and can't do it anymore. That's what I see when I look at who's missing. (Well, at least as much as burning out). Thus the emphasis on trying to attract young folks.

[isobars]

[GURGLETROUSERS]

Sorry Beallmd, but we can't accept that. Old experienced folk CAN still do it, it's usually, with those who quit, just that they have exhausted their supply of enthusiasm, and no longer see any percentage in WANTING to keep doing it.

Some of us don't quit. I should think half the folk on this forum are far from being spring chickens!