A Big, Fat Sailor.....

[Martin]

Can anybody suggest where I can buy a big fat sailboard?.

I am a big fat man who needs to get some exercise. But all the usual things don’t work for me. The only exercise that I found enjoyable was when I had a sailboard in Brunei 20 years ago. I wasn’t any good at it, as my co-ordination, balance and muscle memory are all poor. So I kept falling off. But all the falling off, swimming to the board, climbing back on, and the re-raising of the sail, seemed to use every muscle in my body. I was soon as fit at 50 as I had been at 20.

So I want to find a suitable board and sail it on a lake near here, up in Esarn.

I need lots of buoyancy. I seem to remember there were some boards called family boards, which must have had lots of buoyancy if they took a family on them.

I don’t care how old or crummy-looking the board and sails are so long as do the job of helping me get fit again.

I can travel anywhere in Thailand (or Malaysia) to get the right tackle and have it shipped home.

Any pointers about where to look and/or who to contact to acquire a big, fat sailboard (and maybe a kayak) would be gratefully received.

[pnustedt]

I had a sailboard in Brunei 20 years ago. I wasn’t any good at it, as my co-ordination, balance and muscle memory are all poor. So I kept falling off. But all the falling off, swimming to the board, climbing back on, and the re-raising of the sail, seemed to use every muscle in my body. I was soon as fit at 50 as I had been at 20.

If I read your post correctly you are 70 and taking up sailboarding - i.e. 50 yrs old 20 yrs ago?

Get a 365cm board in polythene with dagger board, you will need at least two sails - 6m for light winds and 4m for stronger winds.

Ever considered an inflatable Catamaran - Hobby Cat I think is the brand - very fast and exciting, and transportable.

[Martin]

Yes, pushing 70; but fancy having a go again. Why should youngsters have all the fun?. Old age and treachery can match youth and vigour!

My board in Brunei was quite big. I used to be able to give our neighbour’s 6-year-old lad a ride on the front in steady, light winds. In a couple of years my great-grandsons will be old enough to be given a little ride, if I can get a board with enough buoyancy.

I’ll look into the inflatable boat. But does boat sailing give one much exercise?.

Thanks very much for the reply.

[Pink Mist]

Fantastic you old bastard (check old bastard cards) you will find something mate I hope.

where in issarn are you?

[Sa nuk maak]

Good on you mate, check out www.amarasailingcenter.com. Amara has a great club in Pattaya where you can get lessons, hire or buy gear or just hang out.

Can get Am's no. of the site and give her a call, she will be happy to give advice and encouragement.

I had a sail today, It was sooooo good !!

[Martin]

Thanks, Sa Nuk Maak. I have now looked at that website and sent a letter to Amara. Thanks again.

[Martin]

Bronco: I am half-way between Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Lots of big lakes around. There's a set of maps on my website www.thaihomestay.co.uk

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Go for it Martin and good luck and best wishes

[pnustedt]

I’ll look into the inflatable boat. But does boat sailing give one much exercise?.

Catamarin sailing would give you a lot of exercise and exilharation. You would spend more time sailing than uphauling! Except when you flip over. Also good for passengers. I've just seen a web site for some Russian made inflatable cats.

Check out: http://www.catamaran.ru/albatros16.htm