Help with a summer water sport?

Question

I'm looking into making a purchase soon for the summer. Recently due to some health issues my strength has been limited, vote is out on if it's permanent.

Anyhow, I want to enjoy my summer. I am looking into 3 or so options. I like sailing, I have a Hobie Cat 16', but it's too much work to setup. I'm looking for something 1-3 people can do. It'd be me and my wife mostly. Combined weight is around 250-260.

-Small Hobie sailboat, like one of the new 12' models. They're lightweight, easy to setup.

-Two+ person kayak, looking at Hobie again for the foot pedals. The other person can help paddle.

-Windsurfing(I know nothing of this sport). Recently I've heard it requires a lot of strength..so I won't be able to do that if that's the case.

Thanks very much for your time.

Answer 1

buy two, cheap, one seat jet skis and race (for fun)

Answer 2

Why not try kayaking, there is no set up, it doesn't require alot of strength, just effecient paddling, its lightweight, easy excersise and you could get a tandem (seats two) or individual.  I would get a recreational kayak with a hatch so you guys can go exploring, pack a lunch.  Try out by renting first to see if you guys like it?

I just bought one becuase I am limited in what i do too and absolutely loving it.

Answer 3

Windsurfing would be out of the question with limited strength.  Unfortunately, so would kitesurfing.  Your idea about the Hobie kayak seems like a good idea especially since it has peddles and paddles.

Answer 4

The small sailboat  can be the best option for you, there are several small boats that can work from the Sunfish (two people, easy to rig), the Laser (one or two), Holder 14 (also known as Hobbie 14), Sweet 16, Flying Dutchman, Snipe  and many others.

Windsurf is a greart sport, although it is true that it may take quite some effort if you want to do it on windy days, particularly while you learn it. Main problem is that you need to take the sail out of the water and that requires some effort with your back.

Now, if you just want to sail around on calm days, and use the windsurf as a small sailboat, you may be able to do fine and have fun with it. There are some tricks on how to lift the sail with less efort like making a loop in the uphaul line and using a the harness hook (and then your body weight) to lift the sail.

The other thing that requires effort is getting up in the board each time you fall. If you think that will be a problem, you should not try windsurf.

My suggestion if you try windsurf: do it with a wide board (more than 3 feet wide), high volume (more than 200 liters) a dagger board and a small sail (say 5 m2). This stable board should prevent you from falling much and a small sail will lower the effort in your back. Not sure where you live, but try it on calm days (less than 10 mph wind) and flat water. Avoid higher wind days if strength is a concern.

Not sure what your problem is, but I know people that found windsurf so addictive and motivational that their illnes became secondary and doing windsurf helped them fight it.

I also have a Hobbie 16 and it is a lot of fun, but putting it together takes some time and effort particularly if you have to set the mast each time (look for a Marina next to the water if you can afford it).

If you go into kayak, make sure you have the strength to get off it and to react if you turn it over.

Jetski? I hate to have them around, but I guess some people have fun with them.