Surfers & Sailors The idea of combining surfing and sailing began as a cerebral discussion between Jim Drake and Hoyle Schweitzer. As they stood overlooking the Pacific, the surf was blown-out, and there wasn't enough of the day left to go sailing. They talked about how they liked the do-it-now aspect of surfing and the freedom involved in sailing. Jim felt sailing was a hassle - launch the boat, prep and rig, get out of the marina, then wash down at end of the day. And Hoyle felt surfing was restricted to there being surf and then locating a good break that wasn't crowded. Could there be a sport that would attract both surfers and sailors? Surfers were generally self-taught, highly independent and rebellious. Sailors were generally methodical, trained and disciplined. Not everyone who began windsurfing was either a surfer or a sailor but many found a common ground in this new sport. Hoyle and Jim were the only two people who could find the time to take on the task of developing a prototype, so off they went with the goal of creating a working prototype in time for Diane's Garden Launch Party. |