Dahab acad
The WINDSURF Magazine, Sportif, Harry Nass, DAHAB ACADEMY 2006 - The Full Story
25/9/06
United under a common umbrella of wanting to become better windsurfers and drink heavily in fine company, windies from all over the world joined eminent coaches Peter Hart, Jim Collis and Dave White for the inaugural Dahab Academy.
With just 4 months from conception to birth, the Dahab Academy could have fallen flat on its young face. The ingredients looked very tasty – three of the country’s top coaches, the sailing area and wind of Dahab, the immaculate Dahabeya Hotel and the equipment and metronomic efficiency of the Harry Nass centre – but there was always the danger that no one would book.
The Germans relish these huge get-togethers. One of their magazines organises a ‘Ride and …(something-or-other)’ technique fest in Dahab. 120 turn up and split into colour co-ordinated groups from raw beginner to expert – but perhaps the more reserved Brits would shirk away from mixing with their own in very large groups? Would they be put off by the Team T shirts and rash vests that might make them feel part of a never-ending stag night?
Such worries were unfounded. Not only did it fill up but the most encouraging aspect of the trip was the fact that it wasn’t just Brits. The Academy genuinely attracted people from all over the world. ‘Most travelled’ award went to Simon Wills who made the trip especially from New Zealand. ‘Choco’ and Dominic flew in from Hong Kong and then there was the eccentric Dragan from Serbia, ex pro footballer who averaged about 8 hours a day on the water – wind or no wind. Abilities ranged from Vulcaners to those wanting to get into the straps. The stock response to anyone claiming temporary disability, was “if Bill can do it, then you can.’ Bill, 80+, was one of Ray Page’s inspirational ‘Quaysiders,’ who was rarely off the water.
Even the Ts and rashies were a hit. Thanks to the design talents of Elke Nass, they became fashion items and were swapping hands for thousands of dollars by the end of the event.
The inaugural Dahab Academy was a joy for both coaches and their victims. This is their story …
Jim Collis (coach)
All the T shirts printed, Harry and Elke flapping around, Mark keeping a cautious yet beady eye on things from afar, expectations high…it’s a good thing my heart’s not weak as otherwise I wouldn’t have made it off the flight let alone do any coaching with all this palaver going on!!
In actual fact, with all the build up and typical hype before a clinic of this proportion, it was possibly one of the most relaxed and enjoyable 2 weeks of coaching I have ever had the privilege of doing in my life within this small yet exciting world of windsurfing.
This can be attributed not only to working in one of the world’s best windsurfing locations, with it’s warm waters, reliable wind (well, pretty much!!!) and professional yet relaxed atmosphere, but mainly due to the people who were on it.
Firstly, the other coaches, Harty and Whitey. What a pleasure to work with such quality, and to not only have their greatness on the water but also their comedy duet duelling on the beach….
Secondly, everyone who came out on the clinic. Keen, enthusiastic, friendly and generally ‘up for it’; a real pleasure to teach and coach. Many faces and moments will stay with me for a long time to come!
Thirdly, and certainly not lastly, the help and support from all the staff. Harry and Elke, Said, Mahmud, Mohammad and all the fantastically helpful staff at the Dahabeya hotel (who, although got it wrong sometimes, were always the first to try their best to make up for it!)
All that remains to be said is that if this is the benchmark for future Dahab Academy Clinics then it certainly sets the bar high!
Peter Hart (coach)
I saw 2 areas of potential conflict. The first was German efficiency and pinpoint organisation meeting British spontaneity (OK … disorganisation). Every morning, Elke, Harry’s beautiful wife, would ask us for our timetable so she could post it on the notice board. ‘We don’t do timetables’ we would say, ‘it all depends on the wind and what time we fall out of bed/crawl back from the bar.’ In the end we did write a timetable. It was a piece of paper with the words ‘WING IT’ written big and bold and then ‘cocktails at 7pm’ at the bottom.
The other area of conflict might have been coaching styles. Jim’s an excellent communicator and a tasty sailor and him and I sing more or less from the same sheet but as for Whitey … ‘loose canon’ springs to mind. Although he hides it well, he’s actually a pretty astute technique analyser and a great motivator but the thrust of his teaching method lies in relentless abuse. The differences were most marked during the video playback sessions. Jim and I, as suggested in the modern PC coaching manuals, go for the ‘positive affirmation approach’. Even if the poor sole crashed horribly, we’d find something good to say about it before offering some gentle advice. Whitey, meanwhile, would call it as he saw it. “Which part of ‘sheet in didn’t you understand? My granny’s done better gybes that that etc.”
All things considered people seemed to appreciate the different approaches. (I’m only being rude about Whitey because I know he’s going to say something awful about me. Just be assure folks that whatever he says, he wont have ruined a good story with the truth.)
The people made the event and reinforced the accepted belief that windsurfers are basically the pillars of civilised society. There were no cliques and no ‘who’s better than who’ petty rivalries. The nature of the Dahab sailing area is that almost everyone can sail together and such was the spirit that they learned as much off each other as the coaches.
Special mentions in dispatches:
Harry and Elke’s hospitality.
Jim’s perma-smile despite being under the romantic cosh.
Choco and Dominic and Si Wills for adding a touch of chic and international panache.
And thank you to virtually everyone else for being called either David or John – it made life a lot easier.
I’ll be back
Dave White (coach … sort of …)
Windsurfing knows how to mix it up, with an age range stretching nearly 60years and abilities from attempting the water start to freestyle, you’d expect the group would fragment. But it’s the characters that make it all work, and we had plenty of them.
It was great to see so the team improving day by day, and a great complement that they wanted to return next year, but for me I only had one frustrating student who just wouldn’t do as I asked.
Although keen to learn, there was something inside that stopped him absorbing my suggestions. The age gap and my suppleness had really got the better of this elderly chap, but being one of the few that completed the two weeks there was time to help him along. It proved to be so successfully that he was the first to book for the 2007 Windsurf Academy, Harty; I was pleased to see your progress hope to see you on the water soon.
Alistair Cutts
"Had a great time at the academy with the famous Peter Hart, the infamous Dave White and the infinitely patient Jim Collis. Discovered that Peter doesnt actually walk on water but Whitey doe s- particularly when on a 115 board in zero wind. Discovered that the sound of Whitey coming up behind you when you're maxed out on speedy is one of the most terrifying sounds in windsurfing. Discovered that windsurfing is alive and kicking even when you're 80. Most of all the combined knowledge, mix of ideas, genuine interest in our progress and 24/7 focus made the week special."
‘Vinnie’ Standing (Vinnie, real name David, looks so like the footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones that we momentarily convinced the Club Vass boys that he was the real Vinnie. Either way, he was a diamond geezer.)
I think one of the main things that stuck in my mind about the week at the Dahab Windsurfing Academy was the grit and determination of those Quayside Windsurfers. If I, at their age, am able to get out there on the water and sail as they did, I will be so HAPPY!!! Hats of to you Ray Page and friends. Beating the young ‘Whipper-snappers’ down the road from Club Dahab ay volleyball was blinding too!!
Si Wills (30’s, air steward. Lives in Auckland New Zealand)
The 2006 Dahab academy was a true technical orgy relating to windsurfing improvement and progress. Well, so I thought!! Enter one Dave White!! A 130kg speed demon, who has a knack for remembering names (not). Yes Dave Whatshisname gybes with the style and flair of an overpowered ballerina. Very impressive. (Yes those booties are appropriate when he pirouettes).
I was focused on the carve gybe. Hoping, by the end of the week to progress to the duck gybe. Upon consultation from Dave, he strongly urged me to forget about the gybe and focus on nocturnal activities (Simon now descends into a graphic description of something Whitey told him to do with Colgate toothpaste and shampoo which I’m afraid is too perverting for reproduction in a family magazine)
Taking nothing away from Harty and Jimbo's teaching methods (a class act), but Whitey, who ever said you were crap at instruction??? You are a legend!!! Oh by the way, "What’s my name?".
Thanks to Harty, Jimbo (the piranha) and Whitey. A memorable week on and off the water!!!
David Burch (scientist)
I am so glad that I signed up for both weeks, as I could get twice as much of everything: cocktail receptions; smart Academy T-shirts and rash vests; huge pork chop barbies at Elke and Harry’s, the number of fellow windsurfers to meet, and great tuition from Peter, Jim and Dave. This was really important, as some of the lessons only took hold for me during the second week, when I mastered light wind heli-tacks and push tacks, as well as angulating like a dolphin when opening out the sail in the carve gybe. My stand out moment is Simon’s Haka, which was fearsome - even though he is only half the size of Whitey!
David Radley
The highlights were : Windsurfing highlights were two force 6 days and one other planing day. My carve gybe success (coming out dry) rate was pretty good on the last planing day - but still no planing exit.
Tried beach volley ball and wakeboarding for the first time; not at the same time! Both of which were great windless alternatives to the beloved sport. The instructors where very approachable. Some things that stand out : Whitey's wit, speed and photography were great. Harty's charming speeches, dirty guitar songs, crawling around in the dirt moving round boards in endless dry carve gybes on the beach. Jim was very perceptive on the water and had a well thought out simple approach to coaching. He seemed to like Club Dahab for some reason. (romantic interest?)
‘Choco’ and Dominic (all the way from Hong Kong)
It is worth it to travel half a planet to attend this dream academy.
We did not only learn to jump and jibe, but also to feel and share the true feeling of windsurfing.
Highly recommended! *****
Choco + Dominic from Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
p.s Thanks Har-y and Whi-ey to teach us how to speak properly the improper English! U wan- a bo- -le of beer?
Dave Wilson
I honestly can't recommend the 'Dahab Academy' to other windsurfers. They wouldn't like the constant coaching from 3 windsurfing superstars. They would get tired of having their successes and failures on video every night. They would get exhausted by the partying with other windsurfers from around the world and would definitely draw the line at Peter Hart's singing and guitar playing. But, mostly they might fill the course before I could get my booking in.
Read More25/9/06
United under a common umbrella of wanting to become better windsurfers and drink heavily in fine company, windies from all over the world joined eminent coaches Peter Hart, Jim Collis and Dave White for the inaugural Dahab Academy.
With just 4 months from conception to birth, the Dahab Academy could have fallen flat on its young face. The ingredients looked very tasty – three of the country’s top coaches, the sailing area and wind of Dahab, the immaculate Dahabeya Hotel and the equipment and metronomic efficiency of the Harry Nass centre – but there was always the danger that no one would book.
The Germans relish these huge get-togethers. One of their magazines organises a ‘Ride and …(something-or-other)’ technique fest in Dahab. 120 turn up and split into colour co-ordinated groups from raw beginner to expert – but perhaps the more reserved Brits would shirk away from mixing with their own in very large groups? Would they be put off by the Team T shirts and rash vests that might make them feel part of a never-ending stag night?
Such worries were unfounded. Not only did it fill up but the most encouraging aspect of the trip was the fact that it wasn’t just Brits. The Academy genuinely attracted people from all over the world. ‘Most travelled’ award went to Simon Wills who made the trip especially from New Zealand. ‘Choco’ and Dominic flew in from Hong Kong and then there was the eccentric Dragan from Serbia, ex pro footballer who averaged about 8 hours a day on the water – wind or no wind. Abilities ranged from Vulcaners to those wanting to get into the straps. The stock response to anyone claiming temporary disability, was “if Bill can do it, then you can.’ Bill, 80+, was one of Ray Page’s inspirational ‘Quaysiders,’ who was rarely off the water.
Even the Ts and rashies were a hit. Thanks to the design talents of Elke Nass, they became fashion items and were swapping hands for thousands of dollars by the end of the event.
The inaugural Dahab Academy was a joy for both coaches and their victims. This is their story …
Jim Collis (coach)
All the T shirts printed, Harry and Elke flapping around, Mark keeping a cautious yet beady eye on things from afar, expectations high…it’s a good thing my heart’s not weak as otherwise I wouldn’t have made it off the flight let alone do any coaching with all this palaver going on!!
In actual fact, with all the build up and typical hype before a clinic of this proportion, it was possibly one of the most relaxed and enjoyable 2 weeks of coaching I have ever had the privilege of doing in my life within this small yet exciting world of windsurfing.
This can be attributed not only to working in one of the world’s best windsurfing locations, with it’s warm waters, reliable wind (well, pretty much!!!) and professional yet relaxed atmosphere, but mainly due to the people who were on it.
Firstly, the other coaches, Harty and Whitey. What a pleasure to work with such quality, and to not only have their greatness on the water but also their comedy duet duelling on the beach….
Secondly, everyone who came out on the clinic. Keen, enthusiastic, friendly and generally ‘up for it’; a real pleasure to teach and coach. Many faces and moments will stay with me for a long time to come!
Thirdly, and certainly not lastly, the help and support from all the staff. Harry and Elke, Said, Mahmud, Mohammad and all the fantastically helpful staff at the Dahabeya hotel (who, although got it wrong sometimes, were always the first to try their best to make up for it!)
All that remains to be said is that if this is the benchmark for future Dahab Academy Clinics then it certainly sets the bar high!
Peter Hart (coach)
I saw 2 areas of potential conflict. The first was German efficiency and pinpoint organisation meeting British spontaneity (OK … disorganisation). Every morning, Elke, Harry’s beautiful wife, would ask us for our timetable so she could post it on the notice board. ‘We don’t do timetables’ we would say, ‘it all depends on the wind and what time we fall out of bed/crawl back from the bar.’ In the end we did write a timetable. It was a piece of paper with the words ‘WING IT’ written big and bold and then ‘cocktails at 7pm’ at the bottom.
The other area of conflict might have been coaching styles. Jim’s an excellent communicator and a tasty sailor and him and I sing more or less from the same sheet but as for Whitey … ‘loose canon’ springs to mind. Although he hides it well, he’s actually a pretty astute technique analyser and a great motivator but the thrust of his teaching method lies in relentless abuse. The differences were most marked during the video playback sessions. Jim and I, as suggested in the modern PC coaching manuals, go for the ‘positive affirmation approach’. Even if the poor sole crashed horribly, we’d find something good to say about it before offering some gentle advice. Whitey, meanwhile, would call it as he saw it. “Which part of ‘sheet in didn’t you understand? My granny’s done better gybes that that etc.”
All things considered people seemed to appreciate the different approaches. (I’m only being rude about Whitey because I know he’s going to say something awful about me. Just be assure folks that whatever he says, he wont have ruined a good story with the truth.)
The people made the event and reinforced the accepted belief that windsurfers are basically the pillars of civilised society. There were no cliques and no ‘who’s better than who’ petty rivalries. The nature of the Dahab sailing area is that almost everyone can sail together and such was the spirit that they learned as much off each other as the coaches.
Special mentions in dispatches:
Harry and Elke’s hospitality.
Jim’s perma-smile despite being under the romantic cosh.
Choco and Dominic and Si Wills for adding a touch of chic and international panache.
And thank you to virtually everyone else for being called either David or John – it made life a lot easier.
I’ll be back
Dave White (coach … sort of …)
Windsurfing knows how to mix it up, with an age range stretching nearly 60years and abilities from attempting the water start to freestyle, you’d expect the group would fragment. But it’s the characters that make it all work, and we had plenty of them.
It was great to see so the team improving day by day, and a great complement that they wanted to return next year, but for me I only had one frustrating student who just wouldn’t do as I asked.
Although keen to learn, there was something inside that stopped him absorbing my suggestions. The age gap and my suppleness had really got the better of this elderly chap, but being one of the few that completed the two weeks there was time to help him along. It proved to be so successfully that he was the first to book for the 2007 Windsurf Academy, Harty; I was pleased to see your progress hope to see you on the water soon.
Alistair Cutts
"Had a great time at the academy with the famous Peter Hart, the infamous Dave White and the infinitely patient Jim Collis. Discovered that Peter doesnt actually walk on water but Whitey doe s- particularly when on a 115 board in zero wind. Discovered that the sound of Whitey coming up behind you when you're maxed out on speedy is one of the most terrifying sounds in windsurfing. Discovered that windsurfing is alive and kicking even when you're 80. Most of all the combined knowledge, mix of ideas, genuine interest in our progress and 24/7 focus made the week special."
‘Vinnie’ Standing (Vinnie, real name David, looks so like the footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones that we momentarily convinced the Club Vass boys that he was the real Vinnie. Either way, he was a diamond geezer.)
I think one of the main things that stuck in my mind about the week at the Dahab Windsurfing Academy was the grit and determination of those Quayside Windsurfers. If I, at their age, am able to get out there on the water and sail as they did, I will be so HAPPY!!! Hats of to you Ray Page and friends. Beating the young ‘Whipper-snappers’ down the road from Club Dahab ay volleyball was blinding too!!
Si Wills (30’s, air steward. Lives in Auckland New Zealand)
The 2006 Dahab academy was a true technical orgy relating to windsurfing improvement and progress. Well, so I thought!! Enter one Dave White!! A 130kg speed demon, who has a knack for remembering names (not). Yes Dave Whatshisname gybes with the style and flair of an overpowered ballerina. Very impressive. (Yes those booties are appropriate when he pirouettes).
I was focused on the carve gybe. Hoping, by the end of the week to progress to the duck gybe. Upon consultation from Dave, he strongly urged me to forget about the gybe and focus on nocturnal activities (Simon now descends into a graphic description of something Whitey told him to do with Colgate toothpaste and shampoo which I’m afraid is too perverting for reproduction in a family magazine)
Taking nothing away from Harty and Jimbo's teaching methods (a class act), but Whitey, who ever said you were crap at instruction??? You are a legend!!! Oh by the way, "What’s my name?".
Thanks to Harty, Jimbo (the piranha) and Whitey. A memorable week on and off the water!!!
David Burch (scientist)
I am so glad that I signed up for both weeks, as I could get twice as much of everything: cocktail receptions; smart Academy T-shirts and rash vests; huge pork chop barbies at Elke and Harry’s, the number of fellow windsurfers to meet, and great tuition from Peter, Jim and Dave. This was really important, as some of the lessons only took hold for me during the second week, when I mastered light wind heli-tacks and push tacks, as well as angulating like a dolphin when opening out the sail in the carve gybe. My stand out moment is Simon’s Haka, which was fearsome - even though he is only half the size of Whitey!
David Radley
The highlights were : Windsurfing highlights were two force 6 days and one other planing day. My carve gybe success (coming out dry) rate was pretty good on the last planing day - but still no planing exit.
Tried beach volley ball and wakeboarding for the first time; not at the same time! Both of which were great windless alternatives to the beloved sport. The instructors where very approachable. Some things that stand out : Whitey's wit, speed and photography were great. Harty's charming speeches, dirty guitar songs, crawling around in the dirt moving round boards in endless dry carve gybes on the beach. Jim was very perceptive on the water and had a well thought out simple approach to coaching. He seemed to like Club Dahab for some reason. (romantic interest?)
‘Choco’ and Dominic (all the way from Hong Kong)
It is worth it to travel half a planet to attend this dream academy.
We did not only learn to jump and jibe, but also to feel and share the true feeling of windsurfing.
Highly recommended! *****
Choco + Dominic from Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
p.s Thanks Har-y and Whi-ey to teach us how to speak properly the improper English! U wan- a bo- -le of beer?
Dave Wilson
I honestly can't recommend the 'Dahab Academy' to other windsurfers. They wouldn't like the constant coaching from 3 windsurfing superstars. They would get tired of having their successes and failures on video every night. They would get exhausted by the partying with other windsurfers from around the world and would definitely draw the line at Peter Hart's singing and guitar playing. But, mostly they might fill the course before I could get my booking in.
