Old idea for some but a newy to me. Having cut my windsurfing runs short due to being too thirsty I thought I'd try a generic 2 litre camelbak while I was out on the water. It works a treat. I found that I was keen to keep on sailing, even when the conditions were woeful yesterday, and avoided sailing close to the launch area like I normally do just in case I wanted a drink. Not yesterday, I just kept on sailing.

It's amazing how being thirsty can affect your sailing and judgement, I didn't feel apathetic or look for any silly reason to come in so I could have a drink. Although I was only out for an hour I was still quite sprightly at the end of the session.

At first, being 2 litres, I thought I'd notice the weight but didn't. It also doesn't interfere with anything and my highback seat/waist harness didn't catch on it. There are enough straps to secure it to yourself and stop it from shifting or bouncing around. Didn't have any big crashes but when I did fall off it stayed put. Love it. Bring on summer!

Yep, I use one also (3L), but I have put lead in mine as well and use it for extra weight for speed runs. Not as stable as a good weight jacket but until I find one that fits well it will do. Damn zip has now seized up and I can't get the lead out!

pedro e said...

Yep, I use one also (3L), but I have put lead in mine as well and use it for extra weight for speed runs. Not as stable as a good weight jacket but until I find one that fits well it will do. Damn zip has now seized up and I can't get the lead out!

Hmm maybe I should add lead to mine on those 30kt + days..
I used to spend time working upwind of my launch and then find it was all wasted as I had to go back to get a drink. Now I just use the camelback and can stay out for hours..Wish I'd known about them ( maybe they weren't around then?) when I used to sail Nobby's beach in the 90's.It was a real pain walking back down the beach 1/2km to get a drink!
Could you wear one in the surf?

Yep used mine out when wave sailing, you feel it's one guilty pleasure having a drink on the way out.

Have had no problems in the impact zone with it (I fall of a lot)

On a hot day it's amazing how much water you can go through in an hour or so

sboardcrazy said...

elmo said...

Yep used mine out when wave sailing, you feel it's one guilty pleasure having a drink on the way out.

Have had no problems in the impact zone with it (I fall of a lot)

On a hot day it's amazing how much water you can go through in an hour or so

If I ever get game enough to go back out in the surf I'll use it ( although it's attached to a Neil pryde buoyancy vest so I'm not sure if that would be a problem in the surf).Actually maybe the weight of the 2 ltres of H20 would counteract most of the buoyancy in the vest.?

You should be ok with bouyancy - the water in your pack may actually increase buoyancy as freshwater is less dense than salt water. I would just count on it being neutral though.