I like to make videos

In the early 2000s I became quite proficient with Apple’s iMovie so when I started windsurfing I purchased a couple of GoPros and started making windsurfing videos. At first it was simply fun to make short videos and share them with friends and family but now that I look back at these older videos I enjoy watching and reliving my progression in the sport.

Now I’m an Insta360 fan and though very impressed with the cameras, the software is what is truly amazing. Each 45 minute segment of video is 26 Gigabytes of data in 4K + resolution at 30FPS and the software stitches every frame in real-time! I’m geeking out but this is amazing to me.

So back to the question – Are my videos simply self indulgent selfies or something else?

• Yes they are self indulgent selfies but …
• As mentioned they document my journey
• Sometimes they add value to the Location information on tbwindsurfing.com
• and very importantly these videos are tutorials for me

Tutorials? My camera is placed on the back of my boom with a home made mount so that I can see myself but most importantly I can see my feet, hands and how the board/sail are reacting to my actions. The 360 option allows me to see both starboard and port tacks and the software allows me to change the view to focus on specific details.

I have found this information to be incredibly helpful over the years especially with faster, multi step movements like the Carve Gybe or Foiling Gybe. It has also very helpful in evaluating many small actions, like learning how to bring the board onto plane, using harness lines, sail management, etc.

After sailing I always download the content for review and often make short videos for myself. What I’m I doing right or wrong. What can I do to improve. I don’t post most of these videos but I do review them often as I’m trying to learn a new skill. Foil gybes are currently at the top of my list.

Recently James Goldney used his Insta360 video and ChatGPT to analyze his foiling gybes! You can check out his videos on YouTube. Very cool.

So to summarize, yep it is fun to watch yourself windsurfing but you can learn a lot and use that information to improve your skills.

• If you are interested in how I made the boom mount I will be happy to share. Not difficult and just a quick trip to your local hardware store and you will be all set.