Oppi Sailing Gear

I can't wait till my daughter is old enough for her first Oppi! 

How old should kids be when they start in oppi's, i started sailing at 5 is this about right??  When i was a lad there was no such thing as youth squad really, i just had my dad shouting at me from the safety boat! 

When my little girl is of the youth squad age it will be her choice as to what speed she progresses if at all!!! 

Unfortunately with Optimists having some of the biggest turn outs at events of any class you are likely to get a better demographic representation of the UK's population. And so you will get the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in larger amounts. You can find all of these types in all the classes. Except without the added burden of being a parent and all the worries and aspirations you have when you are one.

I never sailed Oppy's when I was a Kid. I wish I had more than anything. The class, the event organisation and coaching is second to none. I was just bellowed at by my parent crewing a Mirror and thoroughly put off the whole idea of sailing. The difference being here that it wasn't obvious to others, that doesn't mean it doesn't happen on mass. A trick that is hard to cover up when the same proportion of over zealous parents are several hundred feet away on the shore or in coaching boats.

My point is. Don't sl*g off a class of boat for something that is endemic in our society. And don't deny children the opportunity of a fantastic start in sailing because of a narrow minded view. Why not set an example to others and participate in a fantastic class BUT add a positive influence to it and show the way to others. Rather than chuck stones from the crowd (that's meant in the biblical sense).

As for Oppy Kit. Most of the Oppy sailors at our club. 70+ on Summer weekends. Wear a range of gear but the most popular is:

SUMMER

Rooster Hikers
Rooster Hot Top
Rooster Aqua Fleece
Crewsaver BA

WINTER

Drysuits

quite a few Henry Lloyd as well as made to measure suits from various makers.
Some made to measure suppliers will add a section to the body to the dry suit  to extend the life of the suit after a growing spurt.

Other than that there are quite a few outlets for Oppy kit on-line like
Pinnel & Bax
Optiparts

One thing though.... buying all the kit dose not make your kid go faster, it just makes you more anxious that they should.

I suggest buying it when they needed it.

My sons boat is 2060, wooded, but still underweight, he sails in an equally old Typhoon drysuit and is as fast / faster than others with boats and kit that is half / quarter of the age of his. He has only just been bought a new sail after doing well (12th) at our open meeting in a fleet of 60.

Hope that helps.


EDIT:

where I say; 'you', it is a general statement about all.

The Oppy circuit can be a fantastic experience for the novice. If fact I would say it is one of the best things about the class.

At many open meetings there are REGATTA fleet starts as well as MAIN fleet.

REGATTA fleet are NOVICE sailors. They normally race one lap of the MAIN fleet course. Are coached as they sail by rescue boats (not parents) They often are give a SPECIAL briefing by the RO so they understand what is going on i.e: This you start flag etc And also have a RIB to follow around the course. And best of all there are always plenty of prizes, and not just for the winners.

In all a great way to learn about racing.








Edited by Jack Sparrow

Originally posted by FireballNeil Originally posted by ptcruiser Originally posted by FireballNeil Anybody at the rutland 29er/49er/B14 open would agree that "oppie kit" should include a firing squad Good to see you are helping to encourage young sailors I'm 16

Ah, so you're one of the annoying 29er kids at Rutland that weekend?

Originally posted by ptcruiser Originally posted by FireballNeil Anybody at the rutland 29er/49er/B14 open would agree that "oppie kit" should include a firing squad Good to see you are helping to encourage young sailors

I'm 16

Clothing choice depends on where and when she is going to sail.  A shortie is really only feasible for a child at the peak of summer - kids get cold much more quickly than adults.  But of course buying drysuits etc can be expensive given she will quickly grow out of such things. 

A wetsuit can't really allow much room for growth - the secret of its success lies in it being close fitting.  A drysuit can be great in the winter and allow some room for growth, but doesn't help much in the summer.

If I were you I'd be doing the sneaky thing of taking her to a store and seeing what she thinks feels comfortable, while at the same time making a note of sizes, then I'd be trawling ebay, which is always full of second hand kids kit just because kids grow so fast.

What you mustn't compromise on is her buoyancy aid - if it's too big it could be lethal by riding up over her head.  Make sure it is securely fastened then pull it up by grabbing the shoulder straps.  If it rides up above her chin, it's too big.

Do be wary of the oppi circuit.  Yes, the kids are just starting out, but many of them, and more so their parents, are fiercely competitive.  The oppi circuit is the way in to the youth squad and then the olympic circus.  Unfortunately oppi parents here throw money into boats, gear etc and fail to recognise their kids aren't having fun any more.