Changed my mind,... I will add something because it hasn't been said here yet.
The easiest time to refuse an offer of drugs is the FIRST time they are offered.
At this point, if you accept the offer, you are in a lose or lose situation.
Either the drug will give you a bad experience in which case you have just blown your money on something you could well have done without, or more commonly, you will have a good experience and will be more willing to accept it the second, third fourth time etc. In which case you are then established on the track to a train wreck if you don't get off it.
But the reasoning is then, "Why should I get off it because I've used it a few times and it hasn't done any harm. I'll stop it if it starts to make trouble."
The problem here is that the last person to accept that it has got to the stage of making trouble is the person who is taking the drugs. And by that time you are both physically and psycologically dependent on whatever you are taking so it is then extremely difficult make a rational judgement to get off it.
As I said, the easiest time to to refuse drugs is the FIRST time they are offered.
"Just say NO!"
If you cop any flack, you can add "Drugs are for losers!" and say it with total conviction.
Don't know about drugs, but.....nailed my first gybe (actually 6 that arvo) after consuming 2 stubbies....took about 2 months before getting the turns right again!
In saying that, that was the only time I've drank pre-sailing, had a couple at a BBQ and a mate called. Now that the training wheels are off, and I'm playing in some waves and rougher conditions, I don't intend on drinking (or puffing/popping/injecting/sniffing) before windsurfing again, for safety reasons mainly, also to get the most out of what I'm doing.
I also reckon that sailing/windsurfing is enough of a buzz, and the beers should be left for the celebratory drinks after!
Considering up to 63% of drownings involved alcohol in recent studies, I think you'd have to be pretty stupid to drink or use drugs before windsurfing.
Do you really want to increase the risk of breaking your neck getting catapulted like several recent fellow windsurfers, or knock yourself unconscious and drown because in your case you took mind-altering substances that reduced your coordination and slowed your reflexes?
I can't believe people would even consider doing this when windsurfing is such a buzz by itself?
My grandfather almost destroyed his family thanks to alcohol, my uncle was very badly injured (almost killed) by a stoned driver and a school friend was gang raped while she was smashed etc, so I have little patience for talk of how harmless these substances can be "if you just do a little bit" as I've seen first-hand how that little bit can turn into a lot waaay too easily.
Thanks Hardie for your info as an expert in the field.
-Mart
wow, so many noble speeches and inspirational words. this topic is just brimming with wise advice. i hope the kiddies are paying attention
I once got really stoned whilst carting hay with a tractor in England.
I got lost on the way to the hay barn(which I had been to 5 times previously that day)and then when I finally found the barn I was supposed to be going to, I forgot to put the handbrake on and nearly wiped out the guys who had jumped onto the trailer to unload it!
I then went back to the field without an empty trailer .. Tw*t!!
Drugs and Windsurfing?
Yeah right 
Christ the last time I saw so many lectures I was at Uni.
If people take drugs it is their CHOICE. Many are educate dabout the risks and the effects and are still successful people in the community - they could be your boss.
Yes drugs can be bad. Too much of anything can be bad. People here are saying that they are addicted to windsurfing... what is the difference? look at the symptoms, its all they think about, they will work to feed the habit (some may steal I dont know!), they sacrifice thjings in their life that people think are important to do it.
Yes I have surfed after about 8 Coopers... had one of the worst surfs of my loife but **** I had a great time. there were about 10 of us and while no one could surf very well there was a great atmosphere and I had a ball. It was only 3 ft which always helps. Doing it in 6ft is just stupid.
I have sailed boats while pissed and also the next day after big nights on the bikkies. Not that much fun.
These days if I am serious about having a surf/windsurf/sail then I dont need drugs to have a good time. Save the beer for afterwards.
