Review: Gordon from British Columbia
Based in British Columbia, Gordon traded years of high-stakes ocean racing for the thrill of a Tiwal 3 on Shuswap Lake. Transitioning to lake sailing offers a refreshing change, allowing him to focus on surfing waves using the boat’s forgiving yet responsive handling. Convenience proves essential, with the boat stored fully inflated in the garage, ready for launch in just 30 minutes. While typically a solo endeavor, his most cherished memory involves sharing a peaceful ride with his wife.
My name is Gordon, and I live in Salmon Arm, British Columbia.
Which Tiwal model do you have?
I have a Tiwal 3, which I purchased in August 2024.
Where do you sail?
I mostly sail on Shuswap Lake. If you look at a map, it’s gigantic. I’m at the southern end of it, and since the lake is several miles long, the wind builds up from the top end, so I’m very fortunate in that regard.
Single-handed or double-handed?
I’ve taken my wife a couple of times, but mostly it’s just myself.
How do you store your Tiwal?
Right now, I store it fully inflated in my garage. When I go sailing, I wheel it out and slide it into the back of my pickup truck. Then, I simply slide it out onto the dolly down at the beach, put the mast on, and I’m basically in the water sailing within half an hour of leaving my house. The return trip takes about the same amount of time.
How do you use your Tiwal?
I try to get the boat to perform optimally. The wind decides how fast I’m going to go that day. Only once have I had to paddle back to shore because the wind died, but for the most part, the wind is pretty steady here. I’m very fortunate that way.
What was your experience before Tiwal?
I sailed for nine years on a C&C 41 as a crew member. That’s the boat I raced on for nine years. I also crewed on a Sceptre 43 called Airmanship, and we did lots of regattas. So, I have plenty of experience on the ocean, but not a lot on lakes. Sailing on lakes is different than on the ocean. Here, the wind generates big waves, so it’s a very different kind of sailing. You don’t worry about tides and currents. You just worry about the incoming waves.
How is it going so far?
Oh, it’s fantastic! The boat is so much fun. It’s easy to sail, easy to set up, and easy to tear down. No problems so far. I haven’t capsized yet, though I know it’s going to happen one day. But for the most part, the boat has been very forgiving. If a big puff comes, I just ease the sheets and enjoy the ride. It’s wonderful, especially downwind. Downwind sailing on the waves with this boat is so much fun because you can surf. Since it’s such a small boat, the reaction is immediate. It’s very responsive, so you can enjoy the ride instantaneously.
What characteristics surprised you?
Portability. I am amazed at how easy it is to set up and go sailing. I bring the little dolly, and I’m in the water sailing in five minutes. Putting it away is really nothing: it stores easily, so I don’t have any problems that way. It’s also a lot more stable than I anticipated. Even if you see a big gust or puff coming, you just react. It’s wonderful!
What is your best memory with your Tiwal?
You just ease the sheet, and it goes like a rocket! It’s wonderful. I have lots of sailing experience, but I think the best moment was when I took my wife sailing. She had never sailed in her life. It was great to see the look on her face when she realized how much I enjoyed it. She just relaxed and enjoyed the ride. She didn’t handle the sheets or the rudder. She just enjoyed being out there with me. She wants to go more often on hotter days, but not so much when it’s cold, as I’m wearing a wetsuit right now. However, seeing that smile on her face was a real surprise.
