Hi Ryan, Sounds like you and I are in the same boat (no pun intended). I sailed solo for the first time on a small lake near home today. I got out on the wire for the first time and must say I had a blast. I flew a hull twice and capsized once. I think I may have abandoned ship a little too soon and may have been able to keep it upright after all. At any rate, before I could get back on the hull, 2 boats and a jetski were on hand to assist. I do not have a righting bag and at 170 I just could not get it up, try as I did. It was my first time over and I think I was doing it correctly. Anyway, a friendly game warden grabbed the mast tip and picked up just a couple of feet and she came on up at which time I grabbed the dolphin striker and climbed back on. When I returned to shore, I was thrilled with the capsize if not only for the experience. I just need to practice it a lot more in shallow water.

I would have to say a small lake would be a better environment to learn getting on the wire. After doing it a few times, you will quickly learn the best way to hook up and unhook. Good luck and have fun!