A mixture of surfing and sailing, windsurfing is a great way to enjoy the water in the summertime. If you’re new to this thrilling sport, read on and learn how to gain some skill on the board.
Borrow equipment: Anyone new to windsurfing will need to use a beginner board, which are short, wide and lightweight. These boards make it easier to balance. However, this doesn’t mean that you should buy one. You’ll soon outgrow a beginner board because your skill level will quickly improve. The best way to find a beginner board to use is to find an instructor who provides it for you.
Buy equipment: You will need a life jacket, helmet and wet suit appropriate for the kind of water you’re windsurfing on. Before buying these items, consult your instructor to ask if there are preferred brands or models that you’ll need. You also will need a harness.
Take lessons: The fastest, best way to learn to windsurf is from an instructor. He’ll coach you on proper form, which will go a long way as you continue to gain windsurfing skills, and proper terminology. During your first lessons, you’ll learn the basic techniques of stance, balance, vision, trim and power. It usually takes a few days to practice on the board before you get these skills down.
Windsurf: To start windsurfing, you need to put your board into deep water so the bottom fin isn’t touching the ground. Move your board so the sail is downwind of the board and get on the board from the other side. It may be easiest to be on your knees for this step. Once you’re standing with your knees slightly bent and pull the sail up from the water. Hold the mast with both hands and let it swing.
To start moving, place your lower hand on the boom so the mast leads the sail towards the bow and then put your hand on the boom. Tilt the mast to steer. To accelerate, pull the hand closest to the back of the board. To slow, release your grip.
As time goes on, you can take additional clinics that will teach you tricks, turning, speed, wave and maneuvering.
Buy a board: Once you’ve progressed beyond a beginner board, it’s time to buy a novice windsurfing board. The best class of board for a new windsurfer is the freeride board, which is short and fun to operate. They also can handle different wind and water conditions. Be sure to take your weight and the type of water on which you will windsurf into account when you’re buying a board.
Staff, What You Need for Windsurfing. Basic Windsurfing.
Staff, Harness. Cal Sailing.
Gus Daver, How to Waterstart. YouTube.
