Everything You Need to Know About Windsurfing

What Is Windsurfing?

Windsurfing is nothing but a surface water sport. It is basically a
combination of surfing and sailing. Windsurfing is also referred to as
'sailboarding' and 'boardsailing'.

Windsurfing is one of the most popular sea sport. It involves combining sea
and wind as tools at the beautiful beaches around the world. The practice of
windsurfing is quite easy. It simple involves controlling the wind while you
are balancing yourself on the water.

History of Windsurfing

This amazing water sport had emerged in the early 1970s from the surf
culture of California. It is known to be first created in 1948 by Newman
Darby. Later, in California, in 1968, Henry Hoyle Schweitzer and Jim Drake
worked on windsurfing and successfully developed this amazing water sport.

Windsurfing Terms

Windsurfing has its own language. Due to its complicated equipment, in
order to make the teaching easy, the windsurfers have come up with certain
terms that are common to both sailing and sea sports. Here a few terms to
start off with:

1. Beach Start:

Beach Start is the technique of sailing close to the beach in lower levels of
water.

2. Daggerboard:

Daggerboard is a large centreboard used for providing resistance from the
sides.

3. Eye of the wind:

‘Eye of the wind' refers to the direction of the wind.

4. Fin:

Fin is a type of foil utilized in order to support the stability of the board from its
underside and tail.

5. Gust:

Gust is a temporary but strong wind.

6. Harness:

Harness refers to set of equipment used to fasten the body to the rig.

7. Lift:

Lift is the act of sailing the board forward.

8. Mast:

Mast is a pole utilized to hold the sail in an upward position.

9. Nose:

Nose refers to the front tip of the board.

10. Offshore:

Offshore is the direction of the wind when it blows off the shore.

11. Port:

Port refers to the direction to the left of a person when facing the front side of the board.

12. Rig:

Rig refers to the act of assembling all the parts and extensions.

13. Sail:

Sail, known as the engine of the sailing boat, as it delivers the required
power.

14. Tail:

Tail refers to the back point of the boat.

15. Universal joint (UJ):

Universal joint refers to the mast which allows for more flexible moves.

16. Uphaul:

Uphaul refers to a tool attached to the bottom of the board to facilitate its
removal off the water.

How to Ride a Windsurf?

Windsurfing is definitely a fun sport to learn. You can learn different
maneuvers and techniques like water starts, jumps, tacks, jibes, 360s with
each training.

The classes of surfing are held with a special equipment called 'sailing
board'. Visually, the sailboard reminds the yacht that has been reduced
many times. The same is applied to the sail, made of polyester fabric or
Mylar.

In windsurfing, the sail can be moved along the axis in two different
directions and tilted because it is attached to the board not rigidly. Since the
steering wheel is missing, the control is performed by moving the center of
gravity of its own body.

The length of the board is about 3 meters and width around 0.6 to 1 meter.
On the water, the windsurfing board is held by the lifting force due to
Archimedes' sliding and pushing force.

One can move on the board in two ways. In case of windy weather, the
planing mode is used, where the board is kept on the surface due to the
lifting force of the incoming flow. The second way is the displacement mode,
where a part of the board is immersed in water.

Basically, you need to balance yourself on the water and knowing how to use
the rig is crucial. Then, you can go into the water where the daggerboard is
not touching the ground and try to stand on the board as you did on the
land.

You have to pull the mast to yourself with the windsurfing trapeze and keep
the balance. After you maintain your balance, the rest is to control the wind.
Then, take hold of the mast with both hands and let it swing. This is done in
order to sense where the wind comes from.

Keep the mast straight up and practice it till you feel ready to use the wind.
On enough practice, you will experience the feeling of being in a harmony with
the wind. In many cases, the best way to learn this sport is to attend a
Windsurf school, which can be found in many cities.

This particular Sport is very useful and develops a group of muscles. It is
also believed that windsurfers are mostly athletic.

When Is the Best Time for Windsurfing?

Even though professional windsurfers do not really depend on the weather
conditions, the suitable wind is a requirement for the sport. In case you are
new to this sport, you should prefer the summer and places with good wind.

Wind speed and direction are must to check. They vary depending on the
place, as each place has its own windsurfing season. The wind speed and
direction of any place can be checked. You need to search for the best
values for your level. For example, 7-18kts would be enough for beginners.

Most of the windsurfing places have suitable conditions to perform this sport,
and most of them are summer places. Summer might be a better weather
for beginners. The weather conditions are the base of windsurfing and you
can have exciting experiences if you listen to the nature.

Best Windsurfing Destinations in the World

There are many places in the world where you can have one of the best
windsurfing experiences and meet one of the best windsurfers from around
the world. Some of the best windsurfing places include Barcelona, Casablanca, Islands of Greece – Athens, Marseille and Rome.

Written by – Sandhya R

Edited by – Adrija Saha