If skimming over the surface of the ocean at high speeds sounds like a good time, then windsurfing is the sport for you. Although it does takes time to develop professional-level skills, using the right equipment and taking lessons are good places to start. The more you learn about the equipment, the better a windsurfer you will be.
Learn the Basics
Learn the basics of windsurfing equipment before you set out to purchase a board. Windsurfing boards fall into one of two categories: long boards or short boards. Long boards measure 10 feet or more, short boards less. Long boards are good for regions with light winds but are less popular today due to changes in the sport and the development of new materials and designs. Short boards are good for "planing," when a board skims over the surface of the water, as opposed to moving through it. The main parts of a windsurfing board are the fin, the mast and the sail. The fin, also called a skeg, projects from the underside of the board and keeps it on a steady course. The mast is a pole that holds the sail, which harnesses wind to move the board. The mast meets the board at the universal, a flexible joint on the top of the board.
Buy a Good Wetsuit
Windsurfers are often far from land, so hypothermia and overexposure to the elements are concerns. A quality wetsuit will keep you warm and allow water to run off easily. Buy a wetsuit specifically designed for windsurfers. Other kinds, such as kayak or diving suits, do not have the features a windsurfing wetsuit does, including a special design that helps you hold your arms out straight while manipulating the booms, or sticks that help you control the angle of the sail. Make sure your wetsuit conforms properly to your body without cutting off circulation.
Choose the Right Sail
Windsurfing sails are large pieces of strong material that attach to the mast. To manipulate the sail, a windsurfer uses a system of booms and ropes to adjust the sail's orientation. The exact configuration of these parts and the shape of the sail as a whole determine what types of movements you can perform. For example, the two major sail designs are "camber-induced" and "rotating asymmetric foil," or RAF. Camber-induced sails have a design that promotes speed and stability, making them good choices for racing. RAF sails have less power and stability but have greater maneuverability, making them good choices for freestyle and trick surfing. If you are unsure which design will work best for you, ask the staff at a windsurfing shop for some tips or contact a windsurfing school for lessons, which will teach you the strengths of the different sail designs.
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