Windsurfing is a surface water sport where a windsurfing board is steered by the tilting and rotating of the mast and sail. Windsurfing is a very popular sport that combines the thrill of sailing with the exhilaration of surfing, and calls upon the athlete to develop skills that combine skating, snowboarding, water-skiing, sailing and surfing. A windsurfing board is where you will stand as you navigate the waves and the wind. A good windsurfing board will support your weight while creating buoyancy in the water, allowing you not just to cut through the tide, but to also play with tricks. The ideal conditions for enjoying a windsurfing board is when the wind is between 15 and 25 knots.
What to Look for
There are different windsurfing boards for various types of windsurfing, and you should carefully assess where you are in terms of proficiency before you make your purchase. If you are a beginner, you should look for a wide, stable windsurfing board that has a soft deck and a dagger board or center fin to give you the most stability in the water. A formula windsurfing board is meant for racers. This board is short and up to 1 m in width. A formula board is great for racing up and downwind and is designed to carry a sail of up to 12.5 m. Recreational windsurfing boards come in a range of volumes and widths, offering windsurfers many interesting choices. Recreational boards are not for first timers, as they present handling challenges that are beyond a beginner's proficiency. Free-ride windsurfing boards provide good control and generally give a fast, comfortable ride. Free-ride boards are good in turns as well as for straight sailing with a maximum speed. These boards are generally narrower than conventional windsurfing boards, and require more skill in handling. Freestyle windsurfing boards provide a very maneuverable platform for doing tricks. These boards are very stable, making them good for intermediate level windsurfers who are practicing their moves. If you are a beginner, you may also want to try a freestyle windsurfing board. Finally, there is the wave board, which is ideal for windsurfing in larger waves, swells and big chops. When shopping for your windsurfing board, remember that smaller boards are more technically demanding to handle. There are also windsurfing boards on the market that combine features, so once again, it depends on what kind of windsurfer you are.
Common Pitfalls
Take a lesson before purchasing your first windsurfing board so you can be sure of what type of board is best for you. You may want to go with an older-style board, such as those longer than 3 m. You can find used boards for a lower price than newer boards, which can be pricey. Once you gain technique and are sure the sport is for you, then go ahead and get yourself a new model. Make sure that you also get all the essential accessories, such as a life jacket, foot straps and the right fin for your board.
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