Windsurfing began in 1968 when sailor Jim Drake and surfer Hoyle Schweitzer patented the hybrid sport, according to the website Windsurfing Academy. The equipment can be divided into two parts, the rig and the board, which has fins underwater. The rig consists of the mast, boom and sail. The mast is connected to the board and has cords that pull the sail up. The boom is where you place your hands. Children and adults alike can enjoy windsurfing.
Step 1
Paddle the board into the water where it is deep enough that the bottom fin is not touching the sand.
Step 2
Face the sail downwind on the board, and climb onto the upwind end of the board; remain kneeling and take hold of the uphaul, which is the cord that connects to the mast.
Step 3
Stand up slowly, and get your balance on the board by bending your knees slightly and rocking gently back and forth.
Step 4
Pull up the sail by pulling the uphaul, keeping your back straight until you reach the mast. This is called safety position.
Step 5
Let the mast swing so you can practice steering in this position. When you tilt the mast to the right, the board turns counterclockwise; when you tilt the mast to the left, the board turns clockwise. If you tilt the mast toward the front of the board, you bear off from the wind; if you tilt it toward the stern, or back, of the board, you head up into the wind.
Step 6
Place your hand toward the bottom of the bow to make the mast lead the sail to the front of the board, keeping the mast at a right angle with the board.
Step 7
Keep your arms straight, and lean back slightly. This posture is called number 7.
Step 8
Accelerate by pulling the mast toward the stern of the board. Release this position to slow down.
Step 9
Return to the safety position when you are ready to stop.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice standing up on the board and taking hold of the boom in shallow water before heading toward the deep water. Grip the boom with your hands as close together as possible for greater control when steering the sail. Stand back on the board in strong wind conditions to maintain a balanced center of gravity.
- If you are tired, drop the sail. But make sure it goes in front of you, or it can knock you off the board and the mast can hit your head or other parts of your body.
Things You'll Need
- Winsurf board and sail
- Swimsuit
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