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A Guide To Windsurfing  By Haydn Dunn


Windsurfing

 

Some people say windsurfing is hard to learn. Nothing could be further from the truth. The only time windsurfing is difficult to learn is when people try to learn on the wrong equipment in the wrong conditions. With the right equipment, most people are comfortably sailing around after a two-hour lesson.Girls are maybe thinking windsurfing is a guy's sport. Just take a look through any windsurfing magazine, and have a look at how many women are enjoying the sport. Remember, windsurfing is not a strength sport, it is a finesse sport. Just remember almost anything in life is easy once you put your mind into doing it .. lets begin..Safety First - Before you get going know these simple safety rules.
 
Always stay with your board. In the rare event that the board and rig get separated, stay with the board. The board offers flotation as well as a stable paddling platform if you need to get yourself back to shore.
Prepare for the conditions. This means wearing a wetsuit, drysuit or sunscreen if necessary. Also, if the bottom conditions warrant it, a pair of booties is a good call.
Know your sailing site. This means familiarizing yourself with the boat traffic patterns and weather conditions your are likely to encounter while on the water.
Learn the International Distress Signal. If you are in serious need of help, sit on your board and keep raising and lowering your arms above your head and down to your sides. This signal is recognized worldwide as the sign for help when you are on the water.

NOW let the Surfing Begin !!!!Wind Orientation
Before you sail, you need to learn to read the wind. You need to know from which way the wind is blowing. Ways of accomplishing this are looking at a flag, tossing some sand or grass in the air and seeing where the wind takes it, or the tried and true sailor's method of wetting your index finger and holding it up into the air. Ok now I want you all to get acquainted to this term NEUTRAL POSITION =You + water + standing on the board + holding the mast uprightSpecifically, you will be standing--- Feet left & right of mast, Gripping the mast with both hands, Knees slightly bent, Head high, Rig (sail) 90 degrees to board, Arms straight, Hips tucked.OK... let's go from IN THE WATER NEUTRAL POSITION in steps now
PREPARATION:
 1. Rig Leeward & 90 degrees to board. (Leeward = "downwind")
2. Get on your board.
3. Grasp the uphaul line.
4. Feet left and right of the mast.
5. Arms stretched, crouch position, Tuck hips under, back straight, head high.
BRING SAIL UP:
6. Stretch legs... lift rig.
7. Hoist sail completely out of water.
8. Grasp mast with two hands under boom.
NEUTRAL POSITION:
9. Gripping the mast (feet still left & right of mast)
10. Check: Knees slightly bent, head high.
11. Check: Rig 90 degrees to board.
12. Arms straight, hips tucked.

Now... when you get the above stuff down, you'll be ready for some sailing. While "easier said than done", here's the steps for SAILING!

1. Neutral Position
2. Let back hand go.
3. Step behind mast with toes on centerline, feet shoulder width apart.
4. Stand straight, knees bent, arms straight, body square to board.
5. Check: 90 degrees? If not, pull mast up to vertical.
6. Hands lightly on boom.

 

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