Here is a short and simple guide to take your first steps in the world of windsurfing
Steps
Part 1 of 3: The equipment
Step 1. Knowing your equipment is important:
that way, when others give you advice about it, you will understand what they are talking about. Your kit consists of two parts: the board and the rig. The board is that part on which you are balanced, just like a surfboard, and has one or more fins and scuba fins (in some models).
Step 2. Remember that the keel should always be submerged in water when leaving
To maneuver it, simply push the large lever towards the rear of the board, i.e. aft, in order to immerse the keel, and pull it towards the front, or bow, to lift it when you get out of the water.
Step 3. It is important to know that there are also foot straps and a recessed housing to place the rig in
The rig consists of a sail, a mast and a boom. The boom is that clamp part that you cling to, but the mast can also be used as a support. A cable should run from the boom to the bottom of the mast - this is the handguard, which is used to pull up the sail. You will often find harness lines hanging from the boom.
Part 2 of 3: The Basics to Get Started
Step 1. Push the board into deep water until the fin is completely submerged
Step 2. Take into account the direction of the wind, and maneuver the board so that the sail is always downwind
Step 3. Swim or walk to the windward side and mount on the board - Elegance is not essential
Stand on your knees and grab a grip on the handrail, without pushing the glider.
Step 4. Slowly stand on your feet
If you're using a beginner board it should be easy to find the right balance - rock back and forth on your feet to get comfortable.
Step 5. Bend your knees slightly and pull the sail out of the water with the strap, hand after hand as in tug-of-war
Try to keep your back and body upright. If you feel that your lower back starts to ache, it means you are bowed too much.
Step 6. Grab the tree with both hands and let it swing
This is the "safety" or "control" position: total control without any effort.
Step 7. Practice the maneuver (called the Steering Center of Thrust) in the safety position
With the tree upright, tilt it to your left. Your body should transfer its imbalance (the center of thrust of the sail is not balanced with the center of the lateral resistance of the board) to the board, in order to make it turn (or rotate) clockwise. Rotate the shaft to the right and the board will spin (or rotate) counterclockwise. The greater the intensity of the wind - and the greater your inclinations - the faster the board will spin (or rotate). In a staid breeze you should sail rather slowly at this point. Another way to describe the turn is this: if you tilt the mast aft, the board will rise in the wind. This process is also described in the "Tacking" section of this guide. Tilting the mast forward will cause the board to lower.
Step 8. Start moving
Check which side of the board the bow is in relation to you, and place your lowest hand on the boom so that the mast points the sail towards the bow (the front). When you feel ready, put your other hand on the boom. Don't let the sail push you down - the mast should remain perpendicular to the board, so back off and keep your arms outstretched. This position is called "the number 7", and it should give you the idea of the correct posture!
Step 9. Push back with your hand to accelerate - release to slow down
Keep your feet behind the base of the tree, with your front toes facing front.
Step 10. Relax
If you need to stop, return to the safety position, or let go of the boom if there are no impediments. Make sure it stands in front of you, and remember that it's tiring to drop it and pick it up all the time!
Part 3 of 3: Turn
Step 1. Tilt the mast, from the safety position, towards the stern to turn the tip of the board in favor of the wind (behind you) or towards the bow to tack downwind (in front of you)
Step 2. Move around the shaft as the tip rotates to reach the other end
Now you can set sail! These principles also work while sailing - tilt the mast back and forth using the boom to correct your course!
Step 3. Enjoy
Advice
- As you learn and get better, change one thing at a time, like the size of the board or sail. Not both in one fell swoop !!! This way you would throw your windsurf to the wind.
- Try not to land on the glider! You could make a very expensive gash.
- Buy a beginner board that is suitable for wind conditions. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, a wider board will add value when you use it in conjunction with an even larger high-end wing, and when you have learned to land. Eventually you might want a short board to use with the five meter sail, which was probably included in the board. Such a type of wing WILL NOT ALLOW YOU to turn easily in normal wind conditions. If you are sailing in light wind conditions, a LONG BOARD is a great first choice, and an investment that you will most likely keep as long as you windsurf.
- Avoid buying progression boards that are older than fifteen years (unless they are long boards) and narrower than 60cm! Buying old 80s boards is not a big deal for anyone and at no price, unless you live in a place that is usually swept by very strong winds.
- The best lessons are those face to face with the teacher, especially if they are cheap.
- Be careful of other bathers. Motor boats have to give way, but first comes the duty and then the pleasure: don't do anything stupid. Right of way goes starboard - right-handed sailors have right of way. Shout "starboard" to remind those who come at you that you have right of way, but keep your course and speed constant so they can avoid you. Going around a sailor might seem comfortable, but not if he is trying to do the same too. It is not a hide and seek game! If you are the sailor, get downwind of them.
- Try surfing with other people - the experience of others always helps, especially if they spend a lot more time in the water than you do. It is always a good thing, to avoid any difficulty.
- If you go with someone, try to "follow your captain": this way you will learn a lot about posture and movements.
- Cover up - it's very cold up there.
- Helmets and life jackets help to feel safer, and are required in many locations.
- Check eBay for equipment … if you are passionate about this practice, you may have to change the various accessories very often, and it will become very expensive to buy them new - but ask someone more experienced about the various models anyway.
- Try to experiment with your balance, and drop a few times to test the size of the board.
- Be light on your feet.
Warnings
- Make sure you can swim for at least 50 meters.
- Never windsurf with a wind that pushes you away from shore, at least until you have enough experience.
- Pay attention to the local fauna, and always check the conditions of the tides, to avoid possible storm surges.
- Stay away from ships, even if they are just motorboats (as above: duty first, pleasure second). The same goes for all types of boats.
