Wind surfing explained: everything you should know about it

Windsurfing is a combination of surfing and sailing. Although it requires both physical, logical and mental work, it is much easier than surfing as training is faster and less complicated. Where windsurfing takes place is waters without underwater currents, huge waves or anything of this type. What else should you know about windsurfing? Let us take a closer look at this extreme sport and outdoor recreational activity.

Equipment

Equipment for windsurfing includes several important things: a board and a sail are the basics. Further in the article you will find out what types of them exist. However, these are not the only things that make windsurfing possible. What else do windsurfers need?

• Loops for their feet;
• A flipper;
• A hinge;
• A mast for the sail;
• A boom to stand on the board;
• A rope to set the sail.

Apart from the things mentioned above, windsurfers have to use special ammunition. It consists of a wetsuit, a pair of gloves, a hat or something else to cover the head. Moreover, it is a good idea to bring a pair of flip-flops and some beach clothing to change after windsurfing. Some sunscreen will come in useful too, as well as a pair of sunglasses. Some sportsmen use go-pro cameras to capture their adventures.

Types of operating the board

There are two types of moving in the water used in windsurfing. The first one is displacement-type. The board is partly in the water and buoyancy keeps it stable. However, due to the presence of resistance, it is impossible to reach high speed.

At the same time, another type of operating the board in the water makes it possible. This is the discharge type. The raising powers of water keep the board on its surface. To surf like that, it is necessary to make sure that the speed of the wind is not less than 6-7 meters per second. A lot of experience in windsurfing is also required.

Disciplines

There are several windsurfing disciplines, as well as two types of this sport. The second classification is based on the season when it takes place. In summer, sportsmen surf on the water. Any pond is suitable, including rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. As for winter, sportsmen slide on ice or snow. They use special boards similar to snowboards and customize them by adding sails from any sailing equipment.

Windsurfing disciplines include Olympic windsurfing. It is considered to be the hardest discipline to compete in. A special track is created, and strong wind creates various obstacles. This discipline is special because sportsmen are required to use proper equipment that is similar for every competitor and is usually produced by one firm. Since 2008, the equipment used in Olympic windsurfing has been made by Neil Pryde.

Formula is another type, which is known as surfing in good weather conditions when the wind is not too harsh. There are several rules that must be taken into account when it comes to competing in this discipline. The board must not be wider than one meter and the area of the sail must not exceed 12.5 square meters. Such equipment makes it possible to reach high speed even if the wind is too weak.

Speed windsurfing is aimed at covering distances at the highest speed possible. Usually the race is not too hard. Each sportsman has to cover this distance on his or her own and then his speed will be recorded. The one who reaches the highest speed is crowned the winner of the race. The track is often snakelike and special buoys mark the parts of the track where a turn should be made.

Freestyle is a discipline that differs a lot from the rest of them. It is aimed at performing at the top pf one’s skills rather than simply covering the distance faster than others. Freestyle surfers must perform some kind of a program. The harder the stunts he or she has performed, the higher the score.

Windsurfing boards and sails

Boards are used in accordance with the discipline one wants to compete in. As it has been mentioned previously, Olympic windsurfing requires monotype boards similar for all sportsmen. The boards used in this disciplines are constructed in a way that can be applied in any weather conditions. Huge sails usually accompany formula windsurfing boards (if we can say so). The length of the flippers is also quite big: it sometimes reaches 70 centimeters.

Wave boards are used to surf on the waves and they are quite long: their length ranges from 230 to 260 centimeters and their width reaches 60 centimeters. Such boards are perfect for various stunts and jumping from waves. Freestyle boards serve the same purposes but their width is even bigger. As for the speed boards, they are narrow and long and are perfect for setting records.

As for the sails, they are usually made of polyester and mylar. These materials are thick enough to withstand strong wind. The sails are triangle in their form and they are perfect to operate the board. The area of the sails might range from 1 to 13 square meters, but it fully depends on the board you have chosen and the discipline you want to compete in.

Training

Windsurfing is a sport that is available for everyone. The main principle is to be willing to practice it. Although almost any person can try it, it is better to be in good physical shape to make the process of training faster and easier. This sport helps to build muscles and burn fat. Moreover, as a result of practicing windsurfing on a regular basis new neurons are formed, which is why the state of mental health improves.

Anyways, windsurfing might be dangerous in case the training is not proper. What is meant by ‘proper training’ is taking up classes with a professional instructor and getting ready for them in advanced. First things first, it is necessary to use sunscreen and wear any kind of hat. It is advisable to learn the basics of using the equipment and learn how to stand in the right position. All the information relevant to windsurfing will be stated by the instructor.

Some people face mental challenges when it comes to windsurfing. They are mostly concerned with the fear of falling and getting injured. Another fear is connected with moving at a really high speed or looking too funny from the point of view of other people. It is crucial to battle one’s fears.

Safety rules

The greatest danger of windsurfing is the fact that it is impossible to return to the starting point. To prevent any risks, it is paramount to follow several safety rules:

1. Always plan the route in advanced.
2. Check all the equipment and ammunition beforehand.
3. If you feel exhausted, return to the shore as soon as possible.
4. Do not panic in case something unexpected happens.
5. If you get lost, do your best to show a distress signal.

That’s it! As you see, windsurfing is an outdoor activity that requires special equipment and training, but those who manage to gain experience in this sport say that it leaves a lasting impression on every windsurfer.