Directions on How to Windsurf

Flying just over the surface of the water under only the propulsion of the wind can be an exhilarating experience, one that is fairly easy to capture on a windsurfing board. The wind-powered, stand-up sailboats can be seen on bodies of water everywhere and provide hours of entertainment for adventure seekers and families alike. Windsurfing is a pretty simple form of entertainment and excitement provided you know the basics.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Safety gear Windsurfer Water
Safety gear
Windsurfer
Water

Step 1

Check the wind direction. You can do this by looking for obvious areas where the wind is blowing, such as tall weeds, trees or flags in the area.

Step 2

Drag your windsurf board in to the water with your back and the mast facing in to the wind.

Step 3

Mount the board once the water is deep enough where you won't catch the fin of the board. Get comfortable just balancing on the board.

Step 4

Uphaul the rigging (the sail) with the uphaul line, your back to the wind. Don't put your feet in the board straps just yet.

Step 5

Rotate your body around the mast until you are on the other side of the board, keeping your back to the wind the entire time. Take small steps and keep the rig out of the water with the uphaul line.

Step 6

Put your front foot in the front strap and grab the mast. You should now be moving in a straight direction.

Step 7

Place your back foot in the back strap when you are moving and your position feels stable.

Step 8

Move the sail forward or backwards, depending on if you want to turn into or away from the wind. Moving it backwards will turn you away from the wind, while moving the sail forward will send you in to the wind.

Step 9

Use rig pressure to pull yourself up on the board should you fall off. Keep your board perpendicular to the wind with your body on the upwind side. Hold on to the mast with your feet on the board and allow the wind to pull you up.

Step 10

Lower the sail with the uphaul line until the board slows to a safe speed in order to get down. Take your feet from the straps and then simply ease your body off the board.

Tips & Warnings

Always keep your fin retracted when not in the water. Set your foot straps to the proper size before you put the board in the water.

Always keep your fin retracted when not in the water.

Set your foot straps to the proper size before you put the board in the water.

Make sure you wear a life vest and a helmet when out on the water. As a beginner, you may take a few spills and drowning is a concern.

Resources

Youtube: Learn How to Windsurf

Article Written By Patrick Cameron

Patrick Cameron is a freelance writer with 10 years of diverse experience in consumer goods branding, promotions and retail communications. He works out of his home in Denver, Colo. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.

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