Windsurfing
gear
gifts
how to windsurf
safety
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Windsurfing boards are typically made of plastic or fiberglass.
Small boards that cannot support your weight
are appropriately called sinkers and are
for windy days and very experienced sailors.
In addition to a fin at the rear of the board,
larger boards have a removable centerboard,
which helps going upwind. Although starting
with a board with centerboard used to be
considered mandatory, designs and attitudes
have changed, and it is possible to learn
on a board that has just a rear fin. The
fin is a critical part of the whole as it
counteracts the lateral force generated by
the sail. Boards often have foot-straps,
which help the intermediate and advanced
windsurfers better control the board while
on a plane. When choosing a board to try
out, keep in mind that a wider board is more
stable which will let you progress faster.
The sail is what your audience will remember (in
addition to your unexplained and spontaneous
jumps into the water), as they often use
colorful panels. The size of the sail should
reflect wind conditions as well as your abilities.
A larger sail should be used in lighter winds,
while the smaller ones are designed for stronger
conditions. In addition to variable sizes,
there are various shapes or cuts depending
on the intended use. The race sails tend
to be more stable but heavier and capable
of handling a wide range of winds. Freeride
sails are typically lighter, more maneuverable
and certainly preferable for someone getting
into the sport. Finally, wave sails tend
to be smaller and emphasize strength to cope
with more demanding conditions.
The mast is typically made of some combination of
fiberglass and carbon. Mast and sail should
be "matched", following the length
and stiffness recommendations of the sail
manufacturer. The mast attaches to the board
using a mast base (to which the sail is also
secured) and a mast foot, which includes
a flexible u-joint or tendon. This joint
or tendon allows the sail to be maneuvered
in all directions. All these points are typically
covered in a first windsurfing lesson and
if the equipment is provided to you
The mast helps give the sail its shape as
it is forced into the sail's mast sleeve.
The wishbone attaches to both the mast and
the clue of the sail. The wishbone is what
you hold to keep the sail up and control
it. Beginners typically rely on an up-haul
rope to pull the sail out of the water and
get going.
Depending on air and water temperatures,
windsurfing can be practiced in a regular
swimsuit. Cooler air or water may require
a wetsuit. These come in a variety of shapes from
the "shorty" with short sleeves
and short legs, to the long john (no or short
sleeves and long legs) to the full body suit.
Full body suits come in various thicknesses
for different conditions. Finally, for the
cooler days, a "steamer" will keep
you warmer. These full body suits are thicker
(3, 4 and 5 mm) and offer a tighter fit than
regular wetsuits, letting less water in and
keeping you warmer. Hardcore enthusiasts
that practice the sport in cold weather use
drysuits that do not let water in. Many of these
wetsuits are available in kid sizes.
Depending on what is at the bottom of the
water, water shoes or slippers may be necessary. Some areas are notorious
for shells or glass and you should inquire
before going barefooted. |
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