Summer is now here, holiday time is coming, and you are determined, this year at last to start windsurfing. Here is a series of tips for Windsurfing beginners to help you get started with your favorite sport.
Tips & Approaches
- The best decision you will ever make about your progress in learning windsurfing is not to trust your friend or relative who has a (some great) experience but to trust a course of expert windsurfers. It is not so much the level of experience, but the fact that having your friend or relative as your teacher will miss this concept of loyalty from the trainer to the trainee. Do not forget that we usually become better when we are pressured.
- Surely a good sense of balance will help you, as well as you can understand the direction of the wind. It is not superfluous initially, but it is the two components that determine windsurfing. The more you practice the sport, the more your progress will be, as long as you are not disappointed by your very initial efforts.
- Before you get excited about the performance and turn to the equipment market, we would suggest you continue to rent rather than buy. The practice quickly brings results and the board that seems super to you today, you may need to replace it tomorrow. Besides, the boards are divided into small, medium, and large, without always separating them from each other to be perfectly distinct.
- Start with some windsurfing lessons that offer the right equipment for your level. Logically, you will start with a small wave sail that is easier to control than a big one that is heavy when it falls into the water and it will exhaust you as a novice.
- Choose to do windsurfing lessons in places or days and hours with moderate but constant wind. It sounds better for your level, the wind is small, but it makes it hard for you to move and keep it at any speed. For strong winds, we do not discuss it, while special attention needs the unpredictable wind that intensifies or moderates quickly and abruptly.
- One of the most useful tips for Windsurfing beginners is to keep you from falling off. They are not going to injure you, but they are very fun and part of the pleasure of windsurfing. Besides, falling does not signify anything about your abilities. A slight deviation of the balance or a shifting wind is able to throw you into the water. It happens to the best and it really is fun.
- Try to use your body weight well despite the strength of your hands because you will get tired too quickly. Relax back to compensate for the wave sail while holding your hands without bending. You can stay in this neutral position for as long as you need it.
- Be relaxed and comfortable, keeping your balance on the board, without stress and worry about what to do next.
- Understand the basic elements of direction and wind movement. Know from which direction the wind comes before you begin.
Windsurfing Safety
Windsurfing is a totally autonomous activity which means you are responsible for returning to the shore every time you windsurf. Regardless of your windsurfing ability, it is always recommended that you take the necessary precautions and this is perhaps the most important of the tips for Windsurfing beginners. Remember, even the most experienced and skilled windsurfer can have unfortunate moments. Get some basic safety measures before you start and you will not have any problems:
- As a beginner, never leave far and stay alone. Try to windsurf where there are nearby boats.
- Avoid strong winds
- Carefully check your equipment
- Do not rely on others to get you out of trouble. Take charge and try to solve any problem yourself. It will offer you experience, better education, and confidence.
- Do not get caught easily and do not think you’ve reached points of evolution that allow you ambitious moves.
- Use all of your safety tools.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated before and after windsurfing. Energy bars, fruits, and bananas also offer “fuel” to your body.
- Stay calm in all situations.
In the end, you should always be able to return to the coast if you have complied with all safety measures. If you fall into the water, make sure that you have activated the life jacket and look for help.
Equipment & Conditions
- Start with a large board. Larger boards have more volume and stability, and this will help you keep your balance and stay upright.
- As beginners use a small wave sail. The smaller the wave sail, the easier it will be to control it.
- Start with light winds. They may not be able to push, but at the same time, you are not in danger of being swept away by strong winds. Try your first windsurfing lessons when the wind blows to the shore. In case something goes wrong, the wind will take you back to the coast.
- Keep your knees bent: when you turn your hips in the direction you are going and at the same time bend your knees, you consume no energy and your muscles do not get unnecessary.
- Relax your muscles: At first sessions, your body tends to accumulate tension in the muscles. When this happens, try to find a convenient location that will allow you to relax
- Always look in the direction you are moving and definitely do not look at your feet.
We hope that reading these tips will help you better understand what you need to keep in mind during your first windsurfing lessons. One more of the tips for Windsurfing Beginners is to remember before renting or buying windsurfing equipment to have correctly weighed your level of experience and make a budget.
Good luck!!
