Windsurfing

Windsurfing is the synthesis of surfing and sailing: two means of riding the surface of the water with a boost from the elements. It requires technique, a whole lot of patience, and killer equipment, which is where this guide comes in. If you want to take advantage of the mobility of surfing and the control of sailing, this is the sport for you. The two major components of the windsurfer's vehicle are the boom. !

How to Buy a Board

Choose a style based on the sort of windsurfing you'd like to do, and a volume based on your size and the wind conditions where you'll surf. The style will determine the width and length of the board, with wider and longer boards generally providing more stability and flotation but less maneuverability. Smaller boards are more suitable for windsurfing aerobatics, trickery, and wave riding. Larger boards master flat water.

Style

* ''Beginner '' **Bic Techno 293. You might also want to consider buying a beginner package that includes a longboard and a rig. ** '''Longboards''': These are 10 feet long or more, very stable and wide with a volume of 150 to 200 liters. * ''Intermediate'' ** '''Freeride''': Long recreational board for traveling on flat water. Ideal for the tubing crowd. ** '''Wave''': Small and easily maneuvered for riding waves and catching air. * ''Advanced'' ** '''Freestyle''': Slightly larger than wave board; for doing tricks on flat water. ** '''Racing''': Built for speed and not for turning or jumping. ** '''Formula''': Wide with stabilizing fin (skeg) for flat water competition.

Volume

* Volume, which is the measure of a board's size, ranges from 65 to 90 liters for a wave board to 120 to 170 for a freeride board. ** Beginner boards can have volumes in the 200s. * Heavy sailor=higher volume; lighter sailor=lighter volume. ** Heavy sailor + heavy winds or light sailor + light winds = moderate volume.

Rocker

* This is the curvature of the board from the nose to the tail. Rocker makes the tips of the board point up slightly, like a banana. ** A board with more rocker turns more easily, boards with less rocker ride faster.

Popular Boards

Get started with these beginner to intermediate boards. They come individually or including the sail.

Advanced Boards

Advanced boards typically have less volume than beginner boards. Their narrow width allow higher top speeds.

How to Buy a Sail

The type and size of your Cambered Windsurfing Sails (or camber induced sails). *** Rigidly arched sails engineered for speed and stability. ** For wave riding and freestyle: RAF (Rotating Asymmetric Foil) sails. *** Battens flip to the other side of the mast when needed, allowing for flexibility. *** Handling and rigging are much easier with RAFs. * '''Size''' ** Consult this very helpful size guide. ** Larger sails (6-12 square meters) pick up all the wind in the vicinity, no matter how light, and turn it into speed. ** Smaller sails (3-5 square meters) offer the sort of maximum control you'll need for tricks and strong winds. *** Beginners are best with a sail that's not too large but not so small. Go for one between 5 and 6.5 square meters, with high rig tension for added stability. *** Dedicated windsurfers keep several sizes of sails in order to adapt to wind conditions or switch styles.

Accessories

* '''Gear and Apparel''' ** Protect your hands with neoprene gloves. ** For footwear, you'll need sport aquasocks. The difference between booties and aquasocks is in the ankles: booties go higher up, like boots. ** A Lycra or nylon rashguard (a shirt that protects from sunburn) is all you'll need by way of a top. A wetsuit is recommended if you plan to windsurf in cooler waters. ** A life vest is a must for novices. * '''Roof racks''' ** For traveling with your board, unless you car has a jumbo trunk. * '''harness lines''' ** Advanced windsurfers will need harnesses to sail in strong winds.

Major Manufacturers

'''Boards''' * Exocet * F2 * Mistral * Naish * Tiga '''Sails''' * Ezzy * Hot Sails * Sailworks * World Sails