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Chapter 9: Windsurfing

Summary: How I Learned to Windsurf

• I acquired the necessary equipment: a board, sail, wetsuit, personal flotation device, helmet, and other important safety gear.
• I learned how to rig the board and sail, as well as disassemble, maintain, transport, and store the rig safely.
• I learned how to protect myself from major risks, including drowning, concussion, and hypothermia.
• I learned how to launch the board from shore, raise the sail into neutral position, and add power to the sail to start moving.
• I learned how to turn the board (tack/jibe), and how to position the sail to move in various wind conditions.
• I learned how to avoid falling off of the board, and how to get back on the board and raise the sail if I fall.

Windsurfing Equipment List

Here's the windsurfing gear I use:

• Starboard Rio M board
• Chinook Powerglide 4.7-square-meter sail
• Chinook Sport AL boom
• Chinook 400cm mast
• Chinook US mast extension
• Chinook US 1-bolt mast base
• Chinook bungee uphaul
• Mystic Crossfire 5/4 full wetsuit + neoprene boots, gloves, and hat
• Mystic Crossfire 3/2 shorty wetsuit + neoprene Vibram Five Fingers
• Dakine Surface personal flotation device

I highly recommend Isthmus Sailboards for gear - excellent customer service.

Diagrams

For audiobook listeners, here are the diagrams that are in the print and ebook edition:

Sailboard Parts

Wind Direction

Wind Zones

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