How to windsurf
From ArticleWorld
Windsurfing can be an impressive skill to learn. You have to splash out on lessons and protective equipment, but all it takes is a bit of practice and perseverance.
method
Kit: you should understand what you will need to windsurf. Aside from protective gear such as a helmet and a lifejacket. You will need a board with a least one fin, which will be on the underside at all times. This board should have a full complement of footstraps and a deck plate.
The deck plate will hold the rig on. This is a mast, sail and boom. The boom is to be hung on to, but you can also use the mast for support. The bottom of the mast is connected to the boom with a cord called the uphaul, and this hauls the sail up, as you might expect.
Basics: take the board out into chest high water. Work out the wind direction, and position yourself so that your sail is downwind of both yourself and the board.
Get on the board. When on your knees, take hold of the uphaul, and stand up. Take up a stable position (knees bent for preference), and raise the sail as though you where pulling yourself up a cliff face.
Take hold of the mast, and allow it to swing. This is your safety position, and you should always be in control in this stance.
To move off: look around and find the bow, and take hold of that side of the bow. Now, when you are stable, put the other hand on the boom. You should find yourself leaning away from the sail, with your arms straight, called the Number 7, for obvious reasons: your front foot should face forwards. Pull with the behind hand to speed up, to slow, let it out.
Turning: From your safety position, shift the mast so that it pulls the nose of the board upwind, or downwind. As the nose turns, be ready to step across the mast.
hints
Be careful of others travelling in the water. Powered items should let go past, but don’t bet on it – ferries and bigger craft won’t. Starboard has priority.
Helmets and lifejackets should be worn at all times. Make certain that you can swim back to shore.