Water sports are undoubtedly some of the most popular and attractive; however, it seems that those that are practiced in the sea, such as surfing or especially windsurfing, have an added element: fear. It is very common to hear many admirers of this sport say: Windsurf They have a great weakness for it, but they do not dare to practice it for fear of not doing it well, that it is very dangerous or not being able to learn it. For these reasons, if you identify with this description or are just starting out in this sport, keep reading and discover the 10 things you should know about windsurfing.
Before debunking the most widespread myths about windsurfing, we must say that although this sport is practiced in the water, and it is very common to see many people practicing it during the summer months, it is not a sport exclusive to this season. In fact, practicing it in winter has many advantages. In addition to the beaches being emptier, the wind and waves, essential elements for practicing windsurfing, are much stronger at this time of year, softening as the hot season approaches.
This sport has gained many detractors, since despite being one of the nautical sports par excellence in our country, some federative movements have started campaigns against it; even so, the windsurf can boast of being so frequent that it has already been in the Olympic Games for more than 30 years. And for many, although surfing is exciting, controlling the board according to the direction and power of the wind, as well as the movements with the windsurfing sail, are even more exciting.
Although it may seem otherwise, windsurfing is a very noble sport that allows anyone who wants to practice it; here we explain why:
1. Windsurfing is not an exclusive summer sport
As we mentioned before, windsurfing can be practiced all year round. Although summer is the season when this sport attracts more followers, it is not a sport exclusive to this season. If you want to learn this sport You may find that the warmer months are more suitable for getting into the world of windsurfing, but don't miss out on it during the colder months, as the wind and wave conditions are much more advantageous. Plus, wetsuits will protect you from the cold temperatures, and if you don't have one, you can always rent one!
2. Windsurfing has no age
Windsurfing is a sport that is often attributed to young people, especially because of the tricks and acrobatics that are seen in competitions, especially in freestyle competitions. But the reality is that windsurfing has no age, anyone can practice it, and, although there are many people who practice it at a very high level that requires certain demands, windsurfing is not an extreme sport, so you can adjust the ease or difficulty according to your interests.
Once you have learned this sport that allows you to sail the sea without any complications other than a sail and a board, you can practice it throughout your life. The speed and adrenaline you want to feel will only depend on how you open or close your sail. It really is a very simple mechanism.
3. Learning windsurfing under the guidance of a professional is essential
Although in the previous section we said that you add the difficulty, It is true that windsurfing is a sport that requires a lot of technique to be able to control the board, the sail and the wind conditions at the same time.For this reason, if you are just starting out, you may receive a lot of information that is difficult to process, so it is better for the instructor to explain it to you so that you understand it as quickly as possible and without exposing yourself to any unnecessary danger.
4. Windsurfing is not difficult to learn
Although many people think that this sport is difficult to learn and therefore do not even try, the truth is that the great technological advances in equipment that have been achieved in recent years have made learning the sport much easier. We are not saying that learning to windsurf is a piece of cake, since like everything, it requires technique and above all patience, but we do want to highlight that the lightness of the board and the sail make it possible to learn more quickly than a few years ago.
Especially at the beginning, it requires some effort, because, unlike surfing, until you fully grasp the technique you will not be able to pick up speed and navigate at all. If you are a beginner, we recommend going out to sea first thing in the morning with the calmest waves and the lightest wind possible. As you progress in your learning, the wind will be your best friend as it will allow you to give your board more speed.
5. Windsurfing is not expensive
Even though you will have to make an investment in your windsurfing equipment, the reality is that it won't be much more expensive than equipment for other sports such as cycling. Also, if you are a beginner, you can always rent the equipment in full, which actually makes more sense, as there is a chance that you might try the sport and not like it, or on the contrary, you might like it but later have to get rid of the beginner equipment to get a higher level one.
6. Getting the windsurf sail out of the water doesn't cost as much as you think
Before starting this sport, many people think that one of the most difficult things is to get the sail out of the water, however, the improvement The quality and progress in terms of perfecting the equipment materials make the task of removing the sail from the water much easier.
Also, once you know the basics of sailing with your board, it will be less expensive because you can add a harness with which your own body will hold the sail.
7. You don't need to be an expert swimmer to be able to practice windsurfing
To get into this sport you need to know how to swim, but you don't need to be an expert. It will also depend on where you train. In the open sea the water is deeper and the waves are more aggressive, so If you fall off the board, it will be a bit more difficult to get back on. If, on the other hand, you choose to practice in lakes, Although the difficulty is less, Difficulties will also arise caused by gusts of wind. If you are a beginner, it is best to learn in a sea with calm waters, which, although there may be waves, will not be so pronounced.
8. Windsurfing should be learned in several steps
It is normal that when you start a sport as dynamic as this, your desire is to learn as quickly as possible and do freestyle maneuvers. Listen to the instructions of Your instructor will be essential for you to gradually level up.
9. Windsurfing modalities
- Freestyle: Known as freestyle, it is practiced in lakes and lagoons. There are two types of freestyle; Oldschool and New School.The first consists of performing maneuvers in light winds. The second uses small, light boards, and in this way, performs the greatest number of maneuvers in the shortest time possible.
- Slalom: This is one of the competitions that requires a lot of wind. The idea is to zigzag around obstacles, such as buoys. Normally, the competition is one on one, and the fastest one wins the competition.
- Waves or Wave: Windsurfers must perform surfing movements and jumps very high over the waves, which They are at least one metre long. The equipment used for this modality is usually light.
- Race: The course is triangular and is marked by buoys. When the wind is blowing against them, athletes take advantage of the opportunity to swim long distances.
- Super X: This is the modality in which aspects of regatta and slalom competitions are combined with the characteristics of freestyle. Its pace is very fast and frenetic..
10. You are not alone in the water
You must not forget that you are not the only one in the water, so you must respect the activity that others are doing. There are also other boats that may pass before you, and remember that whoever sails with the right hand on the mast (starboard) has priority.
Windsurfing is a fantastic way to enjoy the sea and the sun, whenever you want and at whatever intensity you want. It is also not dangerous and is a great exercise for toning your arms and legs when you get on the board or hoist the sail.
Frequently asked questions about windsurfing
What is windsurfing?
Windsurfing is a water sport, which arises from a variation of surfing, which consists of moving in the water on a board with a sail. Unlike traditional surfing where the push comes from the arms, in windsurfing the push comes from the sail through the wind.
What is the best time to practice windsurfing?
Windsurfing can be practiced all year round. Although it is a sport that is more associated with summer, practicing it in winter has great advantages, such as the waves and wind, which are usually stronger.
What equipment is needed for windsurfing?
- The board, whose size ranges between 2.5 and 3.5 meters, varies depending on the modality practiced. It consists of a fin that provides stability and a rail where the mast is placed, which is what gives balance to the board.
- The rig: It is made up of a sail, a mast - the one that connects the sail to the board - and a boom, which holds the entire rig.
- A suit that provides safety and protection: Sports glasses, and a wetsuit.
