10 Windsurfing Tips

If you've ever wanted to learn how to become a better windsurfer, here are 10 windsurfing tips. Soon enough, you'll be gliding across the water with brightly colored sails, making it look super fun and easy. 

1. Get familiar with the neutral position. This is a position you will use often, you will start in this position the first time you put your board in the water and you will return to it when you get back on the board after every fall.
2. Relax. If you are tense you will be using more muscles and energy then you need to.
3. Extend arms but this does not mean to lock your elbows. Just keep your arms extended and not bent. This puts the load from the sail on to your shoulders and back, rather than your forearms which are weaker.
4. Knuckle color, you want them to be pink, not white. White knuckles mean you are gripping the boom far too hard. Gripping the boom hard will not make you go any faster and simply spreads tension to the upper body.
5. Stand up. Even as the wind increases, standing is more comfortable and gives you more control.
6. Monitor your lines. Try out different lengths and making a mental note of what length feels best.
7. Thumbs over the boom. This is a good way to relax the arm by gripping the boom with the fingers over it and thumbs resting on it.
8. Shoulder control, this goes along with tip three. If you keep your arms extended then you will be letting your shoulders take most of the control of your sail.
9. Never surf alone if you are new. Even if you are a veteran wind surfer, let someone know where you are going when you go out.
10. Take your time. If you are new to wind surfing, have patience and take your time learning the sport. Everyone was new once, and with time and patience you will soon be sailing like a pro.

And there you have it, 10 essential tips for wind surfing. Now you just need to grab some gear and get out on the water and try it. 

Reference:

Australian Windsurfing Tips