Training
Training
Start – It is important to practice how to start over and over, the more starts you do in races and practice the easier this process will become. First, check the best place on the line to start, usually either the boat or pin end will be biased. Next check your watch, we always use a four minute start sequence, so when it starts sail towards the course area for just under a minute. Back at the boat by two minutes, I check my timing again before heading past the boat tracking up wind a little for just under a minute. Then I gybe and head down towards the start line, defending my position as many will want the same spot. I get my position early, then push people slightly up or downwind to make enough room for myself to start, if I am covered by someone else’s sail I will not hit the line at zero and with maximum speed. KJ
Top speed – To really go fast you should learn to sail putting pressure on the fin and not sail on the rails of the board. Lean on your back leg and push down with your toes, with your front foot hold on tight to the strap. You’ll feel the board lift up off of the water and because off this you’ll feel the chop less. This takes a bit off practice though! SQO
Gybing – Remember, the line for your gybe should be in wide, out tight. If the mark is busy with a lot of people though it is more important to avoid a crash! Practice changing your course and gybing behind others as this if a lot harder than when you are in front. BD
Friends – Nothing will progress your windsurfing like getting on the water with a friend, especially if you are both a little competitive as you will push each other to go faster and gybe better. SQO
Off the water – It is important to also train off the water, the best way I find is to do weights during the winter and then go on the bike, or head to the pool for lots of swimming when spring arrives. AA