PWA Alacati is just around the corner (win a trip to Alacati with our sister site Boardseeker here!), here the former slalom world champion and queen of speed (and most of windsurfing) Sarah-Quita Offringa joins Boards to share her 5 quick slalom tips… don’t worry you don’t need to be taking part in the PWA to benefit from these…
Strong wind
Lengthen your harness – this way you create more leverage, at the same time keeping the rig further away from you.
Light wind and going upwind
Use your uphaul. You stay on the plane easier. Don’t know the exact explanation behind this one.. but it works!
Waterstarts
When you waterstart make sure you don’t kick the fin. Slalom fins are sharp and can leave quite a gash in your foot.
Rigging
Want to get on the water by 9AM? Start rigging at 7 AM. It takes a while….at least in my case it does!
Speed
Generate speed by putting pressure on the fin (with your back foot) and trying to “lift” your front strap with your front foot. This way the board lifts a bit out of the water, so you create less drag. Avoid sailing on the rails of the board.
