How challenging is windsurfing?

Paddleboard windsurfing may seem rather difficult at first glance. But the truth is that it´s a classic sport and the same applies here as in any other sport. The more time you spend practicing, the better you get. The learning process usually consists of a few basic steps:

• Basic position – first you need to figure out how to be standing on the paddleboard at all.
• Maneuvering – the most important thing for steering is especially the paddleboard sail, which you use to determine the direction. It is also referred to as the wing.
• Tricks and further advanced options – once you know how to stand up and maneuver, you can start learning some interesting tricks. The favorites include, for example, the so-called tack.

Windsurfing is good fun. It works your muscles and helps clear your head. Its greatest advantage is also the fact that you need next to nothing to do it. All you need is a paddleboard and a sail. And, of course, at the beginning also a buoyancy jacket.

The basic position on the paddleboard

Your pose on the paddleboard is very important. If you aren´t standing up correctly, windsurfing will be challenging, resulting in constantly falling into the water and this will make you tired quickly. So what´s the appropriate posture on a windSUP?

Have your feet about shoulder width apart. A slightly wider stance will help you maintain stability much better. Maintaining balance will also be enhanced by slightly bending your knees. But don't crouch too low so you don't roll backwards.

The back foot should be pointing across the board, whereas the front foot should be positioned towards its nose. Spread your arms shoulder width apart and grab the frame of the paddleboard sail. Your back should be perfectly straight. Don´t you even think of hunching.

You should stay in that position all the time. However, this does not mean that you cannot move and adjust. On the contrary. You will be walking on the board while steering and doing tricks.

Expert advice

At first you may find this posture unnatural and uncomfortable. As soon as you get on the paddleboard and try it out, you'll find that it's not. Thanks to this pose, you will stay on the board and you will be also able to do further actions.

Steering a paddleboard with a sail

Once you know how to stand on a paddleboard, you can move on to the next step, which is maneuvering. This skill will get you wherever you need. You don't have to let the wind be blowing you around, which would eventually be dangerous.

In general, turning upwind is easier than turning downwind. But once you know how to do it, you can master both.

When steering, lean towards the back of the board. But try to keep the fin above the water. Once you set off in the desired direction, return the entire device to the sailing position and continue in the new direction.

When turning or steering against the wind, the process is different. Instead of leaning back, lean slightly forward. It will also allow the wing to slide forward, opening it slightly. Remain in this position until you're on the right course.

You can see such a maneuver in this video:

Turning upwind

Turning against the wind, also called tacking, is one of the simplest tricks. You can try it as soon as you learn the basics. But before you do, make sure that there is no one around. This will avoid unpleasant injuries and other problems that colliding with another person could cause.

Start the trick by steering against the wind, which you should already be able to do at this stage. From the basic position, lean slightly backwards and do your best to keep the fin above the water. Move your front arm to the mast and place it under the frame of the sail, which is also referred to as the boom.

Move the front foot so that it is right next to the mast. Place your back hand onto the mast, too, just below the front hand. Now is the time to start turning. Tilt the wing towards the tail of the board and walk around the mast in smaller steps. Stop when you're on the other side where you get back to the basic position.

See how professionals make a turn against the wind: Turning downwind

Turning in the direction of the wind is also referred to as gybe. In this case, it's a more complex and complicated trick. First, move your rear hand further back, along the frame of the wing. Do the same with your rear foot. Keep the sail open while doing so.

Now it's time to swap your feet. Move your front foot to the back. At the same time, move the rear one forward. Slide the rear hand to the front to complete the turn. Leave the front one behind.

Keeping your balance when turning this way is more challenging than at tacking. The faster you manage to do it, the less you risk falling into the water.

Have a look how to turn downwind under professional guidance: Swimming at a higher speed on a paddleboard with a sail

Once you´ve mastered the basic tricks, you will most likely look for some interesting ways to keep the adrenaline in your blood. The so-called planing, in other words, swimming at a higher speed might be right choice.

You can encounter a higher speed as a beginner, too, when the wind suddenly picks up. However, if you don't know the basics yet or aren't advanced enough, watch out for this. The wind could take you to places where it would be difficult to return from.

Once you have a bit of experience, jump onto the board and move your weight towards its tail. The problem may be that the wing will naturally keep returning to you. To solve this issue, stretch out your hand and hold it in its place.

If you have done everything right, you will speed up, in such a way that it will seem to you as if you were gliding on the water surface.

Expert advice

In order to reach a higher speed at light wind, steer downwind. To slow down slightly and gain more control in stronger winds, head against it.

Starting in the water

It may sound simple, but you will need a lot of stability and strength. However, starting in the water will help you whenever you want to jump onto the board when in deep water.

It may sound simple, but you will need a lot of stability and strength. However, starting in the water will help you whenever you want to jump onto the board when in deep water.

The whole process may sound complicated, but when you're standing correctly, it shouldn't be a problem. The wind will raise the sail by itself, helping you a great deal. To get a better idea, you can also watch this type of starting in the following video:

Check out starting in the water in the video:

Vulcan on the paddleboard with a sail

Vulcan is considered an entry element into air freestyle. It´s complicated and can truly be done only by people with advanced knowledge and experience. Starting from the basic position, just move your hand to the mast. Bend your knees more and jump up. It is necessary to make a small twist in the air, which will make your direction turn 180 degrees.

Vulcan is suitable to liven up windsurfing. However, you can also use it when you need to change direction and return to where you came from. You can find an example in the video:

Take a look at the vulcan on a paddleboard with a sail: 

Don't forget the equipment

The great thing about windsurfing is that you don't need too many things for it. All you need is the basic equipment, i.e. a paddleboard and a sail. If you are just starting the sport, you don´t need any special equipment. Later on, when you want to move up a few levels, it's a good idea to get suitable clothing and footwear.

Try windsurfing, too

Windsurfing is a fun sport that attracts many people throughout the year. It may seem challenging at first, but once you learn the basic rules, you'll find that you only need to practice. Choose your paddleboard , start with the basic position and then move on to various interesting tricks that will definitely stir your blood.