Windsurfing - a Breath of Fresh Air

If you're a beachgoer, you've probably seen crafts on the ocean that look like a cross between a surfboard and a sailboat. Well, that's exactly what they are and the sport is called windsurfing. The object of some dispute is the question of who actually invented the windsurfer. As the courts battle out the disagreement, the avid windsurfing enthusiast probably says, who cares? For the extreme sport of windsurfing combines the best of traditional surfing with that of sailing to create the ultimate wave riding experience. A windsurfer actually holds the world record for speed above all other sailing crafts at 56.49 mph on a 500-meter course!

The sport of windsurfing encompasses a variety of competitive disciplines such as freestyle, course racing, slalom, speed sailing and the extreme Super X competitions. Surfers compete in Formula style and Olympic class racing where sailors use specially designed equipment for sailing under conditions where there may be little or no wind. It is the Olympic games, after all, and the show must go on. If you can imagine, there are even indoor windsurfing competitions in some countries. These facilities are comprised of very large indoor pools with enormous fans used for wind propulsion. Not your standard backyard pool setting.

Whether you are interested in windsurfing as a competitive sport or just want to give it a try as a recreational endeavor, there is certain basic equipment that you will need. A windsurfing apparatus, of course (that somebody invented), a wet suit, helmet, proper footwear, flotation device, harness and harness lines, joint, fin and some travel gear. Some nice waves and a good steady 20 mph wind wouldn't hurt either as windsurfers don't use any sort of motorized device for propulsion. For the beginning surfer, a battened sail is a good choice for its light weight and easier handling.

Windsurfing as a sport requires a good deal of athleticism. The mechanics of the sport are similar in style to other board sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, snowboarding and the ever popular skateboarding. Advanced jumps, spins, and loops can be performed with a windsurfer and require hours and hours of hands-on practice. These types of moves should not be attempted by the beginner, but the seasoned surfer will find exhilaration and a sense of free floating and flying that only the windsurfer provides. Many beach facilities provide windsurfing rentals for those who would like to try their hand at windsurfing before investing in equipment.

Windsurfing is a sport for people of all ages. Children as young as four years old can begin learning the art of windsurfing using rigs that are lighter in weight. There are even organized competitions for these tiny surfers and the sport carries on for them with a junior class of competition through the age of 15. Windsurfing is an extreme water sport that attracts millions of people every year to beaches far and wide. If the bump-n-jump of windsurfing sounds like your idea of a thrill, head to the beach, strap yourself to a board and set sail with the wind racing through you hair!