Windsurfing Water Start

Although windsurfing inherently is an extremely exciting adventure sport, there are some moves that make it exhilarating and unforgettable. One such technique is water start that has come as a great boon for windsurfing. This technique of water start has taken windsurfing to a completely new level and in the process capturing the attention of surfing enthusiasts like never before.

Water Start Guide

Water start refers to the technique wherein after a fall in the water, the surfer gets on board and gets himself into a sailing position. This technique is the base for several advanced windsurfing maneuvers like one-handed sailing, dragging one leg in water while sailing and such other difficult actions. To practice these moves, learning the water start technique is extremely vital.

1. The first step is to ensure that the board is positioned in such a way that it points into the wind while the mast is across the wind.

2. Then place yourself in such a way that the rig is over your head while you hold the boom with your backhand.

3. Then as your body extends to the back of the board, place one foot on the board such that the heel is between the footstraps. Keep your arms extended at this point and bend your back leg and then pull the board in from this position.

4. At this point keep your eyes on the mast base, pull in with your back arm and use your front leg for greater upward thrust.

5. To get firmly on the board, kick hard with your front leg while pulling your back foot heel to your bottom simultaneously.

6. Then plant your other foot immediately on to the board and ride. While riding keep your back leg bent and arms extended and staying in a low position.

7. Make sure you pump the rig so that it catches the wind so that it propels you on to the board from the water.

8. Once firmly on board, focus on keeping the surf board as flat as possible and keep the rig at a good distance. Once this is achieved, you can start planing.

Things to Remember

You cannot water start in low wind conditions. Water start requires moderate to strong wind conditions as only strong winds can propel you out of water. It is not recommended for beginners to water start straight away in very deep waters. Start with waist deep water and then gradually move on greater depths. The natural progression of water start:

a. Beach start
b. Deep water beach start
c. Water start with dragging one leg
d. Beach start in chest high water
e. The water start

It is recommended to use short boards with short sails for water start as they do not require great effort to sink under. Larger sails are difficult to lift from the water and hence not good for water starts.

Following these guidelines can help you in learn the art of water start in windsurfing. Once you master the waterstart, mastering complex maneuvers like carve gybes would not be a great challenge.