Windsurfing on Water

Windsurfing is a surface water sport, i.e., it is not played under water, but just above the surface of water. It makes the use of a windsurf board, which is also known as a sail board. The length of the board is normally 2 to 5 meters. It harnesses the power of wind to move forward with the help of a single sail.

The rig is joined with the board with the help of a flexible joint known as a U-Joint. A windsurf board is controlled by tilting and rotating the mast and sail, and also by tilting and carving the board.

IDEAL WIND CONDITIONS

This extreme sport is a combination of various features of Sailing as well as Surfing. The ideal wind speed conditions for windsurfing is 15 to 25 knots, which allows recreational sailors to enjoy the sport without much hazard. Though the expert windsurfer can manage to surf from near-zero conditions upto 50 knots.

INDOOR WINDSURFING

Indoor windsurfing is popular in Europe, and it is enjoyed particularly in the winter season. Due to its increasing popularity, excellent infrastructure for indoor windsurfing is being created at many places around the world.

AGE NO BAR

Age is not a barrier for enjoying this amazing sport. Small kids, as young as four years of age, can begin windsurfing with the help of a light-weight rig, with a small sized mast and boom.

COMPETITIONS IN WINDSURFING

Many competitions are held around the world and windsurfers participate with a great enthusiasm in these events. Here is a brief review of some of the world class competitions held in Windsurfing around the world:

OLYMPIC CLASS: The participants are required to use a uniform level of equipment. The equipment is usually good enough to enable racing in any kind of wind conditions.

FORMULA CLASS: It is an old and famous high-performance competition that is held in low to moderate wind conditions.

SLALOM: This is a high-speed race through a tough courseline designed in the shape of 8. The rules of this competition require a high wind ranging between 9 to 35 knots.

SPEED SAILING: It is a globally popular competition that is held in several locations around the world. It is renowned for its high speed racing as it is conducted in high wind conditions appropriate for high speeds.

FREESTYLE: This is an artistic event where the performer who is able to show off the best and most creative stunts wins the game.

WAVE: This competition resembles Freestyle, but the key difference is that the participants have to perform their acts in surf, and show their skills in riding the waves as smoothly as they can.