Looking to get into watersports but is too afraid to start with the “complicated” stuff? You might want to start dipping your toes into the craft that is windsurfing. With windsurfing, all you really need is enthusiasm, water, and wind (except for the basic equipment, of course, which we’ll get into later, I promise). It is a reasonably easy boardsport, and to be honest with you, although it is considered an “extreme sport,” it’s one of the safest water activities for beginners as it is a gradual process, and it only gets a little risky as you progress with your skills and experience.
You can windsurf everywhere, including the open ocean, lakes, rivers, or even indoor pools, so it is a fairly accessible activity for everyone. Not to mention it’s a social sport, so it’s a chance to be a part of communities centered around windsurfing so you can make friends along the way.
What is Windsurfing?
Windsurfing is a composition of surfing and sailing. This sport’s essentials board to stand on connected to a sail that is powered by wind, which propels the rider across the water while holding a rig to control the movement. Yes, you read that right; the wind powers this sport, so if you are concerned about being environmentally friendly, you may want to consider windsurfing.
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Originated as a Polynesian watercraft, the concept of windsurfing dates as far back as the 20th century. Back then, sailors and fishers would use small sailing boats to navigate the Pacific Ocean in an upstanding position. The official windsurf model that we know today, however, was created by Sidney Newman Darby Jr. in 1964 when he connected a hand-held sail to a wood plank using a joint made of nylon rope.
With Hoyle, his wife Diane, and Jim Drake’s help, the “Windsurfer One Design” got patented in the US, and the windsurfing model dramatically expanded through Europe from the ’70s to the ’90s. In 1984, windsurfing became an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
Fitness Level Requirement
Now, I am not saying you should be a heavy-weight-lifting-athlete-level fit to become a windsurfer. However, it would not hurt if you start in good shape because, essentially, this activity will require cardiovascular strength, muscle performance, and stamina. Who would want to begin the windsurfing process and be done in an hour or two because they have entirely knocked themselves out that fast?
Before you dive into windsurfing, I think it’s vital to know that your whole body will pretty much hurt during your first sail. A lot of your muscles will be put into work like your forearms, upper back, core, lower back, and hamstrings as you try to maintain stability, control the sail power, lean back on the windsurfing board, etc. To manage these muscles, though, you need a passably strong cardiovascular system to supply them with good amounts of oxygen.
With all that being said, the most important limiting component that you should work on to be able to start windsurfing is endurance. As windsurfers continually turn wind power from the sail into motions through the windsurfing board, they use body tension to conserve energy and maintain an easy pace. You can also train for high-intensity bursts of energy as windsurfing requires specific maneuvers and sudden movements to control the sail.
Health Benefits
For windsurfing rookie to pros alike, this sport is a great way to get health and fitness benefits while having the best time in the water because it does not feel like exercise. So, what are the amazing things you can gain from windsurfing?
1. Its mental health benefits
I do not think it’s ever a bad idea to spend your days surfing across the open water, soaking up the sun, and forgetting your worries while standing on board. With windsurfing, you can get your happy hormone fix and improve your overall mood just by getting your body moving.
2. It can strengthen your core
Like with other water sports that involve a type of board, maintaining your balance and keeping a nice stance is important in windsurfing. Now to do this, you will have to keep your core engaged at all times, so you do not fall into the water. Side note: windsurfing is a good activity if you want ripped abs.
3. It’s a good cardio
As I mentioned above, windsurfing requires a solid cardiovascular system to ensure you have enough oxygen supply in your body to keep your muscle performance at best. With windsurfing, you will need your heart to pump more blood than usual to your major muscle groups; that is why it is a fun way to get cardio exercise.
4. You can lose weight
From engaging your core to your cardiovascular system working extra hard, windsurfing is a great activity if you want to burn calories and lose weight. On average, you can burn at least 1000 calories an hour while sailing up to 20 miles per hour. Shed some weight by shredding some waves, if you know what I mean 😉
Getting Started
Choose the right location
When learning how to sail, finding a good spot with flat water and light consistent wind is key. I would suggest you start practicing windsurfing on a lagoon or a small lake with at least 100 yards worth of space. Try avoiding areas where there are powerboats, jet skis, or swimmers because aside from safety purposes, you do not want the wake they make on the water to interrupt your sail.
Find the ideal wind strength & direction
For windsurfing beginners, it is best to find a place for windsurfing with the ideal wind blow of 3 to 5 miles per hour. Anything stronger than that will make your first experience not enjoyable. Make sure that the wind direction is parallel to the shore so you can sail out and then back in easily.
Practice on Land
Before going into the water, try and have a feel on what the pull on the sail will feel like so you can gauge what position is needed, where to focus your weight, and imagine the direction your windsurfing board will be pointed at.
Windsurfing gear: The basics
- Board – Being one of the most important parts of the windsurfing kit, it helps to have a wide, and preferably a “floaty” board for beginners to help you maintain balance. A windsurfing board with a volume of at least 200 liters will get you the confidence to master the craft.
- Sail – With windsurfing as a sport that is literally powered by the wind, having the right type of sail is vital for your setup. I would suggest a sail with a size ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 square meters for first-timers, and then slowly increase as you develop your windsurfing skills.
- Boom – The handrail that windsurfers hold on to is called the boom. It is essentially attached to one end of the mast of the sail. This rail allows board sailors to steer and control the sail. When you are looking for windsurfing gear, make sure that the boom is set at your chin or shoulder height.
- Mast and Mast Base – The mast is a crucial part of the rig of a windsurfing kit. It is the central pole where the sail is placed and is made up of carbon. It is usually lightweight for easy maneuvering when windsurfing. Now connect this to the sail is called the mast base, which can be found 150 cm under the sail’s tail. It is basically like an elbow that fastens the sail to the board.
- Rig – The windsurfing rig is the culmination of everything mentioned above: the sail, the boom, the mast, and the mast base. For windsurfing rookies who are interested in buying their own kit, getting a “rig package” is ideal as it has all the equipment you will be needing.
- Wetsuit – For board sailers who live in a warmer climate (lucky, by the way), they might not need a wetsuit to go windsurfing. But, for those of us who experience colder seasons, a wetsuit is always a good idea. For beginners, wearing a wetsuit would be ideal to protect you from potential abrasions that you might get from windsurfing.
Read more about the types Water Sports Equipment for all water sports.
Top 5 Windsurfing Boards on Amazon
For a beginner trying their hand at windsurfing, choosing the right board out of a variety of windsurfing boards available could be confusing. However, one of the things that you must remember when starting out is that stability should be your #1 concern when choosing the right board for yourself. After all, how can you windsurf when you can’t even stand on the board? This is why for beginners, I recommend trying out the boards that are high in volume with a wider surface.
With this in mind, I’ve listed down a couple of boards that you can consider as you start out on your windsurfing journey. I rated them based on (1) skill level, (2) speed, (3) maneuverability, and (4) price.
Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Windsurf SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Why does this say it’s a paddleboard?” Well to answer, it’s because it is partly a paddleboard. But surprise! It can also function as a windsurfing board. Inflatable boards like this one are commonplace these days because not only are you able to windsurf AND paddleboard, but it is also considered to be more portable and durable compared to traditional boards.
The Freein Windsurf Paddle Board is no different. In fact, it boasts its usage of military-grade materials to vouch for its durability and stability while on the board. At the same time, with it being inflatable, it is 100% travel friendly which makes it perfect for even some last-minute plans to the beach! However, due to its thick, rounded rails, it could be harder to maneuver which is why it is only suitable for low-wind conditions.
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Speed: | 3/5 |
| Maneuverability: | 3/5 |
| Price: | $469.99 |
BIC Sport SUP AIR Inflatable Stand up Paddleboard
Similar to the first board on this list, the BIC Sport SUP AIR Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard is also an Inflatable variant that can serve as both a windsurfing board and a paddleboard. Its highlights are generally the same with it being portable, durable, and lightweight due to its thick Drop-Stitch construction and Dyneema internal stringer. Apart from being easy to carry around, it’s also easy to assemble with the parts being provided when bought so you can transform from paddleboard to windsurfing board without so much of a sweat. It’s also great for rider stability as it is high enough in volume to carry max rider weight.
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Speed: | 3/5 |
| Maneuverability: | 3/5 |
| Price: | $949.95 |
TAHE Beach 185 D Tough-TEC Windsurf Board
Now we’re on to traditional windsurfing boards! The TAHE Beach 185 D Tough-TEC Windsurf Board boasts its Tough-TEC Polyethylene build, which makes it durable and lightweight—much easier to carry! For better feet comfort while standing on the board, the surface should be padded to be slip-free so you don’t have to worry about slipping and falling off. Plus, good news for windsurfing beginners: its surface is wide enough for stability but isn’t so much so that you sacrifice your much-needed maneuverability in windsurfing!
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Speed: | 4/5 |
| Maneuverability: | 4/5 |
| Price: | $899.95 |
NIXY Newport Board
The NIXY Newport paddleboard is an all-around inflatable SUP of 10’6″ x 33” x 6” that you can use for windsurfing as well as standup paddling. It is an ultra-light stand up paddleboard that is built with a dual-layer woven drop stitch that is made to last. The pack includes a carbon hybrid paddle, a dual-chamber triple action hand pump, a multifunctional bag to carry it, detachable fins, a hybrid coiled leash, and a full repair kit. With the NIXY board you get a 2-year warranty as well.
| Skill Level: | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Speed: | 4/5 |
| Maneuverability: | 4/5 |
| Price: | $895.95 |
