Learning tools for beginers

LakeSurf · Joined: 01 Jul 2015 Posts: 81

I'm sure the best way to learn to windsurf is being out on the water, preferably with an instructor. But if you can't get out on the water what's a good way to learn from home? Any recommendations for good tutorial videos / articles?

I new to sailing and the toughest things for me after my first day were:

1. Learning all of the sailing terminology. It seems like there's multiple ways to say and explain everything. (does "sail trim" just refer to how close the clue is to your board?)

2. Knowing what angle to position the mast and sail. I'm sure this comes with experience and feel, but are there any general rules to keep in mind?

3. Getting better at sailing upwind. I'll probably use a daggerboard next time and hope the winds will be stronger and most consistent.

adywind · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 665

A must have on your phone-the beginners package is free! Enjoy!
Windsurfing Tricktionary by Tricktionary GmbH
https://appsto.re/us/3Cqwy.i
I'll leave the lecturing to the other regulars Wink

windward1 · Joined: 18 Jun 2000 Posts: 1400

1. Sail trim relates to all of the positioning of the sail, not just clew distance to board.
2. Rake mast and sail forward to turn away from the wind. Rake mast and sail back to turn towards the wind.
3. Daggerboards help immensely for going to windward, especially for beginner windsurfers.

Sailboarder · Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 656

I would add that a daggeboard transforms the chore of going upwind into a quick task, when the wind drops and you are not planing, even for experts...

Back to the OP initial question, you should look up D0uglass blog, it's loaded with good and down to earth information.

http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.ca/

I find Joe's is also interesting:

http://joewindsurfer.blogspot.ca/

All the online info can be confusing, and sometimes even misleading. I suggest you acquire a DVD to have the complete picture within a single set of consistent reference. I used Jem Hall's From Beginner to Winner.

cagjr21150 · Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 303

Try this website: The learners guide to windsurfing

https://sites.google.com/site/learnersguidetowindsurfing/Home

d0uglass · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 1:23 pm Post subject:

I would start with this page from my blog, which is a good starting point for both beginner and intermediate windsurfers:

http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/2008/02/top-16-windsurfing-questions-answered.html

One of the things it links to is a windsurfing guide for poor people that includes a diagram and names of all the parts of a windsurfer and what they do.

You can also search my blog for posts tagged "windsurfing advice"

http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/search/label/windsurfing%20advice