by: Craig Dannerd
The Fun Sport of Windsurfing
Learning how to windsurf is fairly easy and once you know how you can do it practically anywhere. All that's required is water, wind, and your equipment. Windsurfing is a relaxing and beautiful sport that lets you enjoy the natural beauty of nature. It's a solo sport which many people all around the world enjoy. If you live in a town that is on the ocean, or has a lake, you can go windsurfing almost any time the mood strikes you.
If you are interested in learning how to windsurf you may be wondering if you have enough upper and lower body strength to do it. This is a common misconception. Windsurfing actually has very little to do with strength. The focus of windsurfing is mainly balance. It has more to do with working with the wind rather than against it. Many people who start off trying to force the equipment to go one way or another will find it very difficult.
If you are ready to start windsurfing then taking a few lessons is recommended. You need to know the basics of how to put your equipment together and what everything is used for. Learning some basic stances, and what to do in certain safety situations, is also very important. Once you have the general idea of windsurfing and what to do in dangerous situations you should be ready to go out on your own.
Especially for beginners, it is a good idea to commence learning in a nice light breeze. The demands of windsurfing safely in strong windy conditions may be telling on a beginner who is as yet struggling to keep balance and learning the basics of this sport. Presence of other windsurfers in the area where you plan to enjoy the sport is a good indication of existence of favorable conditions to enjoy windsurfing and venturing out alone. When you are ready to go out windsurfing there are several precautions you should take. Even if you are experienced, going with a friend is wise. This is crucial if you are learning.
There are certain measures you should take for safety's sake when you head out to windsurf. Go with someone, even if you've been doing it for a while. This is especially important if you're still learning. Should something happen to you on the water, your partner can call for help or give you a hand. What about a life jacket? Those used in boating are usually too constraining. They do manufacture flotation devices to be used by each windsurfer and these allow for the necessary mobility.
If you are in trouble in the water, remember that your board floats, so hang on to it. This is no substitute for a life jacket of some sort since you may get separated from your board. If you are in trouble you should also remember that the international distress signal is waving both hands over your head.
Windsurfing equipment costs about $1000. This is quite an investment especially when you are not sure if you will like the sport. Therefore, before buying your own stuff, it is advisable to rent out the equipment for a few times before making up your mind. You can rent equipment for around $15-20 for a few hours, make sure that you want to pursue the sport and then invest in the equipment.
Windsurfing is an easy sport to learn. A few lessons can enrich your learning experience and place you on the steep learning curve. Once learnt, this is an enjoyable sport that can be practiced even when you are on your own.