North Coast Wetsuits Beginner Guide to Windsurfing.

Pics: Oli Lane-Peirce, James Jagger

Windsurfing’s another watersport we know well at NCW, with plenty of sail riders using our gear. If you’re not aware it’s one of the most established watersports around, with its routes stretching back to when it was first invented in 1958 on Hayling Island (south coast, UK) by a young Peter Chilvers. (Although Newman Darby is credited with conceiving a handheld sail/boat design in 1948 which was the precursor to Chilvers’ antics).

Tahe Techno windsurf boards: new windsurf range from NCW!

What started off as an experiment quickly evolved into the more recognisable activity windsurfing is today. Although windsurfing hasn’t been without its ups and downs over the years…

Windsurfing history 101.

Following the Darby/Chilvers tinkering years American Hoyle Schweitzer took out the first patent on a Windsurfer in 1968. He also bought out partner Jim Drake as he expanded his windsurfing operation into Europe – which was the fastest growing market at the time. The patent was a way of reducing royalty payments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQZLKGZ6vgk

During the 1980s there were a raft of patent lawsuits filed which saw Peter Chilvers credited as the sport’s inventor. This set a precedent for patent law of type that’s still used as a benchmark to this day.

Financials aside windsurfing grew rapidly between 1980-1990 with it first being a light wind sport that could be practised anywhere there was water. Equipment development advanced rapidly and soon higher wind, performance riding was on the agenda as sailors discovered planing, footstraps and harnesses.

More and more extreme feats of windsurfing were performed with speed and big waves starting to get the lion’s share of attention. Unfortunately, for the layman, this is far removed from the type of windsurfing real world sailors indulge in. Whilst these spectacles were initially interesting before too long this began to wane in tandem with gear that was becoming increasingly specialist and difficult for the non-pro to use.

The 90s saw performance windsurfing hit an all time high but was at risk from disappearing up its own orifice. It’s said that many riders were put off and left windsurfing as kit was now too technical and too expensive. There was also another thorn in windsurfing’s side starting to emerge with kitesurfing gaining popularity towards the end of the decade.

https://youtu.be/EWedXMRgLC4

Kitesurfing is often blamed as the biggest reason for windsurfing losing participation numbers. Perceived as being easier to learn, applicable to less full power conditions, a quick progression and less gear needed windsurfing’s sibling quickly became the new school cool kid on the block.

The windsurfing industry did slowly learn from their mistakes and during the 2000s moves were made to develop equipment that was easier to learn on and progress with. Some critics suggest that by then it was too late, however.

Fast forward to present day and there’s no lacking of windsurfing rider numbers on blowy days at headline spots. Also, with COVID delivering more time and perceived disposable income (furlough) 2020/2021 has seen a new influx of those wanting to learn, riders coming out of retirement and kit sales creeping up. Whether this is sustained moving forwards is anyone’s guess. Only time will tell.

Learning to windsurf.

Unlike mentioned above beginner windsurfing gear is super easy to learn on today. Wide, floaty, stable boards that have progression and performance inbuilt are widely available. Windsurfing rigs have also undergone changes now being lighter and less cumbersome to use. Inflatable stand up paddle board technology has crossed over into the sector and it’s now possible to purchase a 100 blow up sail which makes those few first windsurfing steps much easier. Teaching methods and understanding of the sport have also developed with instruction models in place to aid rapid progression.

How to go about getting your kids into windsurfing.

There’s still some criticism of new windsurfing equipment prices although there’s a healthy second hand market where you can find a bargain. If you’re not keen to part cash for gear at the start then getting a bunch of lessons from a recognised teaching centre or joining a windsurfing club, where you get access to kit, can be good alternatives. Then, once you’re ready, you can make the leap and nab your own.

Extreme elements (or not).

At the upper echelons of windsurfing’s performance scale you’ll discover a discipline that’s every bit as extreme as more marketed ‘gnarly’ sports. The height windsurfers can reach having boosted off big waves, the contorted shapes sailors throw (ala snowboard/skateboard style tricks) and speed racers can reach is extremely thrilling and awe inspiring. For the majority these feats are still a way off although the windsurfing equipment of today, understanding of technique and willingness of many to try these ‘tricks’ means there’s no lacking of every day riders who can bust out a few moves.

Beginners and improvers may consider the above to be way beyond them at first but it doesn’t take long (with perseverance) to reach a solid level of windsurfing whereby 80% of what Mother Nature throws your way can be tackled with a board and sail. If you aspire to ride massive waves or break the sound barrier on your windsurf gear then it’s all achievable (in theory). Likewise, if you’re happy to ride a longboard in a cruising non-extreme mode then this is also perfectly fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-FhHD3yrhg

There’s a resurgence of interest surrounding longboard windsurfing (there’s a big interest group focusing on the nostalgic element of windsurfing these days) with one popular design from back in the day (the Windsurfer LT) having a little facelift and making it more applicable to modern day sailors. A good few windsurfers around the globe now choose to ride this way and why not? If it floats your boat (or board) then do it!

Ultimately windsurfing is about having fun on the water, whatever the conditions. Don’t get bogged down with the extreme angle, keep an open mind and embrace the sport as a whole. That way you’ll get maximum fulfilment from your time windsurfing.

Windsurf hydrofoiling.

One area that’s perhaps revitalised windsurfing for many is the ability to attach a hydrofoil and fly above water, in much lighter winds. With the right equipment it’s now possible to use your standard size sails (4m-7m ish) and get out in all conditions. If longboard style windsurfing isn’t doing it for you then foiling might tick the box.

For anyone that can already windsurf – and by this we mean pootle backwards and forwards and turn around with a fairly decent success rate – you can windsurf foil (or windfoil as it’s more commonly referred to). It doesn’t take too many hours to learn how to control the foil and can up your session count by around 30%. Windfoiling mightn’t be for everyone but there’s no question it adds another level of diversity to an already super fun hobby.

If you want to find out more about foiling (across all disciplines) check out NCW’s Foiling Knowledge page and head over to our sister brand Foilshop UK where you’ll find even more flight goodness.

Windsurf foiling & wing foiling – aren’t they more or less the same thing?

Beginner windsurfing safety.

Under the right supervision learning to windsurf is super safe. There’s as much risk as doing any other outdoor activity. Accidents can happen, of course, but by and large you’ll be fine – thousands of windsurfers across the world are every day. Don’t take any silly risks and aim to progress steadily and efficiently. Running before you can walk is the worst thing. For instance: don’t head out at the coast in a gale to start. Work your way up to this. Don’t worry, it’ll come.

Consider what you wear when in the water. The UK’s climate isn’t exactly tropical so you’ll need to rubber up. Deepening on the season will dictate just how thick your rubber needs to be. Here at NCW we supply a variety of different wetsuits applicable to windsurfing. If you need a hand with any of what we offer then get in touch.

You may consider additional safety equipment such as a helmet and buoyancy aid (or personal floatation device). Some riders stick with this set up right through their windsurfing career. Ultimately it comes down to what you’re comfortable with.

It might also be a wise decision to join an organisation like the RYA (Royal Yachting Association). This way you’ll be covered for third party purposes should you crash into someone or something whilst out riding. This is peace of mind as much as anything but you never know…

For even more windsurfing stuff head over to Windsurfing UK magazine where you’ll find tons of info.