Sailing (Windsurfing) - 9/23/16

Windsurfing is one of the four sailing events at the Olympic games.  The event was first held for men in 1984, then for women in 1992.  An interesting aspect of windsurfing at the Olympics is that one specific "rig" (board, sail, daggerboard and fin) is selected each year and all competitors must use the same exact equipment.  Generally, the rig is chosen based on its ability to be used in many weather conditions, as the event is held regardless of conditions the day of the competition.


The equipment we used was very similar to what they used this year in Rio, but better for beginners.  (Smaller sails for better control and overall much cheaper!)  Our coach, Dean Peaple of Core Adventure Sports, was very happy to see that the weather cooperated with us when we headed out onto Lake Ray Hubbard for our lesson.  It was sunny, around 90 degrees and winds around 10-15mph.


We first got a quick land lesson to understand the rig and some of the jargon associated with the sport.  We then headed out to the water and Dean showed us the basics of how to get on the board, pull up the sail, then start to ride.  He also went over turning (a tack or a jibe, depending on which direction you turn) and stopping.  As simple as he made it look, we all struggled to keep the rig heading in the right direction!


The first step was to get the rig out into water deep enough to clear the daggerboard (used for stability) and fin underneath.  With our backs to the wind, we'd then climb on and sit on our knees.

L1 climbs onto the board for her first ride

Next, using the uphaul (cord attached to the mast), we pulled ourselves to standing, then continued to reel in the sail until we reached the "neutral position":  sail perpendicular to the board with hands at the very top of the uphaul, just below the boom - the grip that you hold while riding.  This is called neutral position because, with backs still to the wind, the breeze will blow over the sides of the sail, not putting any pressure on the rig and generally keeping you in one place in the water.  It was also the "safe" place to go back to at any point if we wanted to stop or take a break.

R working her hands up the uphaul to raise the sail

Once comfortable, using our lower hand, we'd release the uphaul, reach over the upper hand and grab the front part of the boom.  Then, quickly release the second hand, grab the boom and shift both feet slightly back and rotate the front foot so it faced more forward.  This proved to be quite a lesson in ballet.  Lots of things to remember and movement to make, but to stay balanced, it had to be quick and fluid.


Finally, look the direction we wanted to go - and ride!

J heads out on her first ride

We all had moments where we "got it" and were able to stay up for an extended period.  L1 rode the furthest out, then fell when attempting to turn around.  We all ended up in the water over and over (and got a little more graceful on how we ended up there) but kept getting back up.  The boards are quite stable and it was surprisingly easy to climb back up even when it deeper water.  The hardest part for me was getting a feel for the wind.  When it was consistent, it felt great, but if there was a gust, or a lull, the sail reacted, usually causing us to over-react and end up in the water.

L2 trying (unsuccessfully) to recover when the wind let up

This event was a great chance to try something very different from anything we had done before.  It's easy to see how addictive it would become to really get good, then seek out better equipment and better weather/locations to ride in.


We had a great time and are glad to have our first sailing event checked off the list!

With one of our rigs and coach Dean - RS:X Windsurfing complete!