after first lesson faq

This FAQ is designed to encourage the first time windsufer and answer some queries he/she may have:

I did enjoy my first lesson but I found that I didn't get very far. I kept falling off and didn't really start sailing faster than a walking pace. What can I do?

The answer to that question is not a simple one. A number of factors must be considered. Firstly, and probably the most likely cause is that you are just inexperienced and need practice. Don’t get upset if you fall off a lot and spend more time in the water than on the board, this is just a natural progression and we all go through it

(remember that we all fall off sometimes, even the professionals). Having said that there a number of things to consider if you want to minimise your time in the water and go faster. (A crucial factor is the weather conditions, but we’ll look at that later on.) First of all look at the way in which you fall off, most beginners get pulled forwards by a gust of wind and, either holding tight to the boom, and get flung forwards on the sail or they let go and having nothing to hold on to fall back. There are to remedies to this: 1. Consider the amount of times you fell forwards (towards the sail) and the amount of times you fell backwards still holding the sail (so the sail comes down on top of you). The answer for almost all beginners is that they fell over forwards 99% of the time. So what dose that mean? Well, it means that a lot or all those times you fall forward could be avoided. To do this is simple, hold on to the boom and lean away from it with all your weight. Sure you could fall backwards once or twice but the main thing is you will avoid a lot more falling off than if you don’t put all your weight and strength into it. Always remember that the wind will support your weight the majority of the time and this is the ONLY significant way to progress to a faster speed. 2. If you get a gust of wind that you feel is simply too strong for you to counter (which you shouldn’t because a good instructor wont let you out in condition like that) then simply slide your back hand down the boom towards your front hand. This is called sheeting out and will let more of the wind pass over the sail hence reducing the speed and power. This can be done when you instead of leaning back to compensate but it will limit your speed. The best way to go fast and stay on is by being aggressive towards the wind, don’t let is beat you and don’t sheet out unless you absolutely need to! Be aggressive!

What are the best weather condition for me to go windsurfing in?

Weather conditions are a very important thing to consider before you go windsurfing. If you have only had one lesson you should leave it down to your instructor to decide if the weather conditions are best. However, as not even the best RYA qualified instructor can control the weather it is often best to learn somewhere that is

almost always calm. Good places to learn windsurfing are at lakes. When I first went windsurfing I hated it because I was trying to learn on a rough sea where a wave would knock me off the board every time I stood up. Several years later I tried it again, this time in a calm, protected bay with almost no waves and I was hooked. The only downside to learning on a lake is that often people find that waves become a big problem when they progress to the sea.

I’m feeling confident and not falling off but I’m not going as fast as I want either. What can be done?

The most likely reason for this is that you have got a sail which is to small for the wind speed. Your choice of sail is important for going as fast as you can and not falling off. Sails range from about 3m squared up to about 8m squared. Rest assured you wont be using am 8m for a LONG time. The large range of size is to make it

possible for an expert sailor to go out in almost any weather conditions. An adult beginner will probably start with a bog standard 4 or 5m un-battened sail. This kind of sail is fine but lacking in power. If you are finding it’s not fast enough then ask your instructor to change it for you. Other remedies of slowness can be: Slid your back hand down the boom and sheet in and out until you find an angle that needs the most effort to hold. Now lean back keeping that angle and if you have a big enough sail you should go FAST! Another way to speed things up is by slowly stepping back on the board, this leaves less surface area of the board in contact with the water. Your instructor will show you how to do this properly when you are good enough (don’t try this it if you don't feel confident tacking and sailing normally).

I’ve had me first lesson and I like it a lot. When should I be thinking about buying the equipment I need to go windsurfing?

You should be thinking about equipment right form the start. This is because the kit you choose greatly effects how you will be windsurfing and ultimately, weather you will enjoy it in the long run. Ask your instructor to let you use more than one size and type of sail. If you feel confident ask to try a smaller board. The idea is to get

experience with a range of different setups so you can make an informed choice as to what you want. You don't have to buy your kit straight after you have done your RYA level 1, rent some kit or do your level 2 to get more experience. Remember as long as you are renting or using kit on your course you can easily take it back and change it for a smaller sail or a bigger board (the most it will cost you is a walk back up the beach). But if you rush into a purchase you are not happy with you will be stuck with that kit and it could cost several hundred quid (and the sport because you will be put off). Also plan for future use but don't go to far. E.g. A completely un-battened sail should not even be considered because it will be slow and boring as soon as you learn to fully power up without falling off.

This sight is still under construction and any comments would be welcome.

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