Windsurfing is an entertainment and sport based on the management of a small lightweight board on a water surface, while the sail is attached to the board. The projectile for this sport is called a windsurf board. The name of this variety of skill comes from the English. Windsurfing, which literally means "plow through the air." Windsurf is a simplified model of a sailing vessel, without the possibility of steering. A surfer controls the speed and direction of the board using a sail. Windsurfing boards come in different price categories, shapes, colors. This article will tell the beginner how to choose the right board so that the inventory lasts a long time and does not break on the very first wave.
What is this board made of?
With its simple at first glance design, windsurf boards are created using sophisticated processes. In the production process, carbon and foam layers are pressed under full vacuum. Polyfoam serves as the basis of windsurf, and fiberglass is its shell. But there are also hollow boards in which special ribs are built in for rigidity.
Board structure
This shell can be factory-made, as well as custom-made. Custom windsurfs are many times more expensive than factory ones. But no matter where and how the sports equipment was made, they all consist of the following parts:
- Foot loops. They serve as a connecting element of the surfer with the "board" during the performed jumps.
- Daggerboard As a rule, it is available only in long boards.
- Fin. It is located at the rear of the projectile and provides the lifting power of a windsurf board.
- Sail. It has the appearance of a vertical wing and serves as the driving force of the windsurf.
- Mast. A windsurf board and sail are connected by mast.
- Geek. The part that the surfer holds onto while riding the waves.
- Trapezoid. A very important element of a windsurf board. The trapezoid reduces the load on the athlete’s hands and protects his spine from injuries.
How to choose a good outfit?
Due to the fact that this equipment is worth a lot of money, you need to approach it wisely. Features of a windsurf board you should pay attention to:
- Length. For beginners, the optimal length of the board is 3.15-3.35 m. It can be bought without foot loops, because they don’t need a beginner. They will be needed only when the athlete has completely mastered the management of the windsurf board and will be ready to perform various tricks.
- Daggerboard Equipment for training you need to choose with a dagger.
- Sail. Purchased separately from the "board". It is recommended that its size does not exceed 6 meters. The first lessons are best done on a four-meter sail.
- Mast. The best material a mast can be made of is lightweight carbon. This material is distinguished by its strength, flexibility and versatility.
- Geek. The only thing you should pay attention to when choosing a boom is the ability to adjust it to the size of the sail. It follows that the geek must be bought last.
Winter windsurfing
According to professionals, the best time to learn windsurfing is winter. “Is there really a board for winter windsurfing?” - you ask. Even as it exists. In the snow it will be much easier for a beginner to master the technique of this sport and understand the principle of windsurfing.
For classes, a flat ice or dense snow surface is suitable. Also in the winter season, you can simulate gliding along the waves, riding on hilly and uneven areas. A board for winter windsurfing is called an iceboard. It is a device about 1.2-2 meters long with a ridge platform. There is also a mono ski (ski board) and a universal board, which stands on a platform of two skis. These two equipment are designed for snow-only riding.
When practicing winter sailing, professional athletes develop higher speeds than with similar sailing in the summer. Despite the fact that winter windsurfing is a separate sport, for beginners who dream of surfing the open sea, it is worth starting training with him. Moreover, the weather conditions that are characteristic of our geographical latitudes allow us to do this without leaving the country.