What kind of board should I buy?

Normally a freeride board is the type to buy as your first board. This is a board that is easy to sail and also jibes ( turns around ) easily. It is not too demanding on physical strength either so you tend to keep sailing longer which in turn lets you learn more quicker.

What kind of sail should I buy ?

Again a freeride sail is the easiest sail to use as they get planing quicker than an outright wave sail and do not over-power as quickly. If you intend to sail in the waves after you have learnt then it is maybe better to buy wave sails from the outset. Avoid buying race sails as they are soo complicated to rigg and also very downhaul sensitive. They are also very powerful so you will get pulled all over the place when they want to power-up.

What kind of harness should I buy ?

Should I use a waist or a seat harness? That is mostly a personal preference. It is a good idea to try them all and see which you find most comfortable. For people who have back problems, often a seat harness is more comfortable as you can use your lower body weight and rear-end to push against the sail and hold it down. In general, most women prefer seat harnesses, because with a lower center of gravity it is easier to hold down a bigger sail. The waist harnesses often ride up to where women's waists are narrower and can be uncomfortable, Overall, seat harness are the most commonly used harness.

How do I set up my board/footstraps?

When you first get your first board you have to set up your footstraps to fit you. The best way to install them is to screw in the footstrap screw closer to the center of the board. This will allow you to get to get your foot into the footstrap earlier. Be sure to screw the screws in straight. If they're screwed in on an angle you will probably strip the insert and that insert will be useless. Also, be sure not to over tighten the screws.

Which board is best for me?

Some of the variables to consider are body size, conditions, skill level and spot (waves vs. flat water). The short answer is the smaller the person, the stronger the wind and the greater the skill, the smaller the board and sail you would use. In contrast, wider boards / bigger sails provide more floatation and stability for larger riders or lighter riders in lighter winds. Ask your friends, the local shops or check out what the good guys are using. In the end, board selection depends on personal preference and riding style.

Should I windsurf alone?

While windsurfing can be done alone it is always better to sail with somebody. If you have a breakage you sometimes need to have your buddy go and fetch a new part from the beach and bring it to you so that you can replace the broken part while drifting. Sailing alone on small dams is OK as you would merely drift to the far bank if things break.

Are there any signals that I need to know while on the water?

One good signal to know is the "come and fetch me" motion. To indicate to someone on the beach that you'd like them to come and fetch / rescue you the signal is crossing your arms above your head. You can wave first to catch somebodys attention and then cross your arms.

Do I need to be super strong?

Although it looks like you might, you really don't. Windsurfing is more of a finesse sport than a strength sport. This is because the harness you wear allows you to use a lot of your body weight to hold the sail and "harness" the sail's power, versus arm strength. However, you need to be a strong swimmer and in good shape, not necessarily to windsurf but in the event that something goes wrong and you have to swim back. Although it doesn't require a lot of strength, windsurfing a lot will get you in good shape both mentally and physically!

	GLOSSARY