Is the winter season loosens its grip on the northern hemisphere, we wait in anticipation of the coming seasons. Clothes are bought and houses are cleaned, as the gloom of winter is replaced by wild, warming, ever-changing spring. Daydreams take flight. Our bodies become restless in their quest for activity, and we find ourselves exploring new venues of adventure.
By Whit Poor
Published: April, 2006
Is the winter season loosens its grip on the northern hemisphere, we wait in anticipation of the coming seasons. Clothes are bought and houses are cleaned, as the gloom of winter is replaced by wild, warming, ever-changing spring. Daydreams take flight. Our bodies become restless in their quest for activity, and we find ourselves exploring new venues of adventure.
Imagine yourself flying across the water at speeds of up to 30mph, with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Now picture never having to fill up a tank, stop at a dock or tow a trailer. This is windsurfing—one of the most exciting sports to be blessed with the Bay Area.
Those interested in getting into windsurfing will be happy to know that innovation has made the sport much easier than it used to be. Modern technology has changed the face of the industry. The equipment has evolved so much that given the proper instruction, one can be up and sailing in less than a week. The early years of neon wetsuits and triangle sails are gone. Sails are no longer cloth, but a clear plastic called monofilm that is tough, yet light. Boards are made out of carbon and epoxy resin, oftentimes having a full deck pad for beginners and intermediates alike. Rather than the traditional 40-pound rig, today they weigh less than 20 pounds. Furthermore, the Bay Area is full of qualified instructors who will teach you.
If you have never tried windsurfing before, it is a challenge well worth the learning time, because once you reach an intermediate skill level, the entire Bay becomes your playground. Afterward, adventures await; perceptions change; traveling on board from Crissy Field to Sausalito now takes less than five minutes.
While some may find it difficult to get into the sport, here are some tips to keep in mind that will greatly reduce frustration.
1. As a beginner, make sure you have the time to practice the things you learn. This takes patience, but the first lessons learned are the building blocks of the sport. Also, keep in mind that it is generally not recommended to buy beginner equipment. The reasons for this are simple. For one, beginner equipment tends to be bulky and slow, and you only will use it for a limited amount of time. The best thing to do is find a place that rents beginner equipment for a good price.
2. Windsurfing is a fun, physically demanding sport. The challenge of windsurfing is great exercise and provides a complete body workout, in addition to being a lot of fun. Many windsurfers spend roughly two hours out on the water. During this time, one does not simply hold on to the sail, but uses the aid of a harness as well. This saves strength and prolongs the experience.
3. The key to windsurfing is to let the sail do the work and simply go along for the ride. Trust me, you will find that not only is this true, but it will allow you to excel at the sport at a much faster rate.
For all who want to give windsurfing a shot, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is an exciting sport and an adventure for the body and the mind.
