Windsurfing Basics - How To Windsurf for Beginners

Beginner windsurfing lessons are a great reason to get-together with family or friends to have some fun. When you schedule a lesson it is important to make sure that the class instructor is certified to teach you properly. There are several slightly different ways to windsurf but there are only five fundamentals that you should focus on and learn well. These fundamentals are the foundation for any form of windsurfing that you may later wish to pursue.

This basic windsurfing subject guide is designed to give you a good perspective and overview of what you will learn in practice. Beginner windsurfing boards are designed solely for basic windsurfing instruction but not intended for extended novice use. Once you have learned the fundamentals on a beginner board, you can then consider what other basic maneuvers you wish to learn while shopping for a novice windsurf board that is most suitable for you.

The Learning Foundation – Five Windsurfing Fundamentals

Early windsurfing instruction should always begin with focus on the five fundamental skills needed for all windsurfing activities. These fundamentals are stance, balance, vision, trim, and power. During your first lesson you will also learn some of the basic terminology that you will need to know as your skills improve. Once you have practiced these skills, you then have the option to enroll into a clinic or two. 

These clinics will teach you additional techniques, such as, maneuvering, turning, speed, wave, tricks, etc.. The great thing about learning the five fundamentals of basic first is that all further instruction uses these fundamentals consistently. This course strategy assures that from a beginner to a professional windsurfer everyone is taught the same, using language that is easily understood by all. Learn the fundamentals correctly and use them with confidence forever.

The Right Equipment

As with any water sport activity, having the right equipment is vital to your safety and success. If you are motivated to properly learn how to windsurf there are some personal equipment options that you can purchase first and, with proper care, use for many years. You will always need a good personal flotation devise (PFD or life jacket).  A good PFD must be properly rated for your weight and the fit should hug your body.

Another item that you will need when learning windsurfing is a water helmet specifically rated for windsurfing use. A helmet should be worn when windsurfing and it is a legal requirement in many areas. It is important to make sure that your helmet fits properly and is light weight. Your PFD and your helmet should be comfortable to wear for many hours at a time and can easily be color coordinated.

Lastly, you will need a wet suit to go windsurfing because it is inevitable that you will get wet. There are several options as to the style of wet suits, suitable for your area, to start basic windsurfing. Unless you are fortunate enough to live in an area where the water is always warm, you will need to have hypothermia protection. Windsurfing wet suits are made differently to allow more freedom of movement. Wet suits can also be color coordinated with your other windsurfing gear.

You will probably feel pretty awkward and silly when first learning windsurfing, but hey, you might as well start off looking cool with co-ordinated  personal gear. You will need all this personal equipment anyway and you can focus on your windsurf board and kit later to be totally geared up.

Resources:

http://www.zinio.com/express2?issue=219437378
http://www.awia.org/windsurfing_lessons.html
http://www.boardseekermag.com
http://www.wikihow.com/Windsurf:-the-Waterstart
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Surfing-Windsurfing-2074/waterstarting.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/4444/classes.html
http://www.windsurfingmag.com

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