Indoor Windsurfing

Indoor windsurfing is gaining worldwide popularity since it origin in London a few years back. Very much similar to conventional windsurfing, indoor windsurfing can be enjoyed by the sailors as well as spectators. Once a great pastime for the sailors, indoor windsurfing competitions are turning into a major event for hardcore windsurfers and spectators alike. Indoor windsurfing competition can be attempted only by professional windsurfers as it requires immense control and skill to navigate the course in a limited space.

The equipments required for indoor windsurfing are the same - a board, mast, sail and harness. The only difference between the two types of windsurfing is the manner in which the sailors are propelled. Indoor windsurfing takes place in massive indoor pools where the wind is simulated using 20-25 turbines that are lined on one side of the pool. These turbines are generally 2 meters wide and can generate wind speed of up to 30 knots.

The sailors descend into the pool using a ramp. As the wind starts blowing from the huge fans, the sailors follow a course of obstacles at a high speed. Other than slalom racing, avid windsurfers also perform freestyle tricks. Freestylists awe the audience by attempting different feats like Spock, Heli tack, Forward loop, Sliding 360 etc. Ramps are used to perform aerials like Aerial 360, Vulcan, Cheese Roll, Rodeo Flip etc. The competitors are judged by the speed, maneuverability and the tricks that they perform. Music and spotlights add to the excitement of the amazed spectators. Spotlights are focused on each competitor when they perform tricks to the rhythm of the music. The sailors keep the audience enthralled throughout the competition with their stunts. The contagious cheering from the crowd multiplies the fun and the thrill.

Indoor windsurfing provides an ideal setting to the sailors. Ocean winds are, at times, gentler which prevents the sailors from performing their tricks accurately. Similarly, at such close proximity to the competitors, the audience can witness the electrifying performance of the sailors.

Currently, Europe is the only place that hosts the indoor windsurfing competitions. Every year, the competition is held during January at Schroders International Boat Show, London. This event attracts expert windsurfers and spectators from all over the world.

Indoor windsurfing bails out many difficulties of the outdoor windsurfing. The wind conditions can be easily manipulated and even the crowd gets to enjoy the maneuvers of the sailors. A few years later, traditional windsurfing might just take a backseat, as many aquatic adventure-lovers are turning to indoor windsurfing.