The History of Windsurfing

The question of who invented windsurfing is rather complicated according to international court records. What is known for sure is that in 1948 an American  named Newman Darby was the first to conceptualize a hand-held sail and rigging that was mounted on a U-joint base. This hand-held sail was capable of turning a small  catamaran and eliminated the need for a rudder. Although no patent was applied for at that time, Mr. Darby is considered by many to be the true windsurfing inventor.

 
Then in 1964, Newman Darby successfully invented the first universal-joint system capable of functioning as rudderless steering for a small flat-bottomed sailing scow. The scow bottom was fitted with a U-joint mast system, a tail fin, a centerboard, and a sail that was kite-shaped and could be moved freely by hand. Newman's wife, Naomi, assisted in the design process and is noted as the first woman to windsurf.

Windsurfer History

In 1968, Hoyle Schweitzer (a surfer) and Jim Drake (an aeronautical engineer and sailor) applied for a patent for the “windsurfer”. These men gave full credit for the idea and U-joint design to the original windsurfing inventor, Newman Darby. The patent was granted to Schweitzer and Drake in 1970. They formed a company called 'Windsurfing International' and the term 'windsurfer' became the registered trademark of that company in 1973.

Thus, the manufacture of a one-design windsurfer began in California. The single-design decision was based upon other successful single-design companies, such as, Hobie and Laser.  The single windsurfer design was surfboard shaped, with a triangular sail that was rigged to the board by-means-of a u-joint. The design was 3-1/2 meters in length with a weight of 27 kg.. This original design is similar to the windsurfing boards of today but when compared to modern equipment were much more difficult to use and less efficient for specific purposes.

Many courts around the world ruled unfavorably against Windsurfing Internationals' claims to windsurfing inventor rights, citing rudimentary small boat sail installations in other countries of the world. With no hope for international license royalty income the company closed in the last half of the 1980's.

Design Changes

Today, windsurfing boards are lighter weight and have much more user-friendly design features specifically for the different categories of use. These windsurfing classes include; beginner, freeride, freestyle, wave, slalom, formula racing, and racing longboards. Lightweight and more durable materials have made windsurfing much less physically demanding and easier to learn.

Currently this sport is much more adaptable to varying wind conditions than during the earlier years of the sport. Because of many size, materials, and design changes implemented throughout the history of windsurfing sails, windsurfers now carry sails of different sizes to accommodate changing wind velocities.

It is particularly important to take beginner windsurfing lessons. The beginner board that you will use to learn the basic techniques is only suitable for use while learning the basics. After your first lessons, you can look to purchase a windsurfing board that is best suited for extended use. Windsurfing provides great fun and excitement for all ages.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/2057232029/

Resources:
http://www.collegesportsscholarships.com/history-windsurfing.htm
http://inventors.about.com/od/wstartinventions/a/windsurfing.htmhttp://www.computerknowhow.com/darbyweb/http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/darby.html
http://www.winzurf.co.nz/windsurf/nzwa/wshist01.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsurfinghttp://www.pwaworldtour.com