Windsurfing Equipments
For any kind of sport it is important to know your equipments and their functions. When you put together the board, the sail, the boom and the mast, you have a complete rig. Let us dissect each part of the rig know about their functions.
Windsurfing board: Previously, windsurfing boards were largely categorized as shortboards and longboards. Longboards are high-volume boards that float even when you stand on it. Longer than 3 meters, they usually are equipped with a retractable daggerboard. Currently, shortboards are much preferred for their effortless maneuverability. Shortboards are shorter than 3 meters. They are also called as ‘Sinker boards’ as they submerge slightly underwater when you stand on them. These boards are specifically designed for planing purposes. When the board merely skips on the surface instead of cutting through and displacing water, it is called planing. Nowadays, boards of different sizes are available which are designed for various activities. Freeride boards are used for easy cruising. There are freestyle boards that are used to perform various tricks. A beginners’ board is usually a high volume board that helps you to learn the basic steps and tactics of windsurfing.
Some boards are equipped with removable footstraps and padded handles that strap your feet to the board.
Daggerboard: A daggerboard is a large blade that is located under the board to help sailing in a straight line. Only longboards have daggerboards.
Fin: A fin is also fitted under the board. A fin is an important part of the windsurfing board as it helps in early planning*, maneuverability and gaining speed.
Mast: A mast is a tall, vertical structure that supports the windsurfing sail. Windsurfing masts are approximately 15”, either one piece or two-piece. Masts are made of aluminum, fiberglass and carbon composites, and are made to bend to suit the sail type. Remember that the masts should be strong and sturdy to take on the constant bangs when you are learning.
Windsurfing Sail: A windsurfing sail is the next essential equipment of the rig. Obviously, a sail helps in sailing your windsurf. The two most common types of sails are camber induced and rotational sails. Camber-inducers are plastic materials that cup the battens against the mast. Camber-induced sails are speedier and provide great stability. However, cambers add weight to the sails making them difficult to maneuver.
Rotational sails have battens that jut out beyond the back of the mast. And they are lighter than camber-induced sails. Rotational sails are used for jibing and tacking. They offer lesser speed and stability but are easier to control.
Booms: Booms are U-shaped handle like equipments that are attached to the mast using a clamp mechanism. Booms go round the sail and are used to hold and control the rig. Like a mast, they are also made of aluminum or carbon.
Booms should be set up at a height that is no lower than your chest area. Of course, this set up changes from person to person as each has his own preference. Booms should be easily adjustable corresponding to the smaller or larger size of the sail. You also find booms that are adjusted to a certain range of the sail size.
Uphaul: Uphaul is a thick, elastic rope which has one end attached to the boom and the other end tied to the mast base. Uphaul is used to lift the sail in an upright position.
When you have all these windsurfing equipments in place, you are ready to hit the waters!