The right approach
As a beginner you will not be completely immune to the stereotypical image of windsurfing, according to which it is a tightrope walker where in a completely unstable equilibrium you must be lucky enough to take the sail quickly before the discomfort takes hold of us and let us stop and resell the equipment. Like many stereotypes, this is also false. With concentration, the application of teaching methods that you also find in these pages and, above all, with the right equipment and the right conditions anyone starts to sail.
However, let it be known: a positive approach is what it takes. People on the beach don’t care much about what you do. If someone observes you sarcastically, it will be even better after a few days or hours to sail happily around. It is important to measure the forces, avoid tears, accumulations of lactic acid and abrasions that would make you stand still the next day. Therefore, when fatigue arrives it is good to make an effort to put everything away and be ready the next day.
Hoist the Windsurf Sail: Let’s do it!
- place the tree perpendicular to the table before climbing: it will give you stability;
- get on the table;
- place the feet on the board axis symmetrical with respect to the mast foot;
- hold the recovery line from the bottom and bend the knees completely;
- arms outstretched;
- through the recovery line you bring the tree perfectly perpendicular to the table;
- start taking advantage of your weight;
- the tree does not come up straight due to various factors: keep the perpendicularity of the tree and the table in mind. While raising, correct in order to maintain perpendicularity: if the tree goes to the right you pull it to the left and vice versa, ok? Is critical!
Important:
- During ALL the operation the back or the back must remain vertical. This is the key to success that with minimum effort provides maximum stability;
- advance with your hands on the recovery line only after the sail has lifted a little. If you advance on the top before the sail has really moved you will end up unbalancing the trunk forward by straining your back and reducing stability;
- once you get near the boom you will have to take the boom. To do this do not stretch forward but bend the elbow of the hand on the top. I personally believe that the technique of hand crossing favors correct movements but it is a very personal thing. In the photos both options are presented, try and choose which one suits you best;
- as soon as you put the first hand on the tree (or boma), spread the aft foot a little (second figure). Finally, after grabbing the boom with the second hand, bring the bow foot parallel to the board next to the mast foot (third figure).
Hoist the Windsurf Sail: Tips and details
- The current retrieval buds are not very effective in hand grip and are not meant for beginners. If you find a cord of material and a generous diameter, make a series of knots at a distance of two fists from each other and use that one;
- at the beginning the gloves are precious because the recovery rope wears the hands very much;
- don’t use your back, ever! . Always and only use your weight: try never to lose the verticality of the bust, especially if you try not to go outside with your buttocks and forward with your shoulders (in the figure you can see the wrong position). If you keep this attitude, you will be overcome by the weight of the sail and the strength of the wind, and your efforts will go to loading your back, causing pain after a few attempts. The moments in which you are at greatest risk are when you grip the boom and when, immediately afterwards, you close the sail;
- don’t rush: the sail comes up slowly even with minimal traction. Just wait. Seeing is believing;
- don’t be afraid to leave just because you don’t know how to tack. Read how to change walls to equipment without needing to know any navigation maneuver;