Windsurf skills are identified in a Windsurf Learning Scale composed by three (3) Windsurf Levels.
The training to get the Windsurfing Licence takes about 12 – 15 hours of windsurf lessons. To get the basic windsurf licence, the students shall be able to set sail, to windsurf safely in both directions with a wind up to 10 knots.
Windsurfing Levels
Windsurf skills, abilities and knowledge are identified in a Windsurf Learning Scale composed by three (3) Windsurf Levels. These Windsurf levels are described here under by indicating the windsurf skills, activities and knowledge that you need to be able to do to get each windsurf level.
Windsurf Level 1
Skills, abilities and knowledge needed for windsurf level 1 are:
- Knowledge about windsurf equipment and safety.
- Balance and safe movement on the board
- Main Knots.
- Rigging: can arm / disarm/transport gear without damage.
- Lanch a windsurf.
- Self-rescue.
- Hold the rig clear of the water, board at right angles to mast.
- Turn the board 360 degrees in both directions.
- Change the sailing direction: Tack and Gybe.
- Know about weather forecasts.
- Know about weather forecasts.
- Sail upwind, retourning to the starting point.
- Sail downwind.
- Windsurf in light wind conditions, respecting the Collision Regulations / Right of Way on windsurf.
- Know about weather forecasts.
Windsurf Level 2
Skills, abilities and knowledge needed for windsurf level 2 are:
- Windsurf in moderate wind conditions (up to 10 knots).
- Stop, reverse and re-start with the sail out of the water.
- Beach start.
- Flare gybe.
- While sailing, adjust direction and fore-and-aft trim to maintain optimal speed.
- Use of the harness.
- Understand weather forecasts and assess wind & waves.
Windsurf Level 3
Skills, abilities and knowledge needed for windsurf level 3 are:
- Windsurf in strong wind conditions (up to 20 knors).
- Use trim, and balance, to reach optimal speed.
- Tack and gybe maintaining speed
- Start from the water.
- Detect and use wind shifts.
- Determine local weather conditions and wind.
- Know Sailing Instructions and the Racing Rules.
Windsurfing Examination for the Windsurf Level 1 Licence
To get the Windsurf Leve 1 licence, you need to have Windsurf Level 1 and done a practical and a theoretical exam. Training to get the skills and knowledge of Windsurf Level 1 is about 12 – 15 hours of windsurf lessons.
Part of the practical exam (for example rigging up and down, knots) can be checked during the windsurf course.
Windsurf Practical Exam to get the basic licence
Rigging up and down, knots, raising up the sail, basic position, setting up the board, starting, steering, windsurf in different directions, tack, emergency stop, beating windward.
The exam should be carried out with a wind up to 10 knots.
You will pass the practical exam as soon as you are able to do the required exercises and manoeuvres. Part of that is also returining to the starting point under normal wind conditions.
Windsurf Theoretical Examen to get the basic licence
Material knowledge, common knowledge of law, sailing theory, safety, nature and environment, knots and their use.