How to Do a Water Start on a Windsurf Board

Get your feet back on the board and lift the sail to let the wind pull you out of the water for the best start after a fall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Life Vests
• Surfing Wet Suits
• Windsurf Boards
• Windsurf Rigs

1. Get on the windward (upwind) side of the board with the luff (side of the sail nearest the mast) facing the wind.

2. Hold the mast just above the boom.

3. Draw the rig up over the tail of the board so that it is sitting on board with the boom pointing over the tail. The sail should flap freely after the water drains off.

4. Steer the board so that the nose points leeward (downwind) by using your foot against the board and continuing to hold onto the mast.

5. Put whichever foot feels more natural into the foot strap.

6. Present the sail to the wind by lifting it up slightly and switching your hands onto the lower side of the boom.

7. Pump the rig by pushing up and pulling back, getting it to catch the wind and pull you out of the water in one smooth motion.

8. Plant your other foot quickly onto the board and ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice doing water starts on a buoyant board or in shallow water.
• In stronger winds, present the sail with the board aligned closer to the wind. Otherwise, the wind will pull you out of the water too hard and fling you over your board.
• If you are unable to raise the rig from where you are, swim to the tip of the mast and lift it out of the water. Then slowly walk your hands down the mast back to the board.
• Always wear a life vest when windsurfing.
• Learn to windsurf in mild conditions.
• Windsurfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[itlarson]

on 8/8/2009 Step 3- The rest position:
The wind will now supporting about half of the sail's weight. The rest of it will be supported by the boom resting on the tail of the board. Alternatively, if the tail of the board is too short to support the boom, rest your front elbow on the board, and support the boom with your front hand. Keeping your back hand lightly on the mast will allow you to control the rig in a gust. Your legs should be under the sail to help you resist the tendency of your gear to drift downwind.
Step 4- Pick your conditions:
Unless you live in the trade winds, or somewhere else with rock steady winds, picking the right moment to attempt the water-start is critical. If the wind has gone light, you will not be able to get out of the water. If there is a gust the sail may be yanked out of your hands as you attempt the water-start. Wait until the wind is steady.
Step 5- ...

[itlarson]

on 8/8/2009 Step 6- One foot on the board:
DO NOT put your foot in the foot-strap at this point. This only works if you are over-powered. Put the heel of your FRONT foot on the board more or less between the front foot-straps, or slightly forward. The board needs to be pointed beam to the wind or slightly downwind. You can adjust it's position with your front foot. Keep your arms extended.
Step 7- The water-start:
Pull the board towards you with your front foot. Kick with your back foot. This will allow you to let the sail go to a more upright position. You front foot will go from the heel being on the board, to the bottom of your foot being on the board. At this point your front knee will be near your stomach, and your arms stretched above your head. Keep kicking with your back foot while you push down with your front foot. still keeping your arms extended. Once the mast is completely...

[itlarson]

on 8/8/2009 Step 2- Get the sail on the tail:
To water-start you must get the sail free of the water. The wind will help you do this. Start by either pulling the boom up on the tail of the board, or just lifting the mast up out of the water. Pop the battens into the up position so the wind will start to lift the sail as the mast comes out of the water. Once the entire mast is out of the water you can get the rest of the sail free by putting your feet under it and kicking. Until the clew is out of the water there is a risk that a gust will yank the sail out of your hands and flip it over.
Step 3- The rest position:
The wind will now supporting about half of the sail's weight. The rest of it will be supported by the boom resting on the tail of the board. Alternatively, if the tail of the board is too short to support the boom, rest your front elbow on the board, and support the boom with...

[itlarson]

on 8/8/2009 Here's another take on water-starting. I recommend trying this on a board that's big enough to up-haul, with a big enough sail to allow you to get in the foot-straps and plane. I highly recommend learning this early. Learning to water-start concurrently with learning to jibe will greatly reduce the wear-and-tear which up-hauling causes on your back. I have water-started sails from 4.7 to 9.6. The big ones ore harder to get out of the water, but once flying, pull you up easily due to their high center of effort.

Step 1- Position the board and rig:
You need to swim the board and rig around so that the board is beam to the wind, and the mast is pointing directly aft relative to the board. The boom should be pointing straight downwind.
Step 2- Get the sail on the tail:
To water-start you must get the sail free of the water. The wind will help you do this. Start by either pullin...