How to Carve Jibe on a Windsurf Board

Windsurfing a downwind reach, execute a carving 180-degree turn without any loss of momentum by leaning into a turn and switching the boom from one side to the other. Perhaps the most essential maneuver in windsurfing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Windsurf on a broad reach (angling with the wind behind you). Make sure you have plenty of speed before entering your turn.

2. Unhook from the harness (if you are wearing one), take your rear foot out of the strap, and place it on the leeward (downwind) rail.

3. Lean inward and forward, with slight pressure on your leeward rail, to start the board turning. Continue this carve throughout the jibe.

4. Release your rear hand from the boom to allow the clew to swing forward over the nose of the board when you reach a point in your carve where your nose is heading directly leeward. Your front hand acts as a pivot point for the sail to swing around. Grab the mast with it if it makes it easier.

5. Cross your rear hand over to grab the front position on your new boom (the opposite side of what you were just holding).

6. Adjust your front hand so that it becomes your new rear hand.

7. Sheet in on the sail and adjust your feet on your board to comply with your new heading. You should have turned a complete 180 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your boom-to-boom hand movements on dry land first.
• Don't change your footing on the board until you have completed the jibe. This is the most common reason people fall during the carve jibe.
• A perfect carve jibe won't cause you to lose any speed. The trick to it is executing a smooth and gradual carve with a quick, steady rig adjustment.
• Always wear a life vest when windsurfing.
• Look before you turn to be sure you are not turning into someone, or something, else.
• 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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