How to Do a Duck Jibe on a Windsurf Board

Windsurfing downwind, carve into a turn and switch sides of the boom by ducking under the clew side of the boom.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

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

1. Windsurf on a broad reach (angling downwind) with a lot of speed and check the area ahead of you to be sure you are safe to turn.

2. Lean on your leeward (downwind) rail to begin carving to your starboard side.

3. Tilt the mast forward by releasing your front hand and sliding it to the back of the boom. Release your left hand from the boom entirely.

4. Duck your head under the boom and clew as it swings over your head. Maintain your carve without shifting your feet.

5. Reach around and grab the opposite side of the boom, your new boom, with your former back hand, now in front.

6. Release the hand that had been in front and reposition it as your new back hand on your new boom.

7. Pull the sail back up (power up) with your front hand first and then with your back hand.

8. Sheet in and adjust your feet to power out of the turn onto your new heading.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your carve throughout the turn.

• Keep your weight slightly forward. Leaning back will cause you to lose speed and sink in the water.

• Make sure to grab your new boom toward the front, or you will be pulled over forward when you sheet in.

• Practice your boom-to-boom hand work on the beach.

• Always wear a life vest when windsurfing.

• 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.