Beginners guide to windsurfing

Windsurfing is a fantastic way for people of any age to stay in shape and is an enormous amount of fun to boot. Once upon a time it was a tricky sport to get into which required many hours of patiently trying to balance on a wobbly board, or struggling with a huge sail which could get pretty heavy once it landed in the water. Not anymore. The huge advances which have been made in formulating lightweight equipment have opened the door for windsurfers of any age and ability, meaning that anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can be up and sailing on a board after a few hours of tuition.

One of the best ways to learn is to take some lessons with a qualified instructor. You can hire all the equipment you need and pick up the tips and tricks necessary in order to stay on top of the water. Learning in a group can be a huge amount of fun so it`s always worth getting a few of your friends to come with you. As with any sport, you need to get a good handle on your basic skills before moving on to the more advanced techniques. A qualified instructor will be able to teach you the fundamentals of balance, stance, trim, vision and power to give you the confidence to go out on your board and start riding your first waves.

Once you have got the hang of the basics of windsurfing you can move onto the more advanced techniques of manoeuvring and turning and start to build up your confidence to pull off a few tricks and build up some speed on the water. Windsurfing is a bit harder to learn than other water sports such as surfing or kite-surfing. Don`t be discouraged, however, if it takes you a bit longer to pick up these skills. Everyone learns at their own speed and the most important thing is to get a handle on the basics so you don`t get yourself into trouble on the open water.

If after a few lessons you decide you would like to take the sport further, now is the time to start investing in your own equipment. There are a variety of beginners windsurfing boards available to buy which are perfectly balanced for those who are new to the sport, or you can opt for a more advanced model if your lessons have given you a sound understanding of the basics. You must have a Portable Flotation Device (PFD) which is the correct fit and weight for your body type and a good quality water helmet which is specifically rated for windsurfing use. Safety is paramount and investing in these items will ensure you have lots of fun on the water for many years to come.

A good wetsuit can also be essential to protect you from the effects of hyperthermia. You will probably feel a bit silly while learning to windsurf but having the right gear can make a huge difference to how you feel on the water. Get your look coordinated with some Animal clothing and look cool while you are riding the waves.

PS. In São Miguel do Gostoso there is absolutely no need for wetsuits allthough a lycra shirt is recommended to protect your skin from the burning sun !

São-Miguel-do-Gostoso.com | Filed Under Windsurfing & kitesurfing 

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