Windsurfing

Windsurfing

Thousands of windsurfers from around the world flock to North Carolina, because as far as optimum windsurfing conditions go, the North Carolina Coast is hard to beat. With miles of sound water to explore, exceptional wind conditions throughout the year (particularly in the cooler fall and spring months), and the challenging Atlantic Ocean waters, it is easy to see why North Carolina is a veritable Mecca for windsurfers.

Windsurfing, or sail boarding, is a surface water sport using a windsurf board (also commonly called a sailboard), that is usually two to five meters long and powered by the wind pushing on a sail. Although this contraption could be classified as a basic version of a sailboat, windsurfing offers experiences that are well beyond a basic sailing excursion. Windsurfers can perform jumps, inverted loops, spinning maneuvers and other "freestyle" moves that cannot be matched by any boat.

Though windsurfing is possible in winds anywhere from 0-50 knots, the ideal planing conditions for most recreational windsurfers is 15-25 knots, a wind speed that is frequent in North Carolina, particularly in sound waters. In fact, certain coastal regions have earned a place in the windsurfing world with sound beaches that have become favorite universal destinations, like Canadian Hole between Buxton and Avon on Hatteras Island. So named for the thousands of Canadian windsurfers this area attracts each year, in the spring and fall this small sound beach is filled with colorful sails floating across the Pamlico Sound.

For beginners, lessons are offered at multiple homegrown schools, which are as famous as the North Carolina windsurfing beaches themselves. Local water sports companies like REAL Kiteboarding and Kitty Hawk Kites call coastal North Carolina home, and offer a variety of launching points for equipment, rentals, lessons and camps throughout the North Carolina coastline.

With good coaching and favorable conditions, the basic skills of sailing, steering and turning can typically be learned within a few hours. More advanced maneuvers such as planing, carve gybing (or turning downwind at speed), water starting, jumping and other difficult moves can take a bit more patience and practice. This challenge enables windsurfers to always have a new trick or maneuver to master.

Unlike its similar sister sport of kiteboarding, which blew onto the local water sports scene just a decade or two ago, windsurfing has a longer history on the coast of North Carolina, possibly for just as long as the local tourism industries have been around.

A number of different inventors have lobbied to be recognized as the inventor of the sport, and yet today, court cases are still waged on the first windsurfer in the United States. However, many enthusiasts agree that the sport filtered into the mainstream through the promotion of one of the first major companies, Windsurfing International of Southern California, which was founded and spearheaded by Hoyle and Diana Schweitzer. In 1968, they started their company and began to manufacture, promote and license the first windsurfing design. With the help of an aerospace engineer at the RAND Corporation named Jim Drake, Windsurfing International held the first windsurfing patent, granted by the USPTO in 1970, which also led to the first use of the term "windsurfer," registered by the company as a trademark in 1970.

This first design consisted of a surfboard-like board with a triangular "Bermuda" sail and wishbone booms, connected to the board via a universal joint. Forty years later, the modern windsurfing equipment, while it has its superior qualities, is still very similar to Windsurfing International's first board and rig design.

The sport took off quickly in Europe, as the company fought to maintain its patent rights against other companies who had begun to manufacture similar designs. After losing several court cases, their patent expired in 1987. Shortly thereafter, having lost its license royalty income, Windsurfing International ceased operations.

While the legal wrangling took place, however, the sport blossomed in the 1980s, and windsurfing was recognized as an Olympic sport in 1984. Windsurfing has dipped in and out of the water sport world in the two decades that followed, but as equipment becomes more user-friendly, especially for beginners, the sport of windsurfing is still flourishing on the North Carolina Coast.

In the 1970s and 1980s, windsurfing boards were classified as either shortboards or longboards. Longboards were usually longer than 3 meters, with a retractable daggerboard, and were optimized for lighter winds or course racing. Shortboards were less than 3 meters long and were designed for planing conditions. However, this classification of two boards based on length has become irrelevant, as new techniques, designs and materials have taken the sport in new directions.

The majority of modern windsurfing equipment (particularly from the 1990s and later) are derived from the shortboard design. These boards are intended to be used primarily in planing mode, where the board is mostly skipping over the surface of the water rather than cutting through and displacing the water. Planing is preferential by the majority of windsurfers, as it is generally faster and gives more maneuverability. Generally, smaller (defined as lower volume, shorter length and narrower width) boards and smaller area sails are used as the wind increases.

While windsurfing is possible under a wide range of wind conditions, most recreational windsurfers prefer to sail in conditions that allow for consistent planing with multi-purpose, not overly specialized, free-ride equipment. One of the reasons why the sounds of North Carolina have become so popular with windsurfers from around the world is because these conditions are present on a regular basis.

While there are varying degrees of intricacy and specialization, modern windsurfing boards can be classified into a few different categories.

A Freeride board is meant for comfortable recreational cruising (mostly straight-line sailing and occasional turning) at planing speed, mainly in flat waters, like on a sound, or in light to moderate swell.

The Formula Windsurfing Class of boards are shorter boards up to one meter in width and are intended for Formula Windsurfing races.

A wave board is a smaller, lighter board that is easier to maneuver while breaking waves. Generally, windsurfers turn to wave boards for indulging in high jumps while sailing against ocean waves, and/or performing surf tricks like cutbacks or top-turns. Wave boards are generally between 230 and 260 centimeters long and between 50 and 60 centimeters wide. In recent years, the average width of wave boards has increased slightly, as the length has shrunk. Board designers attest that this makes wave boards easier to use under a wider range of conditions by windsurfers of different abilities.

A freestyle board is similar to a wave board in maneuverability, but these boards are wider, higher volume boards geared specifically for performing acrobatic tricks (jumps, rotations, slides, flips and loops) on flat waters, like the calmer conditions on the Carolina sounds. The boards are usually 240 to 250 centimeters in length and over 60 centimeters wide.

There are a variety of other specialized boards, including slalom boards made for high speeds, beginner boards that can be as wide as a small boat and long boards for racing. There are also an equal number of hybrid varieties that try to take qualities of these categories to make an efficient design for varying wind conditions. On the coast of North Carolina, a board that incorporates varying characteristics of these classifications can come in handy, as the wind and water conditions change often.

For beginners, today's learning boards are remarkably stable, allowing just about anyone who can stand upright to ride. Most newcomers to the sport will stay dry throughout their first lesson, standing on the board with ease.

Sails are equally user-friendly and lightweight with light materials like monofilm and carbon components common in modern designs. One of the most noticeable changes from the original basic design is that current sails for learning are shorter. This makes them easy to pull out of the water and easy to control, as well as more stable. Even in challenging wind conditions, these sails stay put and digress from waving wildly in the wind. Match these sail upgrades with a wide board, and windsurfing becomes easier than ever.

In order to get a handle on what you will need for your first trip out into the water, it is essential to be familiar with all of the different equipment that a windsurfer requires.

The sail's job is to provide the power that gets a windsurfer moving in the water. Beginners should start with a smaller sail, as they are easier to control. As the skill of a windsurfer progresses, the sail gets larger and larger, and provides more power and subsequent speed.

The mast is the framework which holds the sail upright, beginning at the foot of the sail and extending all the way to the head. The boom, also connected to the sail, enables a windsurfer to steer in a particular direction and helps to reinforce the mast in keeping the sail's upright shape.

Many windsurfers also opt to use rash guards, a comfortable and thin shirt which is resistant to UV rays. In cooler weather, a spring or full wet-suit might also be necessary to keep the windsurfer warm in cold water.

Foot straps located on the board are essential for staying put and keeping comfortable while flying across the water, and a harness will lessen the pressure on your arms and hands by transferring the power of the sail directly through your body. Be sure you try on both of these items at the equipment shop to make sure they fit comfortably, because they are essential for all levels of windsurfers, from beginners to experts.

The universal joint (sometimes referred to as the U-joint) attaches the rig to the board and allows it to turn in any given direction, letting the sailor use the sail via the boom to steer the board.

Beginners to the sport obviously have a lot of choices that can be a bit confusing at first, second and third glances, but there are a few guidelines to follow when seeking out the right equipment for a modest skill level. As for boards, a good rule of thumb for beginners is that the more width and volume in the board (with the volume generally measured in liters), the easier it is to stand on and hold your balance. Look for especially wide boards with a volume of 180 liters or more.

Beginners should also consider a centerboard or detachable fin, which improves stability for free fall learning. While the used boards might be a good deal, try to avoid older boards (about 5 years old or more), which tend to have slick decks from lots of use, and can subsequently hinder a sailor's balance. Also, early on, it is best to steer clean from smaller or low volume boards because they are narrow and generally unstable for first-timers.

As for sails, most experts recommend that newcomers start with a 6-meter sail or smaller, although this can change from region to region, even along the different towns located along the Carolina coast. Many sails will have an accompanying recommended mast, which saves the guesswork out of deciphering what mast equipment to purchase. Beginners should also be wary of older sails which are generally heavier and more unstable.

Equipment can be equally confusing, but unless the manufacturer of the sail suggests otherwise, it is a safe bet to purchase a high-carbon content mast, which is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and clamp-on booms. Clamp-on booms easily adjust up and down the mast to accommodate to the windsurfer's size and comfort.

When it comes to things to avoid, again, older equipment is best left on the rack. The old tie-on non-adjusting booms are hard to maneuver, and it is much harder to learn the sport if the boom does not fit properly.

Many shops offer entry-level packages, which can run from $1,000 to $1,800. These packages include a board and rig, a sail, mast, mast base and boom. As a package, the gear is sold at a lower price than the new items cost separately, making it a decent deal for beginners on a budget.

Once a windsurfer has found their footing and has mastered the basics of standing up and cruising along the water, their abilities can morph into a variety of different styles. Many windsurfers find that their individual style goes hand in hand with their favorite locale, as some sound or ocean beaches may be more conducive to one style of windsurfing than another may be. But, no matter where a windsurfer sails, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained in the water.

The most basic style of windsurfing is the free ride. All windsurfers begin with this style because it is simple, fun and safe. When a beginner first sets his board into the water, the sailor is automatically a free rider, enjoying the easy going fun of cruising across the Pamlico or Albemarle Sounds in a light summer breeze. Not for the competitive, free riders just love being out in the water.

As a beginner hones their skills and advances, the sailor may favor a racing style. This style is classified as challenging and rigorous, but also very social, as windsurfers test their abilities against fellow sailors. At this level, some windsurfers may decide to pursue competitions, while others might just enjoy competing with other skilled windsurfers in their region. There are numerous windsurfing regattas held each year for all classes of windsurfers, so new sailors can meet and greet their fellow windsurfing enthusiasts.

One of the newest forms of windsurfing is freestyle, which can be described as graceful and explosive, but very technical. Freestyle windsurfers are known for pushing the limits of what can be done on a sailboard and have spent recent years introducing a complicated array of tricks on the sound waters, or more frequently, in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Freestyle windsurfers are happiest in the air, sliding across the water or pirouetting on the board, making it a fascinating form of windsurfing to watch.

Wave sailing requires windsurfers who like powerful and artistic rides and who love the complicated and ever-changing terrain of ocean conditions. The balance of negotiating waves while sailing offers these riders an extra boost of excitement and produces some of windsurfing's most impressive sights. However, beginners take note - it is a good idea to tackle calmer waters and progress to the intermediate or even advanced level before attempting ocean rides.

Once a windsurfer has mastered the basic, intermediate and even advanced skills, there are a number of challenging venues to test their abilities. North Carolina holds everything from annual windsurfing tournaments to simple big annual free rides, attracting countless windsurfers who want to congregate and enjoy a great day on the water. For the competitive types, the sport has a lot to offer, and advanced windsurfers can find a number of competitions throughout the world that cater to both their skill level and the style of windsurfing they have mastered.

Freestyle and wave style competitions are decided by the sailor with the best technique and diversity by a panel of judges. Similar to surfing competitions, the sailor with the best and most impressive rides with a few tricks thrown in generally takes the crown.

Olympic Boardsailing, Formula windsurfing, Slalom and SuperX appeal to the speed windsurfers, as they are simply races where a number of sailors compete on a "course," or a certain designated region of water. Speed Racing is a similar challenge, and is a race where sailors compete on a straight 500-meter course, one after the other, instead of all at the same time in a group.

In Olympic Windsurfing, "One Design" boards are used. All sailors use the same boards, daggerboards, fins and sails. The equipment is chosen to allow racing in a wide range of sailing conditions. This is particularly important for the Olympic Games, as events have to take place regardless of whether there is enough wind for planing. The equipment changes as new designs progress, but the Neil Pryde RS:X is the current Olympic class which was used for the first time in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Formula windsurfing, which first found popularity in San Francisco, California, has developed over the last 15 years as a means of generating high performance competition in light and moderate winds. Formula is now a class of windsurfing boards controlled by the International Sailing Federation that have the principal characteristic of a maximum 1-meter width. They have a single fin, with a maximum length of 70 cm and carry sails up to 12.5 square meters. The Class rules allow sailors to choose boards of different designs produced by multiple manufacturers, as long as they are certified as Formula boards and registered with ISAF, and use fins and sails of different sizes.

With the different sail, fin and board choices, the equipment is able to be tailored to suit sailors of all body shapes, and formula windsurfing presents one of the fastest course-racing sailing craft on the water.

Slalom is also a high speed race, but in a course shaped like a Z. The general rules are that the course should on a beam reach with floating marks that have to be jibed around, however these competitions can only be held in certain conditions, as Slalom boards are small and narrow, and require high winds.

One of the newest competitions to enter the windsurfing world is the Super X competition. This discipline is a cross between freestyle and slalom, where the competing sailors race on a short downwind slalom course, have to use duck jibes on all turns, and are required to perform several tricks along the way, such as jump over an obstacle, spock or even front loop.

Speed sailing is more generalized and can take several forms. The ISA (International Speedsurfing Association) organizes competitions in various locations around the world known for conditions suitable for good speeds. The events are made up of heats, which can last an hour or two, sailed on a 500-meter course. The average of each sailor's best two speeds on the 500-meter course is their speed for that heat. Because of these requirements, it is possible for the sailor with the outright fastest time not to win the heat if his second best time pulls his average down, and points are given for the placings in the heats and overall event winner is the sailor with the best point score.

With the advent of cheap and small GPS units, sailors have been able to organize impromptu competitions amongst themselves, as well as formal competitions such as the European Speed Meetings and Speedweeks/Fortnights in Australia. With over 2,000 windsurfers registered to date, it is possible for windsurfers all over the world to compare speeds.

Freestyle competitions are timed events that are also judged. The competitor who has the greatest performance or manages to complete the most stunts wins. Freestyle is about show, and competitors are judged on their creativity. Both the difficulty and the number of tricks make up the final score. These competitions can take place anywhere, from sound waters to the Atlantic Ocean, as the loose requirements allow organizers to have some leeway in deciding their particular rules and venue.

For more information on windsurfing competitions and lessons, a windsurfer's best bet is to check with local sail shops in the coastal area. Large, nationally recognized companies like Kitty Hawk Kites and REAL Kiteboarding usually have a schedule available at the shops and online with new and exciting events, but even the smaller sail shops can fill a newcomer in on the local windsurfing scene.

Many vacationers to North Carolina or newcomers to the sport hear a tidbit or two about windsurfing that might dissuade them from joining in the fun. Despite what you heard before your vacation or first attempt, there is not always truth surrounding the common rumors.

For example, many folks might know that North Carolina is one of the best spots for windsurfing, but they may still be deterred because they think it is an expensive sport. As it turns out, a sailor can generally get a new set-up for around $1,000, and many local shops offer equipment rentals by the day or by the week so beginners can try out the sport at a minimal cost before deciding to invest in the equipment.

Beginners also fear that strength and perfect balance are a prerequisite, when the fact is that with the modern equipment of stable boards and light sails, windsurfers can catch on quickly, relying on just their instincts and a little practice.

With hundreds of miles of sound and ocean waters to explore and accommodations that offer launching points right off the back deck, it is no surprise that the waters of coastal North Carolina have attracted windsurfers from all over the world for decades. What is a surprise, however, is the accessibility of the sport for windsurfers of all skill levels from a variety of regions to venture out into the water and enjoy a smooth sail. For coastal locals and visitors who are anxious to try their hand at something new, windsurfing is a great way to experience the North Carolina Coast from a fun and exciting point of view.

Glossary of Terms

The following glossary can serve as a guide to some of the terms that are commonly used in windsurfing. Keep in mind that newcomers to the sport should not be shy if they are unfamiliar with the general jargon of the sport. Consult a local shop or windsurfing school for more information on where to obtain lessons, equipment or to simply ask any questions you might have.

Bear Away: To turn away from the direction the wind is coming from.

Beat: Zigzag your way into the wind.

Boom: The "handle" of your sail. It is what you will hold onto most of the time.

Centerboard: Large retractable fin in the center of longboards, hybrids and most learning boards. Provides stability and upwind pointing ability.

Downhaul: The line attached to the mast base that pulls the sail down on the mast.

Downwind: Toward the direction the wind is blowing to.

Harness: Worn around the waist or seat, it allows you to compensate for the sail's pull by using your body weight. A must for high-wind sailing.

Harness Lines: Lines attached to the boom for hooking the harness into it.

Head Up: To turn toward the direction the wind is coming from.

Jibe: To turn the board downwind in order to go the opposite direction.

Mast: The veritable "skeleton" of the board; the frame used to keep the board upright.

Monofilm: Clear, lightweight plastic with enormous tensile strength, common in modern sails.

Nose: Front of the board, usually the pointy end.

Outhaul: The line that connects the back corner of the sail (the clew) to the boom.

Plane: Refers to when you are powered up to full speed, in the straps and hooked in. Technically, it is when the board gains enough forward speed to break free of the water and skim the surface, reducing drag and allowing the fastest speeds.

Port: To the left; sailing on port tack is sailing left hand forward.

Rash Guard: A thin, UV-resistant shirt to "guard" windsurfers from the sun's rays and scratches from the board.

Rig: The combination of sail, mast, mast base and boom after it is assembled.

Starboard: To the right; sailing on starboard tack is sailing right hand forward. Generally, the sailor on has right of way over port tack.

Tail: Back end of the board, usually the squarer end; the end with the fin in it.

Tack: To turn the board upwind and in order to go in the opposite direction.

Uphaul: The line attached to the boom used to pull the sail up out of the water.

Upwind: Toward the direction the wind is coming from.

Volume: A measurement of a board's displacement, which correlates directly with its flotation. The more volume, the more float.

Wetsuit: A body suit made of neoprene used to keep the windsurfer warm in colder waters.