[ Levels of Difficulty ] [ Weather Conditions ] [ Indoor Events ] [ Technical Jargon ]
Q. Where is the best place to learn how to windsurf?
A. Windsurfing clubs and water sports centres usually offer introductory lessons and courses for beginners. Look in yellow pages for local contacts.
Q. Why are there different types of boards?
A. Boards are made from different materials and for different purposes. Beginners usually start on a long board and advanced windsurfers may use a short board. See Getting Started for more details about different boards.
Q. Where does the sport come from?
A. Three Americans came up with the idea for the sport in the mid 1960s. News of the new sport travelled quickly and it soon became popular. (See History of Windsurfing)
Q. Should I choose a light or a heavyweight wetsuit?
A. You should choose a suit that fits and one that will keep you warm! Lighter ones are generally only for summer use. (See Getting Started for information about equipment)
Q. Is it difficult to windsurf?
A. Your first major obstacle will be to try and stay on the board so you can get moving! Proper lessons are the best way to learn and you will be given plenty of help and support from an instructor to get you started. Some people learn more quickly than others but you will soon become confident handling your board.
Q. Are weather conditions important?
A. Depending on your level of ability you will welcome different weather conditions. The gustier the wind, the more challenging the sport. Beginners prefer a gentle breeze.
Q. I have heard that windsurfing can also take place indoors - is this true?
A. Some European cities have held indoor events. Arenas are flooded to provide artificial lakes and large fans are used to provide the wind.
Q. There seems to be a lot of technical jargon spoken among windsurfers - what does it all mean?
A. Many windsurfers are happy to explain the technical language they are using and as you become more experienced you will start to use it yourself. Some of the technical words such as 'boom' or 'daggerboard' refer to the equipment; many others refer to types of manoeuvres. (Simply Surfing looks at some of this jargon).
