r/windsurfing 2h ago

Beginner/Help Tips for a total beginner?

2 Upvotes

Hello I watched some people doing windsurf on the beach and many videos of windsurfing
This sport really hype me it’s so cool and I also like the feeling of gliding on the water but I never did a session of windsurfing
I was a swimmer but i never did a gliding sport

So you have any recommendations for a total beginner ?
Thanks 🙏


r/windsurfing 12h ago

riparazione completa

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5 Upvotes

ecco la tavola dopo la riparazione "fai da te" speriamo tutto bene. modello fanatic Hawk 110L pot precedente dove descrivo cosa è successo.


r/windsurfing 1d ago

Discussion Recs for a spot/surf school in the mediterranean sea?

5 Upvotes

Hi,
i'm planning my next holiday and want to try out a new spot, thought of the mediterranean sea, maybe italy or greece, preferably an island. I'd be travelling solo and don't own any gear, so i'd have to have a surf school where i can take lessons etc. Does anyone know a good spot/ has recommendations for me? i know there are probably a ton of surfschools out there but i find it hard to pick a good one just from looking at websites. I'm looking for someone that offers good material, a nice spot where you can stand (maybe a lagoon) and isn't wildly expensive plus a bit flexible. Maybe someone has some good experience and would like to share! :)


r/windsurfing 2d ago

How many sources do you open to plan a session? (quick anonymous survey, results shared back here)

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4 Upvotes

r/windsurfing 2d ago

Is anyone interested renting me windsurf gear from August 13-17?

4 Upvotes

I'm coming to Hood River for the first time this August, hoping to get some time on the water!

I'm wondering if I could make a friend and rent some gear from someone for a few days on the cheap. I know there are a couple businesses that offer rentals but I thought I'd drop a line here. I've never been to Hood River so I'm open to suggestions!

What I have in my head is like, I offer $150 to rent your older rig that's collecting dust in a garage somewhere. The rental places are looking like $150/day, so I don't want to do that

ideally I could find like 90-110 liters of dated/beat up freeride board, and maybe like a 4.2 sail

I've been windsurfing about 4 years in and around the SF bay area. Comfortable with water starts and I can get something like a decent carve gybe on a slalom board

Let me know your thoughts?


r/windsurfing 2d ago

Beginner/Help Two honest questions as a beginner

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I’m still a beginner, but I can already turn, jibe, tack and so on. At the moment, I’m practising planing and riding in the harness. It’s going really well, but I have two questions that really got me thinking yesterday.

  1. As soon as I start planing – although I’m not in the footstraps yet – the board pulls straight upwind instead of maintaining a broad reach. What could be causing this?

  2. I’m finding it difficult to steer. As soon as I’m in the harness but not yet planing, I can still use the sail to steer. But how do I steer whilst planing? I feel as though my foot control isn’t working at all, or hardly at all, and I’m not even in the footstraps yet. Do you have any tips or a good video on this?

Many thanks in advance and best regards!


r/windsurfing 3d ago

Beginner/Help How can I go faster to finally reach 30 knts

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44 Upvotes

So I am 14 and my weight is 64kg and I am trying to reach 30 knts but I keep struggling to get over 27 knts. For the board I use a starboard isonic 115L with a Deboichei custom 42 centimètres(sorry I am french). For the sail I use a gaastra charger 6m. I also bought a North sails ram 7.3 but I still didn’t try it and I don’t know if I should use it with my actual level. On the video right here there s 15-20knts with flat sea and I wonder if I am doing something wrong or if it’s just about the board/ the sail.


r/windsurfing 2d ago

Gear Freerace board & size recommendations for 85kg in 17-22 kts heavy chop?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Looking for specific freerace board models and sizes to handle heavy chop based on the following:

Skills: Intermediate/advanced

Weight: 85 kg

Wind: 17–22 knots

Conditions: Heavy, messy chop

What volume, width, and specific board models would you recommend as the sweet spot to keep control in heavy chop without losing too much low-end if the wind dips?

What do you use for those conditions based on your weight?

Thanks!


r/windsurfing 3d ago

Beginner/Help Beginner advice :)

5 Upvotes

Hello!

I’m such a massive beginner, but always have been so desperate to windsurf. No instructors nearby so having to teach myself. I watch a lot of videos etc on YouTube and then try it myself. I started with one of those Duotone Inflatable sails to learn the wind a bit on something that is lightweight.

Current gear-
- Gladiator 10’9 paddleboard with m8 screw insert (I also have a bic Astro Rock but it’s very difficult to use and earning on something a title more forgiving for now).
- 430cm carbon fibre 45% mast
- 4.3m^2 sail

I had my second session today. Wind was a bit crap but had a few fun moments. I was mainly using it to practice holding the rig up in lighter conditions,

I can now do the following:
- rig all my gear on my own
- feel comfortable uphauling the sail
- in low wind condition, managing to stand up and hold the boom and sail upright
- managed to catch the wind a few times and getting a bit of a feel for the hand further from the mast giving power
- once powered up I’ve managed to steer

Things I’m struggling with:
- stationary turning, like I get you need to hold the sail in a stable position and walk your feet around to turn but I’m finding it REALLY hard
- travelling upwind. I understand the concept of this, avoiding turning into the no-go zone and keeping the sail in line with the wind direction, but even with a daggerboard fitted it’s like, I uphaul the sail and I end up turning downwind and arghhgh it’s SO hard!!

I’m aware I’ve only done 2 sessions (about 6 hours total), and I need to dedicate a lot more to learn properly.

Bud does anyone have any advice for the things I’m struggling with?

Massively appreciate any advice :)


r/windsurfing 3d ago

Gun Sails pricing

3 Upvotes

I just bought some Gun Sails gear and I am confused over the pricing. I just want some other people's opinions before I get back to Gun Sails about it, in case I'm wrong and I don't want to look like an idiot!

On the Gun Sails website it looks to me like the prices include VAT, and do not include shipping.

I am based in the UK so there is Brexit stuff to deal with.

I figured (and they stated this on the website) I pay the price on the website and then they figure out the shipping costs and email me the shipping price and if I am happy with it I pay that as well and then the stuff gets sent out to me.

It was UPS for delivery and they wanted more money for 'import fees'.

Price on website in Euros - 1700.

Shipping - 280.

UPS wanted - 265.

So am I paying VAT twice?


r/windsurfing 3d ago

Saftey Any opinions on the best way to carry a 3kg waist bag during a session?

2 Upvotes

After years of tweaking what I carry on the water, I’ve updated my setup.

Being involved in rescue and first aid, and with the goal of longer-distance windsurfing sessions, I’ve put together a fairly comprehensive kit. For the final version I found this compact sealed waist bag. People say it sucks (I believe they dive with it tho...) but I don’t mind if some water gets inside, as most of the contents are either waterproof themselves or vacuum-sealed.

Does anyone else carry a small bag during sessions, and what have you found to be the most efficient way to carry it?

A few thoughts so far:

I can’t carry it in the front, as it interferes with the harness hook.

Behind the harness works, but it feels like it puts too much weight on my waist.

I don’t want it attached to the board or rig, as those can be lost. The kit needs to stay on me.

I also don’t really want a side-bag setup with a strap near my neck.

So far, the most efficient solution seems to be carrying it low, with its strap resting on th hook, either slightly below/behind the harness or off to the side. I haven’t tested it properly in the water yet, but on land it feels like the cleanest setup.

The bag is attached to the harness with bugee cord, and I’ve added a secondary way to secure the buckle. It might be boyant a bit too.

Curious to hear what others have tried, especially for longer sessions or self-rescue scenarios.


r/windsurfing 3d ago

Fanatic Viper Air vs STX iWindsurf 280

1 Upvotes

Hey there,

I am looking at two offers at the moment and just can`t decide:

I could get a Fanatic Viper Air + complete Rig in good condition for 590 Euros, the other option would be the STX iWindsurf + complete Rig also in good condition but for 950 euros.

I am returning beginner (made a course + license a few years back but had a break with windsurfing for the last two years). Because we only have a pretty small car and limited space here a hardboard is not an option :/

I am looking to get a inflatable for relaxed windsurfing at the local lake on the weekends in light wind conditions so it doesn`t need to be high performance or sth like that. I am still at the basics.

Which one of the two would you choose ?

Edit: The STX is from 2022 .. the Viper Air model is from 2018


r/windsurfing 4d ago

Help getting into the foot straps, or should I get a bigger board?

2 Upvotes

Hi, 20 years ago I spent part of a year learning to windsurf. 130l alpha old board and gear. Had fun. Could plane out and back in harness and foot straps and catch 5 to 6 foot waves sometimes. . mostly just planed out. Fell in, water started and planed back. Great times.

Now I'm on day 9 of getting back into it, and I told myself I wouldn't get too small of a board, but I did because that's what everybody else is doing. Got a 101 and an 85. I'm able to go 3 days a week in the gorge, so I've got a good long summer of wind in front of me.

I'm pretty good at water starting, I'm using the 101l board. It's hard to even get planing, and when I do, it seems it's not for long. It feels like it's really gusty but maybe that's just me. So when I do get going, it feels like I'm basically almost out of control, and I don't dare move my foot or the back sinks and I totally lose it. How do you do this? There is a swap meet this Sunday, should I get a bigger board? What size? Or is it just better to stick with my 101 and I'll eventually get it? Would I make progress more quickly with something bigger?

This is super hard. Really hard.


r/windsurfing 5d ago

Discussion Looking to connect with Windsurfers from India

7 Upvotes

Hi,

I am learning windsurfing at my home town from a friend.

I see it's really rare to find such sports being adopted in India, and you got to be very lucky if you meet another person who is into windsurfing too.

BTW, I am learning Kite Surfing and got to meet this guy wind surfing at my city through a spot chat feature on Windy.app while checking wind speed! But it took several years to find out someone who is really into it!

Fortunately I got connected to few people now who are into Kite surfing and Wind surfing.

But, Is it really rare in India?

If you're windsurfing in India, lets connect.

If there is already a community of Indian windsurfers, I will love to join. If not, lets start creating one, to exchange ideas, practice together, and inspire others.


r/windsurfing 6d ago

Inflatable Surfboards

5 Upvotes

What's your opinion and expirience in inflatable Surfboards like the fanatic Viper Air or STX iWindsurf. Do you think those are valid alternatives to traditional hardboards or are they a complete waste of money ?


r/windsurfing 7d ago

My board doesn't turn enough for a jibe

3 Upvotes

Hello I been trying to learn jibe for a few days not like trying it over and over but every now and then when I feel like it but each time I can't get the part right when your down wind you need to turn even harder with idk how to do and couldn't find an answer online. So each time I tried flipping the sail it would end up going into water or knocking me to water.

To turn I'm pulling my back hand toward myself slightly and shifting it to the nose of the board then I reach my back hand further and continue but when I reach down wind using this method it doesn't turn anymore.


r/windsurfing 7d ago

Fanatic Viper Air 358 Opinions

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about buying a used Fanatic Viper Air 358 as a complete beginner/returning windsurf package and would love to hear your opinions.

The package includes:

  • Fanatic Viper Air 358
  • 6.5 m² sail
  • 4-piece mast
  • Complete rig
  • Everything is in good used condition.

I'm 184 cm (6'0") tall and weigh around 100 kg (220 lbs). I used to windsurf a bit, but I've had a 2-year break, so I'm basically starting over.

My goal isn't high-performance planing or jumping. I mainly want to cruise around on local lakes in light to moderate winds and just enjoy relaxed sessions.

One thing I'd like to mention is that I've only ever sailed hard boards. I have no experience at all with inflatable windsurf boards, so I'm curious how they compare in terms of stability, performance, and overall feel on the water.

The seller is asking €590 for the complete package.

Do you think this is a good choice for someone my size and intended use? Is the Viper Air 358 suitable for a heavier rider who's getting back into the sport? And does the price seem fair?

I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences with this board. Thanks!


r/windsurfing 6d ago

Riparazione tavola

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2 Upvotes

Ciao a tutti da qualche settimana ho un problema con la mia fanatic Hawk 110L , la tavola ha ricevuto una forte botta con l' albero sulla prua in un punto precedente già riparato, la prua si è aperta completamente e il danno si distende sulla parte posteriore con una crepa, la tavola è già asciutta e non ha preso acqua in quanto appena mi sono accorto del danno, l ho portata subito fuori dall' acqua, ho ordinato l'occorrente per la riparazione ovvero: Resina epossidica con indurente, colla poliuretanica per riempire il buco e fibra in vetroresina da 300g/m² e 160g/m² vorrei avere qualche consiglio sulle modalità di riparazione, chi saprebbe aiutarmi? Grazie anticipatamente.


r/windsurfing 7d ago

Gear Why are my cam's so stubborn?

2 Upvotes

Hey, I own two freerace sails with cams in the sizes of 7,8 and 8,5 and they both don't work very well in light wind because I find that the cam's are not rotating without manually pushing them over by hand.

Do I need to service the cams or is this due to too much or too lite downhaul?


r/windsurfing 7d ago

Mistral competition mast base and fin

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3 Upvotes

Hey all, I'm considering buying this competition carbon to add to my longboard collection. Does anyone know if a modern mast base can fit in the mast track or whether the board requires a branded one? If so, are there adapters available?

Also interested to know if the fin box is universal (wave/power etc) or if it's also patented


r/windsurfing 8d ago

Saftey Are these conditions to much for my skill Level?

4 Upvotes

In a few days the forecast looks like this :

30 to 40 kmh Wind and gusts up to 60kmh

I asked myself If its Safe for me to go windsurfing there is usually not that much chop

This is my skill Level : I get planing easy If there is enough wind for me around 25 kmh on a 4.5 Sail (i wheigh 50kg and i am around 1.75m tall)

I Surf with a harnes and footstraps

I can do (fast ) tack jibe beach start

water start (⬅️depending on Wind )

And other more light Wind tricks and meneuvers

And i know that it is really hard to judge how good i am based on the info i gave you so
Please ask me as much questions as you need for finding out if i am ready for this wind and i am really thankful for every Input you have (:


r/windsurfing 8d ago

Beginner/Help Denmark Coast / Cold Hawaii for beginner?

8 Upvotes

Hi together!

I'm new to the community (and also windsurfing in general). I want to go on a windsurfing trip this summer with my partner.

We live in Germany and have a few options (Bodensee, Denmark, ...?)

We had basic windsurfing lessons last season. I am just wondering if the north west Coast of Denmark is a bad place to start our windsurfing journey because of the waves at the coastline. I found windsurfing rental in Klitmøller and Vorrupør. I also found Hvide Sande.

Can anyone recommend going there as a beginner windsurfer? Or is it too advanced or even dangerous?

Thank you!


r/windsurfing 8d ago

Gear Larger sail size advice

5 Upvotes

I am currently sailing with mainly a 7.1 simmer style (twin cam), which i use on days starting at 15 knots and can hold it in gusts up to ~25 knots, I am looking for something that can cover the low wind days (starting at 10 to 12 knots) up to the 15 knots when i can use my 7.1.

- Starboard airplane 242

- ~80kg rider weight

What sail size would you recommend? I was thinking a 8.6, but not sure if that may be too much of a gap to the 7.1. Ideally I don't want 2 other sail sizes due to storage space.

Appreciate any advice!


r/windsurfing 9d ago

Discussion Is Vassiliki wind from windguru accurate?

6 Upvotes

Hi, I would really love to plan a trip to Vassiliki next year. I’m from Spain, so I will need to travel to athens then somehow get into Vassiliki, be by car, bus or whatever.

Case is, I added the windguru spot to my favorites to check wind along weeks, and often what I see is between 8-11 knots at best on the afternoon… Is that accurate?

I know wind gets accelerated by the mountains, this is why I’m wondering if the forecasting takes this into account or the 8-9 knots are real.

I would really hate to get into there and have no wind at all for the week, because as a spanish is not easy to get to Vass and too easy getting into Fuerteventura, but I would love to visit Vass.


r/windsurfing 9d ago

Beginner/Help Board Auto Pointing Upwind While Planing

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6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on my current setup and a recurring issue I’ve been having during my sessions.

My Specs & Gear:

  • Weight: 82 kg
  • Board: Starboard Go 131 Liters
  • Sail: Gunsails Rapid 6.2m² (No-cam freerace)

Every time I get onto a plane, my biggest struggle is that the board automatically wants to point hard upwind. It feels like it's forcing itself into the wind, which causes me to lose my wind angle, lose power in the sail, and ultimately drop off the plane. I try to bear away, but the board fights back.

Here is a photo of the fins I currently own and im using left black one which is way longer than others.(The fins might look similar in length due to the angle of the photo, but there is actually a 3-4 cm difference between them)

I am trying to pay attention to my back foot position as much as possible by applying pressure with my front foot toes. Is this problem caused by my technique or is it due to the equipment?