| Although windsurfing inherently is an extremely | | | | bottom simultaneously. |
| exciting adventure sport, there are some moves | | | | 6. Then plant your other foot immediately on to |
| that make it exhilarating and unforgettable. One | | | | the board and ride. While riding keep your back leg |
| such technique is water start that has come as a | | | | bent and arms extended and staying in a low |
| great boon for windsurfing. This technique of | | | | position. |
| water start has taken windsurfing to a completely | | | | 7. Make sure you pump the rig so that it catches |
| new level and in the process capturing the | | | | the wind so that it propels you on to the board |
| attention of surfing enthusiasts like never before. | | | | from the water. |
| Water Start Guide | | | | 8. Once firmly on board, focus on keeping the |
| Water start refers to the technique wherein after | | | | surf board as flat as possible and keep the rig at |
| a fall in the water, the surfer gets on board and | | | | a good distance. Once this is achieved, you can |
| gets himself into a sailing position. This technique is | | | | start planing. |
| the base for several advanced windsurfing | | | | Things to Remember |
| maneuvers like one-handed sailing, dragging one | | | | You cannot water start in low wind conditions. |
| leg in water while sailing and such other difficult | | | | Water start requires moderate to strong wind |
| actions. To practice these moves, learning the | | | | conditions as only strong winds can propel you out |
| water start technique is extremely vital. | | | | of water. It is not recommended for beginners to |
| 1. The first step is to ensure that the board is | | | | water start straight away in very deep waters. |
| positioned in such a way that it points into the | | | | Start with waist deep water and then gradually |
| wind while the mast is across the wind. | | | | move on greater depths. The natural progression |
| 2. Then place yourself in such a way that the rig | | | | of water start:a. Beach startb. Deep water beach |
| is over your head while you hold the boom with | | | | startc. Water start with dragging one legd. Beach |
| your backhand. | | | | start in chest high watere. The water start |
| 3. Then as your body extends to the back of the | | | | It is recommended to use short boards with |
| board, place one foot on the board such that the | | | | short sails for water start as they do not require |
| heel is between the footstraps. Keep your arms | | | | great effort to sink under. Larger sails are difficult |
| extended at this point and bend your back leg | | | | to lift from the water and hence not good for |
| and then pull the board in from this position. | | | | water starts. |
| 4. At this point keep your eyes on the mast | | | | Following these guidelines can help you in learn the |
| base, pull in with your back arm and use your | | | | art of water start in windsurfing. Once you |
| front leg for greater upward thrust. | | | | master the waterstart, mastering complex |
| 5. To get firmly on the board, kick hard with your | | | | maneuvers like carve gybes would not be a great |
| front leg while pulling your back foot heel to your | | | | challenge. |