For those of you who wish to be able to Waterstart (in windsurfing) but just can't seem to get it and
just give up and keep uphauling the sail in breezy/windy conditions while you get knocked around in big waves/chop,
weill don't give up! I've got some tricks (good ideas) for you. I settled for just up-hauling for eight years until I got it!
Waterstarting (in deep water) has changed my life forever!
First of all don't waste your time trying to waterstart when the wind is not blowing very strong. To be successful in waterstarting, and to have it work that "magical first time" you need wind that is strong enough that you see whitecaps on the water. You need a a fairly strong breeze to lift you up onto the board. "Let the wind do the work,,you just steer!"
"Beachstarting", not so much wind needed because you are in shallow water and you are just flying the sail and stepping onto the board. In deep water,,,you don't have the lake bottom to help push you onto the board,,you need strong wind to
lift you onto the board. Oh, also a large enough sail (at least a 6.0 meter, bigger is better) and a fairly long board is easier
then a short one. As you step onto the board, the board will head up into the wind,,, a longer board does this a bit slower.
As you step onto the board,,push mast down toward nose so to avoid heading up into the wind.
Beachstarting and Waterstarting are the same thing. The only difference is, waterstarting you are in deep water and beachstarting is in shallow water.
So: "Forget buying that CD titled "Spashers 12 or 20 steps to Waterstarting." Just do the "Thee step."
First step,,,Fly the sail.
second step....Step on to board with back foot.
third step....Step on with front foot.
And go! Practice, Practice and Practice and remember you must have White capping wind to do this. Otherwise it's useless.
Just uphaul until the wind is strong.
That's my two cents worth for the "Three step to Waterstarting."
Eric out.
Waterstarting (doin the "3-step")
Moderator: MK