What is windsurfing?
Windsurfing is a sport invented in 1968 when Hoyle Schweitzer (a surfer) and Jim Drake (an aeronautical engineer and sailor) applied for a patent for the “windsurfer”.
A windsurfer basically consists of a board 2-4 metres long, mast, boom and sail (2,5-12 square metres). With some good tuition it is easy to learn to rig the board and get out on the water safely, for the first time. The principle of windsurfing is simple; you stand on the board, with your feet roughly shoulder width apart, and hold the sail up with your hands. From this position the aim is to control the board and execute all the different manoeuvres with a variety of techniques. Normally You start to learn windsurfing in a safe, calm environment, where you can get to grips with the theory and techniques of the sport. After advancing these you can move onto sailing in more challenging conditions and continually improve your windsurfing ability.
There are many different types of windsurfing, from blasting along- freeride, learning tricks on flat water- freestyle, to surfing or jumping in waves- wavesailing, there is an aspect of the sport that everyone can enjoy and excel in.
WHY WINDSURF?
ENJOYMENT
The number one reason for doing windsurfing is the feeling you get as you first time start floating across the water. It is quite hard to explain, or fully understand this feeling, until you experience it for yourself. The buzz you get the first time you pick up enough speed for your board to plane over the water is beyond belief. You can chose to make your windsurfing as challenging or as easy going as you like, progressing at your own pace and setting your own achievable goals.
FITNESS
Windsurfing is a complete body workout, it naturally tones your back, arms, stomach, bum and legs. A session on the water will use your cardiovascular system too, but unlike most exercise you won’t be clock watching, an hour or two windsurfing can fly by and rival any gym workout.
FRIENDS
Windsurfing is an incredibly social sport, any spot you go to you are will meet lots of like minded people to spend time with both on and off the water. As windsurfing inevitably becomes a significant part of your life, acquaintances met through the sport quickly become good friends.
TRAVEL
Your local river or lake is by far the best place to start, providing easy access to learn and progress in the sport. As better you will become as smaller your local spot will appear to you. Your country and the world provide wide variety of the spots for windsurfing. You will be able to plan all your further vacations to fill your ‘should visit’ list.
HOW EASY IS IT?
It is a common misconception that you have to be big and strong to be able to windsurf, and although strength may help at the top level of the sport, it is in fact technique that is paramount.
Equipment development has advanced a great deal in recent years. Boards for learning are now big, stable platforms that are easy to use and still light carry. Sails are made from high-tech lightweight materials, and it’s suitable even for women and children.
Conclusion!
So, don’t be afraid and confused, give it a try. There can be only two possibilities:
Either you will hate windsurfing, or you will love it and will become wind addicted for the rest of your life!
WINDBORN OFFER
We offer to get into windsurfing first steps or polish your existing skills with guidance from our experienced instructor Eugene Gavrilov.
Tuition for all levels: beginners, intermediate or advanced course.
| Beginner individual tuition | Price 25 EUR/hour, includes necessary equipment. |
| Intermediate individual tuition | Price 25 EUR/hour, equipment upon request or personal equipment. |
| Advanced individual tuition | Price 25 EUR/hour, equipment upon request or personal equipment. |
Beginner training takes place in spots around Ogre and should be specified prior lesson. Intermediate and advanced lessons on individual request, place will be chosen according better wind/wave forecast.
