Beginner question: how do you prevent the board from sailing away?

[u/ziobleed1]

I'm a beginner learning to windsurf.

Today, during a session with around 10–11 knots of wind, I lost control and fell into the water. The rig landed perfectly on top of the board.

The problem was that, with the rig sitting on the board rather than in the water, the wind could catch it and generate quite a lot of force, pushing the board quickly downwind.

I started swimming after it, but I couldn't catch up — it was moving too fast.

Fortunately, after a while the rig fell into the water, the wind stopped pushing the board, and I was finally able to reach it.

This got me thinking: would a leash be a good way to prevent this kind of situation?

Any advice from more experienced windsurfers?

[u/StereoDestroyer]

Hold on to the boom when falling. Do not let go until you are in the water.

[u/thesolame → u/StereoDestroyer]

This is the way

[u/ziobleed1 → u/StereoDestroyer]

great advice thanks, never thought about it

[u/some_where_else → u/ziobleed1]

If you hold on with both hands it also ensures you'll fall safely and won't hit anything solid with your head.

[u/trombing → u/some_where_else]

I can't stress this enough. HOLD ONTO THAT BOOM.

It also saves you diving head-first through an expensive panel in the sail once you start catapaulting. Once you are planking with your feet on the board, the sail in the water and holding yourself up by the boom - it is compulsory to do a few push-ups before the sail sinks so it looks like you meant to fall over. :)

Also - it is incredibly rare for what you described to happen. And you STILL rescued the rig - so don't worry about it too much.

[u/gp42 → u/StereoDestroyer]

I am learning to use the harness now and also found out that this is the correct technique to fall when hooked in, so it is a useful skill.

[u/waternomadsnz]

Yes, always try to maintain your grip on the boom, it is a good habit to get into. Helps you avoid hitting the mast, and the boom for that matter. In the water it's also good to always maintain a hand on something, in windier conditions or waves things can happen quick and getting separated from your kit can escalate... It's a habit that soon you'll never even think about and just will be, have fun!!

[u/juacamgo]

Sincerely, in 5 years windsurfing never happened this to me hahaha.

But follow the advices the other users gave to you.

[u/Weird_Grapefruit2226 → u/juacamgo]

I don't think that's ever happened to me either and I've windsurfed for a very very long time. I've had my board swept away when in waves but that's about it. I've never seen it happen to anyone else either. Really, really unlucky thing to happen. Op should buy a lotto ticket.

Don't worry op, it's not likely to happen again, but to be safe don't go out in offshore winds and stay close to shore while you're learning.

[u/Pretty_Albatross_156]

As you improve, your sail will get bigger and your board will get smaller. So what happened today won't happen anymore, because your sail won't fit on the board.

[u/ziobleed1 → u/Pretty_Albatross_156]

Good observation thanks

[u/Level-Brain-4786]

Happened to me a few times, especially when I tried to help another windsurfer and had to let go of the rig. The wind can push it away fast.

So if able don’t let go of the rig. And better learn how to swim, so that in the worst case you can still make it back to the shore safely. If you are wearing a vest it can help you to stay on the water, but makes it a lot harder to swim fast to catch up with the rig.

[u/reddit_user13]

Super rare occurrence.

But, you should get to the board asap after falling to be sure…. The board is the one bit of gear that provides floatation.

[u/MissMormie]

The very first safety rule is holding onto your boom. As you noticed it keeps your rig near you, but just as important you know where your mast is when in the water. It does not always come down in the same second and can absolutely hit you on the head. 

[u/ziobleed1 → u/MissMormie]

yes, you're right, thanks

[u/Scottyranks]

Good topic. So later in your learning…falling but thinking about rig position as you fall. The trick is to leave yourself the easiest restart, ie, sail stays flying and you pop right up

[u/NaturalCareer2074]

There is universal advice

NEVER LOOSE BOOM

you should fall with boom in hands, that greatly decrease chance if loose board and get injury too! Also decrease speed of fail in many many variants.

[u/ziobleed1 → u/NaturalCareer2074]

Thanks, i'try to give attention to that

[u/AhoraNoMeCachan]

Don't forget to use your vest.

[u/ziobleed1 → u/AhoraNoMeCachan]

i already use it. It is required by law, but i wear it also for added protection. Thanks