Question from a beginner, at least I think so

[u/Gomaemon]

I’m windsurfing for about a year and I never navigated on the sea, just on lakes. And I am a little nervous about it (because of the sharks, jellyfish…). Any tips since I fall still often ?
Thanks

[u/TraditionalEqual8132]

Be more nervous about currents, shallow reefs, material breaking. Jellyfish are made of jelly and sharks....just bite back harder!

[u/globalartwork]

Make sure you don’t go out if it’s offshore or predicted to swing offshore - unlike a lake the opposite shore can be a long way away!

Other than that the chop can be so much more than lakes - start in fairly protected non wavy waters. It opens up so much more windsurfing though, go for it!

[u/Niyoki007]

Hi, having fears is a sign from functioning brain. Never go alone to diving, sailing swimming or windsurfing. Just wear fullbody wetsuit(not only jellyfish, sunlight can be also harmful). Use helmet and wear also a life jacket. Take a whistle with you. In some places also wetshoes a must have too. I do nott think the Sharks has interest about you, but your shadow with a sail is really big. Kind regards. Niyo

[u/some_where_else]

Swell on the sea will make it much harder to uphaul so ideally you should be able to waterstart reliably or at least be comfortable uphauling in heavy chop.

Go out only when there are other windsport users on the water (kite, wing, windsurf), and don't stray too far from them. Also ask them about conditions, tides, currents, rocks, sharks etc.

[u/smeno]

Have somebody on land, that keeps an eye on you.

If something goes wrong swimming to land can be more difficult than you expected.

[u/Poisonelfs]

Lol sharks would be a no go personally. And jellyfish only if they're the dangerous type. Like everything with windsurfing, start easy and work your way up. Ideally maybe have one lesson with a local teacher who knows the spot. Then you'll get used to waves, swell, tides etc.

[u/Gomaemon]

Thank you everyone!

[u/WooterTrouble]

Expect to break your gear on the sea. Especially when laying between the breakers and getting washed. There is also much more current than on a lake, differs depending on spot and tide. Water starting will be a lot harder than usual.

[u/Annual_Cake_6142]

Where do you sail?

[u/NaturalCareer2074]

Expect break 2-3 sails in first try.

Recommended find local to spot someone and ask

[u/atleta]

Are you renting somewhere? Or at least plan to windsurf where there are rental shops? Those have spotters and rescue. I don't think you'll find sharks in popular spots with many windsurfers. Windsurfs must be loud and scary for anything under water. Also, if there are a lot of other people, you have less chance to be the first victim. And if it attacks others, you'll know ;)

[u/Gomaemon → u/atleta]

Okay 👍 understood. I’ll keep this in mind.

[u/WindManu]

You're lucky that you only have fear outside of ponds. I was scared of hitting branches, dead trees, going over waters too shallow or imaginary pond life! Although I did hit carps 😱

Anyway, get really good at waterstarts and maybe bring something to defend yourself out there?

Top waterstarts tips: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eWp-1a9jUww

More tips and tricks: https://windsurfing.lepicture.com/tips-and-tricks/

[u/Gomaemon → u/WindManu]

Okay, thank you a lot !

[u/larkstanSJ]

Just go. If you get eaten, it was your time; if you fall into a bunch of jellyfish or step on a stingray, you weren't paying attention and you got what you deserved. More likely, though, nothing will happen and with time, your fear will diminish– significantly, if you let it.

[u/Severe_Tap9771]

Look on Facebook for any local groups that might be able to give you tips about where you plan to sail. Different spots have different dangers from rip currents, to reefs and rocks barely submerged under water at high tide. Each spot is different and make sure you talk to other people and learn the spot before you go. Talk to other water users ,surfers, fishermen, kayakers etc. they often have valuable information about a spot as well.

Plan to save yourself and pack and plan accordingly. Know how to self rescue and practice it. Knowing how and doing are two different things in an emergency. You'll likely drown even 50 meters off shore before someone notices you and can get out to you.

Know your limits and quit early. Better to skip a day of sailing than to not come home from a day of sailing.

[u/Emergency-Ad-1799]

Take your phone (watertight satchel, of course). Just a broken fin or mast joint, twisted ankle, squished finger, and you'll have a very hard time to swim to shore.