SAM ROSS’ 

QUICK TIPS FOR IMPROVING, WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL

Blasting comfortably in the harness and footstraps transformed windsurfing from a sport I enjoyed to something I wanted to do all the time. But what are the secrets to getting to the point you can enjoy the sport at this level? 

Stance is the most important part of our sport but often overlooked due to the excitement of learning new moves. Spending more time on getting comfortable will make learning exotic moves all the more easier.

EASY DOES IT
Sheet in, lean back and commit your weight are three common prompts that we have rolling around in our heads while windsurfing. But effort may well not be the only key, it might be something else that we need to focus on.

If we look at most of the images and videos of pros and remember good sessions of our own, then one thing that stands out is when everything’s working well there is one common observation – that looks really easy!

And if we’re really doing it right then it is easy…

Putting more effort in won’t always be the solution. If someone blasting along perfectly sheeted-in makes it look effortless then us leaning, pulling and pushing the boom won’t get us to the same end result. In fact we may be ‘cooked’ before we’ve even started if we adopt this energy-sapping approach.

At the beginning, the difficulty with windsurfing is balancing on the board. So the solution is to encourage people to stand on the centre line. Using small rigs in light winds is the other key point when learning the basics. However as our windsurfing progresses our focus needs to change.

STEADY FOUNDATIONS
To resist the power in larger sails, get planing effectively and use the harness efficiently, commitment isn’t the only key to success. We don’t need to force our upper body away from the rig either, we just need to start from a better position.

Step away from the centre line, give yourself space between the rig and you will get a better purchase on the sail – with less effort.  You will be more relaxed, conserve energy and being in a better position with which to execute your next move.

Standing further away from the rig will automatically put you more upright. Not in terms of straight legs, but more in relation to your upper body. Then if the wind drops off we are better centred over our feet to react. If the wind picks up we’re appropriately placed to use our hips and heels to resist the power. So being dynamic is not about effort, but about where you start from and trying to make life as easy for yourself as possible.

To make your own stance simulator:

Grab a friend, loved one, fellow windsurfer or consenting passer by. Stand toe-to-toe and grab their hands. Now at the same time sink your weight against each other and extend your arms. You are now fully ‘committed’ but if they were to let go you would be on your bum. Now step two foot apart and do the same thing. You’re more upright, more in control and if you let go…

Try this and see how much easier your windsurfing becomes.

For more tricks and tips head over to www.sam-ross.co.uk