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Boardsailing On wind and water

Written by Mr. Travel Guides    Monday, 13 October 2008

Boardsailing-On wind and water Whether looking for high-speed, big-wave thrills or merely a relaxing day's sailing in a light breeze, boardsailing can satisfy the desire for action. Watching the extreme manoeuvres that a typical pro performs can seem fairly intimidating but you do not have to be an aquatic gymnast to enjoy boardsailing. The fastest way to master the basic techniques is to get lessons from a qualified instructor. Most Asian beach resorts offer boardsailing instruction, but quality of equipment and instruction varies widely. Unlike scuba-diving or paragliding there are no standard qualifications for instructors. Well-maintained equipment and safety measures such as a rescue boat are likely to indicate a more professional approach to the sport. With a good instructor and ideal conditions, the sailor can soon experience the thrill of "planing", when the sail fills with wind and the board skims across the water. For the beginner, expensive, high-performance gear is unnecessary. What is needed to start is a long, stable board that gives extra balance and forgives mistakes. A long board will also glide along easily in the light breezes essential for learning, but still handle well in stronger winds. High-performance equipment has come a long way in the past two decades, evolving rapidly as the world's top sailors - financed by lucrative sponsorship contracts - sought ideal gear for the most extreme action. In the early days boards were long, sails were heavy and equipment generally cumbersome, but sailors on the Hawaiian island of Maui developed shorter boards to cope with big surf and heavy winds. Today there is a mind-boggling array of purpose-designed equipment. Boards and rigs are specifically built for speed, course racing, all-round fun or various wave conditions.

Last Updated ( Monday, 13 October 2008 )