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During your windsurfing lesson you will
assume various positions on the board to start and complete windsurfing
maneuvers. You will use the Back-to-Wind Position when
you start and finish your windsurfing. From this position you will
assume the Basic Position. From the Basic Position you
can turn the board or enter the Sailing Position.. -- Click on Pictures to Enlarge --
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 Back
to the Wind Position: This is the position you assume when
uphauling the rig or when you are finished windsurfing. The rig is
in the water directly downwind. The windsurfer stands with her back
to the wind, in the middle of the board with her feet on either side
of the mast holding on the uphaul line.
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 Basic Position
: In this position, you are standing on the
centerline of the board with your back to the wind and the rig is on the leeward
(away for the wind) side flagging downwind. The windsurfer and the
rig assume a "V" configuration. |
 To get underway, you
will go through a series of three movements to assume the Balance Position
and then two more to assume the
Sailing Position:
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(Movement #1): From the start position, select a point dead a
head to sail to and point at it with your front hand. Now
re-grab the mast with your front hand and release the backhand from the
mast, letting it fall to your side.
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Starting Position
(Movement #2): Take a step back along the centerline with your
back foot and move
your front foot so it is pointing forward behind the mast. Keep the sail perpendicular to
the board. The sail is still flagging without power.
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Balance Position
(Movement #3): In this position, you are aft (back) of
the rig and facing forward. You are balanced on the center of the board
and the rig is tilted to windward (towards the wind) until it is balanced
over the board. (No hands on boom).
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Movement
#4 Next, place both hands on the boom. |
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Sailing Position
(Movement #5): From the Balance Position you perform
Movement #4 then finally enter the sailing position. In this position,
your hands are placed on the boom, in front of the center of pressure of
the sail. Balance your weight against the pressure generated by the
sail. Suspend your weight on the boom so your feet are light on the
board. You are now
sailing. |
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 Fail-Safe Maneuver: If in the Sailing Position you let go of
your back hand (keeping your front hand) on the boom, the sail will
swing forward reducing the force of the wind on the sail and depowering
the sail.
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 Self-Rescue Position: The rig has been lowered and folded on the
center of the board. The windsurfer lays over the rig facing forward
and paddles to shore. You should only do this if you are confident
you can paddle to shore. Always aim upwind or up current to where
you want to land.
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