Learn to windsurf,
step by step

Windsurfing is one of the most complete wind sports there is: speed, sensation and total freedom. Its learning curve is steeper than surfing, though, so the first few sessions ask a bit of you. From reading the wind to your first independent runs, here are the concrete steps to follow, along with the tips a good RYA instructor would give you to fast-track your progress.

Step 1: Understand the wind and the sail

The wind is what powers windsurfing. Your sail captures the energy of the wind and turns it into drive. Here are the fundamentals to get to grips with before you even touch the water.

The sail's power zone

When the sail is sheeted in (pulled in towards your body) it catches the most wind and generates power. When it is sheeted out (eased away from your body) it catches less. You balance power against control with both hands: the front hand (nearest the mast) steers, and the back hand (on the boom) controls the power.

Apparent wind and true wind

As you sail you feel the apparent wind: the combination of the true wind and the wind created by your own movement. The faster you go, the more the apparent wind builds and shifts forward. That is why experienced windsurfers are forever trimming their rig.

Points of sail (your direction relative to the wind)

• Close reach: heading up towards the wind. Moderate power, good speed. This is your upwind point of sail.
• Beam reach: side-on to the wind. The fastest and most stable point of sail for a beginner.
• Broad reach: wind coming over your back quarter. Maximum power, high speed, but trickier to control.
• Running: wind dead behind you. Awkward for beginners, as the sail tends to tip to one side or the other.

Step 2: Your first lessons with an instructor

Windsurfing isn't something you can teach yourself efficiently. A qualified RYA instructor saves you weeks of floundering. Here is what a typical progression looks like at an RYA training centre.

Step 3: The waterstart: getting back on the board

The waterstart is the technique for getting back on the board after a fall (when the sail drops into the water). It is THE key skill of an independent windsurfer. Here is the sequence.

1. Start position: in the water, alongside your board, sail lying downwind.
2. Bring the sail up: pull the boom towards you to lift the sail clear of the water, on the windward side.
3. Feel the power: as the sail catches the wind it lifts you up. Come up onto the board with your knees bent.
4. Get into position: feet in the straps (if fitted), body leaning back, arms almost straight, sail sheeted in.
5. Move off: steer with your front hand and control the power with your back hand.

Common waterstart mistakes

• Sheeting in too hard: pulling the sail in too fast means too much power and an instant fall. Ease into it.
• Bending your arms: your arms should be almost straight so the sail's pull goes into your body, not your biceps. Bent arms mean you will be shattered in five minutes.
• Looking at the board: your gaze steers your body. Look where you want to go, not at your feet.
• Not enough weight back: your body needs to lean back to counter the pull of the sail. Too upright and you topple forwards.

Step 4: Sailing and progressing

Once you can waterstart and sail out and back, here are the skills to work on next.

The tack

The tack is how you change direction through the wind. You bring the board up into the wind, move the sail across the front (pivoting it around the mast) and set off on the other side. It is the fundamental windsurfing manoeuvre and you will repeat it dozens of times a session.

Getting back upwind

Being able to sail upwind (against the wind direction) is the skill that separates a beginner from an independent windsurfer. Without it you drift steadily downwind of your launch. The technique: sail close-hauled (heading up towards the wind), edge the board (press on your feet) and keep the sail well sheeted in.

Planing

Planing is the moment the board lifts up and skims across the surface of the water. It is the biggest buzz in windsurfing. Conditions: force 4 or more (roughly 15–20 knots / 17–23 mph), a suitable board (enough volume), the sail well sheeted in and a dynamic, low body position (pumping). Build up to planing gradually and don't force it in light wind.

How long to sail independently?

Progress in windsurfing is slower than surfing but quicker than kitesurfing on the basics.

• 8–12 hours of tuition (4 to 6 sessions): a reliable waterstart, sailing independently
• 15–25 hours (8 to 12 sessions): the tack nailed, getting back upwind cracked
• 30+ hours: planing, smooth transitions, sailing in strong wind

The key is consistency: two sessions a week will move you on far faster than one every fortnight. The muscle memory of raising the rig and holding your sailing position needs regular practice to stick.

The best beginner spots in the UK

• Portland Harbour (Dorset): sheltered, flat and reliably windy, and home to the national sailing academy. The UK's premier place to learn, with schools on site.
• Hayling Island (Hampshire): flat water inside the harbour, steady Solent breeze and a strong club and school scene. Ideal for safe first sessions.
• West Kirby (Merseyside): the marine lake gives dead-flat water and clean side-shore wind, perfect for building confidence before venturing out.
• Rutland Water (East Midlands): a big, safe inland reservoir with a thermal breeze and RYA-recognised centres. No waves, no tide, no current: pure technique.
• Queen Mary Reservoir (Surrey): a busy, well-run inland venue near London with school hire and steady wind for learning.