The vital rules
for sailing safely

Windsurfing is a wonderful sport, but a demanding one. The kit is powerful, the sea is unpredictable and errors of judgement cost you dearly. Most of windsurf safety comes down to a handful of habits: right of way, the wind, kit checks, self-rescue and knowing who to call. Worth reading before your first session, and worth a re-read every season.

Right of way on the water

In windsurfing, the right-of-way rules (the international rules of the road for sailing) prevent collisions. They are simple, but every windsurfer needs to know them.

The wind: friend and foe

The wind is what powers you. But it can turn deadly if you misjudge it.

Recommended wind strength by level

• Beginner (0–6 months): 8 to 15 knots (9–17 mph) maximum. Use a big board and a small sail (4–5 m²).
• Intermediate (6 months – 2 years): 10 to 25 knots (12–29 mph). You can handle smaller sails and more responsive boards.
• Advanced (2 years-plus): 15 to 30-plus knots (17–35 mph). Planing, gybing and the waterstart under control.
• Expert: 30 to 45-plus knots (35–52 mph). Sailing in extreme conditions, only with the right kit and experience.

Gusts and unstable wind

Gusts can double the wind strength in seconds. The risks: loss of control, broken kit and heavy falls. If the gusts are more than 50 per cent above the average (say, an average of 15 knots gusting 25), stay on the beach. Squalls (thunderstorms, cold fronts) arrive without warning: keep an eye on the sky at all times.

Checking your kit before every session

Kit that fails mid-session can put you in danger. Run through this safety check before every launch.

The mast and sail

• Mast: check for cracks, especially at the joint between the two sections. A cracked mast can snap while you are sailing.
• Sail: inspect the seams, eyelets and window (if fitted). A torn sail loses its power and can let go suddenly.
• Downhaul and outhaul tension: the sail must be correctly tensioned. A slack rig makes the sail unstable.

The boom and mast foot

• Boom: check the harness lines, extensions and the clamps. A damaged boom can fail under the load of the wind.
• Mast foot (universal joint): check for excessive play and cracks. The mast foot is the part that connects the rig to the board: a failure here is extremely dangerous.

The board, fin and footstraps

• Fin: make sure it is properly bolted in and crack-free. A fin that lets go while planing causes an instant loss of control.
• Footstraps: check the screws and the state of the straps. Worn straps can give way mid-manoeuvre.
• Rig leash / mast-foot safety line: check the safety line that keeps the rig attached to the board, and the mast-foot fitting.

Launching and landing safely

The launch area

Choose a clear area, free of swimmers and obstacles (rocks, groynes, other boards). Respect the swimming zones marked out by the beach flags on lifeguarded beaches. Never rig or launch near a group of people.

Launching

1. Work out the wind direction and set your board across the wind.
2. Carry the board (don't drag it) down to the water.
3. Rig up in the water (not on the sand) to avoid damaging the kit.
4. Check no windsurfer is coming in before you set off.

Landing

1. Come back head-to-wind towards the beach.
2. Slow down in good time.
3. De-rig in the water, not on the sand.
4. Clear the area quickly so you don't get in others' way.

The hazards of windsurf kit

The boom

The boom is the aluminium or carbon frame you hold. It is the number-one hazard for beginner windsurfers. In a fall or a loss of control it swings round hard and can strike your head, chest or teeth. Always keep a firm grip on both sides and never let go with one hand in a fresh breeze.

The mast

A carbon mast is stiff and sharp. If it breaks, the carbon splinters are cutting. Never put your fingers near a mast under load. In a fall, protect your head with your arms.

The fin

The fin is a sharp blade under the board. In a fall, never come down on the board. Always fall flat and away from the board. When carrying it, use a fin cover.

Lines under tension

The harness lines, footstraps and rig lines are under constant tension when the wind fills the sail. Never put your fingers into a mechanism under load. A line that snaps can whip round violently.

Other water users

Kitesurfers have lines 20 to 25 metres long that can cut. Boats don't always see you. Swimmers are unpredictable. Always keep a safe distance from every other water user.

Self-rescue and getting back to shore

Self-rescue is the technique for getting back to land when you can no longer sail (a torn sail, the wind dropping, a kit failure, exhaustion). It is the most important safety skill in windsurfing.

Self-rescue: step by step

1. Get head-to-wind: set the board facing the wind so it doesn't drift.
2. Lay the rig on the board: pull the sail out of the water and lay it across the board (in a cross).
3. Sit on the board (on the windward side, on the folded boom) and use the rig as a makeshift sail.
4. Steer the board by angling the sail: if the wind is pushing you towards land, let the sail open; if it is carrying you out, fold the sail down onto the board to cut the drift.
5. Use your hands as paddles if the wind has dropped.

Recovering the sail

If your sail has dropped into the water and you can't uphaul it, use the scissor technique: set the sail square to the wind and use the wind's force to raise it gradually. If the wind is too strong, self-rescue rather than exhausting yourself.

Recovering the board

If you are in the water and your board has drifted off (a snapped or unclipped safety line):

1. Don't swim after it if it is too far off and you are tired.
2. Use your rig as a float: lie on the folded sail while you wait for help.
3. Signal for help: raise one arm and shout. Other windsurfers or the lifeguards will come.

Swimming back

As a last resort, if you do have to swim for the beach: stay with your board as much as possible. The board is a natural float. Lie on it and use your arms. Only swim as a last resort, and always keep contact with the board.

Emergencies: who to call

Calling for help

In the UK, in any coastal or sea emergency, dial 999 (or 112) and ask for the Coastguard. HM Coastguard coordinates search and rescue around the UK coast, 24 hours a day, and tasks the RNLI lifeboats and rescue helicopters.

• 999 or 112 – ask for the Coastguard for anything on or near the water (a windsurfer blown out, an injury on the water, a kit failure). Both numbers work from a UK mobile, and 112 works across Europe.
• 999 – ask for the ambulance service for a medical emergency on the beach.

What to tell the emergency services

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, then give:

1. Your exact position: the name of the beach, distance from shore, visual landmarks.
2. The number of people in trouble.
3. Their apparent condition (conscious, injured, hypothermic).
4. The conditions: wind strength, sea state, drift.
5. Your phone number for a call back.

Basic first aid

While you wait for help:

• Hypothermia: get the person out of the wind, remove wet neoprene if you can, wrap them in a survival blanket, and don't give alcohol.
• Heatstroke: move them into the shade, cool the skin, fan them.
• Injury: apply pressure to bleeding, and don't move anyone with a suspected fracture or head injury.
• Near-drowning: if the casualty isn't breathing, start rescue breaths and CPR as soon as they are out of the water.

Insurance and training in the UK

RYA membership and third-party cover

In the UK, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the national governing body for windsurfing. RYA personal membership is worth having because it includes third-party liability insurance for your windsurfing, in case you injure someone or damage property. There is no legal requirement to be insured, but it is strongly recommended.

Lessons and qualifications

Learning at an RYA-recognised training centre is the best way to pick up good habits and the safety rules under a qualified instructor. The RYA runs a structured windsurfing scheme from Start Windsurfing through to advanced levels.

Local rules and access

Some beaches, harbours and inland waters have their own rules on where and when you can windsurf: zoned areas, launch sites and set hours. Check with the local club, harbour authority or landowner before you sail somewhere new, and respect any signage.

Weather, tides and staying alert

Before every session, always check:

The wind forecast

• Direction: onshore (safer), side-shore (ideal), offshore (dangerous).
• Strength: average and gusts, in knots. Check the Met Office marine forecast.
• Trend: is the wind due to build or drop over the next few hours?

Tides

The tides transform the conditions:

• A spot that works at high water can become unusable (shallows, rocks) at low water.
• Tidal streams can carry you a long way from your launch.
• Check the tide times and heights on Admiralty EasyTide or a tide-table app before you go.

Met Office weather warnings

Check the Met Office forecast and any National Severe Weather Warnings before you set off. The warning colours:

• 🟡 Yellow: be aware. Severe weather is possible; take care.
• 🟠 Amber: be prepared. There is an increased likelihood of severe weather; don't sail.
• 🔴 Red: take action. Dangerous weather is expected; stay ashore.