Windsurfing is a spectacular sport. From riding the biggest waves ever, to fighting it out for the world speedsailing record, it is now a completely diversified sport, with different people enjoying different aspects. Just as skiing has its downhill and cross-country branches, windsurfing has light-wind and high-wind sailing. The two, while sharing some similarities, are quite different in both equipment and technique. Light-wind windsurfing, taking place in winds of approximately 10 knots and under, is done on boards that can easily support a sailor's weight while he or she is not moving. This aspect of windsurfing is an easy, low-energy, relaxing way to enjoy yourself on the water.


Cruising - This is easily the most popular form of windsurfing. It is windsurfing in its most simple form. Setting out for a simple sail across the lake,or going for an all-day island-hopping sail, cruising from point to point is one of the windsurfing's most satisfying feelings.


Freestyle - Freestyle is somewhat opposite of cruising. Freestyle sailing involves putting your board and sail through a series of tricks and maneuvers that could include turns, rail rides, sail spins....anything you can imagine. Some sailors make a career out of freestyle sailing, and it is remarkable what they can get a board to do. Freestyle sailing is always a crowd pleaser, and is an aspect of the sport done by all levels of sailors.


High-wind windsurfing is done in winds over 10 knots, but primarily from 15 to 25 knots. At this wind strength, advanced sailors can get their board's onto a plane, and consequently, the lift created from the board's speed allows for the use of smaller and more maneuverable boards. The smaller boards go faster, but require more agility and quicker reflexes to handle.


Slalom sailing- the most popular form of high-wind sailing. When the wind is up, sailors everywhere in the country can be found out on their slalom board zipping back and forth at speeds up to 40mph, laying down high-speed turns between the exhilarating runs. The speed involved in slalom sailing makes this one of the most exciting aspects of the sport.


Bump-and-jump-sailing - When the winds are good, and the waters are choppy, advanced sailors break out their small boards, and the fireworks really begin. Jumps, spectacular speeds, turns, loops and crashes light up the water. Bump-and-jump sailing is like the slalom sailing on adrenaline, and takes place in winds between 20 and 40 knots, in the wildest waters imaginable.


Wavesailing - The most spectacular, as well as most athletic and difficult aspect of the sport, is wavesailing. Any ocean or gulf could produce wavesailing conditions, but the best are when there are open swells breaking parallel to the beach, and the wind is blowing along the beach,or sideshore.

Choosing equipment
Windsurfing equipment has gone through incredible changes just in the past decade. It is now much lighter, easier to use, more reliable, and for the advanced sailor, faster, and more fun. more...