Windsurfing: Lesson 1

My difficulties so far in trying to windsurf...

The first windsurfing lesson I took can be described in three words and that 'it was hectic'. I thought that windsurfing would be much easier, especially the fact that I wouldn't take me that long to stand and gain balance from standing on the board.

The lesson started of with the instructor teaching me the different parts of the windsurfing board. I was fascinated in a sense that I've always thought that I windsurfing board is simple quite simple and only consists of the main board and sail. However, the windsurfing board is made up of many different components. Moreover, Bo taught me the areas on the board which I should be standing on. Also, how my feet and legs should be positioned. I thought that this phase of the course is quite simple. Then, on sand I stepped onto the board to mimic the actions to either speed up the board or slow the board down. I though this part of the course was quite simple as well.

However, later on the instructor taught me how the 'wind' works. Obviously this is essential as we need to at least have an idea about the wind, it's directions and mechanisms before actually jumping into the water with the windsurfing board and start doing some windsurfing. In honesty, I was a little bit confused in understanding the wind pattern. However, I was lucky. This was because the windsurfing board I was using was a beginners board, therefore the bars which were mean to be held during windsurfing was colour co-ordinated. This made it easier for me to understand how the wind works in contributing to the direction the board is moving.

The challenge...

Moreover, when it was actually time to put the windsurfing board in water, I first had to stand on the board. This was straightforward. However, later I had to lift up the sail in position. This didn't go well for me. I was very difficult as balance is the key concept, however my body wasn't used to the position I was in. Therefore, I lost control and fell into the water. It was very frustrating in honesty as many attempts later resulted in the same situation. The first lesson was tough. However, I hope that soon I will be able to move with the board without falling off.