New sailors should learn in light-wind, so Part 1 covers basic skills.  In fact, Part 1 is oriented almost exclusively to the beginning windsurfer.  However, this does not mean that intermediate and advanced sailors don’t use these techniques in light-wind sailing, nor does it mean that basic skills aren’t used in moderate- or high-wind sailing.  In other words, you’ll use what you learn in the next two books for the rest of your windsurfing life.

It is more important to recognize when you are not sailing in light-wind, than it is to recognize when you are sailing in light-wind.  If you’re continually being pulled over by the force of the sail, not just by the weight of the rig, then conditions are in the moderate- or high-wind category.

We start Part 1 with a general orientation, the steps to follow when you first windsurf, and how to assemble and carry your equipment.  Then we cover how to pull the rig out of the water, called uphauling, and techniques for turning around.  Next is setting-sail, the procedure for getting underway.   Part 1ends with the light-wind stance, steering, and an imaginary sailing session that summarizes and utilizes everything in Part 1.

The two most important maxims that apply to light-wind sailing are:   HLOW 3 Stand straight and HLOW 4 Sheet-in (These are covered in Necessary Knowledge, Book 2).  Bending over at the waist is the most common mistake made by new windsurfers.  Don’t do it!  Sheeting-out is the second most common mistake made by new windsurfers.  Don’t do that, either!

Please—totally absorb Books 3, 4 (Part 1) and Book 16, Stampeding Fish, before your first sail.  And try to visualize what will be happening during your first sail.  If you follow this advice, your windsurfing wanderings will be more enjoyable.