Light Wind Stance, Book 4 of The Windsurfing Bible

All sports and physical activities have some things in common and there is a certain stance associated with each. The stance that is most similar to light-wind windsurfing is . . . standing. Granted, standing upright on your feet isn’t too physical, but then again, neither is light-wind windsurfing—or it shouldn’t be. The next time you pass by a full length mirror, stop, turn sideways, and look at yourself. What you will see is the position that your body should be in when sailing in light-wind.

So, when you’re windsurfing in these conditions, ask yourself if you could stand on shore in the same position you’re sailing in, without getting funny looks from people or having them ask if you’re feeling all right. Basically, if you’re relaxed and comfortable, you’re in a good windsurfing stance; if you aren’t, then you’re not. It’s that simple!

This book also covers the all-important skill of steering: maneuvering the board to get where you’re trying to go, which, if you’re a new sailor, is usually the place where you launched. We end with some visualized windsurfing that brings together all the skills learned in Part I.

Light-wind stance

Your stance and sail trim (the angle of the sail to the wind) change slightly depending on the direction you sail. We approach this subject by describing the four most common sailing directions: a beam reach (sailing toward 3 o’clock), close-hauled (1:30), a broad reach (4:30), and a run (6 o’clock).

Beam reach (3 o’clock)

Reaching is the term for sailing back and forth generally between 3 and 9 o’clock: in other words, sailing a series of beam reaches. Eighty percent of the time you windsurf, you are reaching.

Figure 4.1- The arches of both feet are on the centerline and the toes of both feet point front-leeward (4:30). Your legs are relatively straight and your hips and shoulders face front-leeward. Elbows are bent and close to the sides of your chest, and your head faces the bow to see where you’re going. Finally, your back is straight and shoulders are directly above your hips.