Windsurfing - Overview

Windsurfing is one of the most popular racing games in the world that gives you both a nailbiting excitement and a thrilling experience. Though the origin of the sport is in Pennsylvania, USA, many countries participate interestedly in this sport. This sport is fun, excitement, and thrill, all at the same time.

The history of Windsurfing sport can be traced back to 1948, when Newman Darby, a 20- year-old American created a floating board, which looked more like a watercraft with two hulls in parallel. He mounted a sail on it.

In 1964, he invented a universal joint, that he used to connect the mast of the rig to the board, which by now had a dagger board, a tailfin and a kite-shaped sail. This was the beginning of the chapter in the history of windsurfing what a lot of people see as the true birth of windsurfing.

Windsurfing-Objective

In this water sport, the surfer needs to ride on a board of 2.5 to 3 meters and race with other surfers by sailing. The surfer whose board touches the finishing line first is declared as winner. Both men and women can participate in this sport.

Windsurfing –Regulating Bodies

All the rules and regulations of Windsurfing is governed by the International Sailing Federation (ISF). However, each country has its own governing body which acts under ISF. With slightest difference, most of the governing bodies have some common rules. To promote, protect, and represent the interest of windsurfers from UK, an institution named UK Windsurfing Association (UKWA) works.

Yet another national governing body from UK, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) works for promoting and regulating some water sports.

Types of Windsurfing

There are two types of windsurfing that are included in championships −

Indoor Windsurfing

In this kind of surfing, a massive indoor pool is constructed. Powerful fans are installed to propel the boards along the pool. The fans create wind. The competitions held include slalom style races, jumping, and more.

Indoor windsurfing competitions are held especially in Europe during winter. One of the better known, the PWA/ UKWA World Indoor Windsurfing Championships are held during the annual London Boat Show at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London in January.

Youth Windsurfing

Windsurfing is so popular in the world that, people of different age groups are taking interest in this sport. Young children and young adults between 5-18 years can participate in Youth of age also. Windsurfing is suitable for children as young as 5, with several board and sail brands producing "Kids Rigs" to provide these kid windsurfers.

In some countries, certain organizations exist to provide entry into the sport in a semi-formal or club-style environment (The RYA's Team 15 scheme). If children want to get more involved in racing, they can go to the RYA 'zone squad'.