High Wind Issues

Question
I windsurf on Midwest lakes mostly with mild to moderate wind. I seem to do well on my Kona One in winds up to 15 mph. However, on the rare occasion when we get 18 plus wind and I get out my 145 liter slalom board, I can not seem to get up wind or even on a decent plan. Can you recommend a school or clinic to help me not turn into a kook when the weather gets heavy?

Answer
Hey Anthony,

Sailing upwind does take some technique and practice. First thing to check is that you have a large enough fin for the sail you are using on your 145 board. When we get into higher winds we tend to rig a bit smaller and adjust our rig for speed. This is great for off wind and lots of speed but makes getting upwind more difficult.

Try these adjustments the next time out. If your fin position is adjustable, move it forward a bit. Also move your mast track forward. The more forward it is, the better upwind you can go. If you normally sail with your boom at chest height, move it up to shoulder height or maybe even chin height. You may need to adjust your harness lines to accommodate the boom height.

Now, when you are on the water go off wind to get up speed and get onto a plane. Don't try to get back into the footstraps too soon. Get the sail and fin powered up with your feet just in front of the straps. Once the board is planing or semi planing, move your front foot into the front strap. Straighten out the front leg a bit and sheet in to power up some more. When the board speed picks up, get the back foot in.

Once on a plane it is time to start getting back upwind. With the sail powered, rake it back a bit and sheet in. This will start turning the board upwind. Also lean your body forward. This helps control the power in the sail and shifts your weight to the front and upwind rail. Straighten out your rear leg to push the tail of the board. Pull up on your toes to help dig the windward rail into the water. All these things combined should help you go upwind. It does take time and practice but you can also practice these techniques on your Kona One. You just do them with a little pressure and effort but same techniques.

As for schools in your area, check out www.windsurfingmag.com for a listing of schools around the country. There is also an instructional section on their site that has tons of helpful information. Start at the beginner area and work your way through all the articles. Some may just be repetition for you and others will have new advice or help you with any problem areas you may not have realized you had. I find little gems of info almost every time I visit there. The great thing about this sport is you never stop learning no matter how long you sail.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover