Please choose from the categories on the left or the "frequently asked questions" below.  
See you on the water.
Brian Carlstrom

For information on windsurfing equipment and the basics of sailing, click here.

Frequently asked Questions

How would I start windsurfing?
A great way to start windsurfing is to take a lesson.  For a list of windsurfing schools (and dealers), you can click here.  Another great way to get started with windsurfing is to buy, borrow, or rent a Windglider board.  This board is actually a short, wide blow-up platform that is perfect for learning the basics on, especially for kids.  Newer entry level boards are much easier than those of the past due to their extremely wide and stable design. These new designs will take beginners into the waterstart/footstrap/harness phase of windsurfing.Be sure to wear a thick enough wetsuit when learning, and don't learn in an off shore wind.  The wind should be blowing side-shore (parallel to the beach).

Is it difficult to learn?
If you choose a great day for learning, it can be easy and fun. On the other hand, a bad instructor, cold weather, and too much or too little wind, and it can be more challenging.  Once you get the basics, learning progresses quickly.  

Don't you have to a burly guy to windsurf?
No, this is not the case.  There are all body types who windsurf.  Your weight counter balances the sail, so the less you weigh, the less sail that you need.  Also, you can choose the conditions to suit your ability of preference.  You wouldn't want to go out in the waves at Hookipa, Maui, as a beginner.  Here at Windance, we have customers (men and women) ranging in age from 7 yrs old to over 70 yrs old.  If you can walk and swim, you should be able to windsurf. 

How much wind do you need to windsurf? You can windsurf in anywhere from 5-35+ mph winds.  The equipment that is available now can handle a large wind range, making it possible to sail in lighter winds than ever before.  All you need is gear that is appropriate to the conditions that you'll be sailing in.

Where should I learn to windsurf?  You should learn in a protected area with light winds.  It should also be an area where you can get home if things don't go exactly as planned.  Warm water, tropical surroundings, and warm temperatures won't hurt either, but if the tropics aren't your style the Gorge is also a great place to learn.  Not only is there lots of wind but there are a number of  windsurfing schools and programs to choose from.  

I just want to sail on a shortboard, should I skip the whole longboard/beginner board thing, and just jump right into waterstarts and shortboards? It's good to spend at least a few days on a longboard/beginner board just to get the basic idea of how it all works, even if this isn't where you will mostly be sailing.  It will give you a good understanding of how the wind affects the board and sail, as well as basic sail handling--which is very important in learning waterstarting.  Practicing on a longboard/beginner board before you move into shortboard sailing can help you to progress faster and have more success on the shortboard.  

Windance 108 Hwy. 35, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: 1-800-574-4020 (or 541-386-2131)
Email: windance@windance.com
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