Waterstarting is the first step in the progression from longboarding to shortboarding.  Waterstarts are critical for boards that are too small to uphaul and for overpowering conditions.  Approach this maneuver wisely.  Don’t get in over your head.  Literally, begin in waist deep water.  Practice both directions before sailing out and realizing it is impossible to make it back. 

While in shallow water, position the equipment with both the leading edge of the sail and the board perpendicular to the wind.  Grasp the mast above the boom opening with the front hand. Both arms will be crossed in this position.  Fly the sail by drawing the front arm forward over your head into the wind.  Maneuvering the gear is accomplished by rotating your body and the rig as a single unit into or away from the wind. 

Tip #1: The higher the mast is grasped, the more leverage is obtained over the rig.  Hold the rear footstrap with the back hand.

 It is easiest to waterstart if the sail is flying parallel to the water.  The sail is a very good indicator of whether the waterstart will be successful.  Grab the boom in the usual sailing positions with your back hand, then your front.  

Tip #2:  Steer too far downwind and the clew will rise into the air, too far upwind and it will drop toward the water.

Next raise the back foot up on to the deck of the board centered between the footstraps.  This is waterstarting position. Place heel slightly windward of the center line of the board so upon waterstarting your foot will be in position to sail.  

Now you're just one step away from up and sailing. Both hands are one the boom, the back foot is on the board, and the front leg is trailing behind the body in the water.  Novice waterstarters and advanced sailors alike get caught here when the wind is too light to enable a waterstart.  The key is in the technique.  The sail does not pull the sailor up.  The waterstarter must swing their body and the rig forward towards the nose of the board, by extending their front arm and pulling the board underneath them with the back leg.

Tip #3: Get as close to the board as possible.  Suck the back knee all the way to your chest, and the rail to your backside.  Use the muscles in your quads to stand, do not rely on the sail. 

Then as the sails gains lift from bearing off the wind, it will provide the opportunity for the sailor to continue to force it forward and up across the board to a vertical position. 

As the sail moves more upward, it is better exposed to the wind.  This still does not mean that it is ok to pull.  When the sail is in sailing position, it will power up if the wind is strong.  In overpowering wind conditions, the sailor should be ready to crouch low to avoid getting pulled off the board.  In light wind conditions the sailor should stand taller—keeping the sail more vertical in order to catch more wind.  Now you’re up and going!

Keep in mind, these tips are here to help you—but very few things can take the place of a lesson with a certified instructor.  Being able to watch demonstrations of these techniques as well as receive feedback on your technique is invaluable.  Check out windsurfing schools in the Gorge.  If a lesson is not possible, or you just want a few reminders, a good video can be very helpful. Always remember, don’t go out into conditions you can’t handle.  Waterstarting is a technique for high wind conditions, be sure you can waterstart reliably before going into deep water and high winds.

A good time to be sure 
you've got a solid waterstart

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Phone: 1-800-574-4020 (or 541-386-2131)
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