What are we going to learn?

• theory on the simulator
• balance on the board
• beginner’s tack turn
• correct body positioning on the board
• steering

How are we going to learn all these things?

Theory is necessary in order to experience excitement on board, so we need to have a very good understanding of it. This is the reason why we are going to use the simulator during these first sessions. The simulator is going to help us learn:

• how to place our body on the board
• the very first steps of steering
• the step by step technique for a full turn (tack) which is one of the two types of turns in windsurfing (the other one is known as a jibe)
• the right positioning of the windsurf board according to wind direction
• the safety rules
• necessary equipment

After theory, it’s time for action! Since it is not easy to implement on the board what we have learned on the simulator, it is very important to pay close attention to

• weather conditions during the period we will choose to start practicing on board (it would be better for us to be as mild as possible)
• the equipment that we are going to use (it should be the one corresponding to our level)
• how much time we are going to devote on board: the more hours we spend on board, the more balance we are going to acquire, and therefore, the more we will be able to focus on the teacher’s advice

At the end of the 2^nd session…

You will have get a first taste of the exciting experience of windsurfing! Standing up on board, finding the right position of your body, as well as, the very first meters of steering are just the beginning of a journey into a brand new world full of surprises!

What are we going to learn?

• the first tack turns using fewer steps
• entering and exiting on the board at the same point (upwind)
• correction of body positioning  
• implementing everything we learned in previous sessions to make theory more clear
• switch to a smaller board and bigger sail (depending on each student’s weight and progress)

How are we going to learn all these things?

Following our two previous sessions, we are going to begin with some important corrections in technique that will help us gradually get a better sense of each steps’ techniques. At first it is best to learn technique for small board using larger boards, which is why our corrections will begin with tack turns and steering. Thus, we will be sure that our steps are correct steady and when needed, quick. During this stage we will do the following:

• we will return to the simulator at time in order to discuss every single movement in detail to ensure that technique is absolutely clear; only if we have understood everything about the technique will we be able to practice it in water.
• we will change equipment (always depending on each student’s weight and level).
• we will also learn how to handle the wind better

At the end of the 4th session…

You will probably be able to sense whether windsurfing will be part of your life: the way you feel on the board should be much better now and your board experience should be enough for you to realize how much effort and time you need in order to overcome difficulties and gradually improve technique

What are we going to learn?

• how to fast tack
• steering in a more intense, dynamic way
• the very first steps of the second turn called jibing (turning down wind)

How are we going to learn all these things?

When you switch to a smaller board and a larger sail it is best to have reached a level where mistakes are not frequent- especially if our training sessions take place in windy and rough weather conditions. In order to limit our mistakes while on board we must,

• spend enough hours of practice so that you may acquire a better balance on board, as well as, become even more familiar with each technique taught
• follow the correct steps and have a good style. Unlike physical strength, you will need them in order to perform a fast and clean tack in windy conditions or even steer down wind and jibe– that’s the reason why, from now on, we dedicate much time of our practice hours on this

At the end of the 6^th session…

You will have gained more experience on board. Several hours of training, even those we perform on our own, without the teacher’s presence, are valuable in getting familiar with the board, as well as, with making mistakes- which is the best way to improve our technique and, therefore, proceed to the next level.

What are we going to learn?

• How to beach start (beginning from shallow water without using the pull cord)
• applying techniques in stronger winds
• the full technique of the second windsurfing turn (jibing)

How are we going to learn all these things?

Beginning from shallow waters without using our hands to pull the sail up, known as the beach start, is a precious ally in our journey in the world of windsurfing. It constitutes the simplest and most effective way to learn the basic steps of water starting (the technique we follow in order to go up on board in the deep.) At this point we are going to test our limits by applying the techniques we have learned so far in stronger winds and rougher weather conditions than before.

At the end of the 8^th session…

Windsurfing’s charms are gradually being revealed to you: the speed you shall experience on the board and the thrill it may offer you, as well as, the comfort and the confidence you slowly gain with your relationship; all this will make you even less lenient with your own mistakes.

What are we going to learn?

• familiarization with jibing (revision on jibing technique by using the simulator and then, practicing it in water)
• filming and analyzing our technique on video

How are we going to learn all these things?
Jibing and tacking will be at the core of our training from now on. The possible changes in weather conditions during our training will also require small changes in the techniques we use. That is the reason why, before entering the water, it is very important to discuss

• what kind of changes we shall make
• what kind of problems we may face

Within this context, any question is useful and should be answered in order to be able to gain knowledge after the end of each session from now on- filming the training sessions and analyzing them afterwards will contribute significantly to this end. This kind of practice is necessary in order to:

• thoroughly learn the technique through understanding the reason for every single movement
• get a complete and clear picture of our relationship with the board (how do we stand on it, how we turn it etc)                        

At the end of the 10^th session…

We will be aware of everything you have managed to conquer during all this time, as well as, of the level you have reached and the most convenient method for you to follow in order to experience all the magic hidden in the world of windsurfing.