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A safe environment to sail means that the water needs to be deep enough to keep your gear away from the bottom and it is best to be no deeper than your chest while free of under water hazards and boat traffic. The trade winds at Long Bay are typically side on and steady while the water surface is calm. TCI is truly a paradise for windsurfing.
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Your lesson program will detail procedures for: carrying the board with rig, standing on the board, bringing the mast up to prepare for sail, sailing in a straight line, turning around and stopping. After your lessons feel free to enjoy many resources on line to keep your knowledge fresh.
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The topic of this conversation is safety. It’s normal at first to be so overjoyed at learning this new skill that folks leave the more crucial aspects of sailing in the back of your thoughts, but keeping yourself safe on the water is at least as important as learning to sail and care for your equipment.
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Think prevention rather than cure. A full inspection of your gear is essential to your success. Salt water and wind are not gentle mistresses and will age your gear faster than you might expect. The single most common need for rescue is equipment failure. So, take your time and give an earnest inspection of all components of your rig and board.
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Peeking at the forecast isn’t enough. It’s better to study the weather in your area regularly so you really understand it. A fog bank can leave you disoriented and away from shore before you know it. Thunder and lightening frequently accompany an approaching storm fronts in some areas and needs to be taken seriously.
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Let someone know where you will be sailing just in case. 
Windsurf with others, but make sure your experience matches the prevailing conditions. 
Learn the turtle method of self rescue. |
Paddle toward the nearest land in an emergency rather than attempting to get back to where you launched. |
De-rigging as a method of self rescue is extremely difficult, but you should still learn how to do it so you have it as a tool in your toolbox.
If you become over powered or fatigued, you can turn the board and sail into the wind and let yourself be pulled downwind which gets you home, minimizing the physical and mental effort and reduces the risk of injury.
International distress signal is to raise and lower both arms over your head and back to your sides repeatedly.
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Appropriate clothing is important. Seek the advise of other windsurfers to help be your guide for sun protection as well as over heating or cold.
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At first glance windsurfing doesn’t appear to be a technical sport, but it really is. There are hundreds of important terms to learn. Windsurfing is a combination of sailing and surfing. In order to not overwhelm, this conversation focus’ on the windsurfing basics that will keep you safe. But, terms you will eventually get to know looks like this:
