🌪️ How to Carry Your Windsurf Gear in Ultra-Strong Wind

 

1. Introduction

2. Preparation

3. Rigging the Gear

4. General Tips

5. Carrying the Board

6. Carrying the Sail

7. Carrying the Board and Sail Together

8. Entering the Water

How to Carry Your Gear in Ultra-Strong Wind 🌪️

As storms start rolling through the northern hemisphere, it’s time to prepare for those really windy days—because that’s when windsurfing can be the most fun. There’s no better feeling than controlling your gear, staying in sync with the elements, and making the most of nature’s power. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to handle your gear in strong winds, from how to rig it, carry it, and get it safely into the water.

1. Preparation: Do As Much as Possible in Advance

It’s essential to leave as few things as possible to be done on the beach during a storm. Trying to adjust, fix, or organize gear in such conditions wastes energy and increases the chance of mistakes. Here’s how you can avoid unnecessary hassle:

  • Prepare your gear at home or on calmer days.

  • Check for any damages on your board, sail, and rig components.

  • Tighten all screws and untangle ropes in advance.

  • Pack your wetsuit correctly, so it's ready when you hit the beach.

Once you arrive, you'll be ready to rig and sail without distractions.

2. Rigging Your Gear in Strong Wind

Finding a Spot

Look for a spot near the beach where you can rig your gear safely and quickly. The less time your gear is unattended in the wind, the better.

Securing the Board

  • Bring the board to the beach first: A rigged sail is more likely to catch the wind and fly off compared to the board.

  • Press the fin into the sand (with the fin cover on, if possible). It’s not perfect for the fin, but much better than letting your board take off.

  • Position the nose or tail into the wind to reduce the chance of the wind lifting the board.

  • If necessary, use a flat rock or pile of sand on the bottom of the board to add weight and keep it stable. A fin cover can act as a protective layer between the board and rock.

Rigging the Sail

  • Get everything ready before unrolling the sail: Adjust the boom, untangle the extension, and connect the mast pieces. The less time the sail is exposed, the easier it will be to control.

  • Unroll the sail by pushing the mast through the sleeve to prevent it from being caught by the wind.

  • While rigging, always keep one hand on the mast to stop the sail from flying away.

  • Downhaul the sail and attach the boom while keeping the rig low to the ground to maintain control.

Once the sail is rigged, attach it to the board. Try not to leave your gear unattended as the wind can easily catch it.

3. Finding a Wind-Protected Area

Before putting on your wetsuit or stepping away from your gear, find a wind-protected spot—like behind a bush or near a sandbank—to park your rig. Avoid parking near cars or walls, as they often create turbulence, causing the wind to push under your sail from the wrong direction.

4. Carrying the Gear: General Tips

Carrying windsurfing gear in strong wind can be tricky, so here are a few general rules:

  • Avoid carrying the gear on your head: In strong wind, this position is unstable and dangerous. A sudden gust can knock the gear off, risking damage or injury.

  • Keep the gear close to your body and low to the ground: This gives you more control and helps you manage unexpected gusts better.

5. Carrying the Board

When it’s time to carry the board:

  • Carry the board on the downwind side of your body, with the tail pointing into the wind. This reduces wind resistance and lets the board adjust naturally to the wind direction.

  • Hold the board by the footstraps: Use one hand on the front footstrap and the other on the back footstrap or fin (if covered). Let the wind guide the board, instead of fighting against it.

6. Carrying the Sail

For the sail:

  • Keep the sail low to the ground.

  • Hold the boom with your front hand and the mast (above the boom) with your back hand. This provides the most control.

  • Keep the mast parallel to the wind and angle it slightly away from the wind in strong gusts to reduce pressure on the rig.

7. Carrying the Board and Sail Together

When carrying both the board and sail together:

  • Hold the board by the front footstrap and the boom close to the mast.

  • Angle the mast slightly downwind to avoid catching too much wind.

  • Keep the board’s nose low to the ground, while keeping the tail near your body.

  • In very strong gusts, the wind might push the top of the sail down. Keep your hand on the boom near the mastand push the board’s nose towards the sand. This allows the wind to flow under the sail and keep it manageable.

8. Entering the Water

When you reach the water:

  • Stay upwind of your gear at all times. If you stand downwind, the board can easily lift off and hit you.

  • Always be cautious with strong gusts: They can cause the board to fly, and accidents are easy in this scenario. I learned this lesson when I was 14—my board flew up and hit me in the head, leaving me with a big cut!

Ready to Hit the Water?

And there you have it! Now you’re fully equipped to handle your windsurfing gear in ultra-strong winds. Whether it’s about rigging, carrying, or getting into the water safely, following these tips will make your next session a lot smoother and safer.

If you want more windsurfing tips, subscribe to the newsletter on my blog. You'll also receive a free checklist that you can download and take with you to the beach. Happy windsurfing, and stay safe out there!

Checklist

Preparation

  • Check gear for damages at home (board, sail, rig).

  • Tighten screws and connections.

  • Untangle ropes and lines.

  • Pack wetsuit and other equipment properly.

At the Beach

  • Choose a rigging area close to your parking spot.

  • Bring the board to the beach first, press the fin into the sand (keep the fin cover on if possible).

  • Position the nose or tail of the board into the wind.

  • Use a flat rock or sand to weigh down the board if necessary.

Rigging the Sail

  • Prepare all components (boom, extension, mast) before unrolling the sail.

  • Unroll the sail by pushing the mast through the sleeve to control it.

  • Keep one hand on the mast to prevent the sail from flying off.

  • Attach the boom and downhaul with the sail close to the ground.

  • Park the rigged gear in a wind-protected area (behind a bush or sandbank).

Carrying the Board

  • Carry the board on the downwind side of your body.

  • Hold one hand on the front footstrap and one on the back footstrap or fin.

  • Allow the board to adjust to the wind while keeping it stable.

Carrying the Sail

  • Keep the sail low to the ground.

  • Place the front hand on the boom and the back hand above the boom on the mast.

  • Keep the mast parallel to the wind and angle it slightly downwind during gusts.

Carrying the Board and Sail Together

  • Hold the board’s front footstrap with one hand and the boom near the mast with the other.

  • Keep the mast angled slightly downwind.

  • Keep the board’s nose low to the ground and the tail close to your body.

  • In strong gusts, hold the boom near the mast and push the board’s nose toward the sand to maintain control.

Entering the Water

  • Always stay upwind of your gear to avoid being hit by the board or sail.

  • Keep an eye on strong gusts and stay cautious as you enter the water.

 
 
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