Windsurfing is an exciting sport, but it can be frustrating for beginners who struggle to find their balance or control their sail. Many first-time windsurfers make the same mistakes, which slow down their progress. Below are the most common errors and how to fix them so you can improve your skills faster.
1. Standing Too Stiff and Upright
The Mistake:
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Many beginners stand too straight with locked knees, making it harder to absorb movement from the wind and water.
How to Fix It:
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Keep a slight bend in your knees to absorb shocks.
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Lower your center of gravity for better stability.
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Lean slightly forward to prevent getting pulled backward by the sail.
2. Holding the Boom Incorrectly
The Mistake:
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Gripping the boom too tightly or placing your hands too close together reduces control.
How to Fix It:
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Keep a relaxed grip to avoid fatigue.
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Place your hands about shoulder-width apart for better sail control.
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Adjust your hand positioning when steering or adjusting power.
3. Using the Wrong Sail Size
The Mistake:
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Many beginners start with a sail that is too big, making it hard to control in the wind.
How to Fix It:
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Choose a smaller sail (4-5 square meters) when learning.
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Switch to a larger sail only after mastering the basics.
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If the wind increases, consider downsizing to maintain control.
4. Ignoring Wind Direction
The Mistake:
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Beginners often struggle because they don’t position themselves correctly with the wind.
How to Fix It:
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Always start with the wind coming from behind or slightly from the side.
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Learn to read wind conditions by watching flags, trees, or water ripples.
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Use a windsurfing simulator on land to practice handling different wind directions.
5. Not Engaging the Harness Early Enough
The Mistake:
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New windsurfers avoid using a harness, leading to quick fatigue and poor sail control.
How to Fix It:
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Start using a harness once you can steer comfortably.
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Adjust your harness lines so they evenly distribute weight.
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Let the harness take the load instead of relying on arm strength.
6. Forgetting to Look Ahead
The Mistake:
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Many beginners stare at their feet or the sail instead of looking where they’re going.
How to Fix It:
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Always look ahead to anticipate changes in wind or water conditions.
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Keep your head up and focus on a point in the distance.
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Adjust your balance naturally rather than reacting too late.
7. Oversteering the Board
The Mistake:
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Beginners tend to make large, exaggerated movements that cause instability.
How to Fix It:
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Use small, controlled foot and sail movements to steer.
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Shift weight gradually rather than making sudden changes.
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Keep your board flat on the water instead of tilting too much.
Final Thoughts
Every windsurfer makes mistakes in the beginning, but fixing these common errors will help you improve quickly. Focus on good stance, proper sail handling, and understanding the wind. With practice, you’ll gain confidence and enjoy a smoother ride on the water.
