86COACHING FUNDAMENTALS
A point to note when carving is that, unlike with nonplaning turns, no pivoting should be involved while the edge of the board is engaged with the water as this would cause skidding, or the rail to trip and release from the track it is making for itself in the water. Such a technique is used in more advanced forms of windsurfing such as sliding top turns on waves and aerial freestyle.
Carving can be done on any type or size of board so get out there and go for it! Here’ s a no footstrap, 259 litre, 333cm long Rio Longtail beginner board ripping it up in a Force 5!
Board design elements such as shape, length, nose and tail rocker, how hard or soft the rails are, footstrap and mastfoot positions, etc. together with fin shape and size have a critical part to play in determining exactly how a board carves in a specific situation yet a basic understanding has been offered here.
So remember to carve the board smoothly and to trust the beautiful world of physics to allow you to lean into your planing turns with confidence, grace and lots of power in the sail. Just don’ t overdo it and lean too far! Carving can be learned and refined on any type of board from a WindSUP or beginner board to any shape or size of freeride board relative to the size and experience of the rider. Slicing-up the water like a surfer or a snowboarder with spray shooting out from the carving rail is right at the core of freeride windsurfing. It’ s well worth the effort to get to grips with and, once it feels natural, it makes our time on the water so enjoyable.
Vass Coaching Weeks 2018: 17 & 24 June
Weymouth Coaching Weekends at the OTC 2017: 25 / 26 November 2018: 17 / 18 March 28 / 29 April 28 / 29 July
Limited places Contact: info @ simonwinkley. com for bookings and info Facebook: @ swwinds Instagram: @ simonwinkley
Simon Winkley is a RYA Advanced Windsurfing Instructor and a RYA Windsurfing Trainer running instructor courses across the UK and overseas. He is supported by Starboard, Severne, Bray Lake Watersports and Spinlock. He also provides coaching holidays through Ocean Elements in Vassiliki and coaching weekends at the Official Test Centre in Weymouth.
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WIND SURFING