Okay, if you use the first part of your Sail 360 and your Switch Stance training and throw in your Vision and Warrior stance you
can then perform a duck gybe! Most people are quite rightly fearful of duck gybing, but that is because they haven’t broken it
down into small parts. I have coached many people with the skills training exercises and they have made duck gybes (lose ‘not
teeth’) in planing conditions on their first 5-10 attempts. If you only try duck gybing at speed, you’ll struggle to ever try one, let
alone learn it.
In light winds, duck the sail, just like the sail 360 and then, rather than spinning the sail round and carrying on in a
straight line, try to finish the gybe! This is achieved by Vision, Opposition, Warrior Stance and briefly but crucially
being Switched Stance.
2 After unhooking, slide the back foot across to leeward rail (don’t carve). Pull in, back and down on
the boom. Now, using your well practiced ‘Sail 360s, duck the sail and keep the released arm
behind you to counter balance as the mast drops ‘almost’ into the water.
Simon Says…
I’ve coached all these skills to beginners and many others who express, “You’ll never get me doing that.” Most people are
surprised to find huge value and greater success in many aspects of their sailing. Remember, start in light winds and be
honest about your key skills (like vision). Self-coach and diagnose along the ‘opposing’ theme and focus heavily on the Touch
Points to guide you through the move.
Incidentally, Robby Naish came to sail at Dee’s shop on the River Thames when he was barely a teenager and Hoyle
Schweitzer lawyers tried to disprove Peter Chilvers patent there too. So it is part of windsurfing history, but I don’t see the PWA
running an event there just yet!
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SURFING