THE BASICS OF
COASTAL
WINDSURFING Part 2
WORDS: SIMON WINKLEY PHOTOS: ALEX IRWIN- SPORTOGRAPHY. TV ILLUSTRATIONS: PETE GALVIN
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IN THIS ISSUE WE CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF WINDSURFING ON THE UK COASTLINE – A PLACE WHICH PLAYS HOST TO A WHOLE ASSORTMENT OF WINDSURFING TYPES FROM HARDCORE SOMERSAULTING PROFESSIONALS TO FREERIDE INTERMEDIATES NUDGING THEIR WAY TOWARDS COASTAL CONFIDENCE. Last time we covered safety, choosing a tidal window and the relationship between wind and tide. If you missed that then head to www. windsurfingukmag. co. uk / windsurfing-uk-subscriptions / to grab a copy. This time we will be looking at characteristics of high and low water, shorebreak, wind direction and changing conditions.
The effects of high and low water
Last time, whilst looking at the rule of twelfths, we discovered the benefits of windsurfing around high water( HW) or low water( LW) in terms of experiencing the smallest tidal flow. Additionally we need to factor in water depth and the possibility of shorebreak to determine if the sea is actually suitable to windsurf on at these times. The best way of checking out a new location, if possible, is to recce it at both HW and LW( to understand the physical differences in the access to the water) before committing to a session there.
Your recce at HW will tell you what the typical shorebreak pattern is. It may be small / flat and very welcoming or surging and thunderous with a high kit-snapping factor. I say‘ typical’ as the expected shorebreak characteristics can be magnified as a result of strong onshore winds or the arrival of swell created further out at sea.
Your LW recce should reveal how much water remains to windsurf in as well as any secrets. The muddy or sandy( potentially rock-strewn)‘ lunar landscape’ left behind as the sea has retreated will show you exactly where notable hazards are – if any. LW might be friendly with no shore break or it could push waves up over a sandbar in the sailing area.