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 .