HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR WINDSURFING SPEED: INTERMEDIATE TECHNIQUES

The Basics of Windsurfing Speed

Before jumping into more advanced techniques, make sure you’ve locked in the fundamentals:

• Your stance is stable and smooth

• You’re comfortable using the harness and can sail for long periods without fatigue

• You can sail upwind and bear away to adjust your trajectory

If that’s all good, then let’s go for speed!

1. Optimize Your Posture for Speed

A dynamic and balanced stance

Posture is key. The secret lies in balancing your body weight, sail power, and board glide.

Tips for optimal position:

• Keep knees bent to absorb changes in the water

• Lean your torso slightly forward, with steady tension in the arms

• Look ahead, not down, to anticipate gusts and adjust your line

Tip: Flexibility and core strength go a long way. Strengthen your trunk and stretch regularly to stay stable and balanced.

2. Dial in Your Gear Setup

Choose the right sail

Adapt your sail size to the wind:

• Light wind (8–12 knots): Use a larger sail (7.5 m² or more) to catch more power

• Moderate to strong wind (12–20 knots): Switch to a smaller, stiffer sail for better control

Tip: Don’t forget rig tuning! Regularly check your outhaul and boom tension for optimal performance.

Adjust your footstraps and fin

Footstraps affect balance and speed. For max glide:

• Move straps slightly back for a more rearward stance—reduces drag

• Choose your fin wisely: a longer fin helps with upwind angles; a shorter fin increases maneuverability and downwind speed

Tip: Try different setups to find what suits your sailing style best.

3. Read the Wind and Adjust Your Line

Wind awareness is crucial for maximizing speed. It’s not just about sailing straight—it’s about riding smart.

Work on your angles

Bear away slightly (sail broader to the wind) to instantly pick up speed.

Use gusts to your advantage

Push hard during gusts, but stay soft and active on your feet to keep control if the wind drops.

Tip: Watch the water’s surface—ripples and texture changes will tell you where the wind is.

4. Specific Techniques to Boost Speed

Pumping

Use your body to generate extra speed by rhythmically pulling and releasing the sail. Great in light wind to get the board planing and keep momentum.

Keep your rhythm steady, in sync with the board’s movement.

Light foot pressure

Less contact with the water = more speed. Lighten the board by:

• Shifting your weight slightly back

• Maintaining consistent pressure on the fin to stabilize the ride

Tip: Don’t go too far back—it could make the board unstable. Find the sweet spot.

Rig tuning on the fly

Even while sailing, you can tweak sail tension and boom positioning to match wind changes and maximize power.

Final Tips for Improving Your Speed

• Be patient & persistent – speed progression takes time and consistency

• Sail in different conditions – changing up your environment builds adaptability and skill

• Take coaching seriously – a fresh eye will spot small mistakes that hold you back. The ION CLUB instructors are there to help you fine-tune your technique.