Rigging is just one of those things a windsurfer has to deal with. Proper rigging can make or break a windsurfing session, and one small variation in the adjustment of your windsurfing equipment might ruin your day.
Boards, sails, and masts are diverse creatures and they all function differently. Regulate your gear in small increments, and when you find settings that you really like, write them down!
Where are the best Montreal windsurfing locations? Valois Bay, Cartier, Pointe Claire Bay, Chateauquay, Vandreuil, and L’anse-A-L’orme are places to check the wind direction before you start your excursion, in addition to Plattsburgh Beach and Les Roche’s. There are many other desirable spots as well—it just depends on how far you wish to travel.
Many of these same spots are also optimal for kiteboarding, if someone in your group wishes to try something a little different that day.
The HARNESS
The harness is not something that the beginner thinks about right away, as it won’t be necessary in the first few “dips” in the water.
As you progress though, a harness will allow you to take the strain from your arms and shoulders and incorporate the rig into a “full body experience”. This means that you will use your body weight to transfer the energy of the wind into your whole rig. More »
The UPHAUL
The UPHAUL is the thick rope that is used to pull the sail out of the water. It is often made from tubular webbing with elastic bungee cord in it to keep it out of the way (against the mast) when not in use.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, this small but important piece of equipment is either a thick knotted rope or length of slightly elasticized webbing used to pull up or ‘uphaul‘ the rig. In the beginning, you will use this to get the sail out of the water. As you progress, it will be useful to get you out of a tight spot if the wind dies and you need to get your sail out of the water in a pinch.
HARNESS LINES are not something that a beginner will need right away until they are ready to purchase a harness (see harness description below). Harness lines are basically a loop of plastic-coated rope attached to the boom (one on each side).
They are available in a variety of fixed or adjustable lengths. Some adjustable harness lines can be cut down as you get better and some are fixed to adjust from one set length to another set length ex: 19”-24” (see pictures below). When you are ready to tackle the harness, we would suggest getting a set of long, adjustable harness lines that you can cut to begin with. This will give you a chance to learn getting in the harness with much more ease.
Here are some examples of different types of harness lines.
WETSUIT - Part 1
Here is a section dedicated to helping you understand what a WETSUIT is all about.
Neoprene: A closed cell rubber foam, lined on one or two sides with a jersey fabric. It is the lining that dictates the stretch within the suit. There are many names for the variations of superstretch fabric, but far less differences between them, each offering a similar level of stretch. However, bear in mind, the more stretch, the less durability. More durable neoprenes should be used in the knees and in some circumstances in the seat panel, where the need for durability out weighs the requirement for stretch. More »
WETSUITS - Part 2
Choosing a WETSUIT that fit your sports needs is essential. The wrong suit can cause discomfort and tax you physically. Different sports and climates require different wetsuits, and proper fit is key. Wetsuit manufacturers have greatly increased their understanding of materials and comfort; modern neoprene is now supple and stretchy and made to perfectly fit the curves of your body. Where wetsuits used to fit like Glad Garbage bags, today’s wetsuits fit like gloves.
The Fit:
The single most important factor when buying a wetsuit is FIT. Before even considering any other factor, make sure the suit that you wish to buy fits. If it doesn’t fit, it will allow cold water to enter the suit, thus rendering it ineffective. It really doesn’t matter how much you spend; a $300 superstretch suit will be pointless unless its fits well. More »
MAST BASES:
The mast foot fits in the bottom of the mast, and includes either a tendon, rubber or mechanical universal joint WINDSURFING MAST BASE. This joint either connects straight into the board’s mast track, or to a deckplate, bolted into a slot in the board’s deck.
The universal joint allows a rig to be inclined or held at any angle to the board, and it is this device that endows a windsurfer with the unique ability to steer simply by moving the rig around. The mast base may also include an adjustable mast extension, or one can be added if the mast proves to be too short for the sail. More »