In windsurfing, the faster you go, the more force you create, the more force you create, the more the rig components flex and move. This can be a deteriorating cycle of reactions and can greatly affect the performance and handling. For the best rig response and handling it really pays to be attentive to connection and fit of your rig components when assembling them. For peak performance, try to get as much play and connection flex out of your set-up. These are some of the key component fit points to pay attention to: boom to mast connection; boom extension length; mast extension height and fit; batten tension; clew gap at the boom end; footstrap tension; universal connections; and fin fit. Most of these flex points are not performance breakers in their individual effect, however, addressed collectively, the group of them represents the best way to sharpen rig performance, without upgrading any of the components. Here’s a quick run through them and why getting the fit right is important to overall performance.
ack on the water! But before you
rush to the beach to rig, have a quick check through your gear to
service or
replace worn parts. There’s nothing
worse than starting the season off with a long swim or paddle through
chilly
water (been there, done that!). Here’s
my checklist for prepping my gear for a new season.
