Every big windsurfing aerial starts with a big ramp and a very projected takeoff.  Making this happen in a dynamic wave field is all about selection and timing.  The prerequisites are controlled high speed sailing in point and shoot “I can sail wherever I want” mode, and of course a clear space to start busting loose some air. Mark your wave and get it lined up – see it, hit it.

Dale Cook and I have been blasting around the Gorge together for over 16 years.  I’ve had the privilege of a front row seat for his windsurfing mastery, and here’s how he describes his way of cracking a big hit of air. 

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It wasn’t long into my windsurfing experience that the sensation of weightless airborne gliding really captivated my interest.  The magazines of the day were, like today, filled images with tropical wave jumping, yet on my local beach the waves were all wind sourced and driven.  Back then you were lucky if you had a board under 30 pounds, but I was determine to get my board in the air.  I think that was a fertile scenario for developing one of the fundamental skills for catching windsurfing air – springing vertically of the water while at speed.  Today’s gear is so much lighter and the speeds are way higher, so add a bit of chop, some amplitude to your lift off and a really big air shot is possible.  This style of wave jumping is more like gelandesprung ski jumping – busting out a big hit, and flying it out for distance, sticking the landing, and doing it again!

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Proficient windsurfing comes from balancing the forces of the wind power in your hands against the fin power under your board.  You are the rigging in this connection of forces, so getting comfortable in the harness is a key step towards increasing your control and reacting more efficiently.

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