Having the capability to adjust your outhaul setting on the fly is simple to setup, easy to use, and highly beneficial to your windsurfing enjoyment. In this tech tip we'll cover why use an adjustable outhaul, setup tips, and basic on-water adjustment.
Why use an adjustable outhaul? Adjusting your outhaul trim on the fly is the equivalent of adding gears to your windsurfing rig. Adjustment helps you adapt to the changing wind environment, allowing you to comfortably stay out on the water when others are headed back to re-rig. It only takes a few seconds longer to rig than a fixed outhaul system. The bigger the sail, the greater the benefit of having on-the-fly adjustability.
Phil Soltysiak jibes the Retro 6.5m with his adjustable outhaul setup. Photo by Kelsey Cardwell.
How to setup an adjustable outhaul?
You will need an adjustable outhaul kit and a boom with two pulleys in the tail piece. Most freeride and race booms have these built-in. If ordering a new boom that does not come stock with adjustable outhaul pulleys, ask us about an optional upgrade.
With your boom and outhaul kit in hand, follow the instructions provided with our adjustable outhaul system for the initial boom installation, it only take a couple minutes: Adjustable Outhaul Setup
On the water If you find that you are overpowered and have a lot of pressure on the back hand, flatten the sail by adding outhaul tension. This will increase tension and stability in the sail, and will move the draft further forwards. If you find yourself wanting more power, let off some outhaul tension. If it's your first time using an adjustable outhaul pay close attention to how the sail feels different when you add or let off varying quantities of outhaul. With only a half hour of experience you will get a feel for how a change in outhaul tension affects the feel of your rig.
Generally, you will also find that pulling more outhaul to head upwind will improve your efficiency and upwind angle, while heading downwind or on a broad reach less outhaul will be faster and more stable.
Play around with these adjustable outhaul basics and you'll find yourself with increased comfort on the water, less re-rigging, and accessing all the gears and potential your rig wants to provide.
Dale Cook can't wait for the short sleeve spring sessions again! It's hard to make out, but you can see his adjustable outhaul on the boom. He never leaves the beach without it. Photo by Bob Stawicki.
