This is a beginner level clinic for members who want to learn how to beach start or for those who need pointers on their technique.  A short on land demo will be followed by on the water instruction.

Members should change and have a board and sail ready on the beach.

Clublocarno Windsurfing Clinic: The Beachstart

Overview

One of the most tiring part about windsurfing is uphauling the sail. It is especially difficult when the water is choppy, or the wind is high, or you are using an intermediate board and the board is more maneuverable but more tippy.

Rather than having to uphaul your sail every time you leave the shore, you can use the beachstart - an efficient and quick technique to get yourself up onto your board and get sailing with little effort. 

Beachstarting is one of “Level 2” skills in our windsurfing fleet.

Contact

Windsurfing Director  (windsurfing@clublocarno.com)

Duration

About 1-hour, including practice. There will be additional time to practice independently after the clinic.

Preparation

Please prepare yourself for the clinic with the following:

Equipment

• Bring your wetsuit & booties
  

Knowledge

• Sam Ross (2015) Intermediate Windsurfing - How to Beach Start. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOhF1uLaSBI
  
• Getwindsurfing.com (2015). How to Beach start. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmKH-qBYEF8
  
• Clublocarno Level 1 - i.e., you completed a windsurfing lesson or level 1 checkout, you know how to carry gear to the beach, you know about care for gear, and personal safety.
  

Clinic Agenda

1. Introductions - 5 minutes (everyone, at picnic table)

2. Demo - 5 minutes (by clinic leader, everyone on beach)

   • what direction is the board and sail facing?
   • where do you place your foot and what do you do with it?
   • how to transfer weight without falling backwards?
   • what’s happening with the arms?
   • how deep in the water can you beachstart? how to protect the board’s fin?
     
     

3. Try beachstarting - 10 minutes (in pairs)

   • alternate, 2 people to 1 board
   • watch your partner, give feedback
     
     

4. Reconvene - 10 minutes

   • Questions so far?
     
     
   • Here are some drills and tips to try on your own
     • steering the board while preparing to beachstart
     • steering the sail and board (gybe & tack the sail) while preparing to beachstart
     • beachstarting in low wind
     • beachstarting in high wind
       
       
5. More practice - 30 minutes
   
   
   • In pairs, or individually with another board.
     
     

6. Clinic debrief - 15 minutes

   • What did you learn?
   • Other Q&A
     
     

7. More windsurfing! Another 45 min until 8pm.