US SAILING’s Standards for Basic Windsurfing Certification
Standards for Basic Windsurfing certification
are based on the concept that not just safe windsurfing skills should be
learned, but that related and important subjects, such as safety and
courtesy both afloat and ashore, proper attitude, board preparation,
weather, tides and current, basic theory, and the “rules of the road”
should be part of the learning process.
Part 1: Minimum Water Skills
The following skills are to be tested on the water for mastery. It is
recommended that the chronological order of skills be followed as listed.
To attain the mastery level, the student should be able to perform the
skills safely and generally mistake free – judged on a basis that is
appropriate for a learn-to-windsurf student. Criteria used for evaluation
should include steering technique, sail trim, stance and grip, board
handling skills, and student confidence. Falling or dropping the rig
should not, on its own, be used as a criterion for not mastering a skill.
Student performance may be influenced by wind speed and direction, water
conditions and air temperature. Recommended wind range for testing skills
is three to six knots. Regional differences in typical conditions may
require that this recommended wind range be modified.
1. Rig a Board: from components, then launch without assistance.
2. Uphaul the Rig: from downwind and from upwind to basic position.
3. Maintain Basic Position
4. Turn Board: from basic position, turn board in opposite direction (180
degrees) through no-go zone.
5. Go to Sailing Position: from basic position to sailing position.
6. Sailing Position: stance, grip, and sail positions for different points
of sail.
7. Fail-Safe Maneuver
8. Stopping Maneuvers: slow and quick controlled stops.
9. De-Rig to Self-Rescue: de-rig to self-rescue position and paddle 100
yards.
10. Rig from Self-Rescue: from self-rescue position to sailing position.
11. Tacking: from reach to reach, close-hauled to close-hauled.
12. Jibing: reach to reach, run to run.
13. Sailing a Rectangular Course
14. Landing without Assistance
15. De-Rig for Storage
Part 2: Minimum Knowledge Skills
In addition to mastering the minimum water skills, a student is expected
to be familiar with the following knowledge areas: right-of-way, safety,
rig parts, board parts, points of sail, hypothermia, heat emergencies,
weather, currents and tides. To successfully complete the requirements for
a basic windsurfing certificate, you must answer 80% of the questions
correctly on the knowledge test that your instructor will give you.
16. Know and understand how a sail works.
17. Know and understand the “no-go zone.”
18. Know and understand steering a sailboard.
19. Know and understand current effects.
20. Know and understand tidal effects.
21. Know and understand offshore, onshore, and cross-shore winds.
22. Know and understand hypothermia cause.
23. Know and understand hypothermia prevention.
24. Know and understand hypothermia recognition.
25. Know and understand hypothermia treatment.
26. Know and understand finding wind direction.
27. Know and understand finding current direction.
28. Know and understand the Basic Rules of the Road (#1-5).
29. Know and understand the Windsurfing Safety Code.
30. Know and understand the Three Golden Rules.
31. Know and understand the clothing for windsurfing in hot and cold
climates.
