Select to expand quoteJonesySail said..
One thing for certain if you live in Qld and rely on windsurfing as your fitness and body savior your in trouble, cause we have had the worst summer for wind ever so far, you simply have to do other things to be in shape so when it does blow your'e ready.
There is also a MASSIVE difference in energy and muscle use between flat water and open water sailing, chalk and cheese.
One of the best ways you can improve windsurfing fitness when your out there is to sail 'non stop' for long periods, eg 1hr plus, and or get out on some open water and get your heart rate racing going through waves, open swells, chop etc, big difference compared to flat water..nothing gets the heart racing more than trying make a water start before the next set closes out on you, or even way out at sea in swell where no body would even notice if you become fish food! :) remote WA is classic for that feeling!
Windsurfitness is clearly on display in the 1Hr GPS races, from what i have seen most people start to struggle at 15min, then start begging for mercy at 30min, the 2nd half of the hour is the section that really tests sail fitness, as if you're tired you start to drop gybes and naturally tend to back off speed rather than pushing hard all the way, the added adrenaline rush of sailing in competition mode increases heart rate and ads to fatigue also.
If you could windsurf in decent wind 3-4 days a week in a variety if conditions for an hour or two each time, you would look like a machine no doubt, as some of the Pro's do...but for the rest of us there needs to be routine of cross training semi regularly to be even close to 'match fit'
I agree with your comments about the lack of wind this summer. Very hard to do consecutive runs in fickle winds and strongish tides. Cross training may make a difference because all the muscle tone built up during even one session disappears if you don't get any good wind for weeks after. I think that downhill mountain biking has a lot to fifer because it brings all the balance muscles into play and is good for cardio when you have to cycle back up the hill. I also enjoy squash, which can be a great workout for all your leg muscles and cardio. I find that fitness is best maintained through active spot rather than attending a gym. It is much more interesting. I heard Robbie Naish say that windsurfing is just one part of the world of surfing and that we should embrace all the disciplines. Arguably then, riding a surfboard is the best way to stay fit when the winds are calm. Just remember though, being powered up with a sail is heaps better than paddling across the ocean trying to set yourself up for the next wave!
