Hi Gents,
I seek your advice on what is the easiest and most reliable way to turn back on a windsurfer.
Jibing seems to be the most used but is that because its the most spectacular and challenging to master. I came across some video clips that suggested tacking is actually EASIER (and more efficient as less up-wind positioning is lost in the process) yet not many people seem to practice it.
I realize that both are useful and necessary especially if sailing in a race, but if you just wanted reliability and ease of use, is it possible to say one is better than the other?
Thanks.
Yes, tacks are a good way to keep up wind and they are very easy and forgiving on big gear (ie: on 200L board, you just point the board up wind, and then walk around the nose holding the mast). The smaller the board, the more challenging they are, and the quicker you have to do them since the board looses stability the slower it moves in the water. Like with gybes, you have slightly different techniques for difference equipment and conditions, so tacks take a while to fully master in theses conditions and equipment.
Jay's spot on...gybing leverages the board speed to maintain stability. As you'd know, balancing on a board crawling along is a lot harder than standing on a board that's planing. A tack will stall the board momentarily while you sneak around the front of the sail to the new tack. It's precarious, but only on a small board.
Beginners (appropriately) tend to sail larger boards than required - your 123 litre is larger than needed for your weight, even though you may feel it's small and squirrely now. But that extra 'litre-age' offsets much of the stability issues (including when executing a tack). You got quite a bit of nose to support you while you work your way around the front - where small boards punish imprecise foot placement.
So it's entirely appropriate to learn the tack first - it's a safer and drier option for beginners where keeping on the board is paramount. Waterstarts and up-hauling saps a lot of energy; spend more time sailing than swimming and you progress quicker.
