Shortboard Tack

The quick version of the tack

With the fast tack, you don't waste any meters when changing direction on small boards, but can even gain a few more.

From full planing speed, luff up strongly until the nose of the board is pointing into the wind (just before luffing up, take your back foot out of the loop).

While the board is still planing, you jump around the mast to the other side of the rig. As long as the board is in motion, the dynamic lift supports the stable position of the board in the water. This makes it easier to step around the base of the mast to the other side of the sail, especially on small windsurf boards.

It also helps if the sail is held further back (i.e. pushed against the wind on the new side). This maintains the speed for a little longer, allowing you to steer the nose of the board further onto the new course. When the board stops, shift your weight forward to the mast base and pull the sail, which is tilted slightly forwards, tight. This impulse brings the board onto the new course.

This video shows the shortboard tack in slow motion, mirrored for Starboard and Port Tack.

Freeride Shortboard Tack Level ★★★★☆☆ Rider: Jürgen Schall Text: Jürgen Schall Photos/Videos: Jürgen Schall DE

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