Tacking (Turning around)

The easiest way to change direction when windsurfing

Riding technique for windsurfing beginners: The tack is the easiest way to change direction when windsurfing.

This video tutorial from Duotone explains how to perform the tack (turning around).

When tacking, you steer the nose of the board into the wind. To do this, the sail is tilted backwards. The hands grip the boom further forward. The board then moves into the wind almost on its own (this is called riding upwind).

When the board is pointing directly into the wind, move your feet in small steps in front of the mast base until you are standing on the board with your back to the wind. Half of the tack has now been mastered.

Now grab the other side of the boom with your hands. You can also grip the mast with your hands to allow the sail to swing neutrally.

Now continue turning the board. You do this with your feet. They try to turn the board like a plate around the mast base. The sail serves as a stable anchor point (you can support the turn by tilting the rear end of the sail towards the inside of the turn to feel a little more power in the sail).

As soon as the board has been turned completely in the new direction, the hands grip the boom on the other side and the feet move further behind the mast. Tilt the sail slightly forwards and slowly pull the sail closer with your back hand. And off you go in the new direction.

Beginner Tack Level ★☆☆☆☆☆ Text: Jürgen Schall Photos/Videos: Duotone DE

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