WINDSURFING LEVEL 1

What Will I Learn?

By the end of this class someone with no prior windsurfing experience will be able to safely and confidently rig and sail basic windsurf rigs in protected waters without instructor supervision. Topics covered include:

• Windsurfing Terminology & Parts of the Rig
• How windsurfing sails work
• Rigging and Launching
• Points of sail and sail trimming
• Safety Position
• Steering
• Tacking
• Jibing
• Upwind Sailing

Topics are introduced in the classroom and then practiced on Mission Bay on high-volume windsurf boards with battenless or single-battened training sails ranging from 2.5-4.9 m2 in size. Upon successful completion of the class you will be qualified to rent the sails and boards on your own so you will be able to keep windsurfing and practicing your skills after the class ends.

Is this the right class for me?

Windsurfing Level 1 is an entry-level course and a great option if you want to become eligible to rent windsurfing equipment from MBAC. This class is perfect for those with little to no sailing or windsurfing experience. Please be aware that windsurfing is a physically involved sport that requires a degree of balance and upper-body strength, so those with poor balance or limited upper-body mobility might not enjoy this class. A better option to get out on the water may be one of our Small Boat Sailing classes which require much less standing and balancing. 

If you have prior experience with windsurfing and are simply looking to become eligible to rent our equipment without having to attend an entire 4-session class, a better option may be to book a private lesson. Please be aware that private lessons are booked by request based on instructor availability so there may be a longer wait period. Please call us at 858-488-1000 or email mbac@sdsu.edu to submit your request.

Requirements

• Windsurfing Level 1 is an entry-level class with no required prerequisites or prior experience.
• This class is open to all participants aged 14 and up. 
• A general liability waiver is required to participate. Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.
• Participants must acknowledge that they are water safe (able to swim 50 meters and comfortably tread water). 
   

How to Prepare

Classroom sessions are often held outdoors so dress based on the weather for the day. It is a good idea to bring a jacket, even on warm days because your body can cool off much more than expected after having been in the water for an extended period of time. Sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended for the classroom time, but should be removed before you get on the water unless they are physically connected to you via a strap or lanyard of some sort. (These things tend to sink before you can stop them if you fall into the water.) Lifejackets are required and provided.

Windsurfing is a full-immersion sport which means you will likely spend time in the water during this course. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes to class each day. You may use a MBAC wetsuit for no additional charge while participating in this class.

Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and snacks or lunch (for all-day classes). MBAC has a water bottle refilling station and there are a number of restaurants nearby, but keep in mind that food and drink are not available for purchase at MBAC.
 

Parking can be a challenge at MBAC, especially during the summer months. Please visit our parking page for more information.

What's Next?

After successful completion of this class you are eligible to move onto the next level of windsurfing equipment that we have in our Windsurfing Level 2 Qualification class. In the meantime, you can get more practice renting the windsurfing equipment or take advantage of our sailing membership that includes the use of qualified windsurfing equipment along with any sailboats that you are qualified to rent.

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