Tan Yifan cicitan2011@gmail.com WHEREVER there is a beach, there will be people trying to tame the billows and have fun. In Shenzhen, people put out to sea by boarding a ship or yacht and enjoy the wind blowing in their faces. But the more they venture out, the less satisfied with the monotonous sea trip they become. Many yearn to challenge the water on a motorboat, a surfboard or a small-sized sailboat-type craft — a windsurfing board. “During the past two years, the sport of windsurfing has emerged on the eastern waters of the city,” said Wang Ruina, deputy general manager of Dameisha International Water Sports Center. “Many enthusiasts carry their windsurfing boards to beaches in Dapeng or Dameisha and some novices sail out without the guidance of a trainer. “Windsurfing is a physical exertion sport that requires learners to master particular skills, so it is better to be well prepared before hitting the water,” she advised. Invented in the latter half of the 20th century, windsurfing is a combination of surfing and sailing. It requires the windsurfer to control the sail while keeping balance. The sails come in many different sizes. The larger the sails are, the more powerful it becomes, which makes it go faster. Also, the thinner the board, the faster you will go. In general, a windsurfing board is between 2 and 3 meters long and a windsurfing sail is made of monofilm, Dacron and Mylar. According to Wang, the size and weight of both the sail and board vary to fit the surfer’s proficiency. “Generally, we classify windsurfers into three categories: primary, intermediate and advanced levels. But China so far does not provide licensing to learners, so it is actually up to the coaches to decide the level of a surfer,” Wang said. “If a learner has reached a higher level, for example, the coach will encourage him to upgrade his board and try more difficult moves.” Wang said some Shenzheners are surfers or participate in other water sports before taking up windsurfing. She also pointed out that windsurfing could become popular. “Often, people think of windsurfing as a luxury game, like golf. In fact, it is an affordable sport for most people. All you have to pay for is basic equipment and a few training sessions.” “For a few hundred yuan, anyone can enjoy windsurfing,” she said. The gadgets The board is divided into two parts: the board and rig. The board is the surfboard-like part you stand on that has one or more fins and dagger boards underneath. There will also be foot straps and a deck plate to hold the rig on. The rig consists of a sail, mast and boom. The boom is the bit you hold onto, but the mast can be used for support. A cord runs from the boom to the bottom of the mast. This is the up haul and is used to pull the sail up. The boom often has harness lines hanging from it. Windsurfers usually wear specially made wetsuits, which are similar to diving suits. You do not have to wear shoes since the suit will cover your feet. A pair of gloves is also needed to help you grip the boom, which can be difficult when your hands and the boom get wet. Windsurfing does not require you to wear a pair of sunglasses or a cap, but you need to put on sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Getting started Beginners should practice positions with an experienced instructor while still on the beach. You need to master the way to hold the rig while standing on the board. The coach will help you learn to control the sail without thinking about balancing the board. If you follow the instructions correctly, your learning will be quick and easy and you’ll be zooming around on the water in a matter of minutes. The more experienced you become, the bigger your sail will get and the smaller your board. For some, this is where the windsurfing addiction really kicks in. You’ll quickly meet like-minded individuals who are keen to have a great day out on the waves. You may begin to travel to new and different locations up and down the coast. You’ll find yourself looking for wave breaks, flat water or spots that work in particular wind directions. Things to be aware of Safety is always the biggest concern for windsurfers. You don’t necessarily have to know how to swim, but it’s best to know how to survive in the water. You need to wear a life jacket just in case of an emergency. If you do need to escape from the board, always remember not to fall into the sea with the sail. You need to release the sail and jump from the other side of it. Windsurfing is for people over 16 years of age. Also make sure you have the strength to participate. The weather and the wind play an important role in windsurfing. It’s highly recommended that you check the weather report before heading to a beach. Do not try to windsurf on rainy days or during a storm, otherwise you will put your life in danger. Clubs Dameisha International Water Sports Center You can choose to become a member or just rent the windsurfing board. The club offers various services to windsurfers, including storage, training, catering and accommodations. Classes are 280 yuan (US$45) per hour and the boards can be rented for 120 yuan per hour. A membership costs 38,800 yuan per year and includes free boards, training and storage. Add: 89 Yanmei Road, Dameisha, Yantian District (盐田区盐梅路89号) Tel: 2506-2008 ALOHA Windsurfing Club The club provides training classes and surf board rentals. One class is priced at 280 yuan and the boards can be rented for 120 yuan per person. Add: 7 Jiaosanxiba Alley, Jiaochangwei, Dapeng New Area, Longgang District (龙岗区大鹏街道鹏城较场尾较三西八巷7号) Tel: 8431-9734 | 