Windsurfing 1.01-Sails #3

Different Types of Windsurfing Sails:

Wave: You may be saying to yourself “Wave sail, I don’t need no stinking wave sail, I live in Montreal!” However, the qualities of a good wave sail – good wind range, easy maneuverability, stability and durability – are the requirements of pretty much all higher-wind sailors.

In high-wind conditions, nobody is particularly worried about maximum power, acceleration or speed because it’s windy and there is enough power for everybody out there.

The power issue is definitely one of the most significant areas of difference between sail types. Some sails feel more powerful than others – but this doesn’t mean that you are going to go faster. But for many, a feeling of power is a positive or a desirable point, particularly if that sailor is a heavy-weight. Whereas lighter / less strong sailors will often prefer a more subtle approach of a lighter, less powerful sail.

Here are the three different types of sails that you are generally looking at when it comes to high-wind wave sails.

Wave (Onshore): This sail has a lot of power, it is directionally stable, it accelerates quickly and is more of a freeride/wave sail. It goes well in a straight line and you can pop jumps with it when you want to.

Wave (Offshore): These have a little less power with a shorter boom, they are very loose and directional stability is not as much of an issue. This is a sail that you want to play with. It is made to be maneuverable in the waves or high winds.

Wave (Sideshore): These sails are strictly made for pure maneuvering and wave sailing. It is a quirky sail that is made to be a little less directionally stable than its other wave-oriented counterparts.