30 Must-Know Windsurfing Terms, Phrases and Slang

Catch the wind and ride the wave of words with these 30 gnarly windsurfing terms!

From mastering the “Boom” to nailing a “Waterstart,” speaking the windsurfers’ language has never been cooler.

So, if you wanna shred the waves like a boss, it’s time to upgrade your vocab.

Are you stoked to talk the talk? Let’s sail into the lingo!

Must-Know Windsurfing Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Boom
2. Daggerboard
3. Footstrap
4. Gorge
5. Harness
6. Jibe
7. Kicker
8. Leeward
9. Mast
10. Planing
11. Port tack
12. Rig
13. Rudder
14. Sail
15. Starboard tack
16. Tack
17. Uphaul
18. Windward
19. Beach start
20. Clew
21. Downhaul
22. Freestyle
23. Gybe
24. Outhaul
25. Pumping
26. Sheet in
27. Sheet out
28. Waterstart
29. Wave sailing
30. Windsurfer

#1 Boom

The boom is the horizontal bar attached to the mast that the sailor holds onto. It allows windsurfers to control the angle and shape of the sail for better maneuvering and speed.

#2 Daggerboard

A retractable fin located on the underside of the board; essential for stability and directional control, especially crucial for beginners or when windsurfing in light winds.

#3 Footstrap

Adjustable straps on the board where windsurfers insert their feet to secure themselves, granting greater control while performing maneuvers, especially when planing at high speeds.

#4 Gorge

A term specific to a geographic feature but used in windsurfing to describe a narrow passage with strong, consistent winds, such as the Columbia River Gorge, a popular windsurfing destination.

#5 Harness

Worn around the windsurfer’s torso, a harness attaches to the boom via a hook, allowing sailors to use their body weight against the force of the wind and reduce arm fatigue.

#6 Jibe

A maneuver to turn the windsurfing board when moving downwind, characterized by switching the sail from one side of the board to the other while keeping the nose forward.

#7 Kicker

Also known as the “downhaul,” it’s a control line used to adjust the tension on the lower part of the sail, affecting its shape and the board’s performance.

#8 Leeward

The side of the windsurfing board that is facing away from the direction from which the wind is blowing. In windsurfing, moving leeward (downwind) can help reduce wind pressure on the sail, allowing for easier handling and navigation.

#9 Mast

The mast is a tall, slender component that vertically extends from the board and is essential in supporting the sail’s structure. It is the backbone of the windsurfing rig, providing stability and allowing for efficient wind capture.

#10 Planing

Planing refers to the exhilarating sensation when the board skims over the water’s surface at high speed, rather than ploughing through it. It’s a sign of proficient windsurfing, allowing for faster movement and tighter turns.

#11 Port tack

A port tack occurs when the windsurfer sails with the wind coming over the port (left) side of the board. It is crucial to understand for right-of-way rules, as starboard tackers generally have priority over those on a port tack.

#12 Rig

The rig consists of the sail, mast, and boom assembled together, creating the engine of the windsurfing setup. It’s the part the windsurfer manipulates to harness the wind’s power for movement and speed.

#13 Rudder

A rudder, which is typical for beginner or large boards, is a controllable fin located at the stern of a windsurfing board to help with steering. In most modern designs, the sailor’s feet and body position act as the rudder.

#14 Sail

The large fabric structure supported by the mast and boom, which catches the wind and propels the windsurfing board forward. The size and shape of the sail can vary depending on wind conditions and the sailor’s experience level.

#15 Starboard Tack

A term in windsurfing to indicate that the wind is hitting the starboard (right) side of the board and the sail is on the port (left) side. This determines right of way and is essential for understanding sailing directions and rules.

#16 Tack

In windsurfing, to tack is to turn the bow of the board through the wind to change direction, moving from one tack to another. This maneuver shifts the sail from one side of the board to the other, enabling the windsurfer to sail upwind.

#17 Uphaul

The process of pulling the sail up from the water using the uphaul rope, which is a technique essential for beginners to start sailing and for any windsurfer after falling into the water. Uphauling is often the first step in learning to windsurf.

#18 Windward

Refers to the direction from which the wind is coming and is considered the opposite of leeward. In windsurfing, moving windward means sailing towards the wind, which is a skill that requires good balance and sail control.

#19 Beach Start

A technique used to begin windsurfing from a standing position on the shore or in shallow water, pushing off with one foot while lifting the sail with the other hand, quickly transitioning onto the board and catching the wind.

#20 Clew

The rear corner of the windsurfing sail where the two edges, the leech and the foot, converge. Controlling the clew through boom end adjustments is crucial for sail trim and power management.

#21 Downhaul

The tension applied to the luff of the sail by pulling down on the rope attached to the mast’s base, which shapes the sail for optimal performance. Adjusting the downhaul affects the sail’s power and responsiveness.

#22 Freestyle

A discipline of windsurfing focused on performing tricks and aerial maneuvers, often done in flatter water conditions. Freestyle windsurfing showcases an individual’s technical skill and creativity in executing stunts.

#23 Gybe

A maneuver similar to tacking, but instead of turning into the wind, the windsurfer turns the stern through the wind, changing from one downwind course to another. Gybing is a faster turn that requires careful sail and board handling to maintain balance.

#24 Outhaul

The outhaul is the line used to tighten or loosen the foot of a windsurf sail, controlling its flatness and power. Adjusting the outhaul affects speed and performance in various wind conditions.

#25 Pumping

Pumping is a technique used by windsurfers to generate additional power and speed from the sail, by rhythmically pulling and releasing the sail in light wind conditions or to accelerate onto a plane.

#26 Sheet in

To sheet in means to pull the sail closer to the windsurfer’s body, increasing power and speed by catching more wind. It is a key technique for accelerating and maintaining control in stronger winds.

#27 Sheet out

Sheet out refers to letting out the sail away from the windsurfer’s body, which reduces power and speed, and is necessary for controlling the rig in gusts or when decelerating.

#28 Waterstart

A waterstart is a windsurfing maneuver used to get back on the board while in the water. By positioning the sail to catch the wind, the windsurfer is lifted onto the board without needing to uphaul the sail manually.

#29 Wave sailing

Wave sailing is a discipline of windsurfing where riders perform maneuvers on ocean waves, combining aspects of surfing and sailing. It requires mastering both wave riding and aerial tricks.

#30 Windsurfer

The individual who engages in windsurfing, controlling the board and sail to navigate and perform maneuvers on the water. Windsurfers need a mix of balance, strength, and understanding of wind and water dynamics to effectively manage their equipment.

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