49 windsurfing terms defined, including planing, gybe, catapult, uphaul and spin out, each explained in a single line.
Windsurfing terminology is half sailing and half board sport, so a beginner ends up learning two vocabularies at the same time. The entries below are the words related to windsurfing gear, from the mast foot upward, plus the words associated with windsurfing conditions and the maneuvers that suit them. The windsurfing glossary at the end of the article puts every term in alphabetical order, which is the quickest way to check one you half remember.
Must-Know Windsurfing Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Boom
- Daggerboard
- Footstrap
- Gorge
- Harness
- Jibe
- Kicker
- Leeward
- Mast
- Planing
- Port tack
- Rig
- Rudder
- Sail
- Starboard tack
- Tack
- Uphaul
- Windward
- Beach start
- Clew
- Downhaul
- Freestyle
- Gybe
- Outhaul
- Pumping
- Sheet in
- Sheet out
- Waterstart
- Wave sailing
- Windsurfer
Windsurfing Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Batten | A stiffening rod slid into a pocket in the sail to hold its shape under load. |
| Beach start | Stepping onto the board from shallow water with the rig already up, instead of uphauling. |
| Bear away | Turning the board away from the wind, onto a more downwind course. |
| Boom | The horizontal bar around the sail that the sailor holds. Everything is steered through it. |
| Catapult | Being thrown forward over the front of the board when the sail loads up suddenly. |
| Chop | Short, broken waves raised by the wind, as opposed to long ocean swell. |
| Clew | The rear corner of the sail, where the foot and the leech meet. |
| Daggerboard | A retractable fin under the middle of the board, which adds stability and helps hold a course in light wind. |
| Downhaul | The line pulling the sail down at the mast base. It sets the tension in the luff and therefore the sail's shape. |
| Duck jibe | A downwind turn in which the sailor ducks under the sail and grabs the other side of the boom. |
| Fin | The blade under the tail of the board, which stops the tail sliding sideways and keeps the board tracking. |
| Foiling | Sailing on a board fitted with a hydrofoil, so the board lifts clear of the water at speed. |
| Footstrap | A strap on the deck that the foot slides into, holding the sailor to the board at speed. |
| Freestyle | The discipline built around tricks, usually sailed in flat water. |
| Gorge | A narrow stretch of water where the wind funnels and strengthens. The Columbia River Gorge is the best known example. |
| Gust | A short-lived increase in wind strength. Gusts are what catch a sailor out. |
| Gybe | A turn with the tail passing through the wind, going from one downwind course to another. Spelled jibe in American usage. |
| Harness | The body harness that hooks to lines on the boom, so the sailor's weight carries the sail's pull instead of the arms. |
| Head up | Turning the board toward the wind, onto a more upwind course. |
| Jibe | The American spelling of gybe, the downwind turn in which the sail swings across to the other side. |
| Kicker | A sailing term for the line that pulls the boom down to control twist. Windsurf rigs do the same job with downhaul and outhaul. |
| Leech | The trailing edge of the sail, from the top down to the clew. |
| Leeward | The side facing away from the wind, or the direction the wind is blowing toward. |
| Luff | The leading edge of the sail, along the mast. Also the fluttering that happens when the sail is not sheeted in. |
| Mast | The tapered pole that carries the sail and gives the rig its structure. |
| Mast foot | The fitting at the base of the mast that connects the rig to the board. |
| Nuking | Slang for very strong wind, the kind that calls for the smallest sail in the van. |
| Offshore wind | Wind blowing from the land out to sea. Flat water near the beach, but nothing pushes a sailor back in. |
| Onshore wind | Wind blowing from the water toward the land, which brings a sailor back to the beach but also more chop. |
| Outhaul | The line tensioning the foot of the sail, which controls how flat or full the sail sits. |
| Overpowered | Carrying more sail than the wind allows, so the rig is hard to hold and the board is hard to control. |
| Planing | Skimming across the surface at speed instead of pushing through the water. The point where windsurfing changes character. |
| Port tack | Sailing with the wind coming over the left side of the board. On port tack you give way to starboard tack. |
| Pumping | Working the sail rhythmically to generate power, used to get onto a plane in marginal wind. |
| Rig | The sail, mast and boom assembled together, the engine of the whole setup. |
| Rudder | A steering blade at the stern, found on beginner and large boards. Most boards are steered by the sailor's stance instead. |
| Sail | The fabric surface that catches the wind. Sizes are quoted in square meters and chosen to suit the day. |
| Sheet in | Pulling the sail in toward the body, which adds power and speed. |
| Sheet out | Letting the sail out away from the body, which spills power and slows things down. |
| Slalom | The speed discipline, sailed on a downwind course around marks with large sails and fast boards. |
| Spin out | The fin losing grip so the tail slides sideways, usually caused by air pulled down the fin at speed. |
| Starboard tack | Sailing with the wind coming over the right side of the board. Starboard tack has right of way. |
| Tack | Turning the nose of the board through the wind to change direction, which is how a sailor works upwind. |
| Universal joint | The flexible link between mast foot and board that lets the rig tilt in any direction. |
| Uphaul | The rope used to pull the sail out of the water from a standing start on the board. |
| Waterstart | Getting back onto the board from the water by letting the sail lift you, rather than uphauling. |
| Wave sailing | The discipline of riding and jumping ocean waves under sail. |
| Windsurfer | The person sailing a board, and historically also the brand name of the first production board. |
| Windward | The side the wind is coming from, the opposite of leeward. Sailing windward means working toward the wind. |
#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.
FAQ
What is a windsurfer called?
A windsurfer, or a sailor. The word covers both the person and, historically, the equipment: Windsurfer was the brand name of the first mass-produced board, and the sport took its name from it.
What is it called when a windsurfer pulls the sail out of the water?
Uphauling. The sailor stands on the board and pulls on the uphaul rope until the rig comes clear of the water. Once a sailor can waterstart, the sail lifts them onto the board instead and uphauling is rarely needed.
What do you call the bar a windsurfer holds on to?
The boom. It wraps around the sail on both sides and attaches to the mast, and the sailor steers, sheets in and sheets out through it. The harness lines hook onto it as well.
What is it called when a windsurfer is thrown over the front of the board?
A catapult. The sail loads up suddenly, usually in a gust or when the fin loses grip, and the rig pulls the sailor forward over the nose.
What is it called when the board starts skimming across the water?
Planing. Below planing speed the board pushes water aside, and above it the board rides on the surface. The change is abrupt, the board goes quiet, and the acceleration that follows is the reason most people take up the sport.
What is the difference between a tack and a jibe in windsurfing?
In a tack the nose of the board passes through the wind, which is how a sailor works upwind. In a jibe, spelled gybe in British usage, the tail passes through the wind instead, turning from one downwind course to another. The jibe is faster and harder to hold.
They fall into three groups: the rig (mast, boom, sail, batten, downhaul, outhaul, universal joint), the board (fin, footstrap, daggerboard, mast foot) and the sailing itself (planing, tack, jibe, waterstart, spin out, overpowered). The windsurfing glossary above covers all of them.
What are some Windsurfing terms for beginners?
“Boom,” “Daggerboard,” and “Footstrap” are some Windsurfing terms beginners should start with. These refer to equipment parts essential for controlling the sail and balancing on the board.
What are some funny Windsurfing terms?
“Kicker” and “Gybe” are some funny Windsurfing terms, which can sound amusing outside the context of the sport. “Kicker” refers to a type of rope adjustment, and “Gybe” is a turn maneuver.
What is a famous Windsurfing phrase?
“Sheet in to go out” is a famous Windsurfing phrase, emphasizing the concept of pulling in the sail’s sheet (rope) to gain speed and sail effectively against the wind.
