Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan

Land Session (2 hours)

 Safety and Hazards………………………………………………… 2  Club Policies………………………………………………………….. 2  Adequate Attire……………………………………………………... 2  Wind Forecast………………………………………………………... 3  Tides and Currents………………………………………………… 3  Wind Speed and Direction……………………………………… 3  Points of Sails………………………………………………………… 4  Right of Way…………………………………………………………… 4  UBC Sailing Club Windsurfing Fleets……………………… 5  Windsurfing Nomenclature……………………………………. 5

Water Sessions (6 hours)

 Choosing the Right Gear………………………………………… 9  Carrying the Gear………………………………………………….. 9  Uphauling and Getting Going………………………………… 10  Steering ………………………………………………………………… 11  Turning (Tacking)…………………………………………………. 13  Self­rescue……………….……………………………………………. 14

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 1 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

Land Session

Safety and Hazards

• Always wear a life jacket and a whistle. This is a coast guard requirement and non‐ compliance can lead to loss of privileges. • Check the tidal currents and the forecast before you go out. The forecast board at the Jericho office is updated daily. • Check the condition of your equipment before you go out. • Make sure you can handle the conditions and know the sea stages. • Stay well clear of the rocks at the East edge of the beach and the wharf at the West end. • Jericho beach was once a navy air base, and there is hidden debris and abandoned structure buried under the beach. At very low tides, watch for posts, cement, and steel debris. • The shipping lane is off‐limits to L1 sailors. By law, you are only allowed to proceed in a straight line through the shipping lane. L1 sailors should stay within the buoys.

Club Policies

• You may be responsible for damage in 15 knots or greater, regardless of fault. • Report damage on the white board in the club room. • Sign out the board and the sail in the club room. L1 or L2 for both board and sail to indicate what gear you plan on using. This log is consulted by Jericho Rescue in the case of a missing sailor/windsurfer and also provides the club with feedback on what gear is being used. Non‐compliance can lead to loss of privileges. • On a busy day, you must share the gear. Go out for maximum 2h or take turns with someone else. • Wetsuits are mandatory from October 1st to June 1st. • Wash/rinse gear before storage and do not drag the gear. Treat equipment as if it was yours. • Guests cannot use the windsurfing equipment. • There are three levels of windsurfing in the UBC Sailing Club. L1 members can navigate safely in low wind conditions while L2 members can use a harness and handle large sails. Progression is based on ability. L3 members can waterstart, plane comfortably, and are able to rig sails. Access to high‐wind windsurfing gear that can be taken on windsurfing trips can be granted based on ability and participation in work parties.

Adequate Attire

• Wear proper attire, meaning a wetsuit. Good deals are available through the UBC Sailing Club, at MEC, or ask for a club discount at Air Time. A 3/2mm wetsuit is fine for summer months but a 4/3 mm or thicker is recommended for the rest of the year.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 2 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

• Gloves, booties and a hoodie can be necessary in colder months. • Wear a helmet for head protection. • Booties can minimize slipping on the board but bare feet can provide a better feel. • It is better to over dress than under dress to avoid hypothermia.

Wind Forecast

• Current wind conditions are available on www.jerichowind.com. • Wind forecast is available from Sail Flow (www.sailflow.com), Big Wave Dave Wind (www.bigwavedave.ca) Georgia Straight/Vancouver Forecast (www.weatheroffice.gc.ca), and Windguru (www.windguru.com). • Vancouver windsurfing addicts get excited when wind comes in and it is worth checking their website (www.thewindsurfer.com and www.ubcsailing.org).

Tides and Currents

• High and low tides times are available from www.jerichowind.com or on the Jericho board. • Do not leave equipment too close to water when the tide is coming up. It might end up floating in the ocean. • Tides can give rise to strong tidal currents. • At Jericho, tides near the rocks close to shore can be very strong. It is better to tack upwind further away from shore when you're trying to get back. • Always be aware of the currents as they act as significant forces on your board. There are many types of currents. In English Bay, the major current is from the tides. You can look for a wake behind the orange buoys. If you see a small motorboat‐style wake, the currents are very large.

Wind Speed and Direction

• Always know where the wind comes from. Some indicators are flags, anemometer, sails, etc. • You can read the actual wind speed from the meter on the North‐East corner of the building. • The wind speed is often significantly greater off‐shore, and the meter is only an approximate measure. Make sure you know the sea stages. • 1 knot = 1.852 km/h • Sailing upwind means going towards where the wind comes from. • Sailing downwind means going in the same direction as the wind. • Windward is the side of the board that wind reaches first. • Leeward is the side of the board opposite to where the wind is coming from.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 3 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

Points of Sails

• “Heading up” or “turning the board upwind” means turning the front of the board towards the wind. • “Bearing away” or “turning the board downwind” means turning the front of the board away from the wind.

(Source: http://www.photographers1.com/Sailing/NauticalTerms&Nomenclature.html)

Right of Way

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 4 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

• When you have right of way, it means you can hold your course and it is the other boat's responsibility to change course. Hold a steady course so they can steer clear. • A sailor on starboard tack (circle 1) has right‐of‐way over a sailor on port tack. • In windsurfing, right hand forward equals right of way. • A leeward (downwind) boat (circle 2) has right‐of‐way over a windward (upwind). • An overtaking boat must keep clear of the boat being overtaken (circle 3). • Downed sailor has right‐of‐way over sailor underway. • Do not insist on your right‐of‐way if it means a collision. You are obligated by law to avoid a collision even if you have the right‐of‐way. • Courtesy rule: Give plenty of room to novice sailors. • Freighters do not stop. Get out of their way!

UBC Sailing Club Windsurfing Fleets

Level 1 Windsurfing Fleet

• Beginner boards have wide‐style and offer a lot of flotation and stability for those learning the basics of windsurfing. • L1 sails are yellow and range from ~3.0‐6.2 m2. They are made of resistant Dacron.

Level 2 Windsurfing Fleet

• Slightly more performance‐oriented, intermediate boards are constructed of lighter material and are designed to go faster than our beginner boards. These boards are a great way to further develop skills learned on the beginner boards, and at the same time enjoy a faster windsurfing experience. • The L2 windsurfing fleet also includes stand‐up paddling boards. • L2 sails are high‐performance x‐ply and monofilm and come in a variety of colours. Sails range from ~5.5‐9.5 m2.

High­Wind Windsurfing Fleet

• High‐wind boards are normally sub 120L. These boards can be taken to high wind locations such as Squamish, Nitinat Lake and Hood River. • Sails range from ~2.7‐7.5 m2 and can be taken to high‐wind locations.

Windsurfing Nomenclature APPARENT WIND: The direction of the wind as a combination of the actual wind direction and the motion of the board. BACKWIND: To hold the sail to the side to cause the wind to blow onto the backside of the sail. BATTENS: Stiffeners that run across the sail to help give it shape. These vary in length, depending on the design of the sail.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 5 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

BEAM REACH: Point of sailing when the wind is blowing 90 degrees to the centerline of the board. BEARING OFF/AWAY: To turn the front of the board away from the wind. BEAT: To sail towards the direction from which the wind blows by making a series of tacks while sailing close‐hauled. BOOM: Wishbone‐shaped assembly which is used to support the sail and control the rig. CENTRE BOARD: The large fin that fits through the middle of the board and pivots either up or down to control the lateral resistance. CENTER OF EFFORT: Center point of sail area where all the force of the wind is centered.

CENTER OF LATERAL RESISTANCE: Point at which all of the sideways motion of the board may be thought to be concentrated. On the boards that have centerboards, it is approximately at the centerboard. CLAMP: A device attaching to the front end of the boom to the mast. CLEAT: Fitting used to fasten the end of a rope without using knots.

CLEW: The corner of the sail attached to the outboard end of the boom. CLOSE REACH: Point of sailing when the wind is blowing 50‐90 degrees to the centerline of the board. DOWNHAUL: Rope that is used to pull the sail down to the bottom of the mast. This is also the act of tensioning the sail by using this rope.

FOOT: The bottom edge of the sail. FOOT BATTEN: The batten that is used to stiffen the bottom edge of the sail. FOOTSTRAP: A detachable strap that is used to keep your feet in touch with the board in strong winds. GYBE: To turn the back of the board through the wind.

HARNESS: An energy‐saving device used in stronger winds to take some strain. HARNESS LINES: Lines attached to the boom that hook onto the harness. HEADING UP: Turning closer to the wind, up wind. INSHORE: Toward the shore.

LEEWARD: The direction away from the wind (opposite of WINDWARD)

LUFF: Front edge of the sail comprising of the mast sleeve.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 6 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

MAST FOOT: Assembly at the bottom of the mast attaching the rig to the board, which also includes the universal joint that is critical to the sailboard design. MAST: The vertical pole or spar that supports the boom and sails. MAST TRACK: Adjustable track on the top of the board that carries the mast foot assembly. NO GO ZONE: Areas 50 degrees on either side of the wind into which the board cannot possibly be sailed because all power is lost. OFFSHORE WIND: Wind blowing off the land and onto water.

ONSHORE WIND: Wind blowing off the water and onto land. OUTHAUL: Rope used to attach the sail to the outboard end of the boom. PLANE: When a board rises up on its own bow wave and reaches speeds far in excess of those normally associated with its waterline length. PORT: The left‐hand side of the board as you face the bow. RIG: Assembly consisting of the sail, mast, mast foot, and boom.

SHEET IN: A process when one pulls the sail with the back hand on the boom in order to increase the power.

SHEET OUT: Easing out the sail with the back hand to reduce power. STARBOARD: The right‐hand side of the board when facing the bow. STERN: The back of a board TACK: To change the course of the boat by heading the bow through the eye of the wind.

UPHAUL: Thick rope used to pull the sail up out of the water. UPWIND: In the direction from which the wind is coming. A boat sailing upwind is sailing toward the wind. WINDWARD: The direction from which the wind is coming.

(Adapted from http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/4444/windeng.html and http://www.wetdawg.com/pages/wind_tips_display.php?t=202&c=45)

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 7 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 8 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

Water Sessions

Choosing the Right Gear

• Know the conditions before you go out.

• The volume of the board provides flotation and stability. The heavier you are, the bigger is the volume needed to keep the board floating. Smaller boards tend to provide more speed and flexibility.

• Long boards are faster in sub‐planing conditions, but less stable and harder to steer.

• Wide boards are slower in sub‐planing conditions, but more stable and easier to steer. Wide boards are harder to point up wind.

• The size of the sail depends on your weight, your abilities, and most importantly, wind conditions. A larger sail will provide power and speed in low winds while a smaller sail is flexible and easy to maneuver in high‐wind conditions.

• The boom should be at shoulder height. To reduce wear and tear of the boom head always release the outhaul before adjusting boom height.

Carrying the Gear

• Carry the board to the beach first, then the sail. This will prevent the sail from flying away.

• Extend the centreboard and carry the board holding the centreboard handle and the centreboard blade.

• Carry the sail to the board, always keeping the luff and mast foot pointed into the wind.

• Attach the sail to the board. Walk into the water backwards. Grab the back of the board or the fin with one hand and the sail with the other. Slide the board into the water by dragging the nose.

• Probably 90% of damage happens on the land. Please be careful with the gear. • Do not bring the gear on to the rocks.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 9 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

• When there is a significant amount of debris, do not drag the board or sail over the rocks. • When you advance to L2, we will teach you how to carry the gear into the water without dragging the board. • At the end of your session, clean your sail and board thoroughly to remove salt and sand. First wash them in the ocean to remove excess sand and then rinse with fresh water.

(Adapted from http://www.start­windsurfing.com/fr_start.htm)

Uphauling and Getting Going

• Approach the board from the opposite side to the rig and haul yourself out of the water with your hands on the CENTRELINE.

• Establish the wind direction and with your knees on the CENTRELINE grasp the uphaul rope. Uphaul with the wind in your back.

• Keep hold of the uphaul and get to your feet, on the CENTRELINE. With bent knees and straight arms lift the rig from the water using your legs and then working hand over hand. Let your board rotate 90º to the wind as soon as the sail is partly out of the water.

• Reach out for the mast and grab it with both hands below the boom, this is the SECURE POSITION. Your knees should be bent with extended arms and the rig flagging downwind, away from you, with your head LOOKING FORWARD

• Take your backhand off the mast and place by your side.

• Step back along the CENTRELINE with your back foot. Front arm remains extended and in front of you. LOOK FORWARD.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 10 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

• Move your front foot back and turn it and your shoulders to face forwards.

• Draw the rig across your body with an extended front arm to the BALANCE POINT.

• Get ready for the power by bending your back leg, to lower your hips, and then place your back hand on the boom.

• When comfortable place your front hand on the boom. Well done you are now in the sailing position.

(Adapted from http://www.boardseekermag.com/technique/beginner/getting_going/getting­going.html)

Steering

Turning Upwind

• This is the sailing position with the head looking forwards and the rig away.

• To turn upwind, first look upwind and then draw the rig across the body. The back arm will extend and your weight will be sinking and moving onto the back foot.

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 11 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

• In order to scissor the board, push with the back foot and pull with the front foot. The rig is away as it moves back with the body moving forwards, in the opposite direction.

Turning Downwind

• To turn downwind, begin to draw the rig across your body. Turn your head to look downwind.

• As the rig comes across and moves forwards, the body moves backwards away from the rig. This helps to control the power. The back hand also moves down the boom to assist with pulling the sail in (moving the back hand down the boom gives more leverage and makes pulling the sail in much easier).

• Get low and scissor the board by pushing with the extended front leg and pulling with a bent back leg.

• You are now facing almost dead downwind on a RUN. Ease the backhand out to keep the sail trimmed. You will now be looking to resume your original direction across the wind.

(Adapted from http://www.boardseekermag.com/technique/beginner/steering/steering­v2.html)

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 12 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

Turning (Tacking)

• From a good stance looking forwards and slightly upwind, begin to steer towards the wind.

• As the board heads into the wind, slide the front hand up the boom in preparation for dropping it onto the mast below the boom. Lower your bodyweight and look upwind.

• The front hand drops onto the mast as the rig rakes back towards the tail. Place your front foot forward, in front and wrapped around the mast foot.

• The rig is now moving back to create space and the body is moving forward. Steer the board through the wind by looking into the wind and scissoring the board, pushing with the back foot and pulling with the front foot.

• The nose of the board is now head to wind and both feet are forward, close to the mast foot with both hands on the mast below the boom. The board will continue to turn towards the new direction by swinging the rig around the back of the board and towards the nose.

• Keep swinging the rig towards the nose, keeping the knees bent and arms straight, until you are in the secure position. You will now be looking forward to aid bearing the board away.

• You are now in the secure position with the board across the wind and ready to sail across the wind once more.

• So look forward, bring the rig to the balance point, anticipate the power and get down and move towards the sailing position.

(Adapted from http://www.boardseekermag.com/technique/beginner/the_tack/tack­basic.html and http://www.start­windsurfing.com/fr_start.htm)

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 13 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10

Self­rescue If the wind dies:

• Lay the rig on the tail of the board, keep the sail out of the water; mast into the wind, lay flat on the board with feet on sail for balance. Paddle to safety.

If you find yourself getting caught downwind:

• Stop being stubborn and sail towards the shore. Only your ego will get hurt if you have to walk back to Jericho from Kits beach!

If you find yourself in trouble:

• Don't panic • Stay with your board • Conserve your energy • Relax • Let Jericho rescue help you if you need it. Your energy level will only go down if you keep fighting to get back to shore by yourself. • The international distress signal is to wave your arms up and down at your sides, shoulders to waist. • Blowing a whistle means you need help. • Calmly touching the top of your head with one or both hands is the sign for “Are you okay?” and the response “I'm okay.”

Have Fun!

Level 1 Windsurfing Lesson Plan 14 Version 2.0 Last Update: 15­Apr­10