How to do a basic tack on a wing sup surfing board

You need to learn to tack as this will help to maintain your position on the water

Tacking or the tack is when you turn the board into the wind, before heading off on the new direction. This keeps you upwind compared to losing ground downwind.

Our step by step guide to taking is going to help you to understand the benefits of tacking as well as the steps that will help you to achieve it.  There is also a video showing one of our lessons in Chichester Harbour taking a sailor through the movements.

Preparation for the tack

Equipment

1. Wing: When you’re learning to wing, the worst thing is having a wing that is too big and hard to handle. When we teach we use slightly smaller wings so handling is easy and manouverability is optimised.
2. Board: When learning you need a board with plenty of volume that isn’t tippy. This will make it so much easier to sail and turn, giving you time to make the transitions.

Conditions

• Wind: The best conditions are stable winds around 12mph or so. If it is too gusty, you will find yourself being pulled around, so make it easier on yourself.
• Water: Practising on flat water means you only have to focus on sailing and not coping with any chop or waves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tacking

Step 1: Approach

1. Speed Is Your Friend: Make sure your board  has some momentum before moving into the tack. You’re going to need speed so the board can carry itself around the turn and through the eye of the wind.
2. Position: Don’t pull in too hard with the back hand as it can stall the wing.  Put you chin on your upwind shoulder and look hard upwind as this helps to turn the shoulders and hips which will assist in maintaining power and drive through the turn.

Step 2: Initiate the Turn

1. Lean Back And Look Out: When I say lean out, it is very subtle as you don’t want to shift your weight and put the brakes on. As you lean out if is more  by raising your chin and looking out through the turn which will push your shoulders out.
2. Wing Position: To head into the wind, drive your hand back and slightly above you as this sends the board upwind.

Step 3: The Turn

1. Pointing High and Through The Wind: With enough momentum, you will have got the board through the wind, but now it will stall, so you need to move fast.
2. Wing Transition: The quick switch of hands and wing position will see you throwing the wing up high and over your head in reverse using the front handle. Don’t grab the wing on the new side too quickly as it could pull you off.

Step 4: Complete the Tack

1. Foot Switch: Once the hand and wing switch has happened over the head, you need to switch the feet. Jumping through the switch can help maintain balance and keep the board trimmed.
2. Power Up: Once the feet have been switched you can power up again, but do this gradually and remember to only hang 2 fingers over the handle of your back hand.

Tips for Successful Tacking

1. Practice Balance: Because you will be in a contorted stance and not holding onto the wing under power, you need to get comfortable with just standing and using a centralised position to stay balanced.
2. Timing: Timing is critical. Practice the sequence of movements until they become smooth and automatic.
3. Stay Relaxed: Stay relaxed and flexible throughout as this will help the flow of movements.
4. Patience: Tacking is hard, so practice and look for good conditions to keep working on it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Rushing: Trying to tack too quickly can lead to loss of balance. Take your time to execute each step smoothly.
2. Incorrect Wing Angle: Keeping the wing at the wrong angle can cause loss of power or imbalance. Practice maintaining the correct wing position throughout the tack.
3. Inconsistent Speed: Losing speed during the tack can make the board unstable. Ensure you have enough momentum before initiating the turn.

Conclusion

Being able to tack is a useful skill, but ultimately, it is just one of many skills you need to learn, so don’t get hung up on it if at first you don’t get it.