Learning windsurfing , especially for beginners is intense and this is just the beginning of your windsurfing journey, so we like to use land based simulators as they are safe, easy to work and demonstrate the principles of windsurfing, without ever getting wet.
In this guide, we’ll explore how beginners can benefit from simulators, the types available, how to integrate them into lessons, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
What Is a Windsurfing Simulator?
A windsurfing simulator is a land-based setup that mimics board movement and sail handling, even without wind.
The concept is simple – a platform that you can sit the board on, that rotates around a central pivot point, a bit like a turntable.
Over the years different designs have been developed, with metal tripods, large pillows full of beads as well as more elaborate railway tracks going down a hill that allowed you to simulate doing a carve gybe.
Why Use a Simulator as a Beginner?
The thing with windsurfing is you need to learn a lot of things very quickly as they are all related. When we use a simulator, it means we can take out the water element and just focus on movements which really helps to focus your efforts on.
You will learn a lot about the general things that relate to windsurfing, like wind, how sails and boards work and how the body movements affect everything. We will have you:
- Watching and copying the instructor when doing micro learning phases as I call them.
- Repeating small movements, time and time again, without the need to get wet and tired, which helps develop muscle memory.
- It takes out the worry for some people, who are a bit nervous of water.
- We can stop movements mid way through and really focus on the detail, also allowing us to show how and when things go wrong.
- We can discuss topics like wind direction, sheeting in and sheeting out, uphauling, posture, and stance, again without getting wet and more importantly we can repeat the process in a talk and try session.
Types & DIY Simulator Options
I’ve seen many designs such as the board on the floor with a rop on the nose, that is pulled around to simulate how a board may turn. The problem here is the person really isn’t feeling the actual result of their actions.
Turntable style setups is what we use in the school, which is a base platform on the floor that gives ample stability. On top of that is a large disc with holes drilled around it and in each hole is a golf ball. On top of that we then have another platform and two beams onto which you strap the board. This setup really works well as it turns easily based on the sailors movements alone, can tilt if the sailor steps too far back, but is easily controlled and safe.
Best Practice: Combining Simulator and Water Training
Having a simulator massively improves how a student relates to the movements that we demonstrate for moves such as tacking, gybing, general stance and all round board and rig control.
We’ve found that using a simulator allows the student and instructor to connect words and commands to actual movements, so when we say things like “rig back” when tacking they know exactly what this relatively simple movement needs to be.
We spend time working on skills, basic movements and drills, associated to trigger words, so the student finds it easier to relate movements and actions when on the water.
That said, the simulator is only able to demonstrate one side of a movement, which can often feel quite different when you’re afloat, so time on land is just the beginning of the learning journey, but a very valuable one.
Limitations & Mistakes to Avoid
What you feel underfoot on the simulator is not the same as what you feel on the water, so we’re keen to get you on the water quickly.
We don’t waste time going over the basics as we have developed our own routines that work on the most important key points for total beginner to advancing windsurfer.
We’ve really tuned our simulator so it can be adapted to help students get what they need from it. It has friction controls to slow the turn down and is well balanced so any board can be put on it and used.
Sample Lesson
Land based theory – for beginners we discuss how wind works, the directions and how it work relative to a windsurf sail.
Simulator drills – starting with uphauling and the secure position we demostrate how to uphaul and develop what is a really basic movement into something more balanced and stable, which then merges into a strong sailing position.
Water based drills and – Uphaul, Sailing, Steering, Gybing and Tacking.
Review, Repeat and Adapt – Analyze progress, refine and adapt technique, return to drills.
Our WindTro windsurfing lessons that run at Bracklesham Bay and Prinsted, uses a simulator for beginners as does on beginners windsurfing lessons.
Learning to gybe on a simulator
We can do everything on a simulator from uphuling, balancing the rig, steering, tacking and gybing.
This next sequence shows just how useful the simulator is for performing a basic gybe with a faster transition to the new direction of sailing.
If we follow step by step you can see I am:
1) in a comfortable sailing stance
2) drive the rig forwards whilst dropping down through the knees and extending the arms forward, so as not to get pulled off balance. Note how I have widened my grip putting my back hand far down the boom to help get better control of the rig.
3) the board bears away from the wind.
4) as the board heads downwind I change stance to side by side feet.
5) on a downwind run, I drive the rig over to my right side, which drives the board through the turn.
6) on the new side I switch my feet to the new sailing side and switch my hands to the new side of the boom.
The sequence took just a few seconds to perform and the goal is to make it as smooth as possible. Focussing on control, stance and position on the board. Once we’ve cracked this on the simulator your efforts on the water will be a lot easier.
Conclusion
A windsurfing simulator is a powerful tool for beginners – offering controlled practice, safety, and confidence building. Used in tandem with water based lessons, simulators can accelerate progress and make early experiences more enjoyable.
Whether DIY or professionally made, pairing land-based practice with real-world sailing is a proven win for new windsurfers.
