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Windsurfing was first invented by a 12 year old boy. It involves skimming over water powered by the wind on a small board with a flexible sail attached. Windsurfing has been an Olympic Sport since 1984.

Popularity
Windsurfing took off in the 1980s but experienced a decline due to the equipment getting increasingly difficult to use. However, this has now changed and windsurfing has gained a new lease of life as beginner-friendly equipment has been introduced

Location
Windsurfing is normally an outdoor sport. However, a recent occurance is indoor windsurfing which allows it to take place during the winter months. Powerful fans are used to mimic the wind and enable competitions such as racing and jumping.

Age
There is no restriction on age but as this is a physical sport some level of strength is required. Windsurfing can be started at a very early age with small lightweight versions of a board and sail available.

Ability
There are no professional qualifications required to windsurf. Windsurfing can be a very relaxed or a high adrenalin sport where some level of fitness, strength and determination is required.

Description
Windsurfing can lead to an interest in other similar water sports such as surfing. There are also various disciplines within windsurfing such as slalom (a race in a figure of 8 course), speed sailing (a straight course) or freestyle (includes use of stunt and creativity).

Dedication
This can be a casual sport, but to get the most out of it and to increase ability it is recommended to take regular lessons to enable you to grasp the basics and learn increasingly difficult maneouvres and stunts. As windsurfing is an outdoor sport it is generally based throughout the summer but with the introduction of indoor windsurfing it can be carried on throughout the year.

Potential
Windsurfing can be undertaken purely for personal satisfaction, but there are competitions held for the various disciplines throughout the year.

Closely Related Activities
As windsurfing is a sport on water this can also lead to an interest in surfing, sailing, yachting or canoeing.

Further Reading
There are various websites available such as UK Windsurfing Association and Boards Online. There are also magazines eg Boards available in the shops.

Cost
The cost of taking up windsurfing depends on how dedicated you wish to be. If you join a centre you can hire the equipment. If you are buying your own equipment as well as the board and sail you will need a wetsuit, buoyancy aids, roof rack and insurance. The costs of boards can range from ?99.00 for a second hand one to ?700.00 for a top of the range board.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.