The Kit Factor

However good and versatile kit is these days, bad choices are still the number one barrier to progress. Peter Hart offers some prime examples.

- Peter Hart

At the end of each teaching week I place myself before a review board of stern faced directors (me) to see how I’ve faired. Unsurprisingly I’m given a certificate of excellence, a case of Chardonnay and told to go on a week’s holiday – ah the joys of being answerable to no one.

In all seriousness, I do take notes and what interests me are what factors are most influential in helping people achieve success. In general terms, those who are fitter and not overweight tend to put in more hours and hence drill the moves more than those who are struggling for breath after the first 20 minute session. There is also no substitute for good old-fashioned resilience – both mental and physical. However, the fit have bad sessions and the unfit have good ones – or sometimes just good half hours. Why? The windsurfing performance pie is made up of many ingredients. But the one that has always exerted the greatest influence continues to be kit – the choice and tuning thereof.

One skill a lifetime of hanging around a beach has given me is the ability to watch someone stride towards the water and state: “given what you’re trying to achieve – a water start, loop, duck gybe or 40 knots … whatever – your chosen equipment and setup are absolutely going to work / give you no chance.” I apologise for the crass analogy – but if you’re attempting to break a running personal best with a stone in your ill-fitting trainers, are you concentrating on technique and breathing? No. Your focus is totally diverted by the pain in your sole. Such is the plight of many windsurfers as they challenge a move. How can they focus on technique and skill if they’re fighting the kit?