THE FIRST FREERIDE GYBE GIVING YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE
Windsurf|Issue 435 - July 2024
In the first of a two parter, Harty proposes the kit, conditions and general knowledge that are most likely to bring early gybing success and consistency.
Peter Hart
THE FIRST FREERIDE GYBE GIVING YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE

Sean stormed in with a level of speed and energy that quite frankly made the Duracell Bunny look something of a sedentary slob. He then leant into his 50th carve gybe attempt of the day, which sadly ended like the other 49, in a violent explosion.

Sean wasn't on a course. Generally I don't like to step in all-knowing and offer advice when it's not invited - but for his own well-being I felt I had to point out, given his weight, the conditions and his choice of kit, that what he was attempting was virtually impossible. More about Sean later.

IT'S ALL IN THE PLANNING

We often talk these days about the problem of information overload approaching a move with so many tips (thank you YouTube) swirling around in the cerebellum that we get brain freeze, try to take charge of our bodies and hence move like a sloth stuck in quick-setting cement.

What we talk about less with regards to the good old gybe, is information underload.

During the move itself, indeed you want a clear head and to be thinking less and feeling more. But in the lead up to those attempts, chances of success increase hugely if you've done a little research and understand the mechanics of how, for example, a board turns when on and off the plane.

How the design and size of the kit influence your approach and possibilities; and how much wind, power and speed are ideal for a happy outcome. With that theoretical foundation you can figure out basic problems like:

  • Why sometimes does the board not turn when you apply foot pressure?

  • Why does it turn a little way and then trip and stall mid arc?

  • Why can't you can't control the power?

  • And why, on some occasions... as with Sean above, are you truly flogging a dead horse.

GYBING MECHANICS

Denne historien er fra Issue 435 - July 2024-utgaven av Windsurf.

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Denne historien er fra Issue 435 - July 2024-utgaven av Windsurf.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WINDSURFSe alt
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Slingshot’s windsurfing brand manager, Wyatt Miller, has noticed that kids are drawn to playing with wings and puts forward an interesting case as to why he thinks this could help entice them and others into windsurfing.

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Issue 396 - August 2020
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Wave sailor Flo Jung reflects on our changed world during his lockdown in Germany.

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Issue 396 - August 2020
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Lockdown stirred the creative juices of reader Björn Alfthan, who peers into the future to present a fictional story set in the wild waves of Norway, five years from now.

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Issue 396 - August 2020
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After a horrific fracture in his leg from a crashed aerial in 2018, Alessio Stillrich is back! John Carter talks to the highflyer from Gran Canaria about his move to the Simmer team, recovering from injury and how he learned to windsurf in Gran Canaria!

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Issue 396 - August 2020
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Issue 396 - August 2020
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Nik tweaking it over home waters.

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On a trip to La Tranche-sur-Mer in France last year, Tris Best estimated over 80% of the windsurfers were foiling. This summer in Portland Harbour, foiling activity has increased dramatically too he reports. With the market offering plenty of choice to recreational windfoilers, our test team check out some of the latest foil offerings.

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Issue 396 - August 2020
TACKING – THE SEQUEL
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TACKING – THE SEQUEL

Having given you time to practice, Harty concludes his tacking series by critiquing various tacking options, including the carve tack, as well as offering solutions to common slip-ups.

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Issue 396 - August 2020
‘NO VAPOUR TRAILS TO SCAR THE SKY' *
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Issue 396 - August 2020
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Renowned for its windsurfing and variety of spots to sail at, Kimmerdige Bay is a wave sailing jewel on the south coast of England. Timo Mullen gives a guide to its shores while reflecting on why a recent session there was a reminder that there is no place like home!

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Issue 396 - August 2020