The 5m windsurf wave sail is a pivotal size in the world of wave sailing, where performance and versatility converge. These sails sit at the heart of wave sailing design, offering a perfect blend of power, control, and manoeuvrability. When the breeze kicks in and the waves start to pump, the 5m sail is often the go-to choice for riders looking to unlock the full potential of their skills and equipment.
The 5m sail is widely considered the point where wave riding truly comes alive. Larger sails, while powerful in light wind conditions, often feel cumbersome in stronger winds and tight wave situations. Conversely, smaller sails lack the necessary drive in moderate conditions, especially for generating speed to catch waves. The 5m sail strikes a perfect balance; it provides enough power to accelerate through sections and carve deep bottom turns, yet it is also small enough to feel light and agile in the hands. This size gives riders the confidence to engage in radical manoeuvres, from smooth cutbacks to dynamic aerials, even as the wind picks up.
This story is from the Issue 440 - January/February 2025 edition of Windsurf.
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This story is from the Issue 440 - January/February 2025 edition of Windsurf.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New School
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THE LAST WAVE
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.
STILL IN THE GAME
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!
MOVE ON UP - GET ON THE FRONT FOOT
This month we look at how our front foot weighting can affect and improve different aspects of our main windsurfing moves.
SOUTH' KIPA
Nik tweaking it over home waters.
A NEW NORMAL
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.
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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REDEMPTION DAY!
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!
