Beach Start
Beginner
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1031 riders can do it
Starting from the shallow, just over knee depth, water.
How do it
If you're steady on the board and have covered going downwind and upwind, try the beach start. Without it it’s impossible to sail on boards of smaller volume.
1.
Go knee deep into the water, lower the dagger halfway, place the mast across the board with the sail downwind.
2.
Grab the mast above the boom with your front arm and, holding it straight, slowly raise the sail over your head, bringing it windward. Your head should end up at the center of the sail. Lower your elbows. Keep the sail neutral, don’t pull in your front arm. If the nose starts turning upwind, push the mast forward with your front arm. If the board starts turning downwind, pull it towards you with your front arm. The nose of the board should be across to the wind.
3.
Take your front hand off the mast and onto the boom, holding your back arm at a little over shoulder width. Place your back leg in the center of the board and begin to gradually pull the board underneath you. Push the closed sail forward and shift your weight forward. Step towards the mast foot with your front leg, leaning into the board with your back leg. Continue pushing the sail forward, lean back overboard, dig in your legs and begin sailing.