When you watch windsurfers speeding along and turning on what seems like a knife-edge, you’d be excused for thinking that it’s best left to the pros. But whatever your age, fitness level or ability, windsurfing is open to all as long as they can swim and have no fear of the water.

Windsurfing is more about technique than strength, so women and children can learn just as easily as men, but windsurfing does work many of the major muscle groups, so it can keep you in good shape.

Windsurfing works both the lower and upper body. When you windsurf, your legs are essentially in a half-squat position. When the wind drops off, you stand more upright, and then return to the half-squat position as the wind strengthens. This up and down movement works the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings.

The upper body also gets a workout from windsurfing. Trimming the sail uses muscle sets in the arms and back, and once sailing the muscles of the upper back are the prime muscles used to prevent the sail getting thrown into the water.

When compared with other water sports, windsurfing is easier than ever to learn, with improved kit and instruction all helping make the task of learning easier. The new lighter-weight boards and rigs are easier to carry and manage on the water. A good instructor using specialized training gear should have you gliding across the water in no time.

The easiest way to get started in windsurfing is take lessons from a professional and certified sailing school. Their instruction combined with specialized beginner equipment should bring success with just of few hours of lesson time.

To find out more contact:

US Windsurfing Association

421 79th Avenue

St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Phone: 877-386-8708

Email: info@uswindsurfing.org

www.uswindsurfing.org/