Download our Windsurfing Booklet in PDF Format - Safety On The ...

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Master basic skillsBefore setting out on your board at an unfamiliar spot, you should possess sufficientskill to windsurf safely. This means a basic knowledge of wind and weather conditions,handling the board and rig, launching and landing, understanding tides, the ‘Rules of theRoad’, self-rescue techniques and maintenance of the board and fittings. The best sourcefor this information is an Irish Sailing Association teaching course. The ISAGo Winsurfing! scheme offers a comprehensive training programme foryouth and adult windsurfers, covering all levels of the sport. Forinformation on where to learn, call the ISA on 01 280 0239 or visittheir website at www.sailing.ieWhat to wearThe wetsuitGetting wet is half the fun ofwindsurfing, but unless you’re sailingat a warm-water location it also bringswith it attendant risks. Once wet youwill soon start getting cold. Even if itis baking hot on dry land, the effectsof cold water and wind chill mean itwill always be cooler when you'rewindsurfing.You will also becomecolder the longer you stay out.There are only a few days when you canwindsurf in Ireland without wearing awetsuit. Fortunately, with the rightwetsuit you can windsurf all day longeven in the depths of winter, suitablyprotected against the effects of wind chilland the possible onset of hypothermia.Suits come in different thicknesses andstitching styles for different conditions; a5mm thick suit with waterproof stitchingand taped seams would be ideal for36
winter use, whereas something much thinner (and cheaper!), will be fine for the summer.Other than getting the right suit for the conditions, the most important consideration is thesuit’s fit. The principle behind a wetsuit is that the neoprene traps a thin layer of waterwhich warms up to the temperature of your body. A close-fitting wetsuit that doesn't letcold water flush through every time you fall in will make a big difference to warmth andcomfort – a baggy wetsuit won't do the job. Try on several suits and sizes before you buy.The tight fit means the neoprene must stretch in the right places to provide maximumfreedom of movement. When trying on a wetsuit, bend and stretch in all directions toensure it is both tight fitting and you can move on the board.Modern neoprenes are light and supple, and additional laminate materials such as woventitanium allow thinner neoprene to maintain the same body heat. In general, the thickerthe neoprene the warmer, heavier and bulkier the suit will be. If you're still cold, aneoprene or pile thermal vest worn underneath will increase the wetsuit's thermalefficiency.Cheaper wetsuits are assembled usingoverlock stitching, which punctures theneoprene with hundreds of tiny holesthat let water through. These suits arefine for the summer, but unsuitable forwinter use. The more sophisticated andexpensive wetsuits use blindstitchingwhich only pierces one side of the edgeof the panel so water cannot getthrough. Seams can also be bonded andtaped with neoprene glue to produce acompletely watertight join.FlatlockBlindstitchLiquid weld7
Page 1 and 2: SEA SAFETY GUIDELINES
Page 3: Before you startPreparation is the
Page 8 and 9: Types of wetsuit■ The 'steamer' w
Page 10 and 11: Safety checkEquipment failure is on
Page 12 and 13: ■ A whistle and small waterproof
Page 14 and 15: The launch spotBefore you launch fr
Page 16 and 17: ■ buildings and other obstruction
Page 18 and 19: On the beachIn cold conditionsWind
Page 21 and 22: Be careful■ Don't windsurf miles
Page 23 and 24: Watch outIt is your responsibility
Page 25: Power gives way to sailIn theory an
Page 28 and 29: Most older boards have a towing eye
Page 30 and 31: First aidHaving a first aid kit in
Page 32 and 33: Drink and drugs - don't do it!Alcoh
Page 34 and 35: Marine Safety Working GroupThe aim

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