Lets kill some generally accepted ideas, and hide those which are established

Windsurf is expensive

Yes, and no. It is a sport of equipment. Then, you need to get a minimum stuff. And buy brand new equipment means at last 1000 euros. It is however possible to equip itself with second-hand for 300 in 450€, clothing included. It is more expensive than the football, but it is comparable to cyclism, golf, dive or the practice of a musical instrument and it is downright proletarian's sport when we compare it with motor sports (motorcycle, karting, plane, parachuting, etc.).

Then, the main expenses are bound to the road trips if you live far from the sea.

Windsurf is a sport for those who live close to the sea

Yes, and no. For sure, if you live in Barcarès or Pont-Mahé, it is better. But far away from sea, we find enough lakes to learn and practice between the holidays. Visit Windsurf on flat water to convince you of it. Later, there are solutions of car sharing as KIFF to organize trips from time to time.

Or under Mediterranean climates.

No. Equipped well, we do not suffer from the cold. There are windsurfers in Canada, in Ireland, and in Sweden who know conditions fresher than our. Consult the advice on the clothing.

The windsurf is for the guys that looks like Patrick Swayze.

No. It is the windsurfer who decides on efforts on the board, whether it is in intensity (drive of the sail) or in duration (time of the session). The muscle structure comes alone, according to the practice, although you decided to have a practice regularly. A 10-12 year old child can begin windsurf with no problem at all , assuming that the size of the sail is adapted (Windbase note: some "begin" even at about 6 years ). Furthermore, to be a light one is an advantage because the slightest breath of air makes you rush into planning while heavyweight ones remain Scotch-taped on the spot.

Windsurf is haaaaaaaaaaard

Yes and not. It is effectively necessary to give itself a little of efforts to learn, but the satisfaction that we have to see progressi is important. It is moreover something good in this sport, we always have something to learn.

Windsurf is super-technical

Yes and not. The learning is 10 % of theory and 90 % of practice. It is necessary to apply at first to make the movements correctly and these become rather quickly instinctive. I compare again with skiing: press on the left leg to turn to the right is not natural but quickly becomes an acquired reflex. To tip over his sail to turn in or against the wind, it is the same thin.

Windsurfing needs lot of space at home and to drive a pick-up.

Safe for those who rent the equipment, car seems to be indispensable. On the other hand, not need to have a Renault Espace or a VW Combi. I have a VW polo and its enough. Really.And its enough too to stay under the 130km / hour approved by the policemens. A page is dedicated to this subject.

Some people makes the same with a bike:



The storage can be more problematic. For those who have no garage or a cellar, certain bases of watersports (Jablines or Cergy, for example) propose drawers for the year. That can also be ornamental above the TV.

Mobidique also proposes us an installation with its belts of transport for a minimum of dimensions:

I don't like windsurf.

Try scrabble.