Basic windsurfing safety tips.

Windsurfing is not as hard as it may seem. All you need to do is get the basics right and follow some safety steps. After you are done shopping for your windsurfing equipments and the Must-Have accessories, it's time to glance at the safety tips.

'Better safe than sorry' applies almost everywhere, windsurfing included. The basic safety measures prior to windsurfing, is all it takes to ensure your adventure to be fun-filled and worth remembering.



Safety Tips Before Windsurfing:
Checking the equipment: Conduct a thorough check of your surfboard and sail for any damages, cracks, tear etc. that might pose to be a danger while sailing. If there is any problem with the equipment, get it fixed as soon as possible.
Local knowledge: Survey the area where you want to windsurf. Do some research by exploring around or talking to windsurfers, who have been surfing for a while in that area. Also, you should know:

The water conditions like tides, currents etc. and water temperature
A nearby windsurf repair shop
Whom to contact in case of an emergency.
Sail with a friend: If you are a beginner, it is best to sail with someone and not risk sailing alone. Sailing in numbers will not only help during an emergency situation, but you can also observe others performing a trick or two. Also let someone know your whereabouts and the approximate time of return.

Rules and regulations: Do check the rules of the area and follow it to stay out of trouble. Never try to flout the rules. They are for your own safety as well as that of others.

Dehydration: Drink plenty of water before you start windsurfing. Know the fact that dehydration rate is higher while near seas or oceans. Consume an ample amount of water to keep you well hydrated, and to prevent nausea.



Safety Tips During Windsurfing:
Sail slow: To avoid colliding with other sailors, sail slowly near the shores. Do not rush as it may cause an injury to you as well as others.
Help signals: In worst cases when you need help in deep waters, you must know the accepted and the most common distress signal. Waving both your hands outstretched above your head is by far the best way to send an SOS. Also remember that your windsurfing board provides you with the maximum buoyancy. So stay on it in case you take a tumble.

Hypothermia: Leave the waters as soon as you discover the first symptoms of hypothermia. Shivering, numbing and muscles unable to respond are the few signs which signal the onset of that hypothermia.

An alert mind: While sailing always keep an eye open for any kind of danger. Stay calm but react quickly. Keeping these windsurfing safety tips handy, I am sure you are going to set sailing safely. Remember, safety has no option or exception.

Source: http://www.basicwindsurfing.com/windsurfing-safety-tips.html

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