The contemporary windsurfing wisdom is: "the lighter the wind, the bigger the
sail." This common-sense theory is virtually universally accepted by
windsurfers around the globe. Normally, as wind speed decreases, sail size
is increased proportionally in order to maintain planing. Surprisingly,
however, this rational theory breaks down in practice, especially in
sub-planing conditions.

Using larger sails causes a number of significant problems - namely weight,
drag, and boom length. Keep in mind that surfers are able to do much more
radical maneuvers than sailors because they have LESS equipment. Let's take
a look at these three issues:

1. Boom Length: A longer boom is harder to handle and catches the water
surface sometimes in hard bottom turns. Off the lips with a larger sail and
longer boom are more difficult to perform.

2. Drag: Any sail designer will tell you (or they should) that a larger sail is
less efficient. There is more drag proportional to increased surface area.
As a result, increasing sail size will not proportionately increase your
power. This drag, coupled with increased weight, results in diminishing
returns as sail size is increased.

Weight: By far the biggest factor. Increasing weight is a wave-sailor's
nightmare!!! Added weight to a rig reduces planing ability and increases
inertia - which slows every maneuver down. Increased weight results in
sluggish maneuvers, decreased speed, and more difficult timing. No other
equipment related factor in windsurfing causes as many problems as weight.

Bigger gear is clearly less responsive in wave-sailing. Furthermore, once
you're riding the wave, your momentum is generated from the wave itself, not
the wind, so there is no need for additional sail-generated power at that
point. Also, in sub-planing wind, smaller, lighter gear enables you to stay
upwind more easily. The same board will almost always "pinch" upwind better
when it is floating more on the surface due to reduced rig weight.

I've personally found that it is not necessary to switch to larger sails in
light air. I have sailed on a 4.5 sq. meter sail exclusively, regardless of
wind speed, for about 10 years, including four years as a sucessful pro. Here are the
primary reasons for sticking to one rig (besides laziness and cost):

(1) Efficiency: If the conditions are sub-planing ( under 10 knots), it
is better to be on lighter, smaller gear, as long as you don't sink. A smaller
sail size actually reduces rig weight, thereby allowing a "sinker" board to
float better.

(2) Pumping ability:It is not necessary to be always planing in wave-sailing.
So, when the wind is marginal (10 - 15 knots), it is more important to be
able to pump onto a plane than to be able to plane all the time... and it's
much easier to pump a smaller, lighter efficient rig onto a plane than a
heavy, inefficient rig.

(3) Simplicity: getting completely "tuned-in" to a single rig makes
everything simpler, less complicated - easier. Instead of debating what sail
size to rig, simply go sail on the rig that you are completely familiar with.

Again, the #1 performance factor in light-wind wave-sailing is weight. This
is nothing new or innovative, but it's surprising how often its overlooked -
even by pro windsurfers. Some of the the windsurfing industry manufacturers
understand this and provide super -light gear. Since the introduction of the
"Gridlock" sail - the first all-monofilm wave sail - in 1991, Hot Sails Maui
has consistently offered the lightest sails on the market. A few years ago,
Powerex released the "Super Wave" mast - a mast that is unparalleled in light
air sailing (400 cm @ 3.8 pounds). Unfortunately, this mast is no longer in
production. Also, the major boom manufacturers including Chinook and
Fiberspar, among others, are providing all-carbon booms that are considerably
lighter and stiffer than their aluminum ancestors.

It is now possible to assemble an entire wave-sailing rig, including the
board, that weighs under 30 pounds - quite remarkable considering that the
same rig would have weighed over 10 pounds more 10 years ago.

My current gear includes: Equipment: Manufacturer: Weight: (in pounds)
Board (8'2") Sailboards Maui 11.4
Sail (4.5) Hot Sails Maui 5.5
Mast (400cm) Powerex 3.8
Boom Chinook Carbon 4.5
Uni/base/straps/fin --------------------- 2.8
The total weight for my complete rig (or "kit" as they say in Australia) is
around 28 pounds and this could be further reduced by modification.

Now, you cannot simply buy the lightest gear on the market, and then expect
to immediately rip on your smaller stuff. There is technique involved -
including pumping, weight distribution, and maintaining a plane. All three of
these techniques involve managing the amount of body weight placed on the
board.

Pumping: Efficient pumping involves the entire body rather than just the
arms. The concept is to lift your body weight off the board with every arm
pump. Ideally, you want to lift up as you pump over chop and press down as
you reenter the water. It helps also to anticipate wind gusts by looking at
the water upwind. Light air pumping includes bearing off downwind slightly
and then pinching back upwind once you're on a plane. Just as the board is
beginning to plane, additional weight can be taken off the board by hooking
into the harness and "hiking out" over the water.

Weight Distribution: Sailing a "sinker" wave board in sub-planing wind
involves some creative techniques. The board can be sailed realistically all
the way down to knee deep underwater with a proper stance. In extremely
light air, the front foot should be just in front of the mast in order to
keep the board level. When a gust hits, the board can be "aqua-planed" up to
the surface and then the foot can be moved to just behind the mast. In
virtually no-wind, you can also drop your butt into the water, by hanging off
the booms, to take some of your own weight off the board. This won't get you
anywhere, of course, but it will temporarily get you through a dead air lull.

Maintaining a Plane: Planing through a lull involves utilizing your harness
to take some weight off the board while using fast upper body pumps. Even in
a temporary dead air situation, your momentum will create apparent wind in
the sail that can be used to carry some of your body weight. In a long lull,
more aggressive, full body pumping is used.
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Equipment Choices: How big should my board be given my body weight and
sailing ability? What about sail size?

Board Size: If you're an expert wave sailor, you'll probably want a board
that does not sink below knee level. Intermediate sailors normally need
boards that sinks no lower than ankle depth. Beginners should definitely
start out with a floater wave board - boards that float in dead air. Ideal
wave board lengths generally fall between 8'0" and 8'6". Width and
thickness vary according to personal preference.

Sail Size: Ideal sail sizes for typical wave-sailing wind speeds- 12 to 20
knots, fall into the 4.5 to 5.0 range. The ideal sail size depends on body
weight. Typically, advanced windsurfers between 140 and 160 pounds can get
away with using a 4.5 or 4.7 as their "ideal" sail size.
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"Practice makes perfect": Nothing can substitute for on the water experience
in windsurfing (as in every department in life). It's really not a chance
coincidence that the top windsurfers have spent the most time on the water.
If you really want to improve your light wind sailing, then you are going to
have to go out in marginal conditions a lot. I find light air wave-sailing
to be the most challenging part of the sport. Also, there is an added
incentive in light air sailing - less crowds (unless the break is packed with
surfers) and glassy waves!

Have a great time sailing. I hope some of these techniques will enable you
to sail in lighter conditions - allowing for more time on the water.
Aloha, Dave Osborn