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How To: Break 30kn

This article is written for starting speedsurfers, the first nice goal would be to reach 30kn (= 55km/h) on your GPS. 30kn Is some kind of barrier, skilled speedsurfers can reach 30kn quite fast. But how to do it?

What do we need?
Normal windsurfgear is OK, just don't rig way to big or small. With freeride gear 30kn is possible but you need some more wind. I would advice to reach 30kn boardspeed in 20kn wind. Look to the How To: Do Basic Tuning to get a fast setup for all conditions.

Steps
  1. Search for some flatter water, with possibility to go downwind
  2. Go crosswind as fast as you can
  3. Wait for a gust and go downwind, DO NOT hang harder into the sail in the gust. By keeping the sail in normal stance you will be faster.
Good Luck and please respond when you succeeded

Erik Loots

Erik is windsurfer for 10+ years. In his daily life he is professional in construction dewatering, advisor, troubleshooter. Erik likes adventures, explore and to challenge himself. During his life he is trying to get the best out of it and have respect for the earth, nature and future generations. The modern world is about sharing, in this blog Erik shares his experiences, selfreflection and lessons learned.

5 comments:

  1. LJJanuary 18, 2011

    hej erik, 15-01-11 i was also on horst and my max speed was 58 km/h. The gear i used was a mistral screamer 129l '05, gaastra gtx 7.0 '05 and a prolimit sl 35cm. thanks to your "how to" and the tip "DO NOT hang harder into the sail in the gust" i think i managed. I am quite happy cause i am windsurfing only for 1,5 year now.... thanks!

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  2. Erik LootsJanuary 18, 2011

    Great news LJ, next stop 35kn!

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  3. UnknownJanuary 22, 2011

    Hey Erik, I just broke the 5x10sec 30knot barrier, but am still 0.23 under for 500m. Next stop 35knot 2 sec peak with 500m at 30knots.
    Pete Young gave me some great advice, to bear off in stages with each gust rather than all at once. I found myself 'listening' to the board and sail more doing this and could read the gusts better.

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  4. Erik LootsJanuary 22, 2011

    Hi Redsurfbus,

    It definitly depends on the location and weather. But for breaking 30kn it is definitly a good idea to watch the gusts.

    Something I see often happening is speedsurfers sailing just in front of the gust. Also I recognize sometimes I (when stressed) run in front of gusts.

    So definitly a good advice from Pete Young!!

    Cheers,
    Erik

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 01, 2013

    I finally broke the 30 knot barrier! I was able to do it because I didn't hang harder onto the sail in the gusts and I also went really deep downwind

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