Customer Reviews (9)

OK, but...
This book provides a good overview of windsurfing but isn't a good guide for learning how to windsurf.The illustrations of the windsurfing maneuvers aren't clear and the text descriptions that accompany them are labored.If you're interested in an overview of the sport, equipment, etc. this is a good book.If you're looking for a book to teach you how to windsurf, this book may help but there are better choices.

Excellent for beginers - intermediate
This book is easy to read and has excellent pictures (most taken by the author), also has illustrations that support the explained techniques. It covers from the basics:choosing the right board and rig, carrying the equipment, uphauling and controlling the rig; to intermediate - advanced techniques: jibbing, beach-start, planning, harnessing.

I enjoyed reading this book , and it has helped me a lot to improve my windsurfing.

Good Reference
This book has helped me with my windsurfing technique(or the lack there'of before I bought this book). I think that it is probably the next best thing next to a lesson, or ten. I would recommend it to anyone with a desire to windsurf, it helped me.

The book is perfect for beginners to advanced
This book covers all bases sections in the windsurfing, including how to choose an equipment, first steps, what you have to eat and tehnics for advanced riders as water start, jibe curve and etc.
I was very impressed of the fact that in every chapter there is a mistake review, also very useful pictures showing a particular movements are available.
In general the book is perfect beginners to advanced, but not experts.

Great Instruction & Complete Intro To Windsurfing
I took one windsurfing lesson and then picked up this book. It was perfect. I have advanced very far simply be getting on the water and constantly reffering back to Mr. Bornhoft's detailed instruction. No other lessons have been necessary so far. The author provides excellent photos and diagrams to illustrate the moves and his descriptions are easy to follow and helpfull. I also found the author's coverage of equipment to be very usefull. If you want a solid intro to windsurfing, you want this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for the beginning windsurfer
I was sad to see this book was out of print.It was given to me when I was just learning to windsurf as a teen, and I read it cover to cover back then.The humorous yet informative illustrations provide a good review of the basic windsurfing principles.

excellent book for beginners and experts alike
This is the classic instructional book for windsurfing.Its excellent (and humorous) cartoons and text desribe both the correct and incorrect versions (just as useful) of the basic maneuvers.The discussions are well suited and motivating for someone new to the sport.As an experienced windsurfer I still refer to the book when teaching.It also contains more advancedskills (harness use, fancier jibes ... etc). Due to its age the equipment discussion is a little dated but still useful. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A very comprehensive book
A book that seems to contain material for a large range of audience, from beginner to more experienced surfers. Its a good book to have if you want to know about the different type of skills there is available but its not so helpful if you actually want to learn how to do each moves. I think a DVD is much more helpful in this case. But this book does have pretty pictures and illustrations.

Windsurfing: much more than just mundane 'how to' details
An excellent book, the best windsurfing book I've read (and I've read several) for years. Arguably the best ever. Hart manages to captivate the true spirit of our sublime sport. He takes a fresh look at things, for example he doesn't spout the usual tired old list of "dos and don'ts" about safety, rather he gives a fresh, rational view. A more compendious book would have been possible, as this one doesn't go into much detail in some areas (for example rigging, or equipment choice); but that isn't the purpose of this book. It's a great read for newcomers and expert windsurfers alike. ... Read more

Book Description
Start Windsurfing Right was developed to build your enthusiasm and make your introduction to this fantastic sport a positive one. The book emphasizes getting on the water quickly and learning 'by doing'.Start Windsurfing Right covers all the skills you need to get started: gear, safety, rigging and equipment, wind, weather and currents, and rules of the road. Used by sailing schools around the country, Start Windsurfing Right is the definitive learn-to-windsurf text, published by the national authority for sailing in the U.S. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A book about everything
Author quickly explain short board fundamentals - water start (in details), clew water start and so on.
Then he shows common freestyle tricks - helicopter, sail 360 and others with lots of fotoes but little text (5-7 pictures for move with short titles). This explanations are of sort that easily could be found on web.
Other subjects - jumps, loops, wave riding described in same manner. Because this book is merely out of date now, modern tricks are not explained (spock, volcano ...).
It is of course not a begginer book but probably it could be useful for advanced sailors.
My opinion that it is better to buy 2-3 windsurfing videos thanthis book.

This is a must!
Its just great...its a must for every surfer with a desire to learn more.... ... Read more

Book Description
If you'd like to experience the thrills—but avoid the spills—of windsurfing, this is the book that will prepare you to set sail!

Ken Winner, former world-champion windsurfer, shares the knowledge he has gained in two decades of windsurfing competition. You'll learn

• how to choose the right equipment,

• fundamental skills for windsurfing correctly,

• exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles and prevent injury, and

• rules to follow while you're on the water.

The book also includes information on racing, playing windsurfing games, and performing freestyle tricks. And even experienced windsurfers will appreciate the descriptions of some of the world's best places to windsurf, from the Caribbean to Hawaii and Australia.

Like all the books in the Outdoor Pursuits Series, Windsurfing emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and—most of all—the fun of outdoor activity! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This is a book for novices
If you are just getting started or if you want to learn more about the sport of Windsurfing this is the book for you. The book coves the very basic aspects and terminology of windsurfing in detail. It is written in a language that is easy to understand and pleasant to read.
But do not think that the book alone will be enough to make you a windsurfer.
If you want to get started before you buy any gear and/or equipment take some lessons.
Learning to windsurf is just like to learn how to ride a bike. You can't do it by just reading a book.
You should not buy this book if you already are an windsurfer. The book is geared toward beginners and it does an excellent job at that.

Too short on technique
I bought this book on the basis of the other reviews only to find that the book is way short on technique.What I wanted was a book showing basic technique - getting up on the board, steering, gybing, etc.The book contains too much verbage in areas like getting fit, some places where you can sail etc.No good to me as a beginner.I wanted more on "how-to" sail the board.Don't waste your money on this one.The book "Windsurfing" by Bornhoft is far far better.

Windsurfing (Outdoor Pursuits)
As a book to introduce someone to windsurfing, this is an excellent choice. Winner introduces the sport in a comfortable, easy style, and takes the learner through the basics of the sport in a most helpful fashion. Allaspects of the sport are covered very well. It is hard to reduce such adynamic sport to mere words and pictures, but this book succeeds inconveying the spirit of the sport to the learner. A note of warning forexperienced sailors: this is not a book for intermediate level or abovewindsurfers, but it will make an excellent reference should you wish tohelp a friend learn to windsurf.

Entry Level Info Only
If you have no prior knowledge of what windsurfing is, and would like to learn a bit more about it (but not too much), then this book is for you.It provides some good beginner's info, discusses terminology and basic sailing concepts, and then very briefly discusses what advanced windsurfers can do.Windsurfing locations are discussed as well.Veryelementary and, in my opinion, left a lot of questions unanswered.I would love to see a book that's both comprehensive and recent in publication, as they're simply not around. ... Read more

Book Description
A complete introduction to the sport, explaining everything from the board and sail, to how to get back to shore, to the best places to sail. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Picture is worth a thousand words!
This is an excellent book for a beginner windsurfer. It is very concise and it covers a lot ina small number of pages.
This book has about 2 pictures per page. The pictures are really useful to understand the concepts and the movements.
But do not expect to be an expert windsurfer in a weekend.
Windsurfing is just like riding a bike, or driving a car. The theory is relatively simple, you can understand it quickly, but it usually takes some time for you to do the "right things" automatically.
The best way to learn to windsurf is to attend a lesson at a windsurfing school. A lesson is absolutely the best investmente for a beginner windsurfer.
But reading this book is definitely helpful. It will get you used to the terminology and basic theory and it will also help you know what to expect in your lesson.
Of all windsurfing books that I have seen this one has by far the best pictures and illustrations.

This book will help you a lot if you are a beginner
Of course, no reading will replace real experience, but this book will help you a lot. It will tell you how to start, how to paddle to the shore, and once you can stand on the board it'll teach you how to steer. Justdon't expect to learn to sailboard in a weekend, it will take longer!Thebook covers only the basics, it's only about 90 pages with 60% beingpictures. Have fun!

Learn Windsurfing in a Weekend
This book follows the premise that a picture is worth 1000 words and it succeeds. All the basics and more are covered in well presented pictures accompanied by diagrams, and step by step graphic progressions. Basictechnique, equipment, safety, etc. are covered, leading the user up to anintermediate level of windsurfing. The only better things would be aninstructional video or private instruction. Especialy at the price, thisbook is a real "keeper" in your sailing library. I teachwindsurfing and every student that has bought the book, has continued touse it and enjoy it.

Windsurfing in a Weekend Series
For the elemetary beginner, this book is a good start before entering the water. However, land pictures don't provide enough visual help. Once you enter the water, this book will be shelfed. I would recommend acomprehensive book that would provide the instructions as the sailor'slevel progresses.

The best I've seen for a beginner and not the most expensive
Offers a lot of critical points not covered in theother books for beginners I have read.Consistent with lessons from certified instructors and covers more.Extremely comprehensive, still useful after 22 hours on beginner boards and 5 hours of lessons.Great color graphics, quality binding. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book from a beginner's point of view
This is my first windsurfing season.I'm strictly a beginner who can uphaul and sail just fine, but cannot reverse my heading without letting go of the sail and using the uphaul rope to turn.This book seems like it's geared for just this skill level.

The first few chapters teach the basics.The theory section does a fine job of teaching the concepts in just a few pages.It progresses rapidly, teaching beach starts, water starts, and gybes.A lot of time is spent on planing and racing as well, although this is well out of my league.

The only complaints I have are the regional references the author uses and the jargon use without first introducing the term.But, fortunately, a glossary defines most of the terms.

Some of the photos and explanations require careful study to grasp the move completely.I don't think the book would do well as a self-learning aid.But it would be a great augment to a hands-on class.

Must read book for beginners
This is a great book. It brings you through the finer aspects ofwindsurfing. Futhermore technical aspects about the use of daggerboard andmast foot positions are explained. The physics of windsurfing is beingtouched on. It touches the physics superficially with the main points anddoes not delve too deep to be a boredoom. It is easy to understand andwould aid in learning.It covers the main aspects of racing too. This is agood book for beginners. As for intermediates, you might learn some newtricks from here. ... Read more

Book Description
Here, complete with 150 dazzling, full-color photographs, is the world of fast-moving wind-surfers

The Ultimate Guide to Windsurfing is essential reading for all windsurfers, from the relative neophyte to the seasoned veteran. Combining breathtaking, full-color photography with authoritative content, it's as entertaining as it is informative.

World-renowned windsurfers Nik Baker and Daida Ruano Moreno offer practical hints and valuable advice on how to improve your skills. Beautiful photo-collages present the authors' unique techniques and methods, highlighting particular moves in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format.

The authors go on to cover important skills such as gibing, beach and water starts, chop hopping, jumping, and fundamental freestyle moves. Also included is practical advice on rigging and tuning, a glossary of windsurfing terms, and much more.

The Ultimate Guide to Windsurfing conveys the truly unusual culture and colorful personality of windsurfing in a fun, nontechnical style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

No real tips
This books is a waste of time. Not too many tips. No instructional diagrams. Just pictures of ppl looking
very cool while windsurfing. Unhelpful for the beginner.

Great book!
This is a great book if you want an imressive insight into the world of professional windsurfing. It has amazing pictures and some great trick tips from the two authors. A must for sailors of any level who want a decent book on the shelf!

Great book!
At last a windsurfing book packed with modern images of the sport! Too many books are now out of date and don't show the real scene, this has put that right. There are some good tips and advice for modern techniques and it's a great book to sit down and flick through, amazing pictures, especially in the freestlyle chapter. A great snap shot of the sport.

A Piture Book
Save your money if you're looking for an instructional book. Far better instructions can be found on the web. All the instructions can fit on about an eighth on a page.

Save you money if you're looking for a picture book. Pictures are pretty bland, i.e., all the boards that one of the authors own.

Save your money!

Ego trip versus Instructional Guide
I was extremely dissappointed to find that this book was more about the authors, than about instructional tips on how to windsurf. As a beginner I was looking for some text to assist in the art of tacking/gybing etc. There are approx 2-3 pages that deal with tips and lessons, all others are just groovy pictures and unrelated comments made by the authors. My recommendation is stay clear of this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Myths

Customer Reviews (3)

Gripping and Humane
A psychologist, a wife (and former wife), a mother, a daugher, a reporter, a windsurfer and spiritual seeker are some of the roles that Dr. Nadel weaves in and out of in this courageous, funny, downright sad and insightful book. Windsurfing is the metaphor for the wild and treacherous ride we're all on. The lessons she learns and articulates to her fortunate readers are solid and sobering. This well written, fast-paced book is a must read.

A BRILLIANT READ!
Laurie Nadel's DANCING WITH THE WIND A TRUE STORY OF ZEN IN THE ART OF WINDSURFING moved me to tears, laughter, joy, and feelings of triumph! It is a fascinating read about her struggles with her health, her family, her love of windsurfing, and her ability to over come any obstacle put in front of her. Her courage is inpsirational to us all. I cheered her on thoughout the entire book! I will share this with all of my friends. This is a truly "I can do" book, one people from all walks of life should read. Thank you Dr. Nadel for sharing your very personal life story with us.

Nothing short of wonderful
Nadel examines her life through the prism of windsurfing over a number of years, and it's well worth accompanying her as she searches for meaning and balance.The book contains so much truth - personal, social, spiriitual - that its very multidimensionality adds to the richness of the subject and magnifies it.

Her meditations include visits with a wide range of thoughtful authors, including Jung, Camus, Matthiessen, and a bibliography at the end lets you follow up to continue the journey you began with her.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good book for learning beginner and intermediate sailing
this book is easy to understand, and has lots of good pictures

The best how-to windsurfing book
Windsurfing is full of specialized vocabulary and confusing equipment that can be staggering to the beginner.This book through cartoon sketches and fabulous humor takes a bewildered beginner through the passages of becoming a competent windsurfer.I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the sport of board sailing of windsurfing.It covers all the basic techniques, as well as equipment descriptions, and the basic physics involved in sailing.Great book.

The instruction is kind but moving
The book assumes no knowledge but is kind in this assumption. It gently guides you to competency as you alternate between reading the book with watery hands and grappling with your increasingly less burdomsome rig. The book's attention to details helps develop your competence/confidence. As you become more advanced, necessary details, unfortunately,become smeared together driving you for outside help.The humor is fantastic and helps bolt the ideas into your mind so that under the pressure of angry winds and slap happy seas, you can automatically think of those necessary passages. ... Read more