Customer Reviews (2)

The Popular Science Of Windsurfing
This little-known publication finally put windsurfing on the scientific shelf. Paul Ng has compiled " Understanding Aerodynamic characteristics of Windsurfing," a comprehensive, concise and somewhat confusing treatises on the physics of windsurfing, particularly windsurfing sails.
In part one, Ng addresses basic physics of windsurfing including forces acting on the sail and mathematics relationships of the sail, rider, board and wind. this mainly revolves around forward force, resulting in forward motion, and lateral force, affecting balance, stability and control. In part two, he discusses angle of attack, including differences in sails, the relationship of the fin and human factors such as weight. Detailed graphs, charts and flow sheets highlight important concepts.
Overall, this book is complex and difficult to read. this may be the result of the fact that it is the first book devoted purely to the technical aspect of windsurfing. Ng mainly concentrates on analytical functions and quantitative parameters based on theory. Thus this book is shy of prose to bridge the theoretical formulas with practical applications. In fact, without an advanced background in physics or analytical math, it may be impossible to fully understand or utilize these concepts.
Also Ng's book does not accurately reflect today's equipment. For example, sails are grouped as speed, race and sport in light of the fact that wave sails are a separate specialized group. Likewise, sport sails are often convertible, which act differently depending on how they are rigged. Also,, with so many shapes of fins, it is difficult to generalize them theoretically as one. But this is a relatively small problem when considering Ng's task at theorizing such a complex sport.
This book may be most useful to sail and equipment designers. but if you are a technical junkie, it might be nice to wedge this book next to Dan McGee's "Build Your Own Custom Sailboard" and John Allen's " Geologic Field Guide to Columbia River Gorge Trip." Evidently, computer software is to be available to accompany.
"Understanding Aerodynamic Characteristic of Windsurfing," Also fo note, Ng reports he is working on hydrodynamic characteristics of windsuf boards.
(This review was originally written by Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg and published in The WIND TRACKS Magazine in August, 1995).

Poorly written, sophomoric, incorrect analysis
This book is disorganized, poorly written and has the feel of a hastilyassembled undergraduate research project.Far worse, the"analysis" is ill conceived and largely incorrect.It isdifficult to understand why this work was ever printed. It certainly shouldnot be supported by further sales.The author should be ashamed of thiseffort.

In fact, I think he may realize how weak his work was andattempted to hide the lack of substance by adopting the pontificatingverbiage of a bored college professor. The grating style is compounded byhis lack of fluency in english -- obviously not the author's nativelanguage.

It is clear to me that he doesn't understand the basic physicsof a vessel sailing in equilibrium between aerodynamic and hydrodynamicforces. Nor can he possibly be a good windsurfer. A much better explanationof the physics of sailing is in"The Symmetry of Sailing" byRoss Garrett, or "Aerodyanamics of Sailing" by Marchaj.Indeed,there are some problems which are unique to windsurfing -- unfortunately,the author neither addresses or understands them.

I have an MS in NavalArchitecture (UC Berkeley hydrodynamics), and work as a naval architect. Ihave lectured on the subject at Cal, and am in the top level of windsurfersin San Francisco Bay.I remain very interested in this subject and do notclaim to understand it fully; however, I am sorry I bought this book andurge you to choose another title. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Windsurfing review
"Windsurfing; Technique, Tactics, Training" is an excellent book for beginners and intermediates. It introduces the basics for these two levels with excellent step-by-step pictures and accompanying text, whichprovides super visuals and explanations for the weekend sailor. So far,this is the most useful book I have read, especially for practicing in theback yard, before I hit the water. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes windsurfing, also called boardsailing or sailboarding, and provides information about equipment, training, and techniques used in this relatively new sport. Includes a glossary of terms. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents a humorous dictionary of windsurfing terms. ... Read more

Product Description
The 26th title in the "Play the Game" series, this volume includes diagrams and action photographs from around the world, from wave jumping in Hawaii to racing in Sydney. Techniques are analyzed for the beginner and the author also introduces the world of competitive windsurfing. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of a series that looks at some of the more unusual sports, this text provides an introduction to windsurfing and presents information on: equipment; simple skills; safety; keeping fit for the sport; governing bodies; competition details; and international windsurfing stars. ... Read more