We get it, buying a windsurf board can be difficult when it comes to understanding the different windsurfing board shapes, sizes and features. It can all be a little overwhelming. This is especially true for beginner sailors who are new to the sport or those who've never purchased their own gear before. The information below is intended to provide you with some of the basics to help you with the process. If you're looking for advice, cur experts can answer all of your questions and can guide you through the windsurf purchase process.

Windsurfing Board Terminology:

Volume – This is the amount of floatation (buoyancy and weight carrying ability) the board contains. This is especially important for low wind conditions where higher volume will support more weight when learning windsurfing and low speeds are involved. Volume is measured in liters. 1 liter = about 1.8-2.0 lbs of positive floatation (fresh water vs. salt water).
 

Fin / Skeg – The rear most fin on bottom of the windsurf board. This generates lift and assists in directional control of the board. The larger the fin the more lift it generates (ideal for bigger sails and lighter winds), the smaller the fin is the less lift it creates and more maneuver and smaller sail oriented it is (ideal for learning and or stronger wind use).
 

Dagger Board System – This is a retractable fin that is located in the mid-section a windsurfing board. It is usually 50 -78 cm (18 – 30") in length and features a range of motion of 0 to 90 degree rake angles that can be adjusted up or down while sailing. Down (90 degree) position will maximize stability, lift, up-wind pointing performance and minimize side slippage (down wind drift). The Up position (fully retracted into bottom of board) will assist you in achieving faster speeds and planing qualities when the wind conditions exceed 10 mph.
 

Mast Box – This is the area that your rig connects to your board. Modern boards have a mast box that is a slotted channel in deck of board. It is designed to allow a t-nut on the end of a base (see base description below) to insert into the channel and then allow the base to be twisted on to secure it into the mast box.
 

Fin Box System – This is the type of connection for the fin base into the board. US box = slotted groove. Power box = double hump base with center screw location. Tuttle box = rectangular base with two screw locations. DT box = deeper / larger area Tuttle base with two screw locations.
 

Foot Straps – These are attachments to insert your feet into when windsurfing in strong winds while the board is planing. Most models of board we sell include a set of foot straps.