I have been sailing regularly for the last 3 years. Last year I decided to learn a form of sailing that was a little more extreme.
Is windsurfing different from sailing?
Windsurfing is built on the foundation of sailing but the vessel is a board and not a boat! While you still catch the wind & go fast the board makes you feel every ripple on your feet while you hold on tight with all your strength. The mast is fixed on a universal joint that allows it to swivel freely & the sailor holds on to the boom to control the sail.
Learning windsurfing in India with Quest Adventure Sports Academy
I booked my windsurfing lessons & accommodation with Quest Adventure Sports Academy in Rameswaram. On arriving at their homestay "Kathadi" you are welcomed warmly. If you're looking for a beach vibe cottage with hammocks and amazing food, this place will not disappoint. The thatch provides ample cooling and the area being a high wind zone provides really good ventilation. And your cottage is fenced to make you feel like you have your own private cottage. The property is large with loads of trees with a beautiful kitchen garden that grows tomatoes, brinjals, beans, among other things. The beach is very accessible from Kathadi, a mere 5 minute walk and you're in the water. Speaking of which, the water is super flat, like a lake. And this is something most of my friends, and probably you won't believe till you actually come and see it for yourselves.
The academy is within the property with a large classroom with beautiful floor tiles. It's a large open space with some old furniture & a well equipped library. There were navigation charts & other infographic frames on the walls of the classroom.
My experience with the Windsurfing course
Day 1 of windsurfing lessons
It was amazing I managed to get a few rides but it was challenging. The instructor talked me through the session introducing the environment & equipment. I was made to set up the windsurfing sail & board and made aware of the logic behind what sizes of sails I should choose. This gave me a lot of confidence. By the end of the day my back was sore. As a sailor I thought I would breeze through the first day. But as it turns out the first day is the most challenging. As the day progressed getting that sail up "uphauling" got harder.
Day 2 of windsurfing lessons
A lot easier and even though I had some trouble uphauling the sail in the beginning I got riding pretty quick and was very confident by the end of the session. Now my next challenge was learning how to turn.
Day 3 of windsurfing lessons
By the end of the day I felt like a pro! Okay it's my opinion but you get the point. I was riding upwind and able to come back to the same point that I started from. Definitely need more fine tuning and practice is the only thing that will help me get better.
It was an amazing experience trying to learn this wonderful sport. My back is definitely stronger after the course accomplishments. It was great to have modern equipment which was perfect for learning. The awesome windsurfing lessons which were to the point where I got more comfortable, confident and independent. Can't wait to come back to this beautiful place and get my tacks and gybes looking more smoother. Now it's back to the office.
Quest Academy & Windsurfing - until the next time.
About windsurfing in India
I have been sailing regularly for the last 3 years. Last year I decided to learn a form of sailing that was a little more extreme. Windsurfing is built on the foundation of sailing but the vessel is a board and not a boat! While you still catch the wind & go fast the board makes you feel every ripple on your feet while you hold on tight with all your strength. The mast is fixed on a universal joint that allows it to swivel freely & the sailor holds on to the boom to control the sail.