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.