About my sport
Over time, different disciplines have emerged. I myself focus on the slalom. That is not an Olympic discipline, which we all know Dorian van Rijsselberghe from. This means that slalom practitioners are not eligible for NOC*NSF support. The aim of the slalom is to sail out of a lane as quickly as possible that is sailed with the wind (downwind). In addition, a buoy must be rounded four times with a
gybe. Depending on the water state (flat water or waves), super high speeds can be
achieved during the race, up to 65-70 km/h approximately!
A slalom race roughly consists of four elements: the start, straight line speed, the gybe (turn
around a mark) and the finish. During the entire race competitors battle for first place.
The start
With flags, the starting time is communicated to the windsurfers from the starting boat. This starting time is accurate till the millisecond. Windsurfers track this time with their start watch. After exactly four minutes the starting line 'opens' and the participants can start the race. Are you (a split second) too early? Disqualified. Are you late? You’re gonna have a hard time catching up with your competitors. A very strong focus and perfect timing is required. During and just before the start there is a lot going on, competitors try to get the best line and gain an advantage compared to other competitors.
Straight line speed
When the green flag is shown, the race starts. On the straight line – also called reached – going as fast as possible is the goal. This is a matter of technique, strength/bodyweight and tuning the gear perfectly. On the straight line in the race, high speeds are achieved, often up to 65-70 km/h. Racers try everything on these so-called reaches. A good example is to sail right next to someone, and take the wind out of their sail. It is an exciting combination of technique, tactics and adrenaline. And because all racers are sailing on their absolute limit, serious crashes are common.
The gybe
After a flying start and a first speed test on the straight line, it’s time for the gybe! The gybe is a turn around the mark, where the aim is to get out of the gybe with as much speed as possible. Many recreational windsurfers have sleepless nights thinking about this maneuver. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to master this part. I would love to give you some tips for this! I would love to give you some tips for this.
In the slalom race, however, the gybe is one of the spectacular elements of the race. This is where the biggest fights take place, competitors are often fighting for the inside line. Being the first one to enter the gybe definitely doesn’t mean you are the first one to exit the gybe. And also at the highest level possible it happens quite often: a dive into the water and wet hair.
Nice to e-meet you!
Finish
Na in totaal 1 start, 5 rechte stukken en 4 gijpen is de race klaar. Degene die het eerst finisht wint
Finish
After a total of one start, five straight line (reaches) and four gybes, the race is over. Whoever finishes first wins – you probably won't be surprised.
Foiling
Have you noticed that the windsurf boards are not always in or on the water? This has to do with a new development in windsurfing: hydrofoiling. Wings under the water generate lift that ensures the board takes off, and continues to fly over the water. This creates less resistance than the original fin. The foil provides new dimensions and new lines that can be taken into the race. Foiling is hot and spectacular!
English 
Dutch 
