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Men and Women's Windsurfer

Windsurfers are the fastest monohull sailing crafts in the world today. It is believed that there are more windsurfers worldwide today than all other sailboats combined, and their popularity continues to grow. This is due to the craft's small size, low cost, portability and the excitement of "flying" over the water. The sensation of speed is further enhanced by the sailor's close proximity to the water.

Debuting at the 1984 Summer Games, the windsurfing event utilized the Lechner II-design board in competition for three Olympiads, including the first women's Olympic windsurfing event which was introduced in 1992. In 1996, the Mistral replaced the Lechner for both the Men's and Women's divisions. And in 2005 the new NeilPride RX:S makes it's entry as Olympic class for the 2008 Games in China.

Windsurfers are great athletes and sailors. Physically, the best windsurfing sailors are tall, lean and agile. Standing while sailing, these athletes utilize tremendous upper body strength to support and control their rigs. Windsurfers are some of the most fit athletes at the Olympic games with aerobic requirements similar to those required for running a marathon.

Visit the web page for the International Winsurfing Association at: www.internationalwindsurfing.com

*Thanks to the US Sailing Association