Rig Up!

There is a certain process to setting up a windsurfer, and the second step involves "rigging up." The first step is unloading the gear, but I will save that for a future post. The act of rigging up involves a number of process actions to ensure that a sail rig is precisely tuned and ready for the water. There are four primary components to the windsurfing rig which include the mast, booms, sail, and base/extension.

Bill setting the outhaul on the booms

There is an order to putting all these pieces together, which most experienced windsurfers can do with their eyes closed. However, for the newcomers here is a brief summary:
1) slide mast into sail mast sleeve;
2) slide base/extension into mast foot;
3) tighten sail to base/extension (downhaul sail);
4) attach booms to mast by way of clamp on boom head;
5) tighten boom end to sail clew (back of sail) (outhaul sail);

This is a summary of rigging, and the process usually takes about 5 minutes to complete. Though, I have seen it take as long as 30 min, and as short as 3 min...depending upon the anticipated sailing conditions, and whether rig is new or not.

Emo rigged and ready to rock!

Final step is attaching rig to the board, grabbing your harness, and hitting the water!