🪁 Windsurfing Gear Selector
Choose the right sail size and board volume for your session using wind speed, rider weight, and skill level.
Typical planing range: 12–35 knots.
Recommended Sail Size
5.5 m²
Typical range: 5.0–6.5 m²
Board Volume
130 L
Adjust for wave boards (-10 L) or freeride (+10 L)
How to Use This Calculator
Input wind speed & level
Use forecast or on-spot measurements to gauge the conditions.
Select your weight & experience
Weight impacts sail power; skill level dictates board volume and sail control.
Review sail & board recommendations
Use results as a baseline for your quiver selection.
Adjust for style & spot
Freeriders, wave sailors, and freestyle riders may adjust board/sail sizes accordingly.
Formula
Sail Size ≈ Base × Weight Factor × Experience × Wind Adjustment
Empirical rule-of-thumb scaled from common quiver charts; board volume scales similarly with rider weight and skill.
Experienced sailors adjust by feel. Use this as starting guidance when building a quiver or traveling to new spots.
Windsurfing Tips
Always rig for the strongest expected gusts. A well-tuned sail and board pairing boosts control, planing, and safety.
Quiver Strategy
- Maintain at least two sails and boards to cover local wind ranges.
- Use larger boards for learning jibes and waterstarts; smaller for high wind.
- Invest in adjustable outhaul/downhaul systems for on-water tuning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the sail size estimate?
It’s a baseline. Adjust for sail brand, mast stiffness, personal power preference, and spot gustiness.
Do wave boards need smaller sails?
Wave sailing often uses smaller sails for maneuverability. Reduce sail size by ~0.5 m² if riding technical waves.
Can I use this for foiling?
Foiling requires much smaller sails and larger boards with foil-specific volume. Use foiling-specific charts.
What if wind drops mid-session?
Choose a sail slightly larger than needed for gusts or keep a backup sail rigged for quick swaps.
Do wetsuits impact board volume?
Wetsuits add buoyancy; minimal impact on board choice, but colder water may require thicker suits affecting agility.