Riding On Wind and Wave

Despite its apparent popularity, you may still be one of those curious individuals who may ask just what is wind surfing. As simple as its name is logical, a wind surfer for all intensive purposes is a surf board that has been rigged with a sail.

The combination of the flat, tapered, olive-shaped board and the colorful triangular sail is an ideal marriage of convenience exploiting the most enjoyable aspects of two popular aquatic adventures --surfing, and sailing. Smaller than a conventional sailboat, the convenient wind surfer can be rigged to sail in about five minutes. When the wind rises, all the enthusiast has to do is hoist the sail, or if the waves are rolling, grip the boom and partake in some wave-riding maneuvers. Offering the best of both worlds, wind surfing is fun in both the wind and the waves.

Though seemingly so elementary in design and structure, wind surfing is a major invention in our technological age.

As such tales of discovery go, the development of the wind surfer did not occur in some grandiose manner, but instead, in the ordinary confines of a suburban California garage, some 18 years ago. Two young friends, one an avid surfer, the other a disciple of sailing, were engaged in a friendly debate over the relative merits of their favorite pastimes. The sailing enthusiast complained that surfing was dependent on waves, while his friend countered that sailing was a lot of trouble, especially rigging the sails and preparing the boat for the water. The result of this playful patter was the design of the ideal water craft, one that combined the finer points of their two hobbies. The result: the birth of the wind surfer.

From its humble origins the activity caught on, as a Time Magazine report said, "like the fast unfolding petals of a flower in bloom." Be it on the banks of Boston's Charles River or the tropic beaches of the Hawaiian Islands, wind surfing grew into a popular pastime that now boasts over 200 registered clubs and associations. Of all the varied locations and environs, the ideal spot that captures the imagination of active wind surfers are the clean, rolling swells of tropic water off the Pacific island playground of Maui.

The activity gradually made its way from North America to Europe, and in recent years has made its mark in Southeast Asia. The warm waters of the region, flanked by soft sand beaches and capped by gentle sea swells are ideal for the development of wind surfing.

Wind surfing in the Republic of China, like its origins in the United States, was born out of the interest of a few water sports enthusiasts. Six years ago, on a windy winter afternoon, three friends, Ch'en Ch'ing-hui, a diver, Yue Li-jen, a surfer, and Chan Chi-hung, an avid sailor, were strolling on a deserted beach decrying the unpleasant weather conditions which were too windy for surfing, and too wavy for sailing. Suddenly, from the distance they spied an apparition-like scene--a smooth riding craft skimming across the rolling breakers. Excitedly calling the wind surfer over, the three friends had discovered the answer to their complaints. Wind surfing, which was familiar only from television reports, was an activity that was then enjoyed only by expatriate workers. Initial attempts among the local Chinese involved a group of five or six friends borrowing a foreign acquaintance's wind surfer. These early forays were marked by a great deal of trial and error as all the basic maneuvers and movements for proper manipulation of the craft had to be learned by the Chinese. With no qualified instructors or texts, it was frequently an arduous process indeed. Equipment was often second-hand, bought from a foreign resident, or sometimes made by an eager enthusiast. These early disciples of the sport recall the crazy extremes their love for this new activity went to. In the pouring rain, or braving the damp chill of winter in wet suits, they spent hours learning the finer points of this exciting sport. Increased interest opened more doors, and dedicated wind surfing aficionados like Ch'en Ch'ing-hui and Lin Ming-he went to Japan to take part in training courses. Upon their return they promoted the establishment of a wind surfing club. This was the impetus for further development, and today there are 17 clubs associated with wind surfing. (Many are registered sailing associations.) Translated articles from the West also began appearing in local newspapers, helping to further enlighten the general public. This had the effect of attracting the interest of people who had previously been involved in other types of water recreation. Besides the numerous surfers and sailors, divers, swimmers, and water skiers also began to answer the call of the wind and the wave. A former sailor points out that when sailing you sit and manipulate the lines, while in wind surfing you enjoy the continuous challenge of standing, using your body strength to control the sail, fighting to catch the wind. Surfers cite the fact that surfing is totally dependent on the wave, if it is too small or too infrequent, then it is just about impossible to enjoy. Wind surfing, however, allows the practitioner a chance to deal with the wind, ride the waves, jump and turn in all directions and angles.

For the interested student of this sport, it is important to review some of the expenses involved in preparing for taking up this activity. Equipment includes the board, which should be of a high quality to prevent easy breakage or susceptibility to stress from the waves, as well as the sail. Good sails should be able to adjust to the force and directional changes of the wind. Besides these basic tools of the game, the student should also remember a life jacket, wet suit, and protective shoes, a total expense of over US$1,000. In light of the island's ever expanding economic situation, this does not pose a great burden. The past two years has seen a rapid growth in wind surfing. The most recent statistics show that over 2,000 people are active participants. Among the disparate enthusiasts are affluent businessmen, government employees, housewives and students.

When learning the basics of the sport, it is not necessary to talk to seasoned veterans, because anyone with just a bit of experience will gladly spend hours marveling over the joys of wind and wave.

Wind surfing involves some rather difficult movements that take a while to master. Maintenance of balance is crucial. The wind surfer must grab on to the hand boom standing head on to the sail. Judgment is also a crucial factor, especially judgment of changing wind directions. A slight mistake in determining the wind can send the wind surfer swimming. One veteran of the sport says that anyone who hasn't put in 1,000 hours on the water shouldn't say they are able to master this activity.

Those people who are adept at the sport often enjoy solitary forays, the wind, spray, and fresh air transporting them into a world of outdoor enjoyment.

Wind surfers who are really competent can attain speeds of up to 48 kilometers per hour, not unlike a car on the freeway. The roadway of the wind surfer, however, is the vast sea, a safe haven from any potential accident. This does not rule out any danger though. Among the hazards that all wind surfers, beginners and experts alike, should be aware of are: the changing tides, ie. during the high tide the water is most turbulent, while at low tide there is the possibility of hitting exposed rocks. Winds can play havoc, either too rough, or suddenly changing directions. Therefore, all prospective wind surfers should be attentive to weather conditions, currents, astrology, and local land conditions. It does not hurt to include such helpful equipment as a compass, wind meter, and tide chart either.

During last summer's Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games wind surfing was held as a demonstration sport. At present the Republic of China hosts three domestic competitions each year. Participants must traverse a set course demarked by buoys, with the first wind surfer over the finish line the winner. There are also other types of events held in wind surfing competitions including slalom courses, freestyle events, jumping and endurance tests.

Membership in local clubs continues to grow, and the youth of Taiwan are discovering the exciting thrill of wind surfing. The question for the future then is, will it become the island's most popular recreational pastime? With its present popular reception, it just may.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

Ideal for playing in both wind and wave, wind surfing has been called the 20th century's most enjoyable recreational sport.

1. The tapered ends of the board give the wind surfer greater forward momentum, the semicircular underside enhances its ability to float. 2. The turquoise water, azure skies and refreshing sea breeze--ideal conditions for wind surfing.

1. Set at different positions on the water to face the prevailing wind direction, which blows at different speeds, wind surfers employ different movements to manipulate the sails. Pictured is a scene from a competition held at Amup'ing. 2. The wind surfer relies on the sail to catch the breeze. The craft can ride the crest of the wave, turn 360 degrees, and then skim down again, making wind surfing a thrilling challenge.

1. An avid wind surfer uses a hand-held wind meter to measure the wind force. 2. Holding securely to the boom, moving forward, this wind surfer does not fear the continual assault of the waves. 3. As the darkness of evening's curtain falls, a tireless enthusiast still sails on the endless expanse of water, striking a stunning scene against the sunset clouds.

1. The tapered ends of the board give the wind surfer greater forward momentum, the semicircular underside enhances its ability to float.

2. The turquoise water, azure skies and refreshing sea breeze--ideal conditions for wind surfing.

1. Set at different positions on the water to face the prevailing wind direction, which blows at different speeds, wind surfers employ different movements to manipulate the sails. Pictured is a scene from a competition held at Amup'in.

2. The wind surfer relies on the sail to catch the breeze. The craft can ride the crest of the wave, turn 360 degrees, and then skim down again, making wind surfing a thrilling challenge.

1. An avid wind surfer uses a hand-held wind meter to measure the wind force.

2. Holding securely to the boom, moving forward, this wind surfer does not fear the continual assault of the waves.

3. As the darkness of evening's curtain falls, a tireless enthusiast still sails on the endless expanse of water, striking a stunning scene against the sunset clouds.