Switch stance sailing is another thematic aspect of windsurfing extending the conceptual model most sailors have about maneuverability much like skating backwards extends ice skating and riding 'Fakee'extends snowboarding. Learning this skill will open up a whole new dimension to your windsurfing and provide the foundation for enhanced swell riding.

Step 1 instruction for Switch Stance Sailing

Step 2 instruction for Switch Stance Sailing

Step 3 instruction for Switch Stance Sailing

Step 4 instruction for Switch Stance Sailing

Step 5 instruction for Switch Stance Sailing

Step 6 instruction for Switch Stance Sailing

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Rider: Royn Bartholdi

Steps

1) The easiest way to get into the switch stance position is to perform a jibe but stay in the foot straps.

2) As your come out of the jibe then grab the booms and lean into the wind.

3) The stance will feel odd at first because your body is really twisted and there is a great deal of pressure on your feet.

4) In the gusts you have to really lean into wind. As you get better you can hook in. Keep the board on the water because it will flip over in the air.

5) As you get better you can also start turning the board up and down wind as well as ride swell. Eventually you will be very comfortable in this stance and try some tricks. You are really creative now!

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Tips

Try the move with the feet out of the straps initially.
After a while then have just one foot in the strap
The tendency is to head up wind when your out of control but this also increase the possibility of pulling with the front hand and getting backwinded -- ouch!