How to Carve Jibe on a Windsurf Board

Windsurfing a downwind reach, execute a carving 180-degree turn without any loss of momentum by leaning into a turn and switching the boom from one side to the other. Perhaps the most essential maneuver in windsurfing.

Things You'll Need

  • Life Vests
  • Wet Suits
  • Windsurf Boards
  • Windsurf Rigs
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Windsurf on a broad reach (angling with the wind behind you). Make sure you have plenty of speed before entering your turn.

    • 2

      Unhook from the harness (if you are wearing one), take your rear foot out of the strap, and place it on the leeward (downwind) rail.

    • 3

      Lean inward and forward, with slight pressure on your leeward rail, to start the board turning. Continue this carve throughout the jibe.

    • 4

      Release your rear hand from the boom to allow the clew to swing forward over the nose of the board when you reach a point in your carve where your nose is heading directly leeward. Your front hand acts as a pivot point for the sail to swing around. Grab the mast with it if it makes it easier.

    • 5

      Cross your rear hand over to grab the front position on your new boom (the opposite side of what you were just holding).

    • 6

      Adjust your front hand so that it becomes your new rear hand.

    • 7

      Sheet in on the sail and adjust your feet on your board to comply with your new heading. You should have turned a complete 180 degrees.