Windsurfing originated as the combination of two sports (surfing and sailing), and consists of navigating the surface of the water on a board, which has a sail impelled by the wind. Depending on your skill and the kind of equipment you have, more extreme windsurfing can be practiced, which can include pirouettes, jumps and speeding.
A windsurf table consists of two main parts: the table itself and the rig. The board, in turn, is formed by foot straps, mast base, keel, and the fin (used only on longer boards.)
The equipment or rig, consists of the sail, which can be made of Mylar or monofilm (transparent materials), the mast and the boom, which is set horizontal to the mast, and where the windsurfer holds the sail rig.
Despite the fact this sport is a newcomer to Peru, windsurfing have been gaining increasing numbers of followers in recent years.
Windsurfers flock to the breezy bays of Paracas (Atenas, Mendieta and Yumaque) as well as certain areas along the north coast such as Pasamayo, El Paraíso and Medio Mundo, the most popular spot.
If willing to practice windsurfing in Peru you should follow theses recommendations:
- Don't go far out into the water unless you are a strong swimmer.
- Never go out alone or without telling others.
- Check all the equipment before leaving.
- Respect the swimmers zones.
- Be aware of the weather forecast.
- Never leave the board.
- Do not attempt tricks beyond your level.
- Always keep a signaling device with you.
