The power jibe in six steps — plus the two tips (board trim and mast position) that keep it fully planing all the way through the turn.
Powerjibing is a very impressive and dynamic maneuver that can really showcase a windsurfer's skill and control on the water. Here's the move in six steps — plus my two secret tips for keeping it fully planing.
Step by step
- 1
Sail downwind and unhook
Before you start, sail slightly downwind and release yourself from the harness. This keeps you in control of the board through the maneuver.
- 2
Set your feet and hands
Slide your back foot out of the backstrap and onto the rail, between the straps on the opposite side. Move your backhand back along the boom.
- 3
Carve — pressure the rail, close the sail
Put pressure on the rail, close the sail, and keep looking in the direction you're heading. Hold this position until the nose of the board points downwind on the new tack.
- 4
Switch your feet
Place your front foot heel-to-heel with your back foot, then bring the back foot between the front strap and the mast base.
- 5
Flip the sail
As you switch your feet, slide your front hand closer to the mast, let go with your backhand, and allow the sail to flip itself.
- 6
Grab the new side and ride out
Finally, grab the boom on the new side and slide both hands into their new position.
Common mistakes
- Too much weight forward — the nose can dig in and you risk nose-diving.
- Too much weight back — you sink the tail and lose a lot of speed.
- Tilting the mast too far forward or back instead of keeping it centered.
Two things make it click. First, think about the board's trim separately from the rig: spread your weight evenly across both feet to keep the board level, and if you sink at the back and lose speed, bring your front foot as close to the mast base as you can. Second, keep the mast more upright as you flip the sail — tilt it too far back and you'll head up into the wind and lose speed.
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