Jibes by Tim, Jerry & Rudger

Let's check out some of the windsurf jibes by Tim, Jerry & Rudger and see if we can learn something or find areas in which they can improve.

They all want to participate in the Dam-X fin slalom event October 2024 and are trying to improve their jibes as much as possible for that.

We met at Strand Horst in the Netherlands on a windy summer day with 20-30kts of wind.

Let's have a look at the action.

[fonsvandenhove]

Thanks for the tips. I'm sure I make all the mistakes shown but perhaps I can improve.

[dairyairman]

It's great having this video analysis. I wish I had some video analysis of my jibes.

I see myself jibing like Jerry. I'm usually pretty solid as I carve into the jibe, but I tend to straighten out downwind until the board slows down. Once the board has slowed down, I switch my feet and flip the sail, but by then it's too late! The board falls off a plane as the sail flips, or even before the sail flips. Once it falls off a plane, the wind hits the sail with full force and it's very easy to fall or dramatically round up into the wind. I need to get up the nerve to do the foot switch and flip the sail while the board is still moving fast. There's kind of a "magic moment" when the board is moving fast downwind where there is very little pressure in the sail. That's when i should switch my feet and flip the sail, but I tend to wait too long.

[rasmuszaurins]

For first and third windsurfer the main problem is their railing. They are unable to have the board constantly railed, but instead try to turn flatly using weight back to sink the tail to turn. First sailor needs to widen his stance and shift the back foot to the rail, as easilly can be seen in video. His weight is back because that´s the only way he can turn, learning carved rail turns is his goal, all other techniques are follow ups after he can rail.
Third sailor is a little better in railing, but doesn´t know how to prolong his railing threw the eye of wind onto the new tack, as seen in video, he straightens out his curve.
Both should do some rail carving drills before working on minor details. Like put their back foot in the leeward back strap from windward side and rail the board with now much better angle of attack and less force needed, meaning a lot of less weight on their back leg. Then go for some s-turns from broad reach to downind and back. First you have to get the fundamentals right before engaging into details.