Looking to start windsurfing and wondering if you should go to a lake or to the ocean? Perhaps you’ve heard good things about each but can’t decide.
Is it even worth it to get into windsurfing if you live inland?
Can you windsurf anywhere? Yes, you can windsurf on any body of water that has at least 5 mph winds for beginner surfing. Faster windsurfing occurs with winds up to 10-15 mph. Beyond 15 mph will be tough for beginners.
Even large lakes in Colorado will have conditions like this making windsurfing a popular inland sport.
In theory, you shouldn’t really let anybody tell you that you can’t windsurf on a spot that’s large enough to do so, at least as long as it’s legal! Naturally, you don’t want to do anything that might get you in trouble or give the sport a bad name.
In practice, though, I’ve found personally that there are certain spots that are well beyond my own skill level and I’ve learned to avoid pushing too hard when it comes time to surf a particular reef break. If things are looking a little too rough for you, then try looking for a larger bay or a jetty.
When I first started out, a few experienced surf buddies always stressed that doing so would help you find just the right sort of place to actually set up your kit and get into the right position to start actually catching the wind leeward of your sails.
On the other hand, there are definitely places that there isn’t going to be enough of a prevailing wind to get started. Larger lakes, though, should normally attract more than enough of a breeze to help you get started.
From what I’ve seen both on the beaches and online, it certainly seems like most people are either fans of lakes or the ocean, but there’s no reason that you can’t go with whatever happens to be more convenient at the time!
Take a look at some of these reasons windsurfers will pick one or the other.
Top Reasons to Windsurf on the Ocean
- Speeds tend to be much higher on the ocean, which is especially good if you’re an established windsurfer.
- Other windsurfers tend to congregate on the beaches around certain popular breaks, so you might find a sense of community.
- You could also find empty beaches almost all the time on ocean shorelines if you’d prefer.
- Going to the ocean gives you a great excuse to travel.
- Winds are normally stronger on the ocean.
- You’ll probably have a wider variety of spots to pick from.
- Ocean water is sometimes cleaner than lake water.
- Waves can be much higher on ocean shores.
- Warmer ocean areas have long windsurfing seasons.
- Ocean jetties usually offer broader bays to windsurf out of.
Top Reasons to Windsurf on a Lake
- Winds are often slower, so it may be friendlier for beginners.
- Sharp rocks and other underwater hazards usually aren’t as bad on lakes.
- Temperatures usually don’t fluctuate wildly like they do on the ocean.
- Currents might not be as strong.
- Undertow forces are normally predictable compared to the ocean.
- Lakes might be more accessible for people who live in the country’s interior.
- Freshwater lakes should do less wear and tear on your kit.
- Lakes usually have less rugged coasts.
- Smaller boards may work better on lake water.
- You won’t have to worry about choppy water nearly as much.
Can You Windsurf on Land?
Land sailing is a sort of a different sport altogether, but the surprising fact is that you actually can windsurf on land! Terrasailing, as it’s often called, involves taking something that’s sort of like a skateboard deck and mounting a sail on it.
A number of extreme sports suppliers that make dirtboarding equipment have started to make windsurfing kits that you can use on the land after having them mounted with wheels. That being said, a lot of the people I’ve followed online that travel to different areas and report on sports stories still feel that custom-made gear is always the best for this sort of thing.
I’d have to imagine that the skill set for the two sports are related, but there are plenty of differences to the point where you’ll want to practice either way. However, I’ve run into quite a few traditional windsurfers who turn to terrasailing when the waters get frigid or it just isn’t the right time of year to tackle the ocean.
Whenever I take a look at the antics of pro windsurfers who turn to land sailing, I’m blown away! Advanced land riders can pull off these technical freestyle tricks that you’d normally only ever see on a vertical skate ramp or maybe the half-pipe in a snow park.
If you want to give land sailing a try, then by all means do it! It’s a ton of a fun and a chance to practice at least some of your skills even if you’re not able to make it out on the ocean itself.
Which is the Easiest to Learn?
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that a lot of the gurus would agree that the way that’s easiest for you to learn is the one that gives you the chance at getting the most practice! When I first started out, I wasn’t always able to get out on the water and that really held me back.
If you can get to the ocean every weekend, then you’ll want to keep up with that. On the other hand, if you’re much closer to a lake that’s a great way to learn too – especially if it helps you get some more time in on the water!
In general, a lot of people I’ve followed have said that lakes are easier to learn on and ocean water is more fun to ride once you’re experienced. As long as you’re not pushing yourself or violating any bans, however, there’s no reason why you couldn’t use whatever body of water gets you the most practice.
Eventually, you’ll probably want to try all three, but you shouldn’t get discouraged if it isn’t in the cards just yet. Windsurfing can be really expensive, and the travel costs can make things even worse if you let them wrack up.
Set your sights on some realistic goals and you’ll be having the time of your life before you ever know it!
