Before the surfers reading get their torches and pitchforks, I would like to make clear that any watersport that gets you active and having fun is an excellent way to spend your time outdoors, especially ones that include a board. We’ll take a look at both sports in the context of their performance in British Columbia. Water adventures in any shape or form is a good time, but with watersports, some have advantages over others. So, allow us to explain 5 different advantages that windsurfing has over surfing.
1. Longer rides
A whole day of surfing is great, but to surf for a few hours requires a lot of getting on and off of the surfboard. While you can get a few good runs in those few hours, the time actually spent standing up on a board generally only lasts a minute at most. The average surf session runs between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, and given that the surfer spends about 8 percent of their time actually riding waves, this equals roughly to only 7-12 minutes of time spent surfing. With windsurfing, the time spent on the board is much longer. This is mostly due to riders being able to ride for as long as the wind is blowing and balance maintained, making for excellent, hours-long sessions where one spends most of their time on the board. Additionally, windsurfing boards are generally larger and wider, providing more stability and allowing riders to stay up longer.
2. Go faster
Windsurfing can be much faster than surfing, making it one of the most exhilarating watersports out there. With its combination of sailing and surfing, windsurfing allows riders to harness the power of the wind and glide across the water at high speeds. The use of a sail enables windsurfers to achieve faster speeds than surfers, as they are not solely reliant on the speed and size of the waves. In fact, the speed of windsurfers can reach up to 50 miles per hour (given optimal winds), making it one of the fastest watersports. The feeling of speed and freedom that comes with windsurfing is unmatched by any other watersport, and is a major draw for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers alike, providing some amazing water adventures. Adding a foil to your board can add to this speed even more, as it lifts you above the water, reducing drag. So if you're looking to ride the waves at high speed, race against others, or simply experience the thrill of being propelled across the water faster than ever before, windsurfing is the perfect watersport for those looking for speed, excitement, and a unique challenge.
3. No more waiting for waves
Another advantage windsurfing offers over surfing is in its name, the wind! Unlike surfing, windsurfing does not require waves, which means that you can enjoy this activity wherever there is wind and water, making it more accessible to anyone close to a lake or the ocean. Even if you do fall off your board, it is only a slight delay to get back up on the board. You can get up even faster with a maneuver called a water start. This involves using the sail to catch the wind, and lift you back up on the board from the water within seconds. With surfing, waves are essential. Not to mention the treacherous journey after falling off your board to get back out to where the good waves are breaking, paddling against the currents as your arms turn to noodles. Heavy waves shouldn’t get in the way of a good time on the water, and your water adventures shouldn’t be interrupted by catching a bad wave.
4. Take advantage of B.C.’s lakes
British Columbia's stunning landscape is home to a lot of water, providing the perfect setting for watersports. More specifically, BC has over 20,000 lakes. Windsurfing enthusiasts can take advantage of the many lakes in British Columbia and enjoy the natural beauty of the province while experiencing the thrill of the sport. The province's stunning scenery provides the perfect backdrop for windsurfing and makes it an unforgettable experience. Windsurfers can choose from a variety of lakes, each with its own unique features and challenges. The crystal-clear waters of Kalamalka Lake offer excellent conditions for beginners, while the winds on Squamish Spit leading out to the ocean make it a haven for experienced windsurfers. In addition, the mild climate of British Columbia makes it possible to enjoy the sport for much of the year, ensuring that enthusiasts can indulge in their favorite watersport for longer. It offers a unique way to explore the lakes of British Columbia and provides a sense of adventure that cannot be matched by any other activity. While not all lakes offer enough wind to properly enjoy the sport, there are definitely more opportunities when compared to surfing. Other than a few good spots on Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii, options for surfing are very limited.
5. Where there is wind, there is a way
Windsurfing is an exhilarating water sport that offers endless opportunities for adventure and excitement. One of the greatest benefits of sport is its accessibility as it can be done anywhere there is wind and water. Whether you're on a tropical beach, a lake in the mountains, or a river in the countryside, all you need is a board, a sail, and some wind to get started. This offers much more freedom to enjoy your hobby than surfing does, even in small winds, you can always attach a bigger sail on a smaller board and get ripping on the water. This is one of the main reasons you can find people windsurfing all around the world. Some of the best locations around the world include Jericoacoara in Brazil, Tarifa in Spain, Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, Lake Garda in Italy, Dakhla in Morocco, Bonaire in the Caribbean, and Alacati in Turkey.
Again, any watersport that you enjoy and gets you outdoors is great, but some sports have undeniable advantages over others. Surfing is an awesome time and BC has some great spots to shred some waves. But windsurfing, with its longer and faster rides, no need for waves, and the ability to hop on a board anywhere is wind and water and see more of beautiful BC, this sport has the greatest potential for the best water adventures you can experience.