Windsurf - pumping the sail for hours...

[glaros]

I discovered by luck Concept II when I joined the gym in my neighbourhood.
I was always doing free weight lifting/machine weights. I never
used a rowing machine before.

Now, rowing is part of my whole training - it has helped me significantly
to cope with the lengthy and powerful pressure that windurfing demands.
I wanted something to train all my body, not just a group of muscles at
a time, and for a long duration.

Concept II machine also simulates windsurf feeling quite well!
Those who have watched windsurf in Olympic Games you would
have noticed the 'pumping' sequence that athletes make.....

I am pleased that I met Concept II!

[waterbaby_101]

I couldn't agree more! I took up erging again purely to increase my fitness on the water and it really has paid off. I was windsurfing at the famous ClubVass in Greece for two weeks recently and for once felt able to really put my all into every session, mornings AND afternoons. It wasn't just pumping the sail it helped with either, I found improvements in every aspect, even my beachstarts were more fluid!

For windsurfers, you really can't beat the C2 for off-the-water training.

[flyingdutchman]

I too stumbled across the Concept 2 at my local gym. After my first rowing session I knew that this would be something that would get me in and keep me in shape for long sessions on the water. Its great for any board sport where you need to be in shape to ride hard all day.

I agree that its great for developing the stamina to windsurf for hours, and its also great for kitesurfers, particularly for kite flying skills as well as leg strength for edging and carving.

\!!!/

[glaros]

After 5 months of regular training since I first met concept II (and the use of free weights too), I am now pretty confident that rowing exersice provides the ultimate preparation in dealing with lengthy and powerful windsurf sessions.

I am doing formula windsurfing (Athens, Greece) and holding a 11.0 or 11.9 sail for 3+ hours during a day was used to be painful, but not anymore. Rowing has helped me to cope with race events that normally last 2 or even 3 days (8 to 11 races in total, 30 min each, in overpowered conditions).

I spend about 3 days per week in the gym doing 2 sets of 2km each time (machine resistance at full scale and about 32-34 strokes/min) and another 2-3 days per week windsurfing - I feel this program keeps physical condition at pretty good level. The other 1-2 days of the week are left for rest and recovery, eerrr... hope I am not that lazy!

[water-ratt]

rowing is a great alternative to sailing but do yourself a favor and make sure you add some pushing exercising to your workouts to balance your body. Failing to do so can result in muscle imbalances.

On a side note: if you think rowing an erg is fun get in a boat
it's perfect for windsurfers: when there is no wind the waters perfect for rowing. When it's too windy for rowing, get out the small sails and wave board!!

[glaros]

After plenty of painful and exhaustive sessions I have now managed to achieve a PB record for 2k: 7.06. I realised that even minor improvements on the technique can make a huge difference on the overall best time. I was stuck at 7.20(2k) for a month wondering if that was the optimum time I could get for this distance (i'm 98kg, 32YO, 1.93m)

I complete 1x4km(pace 2min), 2x2km (pace 1.48-1.50) and 1x1km (pace 1.37-1.39) for each of my visits to the gym (about 3-4 visits a week), in between those sets I am doing weight lifting for cooling down from rowing - then on top of this I add another 2 sessions of windsurfing during the weekend (it's winter here in Greece now, daylight is short and there is no time for midweek windsurf sessions!).

Greek indoor rowing Championship is taking place 19th Dec. Few months ago I had no clue about rowing staff. Now I am taking part to the championship - I would say that since there are no more windsurf races in this period then rowing can be a perfect substitute.