Ever watched some poor person trying for hours to get the sail up out of the water only to fall backwards off the board at every attempt?

Watching someone else who knows what to do can make it look very easy. But they usually have learnt through a progression of steps. Trying to copy someone else without knowing all those steps will often end in frustration for you.

The first basic step to master is maintaining your balance on the board. A wave board can not be used for this exercise. You will need to use a free style, slalom, or beginners board for this. Ensure the board will float under your weight. The capacity of boards are measured in liters and there are many charts which show what capacity a weight range requires for flotation.

You also need access to a flat water area like a lake, with shallow areas for ease of practice. If your board is fitted with an air pressure release valve then ensure it is tightened before placing your board in the water. Also, retract or remove your fin as it can easily get damaged in the shallow waters.

Leave the rig off the board. The rig is the assembled components of the mast, sail, boom and mast base. We will not be using them at this stage. Take the board out into the water until you reach a depth just above knee height. Try to enter the water where any breeze is blowing towards the shore for safety. Locate the position where the rig connects to the board and imagine a center line passing through this point from the front to the back of your board.

Grasping the sides of the board opposite where the rig connects, kneel on your board with your knees close together and with the imaginary center line passing between them. Once you feel comfortable and confident with your balance, place your hands either side of the mast connection point, close to the center line, and slowly raise yourself with knees bent.

At all times keep your feet either side and close to the center line. Now move one foot slowly forward a small amount then the other, noticing the effect on your board. Try moving towards the rear of the board noticing any changes in the feel of the board. Once you get to the advanced planning stages you will be moving all around the board as you control it’s performance. But for now you are just getting used to the balance and feel of it.

Experiment by moving forwards and backwards on the board. Notice that you can get very close to the rear and front of the board before it starts to become unstable. Once you are able to confidently get up onto the board and move around in a balanced manner then you are ready for the next step. This will ensure you enjoy the sport without having to give up frustrated.