Boom (windsurfing)

A boom, in the context of windsurfing, is a piece of equipment that attaches to the mast, providing structural support for the sail. It completely encircles the sail, and is designed to be gripped, allowing the sailor to control the sail for normal sailing, and also for almost any type of maneuver (such as gybing, tacking, and waterstarting). Early booms (often called a "wishbone boom" due to their symmetrical shape) were tied on to the mast using rope, but newer booms use a clamp mechanism for attachment.

A windsurfing boom.

Application

A windsurfer uses the boom to hold and maneuver the rig, either directly gripping it in their hands, or through the use of harness lines. The boom mast attachment is the inhaul and the boom sail attachment (at the opposite end) is the outhaul.

When a sailor falls and must recover to a sailing position, the boom is sometimes used in one of the initial steps of performing a waterstart. When the sail is first lifted from the water, it often helps to push the back of the board slightly underwater, and then setting the front of the boom onto the board (near the footstraps). The buoyancy of the board will then push the boom upward, helping to lift the sail out of the water.[1][2][3][4][5]

Construction

The frame of a boom is usually constructed from aluminum or carbon fiber. It usually has some type of padding on its main beams for comfort, and also to help protect itself, the board, and the sailor during falls. A boom can usually be adjusted in length to accommodate different sized sails. The front of the boom (where it attaches to the mast) is usually blunt-shaped, and constructed of a durable plastic. It may also have some padding or rubberized exterior, again to minimize damage in the event it strikes the board or rider during a fall.

A sailor is controlling the sail with one hand on the boom, and the other on the mast, preparing to waterstart.
  
Detail showing boom connection to mast).
Detail of boom with harness lines (one side visible).
An older model windsurfing boom.
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References
  1. Baker, Nik; Moreno, Daida Ruano (2001). The Ultimate Guide to Windsurfing. New York: Lyons Press. pp. 40-41. ISBN 9781585743056. waterstart.
  2. Carter, Amy (2 July 2014). "Waterstart". Boards Magazine. flowatersports. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  3. Bartholdi, Royn. "Clew 1st Water Start" (Video). Wind Surfing Tutorials. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  4. Conway, John; O'Shea, Farrel (July 1, 1989). Advanced Windsurfing. Adventure Sports (Paperback). Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. pp. 28-31. ISBN 0811723038. ISBN 978-0811723039. waterstart.
  5. Hart, Peter (November 30, 2014). Windsurfing. New York: Crowood Press. pp. pt171-173. ISBN 9781847979636.
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