Sailing Position:

To get underway, you will go through a series of five movements. From the Basic Position, you can get underway by entering the Starting Position and progressing to assume the Balance Position and then two more to assume the Sailing Position.

(Movement #1): From the start position, select a point dead a head to sail to and point at it with your front hand. Now re-grab the mast with your front hand and release the backhand from the mast, letting it fall to your side.
Starting Position (Movement #2): Take a step back along the centerline with your back foot and move your front foot so it is pointing forward behind the mast. Keep the sail perpendicular to the board. The sail is still flagging without power.
Balance Position (Movement #3): In this position, you are aft (back) of the rig and facing forward. You are balanced on the center of the board and the rig is tilted to windward (towards the wind) until it is balanced over the board. (No hands on boom).
Movement #4: Next, place both hands on the boom.
Sailing Position (Movement #5): From the Balance Position you perform Movement #4 then finally enter the sailing position. In this position, your hands are placed on the boom, in front of the center of pressure of the sail. Balance your weight against the pressure generated by the sail. Suspend your weight on the boom so your feet are light on the board. You are now sailing.

Fail Safe Maneuver:

If in the Sailing Position you let go of your back hand (keeping your front hand) on the boom, the sail will swing forward reducing the force of the wind on the sail and depowering the sail.

Self-Rescue Position:

The rig has been lowered and folded on the center of the board. The windsurfer lays over the rig facing forward and paddles to shore. You should only do this if you are confident you can paddle to shore. Always aim upwind or up current to where you want to land.