STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Due to the diversity of windsurfing and the range of disciplines available, many other muscles also contribute during certain maneuvers such as core windsurfing skills.

The aerobic capacity of an Olympic windsurfer is well developed and can compare to other aerobic sports such as running, rowing or cycling (8). Olympic sailor Nick Dempsey has a VO2 MAX of about 65, similar to a top premiership footballer. No studies have exam- ined the length of time an amateur sailor windsurfs for example on a daily basis during a one week activity holiday. Our experience dur- ing a 12 year period at one of the largest windsurf centres in the world (www.harry-nass.com) suggests that the average client wind- surfs from 2 hours up to 6 hours on a daily basis depending on abil- ity although the amount of time spent resting and the amount of time spent windsurfing depends on each individual. However, research has shown that beginner sailors or sailors with poor har- ness control expend more energy than competent sailors proficient in the harness and footstraps in a near static position (9). Used cor- rectly the harness takes the weight and therefore the effort from the sailor. Use of the rowing machine is a good way to develop aero- bic capacity specific to windsurfing as the muscles used are similar (10).

Anaerobic capacity is also important during manoeuvers such as a tack or jibe when bursts of activity take place outside of the har- ness and footstraps (11). This is especially true during more advanced maneuvers such as body drags, forward loops, back-wind jibes, vulcans, spocks etc. Since 1995 windsurfing freestyle has developed dramatically due to the creation of suitable shorter, wider boards and an influx of young people from different alter- native sports with a freestyle basis such as snowboarding. Research shows

that some extreme sports, especially snow-

boarding, offer a substitute for those who participate in water sports in the summer (12). Use of the rowing machine is a good way to develop anaerobic capacity specific to windsurfing as the muscles used are similar (10).

PSYCHOLOGICAL REWARDS OF WINDSURFING The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that depression and depression related illness will become the greatest source of ill health by 2020. Alongside this prediction is evidence of a dramatic fall in physical activity in the UK over the past 50 years. A large number of studies link physical activity with mental well- being (5). Furthermore, natural open space and greenspaces have the potential to make a positive and varied contribution to the physical, mental and social aspects of people's health (13).

The Department of Health now believes the NHS can help tackle health inequalities and promote physical and mental well-being by encouraging a greater understanding of the value of spending time in the natural environment (14). The Biophilia hypothesis suggests that our desire to have contact with nature is innate and that we need to be close to, or have the opportunity to get close to, nature. One and a half day visits are made to the UK countryside and seaside every year (5). Research in the Netherlands (15) found

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that being near to nature and having opportunities for outdoor recreation was an important part of quality of life.

However information regarding participation rates in alternative sports is limited as they tend to be unstructured by their very nature and therefore we are unaware of how many people participate, what type of people participate and whether they are involved in any other sports as well (2).

A number of reports (2) note a growth in the adventure holiday market which include a range of activities, most of which are outdoors. Some of these activities have a higher degree of danger, risk, and excitement while others are more tranquil and less physically demanding. In both cases however a sense of personal pleasure, challenge and enrichment are perceived - fun, challenge, excitement - valued beyond the physiological interest in the sport; a sensory experience in which the environment features. Alternative sports also certainly encourage 'grass roots' participation (men and women, young and old) and there is even an element of entrepreneurialism involving 'playfulness’, with individuals creating equipment and new manoeuvers. in order to create their own interests and the demand for new and extreme experiences (2).

Physical activity in the natural environment not only aids an

increased life-span, greater well-being, fewer symptoms of depression, lower rates of smoking and substance misuse but also an increased ability to function better at work and home (16).

CONCLUSION Windsurfing can help to develop good fitness (both aerobic and anaerobic), flexibility, agility and muscular strength if executed on a regular basis while specific gym exercises can help to develop these attributes (preventing injury and maximising efficiency) for those who windsurf on an occasional basis. In addition the psychological benefits of participating in an outdoor sport are extensive.

Many outdoor sports enthusiasts are, due to a variety of factors, limited as to when they can participate in their chosen sport and so undertake adventure-type holidays to fulfill their interests (for example one week snowboarding in winter and one week windsurfing in summer). In addition, due to the current lack of governmental research on alternative sports very little is known about participation rates and little policy is currently being implemented to encourage more people to become involved in sports like windsurfing, despite its suitability regardless of age, sex or body type.