WINDSURFING

Due to the lack of research many outdoor sports enthusiasts like windsurfers are obviously unaware of how they could utilise their gym time to a specific end and ensure their next windsurfing trip is a success without the usual aches and pains. In return many gym enthusiasts are obviously unaware of how they could utilise their time outside the gym with sports that offer many physiological and psychological benefits when undertaken on a regular basis. Maybe you could be the link?

To find out more about windsurfing, the Harry Nass Centres in Dahab, Egypt currently offer one of the best teaching concepts in the world with British coach Rob Horne (SURF magazine 2007). Dahab is a world renowned windsurf and kitesurf location for all ability levels. For further information please view www.dahabsurf.com

MINOR WINDSURFING INJURIES Although acute windsurfing injuries are beyond the scope of this article and very rare for the amateur windsurfer, there are a variety of common minor complaints that can be prevented by common sense. 1. Blistering to the inside of the hands just below the fingers and also on the fingers and palm is due to the abrasive material used on booms. To avoid blisters sailors can either wear gloves or waterproof medical tape. Another good preventative measure is to spend time on the rowing machine, which will not only increase fitness as previously discussed but will also toughen the inside of the hands. Alternatively get part of an old boom and grip it while watching TV a couple of weeks prior to the windsurfing holiday. 2. Dehydration, especially in hot holiday environments, is easily

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solved by use of the 'camel backpack' which can store water on the sailor's back and does not interfere with windsurfing. 3. Sunburn, especially in hot holiday environments, can be avoided. Most harnesses have a small pocket at the back for small tubes of sunscreen in a waterproof bag. 4. Readjustment of the footstraps – they do not have to be so tight as to cut off circulation – this will prevent blistering and bleeding of the feet. 5. Long legged wetsuit if you are sailing in cold conditions or are trying new manoeuvers - the boards are extremely abrasive and will rip skin from the legs. Long sleeved rash vest for the arms. Booties if the board is slippery. 6. Water safety in terms of knowing the area you are sailing in, any rip tides, tidal activity, local weather reports and rescue services. Sailing alone on the sea is not a good idea but a mobile in a water- proof case inside of the wetsuit would at least reduce the risk.

THE AUTHOR

Nikki McLeary Bsc (Hons) graduated in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Brighton in 1998. She worked for three well-established Sports and Exercise Science magazines and later for a human performance centre in London. She now owns a successful alternative sports company which caters for thousands of watersports (www.dahabsurf.com) and snowsports (www.livigno snow.com) enthusiasts every year.

Caroline Hobson is a registered osteopath and ex-Great Britain rower. Caroline owns a successful practice in Plymouth working with windsurfers, yachtsmen, dingy sailors, gig rowers, oarsmen and run- ners. For training advice or injury prevention/treatment please email carolinehobson@hotmail.com

References 1. Csikzentmihalyi M, 1990. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experiences; New York: Harper and Row 2. Tomlinson et al, 2005. Lifestyle Sports and National Sport Policy: An Agenda for Research. Report to Sport England 3. www.wikipedia.org 4. Pretty J et al, 2005 (reference to DEFRA 2004). Countryside Recreation Network Executive Summary, A Countryside for Health and Wellbeing: The Physical and Mental Health benefits of Green Exercise; University of Essex 5. Pretty J et al, 2005. Countryside

Recreation Network Executive

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Summary: A Countryside for Health and Wellbeing: The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Green Exercise; University of Essex 6. Keeling A, 2003. Getting into Action - The UK Adventure Tourism Market, Insights. English Tourism Council 7. Allen J.B and De Jong M.R, 2006. Sailing and Sports Medicine: a Literature review, British Jounal of Sports Medicine; 40 8. Vogiatzia G et al, 2002. European Journal of Applied Physiology; 86:5 9. Ergonomics Society of Australia Inc, 1999. Low Back Pain and Sailboarding Harness Design. Part 1: Field Survey 10. Tim Matthews, Professional Windsurf Coach - www.boardseeker.com 11. Health Promotion and Doping. Youth Development Training Manual: Sailing Instructors. ISAF/ISAF UK LTD 12. Key note, 2002. The Sport Industry. 9th Edition. Hampton, Middlesex: Key Note Ltd 13. Central Scotland Countryside Trust, 2001 14. Chief medical officer, 2007. Healthy futures. NHS Paper: Department of Heath 15. De Vries et al, 2003. Natural Environments - Healthy Environments? An Explanatory Analysis of the Relationship Between Greenspace and Health. Environment and Planning; 35 16. Physical Activity Task Force. 2002

Photos by Harry Nass - www.harry-nass.com sportex dynamics 2007:13(Jul):15-18