Find the right windsurf sail size for your weight and wind conditions. Enter your details below for an instant recommendation.
| Wind (kn) | 60 kg | 70 kg | 80 kg | 90 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9 |
| 12 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 14 | 5 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 16 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6 | 6.5 |
| 18 | 4 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 6 |
| 20 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 5.3 |
| 25 | 3 | 3.4 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 30 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 | 4 |
The size of your windsurf sail directly controls how much wind power you capture. A larger sail pulls harder, which is great in light wind but becomes overpowering when the breeze picks up. Your body weight determines how much power you can comfortably control — heavier riders can handle larger sails in the same conditions.
Most windsurfers carry two to three sails to cover their typical wind range. A common quiver for an 80 kg rider might be a 7.5 m² for light wind, a 5.5 m² for moderate conditions, and a 4.2 m² for strong winds. This setup covers roughly 12 to 30 knots.
Your board width also plays a role. Wider boards plane earlier and work better with smaller sails in marginal wind. A wide freeride board might get you going in 12 knots, while a narrow wave board needs 18 or more.
Foil windsurfing has changed the equation. Because a hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water and eliminates drag, you can use a sail about 30% smaller than you would for the same conditions on a fin board. Foiling opens up ultra-light-wind days that were previously unsailable.
Wind speed is typically reported in knots for watersports. You can also check the Beaufort scale to relate wind force to sea conditions.
Watersports Tracker records your speed, distance, route, and more — for 24+ sports.