Waterstart

A waterstart is a key windsurfing maneuver for recovering after a fall and getting back into sailing position by using wind.

Waterstarting is faster and less tiring compared to climbing back on the board and uphauling the sail, but requires enough wind (about 14 knots or more, depending on the skills, weight and agility of the surfer) to perform.

[2] Waterstarting requires flying the sail and getting the mast high enough so that the wind will finish in lifting the sailor's weight up and onto the board.

[4][2] Many sailors practice waterstarting in shallow waters, where it is easier to maneuver the board and rig into the correct position.

The main difference is that once the sail is flying, the board is on the mast side of the sailor and points a bit further downwind, on a broad reach.