Tips for the surf

Big one is, when rig is in the water, make sure mast tip points into the waves, that way the mast won't be jammed into the bottom, potentially breaking it.
You can also sink the mast tip before the white water arrives, hang onto boom and back straps, hopefully wave will go over you if it's not too big. Hanging onto the back strap allows you to keep some distance from the fin. If you can't do that, stay at the mast tip, sink it as much as possible and hang on. But don't hang on too long if the wave is big, because you won't come to the surface as soon as you let go!

There's also varying etiquette at different locations. If it's predominately down the line wave riding, it's probably impolite to try and enforce the "give way to people going out" rule if you're only aiming at the best peak for a jump, and somebody else is coming down the line, you could easily mess up his wave, or cause a collision, if he's concentrating on the wave, he may not see you till too late. Ask a local what they do.

You can sail slowly over reasonable white water, as long as you unweight the back foot and stand up straight, any side ways pressure on the board and you'll be in the water.
Remember you have to learn to jump on both tacks!!!! I put myself on crutches for 2 or 3 weeks, thinking I could jump fine, not realizing on the opposite tack the controls are reversed, went into a power dive instead of a controlled glide.

even if you have no intention of going out, still rig ya stuff up so u look cool

stand on the beach with your arms crossed, and bitch n moan that the conditions are crap

absolute must - make sure your car has a windsurfing sticker on it

if it's wet, it aint fire


personally i find it makes it easier to climb over waves and white water when u r not on the plane by putting yer front foot forward so toes touch mast base