Windsurfing is part sailing, part surfing. You stand on a board holding a sail on a mast that pivots freely at its base, and by tilting the sail and shifting your weight you catch the wind and steer. In a light breeze on flat water it's a calm, quiet glide. In strong wind, experienced windsurfers race, jump and ride waves.

There's a learning curve, but you can get a lot done in a day. Schools teach on wide, stable boards with small sails, usually on a calm lake, bay or lagoon where you can't drift far. The first goal is simply to pull the sail up out of the water and sail across and back, and many people manage that within a lesson or two.

The Date Activity

A beginner lesson makes a good adventurous date. You'll both fall in constantly, which is half the fun, and you're learning the same thing at the same time, so nobody is showing off. Book a lesson for two at a school rather than trying to teach each other. Good instruction turns a frustrating afternoon into a fun one.

Plan on a full morning or afternoon, with a picnic on the shore for after. If one of you takes to it, the same beach makes an easy weekend habit. If the wind doesn't cooperate, switch to kayaking for the day, or sit on the sand and watch the kiteboarders while you decide which sport to try next.

On Your Own / With Friends

Windsurfing spots tend to have a tight-knit crowd, and regulars are usually happy to give newcomers a tip. Group lessons are an easy way to get a few friends started, and many schools and clubs rent gear, so nobody has to buy a board to find out if they like it. Friends who want to stay dry can try kite flying on the beach, since the same breeze works for both.

Once you can sail on your own, go out with a buddy or where others are on the water, and tell someone on shore when you plan to be back.

Good to Know

You should be a confident swimmer, and wear a life jacket or impact vest while you learn. Wear a wetsuit when the water is cool, plus sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and water shoes for rocky launches. Learn in light, steady wind, and stay off the water in offshore wind, which blows away from the beach and can carry a tired beginner out. Watch for boats and swimmers, obey lifeguard flags at ocean beaches, and learn to spot rip currents. If you get tired or stuck, stay with your board: it floats, and it's much easier to spot than you are.