windsurf

American  

[wind-surf] / ˈwɪndˌsɜrf /

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in windsurfing.

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windsurf British  

/ ˈwɪndˌsɜːf /

verb

1. (intr) to take part in the sport of windsurfing

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Other Word Forms

• windsurfer noun

Etymology

Origin of windsurf

First recorded in 1965–70; wind ¹ + surf

Explanation

To windsurf is to stand on a sailboard, riding the waves while being propelled by the breeze. Most people windsurf for fun, although it's also an Olympic sport. A sailboard is a cross between a surfboard and a small sailboat, and windsurfers incorporate the best of both surfing and sailing into their sport. Most windsurfers credit an American inventor, Newman Darby, with the creation of the first sailboard in 1964. He and his wife Naomi became the first windsurfers when they tested the board on Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River. Windsurfers first competed in the Olympics in 1984.

Example Sentences

Paddle, sail, swim, water ski, row, wakeboard, scuba dive, whitewater kayak, windsurf, kiteboard.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2023

"My terrifying 37 hours on a windsurf in deadly seas."

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2022

Its programs teach people of all abilities to sail, paddle and windsurf on the Charles River — and encourage volunteerism.

From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2022

I don’t want to hang glide, windsurf, disco dance, watch stunt planes execute pinpoint turns and stomach churning dives.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2017

JoJo and I rolled her onto her side, which wasn’t easy since she was tied to the windsurf board.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin