August 11th, 2010 6:37 pm
Windsurfing Mast Extension
Before you start practicing windsurfing, it is vital to understand the various equipments used in it. A windsurfing novice can be easily misled into thinking that windsurfing involves only the surf board and the sail. However, there are various smaller parts like the boom, fin, uphaul, mast and mast base that play an equal role in windsurfing. Yet another important component of this kit is the mast extension.
Windsurfing Mast Extension
As the name suggests, mast extension refers to the extension that joins that mast to the luff of the sail. Usually the mast extension is adjustable so that it becomes easy to join different types of sails. The mast extension consists of pulleys that help to pull high degree of tension during downhauling. There are different types of mast extension systems from which you can choose the one that suits your mast and sail.
1. Grooved Extension: The grooved extension supports the mast with the help of a metal circlip. This circlip fits in the mast extension and supports the mast collar. The grooves or channels in which the circlip fits are at an interval of 1-2cms. The grooved mast extensions are known to offer great durability.
2. Spring-loaded Collar Extension: One of the most widely used mast extensions, the spring-loaded collar extension is the easiest to attach. The spring loaded extension can be easily adjusted according to the sail. Like the grooved extension, the spring-loaded extension too has holes drilled at fixed intervals. While strapping the mast extension collar, a pin is inserted through these holes so that the collar is attached at the desired level.
3. Pin System: In this type of mast extension, the tube comprises of holes drilled diametrically opposite each other. The mast collar is placed above a pin that is positioned through the hole at the required height.
Tips for Choosing Mast Extensions
Apart from the type of sails, it is important to keep a few factors in mind while choosing mast extensions. Some of the factors to be considered while choosing mast extensions are as follows:
1. Ensure that the mast extension is compatible with various brands of masts along with a carbon mast. Also, the extension must be designed to endure immense wear and tear including salt water exposure, huge amount of dust and sand particles.
2. The mast extension must be extremely efficient in downhauling. Opt for a mast extension with 15mm pulleys and a capable ratchet system.
3. It is recommended to opt for light-weight mast extensions that are easily adjustable as well as easy on your hands.
4. Always remember to check ring and collar adjustment system in a mast extension system.
5. It is preferable to have mast extensions that are easy to rig.
6. Several mast extensions available these days comprise of carbon fiber tube. This is a good development as this enhances the strength of the extension. It is also lighter in weight than the usual aluminium mast extension.
These are some of the basic aspects of mast extension. Often surfers do not give great importance to mast extensions and focus more on surf boards. However, a good mast extension plays a key role in windsurfing and hence must be carefully selected.
Tags: Extension, Mast, Windsurfing