Downhaul tools

In addition to large pieces of equipment (sail, mast, board), we also need many small, often inconspicuous accessories for windsurfing, which nevertheless play an important role. These pieces can be divided into two groups. In the first group are those that we need directly and urgently to be able to go to the water - a mastbase, a fin or just an adapter for the RDM mast. In the second group are those pieces of equipment that are used only indirectly and are not necessary. We can't really ride the waves with a protective board bag, but it perfectly protects the board from possible damage in the garage, on the beach, etc. Downhaul tool is one of the non-essential accessories, but it makes it much easier for us to rig the sail. You can windsurf without these non-essential windsurf accessories, but they have their own specific function and they are here with a purpose. Their purpose is to facilitate certain processes, raise the level of windsurfing or simply take care of injury prevention (us or the equipment). The use of such products is therefore recommended, but it also goes without them.

 

Below we will talk about downhaul tools.

 

As the name suggests, it is a tool that helps us to downhaul the sail. The purpose of the downhaul tool is to provide more accurate and easier rigging of the sail and to prevent any injuries that can be caused to us by the rope if we use only hands to tighten or loosen the sail. Injuries are mostly abraded skin that occurs when the sail is loosened or tightened. A slightly more awkward injury can occur if we are not careful and determined when lowering the sail and quickly pull the skin on our hand between the rope and the pulley block (the metal part on the extension that makes sure the rope does not loosen). This can be a very unnecessary injury that, in the worst case, can keep us on the beach instead of on the water for a day or two longer. :)

 

We know several types of downhaul tools. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

 

This is the most basic downhaul tool on the market. It is quite simple to use, as the rope is to be placed through both holes, and then it is twisted in the middle to further prevent sagging. The downhaul toom can be gripped in the centre with only one hand and the sail tensioned, but in this case, a slightly greater force is required. We recommend that you sit on the floor, grasp the downhaul tool with both hands, and rest your foot in the extension. Stretch your leg to make sure the work is done by the leg, not the back (if you stretch the sail with your arms folded and with your arms). The sail then only needs to be downhauled to the point provided by the manufacturer, and you are ready for action!

                                                               

                                                                                  

This downhaul tool differs from the one described above in that it also has a integrated Philips head at one end, which is intended to tighten the screw and fasten the fin, tighten the air vent screw, change the straps on the board. Due to its convenience (two functions in one), it is probably also the most commonly used downhaul tool. The method of downhauling the sail is the same as with the downhaul tool described above.

                                                               

                                                   

The one-handed downhaul tool has the task of "gripping and squeezing" the rope and not releasing it until we change the angle of the rope in relation to the tool. We simply attach the rope to it, put our foot in the extension, stretch our leg and downhaul the sail. The downhauling procedure is the same as for the tools described above, except that we only need to use one hand. This small downhaul tool is extremely convenient due to its size. It is great for those who want to always have it with them, as it can be stored in a swimsuit pocket or tucked under a neoprene.

                                                                             

                                                                                                                  

This tensioner is a very elegant solution for those who would like to rig the sail most optimally, you lack some force in your hands or you just want to do it with less force and effort. The winch is stuck in the extension, thread a rope over the winch and turn the lever. The latter is easily rotated for a turn, half a turn or. right up to the point where you think the sail is optimally rigged. With all the other accessories, it is very difficult to achieve such precision as with a winch. The advantage of the winch is that you downhaul the sail evenly, without sudden and impulsive movements - so the forces are evenly distributed on the sail and mast. It's a bit more awkward just because of the size, as you can't put it in your pocket, and because of the complexity of the system, the price is higher compared to other options.

                                                                            

 

 

It often happens that we forget the downhaul tool or we want to do some adjustments to the sail on the beach. Then we can help ourselves with the gadgets we have on hand. Often it is some piece of wood, a stone. However, when using accessories from nature, be careful not to damage the rope.

 

In addition to the gadgets we find on the beach, we can also use different windsurf accessories we have with us. Harness and the harness hook itself is also suitable for downhauling the sail due to its robustness and roundness. If you do not have the harness, you can also use a mastbase, but we warn you that we do not recommend this method - it should only be used in emergencies, as we can unknowingly damage the mastbase.