Changing Olympic Windsurfing for Paris

Back in the late 1960s, when Jim Drake and Hoyle Schweitzer invented the original Windsurfer, windsurfing took off as a sport and within the late 70s became the world’s quickest growing water activity.

Seeking to ride this new wave, the Windglider was designed in 1976, and given its better build characteristics, was chosen late in 1983 to be used when boardsailing became an Olympic event at Los Angeles 1984 Olympics.

As gear continued to evolve, and the performance focus moved toward high speed and waves, the Olympic equipment for the course racing format was frequently changed to remain relevant among the elite competitors.

But now with the emergence of foiling, and an emphasis by the International Olympic Committee for each event in the Games to bring with it a unique element, major change is underway for the boardsailing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

While the race format is not yet confirmed, it is anticipated that the days of double windward-leeward courses are over. However, what is known is the selection of the equipment, the Starboard iQFoil, a squatty head-high board designed to fly.

Where did the iQFoil come from? Here’s the story from the people that created it: click here.