Learn new sports! These are the steps...

Stepping stones to learning new skills (in sport)

1. Unconscious incompetence
2. Conscious incompetence
3. Conscious competence
4. Unconscious competence

This article will now focus on my experience in windsurfing, but feel free to use it for any other sports!

No one is born knowing how to windsurf, but we all have the potential to learn. Not like a hippo or a ladybird.

For over 30 years I had nothing to do with this sport. Then, as I started working in a windsurfing club, it seemed a tempting challenge to learn. Challenge accepted! I’m still climbing the ladder but I’ve managed to get to an enjoyable level, I’m getting addicted.

1.Unconscious incompetence
I never thought about not being able to windsurf and that it might be important at some point.

2. Conscious incompetence
At first I tried with the beginners equipment… Lots of swimming, falling, hard to stay on the board (although I did get some balance in canoeing), no idea how to steer the sail, several times the jetski saved me, lots of catapults (when the sail flies you off the board with great force…). Later I panicked when the board started to slide fast under me.
Oh my God, I know I can’t windsurf…

3. Conscious competence
I learnt to waterstart (when you pull yourself up out of the water onto the board using the sail), I was able to glide more and more safely, use the harness and footstraps. I know I can windsurf somewhat, but it still takes a lot of mental effort, it’s not automatic.

4. Unconscious competence
When you don’t have to think, you just enjoy it. You are in a state of flow, happiness and euphoria at its peak! I’ve been getting to this level sometimes and will get to it more and more in the future if I keep practicing diligently!

Of course this is just the basic windsurfing from 0 to safe planing and first jumps , from here on there are of course many more professional tricks…

In my opinion, windsurfing is a great sport, worth starting and then it becomes a very enjoyable form of exercise once you reach a good level. It requires a bit of strength, but it is more of a technical sport, so it is recommended for all ages. You need to be very sensitive and adaptable to the constantly and rapidly changing conditions.

It’s never too late to start a new sport!

A high level of skill in a sport doesn’t necessarily guarantee you anything in the new field, but it can help you progress faster.

Enjoy the process!

It’s best to get the basics right before you start any specialized form of exercise. You’ll learn faster and reduce the risk of injury because you’re in control of your body and muscles. A Generalist Training approach can be a great way to do this!