Carrying your rig can be uncomfortable, especially if wind gusts try to blow your windsurfing sail away. Additionally, it will drain your energy before touching the water.

So, whether getting ready to carry your rig, leaving it unattended on the beach or near the water's edge, you've got to be sure it is lying in the mast-to-wind position.

But what exactly means mast-to-wind position? Basically, it means lifting and carrying the rig so that the length of the mast is across the wind, the front end is pointing into the wind, and the sail is to leeward (downwind).

The lifting sequence is simple:

1. Determine the wind direction and make sure the rig is in the mast-to-wind position.2. With your back-to-wind, grab the mast above the boom with one hand and the wide part of the boom with the other hand and lift the sail so the mast rests on your hip.3. Move under the sail until you can grab the boom two feet from the mast, and then raise the rig above your head, remembering to keep the mast lengthwise across the wind.4. If you want to turn, simply pivot your body beneath, the rig, but keep the mast facing across the wind.5. In gusty or high-wind conditions, rotating the mast foot slightly toward the wind will make it easier to control the rig.

Remember that if you don't leave your rig in mast-to-wind position, it may end up flying across the beach and hit someone.

If you're carrying your sail on your head in lighter winds, make sure the mast is facing towards the wind, mast base facing forward. Are you taking the board too? Carry it downwind of your body, with the mast base in front of you.

"Start Windsurfing Right!", a book by James Coutts and US Sailing, has plenty of windsurfing tips techniques for beginners and intermediate windsurfers.