Combining surfing and sailing, it would go on to become a popular past time for thousands of kiwis, and one in which, as nation we would excel at on the international stage.
Now the 50-year history of windsurfing and the colourful characters who shaped the sport in Aotearoa have been captured in a new book, In the Footstraps of Giants.
It's been written by former grandmaster windsurfing world champion Bruce Trotter who spoke to Emile Donovan.
Adrian Roper at Takapuna Reef circa 1983. Photo: Rex Auty
