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.
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Adrian Roper at Takapuna Reef circa 1983. Photo: Rex Auty