Boom_(windsurfing)
A boom, in the context of windsurfing, is a piece of equipment that attaches to the mast, providing structural support for the sail. It completely encircles the sail, and is designed to be gripped, allowing the sailor to control the sail for normal sailing, and also for almost any type of maneuver (such as gybing, tacking, and waterstarting). Early pre RAF/cambered booms (often called a "wishbone boom" due to their symmetrical shape) were tied on to the mast using rope, but newer booms use a clamp mechanism for attachment.