The Joys of Windsurfing are a constant up and down for the beginner. Get used to it. After a while you'll spend more time on the board than in the water.
Windsurfing is a surface water sport using a windsurf board, also commonly called a sailboard, usually two to five meters long and powered by a single sail. It combines aspects of both sailing and surfing.
The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating flexible joint called the Universal Joint (U-Joint). Unlike a rudder-steered sailboat, a windsurfer is steered by the tilting and rotating of the mast and sail as well as tilting and carving the board.
Unless you dig sunburn, bruises and a chafing lifevest, wear some clothes. Long trousers and a long sleeve top would be best. On cooler days add an anorak or windproof top. The reflected sunlight adds an extra 80% to your sun exposure. The surf board has a rough surface to give you a firm stand and a nice souvenir when you hit it with bare skin.
To get a good grip on the board you want to wear sports shoes. They also protect your feet from sharp bits in the water or from the mast should it fall down. Socks avoid blisters. A well fitting lifevest is better than a buoyancy aid as it turns you on your back should you need it after a fall.