Windsurfing has been a part of the Olympic sailing competition since the 1980s, but Olympic windsurfing in Paris 2024 is the first time we will see a foiling windsurfer take part in the Olympic regatta. The windsurfing is the first of the Olympic sailing events to start and takes place from 28 July – 2 August 2024.

The IQFoil is a windsurfing class selected by World Sailing to replace the previous olympic windsurfer, the RS:X, for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Sailors competing in the IQFoil fleet may only use a single sail – a notable difference from many windsurfing events, where multiple sails sizes may be used. The sail size for the men’s class is 9m2.

The women’s Olympic windsurfer features a slightly smaller sail than the men’s class at 8m2. For both the men’s and women’s classes, the rider has a choice between using a hydrofoil or a conventional 68 cm fin, with the former being used in all but the lightest of conditions.

After the cancellation of racing yesterday due to a lack of wind, the Olympic windsurfing competition competitors are set to conclude their regatta today, Saturday 3 August.

For those new to Olympic Windsurfing, the format is slightly different to other Olympic Sailing Medal Race Days.

At the end of the Opening Series, the top ten athletes will qualify for the Medal Series. Those ranked fourth to tenth compete in a Quarter-Final, with the top two reaching the Semi-Final.

They will then face the athletes that finished second and third in the Opening Series. Two will progress from the Semi-Final, joining the top overall athlete in the Final.

The three athletes in the Final are all guaranteed a medal, so the finishing order in the Final race will determine who wins what medal.

Olympic windsurfing schedule for Medal Racing is: 

• Women’s Olympic Windsurfer Quarter-Final – 11:13 local
• Men’s Olympic Windsurfer Quarter-Final – 11:33 local
• Women’s Olympic Windsurfer Semi-Final – 11:53 local
• Men’s Olympic Windsurfer Semi-Final – 12:18 local
• Women’s Olympic Windsurfer Final – 12:33 local
• Men’s Olympic Windsurfer Final – 13:03 local

Read on to find out how to watch Olympic windsurfing live streams in Australia, the UK, the US, New Zealand, Canada – and beyond.

Looking for a free Paris 2024 Olympics Sailing live stream? The event will be free on 9Now in Australia, and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Full details on how to watch a Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing live stream just below.

How to stream Olympic windsurfing in Australia for free

The 9Network broadcast will feature two dedicated Olympic channels on Channel 9HD and 9GemHD filled with Olympic content 24 hours a day. Plus, 9Now will stream 40 individual channels live and on-demand, ensuring Australians do not miss a second of any event, as well as extensive curation of VOD highlights and full replays.

The best way to watch the sailing will be via the 9Now app, which will feature: Over 40 channels LIVE, FREE and in HD, Replays, highlights and ‘Minis’ for the best action on-demand. Multi-language captions, Event guide and much more

For those on a desktop, simply visit the 9Network

You can also download the 9Now app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for your Smart TV, mobile or tablet.

If you try to watch your domestic coverage from anywhere outside your home country, you’ll soon find a problem – geo-blocking. That’s where the broadcaster prevents you from watching your usual feed from abroad. It’s a common problem for sports fans all over the world.

By downloading and installing a VPN, you can effectively trick your computer into thinking that it’s back at home. Our sister title, TechRadar has done extensive testing of the best VPN service and Nord VPN consistently comes out on top.

How to use a VPN to watch Paris 2024 Olympics

Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three…

1. Download and install a VPN – as we say, the top choice according to our sister title is NordVPN.
2. Connect to the appropriate server location – open the VPN app, hit ‘choose location’ and select the appropriate location, eg: ‘Australia’ for 9Now.
3. Go to the broadcaster’s stream – head to your home broadcaster’s site or app and watch as if you were at home – 9Now for Aussies abroad.

How to watch Olympic windsurfing in the UK for free

If you live in the UK and want to watch every single bit of the action from the Olympic sailing live you will need to head to Discovery+. A £3.99 special Olympic offer subscription will get you access to every moment of Paris 2024, including all of the sailing taking place on the Marseille and Corniche racecourses and all medal races – but you will need to sign up before 11 August to access the deal.

However the BBC will usually run a decent chunk of live coverage plus daily highlights shows, as per Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, so you might be better served to go with that BBC iPlayer free option if don’t feel the need to watch every last second of every race.

How to watch Olympic windsurfing in the USA

NBCUniversal is the Olympic broadcasting rights holder in the USA for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with coverage likely to be spread across Peacock TV and its suite of TV channels.

This includes NBC, USA Network and MSNBC.

Peacock costs just $7.99 per month  for an ad-supported version of the service that also offers live coverage of EPL soccer, every big WWE event, Premiership Rugby, plus plenty more live sports. You also have the option of paying $10 a month for commercial-free coverage

How to watch Olympic windsurfing in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the official broadcasters for the last Olympics were TVNZ, which is free to watch, and Sky Sport, which is available as part of a range of pay TV packages. That looks likely to be the case for Paris 2024 too.

A Sky Sport Now subscription costs $19.99 per week or a special Olympic subscription deal is available at $34.99. The monthly package comes with a 7-day free trial.

What is the Paris 2024 Olympic windsurfing schedule?

Olympic windsurfing in Paris 2024 begins on 28 July and continues until 2 August.

July 28

Men’s Windsurfing – Opening Series
Women’s Windsurfing – Opening Series

July 29

Men’s Windsurfing – Opening Series
Women’s Windsurfing – Opening Series

July 30

Men’s Windsurfing – Opening Series
Women’s Windsurfing – Opening Series

August 1

Men’s Windsurfing – Opening Series Marathon
Women’s Windsurfing – Opening Series Marathon

August 2

Men’s Windsurfing – Medal Series
Women’s Windsurfing – Medal Series

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