A boom in the context of windsurfing is a piece of equipment that attaches to the mast, providing structural support for the sail. Early booms were tied on to the mast using rope, but most newer booms use a clamp mechanism for attachments. Booms are commonly made from aluminum, or carbon fibre, and are often referred to as a wishbone boom due to their symmetrical shape. Windsurfers use the boom to maneuver the rig, either by directly gripping it in their hands, or through the use of harness lines.
