Windsurfing is a water sport that combines aspects of sailing and surfing using an elongated board called a sailboard that is powered by wind pushing against its single sail. It emerged in the late 20th century and involves speed sailing, slalom racing, wave riding, and freestyle maneuvers. There is dispute over who invented it, though Americans were granted an early patent and Australians credit a boy who built sail-powered canoes in the 1940s. Windsurfing equipment includes a mast, sail, boom, foot straps, and fin attached to the board.