The sail thingy slides over the long pole thingy, then you attach the boom thingy, then you put the pole into the board and put the whole mess into the water, sail side up. Then you spend about 5 days falling into the water as you try to pull the sail thingy out of the water while balancing on the board. After about 400 falls you will get the hang of it, be able to pull the sail up and remain upright on the board, as long as the waves don't knock you over. Do all of this with the sail pointing downwind, the board across the wind.

When you finally get to the point where you can ballance with the sail upright, you can "sheet in" the boom and off (or over) you go. To tack, tilt the mast to the back of the board, step lively around the front of the board as it comes head to wind, get to the other side of the board and lean the rig forward to bear off, then upright again to go straight. By then you will be far away from where you started. It will go much easier and faster if you find someone who knows how, to help you get started of course. And a rescue boat is always nice... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />