The purpose of this study is to investigate behavioral differences among windsurfer specialization subgroups through the use of conjoint analysis. Recreation specialization is a concept that explains the developmental process of behavior patterns whereby recreation participants acquire knowledge and skills and progress to higher stages of involvement in a particular leisure activity over time. This conceptual framework has been employed in understanding leisure and sport behaviors through a segmentation approach. In this research, conjoint analysis was used to examine windsurfers' preferences. Three attributes -- wind velocity, season and crowding -- were considered in the research design. The data were collected through interviewing windsurfers in Sumiyoshihama Resort Park, Japan. Participant observation was also conducted simultaneously. Windsurfing participants were segmented in terms of skill, frequency of participation and types of activity. Four types of leisure and sport participants could be identified: occasional windsurfers, social windsurfers, competitive windsurfers and pleasure windsurfers. On the one hand, occasional windsurfers and social windsurfers were types of social participants, on the other hand, competitive windsurfers and pleasure windsurfers were types of serious participants. The findings of the conjoint analysis include the following: season was the most influential factor in participant preferences for occasional and social windsurfers, while season and wind velocity were more influential factors for competitive windsurfers.