I got a suggestion.

How about a section on this forum for beginners? It could have links to windsurfing instructions etc.

Maybe the more 'experienced' sailors with old stuff clogging their garages could offer their clapped out clobber for beginners to use for free. Like a library system. I know 'free' is a painful word in WA but look at is as an investment. The more sailors, the more shops, the cheaper the prices.

And before we all get on our high horses about 'you need to start on the right stuff!', I reckon that's a load of rubbish.
I wonder what kind of kit Robbie Naish started on?
No matter what you sail, you'll learn something!

I gave an old board/boom/mast and sails to a guy in work and he's now well on his way, heading to the nearest windsurf shop with a big fat wallet cos he's caught the bug. He's passing the old kit onto another friend now, since he grew out of it in a matter of weeks.

Just an Idea..

I reckon the "library" idea of old gear's great. I know that for me thinking about starting out I figure I probably could "get it" on older gear but I don't want to throw good money after bad when everyone you read says get a nice big starboard and a new sail. If there was a bit of old gear kicking around that people could try and from that point kind of work out what they need it would be unreal.

Anyone in Sydney got a board round 130L and a rig I could have a lend of - there might even be a case of beer or two in it for ya

although I have nothing suitable at the moment.

I generally offer old kit that has been traded in to the poor and desperate(to try) for a nominal price usually around the 20buck mark with the understanding that when they have got the bug, to bring it back as a tradein on good stuff and get their 20 back.

The getting hooked bit is easy when they can be introduced to the sailboarding community and instantly want to be part of such a helpful, friendly, easygoing group.

Of course that is assuming the winds blowing.

best winds
Tony L