Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying my first sail board this summer. Never riden one before but have surfed for 25 years and once owned a catamaran. So have some idea of sailing (just enough to be dangerous) but plenty of experience on waves. I was hping someone could advise me of a good "first" sail board, preferably one that not only would be easy to get up on, but capable of playing around in the waves when I eventually get a feel for it.

I'd sooner not buy a new one (though those JP Funsters and Fun Rides seem to be ideal?), and would prefer something simular on the second hand market. Is there's any other models out there that you would recommend as a good starters board with scope for progression?

If details help, I'm 43, quite fit and weight 75 kgs. Hope to spend no more than $800, and plan to sail on Trial Bay here at South West Rocks. Any info appreciated.

Cheers,

Phil

Hi Phil,
The size of the board will make a huge difference to how quickly you will progress. My thoughts are around 160 to 180 litres. A centre board would make learning easier. Brands to consider would be JP or Starboard. You may struggle to hit the waves with these bigger boards but you need to remember that second hand begginers boards will be easy to sell on without much depreciation in $ due to the need for them out there. My suggestion is to buy the bigger board first. Learn the techniques, and sell the board when you are ready to upgrade. Then you can go a bit smaller and have some fun in the waves.

Cheers, Moondo

Hi,

with a budget of $800 you will have difficulty to get both a board like the ones you mention and the rig. Even second hand it will be difficult. You may be best to look on the buy and sell here along with eBay. Of course being up on the mid north coast of NSW means there are very few boards for sale locally.

I'd recommend you contact Jordans in Port Macquarie and see if they can give you some lessons to start and then hire a board for the day. From there you could talk to them and work out where to go from there.

We are heading up there this Christmas for a week or so, so perhaps we will meet up.

my TOP TIP


learn to deep waterstart before you learn to sail, plane, gybe etc !!!!

it will save you a gazillion hours and you may be able to kick off with a board that is a bit more fun in the lumpy stuff.....


get a fellow windsurfer to show you the basics and spend a windy day practicing in chest deep water.

PhilSWR said...

Thanks Windy Miller, sounds like a smart first move

Now, can anyone tell me if this is any good for a first board? I done a little research and think this is pretty old, couldn't work out much else. But does it have any redeming quilitys for a complete learner, or is it a total liability...lol I ask as it is local- and there's basically never a sailboard for sale around here!

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Cheers,

Phil

This would be good to learn the basics but nowhere near as good as a modern (wide) beginners board. However, that old gear was good enough for half the pro sailors when they learnt to sail.

But sorry to say, it is worth about $100. The seller is dreaming.... yes they paid $2000 for it, but that was in 1988

I kinda figured it was old and not ideal. And, even with no-idea- thought $600 was pretty steep! No probs, just seen it and thought I'd run it by some experienced eyes

Still yet to ring Jordans Boating at Port Macquarie for lessons and see what he has in stock. So all is good.

Cheers,

Phil