SA
196 posts
If everything else is the same will the lightest windsurfing gear go fast, jump higher or get more twisted?
Or can the gear be too light?
NSW
1353 posts
Nothing else is ever the same.
Rider makes the biggest difference.
NSW
9029 posts
There was an article in a British windsurfing mag that compared the same shaped board of different constructions. They came to the conclusion the heavier board was better. I think it was a mid sized freeride board of about 115 liters.
I think the rig lighter the be better. With the board, in lighter and more marginal winds, lighter would be better but in stronger winds weight is less important and when overpowered weight helps keep it all under control.
WA
1462 posts
I'll take the lightest gear you can get over anything heavier
every
single
time
WA
899 posts
every time ^^^ i tried a standard construction 125, got it moving quick, had super sore ankles tho....
NSW
108 posts
windsurfing meant to be a challenge thats why its so great when you DO learn that technique thats been so outer reach.. just think of it as more of a good workout. heavier gear=more ripped body all the while having fun
NSW
3585 posts
If weight makes the difference, why do so many people use such heavy sails?
It's amazing how heavy modern sails are compared to old ones. A Windsurfer One Design 6m, to give an example of an old-style sail, comes in at about 1.95 kg, which is around half as much as a modern sail of the same size. I think an old 6.8m D2 sail would come in even lighter than the One Design sail.
Obviously, the old sails are designed for very different conditions, but it's interesting to see that reality doesn't match the claims that modern gear is always lighter.
WA
1462 posts
put 2 sailors of equal ability on the same gear
the guy on the heavier gear gets smoked every time in all conditions.
The only crew i see adding weight are the tow in guys adding lead to boards. That is a very different dynamic to windsurfing
You can still make comfy light gear - just make sure you have nice soft pads and straps
- and if you have access to custom gear add some vee if chop is bothering you
