Newbie gear purchase

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grahowler
grahowler
QLD
9 posts
QLD, 9 posts
12 Sep 2006 11:31am
Hey folks

OK, so I'm getting ready to buy my first set up. I only have about 4-5 hours under my belt, so obviously I need a starter set up.

Now as I understand it I will need a 150-170 ltr board (right?) but I am unsure what size sail to get, obviously I am going to be in light wind for a little while. Can anyone give me a clue here?

Thanks!
hardie
hardie
WA
4133 posts
WA, 4133 posts
12 Sep 2006 9:48am
What is your weight/ height?

Where will you be sailing? Ocean or protected flat water?

To start it's always good to have a light wind sail, and a strong wind sail.

Depending on your size, and where you sail, the average strong wind sail is 4.5 to 5.0m, and your first light wind sail from about 5.5 to 7.0m. Obviously as you get more experienced, and depending on your weight, these days, lot's of people will use fron 7.0 to 9.0 for there light wind sails, with Formula racers using up to 12m.
Combs
Combs
WA
152 posts
WA, 152 posts
12 Sep 2006 12:54pm
Your board size is about right in my opinion. Others will say to go smaller to start with, but I can still remember hopping on my 130ltr after a year on a 165ltr. It was like a postage stamp. I would always suggest the go big approach to start with.

Assuming flat water and average size of say 80kg, I would suggest a 6.5m sail. This will be too big when it really gets up, but with a big board you wouldn't be in control even with a smaller sail. So to start with don't bother trying to kill yourself in a howler.

6.5m will be too small in light winds, but you will still be able to sail around getting your balance and trying those tacks and such.

When you are comfortably in the harness and straps and planing around, you will need a larger sail for those lighter days.

For the strong days you will need to think about a smaller sail and a smaller board as a set.

That's my 10cents worth anyway
grahowler
grahowler
QLD
9 posts
QLD, 9 posts
13 Sep 2006 6:50am
Thanks for the replies, that's exactly the info I was after.

I am average weight, bout 77kgs. I can't see myself on open water for a little bit, but I guess that would come with a bit of practice.

Well, thanks again, I know what I am looking for now.

Cheers!
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