Hi guys,

Well I'm new to the sport of windsurfing and, after having a few lessons last year, am looking to get back into it and buy my first setup. I weight around 70kg and am looking for a board that will last me a season or two - in other words, I'm willing to make the first few sails tough so that I don't outgrow it straight away.

Basically, I'm looking for any suggestions of types of boards and sail sizes. Being a student, price is of course an issue and was wondering what a reasonable amount would be to spend on the entire setup. From what I've read, I believe I'd be looking for a freeride board - but other than that, I have no idea so was hoping I could get some advice.

Thanks a lot fellas.

-sean.

thanks for the quick reply decrepit.

I'd most likely prefer to learn by waterstarting even though this will mean numerous agonising hours in the shallow water. I probably would be looking at sailing in at least 10, if not 15 knots.

Any tips as to types of boards that fit the 90-110 litre range? Also, if I opted for a 5 metre sail would this be too big in say 20-25 knots?

I'll be sailing mainly down on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.. in case that helps.

I have noticed that when people are learning to waterstart they find getting the sail out of the water the hardest part, leaving little energy for the actual waterstart. A lifejacket will make water starts easier (easier to get the sail out of the water) and give you more time on the water as you won't get too tired so quickly.

If you can, get someone to teach you. Either pay for a lesson or ask a favour from a friend. Going to the water and trying to learn with persistance is just not fun.

Cheers
Brett

Nattles, So was this the way you started learning to windsurf, or had you already been thru the uphaul stage????
It's just that starting from ground zero, waterstarting, there's a lot of stuff you need to get a grip of. Possibly a bit easier if you've already got a basic idea of what it's all about.
Not saying you can't do it without an instuctor, but I'm sure it makes it a hell of a lot easier.

Sean,

I have just got back into it, and have had a similar experience buying my new gear. As others have mentioned, look at your first board as being your long term light wind board. This means accepting up front that you will want two boards in the long run. It only took me three weeks and two 25-30+ knot days before I ordered a second smaller board after being bounced right off the water.

I am 65kg, and my first board was 105 litre. Perhaps I could have gone slightly larger for a true light wind board, although I haven't tried it yet with a large sail so it might be ok. If you really want to get going in light winds, then maybe you'd consider up to 115 litre?

I started with a 5.7m. Goes well with the 105litre on 15+ days. After the 25-30+ days, I went and got myself a 4.7m. My next purchase will be something in the order of a 6.6m for the 12-15 days.

I don't think the 5.0 will get you going at 15 knots, but would be fine for 20-25.

Basically I have been using 5.7 15+, 5.2 20+, 4.7 25+. Most guys on the flat water seem to use bigger than me, but then I am lightweight, and am happy not to be the fastest on the water.

You need to think of your sails like your board - look at the longer term. I think you can get away with one board a lot longer than you can get away with one sail. Finances permitting, I would be planning on getting at least two sails early on. (There are some real bargains on 2nd hand sails until you sort out what you really need.) Maybe looking at a 5.0 and a 6.0 ?

So far as board types - I got a super-X style board, which is a little more speed oriented, but more manouverable than a pure slalom board. For my smaller board, a Freestlye Wave board, which I figure will handle chop and swell better in higher winds, and I hope to use to venture into open water and small surf on occasion.

Anyway, take my comments with a bucket of salt water, as I am only learning again as well.

Good sailing,
Harrow.

Sean, just learning myself in regards to water starts. Found that by attaching a section of a "water noodle" (floatation device kids use in pools. sold at Toys Are us in packs of 3) around the end of the boom, it stops the sail sinking when trying to do water starts, and allows the breeze to get under the sail faster. And yep you need a good sea breeze and sail to suite, to get up.
You may get some funny looks from people by fitting the noodle, but it works a treat.
Two good sites to find help are
www.guycribb.com and look under the Technique tab. and www.waterstarter.com
Hope this is of some help

thanks for all the great tips guys.

I've been checking out some of the ads on this website and I'm looking at getting a 103L Mistral Flow 276 as well as a few North Sails (4.7 and 6.0). They're definitely not the latest models but still look like they're in decent shape - and all of that for around $700.

The big question is what else do I need? Obviously theres the mast and boom but do i need a harness and harness lines straight away? Will the sails I mentioned above match the board?

Harrow: Sounds like we're in pretty much the same situation with everything. Was there a reason you chose a Super-X board over the normal Freeride type?

Thanks.