NSW
4521 posts
I am considering a couple of boards for higher winds - one is 86 litres and 54cm wide, the other is 78 litres, but 57.5cm wide.
I may not get either of these, and go for something smaller, but it has still made me wonder, what is most important to consider - width or volume?
I'm interested in people's opinions.
Thanks,
Harrow.
QLD
2315 posts
There is no short answer, it is dependant on so many factors.
Where is the volume placed, if it is under the feet it will be controllable for much longer wheras if it is at the mastfoot and forwards it will get knocked around very early.
Same with width, you want the widepoint at width bias to be even or favouring the rear of the board for high wind. If you go too far though you start going into no nose's etc which are harder to sail generally but stay in control longer.
Every other facet of board design adds to whether it will be a good high wind board or not, generally you want the complete opposite from what you want in light winds. You do not want hard rails, some nose kick and maybe a touch of tail rocker and some v on the bottom. All of this hinders the release of water from the hull and keeps the hull stuck to the water for more control. ***unless you are going for top speed then these requirements change***
What boards are they (you can send me an email if you wish) then better info could be given. At this point given the width isnt over 60 go with the 78/57.5 design. You are reasonably light arent you- i'd probably go a bit smaller but not below 70L on the east coast.
WA
12885 posts
Do I remember you saying you were looking forward to getting into the waves??? If so that may be the way to go, most wave boards are a bit more user friendly in stronger conditions
WA
54 posts
There are many answers to this question but volume is probably the most important when going for a high wind board however a smaller volume board which is relatively wide will behave much different to the same volume board that is relatively narrow.... If u keep the Tabou then get a board around 70L at your weight (64kg) and relatively wide (say 53-54cm) this will be a bit more stable when slogging and learning in the waves... I wouldn't normally recommend a 70L on the East Coast but as u are so light it shouldn't be a problem in over 17-18knots... In 20kts u will be very comfortable on a 70L board with 5.0 at your weight..maybe even slightly overpowered. Like I said earlier most wavesailers on the East coast at around 80kg use a board of 80-85L so for u at 64kg a 70L board is plenty enough in stronger winds...Cheers, Paul.
P.S. having worked in a windsurf shop for a few years be a little bit careful with some salespeople's recommendations..don't tkae it as gospel!
