getting back into it

> 10 years ago
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kennybear
kennybear
1 posts
1 posts
5 Mar 2009 2:58pm
Hi, I'm looking at getting wet again, its been years. My gear is so old, like 20 years but I'm finding it hard to let go. Not into this kite surfing thing, love the good ol' windsurfing. So I got some old North wave sails and neil pryde, between 4.2 and 5.5. Yes, small, I am too. less than 70kg. Looking into a 2nd hand Bic veloce 278. Is it too much of just slalom riding. Can I atleast take it out thru the waves to get out the back? And what system does it use for board to mast?
kenny
FlickySpinny
FlickySpinny
WA
657 posts
WA, 657 posts
5 Mar 2009 3:20pm
Bic Veloce - I had one of those. If I remember right, it was FAST, and the deck slippery, but virtually no rocker so it wasn't very friendly in the waves - a flat water board I think. Can't really remember though.

A modern board will make a big difference to your sailing.

A modern deck plate will fit it. There are two (main) types of connection between a deck plate and a mast extension (assuming that you have a mast extension already). One of them is called the "europin" and is favoured by North. The other is a "two-pin cup" or "US Base", generally favoured by Neil Pryde.

Best bet is to take the bits into your nearest shop - they'll sort you out.

Check this out for more info on the Veloce:
www.seabreeze.com.au/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36321

Even though it's an old board, you could still have fun.

As for the slippy deck problem, a pair of Neil Pryde webbed-foot booties would solve that problem - they stick like glue.

pingu
pingu
TAS
40 posts
TAS, 40 posts
5 Mar 2009 6:34pm
At least a few crashes aren't going to bother you so much on your old gear plenty of it still in use around these parts. I remember a local who use to swear that his sunset slalom was an awesome wave board, tough and good for big jumps. His ankles and knees must have been indestructible.

Once you have used more modern gear in rough water there in no going back. The difference is probably less noticeable in smooth conditions until you want to go around the corners.

Al
Windxtasy
Windxtasy
WA
4019 posts
WA, 4019 posts
5 Mar 2009 4:39pm
Do get back into it. You won't have any regrets.
I returned to windsurfing after a ten year break (child raising) and I am so glad I did.
I'm still using my original gear ( a BIC Vivace 270) and still having a ball.
I'd recommend a new uni joint though. Mine broke first time out after that long break which was very frustrating. I didn't even make it to the water (which was probably a good thing - saved me a long swim at least)
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