Hello

I'm considering taking up windsurfing. And after some local advice.

We've move to Henley Beach South and are just 300m back from the beach. I want to take up either windsurfing or kiteboarding.

Im leaning towards windsurfing, because

1) I've done the sport before - as a teen I windsurfed for a bunch of summers at camp. All flatwater/Lake. But by the end I could plane, water start, gybe etc....although I'd expect that I'll have to relearn most of that after 15-20 years.

2) seems safer...I have visions of being dragged up the rocks and across the esplanade face first on a kite.

3) I can do it by myself...I know experiences kiters launch and land by themselves, but I'd expect that skill and confidence takes a fair bit of time.

Negatives might be...it seems that in the surf, you need much more wind then kites and going from near zero to powering along is a longer skills process.

So...what do I want in a starter package? I'm 90kg and 185cm.

Should i I look at a long board too? For west lakes? to make most people of days the beach isn't going to work?

where do I acquire this gear? Prefer used, but gumtree looks like mostly 1990s and I don't see any shops in SA.

What would you be doing? Or Advice...

once I get up and going...keen to meet and get into the local community too.

if u want to give windsurfing ago.meet me down Goolwa hindmarsh island and have a go on my board .text me 0431908323.

no one in sa is going to give you that choice.

Windsurfing is like riding a bike. If you have previously mastered planning in the straps and harness, gybing and waterstarts, you will be surprised how much you remember and you will progress very quickly.

Good Luck Thirsty.I too am aiming to get back into it this summer after a 20 year hiatus, so you might see me getting catapulted somewhere around you. :)
I'm happy to buy my own rig - but hoping to track down a board locally (before having to look interstate).

So if anyone has (or knows of) a 155-175L board, in good condition, and preferably not too old that they want to sell - please let me know.

Cheers