Bicton Mike,
I also returned to sailing this year after 12 years in the wilderness. They said it would be just like riding a bike which I reckon is a fairly accurate description. Just depends if you were last riding Tour de France racing bikes or a scooter with training wheels???
I am 90kg's am riding a 101 JP Free Style Wave and a 6.2 & 5.4 Neil Pryde Alpha. A great set up easy which gives me 18 - 28 kn wind range. Riding a 120 l board will have you going it just about any breeze, not much chop in the ocean. The thing about gear now is it is heaps more forgiving/lighter/better than 10 yrs ago. If you but less than 5 yrs old really cant too wrong. Get into it and enjoy.

bictonmike said...


I have recently heard of a regular 2nd hand kit sale at Melville Water (Wed nights I think) - do you know of this or anything similar?

It's news to me. A good idea though!
Probably not Wednesdays at Melville because that's the social racing night at Peli (in season).

I have had a BIC Presto board here for sale, and I still got it.

Bictonmike,
ive been in same place as you this time last year, fresh back after 10 - ish years off. its definately like riding a bike, it just feels like you never stopped, however....... be prepared for some short sessions to start with, its kinda hard work cause you'll be fightin things to start

i was on a 8'2" 60 litre twinser 12 years ago, but current board, 93 litre EVO much better choice for now 83kg of relaxed fat and gristle. so i'd say 110 and up for you.

to be honest ive found the sail & mast harder work to source than the board, but there are plenty of boards under $200 if you LOOK around. the forums not a bad place to start. decent 5.7m+ sails not overpriced a real prob

my whole kit was around $600, including 2 sails and a new springsuite and harness.

theyre out there..

but possibly so am i