AboutPatrick Dean Expertise Windsurfing expert. 20+ years windsurfing experience. I can give advice
about learning to windsurf, the best places to learn and the best
equipment to learn on. I can also offer advice on what equipment to
purchase based on your skill level, weight and sailing location. Ask me before you buy. The boards made in the last 5 or 6 years are so much easier to sail and learn on.
An advance word of advice: stay away from buying old boards unless you know exactly what you are buying and know that all parts are there. I get so many questions about how to set up old boards that usually end up being broken or missing parts and it is impossible to buy parts for these old boards.
Try not to buy a board that is more than 5 or 6 years old. As boards age they begin to absorb water. Once that occurs the board is toast and it happens with a lot of boards over 10 years old.
When you ask questions, please let me know what part of the world you are from so I can tailor the advice to your location.
Expert: Patrick Dean Date: 5/1/2008 Subject: Looking to buy my first new equipment
Question QUESTION: Hi Patrick, I've been windsurfing 7 times so far this year, at 10 I get to buy myself new equipment. I currently am sailing an f2 comet long board, 67 cm, 170L 315cm long. I just am able to use the harness and managed to do one waterstart with a 6.0 sail. Typical conditions are a lake with anywhere between 10-25 knots. Most people here seem to ride formula with giant sails and I am more interested in freestyle and smaller boards. I am thinking about a freeride board like a starboard carve or a starboard go. Then after that a dedicated freestyle board. My sails would be a 5 6.5 and 7.5.
What suggestions do you have for board size/brand?
ANSWER: I need to know your weight to give you a better idea of what volume would be good for you.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: 165, I tried to include everything and forgot the most important fact.
Answer I think you would be happy on a 125 to 135 liter board. I really can't recommend a brand but Starboard has an excellent reputation. Volume at this point is more important than board style. If you can, try to rent some equipment locally or attend some demo sessions and try to ride some boards in the volume range I suggest. Don't ignore the chance to take a lesson or two also if they are available in your area. Your sail sizes look good, I would adjust it slightly like 7.5, 6 to 6.2 and 5.0. I weigh 145 and the sail I use most here in the northeast on open bays is my 6.7 Sailworks race sail which I use on my 125 liter and 140 liter boards. I do feel very partial toward Sailworks and would recommend their Retro line of sails.
Good Luck and Good Wind
Patrick
