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: 8/9/2008 Subject: Equipment
Question Hi there. I'm brand new to windsurfing. Tried it briefly and fell in love. Planning on taking lessons and shopping around for a used package. Would appreciate advice on sizes etc. I'm 6' 185lbs. Will be windsurfing in Barrie, Ontario. I'd say 10-I'm winds.
I'm a quick learner and want to purchase something I won't soon become bored with. Thanks so much.
Answer Look for a board in the 150 to 160 liter range. This will be a good board to start. It is a little advanced but you will grow with it and it will become your low wind board once you progress and want to sail in higher winds. At that point you will probably want a smaller board for higher winds. I would recommend a sail around 7 meters to start. That is a big sail but you said you are a quick learner so that size will be useful to you forever as your low wind sail. Good Luck and good Wind!!!
