I was wondering if anyone has advice about windsurfing equipment - I'm 5'1" and weigh 107 lbs (48 kg), I'm at a beginner/intermediate level but I learn quickly, and I want to buy my own windsurfer. There are a ton of different brands and styles out there, I'm looking for something versatile that I can advance with and that can handle waves as well as a flat surface (does such a thing exist? Not sure about the difference between freeride vs. freestyle vs. freewave... advice?). I live in San Diego, wind conditions are usually mild (under 15 mph) but I'm willing to drive to windier sites nearby. Also on a bit of a budget, would like to spend under 2k for the whole setup if possible, but all advice is appreciated! Thanks in advance!
If you haven't already, learn to water start.
As soon as you can do this proficiently your need for board volume reduces dramatically.
For $2K you should be able to get a set up only 1-2 years old.
I'd look at getting a Freestyle wave board (JP FSW, Tabou 3S, RRD FSW etc...) and some wave sails, maybe x-over sails.
If you go for constant curve masts, your sail choice might be larger than opting for Flex top or Hard top masts.
Here is a calculator for some ideas.
jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/2010/11/updated-windsurf-calculator-online.html
Thanks! I picked up a 2014 Fanatic Gecko 98 HRS. Are all sailing rigs compatible as long as they're in the right size dimensions, or do different masts connect differently?
Gecko was an excellent choice. I also have a free move board and it does everything well. These boards are very easy to gybe, quick to plane and for your weight no problem to up haul. Best keeping sails, masts, extensions all the same brand as things just work that way. At 48kg probably a 5.5m free ride sail would be good and maybe a 4.8m wave sail for winder days to start with. Have a good look at luff lengths etc to try and get away with one mast. Try to get a high carbon content mast, that extra half a kilo or pound in States will seem like a lot when learning to water start. Don't go for any Cams to start with.
How do you all feel about complete rig packages? Such as the Chinook Powerglide 4.7 or 5.5, or the Severne Synergy 4.8? Waste of money? I can't find any carbon mast rig packages either... and what's a Cam? :x
No idea what you yanks call them, but over here it stands for "camber inducer". A neat device that goes between the mast and batten. It's purpose in life is to keep the sail fully rotated even if there's no wind. This gives the sail a much better bottom end, and a bit more stability through the range.
The trouble is, it does make it less user friendly, harder to uphaul and gybe and cambered sails are usually heavier. They are used mainly for racing and speed.
re: complete rig
Probably a good idea so not to buy wrong bits and pieces.
If not new, ask the seller to rig it up and inspect the sail for any cuts and rips.
Check the front boom connections for any sign of aluminium rust (any bubbles under the grip).
If brand new, the seller should be responsible to sell you a package that matches so you will be fine
re: sail size.
If the wind sucks as Mastbender described, then I would go larger than 4.7m sail. Your board will go nicely with 6m.
See if your budget can fit in two sails. 4.7 and 6m, so you'll have more opportunity to sail.
I'd take up kiting. It's way more sic, and if your into hang-gliding then you will pick it up heaps easy.
Extreme!!!
My advise to anyone living in San Diego would be to take up kiting instead.
Even at 107 lbs most of the time there won't be enough wind to windsurf.
From what I understand the only consistent windsurfing scene in San Diego is a few formula sailors, not a good sign.
Select to expand quotedecrepit said..
No idea what you yanks call them, but over here it stands for "camber inducer". A neat device that goes between the mast and batten. It's purpose in life is to keep the sail fully rotated even if there's no wind. This gives the sail a much better bottom end, and a bit more stability through the range.
The trouble is, it does make it less user friendly, harder to uphaul and gybe and cambered sails are usually heavier. They are used mainly for racing and speed.
hahah we call em cams
Get a board around 145 liters, better equipped with daggerboard... I weight 60kg and have a 165 liters, I have been windsurfing for 5 months and able to plan..I get a daggerboard because the wind conditions at my area is quite large, like today, have 13-20 knots of wind, but can suddenly drops to 5 knots after raining...daggerboard will save you... This board will vet you in the water for most of the time and still enjoy planing at strong wind..
My board is jp explorer, but you can get a startboard Rio, viper, and f2 discovery...these are called soft top and excellent choice for your level..
And sometimes you are tired and just want cruising around...
For mast, if u are after sail larger than 6 meters, get a light weight mast...it is more expensive, but you will pay off....get the mast recommended by the sail makers....
For sail, get a freeride light weight easy to control sail... You are get a 5.5 to 6.5 to start with...I know many girls holding a 6.5 sail without dramas after windsurfing for 5 months....for the mast, get a 430 that will fit the 6.5 and 5.5, then you can save up for a seperate mast. Forget about the sdm/rdm mast, get one recommended by your sail makers if you don't want things to go wrong....each sail normally design sail upon a particular mast...
If uphauling is an issue, make an easy upaul yourself...hook it to your harness..that's why get a light weight sail and mast...
I start from 4.7, but I have a big jump to handle 6 and 6.5 without dramas...I only need few days to get used to it...so, don't get too small sail...don't get a cam sail...I have tried a 6.5 cam sail...it is fast, but you won't last for a day..it is quite heavy
Read this, you should follow the following advice regarding boardhttp://boards.mpora.com/equipment-tests/tested-equipment/group-test/soft-tops-freerides-jan-2009.html
