I am hoping for some advice on what size board (volume) to get. I have read various suggestions online and I am pretty confused. I have been wondering about the JP magic ride, any thoughts? I am currently using my SUP for a board. I weigh about 55kgs. My skill level is beginner to intermediate and I mostly want to focus on free-riding. Advice, tips and suggestions greatly welcomed :)
forget brands right now. A JP Magic Ride will be the same as Starboard Go same as a blah blah
At beginner to intermediate it is irrelevant. (Caveat: I am not talking about skinny 12ft long white plastic things from the 70's and 80's. Forget them)
You only need to worry about volume, probably a centreboard (based on answers to below...), and sail size / durability.
So what are you doing (I mean sailing in and out in 10kn and hardly ever fall off.... or planing at all, harness, or nowhere near that level? Wind strength?)
If you are uphauling, barely getting out and turning around without a dunking you need 150L plus and centreboard.
If you are uphauling, sail out and back without falling off (more often than not anyway), planed a bit last couple of sessions and screamed woo hoo as a result, AND live somewhere u can sail say twice a week for the summer then you can take a massive step down and maybe use a 100 -120L freeride.
And lots of area in between
@ Sleepyelf.
A 12' long plastic board definitely has its segment. With varying size sails and boards manufactured from the 70'S /80'S /90'S /00'S or 10's, they all work. Sail size from 1.5m2 - 6m2. Heavy duty plastic board from 15 to 20kg ish, with a rotating retractable centre boards (for most) and small rear plastic fin, fibreglass masts and alloy booms, either dacron or dacron/mylar sails (i.e. cloth or cloth + plastic sail). Cheap, cheerful and accessible are an option.
Modern gear - wider and more expensive with a mono film sail (meaning one layer of plastic plus carbon fibre mast and boom in most instances) probably better to learn on, but.....
Wind strength, body weight and location, scenario:-
You're @ 55 kg. Then a Windsurfer One Design (366cm x 63 cm wide & 175 litre) or similar complete, would price from somewhere between $500 and $1,000 (used) and would work. Wind strength from 0 knots up.... it could be referred to as a "Glide" sensation, like a SUP or Kayak, "cuts through the water" not "pushing it" or trying to get on top of it by "Planning" in under 12 knots.
Modern gear, for a 150 litre short board (around 2.5m ish length x 70cm plus width), "might," or "could" be more cost effective. But, in non planning i.e. trying to push a big wide board through the water to get on top of it, may not be as efficient in winds under 12 knots as the cheap and cheerful plastic or alike is.
"Up to You" how and where you spend "Your Money".
Example of slightly lighter weight with mid 40 kgs (a 12' plastic board from the 80's ish period). Works well and glides (or good value sailing under 12 knots). Learn how to rig and get sail board control in the light stuff. Then add and embrace shortboard planning fun, buy a short board that's modern, light versatile and fun.
Cost v Return. 30 year old board + "New(2014)" 3.5m2 sail + second hand (alloy) boom, on water and good at the fun factor for under $800.
Is a retro board or modern board for you, who knows. It's as you've requested, Advice (opinion). Who should judge, nobody, which ever you choose. Welcome to the best addiction/passion of your life. 
There is no one size fits all answer, although most people stick to what is common advice. This means the right volume, modern board, for your skill, comfort and safety range. That being said, everyone learns differently. Some thrive on a big challenge while others like to take things gradually. Whatever direction you take, the board is going to perform best when it has the right rig on it and is rigged correctly for your conditions. understanding how it works is a fun way to get more out of your sailing and to enjoy it as well. There is no competition to be on the smallest board either. They come into their own when the wind gets strong and the water is choppier. At the 'beginermediate' stage the floaty board is still the best friend you have. The modern ones go pretty quick and you can still sail when there is only light winds. Most of all, the experience is fun. My pick would be around the 130-150 litre mark but that is just a guess. I saw one of the Magic Rides you mentioned. It was a 130 but that is about all I know. The owner said it was a quick board though. Try before you buy, they are not cheap. The Excite Rides have a good name. Beware though, the more recent models have been reshaped for greater performance.
Select to expand quoteSleepyelf said..
I am hoping for some advice on what size board (volume) to get. I have read various suggestions online and I am pretty confused. I have been wondering about the JP magic ride, any thoughts? I am currently using my SUP for a board. I weigh about 55kgs. My skill level is beginner to intermediate and I mostly want to focus on free-riding. Advice, tips and suggestions greatly welcomed :)
Hi! One of my girl student started windsurfing with 200lt board and 3.5 m2 sail. Her weight is 50 kg. Two weeks later I gave her 150 lt JP board and 4.7 m2 sail.Now she has been surfing for two years with this board and sail. My opinion is If you are a talented person or sporty person you can begin windsurfing with 150 lt board. However, your sail size mustn't bigger than 4.0 m2. New generation boards are short and voluminous. Don't buy too large board because your weight is low.
Good luck..
