I'm about to choose my path in windsurfing(raceboard, slalom...) and I have no idea what to do, so I would really apreciate your help.One aspect that I most enjoy about sailing in general is the idea of using one equipment for every wind conditions, I really enjoy having to adjust my equipment to perform better in various wind conditions, so Raceboard might be a good idea.But the problem is that I don't like those 400 liters boards they just seems too "boaty" for me, i would like something that performes better wen the wind picks up. RS:X is not an option because I don't really enjoy that foiling concept for the future and here where I live an RS:X is just unaffordable. the obvious answer for me are the hybrid boards, like the RS:One, phantom 295, mistral prodigy, etc. But other aspect that I like about sailing is competing, taking part in national and world championships, and by looking at some raceboards championships videos and photos i don't really see any hybrid board.So, are hybrid boards competitive but i'm not seeing it?is there any one design class that suits me?if there isn't, wich windsurf discipline should i take?by the way, a few personal details
weight: from 60Kg to 70Kg
age: 18-19
sailing spot: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Hey there - first thing to consider is you don't have to decide on a single path in windsurfing so early - so many different aspects of windsurfing to explore in your life!
I lived in Rio for a few years - used to windsurf at Barra (Pepe), Araruama and Buzios. That was 16 years ago. Back then there were occasional wave comps at Barra and Buzios but the most active spot for comps (racing, freestyle) was Araruama. Of course you've got to get there - transport's maybe an issue.
If you really want to compete then you'll be driven by what local comps are on in Rio, and I would imagine Marina de Gloria is the most active spot?
Or if you just want to get out and blast at all of the above locations then a Freeride or Freerace board would be the go, and still allow you to enter informal comps?
I feel the same way you do in many regards. The best thing to do is research many different styles of boards to find out what sounds good to you. There are boards that will handle more sail range sizes than others. That's very important especially if you just want one board. Each manufacturer makes their boards slightly different so finding the right shape, size and performance is key to match up your type of sailing in which you want to do.
I would also walk into some shops to see the boards up and close in person. Sometimes the photo online can paint a different picture than you anticipated. Often times seeing the right board up close will speak to you.
here in Rio (city) I rarely see any windsurf competition, the national sailing federation seems to only care about the RS:X, so its hard to find any official championships, the ones that I see are raceboard and slalom but slalom doesn't really fits my profile. That's why I thought about getting an hybrid board,but in the national and international scenario they don't seem to be popular at all, see I have my hands tied here kkkk, that's why I searched for help
Maybe try "Formula". big wind range and much better than rsx. If you are sailing by yourself you might have more fun on a free-race board, something like rrd firestorm, starboard futura or jp magic ride. You will get the most wind range with a 3 or 4 camber race slalom sail like severne overdrive or reflex or np evo or ka concept or rrd firewing etc.Or maybe get into gps speed sailing (gpsteamchallenge) Its a competition against others or against yourself. You can enter on any gear. Its worldwide and free. If you buy second hand gear you can have more kit and lots of fun for less $. Good luck.
well, the techno seems to be designed for younger sailors, the competitons that i've seen here don't really allow people of my age to compete.Formula might be a good idea, I was thinking about it but I preffer the idea of sailing on a hybrid board than on a weird shaping formula one, so i'd like to keep it as a last resort option
The hybrid boards are kinda half pregnant, too big for high wind blasting and to small for light wind sailing.
I had a Bic Techno 135L board when I was at an intermediate skill level and absolutely hated the board. It was very sluggish, I couldn't gybe it worth a darn. Maybe the newer generation Techno's are better than the one I had. I think mine was an early 2000 year model. Anyway sold the Techno and purchased a used Naish Titan 110L Freeride board. Now that board was the bomb. Learned so much on that board. Now I'm on the Naish Starship 115L board. Now the Starship is like the older Titan re designed, on steroids and much faster. Man I love it!
What ever you do just have fun, I been windsurfing now 30 years,and I have done wave, race board, speed, and slalom sailing and love it all and hope to do it for many more years to come, best of luck.
My race boards are only 258ltr volume. Div 2 get up around the 350ltr so a race board isn't that bad really. And they can be real fast too.
It depends on wind & water conditions.
A one board set up would be ideal but not possible. Start with a larger board and keep your eyes open for smaller ones as they come up cheap. Sails too. Until you have a shop worth of gear. Then you will be happy ??
I have one more to get and about 3 to move on.
Select to expand quoteblazing928 said..
BIC techno
Technos are heavy slugs. The only good thing about them is that they are absolutely indestructible. Good for someone at the catapult stage, but that's about it.
The Techno is the only board I had that I split through the nose due to a catipult. I think it easier to split the nose because there was more nose exposed because it was squared off in the front. The rest of the board seemed pretty durable, but the nose did get pretty damaged from the catipult.
if, as you say, you want to compete in national competitions, then, what's sailed in Brazil? That's why I suggested tecno as its a huge class word wide, or rs One.
if RSX is unaffordable, then the others will be too, Phantom etc, maybe an old 90s Raceboard.
Perhaps as others have posted above, you need to change tack here....
