I want to get a board to start to teach my 6 yr old to windsurf on (using a soft blow up rig initially) , but being selfish I want to get something that I can enjoy as well. I have a 130L freeride fanatic blast which is perfect for me in about 12-15 knots so it would be for the 0-10 knot days. One idea is a Starboard GO another is the new Windsurfer LT. Im interested in peoples ideas?
Thanks - Pete.
My 8yo daughter learns on SB 124 board with either 2.1 or 2.6 rig. The SB Borda have centre fin to assist with pointing. They are great boards too
I reckon windsurfer lt or (good) windsup like the starboard freeride which has great glide & acceleration, id love to test it against the wally but the wally also gives you the option to race.
One of these big boards & dont put her on her own go sail it & put her on with you.
Pete, if you're the sort of sailor that wants to windsurf at any time then you won't go wrong with either the LT or a good windSUP (I've got an 11'6 BIC). This board will be good for anyone to have a try or learn to windsurf and also be used by yourself in just about any conditions you can't use your stubby. Whatever you get, make sure it has a centreboard.
The pros and cons are:
LT - composite construction which can be damaged (but still repaired easy enough) and you can class race it if you choose
BIC - bulletproof construction for knockabout value but no class to race it.
Sups including inflatables are great for older kids and adults to learn on, but I have found they are too big for smaller kids with small rigs.They just aren't able to have any affect on the board with with 1 or 2m sails and the board just heads where the wind pushes it.
I bought a 120l Kode which has the full eva deck and a slot for a centre fin.
Hoping that this will be in use this school holidays and the added advantage for me is that it is a fun board for me when the wind is up.
Just another option.
Select to expand quotePaddles B'mere said..
Pete, if you're the sort of sailor that wants to windsurf at any time then you won't go wrong with either the LT or a good windSUP (I've got an 11'6 BIC). This board will be good for anyone to have a try or learn to windsurf and also be used by yourself in just about any conditions you can't use your stubby. Whatever you get, make sure it has a centreboard.
The pros and cons are:
LT - composite construction which can be damaged (but still repaired easy enough) and you can class race it if you choose
BIC - bulletproof construction for knockabout value but no class to race it.
+1 for the Bic 11'6 windsup has centerboard, Great Value at under $1500
Paddle it up to 5kn and sail it from 5kn to even 20kn (if you're game)
Totally agree with Ballast.
For kids to learn it has to be less than 8-10 knots. There is a lot of resistance for a 30kg child with a 2.0m rig on a big board in these winds.
Something narrower and with a centre fin or centreboard is probably a lot better. +1 to the kode with centre fin.
Clarence
I bought a which has the full eva deck and a slot for a centre fin.
Hoping that this will be in use this school holidays and the added advantage for me is that it is a fun board for me when the wind is up.
Select to expand quoteMastbender said..
Put an iRig on the board you have.
yes Ill use an Irig but wanted something that I can ride in next to no wind.
We have a fleet of starboard atom IQ duos we use for our kids windsurfing. Sizes are 112 and 124. The dagger board is a tuttle box fin that can be removed and a blank inserted when dad goes blasting or the kids progress.
SUPs are too big for the kids rigs to drive and you end up chasing kids downwind all day.
Check out the Little Rippers program being run in NSW. Kids windsurfing with kids is how to get them to progress fast.
