Hello, let me introduce myself. I have tried WS in Mauritius 10yrs ago during vacation... at that time WS was free to rent at the hotel and I simply jumped in and go....obviously I ended up going on the coral reef due to off shore wind with sharks and "only GOD knows what else" :-)..... Anyway, in the meanwhile I promised myself to try seriously but with childreen it was a continuous delay.
I have restarted windsurf this summer finally. About 30 hrs in total and level 3 in VDWS training course (out of 7 levels).
I can connect the harness and stay well on bean reach and broad rech as well , basic gybing, beach start. No planing or water start (never tested). I have used school boards (200L very old). I would buy a Gecko HRS because I think it is the best board I can buy with my level. I do not want big and heavy boards that I have to sell in near future. I am really struggling to understand if gecko HRS 2019 133L or 146L is the right board. I am 37yr and 73 kg.
In addition: Do you think that between 146 and 133 HRS Gecko are there many differences? Which is the advantage of the 133 over the 146 and which are the disadvantages? At least for a while I would not use with big chop as I want to consolidate manouvres and learn power/duck/laydown gybes
Thanks for the replies!
Where do you live.... what kind of wind and water conditions?
Ideally to learn the bigger the better for stability etc but since it sounds like you are planing in the harness ( are you also riding in the straps) you probably want a smaller board for getting into blasting and carve gybes.
At your weight a 133 might get too big for you in higher winds.... maybe a 120 or even a 110 if you get strong winds. If you get mostly light to moderate winds and flat water then the 133 will be fine for most of your needs. Youll be surprised at how much a few fins can broaden your wind range.
Its a critical time because you are just getting into high wind sailing that is best smaller kit. Maybe consider getting the 144L and get a 110L or smaller freeride for the high wind days. The 144L will be invaluable for foil or light wind blasting up to about 25 knots.
Hello! I am from Italy and usually I do WS in Sardinia Island mainly and in lakes. I have never planed or tested straps. No water starts. Just basic gybe, harness (no plane and straps) and beach start. Usually small chops and and below 20 knots at the spots
Gecko 122 is 77cm wide, 135 is 79cm wide. I think 122lt is better option, you can use it later too.
Hello, so you suggest below 130l even if I am not able to plane or use straps because gecko is wide board and due to my weight, correct?
Hello, so you suggest below 130l even if I am not able to plane or use straps because gecko is wide board and due to my weight, correct?
Select to expand quotelucab said..
Hello, so you suggest below 130l even if I am not able to plane or use straps because gecko is wide board and due to my weight, correct?
Yes, i think for your weight buoyancy won't make too much difference over 110-120lts. 77cm is wide enough for easy balance on flat water.
120 is a versitile choice because as you get better you will not grow out of it. In lighter winds you can match larger sails and stay planing in lighter winds because of the extra floatation. If you live in a really windy area then this may not be applicable to you because smaller boards and smaller sails are more often in use. It won't take long for you to improve either if you are getting out on the water and practising. The same principles apply for smaller boards but the margins for error are less. Nevertheless, modern freeride boards are very forgiving and have good performance to keep you excited. Additionally, the smaller boards are easier to waterstart and are easier to handle when it gets choppy.
