Hi all,For my X-cite ride 160 I am looking for the most compatible sails. I weigh 75 kg and my level is beginner. Planning with trapeze works well, waterstart still to learn. I surf in various conditions form light wind untill max 28 knots gusts. My local shop adviced me to go for a Duotone E-Pace so I was wondering if a 6.6 and 7.8 would cover most wind conditions? Will a 6.6 not be to big for me on very windy days? The board manufacture advices a minimum of 6.4 sail for this board..
Thanks in advance.
Hey , I had that same board when I got back into sailing. It's the perfect board. It can do all wind conditions. E pace is perfect . Those two sizes will work for 95%. A 5.5 would be good for those 5% extra windy days . Your onto it . That board will happily accept any size sail.
Ps , if your a beginner , buy those sails second hand at half the price.
Jp Say 6.4m maximum as that board is for more advanced riders looking to get the most out of it in the best conditions.
Get yourself a 5m sail too, something like a severe blade or something with 5 battens as they are more stable in stronger winds and have a more downwards drive. Most 4 batten sails give more lift and wouldn't suit the board.
A 5m won't feel very stable in comparison to the bigger sails but you'll be able to get out and it'll feel nice and light.
Might be worth getting a smaller fin too which won't make the board rail up or tail walk in stronger winds.
Usually use the 5 x sails size plus 4, so for a 5m sail it'll be 5x5 plus 4 which is around 29cm, also maybe put the straps nearer the centre when its really blowing.
Im thinking if you are planing it's time for a much smaller board as you are not a beginner anymore
A small sail is not a great match for a huge board in strong winds ..... for uphaul and non planing its fine, but not once it's windy
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..
Im thinking if you are planing it's time for a much smaller board as you are not a beginner anymore
A small sail is not a great match for a huge board in strong winds ..... for uphaul and non planing its fine, but not once it's windy
+1. At 75kg, that board is going to be bouncy in winds 20+ kts. At your weight, you'd be able to uphaul easily something 115-120 l. (64-67cm wide). At your skill level, holding down a 6.6 in 28+ kt gusts is going to be a challenge. Definitely look around for a used 5.0-5.4.
Thx for all the tips. Bought the 6.6 and 7.8 and will be looking out for a smaller size on the 2nd hand market. Before going to a smaller board I want to get more confident and learn to waterstart properly. Maybe I'll rent a smaller board next time I'm at the surf club.
Thx again for the advice and have a nice weekend ??
