Initial outlay seems pricey, but then you are done. Snow skiing gives me a similar rush. Initial outlay for skiing is about the same (clothing too) but then factor in lift tickets and accomm... every year. Kills you.
Sailing is better value in Australia, play to our strengths, good wind, sea and sun.
Select to expand quotegollyone said..Rob11 said..
May be worth looking at entry level gear not top end carbon boom to start with.
Also I beg to differ a carbon boom makes a hell of a difference to how the rig feels and believe it or not to your wallet in the long term... But most do not seem the bigger picture.
On another topic, you're probably knee deep in the artificial inflation and price hike by buying everyday items (coffee, milk etc) and real estate... The great Aussie dream!
I've got a lot of gear - mostly Neil Pryde stuff - booms, masts, sails, universals - the boom doesn't seem to make that much difference to the rig. Carbon is marginally lighter but the extra cost can not be justified IMO. How does a high end, expensive boom make a big difference to your rig set up?... Just curious because I've just discovered the big positive difference marrying the same brand masts with the same brand sails.
Carbon booms- . I had alloy for 7 years. Finally got sick of the arm breaking off and having to be rescued. Love my new one - nice narrow grip for little hands, You don't have to replace it every few years, much stiffer so the gusts are transferred into speed rather than absorbed by flex . I do speed sailing so that's important to me. If you want to freeride just replace the alloy regularly or buy a secondhand carbon ( I got one for $400).
I bought my initial gear almost 2 years ago for $1100 some of it was fair to good, some of it not so much but it was enough to get me out on the water learning the basics and putting a smile on my face. 
Part of all that was a old Unifiber carbon boom (that I thought would probably end up in the bin) but reading this thread made me think possibly it could be refurbished. Hopefully the pic loads, I would like to replace the whole clip assembly but doubt that is possible. Just replacing the clip might get it done, any advice welcome.
Yes extreme choice with that enigma boom for the point of this topic.
down here in Tassie recently a JP xcite 120- carbon extension, base, combat wave sail 5m, x9 FULL CARBON sdm mast and a unmarked xp carbon wave boom just sold for around $1100 bucks!
last enigma boom i sold for 400.
about to sell a duotone wave carbon for 500.
Windsurfing is not expensive unless you want it to be ..
everyone can get on seabreeze- go to local shop and get most of last years gear for 30 to 50% off new.
how much is the latest phone worth ...a grand, how muck is a meal worth ...
Bloody smokes gone up from $1.25 a packet in 1988 to $30 bucks!!- How can you afford to take that up if you wanted too
Select to expand quoteClarrie67 said..
^^^
edit Fiberspar 
Should be able to get the extension clips.new boom grip and the missing mast shim from Surfsailaustralia.com, It would then be like a brand new boom
Fiberspar can be problematic. I would carefully check the boom head and would not replace it unless needed. It does appear the mast friction pad is missing from the boom head. www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_99&products_id=4873
Maybe you need one of these for an SDM mast: www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/product/radz-hawaii-sdm-mast-protector#surf-sail-clothing-hardware
based on this: www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_64&products_id=8277
For RDM you need an RDM mast adapter. Surfsail has these as well or you can get the Fiberspar ones from Windpower or the Maui sails ones.
There is technique to using it and it involves pulling the boom down on the mast so it clicks in on the mast, as I recall. I have a Fiberspar boom still operational and in excellent condition. Replacing the head probably requires Maui Sails boom head which has a similar connection. I would not replace it with the Maui head unless absolutely necessary as the boom in carbon might only be worth $150-195 max in good operable condition. The Fiberspar boom is an excellent light and stiff boom but the twist locks need replacement as well from time to time and they cost as much as the booms value.
I would not worry about the grip on the boom you may be able to use a heat gun to help clear up blemishes and possibly sand off imperfections.
www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_99&products_id=7334
www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_99&products_id=6682
There's also a 2nd hand Starby Phantom for $1600 and a used North Warp for $895 ,a mast for $600. With the boom at $898 that's a sweet 2nd hand set up for $4000.
Naturally you could still get a complete Longboard from gumtree for $50 or free with a bit of curbside acquisition.
I sorted myself out for under 400. After a 10 year break.
Couple of the sails are a bit hows your father. But will get me out on the water.
The bargains are out there.
The bargains are out there - particularly in WA. In Victoria, however, I think the average punter is being badly ripped off specifically when he/she walks into a retail sailboard shop.
