Tips for a beginning windsurfer

Hi I just recently got interested in windsurfing and have been trying to figure out what I need to get started. I have done some research on windsurfing and I do know some of the terminology but were to get the equipment still eludes me, I can't spend a lot because I am just starting collage classes this fall and can't afford an expensive setup but I would like to have everything I need by this next summer. As for the conditions of where i would be surfing I live in North Dakota U.S.A and common wind speeds are 10-20 mph but can easily get up to 40+ mph. Any info, tips or anything would be greatly appreciated.

There doesn't seem to be much windsurfing in North Dakota. Wolf Creek on Lake Sakakawea seems to be one of the more likely places to find windsurfers.

To get very cheap gear you are really looking at buying second-hand and without some experience it is hard to select the right stuff. Ideally you want to buy a complete set of gear from someone who bought gear made after year 2000 and has decided to sell the complete package.

The width of the board is important for a learner and you want it to be roughly the same width in cm as you are kg in weight. Preferably you want it to have a dagger-board. Sail size you will have to be flexible with but for learning and then using the same sail after you have learned, I'd say you would ideally want something about 5.4 to 6.2m, but I suspect you will not be able to find much choice.

Its difficult to match separate parts as there are different standards for fins and fin boxes, mast foot attachments and the mast mounting slot on the board, boom clamps and mast diameters and there are compatibility issues between some masts and some sails. That's why you would be better trying to get a complete package.

With so few windsurfers in North Dakota they may be hard to find, but it would be best if you could get in touch with them as buying gear when you can inspect it and the guy knows that he might be seeing you again if you have problems with it is better than buying off E-bay or having to travel a long way to look at gear.

Thanks for all the great info so far. Like I said I'm just getting into windsurfing and don't know much about the gear I need to get and from what you guys are telling me its going to be a pain trying to piece together used equipment so I probably would be better off just saving up and getting new gear. As for places to get gear are there any places that you guys would recommend?