help with buying a windsurfer as a gift

Hello! I am not a windsurfer but my husband used to be. He is a tall reasonably fit guy with windsurfing and sailing experience--but he hasn't had any windsurfing gear for quite some time. I suspect he would like a board to play around with and maybe challenge himself a bit, but it would be nice to start with something that he could use in a variety of conditions. He is 6ft3in and about 65(?)lbs (190.5cm/75kg). I am hoping to find something in good, used condition.

Can anyone tell me what kind of board and/or sail I should be looking for? Most of the stuff I have found on the internet is directed at either beginners or total experts (I don't want a beginner board and I am too much of a novice myself to understand the stuff aimed at experts!).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Chrissy, great idea. IMHO get a voucher for some lessons, cheaper.

He can see where he's at and if it still agrees with him.

(Beware it might lead to ignoring his chores and holidays Windsurfing in Hawaii!)

Thanks for the advice so far!

The problem with the shop idea is that there are none to be found where I am at the moment. Plus I tried that last year and the guy said to me 'Windsurfing? No one does that anymore'. (!!?!) Obviously he wasn't much of a help.

The voucher thing is a good idea but you are right sboardcrazy--I do sail! We live on a sailboat and are moving around. I had to make my own voucher for him to go kite surfing because I didn't know where we were going to be, but he still hasn't taken me up on it.

What I'd really like to know is a ballpark board size for an intermediate to advanced kind of guy who is about 165lbs. And maybe a sail size for medium wind (does 10 to 15 kts sound right?). Something like that. It doesn't have to be high performance but I don't want a brick. Maybe it's pure folly, but if I don't get it for him I don't think he will spend the money on it himself. And I KNOW he will use it!

Thank you mobydisc! That's just what I was looking for

I agree with something in the 110 to 130 litre range (if hes only 75kg) that will have plenty of float and perform well for him from 12 to 25 knots depending on sail sizes.

The best all round boards which I think you are looking for are called FREERIDE boards. There are plenty around. Some good boards to look for are listed below by brand name then model;

JP - Xcite ride
Tabou - Rocket
Starboard - Futura
Fanatic - Ray

The reality is that newer boards are easier to ride (shape etc) so if you have the $$ invest in something less than 5 years old. Same with sails.

Dont forget he will need a mast and boom which will have to be the right size to fit the sail as they are different. He will also need a uni joint and mast base to connect to board and a harness and harness lines.

I would suggest that it probably be best to wait until you are somewhere where there is a sailboard shop as it can get quite confusing if you dont know what you are looking for - or at least approach some sailors for a chat about gear so they can show you what you need. All sailboarders are friendly - its mandatory.

Where are you presently. Someone on here may be close by and able to assist?

Thanks for the info Ellobuddha! Windsurfers really are friendly I'm in Bowen QLD. I'm likely to be in Cairns in a month or so. I'm hoping to pick something up before Christmas so I'm beginning to worry about the time frame for finding the right (affordable!) gear.

I just had a quick look at Cairns and there's a watersports store there. I'm going to give them a call right now. At least I have more of an idea now of what I should be looking for.

I hope so Mobydisc! I'm so glad I came to this forum because otherwise I probably wouldn't have gone through with it. If I do, I'll be sure to put all of your names on the card--LOL!

I just called the guy at the watersports store. He has stuff and he was really helpful. He's sending me some pics etc. of a new complete rig that you can buy different sails for without changing the rest of the rig (from Serverne sails--new starting at about $1100)--they sound great but I really was trying to find something used. He recommended 111 to 122 litre boards--I think free ride because this is what I asked about. The only thing is, even though he was very nice, it's hard to trust someone that's trying to sell me something.

What do you think a good maximum price would be for a used, totally set up board, etc. of the type you have all described? How about new? I realize it's complicated--but you know--roughly speaking.

Sorry--'maximum' price for a new board, etc is a dumb question.

Chrissycat


Give Boardcrazy in brisbane a call 07 38916470.

Simon is really helpful and knows his stuff. He regularly freights gear to people up north, and has a lot of good close out boards and rigs. That is brand new gear (old stock) that would suit what your after and is cheaper than new and better than 2nd hand.

Hi,
I agree with most of the comments but I would say you can pick up some pretty good second hand gear providing you have some advice. Even from a personal perspective (although my board would be a bit small) you could pick up a mint Mistral couple of years old or similar for say $500-600 and a complete rig for a modest amount. I guess though in your situation probably better to deal with a retail outlet.
Hmm sailing the coast , I'm a bit envious.

Mistral Nick--I think you're right. I may need to stick to the shops because I don't know what's what The Freeride Sting actually looks pretty good. I asked the seller if he thought it was more of a slalom or a free ride and he said a free ride. He can get it to me in Cairns for cheaper than my Cairns guy can sell me the used/near new boards he has--maybe the Cairns guy's boards are better (I don't know), but this one seems close enough to what you all seem to think would be good. Anyway, I'm still looking, but this one seems promising.

I am going to call the Brisbane shop tomorrow (thanks Dan71) and see what else I might be able to find out.

BTW--a lot of guys are a little envious of the lifestyle. Give it a go ;-)