Hey I'm keen to get into windsurfing but don't no where to start.. I'm from the central coast nsw and am looking to buy a board etc. but am not sure what is the best option. I am a beginner but don't want to waste money on buying a beginner board the have to but another one later.. I can surf so am hoping that will help me..
Any suggestions?
Hey Dunco,
As much as you're not keen to get a beginners board, I really think it's pretty well an essential step for progression. Whilst I've surfed for 25 years at a pretty high level (sponsers etc) I assumed I could jump straight onto a small sailboard and be right- wrong. Totally different world. As much as I wasn't happy on the big board, putting around to get the basics sorted was the best thing I did. Jumping straight onto a short / small board would have been a big mistake for me. Maybe it's different for others, but it would make those crucial foundation months extremelly difficult.
The bright side is, if you go good on a surfboard you're progression will be swift- super quick if you ride well. Within a few months you'll be off the big board (then sell it) and onto something more fun and maneuverable. Within a year you should (could) be on a 85- 100 litre board tearing up waves, or blasting comfortably on bays and lakes.
Just buy a complete kit around 180 litres plus, get some lessions of a mate who sails well or a shop, then chug around till ya half comfy with tacking, slo-mo gybes , beach and water starts. Then, start down-sizing till you're on a board that does what you want it to do.
The main thing is simply have fun.
Cheers
If you can make it to Sydney for the day there is a beginners+demo day later this month:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/2013-Learn-To-Windsurf-Series-PLUS-demo/
Dunco, the other thing about getting a beginners rig is that when you go to progress to a shorter/smaller board there usally is a bit of interest in the buy and sell market for beginner rigs.
I bought mine from a shop and when traded back 6 months later got virtually the same price for it. Unfortunately the next step can be $$$, but there are a lot of people with spare gear will to sell or loan on here.
Anyway good luck, you won't regret it.
Where on the central coast do you live dunco. I live up hear as well. If you looking to get into wavesailing then your best bet would be to but a sup with a sail mount. You will continue to use it as a sup later and sup resale is very good. You will be able to get into the waves on it when your ready which is a great way to learn that to. Something like the starboard 10.5 drive 150ltr ish I used to own one and was a great way to get into the sport and also good to get into suping as well.
Cheers Tommy
Also talk to mark at ess. They have a sup sail setup at terrigal I think. Would be a great way to get out on the lagoon.
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I thought you were going extremely well in the waves..I was getting a complex..
Don't worry Sue, I'm still well and truely a Gumby on a sail board
But thankfully now on most days I can actually walk off the beach without having to bow my head in shame- that in itself is a huge victory! Wish I'd started this sport 20 years ago though...(insert miserable face emoticon)
Where abouts on the Central Coast are you? If Sunday's southerly comes through you could have a go on a beginners board and rig at Canton Beach. I'm happy to give a few pointers too. Just be warned the water at Canton Beach is very weedy. The wind might be a bit strong for a beginner.
Select to expand quotePhilSWR said...
I thought you were going extremely well in the waves..I was getting a complex..
Don't worry Sue, I'm still well and truely a Gumby on a sail board But thankfully now on most days I can actually walk off the beach without having to bow my head in shame- that in itself is a huge victory! Wish I'd started this sport 20 years ago though...(insert miserable face emoticon)Wish I was 20 years younger..
Last of the Sw'ers?
As James mensioned Marmong club has beginers boards & gear and a bunch of people that will help as we race most Saturdays for fun.
Numbers will be down this weekend as some will be down at Jervis Bay competing, but there will still be some people at the club.
Be happy to see you.
I have some sails going cheap that would suit you. Go to my adverts.
Might have a few free items too to help.
