Another Newbie question...think I have the type of craft I want sorted...will advise on that when I take delivery (still an iron or 2 in the fire).
Speaking to the little tacker (who is my shadow) she wants a windsurfer of her own..we regularly surf together..although she is only 7 we go out in 3' waves and she handles herself o.k so I know windsurfing in a lake is going to be a breeze (pun intended)....Anyone got any suggestions as to the type of craft? Was thinking of a Starboard start or Exocet cruiser....but as I am already in for over $2k on mine the budget for this has to be around $1200....so 2nd hand is the answer...but where to find anything?
Anyone know of someone who's kids have outgrown some of the more modern craft suitable for kids?
Kids need dedicated gear, way smaller than the start, especially at such a young age. And since the volume of this market is so small, price is likely to hurt...
The rig would be more important than the board. There are kids rigs available at reasonable prices. I've seen a that which fits into a small bag that sells for a reasonable price. In regards to boards a larger learner board would be fine except with a smaller sail it will take longer to maneuver the board. There are plenty of smaller boards around available for next to nothing that would suit too. Just work out how to fix a centrefin to give both stability and directional drive.
A great kids board for learning is the Starboard "Kiddy"
it has a centre finbox for a centreboard/fin & comes with a blanking plate for when they dont need the centre fin anymore.
Volume 88 litres
Length 217 cm
Width 75.5 cm
One foot off 54.6 cm
Weight D-Ram 8.0 kg =/- 5%
Fin Free 40 + Start Convertible
Finbox Tuttle box
Sail size 1.0 - 5.0 m2
i dont think they are made any more, but you should be able to finf a used one with a bit of hunting around - unfortunately, ours is still in use for the second time around.
the Ezzy kids rig is also a great option and pretty well priced, it comes with 2x sails & all the gear. I think they retail for around $500.
& come with...
2 sails: 2.0 m² and 2.5 m² (or a smaller setup with 1.0m & 1.5m)
adjustable, two-piece mast
adjustable boom with small grip
Euro-pin base
spin-on universal
perfect for 9-11 year olds
I work on the idea that if you can set them up with the appropriate gear & make it as easy as possible for them, they might have some chance of sticking with it. - plus you need to put plenty of time in with them.
good luck.
Thanks for the suggestions. I know everyone has different views but I agree with most of them...yep..def a kids rig is going to be the go...and the putting the time in is not a problem...she is my "shadow" ...we surf 3 times a week and the other times its mostly cos it is too blown out..hence the Sailboards as an extra option.
..IMHO the 2 sports compliment each other for young kids (balance) and anything that keeps them off the couch is a good thing...have noticed that if I dont motivate them in the first instance kids are happy to spend all day and night watching tele or playing video games...but if you put in a few sessions on a regular basis they start motivating you as well. At least thats what happens with my 7 y.o..with "Daddy..when are we going surfing"...but soon will be "Daddy..when are we going windsurfing" 
