Hello
I'm considering taking up windsurfing. And after some local advice.
We've move to Henley Beach South and are just 300m back from the beach. I want to take up either windsurfing or kiteboarding.
Im leaning towards windsurfing, because
1) I've done the sport before - as a teen I windsurfed for a bunch of summers at camp. All flatwater/Lake. But by the end I could plane, water start, gybe etc....although I'd expect that I'll have to relearn most of that after 15-20 years.
2) seems safer...I have visions of being dragged up the rocks and across the esplanade face first on a kite.
3) I can do it by myself...I know experiences kiters launch and land by themselves, but I'd expect that skill and confidence takes a fair bit of time.
Negatives might be...it seems that in the surf, you need much more wind then kites and going from near zero to powering along is a longer skills process.
So...what do I want in a starter package? I'm 90kg and 185cm.
Should i I look at a long board too? For west lakes? to make most people of days the beach isn't going to work?
where do I acquire this gear? Prefer used, but gumtree looks like mostly 1990s and I don't see any shops in SA.
What would you be doing? Or Advice...
once I get up and going...keen to meet and get into the local community too.
Hi TD
I've got a complete rig (5.5 freeride sail) you can borrow until you decide if WIndsurfing is for you. You'll have to try to get yourself a board though. Something in the order of a 150-200L board until you can re-learn the basics - try to borrow one. Give me a ring on 0466 104586 if you want to borrow the rig.
Purchasing is mostly online now days. The market here is micro. I reckon maybe 50 sailors in Adelaide ?... which makes the sport pretty special and niche 
J
if u want to give windsurfing ago.meet me down Goolwa hindmarsh island and have a go on my board .text me 0431908323.
Wow...I'm blown away at the generosity here. Thank you.
Ill definetly take you up on this.
Windsurfing is like riding a bike. If you have previously mastered planning in the straps and harness, gybing and waterstarts, you will be surprised how much you remember and you will progress very quickly.
Hi Dt i go down to kingston park with kids board if yo want have a go just give me a call 0420214877
Good Luck Thirsty.I too am aiming to get back into it this summer after a 20 year hiatus, so you might see me getting catapulted somewhere around you. :)
I'm happy to buy my own rig - but hoping to track down a board locally (before having to look interstate).
So if anyone has (or knows of) a 155-175L board, in good condition, and preferably not too old that they want to sell - please let me know.
Cheers
