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New Thread - help me sort out my boards / fins

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Created by seahorse > 9 months ago, 14 Jan 2010
seahorse
QLD, 133 posts
14 Jan 2010 6:50PM
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Thanks to all who contributed to www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=60124 it was a good discussion but as was correctly pointed out all the info wasn't present. So here goes the long-winded full story...

My current equip is as follows - boards, iSonic 122, Sonic85, iSonic 50 and then my all round b&j wave board the JP FSW 92 (07?).

Sails are 4.5 Manic, 5.0 Naish Force, 5.8 Gaastra Grind, 5.5/6.5/7.6 Naish Stealth, 8.5 v8. Whole heap of go-fast fins and JP FSW23 & 27(now delaming).

Me - been windsurfing since '92 but have progressed most in the last 6 years - have done formula, speed and plenty of bay/gulf sailing. I'm 90kg and close to 6'3". I discovered I was pretty fast and have thus been concentrating on speed and racing type activities over recent years.

I still love a good speed day at Sandy Point & getting out on Port Phillip Bay in a strong seabreeze - actually I just love to sail and get itchy without it (know I'm preaching to the converted here).

My scenario - 3 young kids mean a beach trip needs to be productive/enjoyable otherwise leave pass is wasted. I am often down at Phillip Island with family in tow and have been considering SUP/non planing board specifically to get me out and enjoying myself in small time windows that present. I have never done what you'd call "Down the line" wavesailing - part due to pursuing the speed thing and part due to finding it hard to get me, conditions and gear aligned. So my 4 main destinations are Sandy Point/Waratah Bay, Inverloch, around Phillip Island-san remo, Eastern Side of Port Phillip Bay. I'm not much of a surfer..

The JP FSW has served me well and gets me out bouncing around in 17-18 knots which is fun. It is a bit harsh on the chop and I could probably do with a more docile board when the wind is up. I can jump reasonably well (on my fav tack) but am no good at any tricks at present (no acrobat).

Unlike with my speed pursuits I'm not needing to push the envelope too far with wave oriented gear - I can't see me getting enough practice to find the limits - I just want the maximum amount of sould soothing time on water. I'm very keen on exploring wave sailing as an option (particularly the less than ideal wind version).

What about selling the JP and getting an 80ish litre dedicated wave board and matching with a SUP (say 11'ish)?

Have thought through all my rig options but unless I sell speed sails I'm committed to Naish skinnies so might as well keep what I've got in the 400/430 mast range. Would consider ditching the go-fast big gear for more practical light wind bay solution.

When I first posted I was considering ditching the speed gear too and just having FSW and a long board (kona/sup). In that scenario squeezing whatever I could out of the FSW (almost had it over 40knots..) from both a speed and wave angle.

Now after your comments I'm thinking of keeping rigs as is and splitting speed and wave down the middle and having the best for both worlds.

Just want to make sure I don't get anything too impractical for my weight on the bay.

Over to you guys - thanks for your thoughts.

Gestalt
QLD, 14627 posts
14 Jan 2010 10:10PM
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i'd keep everything you have and get a kona 10.5. it will work everywhere and you can sup. plus you won't need more than a 5.8m sail. it will also give you more confidence to get out in the surf which will translate into better JP surf sessions.

reality is the waves are smaller and more tolerant when the winds light.

if after a year you decide you are starting to lean more towards waves you could get a 109lt freewave board and a 90lt real world wave board (something with rocker and V, it will also become your high wind b&J board.)

you might end up ditching all of your lightwind slalom kit! only time will tell. depends what you want to do in light winds. but i wouldn't go selling off your kit. use the 12 month rule. (if not used in 12 months it goes)

fins i'd get the MFC freewave for all of your lighter wind freewave fun stuff. if you get a smaller wave board then the mfc 2k

the reality is if you want to do a bit of everything then you need a bit of everything, supplementing your kit with some cheap 2nd handboards really helps. a very large selection of fins also really helps.

http://www.boardseekermag.com/equipment_reviews/equipment/Kona-windsurfing-kit-review-080.htm

FilthyAmatuer
WA, 877 posts
16 Jan 2010 8:57AM
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you have a lot of gear. I have enough trouble trying to work out what sail size to rig on my single board.

paddymac
WA, 938 posts
16 Jan 2010 9:26PM
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seahorse - you and I sound like we are in a similar situation. I have mostly freerace gear and been GPSing on the flat stuff but recently got a FSW and hit the ocean due to very poor conditions on the Swan River. I find that I really enjoy the ocean sailing and want to put a couple of years into that. I have one ankle biter and another on the way so like you I need to maximise my leave passes.

Me: 80kg, 178cm
Boards: Futura 122, 93 and RRD FSW 85
Sails: Severne Overdrive 8.5, 7.5, 6.5, 5.5, Manic 5.3, 4.2, Nash Session 4.7

My plan is keep the 85 FSW for now (go for an 80 wave when more competent), flog the Futuras and get a 100ish FSW and a Kona or similar. Flog the Overdrives and probably add a 5.8 and 6.5 wave/cross over type sail.

Be interested to hear what you end up doing. Also interested in input from others.

Cheers, P



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"New Thread - help me sort out my boards / fins" started by seahorse