Hi,
I really would like to move into waves and have a few questions regarding gear and spots.
Board & Fin
I have a 112 Patrik FSW and a 85 FSW (thruster). I weigh about 80kg and I've noticed that most sailors seem to own a multi-fin 95ish wave board in my weight class. For storage and cost reasons I'd prefer not to get a third one. Am I am fine with my boards?
I could set up my 112 fsw with 3 straps, use my 6.0 fusion and buy a wave fin for lower end wind conditions. What size wave fin would I need?
Spot for First experiences
I am based in Sydney and the forecast for tomorrow looks good. 20ish knots in Sydney and 18 - 22 in Georra. I literally have no wave experience and would like to take my 85fsw and 5.0 sail (as I do not have the fin for the bigger board) to either Georra or Cronulla. Would either spot work for a wave beginner with my 85l board?
I understand that obviously swell forecast matters. I have no idea for what direction and height to look for though?
Thanks for you help.
I'll caveat this by saying I'm only in the novice to intermediate wave sailing space. 83/84kg with 104L quad and 88L Triwave.
Unless you have the spare cash to pick up a 95 - 105L waveboard I reckon you can stick with your boards until you have a few goes in the surf under your belt. My guess is that the 112 FSW will never be great for wave riding regardless how small you go with the fin but you could still have a bit of fun with in smallish waves learning how to get over whitewater, take a few beatings, etc. The 85L might be ok in the waves when there is plenty of wind (fin size say around 23cm) but there's not been too much of that lately.
Gerroa is a great spot for learning to wave sail and will be windy tomorrow, however it will also probably be close to flat (1 foot at best) given forecast is for 1-2 foot of ENE swell. Gerroa likes a southerly swell. The surf at Wanda might be a bit bigger but wind will be a lighter - may be give it a crack there with your bigger board.
Pack your car and head to Gerroa tomorrow as it will be windy (judging by the forecast) and you'll only need your 85ltr I'd say. The waves will likely be small and gentle which is perfect for you to start with and you will probably be on the water before lunch.
Gerroa is by far the best spot to get into waves as there are normally very manageable waves and strong wind.
I don't think you need a third board as you have a good coverage for your weight already but I'm not sure re: fins.
Gerroa has a solid crew of extremely good sailers so I'm sure you can ask anyone for advice or help prior to, and whilst sailing.
If you have a sail under 5m, take that too (can get very windy in the arvo).
Also, there could be a large crowd sailing, so keep that in mind and stay below the main pack if possible to avoid getting in the way of people and spend a little time prior observing what the good guys do, the way they move around the break and give-way/don't drop-in on each other.
Good luck, have fun.
If you can sail your small board easily on flat water take that. I'm 85kg and my big board is 83L.
I reckon your big board is way to big, even for jumping, you are going to land so hard on that when jumping.
If your just thinking about wave riding your smaller board will make things so much easier. Think about which board is easier to do a tight carving turn, I'm guessing it's the small board.
Annnnnnd I'm going to suggest take what ever sail you need for the wind but be aware that larger sails tend to break more often in the surf and you are going to wipe out a lot as a kook,
Hope that helps
Select to expand quotecurac said..
If you can sail your small board easily on flat water take that. I'm 85kg and my big board is 83L.
Yeah but you're not learning to wavesail and he's in NSW and not WA. Exra float is your friend in NSW wavesailing.... that said, the 85l fsw would probably be the go at Gerroa tomorrow as the forecast looks good for the wind part at least.
