I know there's been a few questions about getting into the waves lately but I'm wondering, what equipment would be needed and what quality? to get out there without losing all my gear? I weigh around 70-75kgs, I already have a 95L board but I'm looking at getting something around 75 for windy days out in the bay anyways. But for example i have a sdm 30% carbon sunshine mast a 4.7 north voodoo and 5.7 NP saber and 6.4 excess. Do you need a couple of dedicated wave sails? and a decent mast with a decent base and extension to start with? Do you need to upgrade most of the little bits before just having a crack?
Thanks
start small!
at this stage unless you have wads of cash stashed around don't go out buying any gear just yet.
Like with most things in live start small. Go find a spot which has waves breaking up to about 2 maybe 3 feet. This is big enough to learn things such as timing getting over waves, jumping on the way out and getting onto a wave on the way in.
It's also small enough for you to learn how to safely hold on to your gear while in the impact zone. This is probably the most important part to learn.
Don't worry about doing proper bottom turns and cut backs at this stage... it will come with time.
I am sure there are number of Vic sailors here that can recommend the best place with small waves down your way.
You can then progress from there.
Regarding your gear, the biggest difference between most flat water freeride style boards and wave oriented boards is the amount or nose rocker they have. Wave oriented shape usually have more "bend" (rocker) in the front of the nose to prevent the nose from getting when you ride down a wave. What board do you current have (model, make, year).
In the long run you will also want a wave sail in the 5.2 or so range as your low wind sail.
To begin with I'd probably buy a used or last season model sail/ board when you feel the time is right.
Lastly, my recommendation would to get hold of the Peter Hart's "Serious about waves" DVDs. They at first seem a bit cheese but once you get his instructional style you will realise they are a gem. Probably the best instructional wave sailing DVDs currently on the market. He will talk you in more detail about the things that I outlined above.
Hope this is of any help.
i just purchased Jem Halls wavesailor to winner DVD...awesome for the newbie in the waves... 3.5hrs of setup, getting out, aerials, etc
Best $50 spent for a while
I would say go to one of the Vic Wave sailing series - talk to the crew - get involved with them - a great way to get started - our Social wave crew in SA have been doing local events and people that hardly ever hit the waves in the past have just been growing in confidence week by week.
Go for it - once you've had a few waves - no matter how much you get trashed - you'll always be looking for the next wave session in the future!!
Good luck - and have fun!!!
Sounds like what you already have will be fine for a first attempt. What model board do you have? I found my first few times out on a Freeride board were OK. Actually, now I count it up I've only been in the surf half a dozen times. 
The most important thing is to pick a small day, around 1-3 ft (waist high), and side-onshore winds. I found dead-onshore winds made it tricky to get through the shore-break, or even launch. Offshore may be a bit dangerous for your first time.
And don't go out by yourself. I'm sure someone on here can tell you where to meet up.
Sailing in the surf is the best.
Thanks for that. My board is a thommen X95 its got plenty of rocker but a fairly wide and flat tail which is really good for early planing maybe not so great for the waves but I spose theres only one way to find out. I think the thing i am worried about is going out with a crappy begginers type mast and a mainly monofilm sail and it all failing to bits when I have a big stack which I know I will. What sort of wind should you be aiming to go out in say 15 knots? which would probably mean 5.7, or do I go out in 20 so I can use the 4.7? The Vic wavesailing thing sounds the goods I think. Too bad they havent chosen any spots on the Peninsula so there all a pretty solid drive. But ive been meaning to check out sandy point at some stage so maybe it will work out fine.
Fitness is very important when venturing out in waves, be aware that your kit cauld get washed from you up to 200 mtrs plus and you will need to confidently be able to swim double that.If you dont trust your kit dont sail way out the back.Work your way up in the waves zac,your gonna have a lot of fun out there
. I've just started going into some small waves but I haven't progressed past pure body and gear survival sailing.
oh dear... just re-read my message... me speak english good no so much. ... I guess that's what you get when you write this first thing in the morning.
what I meant was start at a spot were the waves are breaking a little bit away from the shore. This will allow you to safely time the your approach.
Ideally look for a break over a sand bar with 100% sandy bottom with the waves breaking gently rather than tubing dumpers... size in the 2 to 3 foot range...
with all that in mind you should be able to avoid destroying your kit on the first day out...
Around Sydney you have Wanda (Cronulla) and Gerroa further south which are ideal for beginner wave sailing on small days. Probably one of the best entry level wave sailing spots is Gerroa. You get consistent wind in summer and generally speaking you can find a stretch somewhere along the beach were the waves are breaking reasonably small.
Sorry for jumping in on your thread Z.
Cheers for the response Stehsegler and I hope to see you out on the water sometime DL.
basically take it easy, the first time i got out into decent waves i was more into survival then wave sailing, always checking the sets coming through...
but hey get out there, you might break some gear you might not, just relax especially when your being smashed by a wave, your only under for a short time...
