Watching the Alan Cadiz video, has anyone tried the traditional windsurfer water start as he demonstrates around the 2:40 mark and had any success?
Having spent many years windsurfing, it seems like the way to go in decent winds. Note, I haven't tried to appreciate the differences or the difficulties of using a wing to water start. I'm currently doing knee starts on a 100 L board but looking hard for something around the 40 L mark.
Is that when he's sitting down, levers back and to the side then puts front foot in strap then up (Soz never windsurfed)? If so not but will try it. Not sure how good that would be in choppy water and you'd need some good flexibility. But yeh for sure gotta try it.
Great topic all. I am 85kg and knee start my 54l prone no probs but was too much volume to sink. Great for lower wind days but realised I could likely get a sinker and get up fairly easy on this also. had been considering the new 4'10 39L or 4'5 FG Armie 34L and decided on 4'5. Hopefully will have in about 5 weeks. Am wondering though if the 4'10 will be better but have heard these ride or feel like they have more volume than they have. Hopefully I am not making it too hard on myself.
love to know if anyone else is getting one of these boards or thoughts one these sizes.
Yeh i tossed and turned on this sizing. Ordered the 4'10 then changed my mind and went the 4'5. Figured the 4'10 wouldnt be that much dofferent my current 5 foot amos at 40l. Its the swing weight and extra board length st the front that makes it a pain to pump. But then again it catches waves easily. Then i proned with a guy at similar weight sink starting a 28l and thought im up for the challenge. Rather chip, then pump out to a bigher wave then try and paddle onto the bigger wave anyhow. Plus easier to wing with the smaller board. not sure will have to suck and see.
Select to expand quoteCapt.Gumby said..
Watching the Alan Cadiz video, has anyone tried the traditional windsurfer water start as he demonstrates around the 2:40 mark and had any success?
Having spent many years windsurfing, it seems like the way to go in decent winds. Note, I haven't tried to appreciate the differences or the difficulties of using a wing to water start. I'm currently doing knee starts on a 100 L board but looking hard for something around the 40 L mark.
I have pulled off e few of those waterstarts on my 80L with ripping winds. They were more tiring than the knee start, mostly because it took a bunch of tries in big gusts. The trick for me was while sitting in position in straps, to use the rear most handles on the wing and project it straight up into air to catch the most wind and create the most effective hinge to pull me out. I also squat as much as I can and let it roll me ontop of the board. Being grossly overpowered on a medium size wing seemed like the only way to do it. Its probably easier on more of a sinker. I was using a Slingshot Dart which does all kinds of weird and magical things that I can't do on regular wings. Good luck!
Brovan, impressive mate! Not having done it yet so who am I to say but...I reckon it would have to be far more difficult to do the traditional windsurfer water start on the 80L board versus a sinker. The sinker can be pulled under your arse as you rise with the wing, couldn't imagine that could happen with a 80 L board.
Just purchased a 40L Cab autopilot....hopefully here early next week and let the fun begin..... great to read through everyone's tips and will post my experiences.
Select to expand quotedave101 said..
Great topic all. I am 85kg and knee start my 54l prone no probs but was too much volume to sink. Great for lower wind days but realised I could likely get a sinker and get up fairly easy on this also. had been considering the new 4'10 39L or 4'5 FG Armie 34L and decided on 4'5. Hopefully will have in about 5 weeks. Am wondering though if the 4'10 will be better but have heard these ride or feel like they have more volume than they have. Hopefully I am not making it too hard on myself.
love to know if anyone else is getting one of these boards or thoughts one these sizes.
Hey Eppo. I actually did the exact same thing. I locked in a 4'10 then the more I thought about it and based on some people riding them...one in particularly at 82kg...I ended up changed to the 4'5. What was your weight? I still have my 5'3 54L prone for low wind days and for small prone waves. It's always good to have goals and something to progress to. Well that's what I am telling myself 
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Capt.Gumby let us know how you go on your 40L.
Im only about 74kg at the moment but i have a permanent injury (dislocation of left AC joint) which impedes paddling prowess. What really made me change was a ride on a 5 foot JS eagles (nice board imo) but it didnt feel much different to my amos plonker. (Except better pumping bevause of the stiff carbon). To much board up front still.
