I am getting back into windsurfing after 20 years away. I want to "ditch the plank
" and get something in a shorter board. Volume? Weight? Freeride/Freewave? - all very confusing. All I want is a board that I can uphaul on and use on flat water (at this stage). I am 95 ks and would call myself an intermediate windsurfer. I was told that to fix my problem all I had to do is throw money at it but I want to avoid this - any suggestions??
Matt, seeing as your a featherweight like me
there are a few options.
If your skills are still rusty, go for something in the BIC range that your going to prang a bit getting back up too speed. They dont have a soft nose
Anything from 110lts up will be OK so you dont get frustrated getting the skills back. Plus you can faff about on low wind days without too many problems
If your skills are up and you have no problems, anything in the 100-105 will do.
There are lots out there from $200 and up. Check the Buy and sell section.
I asked location as there are a few lads who are in the GPS team challenge that can help you out in Queensland, but none that I know near you. gpsteamchallenge.com.au/
Mineral
I was in the same boat - used to sail a Wally yeatrs ago - and the same weight as you. I bought a JP Xcite ride 130. Good for when the wind drops out as it still floats you but will fly and is managable well past 20 knots with a smaller fin. I have bought another smaller board for windy days but it is still my favourite.
It is tough as too - I have catapulted the mast into it nuerous times with no problems. (technora model) My other board a Mistral - cracked like an egg the first time the mast went near it. Glad those days are almost over.
See if you can get yourself a ride on a JP Xcite or a Tabou Rocket or something similar. I would look at 120-130litre but the 130 litre will defintely get you home if it drops out on you.
Welcome back,![]()
Ello
Yeah I have to agree with ellobuddha. As you said you want to be able to "uphaul in flat water" and have some good short board fun. 130litres is a nice volume for uphaul crusing if you're 95kg (same as me). Yes it's possible to uphaul a 100-115 at that weight but it is certainly no fun and you'll have a nightmare time in low knotage.
I got back into windsurfing on a 131 Starboard Carve. Great in next to no wind and I used it up to 40knots, which is doable with our weight, although a challenge. You said mainly 10-20knots, then I wouldn't go much smaller than 130. Go about a 6-8.5m sail and you'll be having heaps of fun.
Good luck.