How much wind do you need to plane?

I was watching this video last night (http://www.pritchardwindsurfing.com/content/view/340/38), and it recommends using a 105l board and a 5.2m sail in 15-20 kts of wind, implying that you could get planing with this setup. I use a 105l Rocket with a 6.6m KA Koyote and I can't get planing in anything less than 17 knots. I weigh 80 kilos, so I don't think my weight is going to throw the results.

I'm trying to figure out whether the recommendations are unrealistic or whether I'm doing something wrong. What kind of wind/gear do you guys need to get up and planing?

I have a 105 Hypersonic set up with a 6.5 Severne NCX and 30cm Select weed fin and can get planing between 12 - 14 knots although I only weigh about 80kg. If its blowing 17 knots it takes off like a gun shot.

I know that it has taken me a few months to sort out early planing techniques. Now I am just fine tuning sail, mastfoot, body position etc to get even more performance.

Its all about the sail design. you want to plane in that wind on 5.2 go a neilpryde alpha 5.4 wavesail the new ezzy freerides or loft lip. loft have one of the widest luff pockets on the market i had one super easy to rig and heaps of power. The alphas are designed like the old type wavesails all the power is down low. So they are great for on shore conditions. and ezzy well just check out the new freeride sails on there web site i think you cant find a more powerfull sail.

all thease sails are designed for crapy on shore windsurf conditions not for poeple that sail maui every day in 25+ knots thease are real sails and how sails should be built.

I am 90 kilos and can sail in 10-15 knots with my 5.4 wave sail and jp 120 liter freeride board.

did you read what ype of wavesails i said to only buy dude not just any wavesail dude

As windwarning said, it is the type of sail- that designed with small dimensions to handle well but grunty. I currently use Naish Force which is great for the purpose and remains stable, also had in past Aerotech phantom which had good low end and ka kaos wasn't too bad either. Rig the sails within specs though I do start with slightly less outhaul than recommended but pull it on as soon as wind is consistent.

Everyone's idea of the wind is always different is it gusting 17 or is it peaking at 17, are you at water level or on a high point etc. Thats why I used what typical race sail used is when I start using the 5.3 which is around 17-18knots.

Sideshore sails tend to be flatter, onshore or real world wave sails have shape. I also prefer them as you can pile stacks of downhaul on when the wind builds and you still have shape instead of a twitchy pos.

Actually look at how many sails say Severne has in their range, they are not all the same some are built with more shape than others. Some have higher leech tension, longer booms, straighter luffs, less luff tension, wider chords all which helps a sail have better low end.

Also I should add that i'm not a sit in the harness and wait for the wind to blow me along guy, you want to get going you've got to pump sail and board (and I don't even get going that early compared to some guys).

I don't normally plane all that early, but I like flat sails (side shore style sails). So yeah there does need to be a bit of consideration regarding the sail you are using and how it is built to deliver power.

That said a board, is not a board, is not a board either. Take three 100L boards side by side and they could all achieve something different due to different width, rocker, plain shape etc. And then you have to consider fins as well.

Finally, location will play a part. You will not plane as early in fresh water as salt. And the closer you go to the equator the higher the salt content of water = earlier you will plane (or smaller volume board you can use).

So not quite as easy as saying in this much wind you should be able to achieve this...just do your best and get to know your own gear. Knowing how to the get the most out of your equipment will make a huge difference as well.

Biggest sail i own is a 5.3m Blade, gets me going at around 15 knots on a board about 94 litres, i weigh 90kgs at the moment


If i use freeride gear a 7.5m NCX on a 122 Futura gets me going just after it starts to white cap..

You said 10-15 with a 5.4 and 120L. Constant 15kn, no lulls, you pump like mad and only reaching, no upwind runs, maybe you could do it.
You could not maintain planing in lulls of 10kn.

I went for a sail on Brisbane Waters on Monday and was able to get on the plane pretty easily and cruise along at about 18 knots. I was using my Tabou Rocket 140, Tabou Freeride 48cm fin and a North Warp 7.8 sail. The water was reasonably choppy as Brisbane Waters is pretty big and open to the elements.

According to the nearby Gosford BOM weather station it was a SE wind of 7 to 12 knots.

I've seen formula boards with 11m sails get on the plane in lighter winds which gust to less than 8 knots.

16 knots + going off the wind and to get into the straps, prefer 18knots to hold position (thats shoreline measurements from someones windmeter)
5.7m2 severne blade on a 75L starboard evo waveboard, 23cm fin
i'm 75 kg