Hi there,
First posting here, so take it easy on me! : ) New to windsurfing having had a couple of 'lessons' fiji-style. Would like to take up the sport and get myself a cheap kit and also get some more lessons. In the meantime have seen the following outfit:
3.2 Mtr EPOXY (Epoxy by John Hall Designs) 320 WAVEBOARD/SAILBOARD WITH GASTRA 5.0 Mtr SAIL.
COMPLETE PACKAGE WITH MAST, FULLY ADJUSTABLE BOOM WITH HARNESS STRAPS, SAIL AND INCLUDES HARNESS.
It's under $500 so seems good, but for a beginner maybe not ideal? I don't know - you surfies are the experts here. it's got all the kit, so I am tempted. I am 6ft (2.8m) weighing 75kg.
Any advice appreciated.
Wow, a 3.2m waveboard? I don't think it sounds very good for a beginner. You want something at least 80cm wide to make it stable enough that you can learn sail control and steering without focussing so much on balance. I'm guessing something labelled a waveboard would be designed more for maneuverability and be too narrow and tippy.
Thanks SL. Yes, when it gets slighlty choppy I spend more time trying to stand than do anything else. I'll probably give it a miss and look for something more beginnerish - any ideas for an L-plater?
Hi,
my wife started windsurfing last summer. Have a read of this story I wrote that covers our experiences. The RRD Easyrider is an excellent board to learn to ride on and is quite a fun board to play around with on lighter days.http://www.ozwindsurf.com.au/index.php?curPage=pages.articles.issue_9.all_aboard
We saw a fellow sailing on Narrabeen Lake on Saturday on a Mistray Prodigy. It looks similar to the Easyrider. Starboard Go's are popular but are bit smaller. The Starboard Start is a similar size to the Easyrider and Prodigy. Another option is to get an original windsurfer. They are narrower but heaps of people learned on them back in the day coz that was the only board around.
depending on ur weight.. a stardboard start is a good first time boat .. as some one mentioned earliar .. (at least 80cm wind) and 150l plus.. also a never small sail 4morless
Oranjeboom, sometimes it's worth taking some more lessons and then you get to use state of the art learning equipment. This will get you started faster than anything. After a few lessons you might be able to look at buying a board that will provide a little more "growth". For instance, a Starboard Start is a great learning board but won't take you very far past the learning stage, whereas a little time on a Start and then buying a Starboard Go will keep you happy longer. Other brands have same sorts of options. The great thing about beginner and early intermediate boards is they have excellent resale - you may outlay more than a 3.2 Mtr EPOXY board but you'll be able to sell it quickly at a small loss whereas you'll be lucky to find anyone to buy a 3.2 Mtr EPXOY 
Hope that helps.
Yeah I agree it maybe worth getting a few leasons and using a rental board to get your head around the sport. You may even find that you progress quickly and end up getting yourself an intermediate board.
Thanks for all your tips/suggestions. Will let you know how I get on - sail clear of that fool with the L-plates!
