Hi,
Can anybody mentor back into shape, I haven't done windsurfing for about 15 years now, and need to get fast tracked back into it.
Can somebody offer some advice on a solid starters kit?
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
Do a search on this forum using beginner as a filter. You will see a number of threads asking a similar question to what you are asking.
You should find windsurfing like riding a bicycle, you don't forget how to do it. If you gave up in the early 90s you will find equipment not incredibly different. Boards are generally shorter and fatter, with less obvious changes since 1992 than there was between 1985 and 92. On the other hand years of constant refinement has led to equipment that is far better than when you gave up.
Have a read on threads about Starboard Gos. You will get good information there, both pro and con on boards like the Go.
I'd check out some of the new longboards like a Exocet Kona or the new Mistral Ventura. You can also check out the LBWS website for any questions. http://www.lbwindsurfing.com
Chris,
Don't make the mistake I made buying the sub 100ltr board & 5.8m sail no matter how good the $$$$$ is. You'll just be frustrated trying to remember how to waterstart or do a wobbly sinking uphaul. Wide is GOOD. It's stable so you can stomp around alll over it & it will plane in 1/2 the wind you used to plane in. Sail technology has also made everything easier & bigger. Sails are more stable and user friendly. They 'breathe' by opening up in the head in gusts, dumping the excess power. The profile is also deeper & power lower down in the sail so it's easier to control. When you used to sail a 5-6m sail you can now control a 8-9m sail. Don't be deterred by the almost double size, a Starboard Free Formula, Starboard Go or other 130ltr or above board with say an 8.5m sail will be very user friendly & usable in a wide variety of conditions.
For gear, check out www.thewindsurfshed.com.au, windsurfnsnow homepage & loft sails are quality inexpensive sails too and of course the used stuff on the buy & sell section.
When I came back, I had more fun than what I remembered & am now racing Formula despite never having any intention of racing before.
Good luck.
Andrew
AUS567
Yep, I came back after 17 years and it was like riding a bicycle, first time with a sail in my hands and it was automatic. Gybes a little rusty, it's not just the equipment is better now but also the instruction videos you can get on the internet so go for it.
Little Jon
Sounds like you are a bit like me Chris. I did a season of long boards when I was 18
and then picked the sport back up again at 35.
My recommendation is to do a few lessons or hire a begineer board first. After a few
goes with the easy stuff, you may find you can jump straight into the intermediate
boards (instead of buying a beginner board, and outgrowing it after a few weeks).
Good luck ! 
I reckon if you want to get back into it really quickly your best option would be to go and grab a lesson and do some rentals from somewhere like Windforce at Pelican Point in Perth. You'll get to try the latest suitable equipment and see for yourself what boards will allow you to have the quickest progression and of course the most fun! Everything about Windsurfing has become so much more fun and easier over the last few years - I've windsurfed for over 20 years and enjoy it more now than ever before!! I think the equipment I'm using now plays a huge part in that.
