Hello,

Very new here since I just purchased an old 1986 "Ray surf partner" on auction as my first windsurf board. Its 11 foot long and 160L; a fairly advanced board for a beginner but I'm getting the hang of it. I've got the lot working thus far(and it's been wonderful) but I know that I will one day need to buy new parts to replace the old, and am looking for a fin that provides better performance than the original.

So far everything from the universal joint to the fin box seem completely different to what is on the market nowadays. Any tips on where I can find used replacement parts or strategies to update an old board?

Thanks

Best advice would be to update with modern gear when you can.

Be careful of old gear in strong winds, thats when any weakness is most likely to show up.

Most sailors replace their uni joint and boom clamp ropes etc every year to prevent having a failure whilst out, its just normal maintenance, your sailing a 45 year old board so don't trust your life to it.

"Best advice would be to update with modern gear when you can."

But what if he is nostalgic and still wants to windsurf rather than learning a modern sport?

Select to expand quote

StKKiter said..
"Best advice would be to update with modern gear when you can."

But what if he is nostalgic and still wants to windsurf rather than learning a modern sport?

I agree. I didn't realise how much easier kiting was than windsurfing. I have no stress on my arms or back at all now. Even my legs find it easy.

Maybe more should do that. Windsurf and then have a kite as they warm down or as you get older? I'm not joking either. It is so much easier on the body.

I agree, I find kiting much easier physically than windsurfing, especially on the back and arms (and if you are just mowing the lawn/surfing).

I agree. Kiting is definatley for the more mature person. Way easier than Windsurfing. Windsurfing is more rewarding tho.

How many people under the age of 50 windsurf? Are there any?

Select to expand quote

StKKiter said..
How many people under the age of 50 windsurf? Are there any?

10000+ active youth racers in T293 class alone. Opti's are bigger and so are Laser's but I don't think kite's are anywhere even close in terms of youth engaging in the sport.

Your jokes are lame and out of date.

Select to expand quote

StKKiter said..
I agree, I find kiting much easier physically than windsurfing, especially on the back and arms (and if you are just mowing the lawn/surfing).

I think its easier in every way. Mowing the lawn or 'jumping', it's easy. Have you done both sports? The kite does a lot more of the work than you think compared to a windsurf sail.

I do agree though, that anyone over 50 should give up windsurfing and go to kitesurfing and save their body. I guess all the younger kiters can look forward to dowgrading to badminton when they get older... or is that more active? Nah, scratch that.

I'm still under 50 and I do find kiting way easier than windsurfing, so you aren't lying. When I look at most of the people I see out on the water kiting at the same time as me, most of them are middle-aged. What happened to the young people in this sport? Have they all gotten over it and given up?