Select to expand quote

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Another alternative is to get a flikka custom. Price is extremely competitive, construction is top, and they are very experienced. They built all the boards for Hurue for a while. I got one three (or is it two?) years ago, 117l x 77 wide and wide tailed.

Select to expand quote

duzzi said..

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Another alternative is to get a flikka custom. Price is extremely competitive, construction is top, and they are very experienced. They built all the boards for Hurue for a while. I got one three (or is it two?) years ago, 117l x 77 wide and wide tailed.

Do you actually even read the OP post? His budget is USD 1,000 to 1300 for a board. He wants complete board and foil for 2k. smh

Got more info from Ocean Air in NC - they seem to have one used foil and one used board to sell.

The foil is an I76, with choice of 60, 70 or 90 cm mast length. I think he also said it had a longer fuselage for windsurf foiling. They said retail new is $1400, and they'll do a 30% discount because it's used, so that'd be $980. I have no idea if the condition is really good or so-so or what. It seems folks here are saying I should be able to find an I76 in the neighborhood of $850, though there's something to be said for having something in-hand...

The board is the 2019 Gecko HRS that I'd asked about here previously, and was told would not be the best choice. (The fellow I talked to said it'd be fine for learning to get up and foil straight-line, but noted that it would be noticeably slower to jibe than a shorter dedicated foil board, when I got to that point.) They want $1k for the Gecko.

He also noted that with the Gecko, or most any dual-purpose Tuttle board, that I should buy a 'Power Plate', which would adapt the Tuttle box to the plate-mounted mast, and allow the needed adjustability.

So, as kind of expected, they're a shop, so their prices are likely to be higher than dealing with an individual. The combo of board, foil, and adapter would be just above the limit that I set for myself in trying to get into foiling, and it sounds like at least the board would be non-ideal.

Anyhow, if anyone has any insights/advice (wondering if I should go ahead buy the foil, then just concentrate on finding a board later, or hold out for the possibility of a foil/board combo coming along?), I'd be interested in hearing!

Once again, I sure appreciate everyone's input, advice, and guidance!!

jims, it sounds like the Gecko needs the plate adapter to balance the foil, and that is why they are recommending it. I would get a lesson, or at least a rental kit (may require a lesson), before buying one, foils have improved and specialized a lot since I got mine in 2019.

No and no. Give Britt a call on Monday at NB Windsurf (Florida). Or PM Core Adventure (Florida) on this forum. Used 76 for 1k is not a deal. I wouldn't buy a 2019 Gecko and a plate mount (extra cost and weight). One idea because of your budget and still interesting to upgrade would be to get the new Slingshot Phantasm lower (f/r wing & fuse) and pair with a used HoverGlide mast. You will need the adapter (fuse/mast), but you are buying into an excellent system that can be upgraded with the newest wings, newer alu mast or carbon if you desire in the future. I would even go as far as taking the Wizard 125 ($450). Just keep in mind that the Wizard has a Chinook Tuttle and most other foils heads will not work well. This is just an idea.

A). Phantasm Lower (730/872/400) around $1100
B). Phantasm HoverGlide Adapter $143
B). Hoverglide mast (used) with tuttle (Fits perfect in Wizard) $80
C). Used Wizard 125 (you can trash that board and not worry about damage). $450

Total cost $1773.

Here is the adapter system:

slingshotsports.com/collections/phantasm-foil-parts-and-accessories/products/hover-glide-aluminum-mast-to-phantasm-fuse-adapter

I am convinced that you will be addicted to foiling. Why not buy into a really good system that can be upgraded. The only issue is that some items will not be released until Nov. 30 and availability would have to be checked into. The wing might be a tad too small (1456 cm2), but others might chime in.

After a year or so you can upgrade the board or other components if desired. You would be moving forward into one of the best/newest foil.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
Got more info from Ocean Air in NC - they seem to have one used foil and one used board to sell.

The foil is an I76, with choice of 60, 70 or 90 cm mast length. I think he also said it had a longer fuselage for windsurf foiling. They said retail new is $1400, and they'll do a 30% discount because it's used, so that'd be $980. I have no idea if the condition is really good or so-so or what. It seems folks here are saying I should be able to find an I76 in the neighborhood of $850, though there's something to be said for having something in-hand...

The board is the 2019 Gecko HRS that I'd asked about here previously, and was told would not be the best choice. (The fellow I talked to said it'd be fine for learning to get up and foil straight-line, but noted that it would be noticeably slower to jibe than a shorter dedicated foil board, when I got to that point.) They want $1k for the Gecko.

He also noted that with the Gecko, or most any dual-purpose Tuttle board, that I should buy a 'Power Plate', which would adapt the Tuttle box to the plate-mounted mast, and allow the needed adjustability.

So, as kind of expected, they're a shop, so their prices are likely to be higher than dealing with an individual. The combo of board, foil, and adapter would be just above the limit that I set for myself in trying to get into foiling, and it sounds like at least the board would be non-ideal.

Anyhow, if anyone has any insights/advice (wondering if I should go ahead buy the foil, then just concentrate on finding a board later, or hold out for the possibility of a foil/board combo coming along?), I'd be interested in hearing!

Once again, I sure appreciate everyone's input, advice, and guidance!!

If you end up on that hover glide try to get the 90cm mast. Arguably the best foil to learn and progress on. Have a look at iwindsurf foilboard section stuff under $1000. That wizard 125 for $900 would keep you in that 2k budget.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..
No and no...

Wow, @ZeroVix! Thanks a bunch for the very thoughtful and well-laid-out response. What you say makes perfect sense, and I think I'm going to make it my plan!

I'm headed to NC toward the end of this week, and I had it in my head and heart that I'd have located a board and foil (ideally, down there where I was going to be), and would get a few days of learning under my belt. But, that has not come to pass, but I think taking a slower, more deliberative approach makes sense. (Plus, it's gonna be blowing pretty solid for a few days later this week, and I'd really like to take advantage of that on my regular boards, which I know how to sail and have fun on in that kind of wind! :-)

I'll definitely give NB a call tomorrow, and see what they have foil-wise. I've reached out to CoreAS, and am going to try to get hold of the Wizard that has kindly offered. (There's the small matter of it being in FL, and me being in VA, but I suspect a weekend with lots of driving will be involved... :-)

Thanks Again for the detailed and actionable plan!!

Select to expand quote

LeeD said..
NONE of you foilers can keep up with a rec freerider in speed.
No rec freerider can stay near a slalom pro.
I'm sure I can windsurf at over 36 mph. Easy, because I sail with the GPS crowd.
Foiling, even with a 600 sq cm foil, 79 fuze, 90 mast, and 210 stab, I barely crack into the low 20's.

Well, to ad a comparision between foiling and windsurfin please look my speed graph. Same day first part foiling with 125lt board 7.5 mt sail neilpryde v6, 1000 cm2 foil high aspect custom made, second part jp slalom 70 cm fin board with 7.8 severne full race sail. Mean speed foiling 15knt, with slalom gear Just one short run max speed 22knt. Big mistake changing gear.
Figures are crear.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..The wing might be a tad too small (1456 cm2), but others might chime in.

At his weight (similar to mine) it's almost too big. (Before anybody gets out the pitchfork, I said "almost"). We wee folks need much less wing or else it gets draggy and too lifty - easily overpowered.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
Got more info from Ocean Air in NC - they seem to have one used foil and one used board to sell.

The foil is an I76, with choice of 60, 70 or 90 cm mast length. I think he also said it had a longer fuselage for windsurf foiling. They said retail new is $1400, and they'll do a 30% discount because it's used, so that'd be $980. I have no idea if the condition is really good or so-so or what. It seems folks here are saying I should be able to find an I76 in the neighborhood of $850, though there's something to be said for having something in-hand...

The board is the 2019 Gecko HRS that I'd asked about here previously, and was told would not be the best choice. (The fellow I talked to said it'd be fine for learning to get up and foil straight-line, but noted that it would be noticeably slower to jibe than a shorter dedicated foil board, when I got to that point.) They want $1k for the Gecko.

He also noted that with the Gecko, or most any dual-purpose Tuttle board, that I should buy a 'Power Plate', which would adapt the Tuttle box to the plate-mounted mast, and allow the needed adjustability.

So, as kind of expected, they're a shop, so their prices are likely to be higher than dealing with an individual. The combo of board, foil, and adapter would be just above the limit that I set for myself in trying to get into foiling, and it sounds like at least the board would be non-ideal.

Anyhow, if anyone has any insights/advice (wondering if I should go ahead buy the foil, then just concentrate on finding a board later, or hold out for the possibility of a foil/board combo coming along?), I'd be interested in hearing!

Once again, I sure appreciate everyone's input, advice, and guidance!!

That's garbage advice and horrible prices. I'd run screaming from that shop and never return.

Select to expand quote

Grantmac said..
That's garbage advice and horrible prices. I'd run screaming from that shop and never return.

Well, in fairness, he was answering my question of, "What used windsurf foil gear do you have for sale?" Likely he had more a bit earlier in the season, but sounds like he's down to the last dregs. (And if they were a primo deal, likely somebody woulda already snatched them up.)

But, all advice I'm getting here is pretty much 'skip it', so that's what I'll do - you guys have been very helpful, and will definitely have saved me from making some poor decisions that likely would steepen my learning curve!

Select to expand quote

jims said..

ZeroVix said..
No and no...

There's the small matter of it being in FL, and me being in VA, but I suspect a weekend with lots of driving will be involved..

Can't you transport boards, sails etc. by courier. We regularly transport gear across the country in Australia. I recently transported an Alien 125 from Perth to Brisbane (similar distance from Los Angeles to Miami) for AUD180 or USD135.

Select to expand quote

John340 said..
Can't you transport boards, sails etc. by courier. We regularly transport gear across the country in Australia. I recently transported an Alien 125 from Perth to Brisbane (similar distance from Los Angeles to Miami) for AUD180 or USD135.

Well, yes, it can be done, and if you're a shop, I'm sure shipping such stuff is a pretty standard thing. But if you're an individual (such as who I am trying to buy a board from), it's a serious PITA to deal with shipping big stuff. (Gotta get a box, gotta pack the box, gotta get it to the shipper, gotta deal with the shipper, etc, etc - a pretty big ask for an individual who's just trying to help me out getting started in foiling. :-)

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..

duzzi said..

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Another alternative is to get a flikka custom. Price is extremely competitive, construction is top, and they are very experienced. They built all the boards for Hurue for a while. I got one three (or is it two?) years ago, 117l x 77 wide and wide tailed.

Do you actually even read the OP post? His budget is USD 1,000 to 1300 for a board. He wants complete board and foil for 2k. smh

Yes I do, and he is getting a lot of advise about buying cheap stuff, mix and match pieces, or upgradable this and that. He will end up spending way more that way. If a custom is too much (but it I would last ten years) isthmus in the us, for example, has plenty new boards in the $1200-1500, and a Moses bento aluminum is a fantastic option on sale for $1100 at sailworks Increase the budget a bit and you can buy everything new and forget about buying used crap or upgradable stuff.

Select to expand quote

jims said..

The board is the 2019 Gecko HRS that I'd asked about here previously, and was told would not be the best choice. (The fellow I talked to said it'd be fine for learning to get up and foil straight-line, but noted that it would be noticeably slower to jibe than a shorter dedicated foil board, when I got to that point.) They want $1k for the Gecko.

He also noted that with the Gecko, or most any dual-purpose Tuttle board, that I should buy a 'Power Plate', which would adapt the Tuttle box to the plate-mounted mast, and allow the needed adjustability.

So, as kind of expected, they're a shop, so their prices are likely to be higher than dealing with an individual. The combo of board, foil, and adapter would be just above the limit that I set for myself in trying to get into foiling, and it sounds like at least the board would be non-ideal.

I've only recently bought a foiling board, 1st September, and went through the process of thinking should I use a fin board but got a dedicated foil board as they are designed for the job. I have an older 125l/80cm Exocet S4 deep tuttle fin box but still bought the foil board.
I know people who bought/already had dual purpose and soon sold the board and got dedicated foil boards. One had a Fanatic Jag and sold it as it was too fast and demanding with a fin, I dont know how he got on with it with a foil. He bought a JP freeride foilboard.
If you think you would use a Gecko HRS (heavy), 240cm+ long(?), with a fin as well, then it might be an option. There could be a reason why that board is still in the shop at the end of season. If you do want to sell it later to upgrade, I wonder how easy will it be to sell.

If you know what type of sailing you want to do, it should be possible to buy a recent design foil board to learn on which you wont outgrow as you progress. That will save you money and hassle.
I bought an AHD Compact and thats going to be a keeper. Shame they arent available in the USA without importing it yourself. If you want something less racy, a freeride board >125l and 80cm wide would be large enough to learn on. Thats a good thing about foiling, you dont need to buy a beginners board to learn on. A friend used a Tabou race foil board and AFS W95 foil. He later upgraded the AFS foil to something more racier.

I might have learnt a bit quicker with a lower aspect foil, but after 10-12 hours I dont think something more 'beginner friendly' would help now.
My biggest problem is rigging a sail for the conditions then the wind dying or picking up. My last session it increased about 3 knots and too much for a 7.5m.

Probably regret this but here's my 2 cents

"Is trying to foil in marginal conditions likely to bring me more satisfaction of more frustration? :-)" - Foiling in marginal conditions is 100% more satisfying than fin.

I'm lucky enough to live 5 mins from a small estuary on one side and open sea on the other so foiling has at least tripled my sailing time in the last couple of years and the little refinements in technique and on water time have also helped my fin sailing for the wave days.

For the kit side unfortunately the old "buy cheap, buy twice" saying applies here, figure out what you really think you'll get most use out of first and then see what you can get it for.

From my experience, 95kg, 30+yrs windsurfing, pretty good level foiling 3 yrs now.
Get a foil specific board from the beginning,
If you're leaning more towards the playing around, gybes, tricks style of sailing then the Slingshot, twin track style of board is the way to go, something in the 100 - 115ltrs, 65cm - 70cm wide range should suit your size.
If you are looking for more of a cruising, blasting, speed sort of feel then the F4, Starboard Freeride etc with a board in the 120ish ltr, 80ish cm wide range is the way to go. If you go for this a 7m freeride / twin cam sail will add a lot to your range.


I started with the Gecko 133 so I could have the option to fin, never stuck a fin in it once, but did the job fine for the first year. Started with the Fanatic H9 foil, nice and cheap and did the job, but just not stiff enough, so plateaued pretty early.
Took the plunge and went to full carbon AFS Wind 95, game changer, and then followed with the JP Hydro 135. Have used this combo and 3 front wings with everything from 7.7 twin cam to 4.2 wave sails and rarely bother with a fin on flat water any more. Still nothing beats a good wave session though. At the lower end the difference in wind needed for a 5.8 Vs the 7.7 is really only a couple of knots and the choice depends more on the type of sailing I want to do, cruising or playing.
Have just got a second foil board, Fanatic Stingray 115ltd, and flow 3.0 foil set for more play around free foil, small swell light wind fun and might even try a wing.

On the speed side of things again it comes down to kit and ability, with the set up above, 22 - 25knts is comfy, 27knts is my peak with a 6.2 twin cam. Can always stay ahead of the local free riders until they're getting into well powered on 7m wind range.

And finally for the gybes, learning them was all part, if your base technique on the fin is ok and the kit set up is ok you'll pick them up quick enough, what I have found with foiling is rather than a full re-learning it puts a spotlight on any cracks. Biggest thing to get used to is the back winding mid gybe from the apparent wind, Took about 20 sessions to get the gybe started and as soon as I switched to the AFS it was waaaaay easier!
With sub 6m no cam sails I tend to go for the rig flip first, with the bigger cammed sails I tend to go for the step first to have a little more control over the rig, couple of little clips I put together below.

Anyway from the thread it seems like you're pretty much sold on the foiling so just enjoy

Cool and encouraging videos, guys - Thanks!

PhilUK - I'd kinda hoped/thought that catapults were a thing of my distant past, but all indications are that I'll be getting reacquainted with the phenomenon again, LoL...

I know there are those who feel the comparative lack of top-end on foil vs fin is lacking, but I gotta say that the idea of a full-foiling jibe is really quite intriguing! I guess it's the foiling equivalent of the full-planing jibe on a regular board, which we all eventually come to take for granted, but that were so incredibly cool when we were learning them!

Select to expand quote

duzzi said..

ZeroVix said..

duzzi said..

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Another alternative is to get a flikka custom. Price is extremely competitive, construction is top, and they are very experienced. They built all the boards for Hurue for a while. I got one three (or is it two?) years ago, 117l x 77 wide and wide tailed.

Do you actually even read the OP post? His budget is USD 1,000 to 1300 for a board. He wants complete board and foil for 2k. smh

Yes I do, and he is getting a lot of advise about buying cheap stuff, mix and match pieces, or upgradable this and that. He will end up spending way more that way. If a custom is too much (but it I would last ten years) isthmus in the us, for example, has plenty new boards in the $1200-1500, and a Moses bento aluminum is a fantastic option on sale for $1100 at sailworks Increase the budget a bit and you can buy everything new and forget about buying used crap or upgradable stuff.

Only problem is that there are no boards in stock in that range. Plus people are always forgetting the shipping charges which have gone up a lot. The only part usable for upgrade in the future on the Moses aluminum setup is the front and rear wing. The mast and fuse (900A) are not compatible with a carbon mast. Again, I am looking towards upgrading if he wants. Even if he did upgrade on the Moses setup, which would require a new fuse ($450), the carbon mast (2 bolt connection) 85,95 & 105 are not on the same level as the Phantasm series. Only the 107 (12k/4 bolts) which you can't use for free ride wings is. I bet the majority of guys in the US that started foiling in 2018/19 used at one time a Wizard. Getting that board for $450 is a good option. As it stands right now, you are already pushing the OP to 3K. That is 50% more. Car Salesman??

Select to expand quote

jims said..
...PhilUK - I'd kinda hoped/thought that catapults were a thing of my distant past, but all indications are that I'll be getting reacquainted with the phenomenon again, LoL...

You. Have. No idea...

Go ahead and bookmark this: boardlady.com

Select to expand quote

Paducah said..
You. Have. No idea...

Go ahead and bookmark this: boardlady.com

Lol, great... Thanks for the tip! I've replaced the stringers and floor in my boat so at least this should be smaller scale... :-) (and hopefully not involve the copious use of an angle grinder!)

Select to expand quote

jims said..
He also noted that with the Gecko, or most any dual-purpose Tuttle board, that I should buy a 'Power Plate', which would adapt the Tuttle box to the plate-mounted mast, and allow the needed adjustability.

Regardless of which board you end up getting, I would caution against using the power plate, at least with a board that has a power box. I have seen two boards that got damaged because the front of the power plate pushed into the lamination. Perhaps this happens less with a tuttle box due to the two screws, but I'd view the power plate only as a temporary solution, or one for an old board you don't mind trashing.

The Gecko would probably work fine without the power plate if you use the "C" position for the fuselage. But as others pointed out, it has some draw backs, especially if you have no plans to use it for windsurfing. Getting board and foil from the same brand definitely removes some trimming headaches, which can be hard to diagnose for a beginner.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..

duzzi said..

ZeroVix said..

duzzi said..

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Another alternative is to get a flikka custom. Price is extremely competitive, construction is top, and they are very experienced. They built all the boards for Hurue for a while. I got one three (or is it two?) years ago, 117l x 77 wide and wide tailed.

Do you actually even read the OP post? His budget is USD 1,000 to 1300 for a board. He wants complete board and foil for 2k. smh

Yes I do, and he is getting a lot of advise about buying cheap stuff, mix and match pieces, or upgradable this and that. He will end up spending way more that way. If a custom is too much (but it I would last ten years) isthmus in the us, for example, has plenty new boards in the $1200-1500, and a Moses bento aluminum is a fantastic option on sale for $1100 at sailworks Increase the budget a bit and you can buy everything new and forget about buying used crap or upgradable stuff.

Only problem is that there are no boards in stock in that range. Plus people are always forgetting the shipping charges which have gone up a lot. The only part usable for upgrade in the future on the Moses aluminum setup is the front and rear wing. The mast and fuse (900A) are not compatible with a carbon mast. Again, I am looking towards upgrading if he wants. Even if he did upgrade on the Moses setup, which would require a new fuse ($450), the carbon mast (2 bolt connection) 85,95 & 105 are not on the same level as the Phantasm series. Only the 107 (12k/4 bolts) which you can't use for free ride wings is. I bet the majority of guys in the US that started foiling in 2018/19 used at one time a Wizard. Getting that board for $450 is a good option. As it stands right now, you are already pushing the OP to 3K. That is 50% more. Car Salesman??

I really do not get why people have to be so abrasive. (Car Salesman?) I do not even know you.

Mine is just a suggestion, based on personal experience and a very wise Italian proverb: Chi poco spende tanto spende (Who spends little spends more).

You want to be right? no problem, just keep the tone down if possible?

Select to expand quote

duzzi said..

ZeroVix said..

duzzi said..

ZeroVix said..

duzzi said..

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Another alternative is to get a flikka custom. Price is extremely competitive, construction is top, and they are very experienced. They built all the boards for Hurue for a while. I got one three (or is it two?) years ago, 117l x 77 wide and wide tailed.

Do you actually even read the OP post? His budget is USD 1,000 to 1300 for a board. He wants complete board and foil for 2k. smh

Yes I do, and he is getting a lot of advise about buying cheap stuff, mix and match pieces, or upgradable this and that. He will end up spending way more that way. If a custom is too much (but it I would last ten years) isthmus in the us, for example, has plenty new boards in the $1200-1500, and a Moses bento aluminum is a fantastic option on sale for $1100 at sailworks Increase the budget a bit and you can buy everything new and forget about buying used crap or upgradable stuff.

Only problem is that there are no boards in stock in that range. Plus people are always forgetting the shipping charges which have gone up a lot. The only part usable for upgrade in the future on the Moses aluminum setup is the front and rear wing. The mast and fuse (900A) are not compatible with a carbon mast. Again, I am looking towards upgrading if he wants. Even if he did upgrade on the Moses setup, which would require a new fuse ($450), the carbon mast (2 bolt connection) 85,95 & 105 are not on the same level as the Phantasm series. Only the 107 (12k/4 bolts) which you can't use for free ride wings is. I bet the majority of guys in the US that started foiling in 2018/19 used at one time a Wizard. Getting that board for $450 is a good option. As it stands right now, you are already pushing the OP to 3K. That is 50% more. Car Salesman??

I really do not get why people have to be so abrasive. (Car Salesman?) I do not even know you.

Mine is just a suggestion, based on personal experience and a very wise Italian proverb: Chi poco spende tanto spende (Who spends little spends more).

You want to be right? no problem, just keep the tone down if possible?

I was just kidding. Sorry if you took it the wrong way. For most a budget represents an upper limit. Going to a car dealership is when I feel they are always trying to make you spend more. My budget is 40k and salesman tries to convince you to spend 60k. All cool. Love that Italian proverb. Must have been one of my exotic Italian manufactures that quoted that. I spent more and then more. I learned my lesson. Thank you.

THE SEARCH IS OVER!

I've decided that windsurf foiling basically sucks, and I want no part of it. LONG LIVE THE FIN!!!!!

Ok, not really - not yet, at least. (We'll see how many catapults I can endure, then figure out where I stand on things... :-)

All the input, advice, warnings, feedback, etc that you all have provided me in the scant week that this thread has been alive has been of incredible help and value. I've also appreciated and enjoyed the spirited discussions, comparisons, and some (generally :-) good-natured back and forth - it all helped me build up a basic sense of what I needed and what I should be looking for. This is a really great online community!

In the end, the advice to contact CoreAS (Dean) was spot-on. He initially offered me a used Wizard 125 for a very good price, and on further discussion, was also able to pull together a complete I76 foil with a compatible mast head, so it all fits together and is properly balanced. Dean is also throwing in a board bag, u-joint base (he quickly convinced me that a rubber hourglass is a liability when trying to hook things up on the water), and a (pin) compatible mast extension. Remarkably, this all fits comfortably within my budget, too. (Dean is also planning to spend some time on the water with me when I drive down to pick it all up this coming weekend, so that I have some basics to work on when I get back to the little pond at home!)

I own CoreAS/Dean a serious debt of gratitude. He listened to what I was looking for, he tracked down all the necessary bits and pieces to make it all work and fit, he offered it to me at an incredibly reasonable price, and he's going to show me how to use it. He has gone way above and beyond what I would have hoped for or asked of anyone, and has made this a do-able (and far less stressful) decision and process for me. I hadn't initially realized that he is a shop owner, but now that I know, if anyone is looking for equipment, lessons, etc, I can highly recommend working with Dean - if he treats you even half as good as he's treated me, I think you'll be very satisfied.

www.coreadventuresports.com/

www.facebook.com/coreadventuresports

Thank You, All, and Thanks Especially to CoreAS/Dean!!!!

Great news! I didn't want to plug anyone, hence to contact NB or Core Adventure. I even think that your board might be on YouTube with another front wing :).



And getting lessons is really nice. You should be happy. And no, I don't know Dean.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..
I even think that your board might be on YouTube with another front wing :).

LoL, too funny - yeah, it looks an awful lot like the photo he sent me of the Wizard. :-)

I hope the board realizes what a good life it's had, being in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing. Darker days are ahead for it, I'm afraid...

Select to expand quote

jims said..THE SEARCH IS OVER! I own CoreAS/Dean a serious debt of gratitude. He listened to what I was looking for, he tracked down all the necessary bits and pieces to make it all work and fit, he offered it to me at an incredibly reasonable price, and he's going to show me how to use it. He has gone way above and beyond what I would have hoped for or asked of anyone, and has made this a do-able (and far less stressful) decision and process for me. I hadn't initially realized that he is a shop owner, but now that I know, if anyone is looking for equipment, lessons, etc, I can highly recommend working with Dean - if he treats you even half as good as he's treated me, I think you'll be very satisfied.

www.coreadventuresports.com/

www.facebook.com/coreadventuresports

Thank You, All, and Thanks Especially to CoreAS/Dean!!!!

Dean's the best - a fervent frother

Select to expand quote

azymuth said..
Dean's the best - a fervent frother

Yes, it quickly became apparent that Dean is in the business he's in first and foremost for the love of the sport!

It's kinda hard not to get excited and enthused about foiling when talking with him, LoL!

Select to expand quote

jims said..
THE SEARCH IS OVER!

I've decided that windsurf foiling basically sucks, and I want no part of it. LONG LIVE THE FIN!!!!!

Ok, not really - not yet, at least. (We'll see how many catapults I can endure, then figure out where I stand on things... :-)

Phew! TFFT

Buying well match kit will help no end, and those mechanical joint UJs are useful. I'm still using my tendon UJ and its a pain if I want to adjust the mast foot position.
Good luck and dont forget to let us know how it goes.

If you want some budget nose protection for the board in the early stages*, I read on FB a tip of using those stick on 'D' ring pads people use for attaching decklines to kayaks. Stick some of those on and use elasticated rope to attach a section of pool noodle. The Unifiber nose protector I bought would be good if the board didnt have an upturned nose and there isnt a large enough flat section to stick it to.

* I say early stages, but our local expert hit a fish and catapulted cracking the nose of his board quite badly. He lost his custom made carbon protector a few days earlier, it was velcro'd on.

Thank you Jim for the kind comments, very much appreciated and yes core adventure sports was born out of passion for watersports and I'm glad we could help.
Im fortunate to own and operate couple of businesses and it's been a rollercoster the past 18 months, the inventory/shipping situation has been very difficult at times but this one worked out nicely.

see you at the weekend, and I'll bring the ibuprofen let the fun commence.