Hello,

I tried windsurfing this summer (live in Europe), and i quite liked it. Now I would like to get my own windsurfing equipment.
I live right by a lake, the wind can vary, I dont know the wind strenghth (m/s). When I get better and feel secure I was planning on sailing in the nearby fjord. I weigh 60 kg and 165cm in height.

I have been looking at the starboard Go, Rio and Fanatic Viper. The Rio and Viper have daggerboards/centerboard, while the Go has an extra fin - center fin- that i can use in the beginning and remove when i have improved.

Which board would you recommend, also what volume and what size sail?

Thank you

i'd get the one with a centreboard and which ever is the cheapest.

cheap because you will damage it.
centreboard because you can use it for lightwind lake cruising and still get upwind.

sail size a 5.8-6.5m wave sail with a skinny mast.

just thinking a 5.3-5.8 might be better sail sizes.

If you are still uphauling I would go for a 4.5 - 5m sail. Otherwise 5 - 5.8 as Gestalt says.
What volumes are the boards, and how far have you progressed? Still up hauling? Beach starting? Water starting? Can you sail up wind?

Something about 80cm wide with a daggerboard.
A padded deck is nice to start with when you are doing a lot of climbing back onto the board, but if you buy a cheap second-hand board just to learn on then you don't need to be too fussy about the board.

It depends on whether you think you will want to go out in light winds on the lake just to cruise around after you progress. If you do, it might be worthwhile spending a bit more and making sure you get the right board.

If you think you would like to progress and enjoy stronger winds, then you can buy the cheapest board that will get you past the learning stage.

A good sail is a good sail, whether you are a beginner or expert. Its worth getting a good sail mast and boom if you think you will stick with it and become a windsurfer.
At your size, I don't think you will need bigger than a 6.2m sail. 6.5m is normally about the biggest sail that fits on a 430cm mast. A 430cm mast will also fit down to about a 5.3m sail. A 400cm mast fits sails between about 5.2m and 4.2m. It depends on the wind strength you will be sailing in at the lake as to which size sail and mast you should get. If it is a windy spot you might have to get a 400cm mast and start with a 4.2m sail. If its a light wind spot (almost always less than 15 knots) then you would be better with a 430cm mast and a sail about 6.2m.
Wave sails are built a bit tougher and make good sails for learning with. Wave sails are heavier though, so if you were getting a sail about 6.2m I would say better to get a lighter freeride sail.

The Reduced Diameter Mast (RDM) would be worth getting.
Masts and sails are designed to work together. Masts tend to be grouped into 3 bend characteristics. Masts that have softer tops, so the bend more at the top. Constant curve masts where the bend is evenly distributed. Stiff top masts where the bend is less at the top. You don't want to mix soft top and stiff top in the mast/sail combination, and ideally, you want both the mast and sail to be in the same bend characteristic group.

Boom length range of 200cm to 140cm should cover all the sizes of sails you would ever use.

If there are windsurfers in your area, just ask them about local conditions etc. They are usually very helpful.

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Windxtasy said..

If you are still uphauling I would go for a 4.5 - 5m sail. Otherwise 5 - 5.8 as Gestalt says.
What volumes are the boards, and how far have you progressed? Still up hauling? Beach starting? Water starting? Can you sail up wind?

I've looked at graphs and calculators and I usually get 155-160 L. The boards I have mentioned;
Go - 151 L and 171 L
Rio - 171 L and up
Viper - 150 L, 160 L

I took a 3 day 3 hour course. By the third day we were sailing up and down wind in low-ish winds, we did not learn how to water or beach start so I'm still uphauling, and we learned how to turn (we "walked" around the front of the board to the otherside).

There's lots of options in the centreboard cruiser, several brands have one.
In addition to the Starboard Rio and Fanatic Viper a few that spring to mind are Tabou Coolrider, RRD 360 and JP Explorer. A great option would be a BIC Techno 293 as you may be able to join in some fun racing as you progress. As terminal says, about 80cm wide is a good compromise - it gives a good stable platform but still has a bit of glide for lighter winds.

Hope you get something and have a go. It's a wonderful sport!!

There are two complete packages available where I live;

The Fanatic Viper w/Fanatic Ride sail - sizes; 5.0 / 5.5 / 6.0 / 6.5 / 7.0 m2
The Starboard Rio w/Severne Synergy sail - sizes; 4.8 / 5.4 / 6.0 / 6.7 / 7.3 m2

I think I might go for the Viper because of the volume sizes available. The Rio's smallest volume is 180, which I feel is a bit big. The Viper comes in 150L, 160 L and so on, which I feel is more fitting.

Are these good quality boards/packages?


I have tried to find second-hand packages, but I have had no luck so far.

Slightly out of topic but we talk about the wind strength in knots, not m/s

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jusavina said..

Slightly out of topic but we talk about the wind strength in knots, not m/s

Thanks , I guess it's cause the weather report website I use post the wind speed in m/s.

A second hand package with one of the bigger boards (170 - 180L) would be ideal if you could find it, because in the early stages you progress quickly and would ideally then move on to a smaller board. However, there aren't many second hand beginner boards around because everyone has the same idea and doesn't buy new.
If you have to buy new you will want something that will last you longer. 150L will be a little less stable than a larger board when up hauling and tacking, but will last you longer. It will be a bit more challenging for a start but more fun once you get your confidence up.
I am not familiar with the Viper or Rio boards, but the Go boards are good progression boards. The 151L would be a good size for you. Fanatic and Starboard and Severne are all good and reputable brands.
I am your size and weight and I would recommend a 4.5 - 5m sail to begin with. Uphauling a larger one will be hard work. What size did you use in your lessons? You can add a larger sail as you progress.

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jusavina said..
Slightly out of topic but we talk about the wind strength in knots, not m/s

13. Kiters were all out and post about it online.

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CVB said..

There are two complete packages available where I live;

The Fanatic Viper w/Fanatic Ride sail - sizes; 5.0 / 5.5 / 6.0 / 6.5 / 7.0 m2
The Starboard Rio w/Severne Synergy sail - sizes; 4.8 / 5.4 / 6.0 / 6.7 / 7.3 m2

I think I might go for the Viper because of the volume sizes available. The Rio's smallest volume is 180, which I feel is a bit big. The Viper comes in 150L, 160 L and so on, which I feel is more fitting.

Are these good quality boards/packages?


I have tried to find second-hand packages, but I have had no luck so far.

For both of them the board would be good enough quality and the rig would also be good enough for learning. I would say they are selected to make a package that is good value for money but if I was helping a local friend that I thought would definitely keep at it and progress to sail in stronger winds, I would want them to get a second hand board and buy a better mast, boom, extension and sail than you would be getting with the package, because they would be keeping the rig for years and adding more sails to it. eg. if you were keen to sail in strong winds, you would maybe end up with a 400cm mast and 5.2m, 4.7m and 4.2m sails to fit that mast. If winds are very light where you live, you could have a 5.3m, 5.8m and 6.5m combination on a 430 mast.

If you were going to take a long time to progress and not sure if you would stick at it, then the package looks like a better idea.

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terminal said..

CVB said..

There are two complete packages available where I live;

The Fanatic Viper w/Fanatic Ride sail - sizes; 5.0 / 5.5 / 6.0 / 6.5 / 7.0 m2
The Starboard Rio w/Severne Synergy sail - sizes; 4.8 / 5.4 / 6.0 / 6.7 / 7.3 m2

I think I might go for the Viper because of the volume sizes available. The Rio's smallest volume is 180, which I feel is a bit big. The Viper comes in 150L, 160 L and so on, which I feel is more fitting.

Are these good quality boards/packages?


I have tried to find second-hand packages, but I have had no luck so far.

For both of them the board would be good enough quality and the rig would also be good enough for learning. I would say they are selected to make a package that is good value for money but if I was helping a local friend that I thought would definitely keep at it and progress to sail in stronger winds, I would want them to get a second hand board and buy a better mast, boom, extension and sail than you would be getting with the package, because they would be keeping the rig for years and adding more sails to it. eg. if you were keen to sail in strong winds, you would maybe end up with a 400cm mast and 5.2m, 4.7m and 4.2m sails to fit that mast. If winds are very light where you live, you could have a 5.3m, 5.8m and 6.5m combination on a 430 mast.

If you were going to take a long time to progress and not sure if you would stick at it, then the package looks like a better idea.

The advantage of the synergy rig is that it is an integrated system of mast, boom, extension and sail that all is matched, and the mast and boom and extension fits ALL the sails in the series. So you can start with the 4.8 and progress to larger sails up to 7.3 without having to buy another mast, extension or boom. In addition, the extension, boom and sail are colour coded so you can easily rig each sail correctly. It is a clever and convenient system which represents good value, and everything fits into one carry bag. The disadvantage is that the rig is a bit heavy, which for someone still up hauling (especially a small person) can be a disadvantage.

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jusavina said..

Slightly out of topic but we talk about the wind strength in knots, not m/s

That's for the ocean so probably a little different for an inland lake but still an ok rough guide.

Indeed, if you get "Very high waves with long overhanging crests" on the lake, stay home!

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Windxtasy said..

A second hand package with one of the bigger boards (170 - 180L) would be ideal if you could find it, because in the early stages you progress quickly and would ideally then move on to a smaller board. However, there aren't many second hand beginner boards around because everyone has the same idea and doesn't buy new.
If you have to buy new you will want something that will last you longer. 150L will be a little less stable than a larger board when up hauling and tacking, but will last you longer. It will be a bit more challenging for a start but more fun once you get your confidence up.
I am not familiar with the Viper or Rio boards, but the Go boards are good progression boards. The 151L would be a good size for you. Fanatic and Starboard and Severne are all good and reputable brands.
I am your size and weight and I would recommend a 4.5 - 5m sail to begin with. Uphauling a larger one will be hard work. What size did you use in your lessons? You can add a larger sail as you progress.

We used 3.5m2 sails.

I just found out that Starboard's inventory/warehouse is out of stock in my country, so I will most likely have to either get the Viper or keep searching for a second hand. I don't know if I have the patience to wait any longer for a good second hand to pop up. I am waiting on a mail from the store w/the Viper package - to see what they have in stock.

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CVB said..

Windxtasy said..

A second hand package with one of the bigger boards (170 - 180L) would be ideal if you could find it, because in the early stages you progress quickly and would ideally then move on to a smaller board. However, there aren't many second hand beginner boards around because everyone has the same idea and doesn't buy new.
If you have to buy new you will want something that will last you longer. 150L will be a little less stable than a larger board when up hauling and tacking, but will last you longer. It will be a bit more challenging for a start but more fun once you get your confidence up.
I am not familiar with the Viper or Rio boards, but the Go boards are good progression boards. The 151L would be a good size for you. Fanatic and Starboard and Severne are all good and reputable brands.
I am your size and weight and I would recommend a 4.5 - 5m sail to begin with. Uphauling a larger one will be hard work. What size did you use in your lessons? You can add a larger sail as you progress.

We used 3.5m2 sails.

I just found out that Starboard's inventory/warehouse is out of stock in my country, so I will most likely have to either get the Viper or keep searching for a second hand. I don't know if I have the patience to wait any longer for a good second hand to pop up. I am waiting on a mail from the store w/the Viper package - to see what they have in stock.

I used a 3.5 when I was learning too. I bought a 4.5 with my first board and loved it. If you get mostly light wind (under 16 knots) you could go with a 5.
What country are you in?

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Windxtasy said..

CVB said..

Windxtasy said..

A second hand package with one of the bigger boards (170 - 180L) would be ideal if you could find it, because in the early stages you progress quickly and would ideally then move on to a smaller board. However, there aren't many second hand beginner boards around because everyone has the same idea and doesn't buy new.
If you have to buy new you will want something that will last you longer. 150L will be a little less stable than a larger board when up hauling and tacking, but will last you longer. It will be a bit more challenging for a start but more fun once you get your confidence up.
I am not familiar with the Viper or Rio boards, but the Go boards are good progression boards. The 151L would be a good size for you. Fanatic and Starboard and Severne are all good and reputable brands.
I am your size and weight and I would recommend a 4.5 - 5m sail to begin with. Uphauling a larger one will be hard work. What size did you use in your lessons? You can add a larger sail as you progress.

We used 3.5m2 sails.

I just found out that Starboard's inventory/warehouse is out of stock in my country, so I will most likely have to either get the Viper or keep searching for a second hand. I don't know if I have the patience to wait any longer for a good second hand to pop up. I am waiting on a mail from the store w/the Viper package - to see what they have in stock.

I used a 3.5 when I was learning too. I bought a 4.5 with my first board and loved it. If you get mostly light wind (under 16 knots) you could go with a 5.
What country are you in?

Norway actually. Moving in a years time for uni.

Hey again,

I really appreciate all the information and tips you guys have given me.

I just got an email from someone who is selling their Starboard Go 155 L w/Fanatic sail 7m2. He bought it in 2008, he says he hasn't used it a lot and that is the reason he's selling.

Should I go for it? Can I ask for 1/2 price of what similar packages cost today?

Thanks again

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CVB said..

Hey again,

I really appreciate all the information and tips you guys have given me.

I just got an email from someone who is selling their Starboard Go 155 L w/Fanatic sail 7m2. He bought it in 2008, he says he hasn't used it a lot and that is the reason he's selling.

Should I go for it? Can I ask for 1/2 price of what similar packages cost today?

Thanks again

The 7.2m sail will be much too big for learning but if it isn't cammed may be ok for really light days when you have progressed.Having said that I'm intermediate and 64kgs and find a 7.2m hard work so maybe it will be too big for you at 60kgs although if your a young fit male you may be able to use it. The 150ltre would make learning harder but once you have the basics will be better for lightwind cruising than the 180.Anywhere local where you can get lessons? Once you can turn etc the 150 MAY be possible.

Select to expand quote

CVB said..

Hey again,

I really appreciate all the information and tips you guys have given me.

I just got an email from someone who is selling their Starboard Go 155 L w/Fanatic sail 7m2. He bought it in 2008, he says he hasn't used it a lot and that is the reason he's selling.

Should I go for it? Can I ask for 1/2 price of what similar packages cost today?

Thanks again

The 155 Go is a good progression board. It will be a little challenging for you early on but quite doable. The sail is too big for you to learn with. As Sboardcrazy says you could use it later for light wind, but not at your stage. Will they sell you the board only? If yes, and it is in reasonable condition I would go for it.
Hard to comment on second hand prices in your part of the world. It is a supply and demand driven market. Mid large boards like that are generally in short supply and sell easily so maintain their value pretty well especially if they are in good condition. You would pay a lot less than new however.

I recently bought the Viper 80 (which I sold) and now have the Rio Small (the 75cm wide).

I bought both to teach my girlfriend at 65kg, I would say the Rio Small at 180L, 75cm is an excellent choice, especially for fickle winds on a lake. The Viper 80 is unnecessarily big for someone your size.

The viper 70 and 75s would both be good, keep in mind these are quite heavy to carry around, put on the car by yourself etc, the viper 70 might be a challenge at first, especially if you don't have anymore lessons.

I would avoid the big Go if your learning on a lake where the sailing conditions might be predominately less than <6m/s.

For lake sailing a 5m sail is probably a good compromise, if you have to choose just one sail. I taught my girlfriend on a 4.5, in the UK.

What about joining a club, or renting for little longer until you have more of an idea of the type of sailing you want to do ?, is the Kona class popular in Norway, I understand it is in Sweden, the Bic tecno might also be a good choice, depending on what you want to do.

This might be some help

www.2windy.com/index.php?article=windsurfing_norway

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racerX said..

I recently bought the Viper 80 (which I sold) and now have the Rio Small (the 75cm wide).

I bought both to teach my girlfriend at 65kg, I would say the Rio Small at 180L, 75cm is an excellent choice, especially for fickle winds on a lake. The Viper 80 is unnecessarily big for someone your size.

The viper 70 and 75s would both be good, keep in mind these are quite heavy to carry around, put on the car by yourself etc, the viper 70 might be a challenge at first, especially if you don't have anymore lessons.

I would avoid the big Go if your learning on a lake where the sailing conditions might be predominately less than <6m/s.

For lake sailing a 5m sail is probably a good compromise, if you have to choose just one sail. I taught my girlfriend on a 4.5, in the UK.

What about joining a club, or renting for little longer until you have more of an idea of the type of sailing you want to do ?, is the Kona class popular in Norway, I understand it is in Sweden, the Bic tecno might also be a good choice, depending on what you want to do.

This might be some help

www.2windy.com/index.php?article=windsurfing_norway

Why did you decide to sell the Viper and go for a Go?

It seems my country doesn't have any more small sized boards in stock until the spring (I am still waiting on an email from someone who is double-checking Viper 75, but he didn't have high hopes). I am trying to find something second-hand, but there is a very small market. My options for a new package is Viper 80 w/5.5m2 rig.

Here are some pictures from the guy who replied to my post/ad. www.icloud.com/photostream/#A2JtdOXmJqTiob It's a 2008 Starboard Go 155L (this model doesn't have a center fin option like the newer models have). We haven't discussed prices yet.

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CVB said..

racerX said..

I recently bought the Viper 80 (which I sold) and now have the Rio Small (the 75cm wide).

I bought both to teach my girlfriend at 65kg, I would say the Rio Small at 180L, 75cm is an excellent choice, especially for fickle winds on a lake. The Viper 80 is unnecessarily big for someone your size.

The viper 70 and 75s would both be good, keep in mind these are quite heavy to carry around, put on the car by yourself etc, the viper 70 might be a challenge at first, especially if you don't have anymore lessons.

I would avoid the big Go if your learning on a lake where the sailing conditions might be predominately less than <6m/s.

For lake sailing a 5m sail is probably a good compromise, if you have to choose just one sail. I taught my girlfriend on a 4.5, in the UK.

What about joining a club, or renting for little longer until you have more of an idea of the type of sailing you want to do ?, is the Kona class popular in Norway, I understand it is in Sweden, the Bic tecno might also be a good choice, depending on what you want to do.

This might be some help

www.2windy.com/index.php?article=windsurfing_norway

Why did you decide to sell the Viper and go for a Go?

It seems my country doesn't have any more small sized boards in stock until the spring (I am still waiting on an email from someone who is double-checking Viper 75, but he didn't have high hopes). I am trying to find something second-hand, but there is a very small market. My options for a new package is Viper 80 w/5.5m2 rig.

Here are some pictures from the guy who replied to my post/ad. www.icloud.com/photostream/#A2JtdOXmJqTiob It's a 2008 Starboard Go 155L (this model doesn't have a center fin option like the newer models have). We haven't discussed prices yet.

(Why did you decide to sell the Viper and go for a Go?) - I meant Rio not Go

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CVB said..

(Why did you decide to sell the Viper and go for a Go?) - I meant Rio not Go

A go is planning board only board, really (and that size is ideally for someone 80kg +). Sailing a short and wide (85cm) board like that big GO in light winds on the open sea, with strong tidal currents (English channel) with a beginner is not a good combination! I would have bought the Rio or the small viper to start with but the small beginner boards are harder to come by. The viper 80 is unnecessarily big and takes up a lot of extra space, You can certainly learn on the big GO, especially if you have consistent medium winds, flat water and no tide to fight.

Have you tried some of the windsurfing schools/clubs ?, they often have older boards they need to turn over.

Try and get some local advice for the sailing your planning on doing, a smaller 'GO' combined with week or two's sailing somewhere everyday might do the trick (with training). You also might find some of the bigger German or dutch shops will send you a board for a reasonable sum.