Hi all, I used to race back in the 90s and am just about to get back into the sport after 10 years. I would really like an old Equipe or F2 Lightning but everyone seems to have Formula boards these days. I used to love riding the longer boards in windy conditions over my slalom boards for some reason. What are everyone's thoughts on Formula v Raceboards? Oh and if anyone has an old Equipe LCS or Lightning race I would be very interested - cheers....

I race both Formula and longboards and I can't decide what I like better, the raceboard class is making a comeback globally so you wont be sailing them on your own, there is a good fleet in Sydney and a good fleet in Brisbane and growing, we have the Nationals in Brisbane in November and the Worlds in Brisbane in Nov 2016.

Not sure of the scene in your area, but around Brisbane I haven't seen many formula boards at all. A few wider boards like Superlights and Free Formula in our group. Seems to be a bit of a increase in older race boards and the original and one design Wally's. We have some informal get together's that see 6 to 10 of us on long boards, and a number of the club events are encouraging them by adding retro classes. We sailed regularly through Winter, and most of the days we did, our short board's didn't get out of our cars.

Not sure of your ability, but as you sailed before and if you find an old race board, you will probably step on it and be sailing immediately. You can have plenty of fun in lighter conditions with an older set of sails too. If you are quick you can still pick a bargain from time to time.

On the other side of the question, I bought an older Formula board and unfortunately find it hard work. I am keen to keep trying as some of the video's on here of them look awesome. But the sails are super heavy. I am sure my lack of technique is a major factor, but I am beginning to suspect that I am only going to be able to use it at my level in a fairly narrow wind range. Where as I can use the old F2 Lightning in a wide range of conditions. The formula sails seem to require very precise adjustment or they feel terrible.

Another smaller disadvantage for me personally is that the fin length on the formula is an issue at the main places I like to sail as well. At Elanda Point, on Lake Cootharaba the difference at the moment is sailing to about 10m from the beach, and a 500m wade to get enough depth for the 70cm fin. I have been cautious not to hit bottom on the formula, as it is a much more delicate construction. Where as the fin on my F2 is plastic and only 30 odd cm. I tend to touch bottom a number of time on a downwind sail back to camp, and it still is in okay condition.

I am only at an intermediate level at best, so factor that in to what you take from this.

Cheers, Brad.

Thanks guys, I missed out on a Mistral Equipe last week that was in mint condition. I've been kicking myself everyday since and will keep kicking in the weeks to come . I know what you mean Brad with the fins, I watched some guys on the weekend and they were nearly a metre long. I really want to get back on a retro race board again, hopefully I will find one soon.

I've decided to start back on a raceboard and haveahead a few guys offer me Mistral One DesigI'm which I will getaround to looking at. But still holding out for a really good Mistral Equipe LCS or XR. Please check your sheds, I know they're still out there will pay good $$$$$$$ for the right one.

Gday Tinlyds,

It used to be nearly impossible to find second hand raceboards, but with Starboard and Exocet now regularly bringing out new models apparently the market is opening up a bit. All the best with your hunt.

If you're in the Newcastle area, come out to our club at Marmong Point on a Saturday afternoon and say g'day. Plenty of guys there who used to sail raceboards and have moved to Formula. We can help you out and get your formula gear set up, or you're welcome to race your longboard with us. We also have a couple of old Windsurfer One Designs if you're keen to get out on one of those.

Club address is George St, Marmong Point or our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/windsurfingmarmongpoint

Cheers
James

I took my caveman longboard out with the gps one day in a 15 to 20 knot north easterly to see what it could do. Downwind it did 26.5 knots which was equal to my current formula board pb at the time. Upwind was where the difference lay. My fanatic formula would destroy the caveman upwind, if it was powered up. Off the plane upwind, the formula is a great floating object for seagulls to crap on. Also bear in mind I was running an 8.6 metre on the long board in what was 10 metre weather for formula gear so the longboard was definitely easier on the body.

In a racing situation in gusty conditions formula boards can be extremely challenging to keep going through the lulls and tack quickly enough plus get going again to catch the next bit of breeze. Some of the guys I've seen are incredibly skilful at these gusty conditions(Tibor) and I have come to have the highest respect for their abilities their skillsets are amazing.

I think we had a chat at Marmong on Saturday? I'll repeat now what I said then. It takes time to get used to the big gear. It's not easy but their is a point you reach when you start feeling comfortable with it and it takes a bit of effort to get there. this is my 3rd season I've only really become comfortable with it this season. For me the first 2 seasons were about learning some formula muscle memory and figuring out a downwind technique that works for me.

I love my old caveman longboard and I'll never sell it but I never ride it either. The formula board is just too awesome. I think if you come and race with us on a longboard you will end up getting formula gear eventually anyway and I think if you had a go of some formula gear and got it going upwind you would probably be hooked. But hey it's your call and longboards are great don't get me wrong but formula gear is awesome.

Yes we did Cluffy, don't get me wrong I haven't given up on the idea totally. There is a great bunch of guys down there. I'll be going to Salamander this weekend for a look and with both classes on show it will finalize my decision. By the way, after that first race yesterday you looked rather worn out for 5 minutes work

Select to expand quote

Tinlyds said..
Yes we did Cluffy, don't get me wrong I haven't given up on the idea totally. There is a great bunch of guys down there. I'll be going to Salamander this weekend for a look and with both classes on show it will finalize my decision. By the way, after that first race yesterday you looked rather worn out for 5 minutes work

Lol yeah mate I was shattered it took me about 5 minutes to get my breath back. That was maxed out with a 12 metre though and at my physical limits that's for sure.