Trying to get fam/friends into our great sport

They struggling with my small wave rig

Currently running 4.7 xply wavesail, 430 100% rdm, but too heavy for small chicks, how to go lighter?

Where to get a light sail/mast/boom?

Good windsurfing stores stock kids/juniors/ladies rigs.
Otherwise go to your state forum and ask if anyone has one they want to sell.

I have had heaps of trouble getting kids gear. Unfortunately the importers just don't bring it in to Australia. It is expensive to freight it in, but you can order anything you want from Germany... Our industry just isn't forward looking enough and don't realise that if they don't help the kids get into the sport, it will die out (and so will their business).

Anyway, I have tried to order in advance, pay in advance and do lots of begging but they just don't budge. It's too hard... I had a set of Severne sails for my son and need to replace them. I even emailed Severne Sails directly on two occassions to ask them to send 4 sails but they didn't even bother to reply.

It is so important that beginners get the right (light) gear and totally determines whether or not they will succeed and therefore persevere with the sport. My son has just turned 8 and I have managed to teach him to windsurf in under a year (to carve gybe and jumping level). It was only because I managed to score the right equipment that it was possible. If you want to get some inspiration, I have put a short clip of him on Youtube:



The only way things will get better here is if the parents do some lobbying. They need to put pressure on their local shops to stock the gear and then the shops will speak to the importers. I also think that should only be the start. The industry and the RYA need to do much more to promote the sport. Maybe more windsurfers need to get into the RYA. It's amazing what is happening in other countries. Eg in the UK they are grooming vast numbers of kids. They have a fantastic programme where kids get together weekly and get instruction, go in comps and even get gear.

If you want some second hand gear, I have a good collection and may have something that will suit you. Contact me if you want to discuss.

Windsurfing Perth Stock the NP "One" kids rigs sails, masts and booms for the wee tackers

I got my kids rig from 2nd wind.
I've seen them at Windforce and Windshack too.

So, try the Perth stores if your locals don't stock them.

Windforce had one 3 metre Severne SX1 but I have already bought it. To my knowledge they don't have any other kids sails. I rang around all over the country and that was the only sail I could find. The Windsurfing Shop doesn't have the Neil Pryde Ones listed as "in stock" on their website (they're not suitable anyway) and has anyone actually been able to order them? If they can, will they ever come (my experience is that they never arrive and if they do, not all sizes will). Mind you, I am mainly talking about high-end kids gear (once they can plane) - you can usually get the Ezzys and Severne's similar product. These are great for starting off but they will outgrow them in months and then you can't get the next sails they need. Same goes for boards - there is no expectation that kids will actually windsurf properly (ie plane) , but they can and do if the gear is right. I'm fairly sure there is no performance kid's board in the country for sale. If anyone knows of one I'd love it if you would let me know. I am going to try Stone Surf as I think a custom is my best bet.

shq in melbourne have a few of the neil pryde one rigs so it would be worth giving them a call.

Actually, now I think, kids rig will have too short luff length

I mean more light beginner rig (full height rider) but 3-4m size

But glad I have brought up the issue of poor amounts of kids gear

Hope when that time comes around, the kids can have some good kit

Goodluck getting your kids on decent kit

Any idea on light normal luff size rigs?

recently i have just been using my 4.2 zone for teaching my sisters and that works well as it is a super light rig with a 370 x combat mast (90% carbon). try and pick up a similar sized sail from the last few years and get a 370 mast which makes a massive difference. you will be able to use this setup for yourself when it cranks as well...

The Ezzy gear is simple and light + plus you get two sizes for about $400. I got a 1m/1.5m for my 3y.o. to muck around with but I think you get sizes up to about 2.5m......sorry just saw the edit, in rigs >3m, wave sail + losts of light carbon (mast and boom) expensive but light.

Dism, how small are the chicks you are talking about?

For KA360

I've taught my son to sail over the last 6 years (he is 14 now) and have always managed to get hold of dedicated kids gear for him when he needed it. You do need to get organised early though so the importer can bring the order in with their main shipment. I do agree that it is harder to get hold of than it should be.

If you have any trouble talk to Paul at SecondWind. He has always managed to get hold of the Severne rigs for me. We had a full set of Severne Microwaves. The XS1/Microwave is an excellent sail when set up on the Severne mast and boom. I'm pretty sure Paul had a 3.6m complete with mast and boom rigged up out the back of the shop when I was in there the other day.

If you are looking for high performance kids boards our old Flare 60 is in SecondWind as well. It's stilll like new and Paul has a good price on it. I've got a 47l Stone Custom single fin and a 58l Stone Thruster for sale as well if you're interested. If you are looking for something new then Stoney is excellent to deal with and really knows his stuff with the size and style of board that kids need. We ordered a couple of boards from him and they were great. I don't think any manufacturer will make a production wave board the right size for an 8yo as he will probably be lookin at something around 6'8" and about 35 litres. The Flare 60 would be a good freestyler though.

sails in the 3-4m range don't usually sell that well, so there are usually past seasons sails around in the smaller sizes that can be bought for cheap, say 07-08's for <$400.

most sails in that size usually have vario tops as well, so you can fit them on bigger masts, however 430 mast is probably too big, 400 might be better.

otherwise keep an eye on buy/sell.

Hi KA360,

that is an impressive vid.

i sent you a pm about gear

i also wanted to add that Auswind (Starboard) donated a kids rig (complete) sail, mast, boom extension etc to the WindWanderers Club here in QLD. they were really keen to help out and the rig has seen good use so far.

Thanks for the leads guys! I'll be chasing up that Flare on Monday! Seabreeze is such a useful forum! It sounds like things are better in WA.

Windxtasy - Chicks are ~50kgs, but normal late teen heights (they just dont have the strength once the rig is past its balance point)

They finding the (i'm guessing its the high % xply wave sail) too heavy, especially in gusty or medium wind (for me - but strong for learners).

So anyone have a light 3-4m sail and mast/boom?

Select to expand quote

dism said...

Windxtasy - Chicks are ~50kgs, but normal late teen heights (they just dont have the strength once the rig is past its balance point)

They finding the (i'm guessing its the high % xply wave sail) too heavy, especially in gusty or medium wind (for me - but strong for learners).

So anyone have a light 3-4m sail and mast/boom?

Recently purchased a Hot Sails Maui youth sail and rig 3.2m for my kids - 32 & 50 kgs. Nice shape and light - they love it.

www.hotsailsmaui.com/2010/sails.php?sail=microfreak

They had been using the Ezzy kids rig which is very light and easy for them to get started and confident, but the lightness, short boom length and flat cut meant no upwind ability (combined with a board with no centreboard). This led to frustration and disappointment with having to walk back upwind all the time. Now they are keen again.

The HSM sails are dacron and tough. will take falls, knees, they can walk on it etc.

Select to expand quote

dism said...

Windxtasy - Chicks are ~50kgs, but normal late teen heights (they just dont have the strength once the rig is past its balance point)

They finding the (i'm guessing its the high % xply wave sail) too heavy, especially in gusty or medium wind (for me - but strong for learners).

So anyone have a light 3-4m sail and mast/boom?

I was 52kg and 167cm when I was learning.
I had lessons on a 3.5 sail then bought myself a 4. and a 4.5
The 4 and 4.5 were easy to handle, but for beginners light wind is a must! You have to make the sacrifice and take them out in light wind, even if it means going back yourself later. If the wind is too strong they will just give up.

I still use the 4.5 and love it, but now it's my strong wind sail!