Im probably looking for a unicorn but here goes -
Trying to find a board that I can take the kids out on in the shallows on the lake or somewhere in like 3 knots, and later when they grow a bit teach them to sail on, AND maybe take out round the (Sydney) harbour on those sunny 8-10 knot days. I was thinking maybe something like an older race board or something with a centreboard BUT that does not weigh a tonne or can be too easily damaged with expensive repairs. Not asking for much am I? Someone suggested an older formula board which is interesting but not an option I had considered. Can you sail up wind on them easily enough? Or fit a centre fin or something?
Im not in any rush but Im interested in your input/ideas offers etc.
Thanks
Pete.

Try looking at the inflatables, more entering the market all the time, and they are working better as more brands enter.

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peterowensbabs said..
Im probably looking for a unicorn but here goes -
Trying to find a board that I can take the kids out on in the shallows on the lake or somewhere in like 3 knots, and later when they grow a bit teach them to sail on, AND maybe take out round the (Sydney) harbour on those sunny 8-10 knot days. I was thinking maybe something like an older race board or something with a centreboard BUT that does not weigh a tonne or can be too easily damaged with expensive repairs. Not asking for much am I? Someone suggested an older formula board which is interesting but not an option I had considered. Can you sail up wind on them easily enough? Or fit a centre fin or something?
Im not in any rush but Im interested in your input/ideas offers etc.
Thanks
Pete.

any old bic race board ,or mistral one design they are reasonable light and tough ,or a race board with a foam covering. the bic s and mystral you will need to check out mast track and center board. bic also make a stand up paddle board with a center board and mast foot

An old formula board with a shorter fin works great. Really good for going up wind. Around 160 liters . Light . Very stable and no need for a center board. Even with a light rider in barely any wind there is no sideways drift because of the sharp rails. Very easy to tack and jibe , spin easily on the spot unlike a long board. But not as fast as a long board. The only problem is the decks are horribly fragile. I have a modified one for teaching people and carrying the dog. I totally covered the deck in 5mm EVA foam and also glued a soft rubber strip from behind the mast all the way around the front ,now bullet proof.
Not much fun getting the thing planing though.
Or another option could be an old Starboard Go 170 , they are 90 cm wide and can handle anything and are fun planing, but the formula will go upwind better.

Fanatic Viper 75 or 80 will do all the above with ease. Rubber coated, strong construction, centerboard, and will still do 25 knots with a larger fin for an intermediate sailor.

How about one of these: http://www.star-board-windsurfing.com/2018/boards/2018-atomiq-duo/

Although not sure you could get planning on it in 8-12knts......unless you could fit a foil to it somehow?

I have one of these and it is great fun:

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Windsurfing-Boards/~vc8zl/2016-Fanatic-Viper-Air-299-cm-315-litres.aspx?_page=1&search=0BZmezxV2pvFPXvJUVxOgPjjSkAaAP3t16oDBGbZ9nA%3D

big enough to sail with one or both my kids (12, 11 yr old) in light wind, or tow them on their ware toys, teach them sailing with a kids rig. It is pretty much bombproof, very practical to travel with and very versatile:



For better performance and proper planing I think this one is worth considering:

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Windsurfing-Boards/~v5dk3/2016-Starboard-Kode-Freeride-Tufskin-236-cm-113-litres.aspx?_page=1&search=gQGlWHAcpMI%3D

I'd go inflatable for younger kids, family fun and versatility...the second one is a better option for older kids who can progress into planing in a few months.

Going to touch your toes to buy the starboard atomic roy ...

Do you want long (glides better) or short (planes better)?

Long - any windSUP with a centre board is hard to beat, I've got a BIC which is pretty tough

Short - any 180 litre plus learning board with a centre board, JP Funster, Starboard GO etc

No garage should be without at least one of these fun boards