Hi Seabreeze, I've decided i want to learn to windsurf.

My first question is where the hell does everyone buy their gear? I'm looking online for used boards etc but there all ANCIENT. I'd like to get one i can learn on and won't outgrow in 6mnths. Is there a good online store that sells beginner boards? Recommended brands? I'm 23, 6ft3 tall weigh about 70kg so will need something to suit.

I've found it's either cheap for ancient or VERY expensive for newNext is what i actually need? I know i need a board, mast, sail and boom... anything i'm missing? Do these come in a kit or do i buy them individually?

My next question would be whether or not a lesson or two would be worth it? theyre quite pricey so wanted to check before forking out

I live in the Port stephens area, recommendations for good places to sail would be great too
Cheers Seabreeze

Congratulations on choosing one of the most fantastic and addictive sports on earth! Ports Stephens is a beautiful spot and very suitable for a lot of different disciplines but it's not without its hazards. You need to make sure you don't go out in offshore conditions or you could find yourself in trouble. In north easterly breezes George Reserve on Soldiers Point Rd is a good rigging area but it's a popular swimming spot with a lot of kids so you may need to move up the beach a bit. There is also Seaview Crescent just up the road from the park there is a nice beach to launch from near the sailing club. Corlette is awesome for bump and jump in westerlies but I would give westerlies a miss until you reach intermediate level. Southerlies I would avoid for now as it will be to offshore or to rough.

Stick to earlier sessions at the soldiers point/salamander bay area before the north easterly kicks in. If you really want a sail in a southerly drive down to Marmong Point Sailing Club the pensioners association there will look after you.

The JP Funster is a good choice for a learner board you can grow into but they tend to get snapped up pretty quick second hand. There are a few Starboard Go's and JP Funsters in the buy and sell section but you may have to arrange shipping as they are interstate.

For lessons Windsurfnsnow at Collaroy can fix you up or possibly the boys at Marmong Point might help you out if you can resuscitate one of them.

www.facebook.com/windsurfingmarmongpoint

Nate, myself and Adam the roofer have been learning to windsurf since last November and we got into it pretty much cold turkey, much like it sounds you are doing. First thing is to get on youtube and watch as many beginner windsurfing clips as you can handle so you know what's going on with uphauling/rigging/changing direction/tacking. I already surfed and also sailed boats so knew how sails work, do you have any sailing experience? If not, maybe watch a bit more youtube about basic sailing. Now you have a couple of choices to make, you can try to find somewhere nearby that does lessons and/or hire, you can try to track down a YA windsurfing school at a yacht club or maybe a windsurfing club near you or you can try to find a group of likeminded loonies like Adam and I did who will mentor you. The Sandstone crew have help Adam and myself out so much more than we could ever have hoped and it's local for me.

No matter what anyone says it's expensive to get started if you're serious about learning quickly, a good 150-180 litre board with plenty of width is what you need and it'll cost you anywhere up to $1000, the rest of the rig can be bought pretty cheaply second hand but good quality, wide, learning boards are not easy to find at a cheap price because everyone loves them and hangs on to them. Don't cut corners if you're serious about learning quickly. For example I bought a 180L Starboard Express with a full rig and a 5.5m sail for $1200 which I thought was a bit of a bargain at the time.

Next, find somewhere nice and safe to sail and don't make excuses to not go sailing, the more you go the quicker you'll be ripping along (on the 1m wide learner battleship making everyone look twice). You'll love it mate, my regret is not dumping surfing and starting windsurfing 20 years ago and you'll also pick up a few new mates who are a bit loose.

You're going to find great advice here and welcome to the sport. Don't give up on the sport, it is an investment of time, hours spent on the water. It is very rewarding once you conquer a task with windsurfing. There are very many tasks that make up the sport. Once you learn something, there is another thing and so on you will want to learn. It is very addicting.

I can tell you from experience, take some lessons, ask lots of questions . You will pick it up much faster.

If it were me, I wouldn't spend much money until you get more into it. You 're going to bang it up on stuff, and you won't appreciate good quality gear until you become somewhat confident in the sport. You will have plenty of fun learning on cheap older gear in the meantime. I got my first setup for $300. I learned so much with my first gear and I can tell you the time and investment in that gear would have costed way way more than $300. Plus you won't worry about dinging your stuff up as much.

12 years later, I am buying $2,000 boards, new sails, fins booms etc. There are tons of good deals out their. Shop around, take your time, look for the right price. The market is over saturated with used windsurfing gear. Take advantage of that. You will find the windsurfing shops that you like and trust, either online shops that are too far to drive to or a local shop.Welcome to your new addiction.

P.S. it may simplify things for you if you hold off on buying any gear until after several lessons from an instructor. Then let the instructor write out a shopping list of windsurfing gear for you. The instructor will be able to match you up with every thing you will need after that. That maybe your best bet. There is so many sizes of boards, sails, masts, booms, fins etc to just out write burn you out or turn you off even before you get started.

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Nateasaurus said..
Hi Seabreeze, I've decided i want to learn to windsurf.

My first question is where the hell does everyone buy their gear? I'm looking online for used boards etc but there all ANCIENT. I'd like to get one i can learn on and won't outgrow in 6mnths. Is there a good online store that sells beginner boards? Recommended brands? I'm 23, 6ft3 tall weigh about 70kg so will need something to suit.

I've found it's either cheap for ancient or VERY expensive for newNext is what i actually need? I know i need a board, mast, sail and boom... anything i'm missing? Do these come in a kit or do i buy them individually?

My next question would be whether or not a lesson or two would be worth it? theyre quite pricey so wanted to check before forking out

I live in the Port stephens area, recommendations for good places to sail would be great too
Cheers Seabreeze

Being tall but relatively light at 70kgs is a very good start. Being young at 24 is even better.

What gear do you need?

Board: something in the region of 2.5m to 2.7m long x 85cm to 95cm wide - 150 to 170 litres (a small adjustable centreboard can help at the start of the learning curve) - I've sent you a private message about a Starboard Go 161 for sale in the buy and sell tab
Fin: 33cm freeride fin to suit fin box on board (probably a powerbox)
Sail: Start with 6.0m freeride rotational sail. You can add larger and small sails as you go
Mast: to suit the sail - 430cm long RDM 50% carbon should be OK but check the luff length of the sail you buy
Boom: to suit the sail - Alloy adjustable from 160cm to 210cm
Uphaul rope if not already attached to the boom.
Mast Extension: Alloy 40cm RDM
Mast base: To suit mast extension
Waist harness: Buy new and make sure it fits
Harness Lines: Buy new if they don't come with your second hand boom - 26in or 28in long depending on how long your arms are
Boardshorts, hat, rashie and suncreen
Lots of persistence

It might be worth heading down to Sydney to talk to the guys at Wind, Surf and Snow about what second hand gear they have and lessons. There is also a very active windsurfing group at Marmong Pt Sailing club on lake Macquarie

Windsurfing is so much fun , just don't even think about kiting just because it's easier ! , and people won't like u as much , I know , I've just released a monster

Hey Nate, a quick google search shows Port Stephens Sailing and Aquatic Club have advertised learn to windsurf courses on Seabreeze before. If you're not tyre kicking about learning to windsurf i'd be putting a question on their facebook page to see if they still do it.

Hi nate. If you don't mind driving down to lake Mac, as others mentioned at marmong point sailing club we have a large modern wide style beginner board and rig you can have a try on for free. We'll also give you some tips getting going. We're there every Saturday from 1:30pm.

These guys do windsurfing lessons on the lake.

www.kiteandsup.com.au

Hope to see you soon. Cheers

PS we're not all as old as cluffy makes out

Nate, that's an offer from James you just can't refuse. Welcome to windsurfing.

I second the advice to get lessons, otherwise the frustration quotient can be high.

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Magic Ride said...

P.S. it may simplify things for you if you hold off on buying any gear until after several lessons from an instructor. Then let the instructor write out a shopping list of windsurfing gear for you. The instructor will be able to match you up with every thing you will need after that. That maybe your best bet. There is so many sizes of boards, sails, masts, booms, fins etc to just out write burn you out or turn you off even before you get started.

Good advice re:buying equipment.

Some great advice above Nateasaurus.

Things to avoid:

Your mate windsurfed in the 90s and paid heaps for the gear and will let you have it for $500. Don't do it.

eBay has an awesome beginners package at an amazing price. Don't do it.

Ask lots of questions here, you will get massive benefit from the brain's trust. Best to ask here before buying anything.

One thing I know with certainty, if you do this, you will have FUN.

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John340 said..

Nateasaurus said..
Hi Seabreeze, I've decided i want to learn to windsurf.

My first question is where the hell does everyone buy their gear? I'm looking online for used boards etc but there all ANCIENT. I'd like to get one i can learn on and won't outgrow in 6mnths. Is there a good online store that sells beginner boards? Recommended brands? I'm 23, 6ft3 tall weigh about 70kg so will need something to suit.

I've found it's either cheap for ancient or VERY expensive for newNext is what i actually need? I know i need a board, mast, sail and boom... anything i'm missing? Do these come in a kit or do i buy them individually?

My next question would be whether or not a lesson or two would be worth it? theyre quite pricey so wanted to check before forking out

I live in the Port stephens area, recommendations for good places to sail would be great too
Cheers Seabreeze

Being tall but relatively light at 70kgs is a very good start. Being young at 24 is even better.

What gear do you need?

Board: something in the region of 2.5m to 2.7m long x 85cm to 95cm wide - 150 to 170 litres (a small adjustable centreboard can help at the start of the learning curve) - I've sent you a private message about a Starboard Go 161 for sale in the buy and sell tab
Fin: 33cm freeride fin to suit fin box on board (probably a powerbox)
Sail: Start with 6.0m freeride rotational sail. You can add larger and small sails as you go
Mast: to suit the sail - 430cm long RDM 50% carbon should be OK but check the luff length of the sail you buy
Boom: to suit the sail - Alloy adjustable from 160cm to 210cm
Uphaul rope if not already attached to the boom.
Mast Extension: Alloy 40cm RDM
Mast base: To suit mast extension
Waist harness: Buy new and make sure it fits
Harness Lines: Buy new if they don't come with your second hand boom - 26in or 28in long depending on how long your arms are
Boardshorts, hat, rashie and suncreen
Lots of persistence

It might be worth heading down to Sydney to talk to the guys at Wind, Surf and Snow about what second hand gear they have and lessons. There is also a very active windsurfing group at Marmong Pt Sailing club on lake Macquarie

Just my 2 cents worth you will out grow that 161L in no time and it will end up annoying the hell out of you ( use what is provided at your lessons)
a RDM isn't going to mate a difference to you for a considerable time ( except damage the budget) a good SDM mast and extension
120L -130 Freeride board ( your only 70KGs )
have fun and laugh!
never give up! it will come together don't worry about that!

Talk to Justin from www.windsurfingreligion.com/
or Mark from www.jordans.com.au/
I am sure they will be able to help you out with gear and lessons.

Hi Nate,
It's great to see some younger guys getting interested in windsurfing in NSW.

Id. Like to share my opinion as I've been windsurfing since 1979!

Don't go out and buy a 130 liter board just yet, you will become frustrated before you even learn how to windsurf!

Listen to to the majority of comments above, 160 litre plus, 9' length in old scale, wide board perhaps 90cm 6 m sail and you can't go wrong. Best if it has a centreboard for learning but not a huge selection around for that length. You will need a fin of approx 450 to 500mm long if you have no centreboard.

Go round to Marmong and try their board, it will be a great guide and I'm sure you will get plenty of tips on the water.

most of us older guys learned on 12'6" monsters and some of us still enjoy riding them on lighter wind days. You will find more friends interested in joining you to learn in light breezes cruising around than when it's blowing 16 knots or more!

The most important thing when learning is time on water (TOW) and a 130l board won't give you that till you are very proficient.

ive made and ridden 80 litre boards (back in the 1980's), ridden the original windsurfer in the surf, at Fingal bay, traveling around australia and ocean sailing everywhere, windsurfing instructor at Corlette back then as well.

ive put on quite a lot of weight since those days (now over 100kgs) and now usually alternate between a 170 litre starboard go which is great for me when over 16 knots to 25 knots and using an 8.5m sail; and an F2 Lightning old style raceboard over 12'long, built in the 90's but still competitive and fun in 5 to 15 knots Using a 9m sail. It is around 240 litres.

some days I still enjoy using an old Mistral Competition board 220litres (late 80's) that is very similar to a Wally (windsurfer one design) but it is much lighter, more stable and faster for my weight! Great for cruising around the lake, sand islands around Swansea channel Etc. Even if the wind is less than 7 knots it is a fun ride. I usually use an old type Dacron sail that is only 6m2 with it and really inexpensive.

the point I'm trying to make is, I've always had at least two boards, most windsurfers do, so you can enjoy a wide variety of conditions. Go a larger board first, you will probably get one cheaper, and try to get a few mates interested with you, you guys can then encourage and learn from each other, then go for a smaller board as you progress, don't go too small too quick though.

your budget
160litre starboard go or Rio Etc board around $1000 second hand add rig of about 6m etc $1000 second hand total $2000. However you will need some close contact with someone who knows how to rig it for you for the first few times at least.

200 litre old style long board complete with rig windsurfer, f2 or mistral etc - maybe $300 . Talk about it with a windsurfer before you buy!

call me if you like, I can loan you something if you want a day on the water in Lake Macquarie.


one last tip. You will get blown away whilst learning, make sure you are being blown towards land, not the ocean!

good luck and enjoy the greatest water sport! Cheers
Al Haynes 0438336495

For what it's worth, I believe the worst "advice" that experienced sailors could be giving a completely new sailor (i'm still new to the sport) is to buy a 120-130 litre board that's 70cm wide because "they will outgrow" a beginner board. From talking to all the old roosters that have taught me to sail, the thing that killed windsurfing back in the day was that it was hard to learn. The last thing we should be doing is recommending a board to someone that will not be the absolute easiest board to learn on and creating a chance they'll hate it and take up croquet instead.

These new 90-100cm wide beginner to intermediate boards are frikkin awesome, they are a game changer for learning the sport of windsurfing and they go alright too when the wind gets up, they are more than enough of a good thing to last a beginner right through to them buying their next board for high performance and keeping the beginner board for light wind days (hence you can see there's so few for sale Nate). There's a reason that hire places and windsurfing schools buy/use these boards and that's because you WILL be up and sailing straight away on your first day and you WON'T say "this is too hard" and lose interest in windsurfing.

You are at a great age to start windsurfing and some of the best sailors in NSW are around your height, weight. I think you will pick it up pretty quickly. Windsurfing can be pretty much covered by two boards when sailing flat water at your stage. I would recommend getting a mistral race board or the like. They can handle the bumps etc and will still get going in a good breeze and something you will use for a long time. I would then recommend a 6.5m no cam free ride sail that rigs on a constant curve mast as the majority of sails now rig on these masts. Next summer as you get use to footstraps and harness etc it will be time to learn to waterstart and you don't want a board that is too wide to do that on or with the footstraps too far out. I would then recommend a short board of around 115 litres of the free ride variety that you will still be able to uphaul with a bit of practice on the longboard and can learn to water start and gybe on.

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Paddles B'mere said..
For what it's worth, I believe the worst "advice" that experienced sailors could be giving a completely new sailor (i'm still new to the sport) is to buy a 120-130 litre board that's 70cm wide because "they will outgrow" a beginner board. From talking to all the old roosters that have taught me to sail, the thing that killed windsurfing back in the day was that it was hard to learn. The last thing we should be doing is recommending a board to someone that will not be the absolute easiest board to learn on and creating a chance they'll hate it and take up croquet instead.

These new 90-100cm wide beginner to intermediate boards are frikkin awesome, they are a game changer for learning the sport of windsurfing and they go alright too when the wind gets up, they are more than enough of a good thing to last a beginner right through to them buying their next board for high performance and keeping the beginner board for light wind days (hence you can see there's so few for sale Nate). There's a reason that hire places and windsurfing schools buy/use these boards and that's because you WILL be up and sailing straight away on your first day and you WON'T say "this is too hard" and lose interest in windsurfing.

I agree !

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Imax1 said..

Paddles B'mere said..
For what it's worth, I believe the worst "advice" that experienced sailors could be giving a completely new sailor (i'm still new to the sport) is to buy a 120-130 litre board that's 70cm wide because "they will outgrow" a beginner board. From talking to all the old roosters that have taught me to sail, the thing that killed windsurfing back in the day was that it was hard to learn. The last thing we should be doing is recommending a board to someone that will not be the absolute easiest board to learn on and creating a chance they'll hate it and take up croquet instead.

These new 90-100cm wide beginner to intermediate boards are frikkin awesome, they are a game changer for learning the sport of windsurfing and they go alright too when the wind gets up, they are more than enough of a good thing to last a beginner right through to them buying their next board for high performance and keeping the beginner board for light wind days (hence you can see there's so few for sale Nate). There's a reason that hire places and windsurfing schools buy/use these boards and that's because you WILL be up and sailing straight away on your first day and you WON'T say "this is too hard" and lose interest in windsurfing.

I agree !

I started on a 145 which was lively. I enjoyed the challenge but agree totally that it is easier to find a bigger stable board. The good news is that when you advance onto smaller boards, you can still use your bigger board for light wind days and perfecting new moves like the gybe.

One beginner to another - I started mid autumn and got a few sessions in before winter and a few other factors kept me off the water until recently.

Gear, just keep checking gumtree. I was looking for weeks and almost decided to just buy it new. Then circa 2011 kit (150L board, 5.5m sail, and I'm very similar in height, weight and age to you) came up that had been used only a couple of times and I picked it up immediately. I then kept an eye for more sails etc and got another few for not much. All up spent $1300, first kit as new, and then 4 more sails with mast boom etc.

Lessons, I had 2 to get started. Now I'm just watching everyone else and trying to copy what they do.
So far, I'm the best in my area at getting wet :P

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j235 said..
One beginner to another - I started mid autumn and got a few sessions in before winter and a few other factors kept me off the water until recently.

Gear, just keep checking gumtree. I was looking for weeks and almost decided to just buy it new. Then circa 2011 kit (150L board, 5.5m sail) came up that had been used only a couple of times and I picked it up immediately. I then kept an eye for more sails etc and got another few for not much. All up spent $1300, first kit as new, and then 4 more sails with mast boom etc.

Lessons, I had 2 to get started. Now I'm just watching everyone else and trying to copy what they do.

If you go this way make sure you run it past this topic first to make sure you aren't buying a dud..

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Nateasaurus said..
My first question is where the hell does everyone buy their gear?

Has anyone answered this yet?

Here. Literally.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Members/Classifieds/Default.aspx

This is the biggest marketplace for windsurfing gear. Ancient stuff is kinda rare.

Hey just wanted to say a MASSIVE thanks to everyone for chucking through some tips and advice, got my first windsurfing lesson this Sunday, if all goes well i'I'll start the big hunt for a decent board and sail ;)

I'll keep you all posted and might link through the equipment ads through here to see if it gets the green light from the community before buying

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j235 said..
One beginner to another - I started mid autumn and got a few sessions in before winter and a few other factors kept me off the water until recently.

Gear, just keep checking gumtree. I was looking for weeks and almost decided to just buy it new. Then circa 2011 kit (150L board, 5.5m sail, and I'm very similar in height, weight and age to you) came up that had been used only a couple of times and I picked it up immediately. I then kept an eye for more sails etc and got another few for not much. All up spent $1300, first kit as new, and then 4 more sails with mast boom etc.

Lessons, I had 2 to get started. Now I'm just watching everyone else and trying to copy what they do.
So far, I'm the best in my area at getting wet :P

I still agree

Nateasaurus,

Sounds like you're having fun learning to windsurf. Just another thought for you. You might want to check out my current thread on windskating. Windskating is windsurfing on land with a skateboard. Windskating feels very similar to windsurfing, but is a lot more forgiving, and You can get the basic skills down much faster, just wear a helmit, knee pads and wrist splints and yo you're set. You will be able to accomplish sail trim, sail handling, gybing on the windskate and apply it all on the water later. You can even learn the laydown gybe on the windskate, because there is hardly any drag since your on wheels. That's another reason why these skills are so easy to learn on the windskate, because you are moving more consistently with little drag, which make the maneuvers effortless.

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Nateasaurus said..
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rathmines/other-sports-fitness/ab-windsurfing-slalom-boards/1124433005

Been keeping my eye open and have found this, is this style of board (the larger of the two) would be suitable

Starboard GO's seem incredibly rare

Avoid slalom boards they are go fast machines for experienced sailors..Not at all forgiving and the straps would be too outboard..No go...
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Windsurfing-Boards/~v9m87/Starboard-Go-155-161-litres.aspx?search=MsVd7Fn$$IqRBEqJrLYVwY9Kxgs6DYq8
Much better - don't worry about buying interstate- if it's well packaged there shouldn't be any worries. i've bought from Tassie and WA.

Nate, I don't think that even the bigger Mistral AB is suitable. They are good boards, but more suited to an intermediate to advanced windsurfer, rather than a learner. Not enough volume and are a bit too short.

I've had a quick look in the buy and sell tab of Seabreeze and there are plenty of suitable boards for you to look at. Don't be put off about arranging transport, there are good courier companies that can transport gear.

Have a look at the following URL

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Browse/Windsurfing/Boards/?search=iVVAl2umBXlM$7gkdXkWfe4t3dOWMjxd&page=2

The top 4 boards (including 2 starboard Gos) look suitable.

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John340 said..
Nate, I don't think that even the bigger Mistral AB is suitable. They are good boards, but more suited to an intermediate to advanced windsurfer, rather than a learner. Not enough volume and are a bit too short.

I've had a quick look in the buy and sell tab of Seabreeze and there are plenty of suitable boards for you to look at. Don't be put off about arranging transport, there are good courier companies that can transport gear.

Have a look at the following URL

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Browse/Windsurfing/Boards/?search=iVVAl2umBXlM$7gkdXkWfe4t3dOWMjxd&page=2

The top 4 boards (including 2 starboard Gos) look suitable.

You beat me to if John.. by a minute...

Can you recommend any courier companies that you use frequently for the large boards?

The go seems perfect for me but there aren't any for sale in my area and was hesitant buying interstate for the reason of shipping and not knowing what real comdidtion it's in

As some others have mentioned before, get in contact with Dave at Kite n SUP at warners bay, they do lessons. also being an old instructor I would suggest you buy a SUP around 10'5 X 30 with a mast track or deck insert for a windsurf rig, a 5.0m wave sail would be perfect to learn on, not to heavy but big enough to get you sailing, you can learn to sail on the SUP the go paddling on it when there is no wind with all the girls in bikini's at the bay in summer.

Your area is some awesome spots to sail, we used to sail there a lot about 25 years ago in westerlies.

Nate,
I've private messaged (PM) you with some hopefully helpful information

Hi all, just want to say thanks for all your help. I haven't bought one yet BUT I did just manage to find an old T.C Beacher that is pretty scratched up but floats and it's massive (and heavy). I figure it would be a decent way to start off to at least get a feel for it.

The issue is, I need all the rest of the required gear, boom, unijoint, rope, it came with an old beaten up mast and sail so maybe one of those too.

I don't need anything new just something that'll fit with that particular old school board.

Any ideas and suggestions? Know of any 2nd hand gear that will work?

I know it sounds like I'm being tight (I am) but I find it hard to commit to upwards of 1k worth of equipment for a new sport I've never done.

Thanks for all your help SeaBreeze ????