Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting into either windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Logistically, I'm not sure if I'd be able to fit the windsurfing board in my car. How long are beginner boards? How do you guys get them around?

As far as progressing in the sport goes, whats a general timeframe on the learning curve? As in, after say one summer of going out most weekends, what kind of level would you be at (generally speaking, or in personal experience)?

Jumps etc look like loads of fun, when would you start doing them?

Cheers

I've an old Holden wagon and I can fit 4 boards, sails and booms in, but there's not much room for a passenger!
Yes beginner boards are bigger, a roof rack may be necessary.

As to learning curve, depends on you and where you are and your teacher. I once taught a young fit keen guy, he was jumping after a month or so, (snapped his old learning board in the process), but he's an exception. My wife at 50 years old took a few years before she was in the straps and harness.
Basically there's the quick hard way and the long slow easy way to learn, the young guy took the quick hard route, my wife took the slow easy way.

Hi I started at 55, it took me over 1 year to get planing in the straps, but still had a lot of fun in the process: great light wind sails, feeling free in the outdoors, plus the motivation of progressing. There will be quite a bit of swimming involved if you want to push yourself to water starts etc. but that is what makes it interesting and it will improve your fitness and well being immensely.

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j235 said..
Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting into either windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Logistically, I'm not sure if I'd be able to fit the windsurfing board in my car. How long are beginner boards? How do you guys get them around?

As far as progressing in the sport goes, whats a general timeframe on the learning curve? As in, after say one summer of going out most weekends, what kind of level would you be at (generally speaking, or in personal experience)?

Jumps etc look like loads of fun, when would you start doing them?

Cheers

You could go with one of the inflatable options. Inflatable Stand up paddle boards can come in models with a centre fin and mast base screw.....probably not many second hand ones out there yet though.

It's all about Time on Water (TOW)
I started 4 seasons ago when i was 34.
No lessons, only some tips from the beach and web.
I found it's all about getting the basics done properly first. Rig handling, water starts, harness lines, footstraps.
I was planing in the straps after my first season.
I'm now making most of my gybes (90%) and a few of them planing. I also attempted a couple of forward loops last season.
What i'm finding most enjoyable is riding waves now.
Having a background in sailing and/or surfing would be beneficial but definitely not necessary.
Hell, even my wife got out and back a few times with out falling off late last summer.

I started windsurfing three years ago. No regrets and lots of fun. Sometimes hanging on for dear life. Perhaps the best of all is that you get pleasure from nearly every session because you are always learning an improving. With improvement comes the satisfaction of accomplishment...though you never really plateau because there are always new things to explore or refine. Make sure you buy suitable gear, it will inevitably grow over the years according to need. This forum is a great way to get some answers to al the questions you will have along the way.