I'm a newbie and a heavyweight into my 3rd year. My first board was a a Bic Nova 240. My next board is a Starboard Rio Longtail - M which at this time is really the only board I use. My fastest speed was 16 kph (10 mph) which I think might have been a transition speed to planning in winds 24 (15 mph) with higher gusts. The sail I used for this was an Ezzy Cheetah 7.5. I'm also an old guy - 65 - and I don't have the strength I once had. Due to the strong and brief wind gusts, at times I tough it out without the harness. When it's less gusty of course I harness in.

The problem is, where I windsurf, these are generally the strongest winds unless there's the occasional storm. I also loathe going bigger and bigger with sails and getting progressively bulkier gear. Ugh! I am aware that bigger sails - 10 m would provide more power and most likely get me beyond my current personal speed record.

My question is not about sails and not about foils. As a newbie I'm curious about board sizes and wondering about moving to a *slightly* smaller board, for example, Starboard Rio Longtail - S. Can a board like this, about 20 L smaller make it easier for me to get planning with the same size sail and same wind speeds ... or am I just dreaming?

For lit up planing sailing the Rio is holding you back.

150-160lt freeride board may help.

Go the Nova! Just fit a big fin to it!
That was my first board and when i got better i just found a 50cm fin for it and it was heaps better for speed and planing, almost like a formula board.

Thanks for your feedback. I've been thinking for a while that something just isn't quite working for me with the Rio.

I recently made myself some very long harness lines - 1 meter. Not fancy. But I was able to adjust them and use a seat harness today and I used that on my Bic Nova 240 ( which I refer to as my container ship ). We had low windspeed today but using this seat harness made for a relaxing day with my 7.5 Ezzy Cheetah. This resulted in less lower back pain and led me to think I need to get the next size bigger sail, the 8.5. I need the 9.5 but I best go with baby steps. This of course also means another mast.

Cheers.

Get an 8.5 with 2 cams and relatively tight leach then look for a mid-90s raceboard.

Since my quiver is all Ezzy, I was leaning towards the Lion 8.5 which is a 2 cam. I want to give this some careful thought because I will also need a longer mast, 490. With Ezzy, it would be an RDM. I've also considered a change to Sailworks but I believe they require SDM so I would need a mast extension too. I only recently heard that Sailworks exists. I was told that SDMs are more easily broken compared to RDM. Many factors to consider for making the right decision.

Hi Shipmate, im a big guy (100+) n use Ezzy. 8.5 lion is my favourite. I use SDM masts for my 8.5 n 9.5 lions (460north n 490sailworks)
RDM masts for 7.5 n smaller(Nolimits). Lions are easy to rig easy to tune n quite a strong sail.
I felt my 7.5lion had same power as 8m cheetah.

I'm with olskool on this one ,most 490 SDM mast will work perfectly on the 8,5 lion, I also use a 490 north mast on mine .

I am sad to say my most used sail is my 8,5 lion .great sails .If it has white caps which start at 12 knots ,the 8,5 will be ok with a big board .

grab yourself a second hand 490 and SDM extension ,plenty around ..doesn't have to be a ezzy mast either ...it will work .

to answer your smaller board question ,heres a short vid i made last week ,wind strength was around 13-15 knots
I was on a 120 litre board ,could of had my 140 ,but the 8,5 lion powered me up nicely

If you have progressed enough to sail a board without a dagger board I would suggest a large freeride board, at least 85cm width. It will be the style of longboard and weight holding you back for planing. You will find it easier to carry around as well. It will take a bit more technique, but nothing comes for free.

If you decide to get a larger sail, the 8.5m Lion is a good choice. The RDM Ezzy mast is the best choice. I've used my Lion on a Simmer SDM, and the low end performance is actually better on the Ezzy RDM mast as it feels a bit stiffer. I know someone who uses a 8.5m Lion on a Neil Pryde SDM as well without issue.

Thank you all once again. That video made me extremely envious. If only I could something like that one day ...

I don't personally use RDMs longer than 430, above that SDMs seem to work better.
A 490 could also rig a 9.5 which you may end up using. Ultimately like other folks have said it's the board and technique holding you back.