I am new to windsurfing and need as much help as I can. How do you work out the volume to weight of rider? Sails for novices etc? There are a few in the family who will be using the board from young to mature (being me). [}:)]

Some hint as to location is always a help in answering this question.
The best gear to start on is dedicated beginners gear, which you probably don't want to buy.
A good windsurfing school is the way to go, which is why your location is relevant.
Initially most people benefit from a board which is roughly double their weight in litres, but if you are young and athletic, you might progress quicker. A center-board helps with upwind performance, but it's certainly possible to learn on a a board without one.
Previous experience in sailing and other water sport can be useful, but it is not a ticket to quick progress either.
Tell us more about your age, height, weight, build, previous experience and general athleticism, and better answers may follow.
Meanwhile, look up Starboard Go, or JP Funster series.

I have written an article about this....
www.redsurfbus.com/2011/02/building-your-quiver-rigs.html
There is another one for boards. Should help, I am guessing the wind feels the same down under even if it is upside down.

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redsurfbus said...

I am guessing the wind feels the same down under even if it is upside down.

In the souther hemisphere winds blow backwards compared to the north. Swans are black down here too.

In regards to boards. If your whole family is getting into windsurfing it may not be a bad idea to look at buying a big fat board, something that resembles USS Nimitz in its proportions. That way everyone will spend time progressing with their windsurfing rather than falling in the water all the time. Plus you will be able to use it on family windsurfing outings even if the wind isn't very strong.

160L JP funster or similiar
around 4m sail

once you get the hang of it get bigger sails

What do you all want to get into windsurfing to do, how often can you do it, and where are you? These are all vital questions.

For example, if you're living somewhere where the wind isn't that great and you can only sail every Sunday from 10 to 3 then you will probably want a bigger board that will go well in the light winds you'll normally meet.

On the other hand if you're living on the ocean, can all sail any time, and all come from a sailing and surfing background you can think about getting a tiny waveboard early on because you'll be able to get out whenever the wind blows and ignore when it's light.

Personally, I'd never hurry to get onto a really small board because you can do just about everything on a bigger board which is more versatile.

On the other hand, if you're living in a light wind area and have good balance or pick things up quickly, I'd stay away from a board like a Funster as it's not very quick in any conditions. But it's very much a personal thing and depends on many factors.

Personally, I'd have a damn good look at a longboard like a Kona One (Windgenuity on (02) 9982 6444, $3,500 fully rigged) which is much faster in the typical light to moderate NSW conditions than a shortboard (apart from a Formula board which offers great performance but needs a huge rig in light winds). See www.kona-windsurfing.com/ . However, since everything is a compromise you will lose out in strong-wind performance and portability.

I agree with Chris249 in part, a Kona One, which I have, is a great family board and makes a great beginners board. However, unlike the usual "beginner's" boards, the K1 can be kept way after the beginners stages are passed and can be used in recreational course racing and other more advanced sailing activities. It can also be used as a non-serious SUP to paddle around lakes and bays. You could fit 2 or more small kids on it and let 'em paddle around. Depending on their height a cheap single blade canoe paddle will suffice. They'll be laughing their heads off with every stroke.

Where I disagree with Chris249 is in recreational mode the K1 is very capable and fast in stronger winds up to around 20 knots or more if you are game. Sure the formula and short wide boards may have an advantage in these conditions but as a very light wind family all rounder it can't be beat. I use mine without a centreboard when the wind picks up and treat the board as a long Freeride board (c/b fitted is great for additional stability and pointing up higher into the wind).

Where I do agree with Chris249 is that it's not the most portable of boards out there at 3.5 metres but that's why they invented roof racks.

Take up golf - cheaper almost as frustrating and you need less gear - and with any luck the novelty will wear off and you won't spend your entire waking life working out when you'll get your next wind and wave fix -

My names Russ and im a windaholic