After nearly a decade of very little windsurfing (due to kite-addiction), I am keen to get back into wavesailing. During this period some advances in equipment have passed me by. In particular, I am not familiar with reduced diameter masts. What do they really offer? Are these suitable/strong enough for wavesailing (e.g. Coronation with a big swell)? How about reduced diameter and/or carbon booms? What advantages do they offer? Any sail recommendations would also be welcome. Given my relatively advanced geriatric state, big wind range and ease/stability are my primary considerations for 17-25+ knots (70 g sailor on 70l Evo board). Thanks for your views/opinions.

If you're starting again, go skinny all the way.

Skinny masts are almost indestructable! Perfect for waves. You don't see many wave sailors using SDM any more.

As for carbon booms, they are a lot more expensive, but are a lot stiffer and don't break nearly as often. The fly in the ointment is that the grip wears out just as quickly as an aluminium boom, so in the end you're left sailing a boom that has dodgy grip for longer.

Now for RDM booms, that's up to you and your grip strength. Some prefer wider, some prefer skinny grip. The general consensus is that skinny = comfy, although I did put another layer of grip on one of my booms to try to stop forearm pump.

Select to expand quote

rscaife said...

After nearly a decade of very little windsurfing (due to kite-addiction)

Welcome back..If you keep going to rehab(Coros) you should be able to kick the habit .Good luck

Go skinnys for sure best thing ever invented.saved me a fortune!!!!

Thanks. New mast (Rdm), boom (carbon), and sails (?) it is then.

Select to expand quote

rscaife said...

Thanks. New mast (Rdm), boom (carbon), and sails (?) it is then.

I will get in early Goya's all the way

Select to expand quote

nebbian said...

If you're starting again, go skinny all the way.

Skinny masts are almost indestructable!

I got 2 sessions out of a s/hand mast in perfect condition before it snapped just above the extension whilst cruising!

Buy new, or from a very reliable source as you want to know the history of the mast.

On a positive note, I think I successfully repaired it by using sections of other broken SDM masts and some epoxy glass! Had a sail yesterday for the 1st time & it held up beutifully!