Hi, I am keen to get into windsurfing and would like some advice on a good second hand set up to get, (i'm a 15 1/2 yea old weighing 85kg). However i'm on a bit of a budget :/ with around $700-800 being it upper limit, I have looked at the second hand boards here that are 120L+ and they are all quite expensive and it just the board as well. My father did suggest that we could make a board (he's had some experience making sailing dinghies), does anyone know where I could buy some plans for a 120L+ board around 240cm long? Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks!

Yes. This is an expensive sport. :)
$700-800 for the whole setup, isn't it? Have you tried websites like gumtree or ebay? You may get something cheap there.

But are you sure you need 120L+ board? Usually when people start learning this sport, they use bigger and higher volume board (with daggerboard)

or you may go to have lesson with Board Crazy, and Simon may give you some advice on what boards suits you.


**just found a new economical rig but not sure if that is ok for you:

http://www.surfconnect.com/windsurfing/rigs/rig-nova#product-collateral

Yip if your in brisbane pop into boardcrazy and get a lesson mate. Simon will get u started and will be able to steer u in the right direction/offer advice in terms of gear etc... welcome to the best sport in the world

Ok thanks, i'll go and check him out.

Hi LeoC, welcome to the sport. I hope you get a lifetime of enjoyment out of it.

Great advice re lessons, there is no better way to get started.

It sounds like you have some sailing background if your Dad has built dingies before so hopefully you will pick it up easily. Once you've got some kit (really advisable to get advice here as the wrong kit will really hamper your learning curve) then find out where others are sailing and don't be afraid to ask advice. Most sailors are more than willing to help you set your kit up and give friendly advice on technique.

All the best with it all.

Just the materials would cost more than moderately old second hand gear.

If I still had my old Tyronsea 330 I'd give it to you. That was good for the initial learning - sail handling, water starting, planing.
It was cheap, indestructible and stable. I think it was about 70 wide.

Make sure you buy the right board that suits your weight and your skill level. Otherwise you'll keep falling off the board and lose interest.

If you are located at Gold Coast, Gold Coast Windsurf has windsurfing lessons(I don't know the price for a lesson).
If you are at Sunshine Coast, you may try Golden Beach Hire.
Broad Crazy and Golden Beach Hire are pretty cheap -- I remember around $50-60

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LeoC said..

Is this the type of board your talking about? http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ormeau/surfing/windsurfing-board/1035743438

Yes. Mine was a 330 and that's a 350 but it's almost identical.
The fin box is a standard US or E box so fins are easy to find. I think you need a special uni to clip into that mast foot.
You could do the ring around - SurfFX at the Goldie, Board Crazy (Simon) at the Gabba, You could try Goodtime at the Gabba, Dieter at Sunshine Coast Sailboards. Those guys always have some odd bits and pieces lying around in boxes.

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LeoC said..

Is this the type of board your talking about? http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ormeau/surfing/windsurfing-board/1035743438

Hey mate, don't buy anything like that. These are effectively throw away boards these days. Guys are happy to give them away, because compared to modern gear they are much harder to learn on. Before you do anything go and talk to simon at BoardCrazy (deshon street, Woolloongabba) his lessons are only $50 for 2 hrs I think and he provides everything. (assuming you are in Brisbane)

Leo,

Lessons with Simon at BoardCrazy is an excellent start.

RQYS may be another alternative. Cameron Whitford (Seabreeze nickname: "cammd") was, earlier in the season, talking about setting up a sailboarding school at RQYS using the clubs Bic Technos. I'm not sure how far he progressed with the idea. You could send him a private message via Seabreeze to find out. The club has great facilities and discounted membership fees for juniors. The Bic is a good board to learn on.

LeoC I know of a complete Bic techno T293OD set up for sale in Brisbane pretty close to your budget, that board will allow you to learn and progress up to an advanced level it is has a wind range of 3 -25knots and is also suitable for one design racing which is a bonus as racing will improve your skills much faster and get you sailing regularly with people your own age.

+1 for the lesson from Simon.

That Bic kit may be a good deal. When you add up all the individual components you need ultra cheap everything to meet that budget. Even if you get a cheap old Tyronsea (which I maintain is an adequate beginner board) you still need a sail (or 2) a mast, boom, uni, extension and fin. And then a harness and harness lines.

You need a smallish sail to start with and the Bic package may not include one.

Red thumbs don't make an argument

Hey Leoc,

Best advice is given above, get lessons before buying a board and rig. Where in Brisbane are you based as you may be able to organise a meet and greet with fellow windsurfers, different areas are best suited to different boards.

Go and introduce yourself to other windsurfers they will let you know what works and what doesn't for your area.

Have fun and don't give up, someone is always close by to help when you need it.

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NotWal said..

+1 for the lesson from Simon.

That Bic kit may be a good deal. When you add up all the individual components you need ultra cheap everything to meet that budget. Even if you get a cheap old Tyronsea (which I maintain is an adequate beginner board) you still need a sail (or 2) a mast, boom, uni, extension and fin. And then a harness and harness lines.

You need a smallish sail to start with and the Bic package may not include one.

I'd agree that a cheap old Tyronsea is adequate to learn on, as long as you are committed.

Many of us sailing today learnt on gear like this and worse, and we are still around now. Newer gear will be easier to begin with, and likely to last you longer through your progression if you get the right thing. But everyone has a budget, so buy the best you can within that and get on the water, and keep at it.