I've been overhauling an old rig for a few months and managed to teach myself to steer but turning the wind surfer around is still beyond my control I realy enjoy the sport and would like any advice on lessons or buying gear would be greatly appreciated. As I live between brisbane and the gold coast I'm thinking about a JPAustralia Funster 180 and lessons with Kirk from FX windsurfers gold coast Cheers Overhauler

Lessons are good but time on the water is what really matters, watch other guys a lot and you will learn. Kirt will definately show you the basics then its up to you. You must have the righ6t gear to progress, you cannot run before you can walk in this sport. Always welcome on the Gold Coast good bunch of lads....regards sonic

Go and see the guys at Surf FX Southport. Really good to deal with and i would recommend a Fun Ride more than a Funster. In fact my old (2011 model) Fun ride is there and would be well priced. It's 130 litres and will get you to the hooked into the harness and in the footstraps planing stage before you would need to get another board. Do a lesson on a bigger board with someone then jump on the smaller one and persevere you will be glad in the long run. In saying that it depends on what you weigh. I weigh 67 kg and did my lesson on the instructors 180 Funster then bought the 130 Fun ride. Really good board to learn on but like i say it depends on your weight but Michael or Ian at the shop will set you up with the right size. I recon the 130 would be ok up to about 80 kg or so but they will tell you for sure. Good luck hope to see you at Shearwater soon

Hi Overhauler.

I agree with qldnacra.

If you don't weigh much more than 80kg, then a funride with a nose protector will see you from biginner to intermediate. You might grow out of the funster quite quickly.

For very big heavy guys, the funster can be a better option as it quite stable and robust

kirk is great - I see him getting people going really quickly - get a funster - they perfect to get started & hold their value well - when you are ready to change board - change! they are such durable stable boards you can hardly ever damage em & the shops will trade them on anything as they are very saleable 2nd hand

Great advice from all, I think it is very important to get the lessons they are really valuable in seting the basics up for a lifetime of fun on the water. There are more links and resources on the Windsurfing Queensland site if you need them but it sounds like you are on the right track.

www.windsurfingqld.com/links/australian-windsurfing-sites.aspx will take you to the links pages.

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overhauler said...

I've been overhauling an old rig for a few months and managed to teach myself to steer but turning the wind surfer around is still beyond my control I realy enjoy the sport and would like any advice on lessons or buying gear would be greatly appreciated. As I live between brisbane and the gold coast I'm thinking about a JPAustralia Funster 180 and lessons with Kirk from FX windsurfers gold coast Cheers Overhauler

Hey I can help you with a lesson, I taught qldnacra... and you don't want to know how addicted he is... ha ha ha

But yeah, old gear is not such a good idea to be honest, what takes few months to learn on old stuff coud take few days on a shorter wider board. I agree with qldnacra and hairct.

Good luck! :)

Glad you posted that MrSpaggiari. I wanted to put a recommendation in but with what's happened recently i might be accused of being biased or discriminate. Yes Nick taught me. I did one lesson and got the essential basics down. He did a good job. He didn't try and get me back 6 or 8 times although i'm sure he would be fine with that if that's what someone requires or wants. He is a really good guy. The mongrel has a lot to answer for because yes i'm very obsessed and i have been known to be quite partial to spending a dollar or 2 on gear.

Hi overhauler, WELCOME to Windsurfing!!!
Sometimes I go out with a beginner as well (Tomster) and he is at the exact stage you described.
It is helpful that there is someone who points out what to improve. Go windsurfing as often as possible. Even if there is minimal wind, take a sail to get a feeling for the board and esp. to learn how to turn a board.

hi overhauler, i too am new to the sport and was lucky enuff to take a couple of lessons with nic spaggiari a few months ago. he had me up an goin and tacking back in under 2 hrs.leading me to lash out on a 138l xantos f2 and 6m sail.It floats my 75kg well and allows me too fumble thru low wind rolling swell tacks and uphauls and i have seen its potential in a few 20knt bursts [usually followed by a faceplant] im glad i spent the money on the gear and the lessons. plus it makes you more committed to keep going after a sucky frustrating session.......

this season is only my second, plus a month or so in the previous season.
I've done a few lessons, maybe 4 or 5.
I think i did 2 then went and practised, then had a few questions so went for another. I started on 160l funster and found i was looking for a new board pretty much straight away, but i had a lot of fun on it too.
I ended up moving straight into a 112l jp freestyle wave and by the end of last season was hammering along on the plain, water starting, getting some air, but still not able to gybe, and falling off a lot.

Without doubt the 160 funster is a solid board, almost indestructible, and real easy to on sell, or for family/friends when they want to try windsurfing.

Can't wait to get out there again this summer, lets hope there's some good wind about.

thanks qldnacra :) lol

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togalog said...

hi overhauler, i too am new to the sport and was lucky enuff to take a couple of lessons with nic spaggiari a few months ago. he had me up an goin and tacking back in under 2 hrs.leading me to lash out on a 138l xantos f2 and 6m sail.It floats my 75kg well and allows me too fumble thru low wind rolling swell tacks and uphauls and i have seen its potential in a few 20knt bursts [usually followed by a faceplant] im glad i spent the money on the gear and the lessons. plus it makes you more committed to keep going after a sucky frustrating session.......

:O oy togalog :) faceplants are good, you can cover them up as a freestyle trick.

what the guys are saying about windsurfing addiction ? Very true.......

I started last year and I did big progresses this season for two major reasons:
1) I am watching a lot of video, bought the Windsurf bible and reading, reading, reading
2) I am practicing even in the non windy week-ends, so I am in the water at least once a week
I believe that I got some advantages by buying a new sail (Ezzy) and a new board (JP 145L) but again, the main difference is how much you practice.
Also, I would suggest, every time you go out in the water, push yourself a little bit further ...
I personally wish I could get lessons.

Thank you all for your replies I am taking your good advise on board and after some lessons I'll be in a better position to decide Thanks again Cheers overhauler Ps spotted a bargain on a 190 ltr fanatic board but it is a bit longer than other new boards would this be a disadvantage