Are formula boards boards better then the old, long style racing boards ? and are they good for teaching kids???

thanks in advance...

In short- neither are suitable.

Formula boards are better as they are easier to use but they are too fragile to teach people on.

Old race boards are easier for people to go upwind on due to the centreboard but are a bit more tippy and still a bit fragile.

New learner/entry level freeride are fantasitcally easy to use, stable, strong, acceptable upwind and often are covered with nice soft grippy foam.

ahhh ok , thanks for the advice - good to know...

ill look into freerides, good idea .

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mkseven said...

In short- neither are suitable.

Formula boards are better as they are easier to use but they are too fragile to teach people on.

Old race boards are easier for people to go upwind on due to the centreboard but are a bit more tippy and still a bit fragile.

New learner/entry level freeride are fantasitcally easy to use, stable, strong, acceptable upwind and often are covered with nice soft grippy foam.

If it's for a learner the above is true although "learner/entry level" boards are ridiculously heavy slow and useless IMHO

If it's also for yourself formula and raceboards (I have both)will get you out and planning on those bewdiful balmy summer days when every one else is whinging about the lack of wind.
You can pick up an old raceboard (make sure it's a raceboard 3.8m not the shorter Funboard) for around $100, make sure you get the centrboard with it as it's worthless without it
Do a search in buy n sell here and you'll find you can pick up a Formula board for $300 - $500
I was out on mine Yesterday in 5-10kn with a 9m and planning 75% of the time.
Bl**dy cheeep fun I reckon

To get the most out of a formula board you're going to need a 9m sail which means 490 mast and 250 boom with a 65 fin and reasonable deep water.

Whereas with a race board a 7.5m sail, 460 mast, 220 boom is heaps and also great in shallow water with weedy and centre board raked back

And when it comes to teaching the kids on it buy a mast "Deviator" (or glue a few pool noodles round it) and a stick of "Knead it" what have you got to lose

The new wide beginner boards with centreboards combined with purpose built small sails are the best for teaching kids. They will progress more quickly and have more fun.

Most brands have a suitable model. They cost more than old second hand gear but if you have the budget, you will get the value from the investment. If you buy it all new, you will get more than half your money back when you finish with the gear because they are hard to get on the second market.

May be you don't want to spend the money, but if you have several kids to teach, it is a good investment. Go to a shop and have a look.

thanks ducati - good info , and i love the prices of the boards - i can afford that :)

thanks for all the responses very helpful - as i am on a tight budget :)

yeah thanks for the sound advice "tonymatta" - i am considering spending more - as i want my kids , and the nephews to get hooked on the sport - like me, so we can sail together for a long time... would be great fun

hmmmm think i may get a race board, smaller rig and shallow water... can't wait !!!!!

There is a very viable alternative to all of the above.

Sailable SUP

You do have to be a little careful about loosing ground as they arent so good upwind but they are very easy to sail and something you never outgrow cause you can sail it in the surf as well. It also gives the flexibility that if none of you appreciate windsurfing after a year you can still use it as a SUP and will retain it's value pretty well. Just dont get the most lightweight model.

My 9yo son is learning on my SUP and is going well. Just had to put a slightly bigger fin in it to get a bit better upwind.

yeah - i was thinking about those too - as i want to go surfing when there is no wind...

its a nice idea :) could be good for the kids - as i want a high performance sailboard.

James,

I think simon at bc has a secondhand kona that came it 2 weeks ago. Don't know anything more, but it might do the job? Personally, I like the fanatic viper, teaching my wife and 6 yo. Doubt you will find one second hand though.

thanks guys - i will look into those boards :)

sorry mate, Was chatting with simon only today - the kona is gone. My advice - if you see a good learner board secondhand - buy it because it wont be there next time you look.

ok thanks mate - for the heads up, i owe u one :)

i may have to wait a couple of months to save the money - anyway...

so i wanted to start researching now

the fanatic sup board look great!!!!

hmmm the kona board looks nice too - I have never heard of the brand before, until tonight!

Another good one to keep a close eye out for :)

While you are saving up the money, You could think about joining the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club.

We have a Starboard Start and suitable rigs which are available to members. We also have a raceboard and other boards you could try out.

We also have have a very good junior sailing program to teach the kids boat sailing skills and a variety of club boats.

Better than sitting on the beach.

lake cathrabar is to far away from my place at the moment. but its a great idea for when my kids get older - and can handle the journey there...

i love the spot , use to camp there when i was a teenager, had some of my best sail there :)