keen to start windsurfing.going to do a few lessons until I get the basics.then buy a secondhand rig.i weigh 100kg looking at jp explorer starboard rio starboard go or the bic 293 techno board.which would be best suited for me in 10 to 18 knot winds going to practice down Goolwa lake or Aldinga beach were I live or boogy lake. which size sail would be best and weres the best place to get a second hand rig in .sa. thanks

Hi,

For Lessons, try Matt at Windsup.com.au.

The Buy on Sell section on here is a good place to look for second hand gear or maybe try Onboard at Glenelg or the Strath Windsurfing shop.

I cant answer about the best board cause im a light weight but im sure someone else will steer you in the right direction.

Good luck, its a Great Sport

ye going to learn with matt.cheers

come on any tips.please

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kdalton said..

K, you need to talk to somebody your weight for the best equipment tips. I'll PM you a few people I know that will answer your questions. As a rough guess: 140-200L - keeping in mind your are intermediate and you are not efficient yet (over time, you're efficiency will improve and can use smaller gear) and I don't know your ability. With fresh water your board needs a bit more volume. If you're balance is good and you are a natural, you will be able to get away with a 140-160L board, maybe less (which you can still probably - I'm guessing - uphaul on this size with a big heavy sail on it), if you're balance isn't too good, then you'll probably need a 180-200L board. With 2nd hand gear, don't be too fussy with exact volume. The larger boards hold their value well, so there are easy to sell, if/when you go to a smaller size. Hope that helps.

I'll probably be sailing boggy or hindmarsh when it's windy again (when ever that is). PM me when you have your gear sorted out, and I'll meet you down there.

J

PS/ Before you buy any gear, do a few lessons with Matt and take if from there.

thanks for your advice jn1.do many people sail down hindmarsh very often.were about down Goolwa lake or hindmarsh island.thanks

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kdalton said..
thanks for your advice jn1.do many people sail down hindmarsh very often.were about down Goolwa lake or hindmarsh island.thanks

In winter time, I'm normally the only sailor there. Most fresh/flat water sailors all go to Boggy. In summer time, I couldn't tell you, as I switch back to ocean.

Goolwa lake and Hindmarsh Island are referring to the same place. Other names this place go by is Rankines and Aqua Cafe depending on where you rig.

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kdalton said...
do many people sail down hindmarsh very often.

There were 3 out on the water last Monday in the NW wind. That seems to be the max these days ... 10-15 yrs ago there would be 20+ people on the water on the windy days! Unless you live nearby, most would drive to Boggy for more reliable and less protected wind. However the waist deep water at Hindmarsh Island/Goolwa would be my preference to learn.

Boggy is the best place to learn and advance around Adelaide. When learning you have to make compromises the bigger the board the easier it is to learn and advance but the quicker you might want to move on to something smaller. Being 100kg you will need a bit of volume or you will get frustrated very quickly.

OK my 2c worth.
Winter is not a good time to start learning. You will spend a lot of time in the water and being cold is not enjoyable, although now is a good time to get some gear together.
Depending on your budget you can either buy a complete board, sail, mast, boom package or hunt around and pick up individual items. Adelaide is not a very big market, if buying second hand, find some one that can look at the gear with you and give advice. Do not buy super old gear. The latest model of everything you can afford is best. You appear to have researched the type of board that would suit you, which is a start.
There is this board on the SA Buy and & Sell page : For Sale in Windsurfing - Boards $1,350 2013 JP Australia Fun Ride - 145 litres
Sail size to begin with, would depend on your fitness and ability to grasp the concept of windsurfing. A small size to begin with, then a larger one to suit your board once you have grasp the basics. ( Anywhere between 4.5m and 6.5m ).
Do not get a modern Cam sail, although the older style one's are ok as they have small mast pocket's. My personal view is that wave sails are good to learn on as they are very tough and forgiving. ( I have two old wave sails 4.7 and 5.4 and a 6.5m 3 Cam going cheap which I hope to put on Buy and sell shortly )
The next time there is some wind go for a trip to Boggy Lake and call into Strath Windsurf Shop on the way and have a chat with Gareth. Boggy would be one of the best places to learn. If down at Goolwa, there are a couple of regulars that sail on the lake, have a chat with them. You will find the windsurfing community a friendly bunch.

Woops, started to reply then got distracted. Buy the time I got back to post the other posters had basically said the same

I learned in winter. Didn't sail in summer until 4 years in...

thanks for your advice guys.might go for a drive up boggy on a weekend when theres a bit of wind.and drop in at strath windsurfing shop. cheers

Hey mate, from someone only a couple of years into windsurfing I can give you a couple of reasonably fresh tips.

- Sail whenever you can. Any skills fitness you pick in winter will let you enjoy summer sea breezes even more.
- Board, grab a nice big freeride board around the 150lt mark. I weigh about 93ish and have a Patrik 145lt for light days and other days when the wind is inconsistant. I can always sail home and uphaul on this board if the wind drops out. Plus it is so easy to sail and great for learning how to use harness lines and footstraps etc
- Sail, for the wind strength you mentioned prob about a 6.5 - 7m no-cam but you will need smaller once the wind picks up. There are usually good quality 2nd hand sails available on SB.
- Spend a few dollars on good quality(new) base, extension, mast and boom. If you like the sport you will have good terminal gear that you can have good confidence that it won't break. If not you can sell it off for not much of a loss.
- LEARN TO WATERSTART ASAP

Have fun

25 Years ago I reckon there would be 40 at Goolwa boat ramp and at the barrage on a good day.......ah yes those were the good old days.