I am a relativity new, beginner windsurfer with limited experience. My current board is a Windrush XP which weighs a ton and is extremely hard to maneuver. I am looking at upgrading but i have a small budget. I am looking for a board which i can continue to learn on while having heaps of fun. I also need a rig to go with it. What are my possibilities?

Hello,
wow thats a old board!.
depending upon what stage you are at on the windrush, the next step down would be board without a centreboard, the size of the board ( usually 130-160 litres)would depend on your bodyweight, skill level and how 'keen' you are to progress really fast. All the big manufacturers have boards of this style and you find them secondhand on the seabreeze buy and sell. Ask advice from someone who knows before you make any purchase or you could just blow your loot!.
Sail size again will depend upon your body weight and skill level and the winds you want to sail in. I would definately get a non cambered sail for ease of use initially. aRDM (skinny) mast is worth the purchase as it has many benefits over a fat mast and often the same price.
cheers Damien

Michael, would pay to talk to Al Cook from Planet Surf he sells windsurfing gear and may have some good second hand gear, he would certainly set you in the right direction.
Damo is right talk to someone who knows as there's plenty sh.t gear around at rock bottom prices but not worth buying.
You'll find Al's details and others on the link below

www.windsurfing.org/tas.htm

Also hook up with the Launy guys who sail at Low Head they'll help you get started

Thanks for the replies!

Quick question about the rig, how do I know that when I buy something (mast, mast extension, sail ect.) that it will go together? Can I buy any sail to fit any mast or any mast step to fit any board? What do I have to look out for?

No not all gear will fit together as such.
The mast length is one thing that you have to look for, all modern sails have a ideal mast length printed on the foot of the sail i.e 430 +12 means 430 length mast with 12cm extension.
All modern boards have the same mast track so any base will fit any board.
The older boardmanufacturers (like windrush) used there own individual system, thank god thoise days are gone!.
so just make sure you buy a mast length to fit sail, boom length and suitable length extension.

So do the sails say the mast length on them or the mast and mast extension length on them?