Apologies this is a general question - I'm looking to put together a relatively modern beginner setup. Last summer I used a 1980s vintage board which was rideable but very heavy and slow :)

I'll be riding around Barwon Heads (river/open ocean options) and probably in the bay around Geelong/Pt Henry.

I've seen some second hand boards which looked promising (eg a Naish GT Sport 150L) until I realised they lacked daggerboards. Wondering what sort of features I need in a beginner board as this seems most critical.

Any suggestions on where to look for gear? Are there any suppliers in Geelong worth talking to or do I need to head somewhere in Melbourne?

Hello, Bagusbh,

The only shop left in Melbourne is SHQ, located in Sandringham. They currently offer this package: www.shq.com.au/products/premium-progression-windsurf-package-with-goya-or-neilpryde-rig?_pos=1&_sid=cc8af2895&_ss=r, but they can vary the board/sail according to your ability.

As a learner, you might go for a board of about 150L with a daggerboard (as you have suggested). You could use a 4.5 or 5.0 square metre sail, which is relatively light and easy to uphaul.

They offer second hand gear, but you'd need to know exactly what you wanted in a board, as it might not be available when you go to buy. Sails are different as there are usually plenty of 2nd-hand wave sails available.

Suggest that you study their complete package to see what else you need (most people think in terms of board and sail and forget about mast, boom, mast extension, mast base, uphaul, car racks etc.

Suggest that you contact them by phone to discuss.

Hope this helps.

Do you mean like this beginner setup in Barwon Heads?

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Windsurfing-Boards/~4ns4h/JP-Australia-Funster-258-cm-145-litres.aspx?_page=1&search=EjQ0DoWvNYj5oA28bIuUaA%3D%3D