I'm 52, about 90 kg, based in Perth's Western Suburbs and am writing to get advice on how to return to wind-surfing after 30 years on the beach. My experience was with longer boards - such as the "Superstar" that was popular in NZ - and I mastered the harness, a few tricks, and pretty much any wind conditions. I never really tried racing or the short-board / water start / wave stuff. The thought is to get a board / rig that I just allow me to get right out on the river as opposed to endlessly struggling with something to advanced. I"m not interested in Stand Up Paddling but if the board itself could be used as a platform for our 10 year old son to much about on when we are down at Freshwater Bay over the summer then that would be great. One option seems to be the Windsurfer LT class which seems to tick a lot of boxes but I'm also interested in the alternative of a board / rig for fast flat sailing off Pelican Point ... but don't know what boards / rigs would suit (and don't want to end up in a situation where I'm reliant on a deep water start which I might not have time to perfect.) It'd be great to get any and all suggestions. Thanks.

Another thing to consider is that you can put a different rig on the LT, for example a smaller and more modern sail for those really windy days when you just want to blast out and back. Your son could also learn to sail with that combination or a smaller rig on the LT.FYI, you can waterstart with the stock rig (or any other) on an LT. No need to worry about hurting your back doing an up-haul start on those 20kn days.

I am biased as I have both wave sailing gear and own an LT, and use the LT as a SUP occasionally. The LT is surprising fun reaching in strong winds.

(48 yo, 89 kg)

An LT or race board (older Mistral equipe,one design are still popping up for sale). LT has a fleet in Perth so there is a group of like minded sailors there already. Seek them out and have a go on one.leave the fast slalom board alone for now and work on the getting back into it so you can choose your second set with more knowledge and experience. Keep on these forums and learn stuff.
Start now! And enjoy the summer like never before

May I make a suggestion -> dont go purchasing-before-trying. Go down to the river say "hi" to a few other sailors ... most will walk you through the types of gear that is now available - some will even let you try out their gear.

You mention Windsurfer LT - that sail is quite hard to water-start vs anything freeride. Modern gear is x10 easier to manage -> there is much less of the endless struggling, than you would have experienced yesteryear, so you might be surprised how fast you can reacquire those old skills [ given that you have good gear choices ]. Meeting others will allow you to progress faster too, by getting a few good tips from other sailors.

As for SUP's... unless you ultimately want to do some club/racing stuff, then SUP-sailing is a good way to get back into the sport -> the wind/sun conditions are well suited to taking your family down to the river. And when the wind doesn't blow, the board can be used to have a fun day in the water.

Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.
Eg something like these:

JP Magic Ride Family. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/magic-ride-family/
or
JP Funster Sport. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/funster-sport/
or
Starboard Go or Go Windsurfer windsurf.star-board.com/products/go/

There are other similar boards eg Goya Surf Trainer, Fanatic Viper 75

However, for your 10 year old to windsurf or even SUP, something around the 110 - 125 lite mark would be much better. A fin in the centre of the board or indeed a centreboard will make learning easier. Bigger boards can't be steered properly with a kids size sail and they just feel too big and heavy and unyielding to kids. You could compromise between both of your needs and get a board around 135 Lites which you should still be able to uphaul, especially if it's a wider shape. That size would allow you to progress and have some fun planing and learn how to carve gybe, if you're interested in that. But then having two boards and both of you being out on the water at the same time is even more fun. You can also tow him behind you on a surfboard.
Don't be afraid of learning to waterstart. With some determination it's not that hard (unless you're trying to learn with the Windsurfer LT sail)

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holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.

Select to expand quote

mathew said..
You mention Windsurfer LT - that sail is quite hard to water-start vs anything freeride. Modern gear is x10 easier to manage -> there is much less of the endless struggling, than you would have experienced yesteryear, so you might be surprised how fast you can reacquire those old skills [ given that you have good gear choices ]. Meeting others will allow you to progress faster too, by getting a few good tips from other sailors.

Thanks. I don't have any great desire to race. That said, I guess that the social aspect has it's appeal, as does being forced to a schedule, after a few very difficult years - not sure about the "community" aspect of free riding. The point that the modern boards and sails will be a lot easier to manage as well as more fun sounds right and isn't something that I'd considered but is important. Food for thought.

Select to expand quote

Squalls said..

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.

mathew said..
You mention Windsurfer LT - that sail is quite hard to water-start vs anything freeride. Modern gear is x10 easier to manage -> there is much less of the endless struggling, than you would have experienced yesteryear, so you might be surprised how fast you can reacquire those old skills [ given that you have good gear choices ]. Meeting others will allow you to progress faster too, by getting a few good tips from other sailors.

Thanks. I don't have any great desire to race. That said, I guess that the social aspect has it's appeal, as does being forced to a schedule, after a few very difficult years - not sure about the "community" aspect of free riding. The point that the modern boards and sails will be a lot easier to manage as well as more fun sounds right and isn't something that I'd considered but is important. Food for thought.

Squalls,

Why not join in for an LT race this Sunday at MBSC.

Starts at 2pm, briefing at around 1pm. All windsurfers welcome, including non LT

beers after at the presentation

You can charter an LT from Mark Taylor, as there is a Charter Windsurfer LT Board available to race, contact Mark @ Surf Sail Australia
9381 1888 to arrange

I would add we would be pleased if you could join us,

Cheers,

Richard.

Select to expand quote

RichardG said..

Squalls said..

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.

mathew said..
You mention Windsurfer LT - that sail is quite hard to water-start vs anything freeride. Modern gear is x10 easier to manage -> there is much less of the endless struggling, than you would have experienced yesteryear, so you might be surprised how fast you can reacquire those old skills [ given that you have good gear choices ]. Meeting others will allow you to progress faster too, by getting a few good tips from other sailors.

Thanks. I don't have any great desire to race. That said, I guess that the social aspect has it's appeal, as does being forced to a schedule, after a few very difficult years - not sure about the "community" aspect of free riding. The point that the modern boards and sails will be a lot easier to manage as well as more fun sounds right and isn't something that I'd considered but is important. Food for thought.

Squalls,

Why not join in for an LT race this Sunday at MBSC.

Starts at 2pm, briefing at around 1pm. All windsurfers welcome, including non LT

beers after at the presentation

You can charter an LT from Mark Taylor, as there is a Charter Windsurfer LT Board available to race, contact Mark @ Surf Sail Australia
9381 1888 to arrange

I would add we would be pleased if you could join us,

Cheers,

Richard.

Boom. Be crazy not to give it a go! Report back.

Select to expand quote

RichardG said..

Squalls said..

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.

mathew said..
You mention Windsurfer LT - that sail is quite hard to water-start vs anything freeride. Modern gear is x10 easier to manage -> there is much less of the endless struggling, than you would have experienced yesteryear, so you might be surprised how fast you can reacquire those old skills [ given that you have good gear choices ]. Meeting others will allow you to progress faster too, by getting a few good tips from other sailors.

Thanks. I don't have any great desire to race. That said, I guess that the social aspect has it's appeal, as does being forced to a schedule, after a few very difficult years - not sure about the "community" aspect of free riding. The point that the modern boards and sails will be a lot easier to manage as well as more fun sounds right and isn't something that I'd considered but is important. Food for thought.

Squalls,

Why not join in for an LT race this Sunday at MBSC.

Starts at 2pm, briefing at around 1pm. All windsurfers welcome, including non LT

beers after at the presentation

You can charter an LT from Mark Taylor, as there is a Charter Windsurfer LT Board available to race, contact Mark @ Surf Sail Australia
9381 1888 to arrange

I would add we would be pleased if you could join us,

Cheers,

Richard.

Good idea and thanks, Richard, for the warm welcome. I was hoping to make it tomorrow but family duties make this impossible so I'll plan a visit for next Sunday (10 Nov)

Select to expand quote

Squalls said..Good idea and thanks, Richard, for the warm welcome. I was hoping to make it tomorrow but family duties make this impossible so I'll plan a visit for next Sunday (10 Nov)

RichardG said..

Squalls said..

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.

mathew said..
You mention Windsurfer LT - that sail is quite hard to water-start vs anything freeride. Modern gear is x10 easier to manage -> there is much less of the endless struggling, than you would have experienced yesteryear, so you might be surprised how fast you can reacquire those old skills [ given that you have good gear choices ]. Meeting others will allow you to progress faster too, by getting a few good tips from other sailors.

Thanks. I don't have any great desire to race. That said, I guess that the social aspect has it's appeal, as does being forced to a schedule, after a few very difficult years - not sure about the "community" aspect of free riding. The point that the modern boards and sails will be a lot easier to manage as well as more fun sounds right and isn't something that I'd considered but is important. Food for thought.

Squalls,

Why not join in for an LT race this Sunday at MBSC.

Starts at 2pm, briefing at around 1pm. All windsurfers welcome, including non LT

beers after at the presentation

You can charter an LT from Mark Taylor, as there is a Charter Windsurfer LT Board available to race, contact Mark @ Surf Sail Australia
9381 1888 to arrange

I would add we would be pleased if you could join us,

Cheers,

Richard.

Good idea and thanks, Richard, for the warm welcome. I was hoping to make it tomorrow but family duties make this impossible so I'll plan a visit for next Sunday (10 Nov)

No problem. It is a good idea you secure your charter board early, so get in touch with Mark ASAP as we are having a photoshoot this Sunday for the Worlds teaser. The famous movie man Matt Holder of Reflex is doing the drone video this Sunday 10 Nov. Keep a look out for further bulletins. We may have a full race and/or we will be holding a very short race start with windward leg and slalom and freestyle demo events. This is your chance to get in the video too. Any LT sailors out there who wish to join in also welcome. The current Lightweight world champion will be there as well as other world champions. Cheers Richard

Select to expand quote

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.
Eg something like these:

JP Magic Ride Family. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/magic-ride-family/
or
JP Funster Sport. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/funster-sport/
or
Starboard Go or Go Windsurfer windsurf.star-board.com/products/go/

There are other similar boards eg Goya Surf Trainer, Fanatic Viper 75

However, for your 10 year old to windsurf or even SUP, something around the 110 - 125 lite mark would be much better. A fin in the centre of the board or indeed a centreboard will make learning easier. Bigger boards can't be steered properly with a kids size sail and they just feel too big and heavy and unyielding to kids. You could compromise between both of your needs and get a board around 135 Lites which you should still be able to uphaul, especially if it's a wider shape. That size would allow you to progress and have some fun planing and learn how to carve gybe, if you're interested in that. But then having two boards and both of you being out on the water at the same time is even more fun. You can also tow him behind you on a surfboard.
Don't be afraid of learning to waterstart. With some determination it's not that hard (unless you're trying to learn with the Windsurfer LT sail)

I'll given the Windsurfer LT a go but I'm thinking that the more modern / freeride option is the right path for me as it's unlikely with current current commitments to the family that I can regularly make a racing time-slot and the ease of use of modern designs is an attraction. I guess the question is whether to punt for a board with a centre board (e.g., funster 160L or goya surf 150 AST) or something without a centre board but still with volume. Any advice?

Select to expand quote

Squalls said..

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.
Eg something like these:

JP Magic Ride Family. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/magic-ride-family/
or
JP Funster Sport. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/funster-sport/
or
Starboard Go or Go Windsurfer windsurf.star-board.com/products/go/

There are other similar boards eg Goya Surf Trainer, Fanatic Viper 75

However, for your 10 year old to windsurf or even SUP, something around the 110 - 125 lite mark would be much better. A fin in the centre of the board or indeed a centreboard will make learning easier. Bigger boards can't be steered properly with a kids size sail and they just feel too big and heavy and unyielding to kids. You could compromise between both of your needs and get a board around 135 Lites which you should still be able to uphaul, especially if it's a wider shape. That size would allow you to progress and have some fun planing and learn how to carve gybe, if you're interested in that. But then having two boards and both of you being out on the water at the same time is even more fun. You can also tow him behind you on a surfboard.
Don't be afraid of learning to waterstart. With some determination it's not that hard (unless you're trying to learn with the Windsurfer LT sail)

I'll given the Windsurfer LT a go but I'm thinking that the more modern / freeride option is the right path for me as it's unlikely with current current commitments to the family that I can regularly make a racing time-slot and the ease of use of modern designs is an attraction. I guess the question is whether to punt for a board with a centre board (e.g., funster 160L or goya surf 150 AST) or something without a centre board but still with volume. Any advice?

I'd go with something that doesn't have a centreboard to be honest. If you're looking for free ride style fun, a centreboard will get old quick once you get your skills back. There are some good free-ride boards in bigger volumes that will give you great planing and easier gybing. I'd look at a JP Magic Ride or a Starboard Carve which I've taught beginners on but also I've screamed around on and had great fun with. There are plenty of options out there. :)

Select to expand quote

Maddlad said..

Squalls said..

holgs said..
Unless you're planning on doing one design racing, I can't see why you would want to buy a LT. I think you'll have more fun on a modern shaped board and especially with a modern sail. Since you already have some skills that should come back to you very quickly, I would look at something around the 145 - 165 Litre mark . The more wind you're going out in and the more time you're going to spend windsurfing, the smaller board you should get.
Eg something like these:

JP Magic Ride Family. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/magic-ride-family/
or
JP Funster Sport. jp-australia.com/p/windsurfing/boards/funster-sport/
or
Starboard Go or Go Windsurfer windsurf.star-board.com/products/go/

There are other similar boards eg Goya Surf Trainer, Fanatic Viper 75

However, for your 10 year old to windsurf or even SUP, something around the 110 - 125 lite mark would be much better. A fin in the centre of the board or indeed a centreboard will make learning easier. Bigger boards can't be steered properly with a kids size sail and they just feel too big and heavy and unyielding to kids. You could compromise between both of your needs and get a board around 135 Lites which you should still be able to uphaul, especially if it's a wider shape. That size would allow you to progress and have some fun planing and learn how to carve gybe, if you're interested in that. But then having two boards and both of you being out on the water at the same time is even more fun. You can also tow him behind you on a surfboard.
Don't be afraid of learning to waterstart. With some determination it's not that hard (unless you're trying to learn with the Windsurfer LT sail)

I'll given the Windsurfer LT a go but I'm thinking that the more modern / freeride option is the right path for me as it's unlikely with current current commitments to the family that I can regularly make a racing time-slot and the ease of use of modern designs is an attraction. I guess the question is whether to punt for a board with a centre board (e.g., funster 160L or goya surf 150 AST) or something without a centre board but still with volume. Any advice?

I'd go with something that doesn't have a centreboard to be honest. If you're looking for free ride style fun, a centreboard will get old quick once you get your skills back. There are some good free-ride boards in bigger volumes that will give you great planing and easier gybing. I'd look at a JP Magic Ride or a Starboard Carve which I've taught beginners on but also I've screamed around on and had great fun with. There are plenty of options out there. :)

Thumbs up for a JP Magic Ride 139 or 149. incredible easy to ride, early planing, stable in water because it is broad, good for jibing... and once you have your skills back, you will still have lots of fun with it as it can remain your Lightwind board.

best regards
mariachi76