I know many sailors are obsessed with getting on a smaller and smaller board and I admit after 4 years of being back into the sport I have dropped down to a 94L Acid from a 131 Carve while weighing 90kgs...HOWEVER, I still ride my 130 Hypersonic more often in the summer during the seabreezes. If I had the cash I would once again love to purchase a larger freeride board (as my old carve was snapped in half), to play around in lighter breezes where it is a little too choppy for the Hypersonic, and not windy enough for the Acid.

My point is... I don't think the larger board is a waste of money and time if you want to max your "time on the water." Yes you'll later purchases a smaller board but I don't think the bigger one will become obsolete, unless you're one of those sailors who won't go out unless it is howling. Which is a little sad unless you live in Maui.

If there is a great deal on both boards then I suggest go the 130. A fraction big for your progression but I think you'll always use it.

Well tomorrow is my first day on the new 130L funride - I'll let you know what I think of it from a "first short board" perspective.

I have not had any lessons, but go out with a more experienced sailer, and I have been watching videos, liking this one: Beginner to Winner; http://tiny.cc/4x79v . Also I have been watching Windsurfing FUNdamentals, personally I prefer Beginner to Winner myself.

re: sboardcrazy: The temperature is not too bad now, its 20C outside, and got a barbeque to look forward to when we get back in :D

haha, nah, this is summer here
But I tried out my new funride 130, and its gooood, I think its too good for me right now, but am glad I got it, so when am ready, its there :)

Just got into the harness, and foot straps while planning, on my Fanatic Viper 180 / Neil Pryde Excess 5.9 .. and jesus, that was FAST ! never been THAT fast, not even on a snowboard. Mate and me, are progressing at the same speed, level; so its great that we both get super excited when we both manage a new level !

Tried the funride after that which an exhausted body, and just could not get it onto a plane :( Any tips ? - have tried pumping the sail, pushing forward with my feet etc

Paul

KenHo said...
Weirdly, new gear is always hard to get going at first, when you are relaitvely inexperienced.
The new board excitement has often been tempered by a WTF ???
Thats the stage Im at with my 95ltre especially with the lack of consistent wind we've had,...The last 2 goes I've had on it have consisted of one run with an underpowered wobbly gybe & sploosh & then sitting in icey water waiting for enough wind to waterstart ( WTF have I done time..). I then grab the big cushy uphaulable board & go out for the rest of the session..Summer will change things..
Re being exhausted before you try the new board.. been there done that..I don't know about you but I hang off / sail like a sack of spuds when Im tired..not a good recipe for success.Probably be best to have a go on the new one first next time if the wind permits..