I was wondering if anyone has advice about windsurfing equipment - I'm 5'1" and weigh 107 lbs (48 kg), I'm at a beginner/intermediate level but I learn quickly, and I want to buy my own windsurfer. There are a ton of different brands and styles out there, I'm looking for something versatile that I can advance with and that can handle waves as well as a flat surface (does such a thing exist? Not sure about the difference between freeride vs. freestyle vs. freewave... advice?). I live in San Diego, wind conditions are usually mild (under 15 mph) but I'm willing to drive to windier sites nearby. Also on a bit of a budget, would like to spend under 2k for the whole setup if possible, but all advice is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Thanks! I picked up a 2014 Fanatic Gecko 98 HRS. Are all sailing rigs compatible as long as they're in the right size dimensions, or do different masts connect differently?

How do you all feel about complete rig packages? Such as the Chinook Powerglide 4.7 or 5.5, or the Severne Synergy 4.8? Waste of money? I can't find any carbon mast rig packages either... and what's a Cam? :x

essence said..

Thanks! I picked up a 2014 Fanatic Gecko 98 HRS. Are all sailing rigs compatible as long as they're in the right size dimensions, or do different masts connect differently?

See the RDM/SDM Masts thread, if you haven't done so already, RDM's require skinny mast bases and boom heads that clamp small enough for them and the SDM's require mast bases and booms that fit them. That's really the only main thing that you have to watch out for. The only other thing that I can think of is the universal, if a Euro pin type, then the mast base has to match, or US cup type with mast base to match, see www.windance.com/Windsurf-Bases-%26-Extensions/ for pics, also a good place to buy, they have used stuff also.

Sorry about being in San Diego, I was born there, great place to live but the wind sucks. The better you get, the farther you will have to go to find the wind that you will want/need, there really isn't any much better place that I can think of that's near by (near being w/in 150 miles).

I'd take up kiting. It's way more sic, and if your into hang-gliding then you will pick it up heaps easy.

Extreme!!!

My advise to anyone living in San Diego would be to take up kiting instead.
Even at 107 lbs most of the time there won't be enough wind to windsurf.
From what I understand the only consistent windsurfing scene in San Diego is a few formula sailors, not a good sign.

Get a board around 145 liters, better equipped with daggerboard... I weight 60kg and have a 165 liters, I have been windsurfing for 5 months and able to plan..I get a daggerboard because the wind conditions at my area is quite large, like today, have 13-20 knots of wind, but can suddenly drops to 5 knots after raining...daggerboard will save you... This board will vet you in the water for most of the time and still enjoy planing at strong wind..

My board is jp explorer, but you can get a startboard Rio, viper, and f2 discovery...these are called soft top and excellent choice for your level..

And sometimes you are tired and just want cruising around...


For mast, if u are after sail larger than 6 meters, get a light weight mast...it is more expensive, but you will pay off....get the mast recommended by the sail makers....

For sail, get a freeride light weight easy to control sail... You are get a 5.5 to 6.5 to start with...I know many girls holding a 6.5 sail without dramas after windsurfing for 5 months....for the mast, get a 430 that will fit the 6.5 and 5.5, then you can save up for a seperate mast. Forget about the sdm/rdm mast, get one recommended by your sail makers if you don't want things to go wrong....each sail normally design sail upon a particular mast...

If uphauling is an issue, make an easy upaul yourself...hook it to your harness..that's why get a light weight sail and mast...

I start from 4.7, but I have a big jump to handle 6 and 6.5 without dramas...I only need few days to get used to it...so, don't get too small sail...don't get a cam sail...I have tried a 6.5 cam sail...it is fast, but you won't last for a day..it is quite heavy


Read this, you should follow the following advice regarding board
http://boards.mpora.com/equipment-tests/tested-equipment/group-test/soft-tops-freerides-jan-2009.html