I am looking to get back into windsurfing after 25 years, my first board was the original windsurfer with a laminated teak wish bone, yes, that's how old I am now. I grew up sailing and surfing Sydney's beautiful north shore and still sail 4/5 days a week as I am a coach and instructor.

I have given up racing small boats and often wondering if I could still windsurf after so many years. If so,,,, what type of board and rig do you think I need for fast flat water?
I'm now 48 years old, 1855 tall and weigh 92 kg's, I would very much appreciate any advice to help guide me in the right direction as to what board and rig would be best suited. Thinking something a few years old for the first one.

^Head to your local shop, because we are just too busy on here to help??..
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You mentioned your first setup, what was your last board and sail? And what skill level did you end up reaching before you gave it away? planing? gybes? tacks?.. Keep the info coming.. Welcome back!

Yeh, thanks Barn.. the last board was a Tyronsea not sure of the spelling so long ago now.... It was supposed to be a bit of an "all rounder", some waves and speed. I found it quick in a straight reaching line but a dog to gybe. Never really mastered it on that board.

Welcome back Hank,

I was in same boat 2 seasons ago - same weight + few kegs. Sailed a windsurfer as a young bloke. Never used harness or footstraps before.

I lashed out and bought a JP Xcite Ride 130 ltr. Enough float that you can uphaul (will be shaky but persist). Bought 2 sails - around 7 and 6 metre and never looked back.

I reckon a board about 130 litres is a good starting point. You can stand on it without sinking, uphaul it and still ride it in 25 knots.

You will want to go down in size eventually but keep this size board as it will become your light wind option

Some boards I reckon worth looking for as a good starting point would be;
JP - EXCITE RIDE
TABOU- ROCKET
FANATIC - SHARK
STARBOARD - FUTURA

There are other brands and models but think of these as your Holden Commodores or Ford Falcons - you dont want a Maserati as your first car ;) OK you do but you know it will end in tears :)

You wont look back trust me. Good Luck.

keef said...

Hanko said...

I'm now 48 years old, 1855 tall

1855 tall thats not old, if you were 6ft 1" thats old
hanko if you want to improve real fast get your self a GPS and join the act gustbusters and take a trip south now and then, really flat water water at illawarra, you get to sail a southerly before dark and the n/easters are 5knts stronger than up your way

Yep, go with Keef, see how long it takes you to get 30kn,
And 48 is only a youngster, (about the average age of this forum's users), my wife didn't start windsurfing until she was 50, that was 17 years ago.

Have a look in the NSW section -the Wind Surf n Snow / JP are doing demo days in a few weeks. This could be an ideal opportunity to try a range of gear and tempt yourself with some new stuff!