I class 8.5m upwards as big

A big sail only feels big when there's no wind or there's to much wind.

Depends on wind strength and size of the rider.

Performance related to sail size, IMO is sometimes a bit cack handed

I can get mid to high 20's on my 9.5m, yes I can go a hell of a lot faster on my 5.8m, but if the wind isn't there then the 9.5 will destroy the 5.8.

I think the ratio of wind speed vs board speed is also in favor of larger sails and lighter winds.

but then I'm a fat lazy basket so I need the bigger kit

+1 Elmo. A sail feels right and light when chosen for the right range.

In gusty winds though (15-to-22), you can't win - there will always be times when it feels heavy, under- or over.

Was it offshore in Perth to be so gusty ?

+ another for Elmo's comment. I've had my 5.6 feel heavy at times in marginal winds, then gone out on another day when the wind was a consistent 15kts with my 7.5 and it felt light.

When I started w/surfing, the shop that I bought the gear off sold me a 7.5 cammed sail as my first sail (which is also the sail I learned to waterstart with)...so no sail is 'big' imo.

pierrec45 said...


Was it offshore in Perth to be so gusty ?

ha! The river is always gusty, and no more so than with winter fronts. Can be 5 knots - 30 knots and back again in 5 minutes.

I used to think over 5.7m was bit and hated having to use the big heavy 6.6m..now I've got a 100% carbon mast I reckon I could use a 8.5m. The rig is so much lighter!
Agree with everyone else re right sail for wind..That's the bit I find hard..

choco said...

Thats gold mate,

I agree with the clan, I can use a 7 and it feels light in the right conditions

Any sail bigger than my 6.3m Warp for me feels big,heavy and slow in comparison.

I can get nearly as much topend out of my 6.3 as my 5.7,but if i go to 7 or 7.8 i bottom out at around 27/28knots.

I tried the 7m Reflex 3 and feel was similiar to KA race,big,heavy and rigid.Starting to think in my old age i need to use a free ride sail in the bigger sizes.

Other problem i find is my 69cm wide 111 litre Fanatic Falcon sits too low in the water with 7m plus sized sails,especially when sailing out against the swell and chop.With my 6.3m it does the opposite,sitting very high out of the water.

Used the KA 7.1m the previous day for first time,wind was around 10-14 knots. Rigged it with much less downhaul and outhaul on my bigger 75cm wide mini formula board and was surprised i was planing most of the time.Going to keep it for the 10-15 wind range.

Bottom line,if you weigh less than 70kg and wind is 15-22 knots,a 5.5 to 6.5 should be plenty.

Petermac, Maybe a full blown Race sail like the KaRace or Reflex is overkill for you. You are most likely better off trying a Koncept or Overdrive, physically lighter, a bit softer in feel and easier to pump and easier through the transitions.
Just a suggestion.