Hi,

keep a look out for a second hand freeride board around 130 to 150 litres in volume. Models to look for are the Tabou Rockets, Fanatic Shark, JP Australia X-Cite Ride to name three. They are around 2.4 to 2.5m in length and around 70 to 80cm wide. There may be some variability with these figures. They are good boards to get back into it. All the major brands sell their take on this style of board. When I got back into it, I bought a Tabou Rocket 140 and I was amazed at how easy it was to get on the plane and how stable it was. These types of boards are much better to ride when on the plane and they are much easier to get on the plane. Later on you might want to get a smaller board, depending on how windy and how consistent the wind is where you sail. You can keep this bigger board as your lighter wind board.

In regards to rigs look for a free ride rig. All the major brands have them. They are basically flat water sails with six or seven battens and no cams. Look for a rig around 7.5m in size to start with unless its windy where you live. Get a mast that suits and decent boom.

cs66, I was in exactly your position 10 years ago. Whatever you buy, give yourself one priority over everything else - that is to learn to water start. Commit yourself to it, and in about 3 sessions you should have it sorted out. Once you can do that, then you no longer worry about the wind being too strong or falling in. Can't believe I went so long without that skill all those years ago.

Agree with Harrow, water start is the key, I mastered this this season, big winds know bring them on

Thanks Sputnik11, will go with something with a bit more volume to start with I think. The extra 20 kgs I carry are not going anywhere soon :-)

Mate I'm 51, just got back into it jp supersport 136ltr having a ball. I was at Blairgowrie all last week think I saw you out there. New gear is expensive but the advances are amazing over the old stuff we used to ride .ill be down there a bit over the next month. Since there's only 3 of us down there say g'day and I'll give you a shot at the new board

Thanks again guys, 33frupus, thanks for the offer but afraid I was only there for the week that time, but what a great spot!

newoldie said..
Hi cs66, I am in similar to you - trying to get back into it after 20 years. Need a modern board to re-learn gybes and water starts. Sputnik11, you mentioned you might be selling Starboard Futura 121. Maybe it might suit me, if you are still thinking of selling.

The Futura is a freerace board - a detuned slalom board. Sure they are good in the ocean but I think something more bump and Jump might be what you are after. In the starboard range the Kode would be the one. You will also find the size of the 121 too much in 20-25 knots. Look for something 90-95L.

The advice was for newoldie, having read his thread.

Thanks for all your responses, I now have an almost new Starboard Go 151 and can't wait to have a crack at it!

Good news / choice

what sails in how much wind ?? ie conditions u r tryin in ??