Wow, a 3.2m waveboard? I don't think it sounds very good for a beginner. You want something at least 80cm wide to make it stable enough that you can learn sail control and steering without focussing so much on balance. I'm guessing something labelled a waveboard would be designed more for maneuverability and be too narrow and tippy.

Hi,

my wife started windsurfing last summer. Have a read of this story I wrote that covers our experiences. The RRD Easyrider is an excellent board to learn to ride on and is quite a fun board to play around with on lighter days.

http://www.ozwindsurf.com.au/index.php?curPage=pages.articles.issue_9.all_aboard

We saw a fellow sailing on Narrabeen Lake on Saturday on a Mistray Prodigy. It looks similar to the Easyrider. Starboard Go's are popular but are bit smaller. The Starboard Start is a similar size to the Easyrider and Prodigy. Another option is to get an original windsurfer. They are narrower but heaps of people learned on them back in the day coz that was the only board around.

Oranjeboom, sometimes it's worth taking some more lessons and then you get to use state of the art learning equipment. This will get you started faster than anything. After a few lessons you might be able to look at buying a board that will provide a little more "growth". For instance, a Starboard Start is a great learning board but won't take you very far past the learning stage, whereas a little time on a Start and then buying a Starboard Go will keep you happy longer. Other brands have same sorts of options. The great thing about beginner and early intermediate boards is they have excellent resale - you may outlay more than a 3.2 Mtr EPOXY board but you'll be able to sell it quickly at a small loss whereas you'll be lucky to find anyone to buy a 3.2 Mtr EPXOY Hope that helps.

Thanks for all your tips/suggestions. Will let you know how I get on - sail clear of that fool with the L-plates!