Hi, I normally just read these forums for tips from some of the awesome guys I see out sailing, but today I need to ask a question.

I've been sailing for a few years now (8) but on a big fun board, probably 250 litres. I go out in all the big winds, harness, straps, I have a 6.5 2-cam and 5.6 wave sail so I mostly use the wave sail when it's big. I like to go long and fast (no pun intended), like from Beaumaris (where I live) to Chelsea and even Bonbeach a few times. But the problem is I don't like to waterstart. I have a huge fear of sharks and even doing this sport feels extreme to me, which I love by the way!

So the question is I can get a 130 X-cite by JP, people say you can uphaul on it, but realistically on a 20+ day on the bay, is it still possible? I could waterstart if I had to as I've practised, but I'd rather not as I can still uphaul. I'm happy with flying for 15-20 mins, turning around with a tack or even a fast tack if I'm feeling lucky, then going back and doing it all over again.

Will this board do it for me and give me a better experience overall, particularly with the cammed sail? I weigh 75kg and my rig is the premium aluminium stuff (boom, mast base) with 60% carbon mast.


Thanks in advance,

Perry.

You sail a lot differently that most. I had that style when I was a beginner; sailing in 1-40 knots on a 150L board and a 5.2 sail. Most people laughed at that, but when that's all you have and the body is up to it, you do it (maybe only a few runs at 40 knots !). Anyway, I reckon you'll have to ask people that sail like you do. I doubt most people on here could honestly recommend you a board, since they are not in your shoes (booties) so to speak. I'm approximately your weight, and my biggest board is 109L which I use for slugging around on. My "bread n butter" board is 85L and 25+knots is a 69L board.

I've got a JP Xcite 110 litre 2009 model and I love it. Good for cruising or pushing to its limits. Use sails from 5.3 to 7M. I am 70 kgs and uphaul if required without problems. I can also uphaul my 90 L slalom if needed at a pinch. But you really need to look at learning to waterstart......... But you've probably been told that already.
So with a 130 litre Xcite, you'll have no problems at 75 kgs.
Go for it!
Cheers and enjoy.

130 litres should be fine. I weigh 75ks and have no problem with a 114l exocet with a 7m sail. At a pinch I've up-hauled a 90 l with a 6m sail but I don't enjoy it and only when I get caught with not enough wind. In 20 knot winds, it is easier to water-start than to up-haul.

Cool, thanks for the reassurance(s). I'll go for this board, I do have a smaller, much smaller board (78 wave board) so that's the dream one day, that I can get over the fear and ride it for a long distance!

Thanks guys, see you out there.

PerryFarrell said..

Hi, I normally just read these forums for tips from some of the awesome guys I see out sailing, but today I need to ask a question.

I've been sailing for a few years now (8) but on a big fun board, probably 250 litres. I go out in all the big winds, harness, straps, I have a 6.5 2-cam and 5.6 wave sail so I mostly use the wave sail when it's big. I like to go long and fast (no pun intended), like from Beaumaris (where I live) to Chelsea and even Bonbeach a few times. But the problem is I don't like to waterstart. I have a huge fear of sharks and even doing this sport feels extreme to me, which I love by the way!

I am surprised you manage to uphaul in the bay in strong conditions. I have a 125 L board and I can barely uphaul it even in light conditions due to the chop. Windsurfing in the bay in strong conditions without waterstarting sounds almost impossible to me.

Hi Perry

Come over to FIJI and i'll master your Waterstarts in lovely clear warm water - easy! Spend a week here, lessons every day if you wish and we will get you well over that hurdle!

We also have the entire range of Excite range boards, so you can start at the 160, move your way to the 145, then 130 and 120 and in no time i'll have you screaming on a 110 Xcite ride.

PM or email me warren safarilodge com fj for more information.

Rgds

Warren

evlPanda said..

Has a windsurfer ever been munched by a shark?

I think a South Australian windsurfer went missing in the 90s, never to be seen again and the most likely reason his body was never found was because of a shark attack, or perhaps his gear washed up and there was evidence of a shark attack. I'm not sure but I remember reading about it.

evlPanda said..

Has a windsurfer ever been munched by a shark?

Haven't you seen Windrider?

evlPanda said..

Has a windsurfer ever been munched by a shark?

If memory services correct a German guy mid 90's went missing suspected munched think off Geralton or Lancelin.

There was a tiny attack here couple of years ago, bullshark went for the board in waist deep water.



aaaargh !!! I can't believe I contributed to a shark thread !!!

I'll bite So your theory is the shark won't bite you when you are underway but will find you when you stop sailing and fall in the water, what if.... while you are fooling around trying to uphaul in a precarious position, and a shark comes up and bites your board or knocks into it?
Actually I'm surprised sharks don't try to bite at a windsurfing board as it speeds by like a fish following a lure.
I've heard anecdotally that sharks are attracted to divers using diver propulsion vehicles for this reason.

BTW - with the latest replies, Perry is now thinking of getting a 300ltr board

Why don't you just ask Jane and do whatever
Jane Says

Beaglebuddy said..
Actually I'm surprised sharks don't try to bite at a windsurfing board as it speeds by like a fish following a lure.

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Shark-attack-at-Gnaraloo/?page=1