if it's not too sensitive a question, we'll probably need to know roughly what you weigh to recommend the board sizes. and when you say performance, are you more into flat water or wave sailing?

one thing; even formula kit is pressed to sail 5-10knots; you're unlikely to plane. but if you're super-keen to sail anyway, it's a good time to practice your transitions and freestyle in the light conditions.

The other issue is what gear do you have?

My sailing has changed heaps since I decided to err towards being underpowered rather than overpowered. Standing luffed up with too big a sail in a gust is a waste of time. But practicing non planing moves with a nice light sail in the lulls is invaluable.

I love a 4.2 sail on a 78l fsw board in 25 to 35 knots. Sadly don't get much surf conditions where I am but plenty of rough water. I sail a 66l wave board when the chop gets too tight for the fsw or the average wind speed pushes past 30 knots.

Reckon I'd be 75kg in harness and wetsuit.

Well 83 after last nights curry and beer, but hey..
I'm 80kg & thats what I sail.

sboardcrazy said...

Zed said...

5-10kts sail and board size???biggest available
10-15kts sail and board size??? biggest available


15-20kts sail and board size??? 5.7 85-90l
20-25kts sail and board size??? 5 80l
25-30kts sail and board size??? 4.5 70l
35kts+ sail and board size??? 4.0 70l

I'm 80kg & thats what I sail.

You must get nice consistent wind.The problem over here this year has been its been so gusty that if you used a board that small you'd be worn out trying to keep upright & keep it going with the lulls.. I havent used my 86ltre waveboard for...? using the big floaty..( board that is)
Not looking forward to winter when it will be going from 5 kts to 25-30kts & big chop..do you use the big board to keep going & die in the chop or the little one & end up lying in the water half the time..

Say at 75kg fit into "smallest of the production line" for board size. Well I definitely have heaps of fun on the smallest JP fsw, and smallest wave board, so I'm guessing they're my size.

My advice: don't bother with boards larger than what suits your body weight in any given board category. I bought a larger fsw thinking I'd use it in light winds - I hate it... must sell it to someone big.

Lulls are for learning to helitack. Not sure what they're for when you're good at helitacks.

And small sails are for happiness, even when you lose power and fall in... especially after you've fallen in and you're trying organised to get up.

Sorry about the 2 posts..I do that a bit [}:)][}:)] I mean to click on the edit button but hit the quote one & dont realise Im editing a new one

ItchyBeast said...
Lulls are for learning to helitack. Not sure what they're for when you're good at helitacks.

clew-first sailing? sailing backwinded? sail 360s? rigging practice...

So my weapons of choice, being a 90keg flat-water sailor;
5-10kts sail and board size;............sitting onshore wondering why i bothered.
10-15kts sail and board size;..........sitting onshore wondering if i should rig.
15-20kts sail and board size;..........7.0m w 123lt
20-25kts sail and board size;..........6.0m w 105lt
25-30kts sail and board size;......... 5.4m w 105lt (lots o' outhaul)
35kts+ sail and board size;..............sitting onshore clutching my handbag I need a smaller board and sail for these conditions!