1) Get some rental gear immediately and then get out there.
2) Don't buy just any old bits and pieces you can afford / etc. You'll have a horrible time on old equipment and give up. Second hand is fine, but get someone who knows what they're talking about to help you put together a rig. Even better, go to your local shop and spend some money. It'll be well worth it.
3) Learn to rig it properly. Badly rigged equipment ruins the whole experience and will put you off. Get help from a shop or locals - everyone in the scene is pretty friendly.
4) Buy DVDs (Beginner to Winner is highly regarded I believe) and watch lots on YouTube
5) DON'T GIVE UP! It can be a frustrating sport at times, especially when learning. It's all worth it.
6) Learn to handle the rig on dry land. Rig up, stand it up, flick it over, etc. It's a lot less effort and takes a lot less time to learn on dry land. 10 minutes of playing with a rig on the grass will pay infinite dividends on the water.
7) Ask for help! It's a great scene and everyone wants to see more sails on the water.
Get out there!
If you add location information I'm sure someone on here will be able to point you in the right direction of where to go and who to talk to.
I was a surfer for 25 yrs I got sick of driving to the coast paddling out having to wait for a wave then only to have someone take it then when I did catch a wave it was all over in seconds. I started windsurfing & soon realized this is a natural transition & it was full on fun as if you have wind your always going without any crowds the best time I had was learning to windsurf but as Flicky said you have to be committed & don't give up its a hard learning curve don't expect to much just give it time to learn. Damo which state are you in? You might get offers to show you some tips this can save a lot of pain.
6) Learn to handle the rig on dry land. Rig up, stand it up, flick it over, etc. It's a lot less effort and takes a lot less time to learn on dry land. 10 minutes of playing with a rig on the grass will pay infinite dividends on the water.
www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_holiday0081v01.htm This guy has lots of free tips and a terrific carve gybe DVD ( turning). As the others have said get some help. Lessons are a good idea. it's easier to learn correctly from the start than learn bad habits that will catch up with you when you progress and then you have to relearn correctly..
6) Learn to handle the rig on dry land. Rig up, stand it up, flick it over, etc. It's a lot less effort and takes a lot less time to learn on dry land. 10 minutes of playing with a rig on the grass will pay infinite dividends on the water.
This is not mentioned enough, if ever.
The ultimate evidence of this point is Andy "Bubble" Chambers who was hooked in and planing within ten minutes of ever putting a board on the water at the age of 9 or 10 .... all because as a kid he was scared of water so played with the kit on the beach instead.
Welcome to the real world of windsurfing because you have a surfing background you should pick it up quick.this sport has endless boundaries as you progress enjoy your new sport l must warn you it is really addictive we call it the Windbug.
