Hey Dunco,

As much as you're not keen to get a beginners board, I really think it's pretty well an essential step for progression. Whilst I've surfed for 25 years at a pretty high level (sponsers etc) I assumed I could jump straight onto a small sailboard and be right- wrong. Totally different world. As much as I wasn't happy on the big board, putting around to get the basics sorted was the best thing I did. Jumping straight onto a short / small board would have been a big mistake for me. Maybe it's different for others, but it would make those crucial foundation months extremelly difficult.

The bright side is, if you go good on a surfboard you're progression will be swift- super quick if you ride well. Within a few months you'll be off the big board (then sell it) and onto something more fun and maneuverable. Within a year you should (could) be on a 85- 100 litre board tearing up waves, or blasting comfortably on bays and lakes.

Just buy a complete kit around 180 litres plus, get some lessions of a mate who sails well or a shop, then chug around till ya half comfy with tacking, slo-mo gybes , beach and water starts. Then, start down-sizing till you're on a board that does what you want it to do.

The main thing is simply have fun.

Cheers

Dunco, the other thing about getting a beginners rig is that when you go to progress to a shorter/smaller board there usally is a bit of interest in the buy and sell market for beginner rigs.
I bought mine from a shop and when traded back 6 months later got virtually the same price for it. Unfortunately the next step can be $$$, but there are a lot of people with spare gear will to sell or loan on here.
Anyway good luck, you won't regret it.

Wineman said...

Talk to the guys at Marmong Pt Windsurfing Club up on lake MacQ.

They have gear you can try out, they will teach & encourage you
plus they have "Learn to Windsurf" series coming up.
http://windsurfingmarmongpoint.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=181:learn-to-windsurf-series&catid=3:latest-news&Itemid=136

It's a win-win. Go & see them tomorrow.

Thanks for the plug Peter!

The learn-to-windsurf series date on the website is unfortunately incorrect - we are still in the process of hopefully organising the NP/JP trailer to come up to Marmong some time over the summer. I'm sure Sam and Anne will let everyone know when its happening.

Dunco, as Pete said, we do have some beginner gear at the club and plenty of people willing to set it up for you and give tips for free. We are there most saturdays, from around 1:30pm at George St, Marmong Point - northern corner of lake macquarie. Would be great to meet you. A guy called Barry is our chief "instructor".

If you want to organise more formal lessons, you could also contact Dave Sorenson who does lessons up here on the lake - see below:

www.kiteandsup.com.au/kiteboarding-lesson-prices/

regards
james

Also talk to mark at ess. They have a sup sail setup at terrigal I think. Would be a great way to get out on the lagoon.

Where abouts on the Central Coast are you? If Sunday's southerly comes through you could have a go on a beginners board and rig at Canton Beach. I'm happy to give a few pointers too. Just be warned the water at Canton Beach is very weedy. The wind might be a bit strong for a beginner.

Mobydisc said...
Where abouts on the Central Coast are you? If Sunday's southerly comes through you could have a go on a beginners board and rig at Canton Beach. I'm happy to give a few pointers too. Just be warned the water at Canton Beach is very weedy. The wind might be a bit strong for a beginner.

Cross fingers.. Last of the Sw'ers?

As James mensioned Marmong club has beginers boards & gear and a bunch of people that will help as we race most Saturdays for fun.
Numbers will be down this weekend as some will be down at Jervis Bay competing, but there will still be some people at the club.
Be happy to see you.