Astevo,

Good thing about windsurfing is you can just throw your stuff in the car and go out. I guess sailing requires a bit more to arrange.

I'm probably only 9 months ahead of you, comfortable in harness, but only a few sessions in footstraps.

started on bic techno 293od, now using 140 litre JP. If you're a bit wobbbly on a 150 I'd have thought a 120 might be too small. Having said that I feel I could downsize the 140 after only 6 months of use but will probably get another year out of it. So maybe 130??

I dont think you will use the 5.0 sail much at the moment, maybe a 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 would be better range...although it is good to have a smaller sail for those crazy wind days (rare at the moment)

I went with NP 5, 5.7, 6.7...and this weekend just got a 8 naish... Tried it out today and surprised how it didnt really feel all that big /scary and i think I could get planing on this in maybe only 10 knts (sadly, wasnt even that today). I can tell it will be very interesting in 15+ knts! This has opened up those marginal days now..so that's why I say 7.5 might be good for you to have.

I think you'll be amazed at the progress you make in the first year if you throw yourself into it and go out whenever you can. I used to see people flying past me at crazy speeds, thinking I'd never be able to go that fast....but now I can and it is AWESOME.

So don't worry about the lack of wind at the moment, when it comes, it more than makes up for it.

Andy

PS - if you want somebody closer to your own level to sail with, just shout. Most people out at botany are years ahead...decades even , lol

hi astevo

here is my 2 cents worth,

the xantos is long(3m) and thin with a pointy nose,a modern board(last 5 years or so),is shorter ,thicker,lighter and wider and far easier to master.
I think for you 140 freeride board will give you a faster and easier progression.
In windsurfing you must learn your core skills in light wind,then in moderate wind and in time,in strong wind and smaller gear.

A 140 freeride board is not a beginners board,you will not outgrow it.It is a great stable platform whereon you can master all your skills in lightish wind.The bigger your board the easier it will be to get planing,master planing,harness and footstraps.You will be able to learn in less wind,therefore buying yourself more water time,thats how to progress quicker (and frustration free)and thats the quickest way to get to a 115-120 board,you will know when your ready and you will then have a better idea of the of the direction you want to go(freestyle,speed,waves,b+j ect)
You will keep your 140 and always go back to it when you want to try something for the first time,before attempting it on your smaller board.

Sails- dont get anything with cams,try as hard as you can to get your sails matching(all the same brand/style) so that they all feel the same,so when you use a smaller one it feels the same but sportier (i do this with boards too).So when it comes time to get a smaller board,seriously consider a matching board for you 140.You will probably need 2 masts for that range of sizes,if the budget allows ,it would be very beneficial if the longer mast is of higher quality(lighter).

Zippyblue,
you sound like you are ready for a 115! and it wont be long and you will have to share it with your girlfriend.

looking forward to seeing how you all progress.

have fun!

astevo said...

thanks everyone. good to have a prod in the right direction.
Any other ideas out there?

go and see the guys from Windsurf and Snow regarding gear. They have plenty of used gear for sale if you don't want to commit to buying new.

Also check out the classifieds on this site.

Depending on where in Sydney you live another option would be Narrabeen Lake and Balmoral. Botany Bay is certainly most consistent as far as wind is concerned.