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This might be a long explanation and this is a topic that have probably been covered before. I am looking for a windsurfing package and I have no idea what it is that I should look for nor where. I was told not to buy some old ebay kit as they have progressed quite a bit. Then I found out that they make SUP windsurfers. This for me would be the best of both words as I could paddle about the lake and sail it as well. do I want this? or should I just get an sup AND a windsurfer? and Is there a company out there that sells the complete kit? Board, paddle, mast, sail,? Also what type of situation should I be looking for? I am about 5’8” and weigh in at about 140. I am an avid surfer, long boarder, and sailor, wake boarder etc.. have not windsurfed in years. I am reading around the web and being acquainted with terns such as cruising, gliding planning etc. I am not wanting something I can hot dog around the waves with. Just something to sail about and paddle.. and who would sell the complete kit?! Thanks!!!!
I suggest going to your nearest windsurf shop, and asking them, it will be certainly the best place to get a package, I doubt there are that many windsurf / SUPs available second hand.
There will be next to none used on the market. If you insist on being able to paddle, then a brand new SUP will do, but do not expect incredible performance, neither speed nor upwind. It's a compromise.
I had the chance to try a Starboard SUP 12'6" for a season - big, but rather OK for social, teaching, and the 5-20 knot range. Even planes if you work at it. Comes with complete rig, but I recommend building your own SUP rig(s) at the local shop.
Another alternative might be a modern Windsurfer OD.
All the larger Starboard SUPs come with a hole to bolt on a mast. You're supposed to sail them with a small sail and it emulates the speed of paddling. It's not windsurfing, as in blasting about. They are not strong enough to do any serious windsurfing on.
All the Camo finish Starboard SUP's have mast plugs, and the smaller ones also have footstrap plugs. A lot of Naish and Fanatic boards also have them, due to the sailing background of those companies. Most of the dedicated SUP brands do not. The older 14' Naish Glides have them but the new ones coming through do not.
I've tried sailing mine, and it's OK, but not great. I spent a bit of time getting down-wind last week, which was not great fun. Bad tide not helping.
If you have not windsurfed in ages, you might be in for a shock as to how much fun that can be on modern gear.
DEdicated gear for both sports is going to be a lot more rewarding.
Those widebodys look the goods!
I'm in a similar boat, want to pick up a lightwind w/surfer to teach the kids on, that doubles as a sup. I've been out flatwater supping on my 165lt JP Xcite, but it's not too good in waves & the sugarcoat trashes the kids skin! All searches have come up with either a sup that's crappy with a sail, or not strong enough to handle choppy conditions...or a w/surfer that doesn't paddle too well.
If you have not windsurfed in ages, you might be in for a shock as to how much fun that can be on modern gear.
DEdicated gear for both sports is going to be a lot more rewarding.
after more reaserch and your answers, (thank YOU!) i now realize that the above statement is the way to go.. so now, for the nitty gritty.. I am 140 pounds, I am five feet 9 inches tall. I want to go fast, but need something for light winds as well as heavy winds> (beach and lake if there is such a thing) have not windsurf in YEARS, would need soemthing intermediate as i would, I think quickly curb up in learning. again,, not interested in hotdogging or freestyling about the waves, ( I use my fish surfboard for that) basically looking for something not TOTAL beginner but easy that i can grow with. what am i looking at? thanks fellas!
Can I add the Exocet Kona One as an option on this list. IMHO it's probably the most versatile board ever made. It can be used for teaching, one design racing, lightwind wave sailing, longboard freestyle, high wind blasting (30 knots board speed on flat water), cruising. It's OK as a part-time SUP - a little narrower than a dedicated SUP. Perfectly useable for flat-water SUP, probably a bit heavy for SUP in anything but small surf (much better as a very light wind waveboard).
To be honest, as soon as the wind hits 5 knots, I ditch the paddle and put up a sail because it's more fun :-)
At your height and weight, something like a 100-120L Freestyle Wave will work well.
They are fast enough to be fun, but very forgiving. Single back strap makes getting into the straps easy. Soft rails gybe easy and lap up the chop when the going gets brisk.
All the major brands do one. I'm most familiar with the JP version but they are all pretty similar. I had a 101L one for a year while I got back into sailing after a 6 year lay-off. FSW boards are very popular for good reason.
They are a real Labrador.
I'm using a Mistral, SUP Windsurfer for me to paddle (flat water mainly) light wind silly sailing, and teaching kids to sail and anyone else, perfect for all this...nice soft padded deck also, winner all round, picked mine up at WSP for around $700 ex demo...+ freigth and paddle.... only downside it doesnt have a carry handle cut out, paddles nice, sails liek an old school big long boards, works to my KISS program...this is the family and friends toy....i have more complicated toys just for me!
