Hi all,
I'm thinking of buying my first sail board this summer. Never riden one before but have surfed for 25 years and once owned a catamaran. So have some idea of sailing (just enough to be dangerous
) but plenty of experience on waves
. I was hping someone could advise me of a good "first" sail board, preferably one that not only would be easy to get up on, but capable of playing around in the waves when I eventually get a feel for it.
I'd sooner not buy a new one (though those JP Funsters and Fun Rides seem to be ideal?), and would prefer something simular on the second hand market. Is there's any other models out there that you would recommend as a good starters board with scope for progression?
If details help, I'm 43, quite fit and weight 75 kgs. Hope to spend no more than $800, and plan to sail on Trial Bay here at South West Rocks. Any info appreciated.
Cheers,
Phil
The problem i see is that wave sailing is a very different discipline to that of flatwater sailing. To get the response you're use to with surfing will require a board with less bouancy <90L. When learning you want a lot of bouancy, >120L to help with stability and learning of manouveres. Fortunately for you, your weight of 75kg will be beneficial for less bouancy will be required. Something like 110L Free style wave
could see you using it in the waves and flatwater. Just be warned that the first few months might be frustrating as you adapt to the stability and reaction of the rig to the board.
Ask alot of question from the locals and you'll be allright. Try hiring a board or get some lessons.
Either way, just get out there and have fun. You'll love it.
Hi Phil,
The size of the board will make a huge difference to how quickly you will progress. My thoughts are around 160 to 180 litres. A centre board would make learning easier. Brands to consider would be JP or Starboard. You may struggle to hit the waves with these bigger boards but you need to remember that second hand begginers boards will be easy to sell on without much depreciation in $ due to the need for them out there. My suggestion is to buy the bigger board first. Learn the techniques, and sell the board when you are ready to upgrade. Then you can go a bit smaller and have some fun in the waves.
Cheers, Moondo
Agreed Moondo.
Phil grab an old Starboard Go or Start and use it every minute you can, then at the end of summer you may be able to use about a 120-130L freeride board. If you persevere with that all winter you could possibly be on a freestylewave (FSW) or wave board next summer
Hi,
with a budget of $800 you will have difficulty to get both a board like the ones you mention and the rig. Even second hand it will be difficult. You may be best to look on the buy and sell here along with eBay. Of course being up on the mid north coast of NSW means there are very few boards for sale locally.
I'd recommend you contact Jordans in Port Macquarie and see if they can give you some lessons to start and then hire a board for the day. From there you could talk to them and work out where to go from there.
We are heading up there this Christmas for a week or so, so perhaps we will meet up.
Thanks for all the info
After reading your views I think I'll book in for a few lessons at Jordans at Port Mac. May as well start off doing things right than bumble around slowing the learning process. Will cheak out his boards and see what he thinks would suit my needs. If a good one comes up here or on Ebay i'll grab it.
Anyway, thanks for the info.
PS-Mobydisc, let me know when you're up. Doubt I'll have a board by xmas -but you never know! I'd still like to ask a few questions and see how ya ride one. Not many sailboarders up here.
Cheers,
Phil
my TOP TIP
learn to deep waterstart before you learn to sail, plane, gybe etc !!!!
it will save you a gazillion hours and you may be able to kick off with a board that is a bit more fun in the lumpy stuff.....
get a fellow windsurfer to show you the basics and spend a windy day practicing in chest deep water.
Thanks Windy Miller, sounds like a smart first move
Now, can anyone tell me if this is any good for a first board? I done a little research and think this is pretty old, couldn't work out much else
. But does it have any redeming quilitys for a complete learner, or is it a total liability...lol I ask as it is local- and there's basically never a sailboard for sale around here!
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Cheers,
Phil
. But does it have any redeming quilitys for a complete learner, or is it a total liability...lol I ask as it is local- and there's basically never a sailboard for sale around here!
Yes that board is way overpriced. It's worth nothing. There are bound to be old windsurfing boards lying around there. Maybe stick some wanted notices on community notice boards or in the local paper asking if anyone has a board and ig they want to sell.
I kinda figured it was old and not ideal. And, even with no-idea- thought $600 was pretty steep! No probs, just seen it and thought I'd run it by some experienced eyes
Still yet to ring Jordans Boating at Port Macquarie for lessons and see what he has in stock. So all is good.
Cheers,
Phil
Dont go too small to start..We don't get the wind that WA gets..You want a larger board so you can get out and get time on the water to progress. No point in getting a board that needs 15kts + when you may only get that much suitable wind once a month...If you get something floaty and uphaulable you can go out in light winds - even subplaning and practise gybes and tacks so you get the hang of them for when the wind picks up. Then you can see if you can afford a smaller 2nd hand board or trade the big one in on a smaller one ( not a good idea East Coast with our light winds..)
