Grateful for 'minimal kit' sizing recommendations from similar sized sailors.
What volume would you use for a single board?
What would be the first sail size to get if you only have the one? The second? Maybe a third?

I've been thinking 120-125 litres, a 5.5, then a 6.5, then maybe a 4.5. Or maybe just a 6, then a 5. (Sail sizes are indicative, not worried about 0.2m here or there)

I'll be sailing mostly South Coast NSW between Jervis Bay and Tuross, but also Port Macquarie and up to SE QLD. Good sailor on slalom/race gear and comfortable with planing gybes and short board tacks but never sailed a real wave board. Want to get into the waves to turn, jump and will also practice stuff on flat water; want easy planing but also happy to slog for turns. (Not worried about it being a super fast free ride magic blasting bump n jump type of thing)

cheers!

I think your 120 - 125 volume is about right, when starting in waves, extra volume (& width) gives you more mobility around the break, you will get more waves and progress faster. You will be less tormented by the lack of wind on the east coast with extra volume.

Can't comment on the ideal sail size as I am about 80kg and not as tall but I do spend more time on my 5.6 in summer than I would like.

I'd recommend something like a 113 Severne Pyro with a 5.7 sail. Try and go for one of the lighter sails on the market like the Severne Blade Pros or 3d printed North Sails.

I found going bigger than 5.7 has diminishing returns and only get's in the way when wave sailing.

Haven't seen too many 125 liter wave boards that work well as a wave board.

Kode 125 L is a surprisingly good wave board.

I'm 92-100kgs(depends on beer consumption!) and 6'3" tall and sail longreef, wanda, Gerroa & WA mainly and used to frequent Maui in my younger years.
I started wavesailing on a 90lt board and 5.7m sail. I found it a little small when wind light and harder to catch waves. I changed up to a 100lt board and 6.2/5.3/4.7m sails and have used them ever since. Its easy to catch waves but still not too big when the wind picks up.
I have an 86lt board for when it gets over 20ish knots.
I did get a nude custom quad which is 120lt for really light wind days when the waves are good. i find my 100lt board actually planes faster than this board as the 120lt has a fair bit of tail kick.
My 86 and 100lt are both SSD keel quads and have had them for years. they are tough and plane well and truck upwind well too. Not as loose as previous 100lt nude twin but a happy compromise overall. Plenty of other brands earlier.
I have been using Blades for years now and work really well for bigger guys with plenty of power but also don't pull you over the front when you bottom turn.
Also if you coming from bay gear, make sure you have your foot straps big enough so you can get your feet all the way in for your bottom turns.
You want just enough volume to get out and to be able to catch the waves but once you are on the wave you will want less!
I'll be down at Gerroa late Jan for a few weeks if you want a go on my gear and also wazza and Jase J have some big gear too.
Cheers Rob