ready to get first rig

[sirzacolot]

So, here is a question that I am sure you all have hard a million times before..

I am looking for my first rig to be purchased sometime this summer.

Basically I am looking for the "swiss army knrife" of windsurfing kits. Something that can do everything reasonably well, I dont need pro-level performance.

My skills are still developing, but I feel I would get more practice if I didn't need to drive four hours just to rent a rig (I have made the drive to Corpus one to many times).

I want a rig that will be able to handle the largest range of wind/water conditions possible. Flat water/waves/bumps will all be in the cards for me. During the school year I am up in Colorado and summers I spend in the houston area.

I have my eyes on a JP freestyle wave 91 that worldwinds has on sale (used) for 850 dollars. The question is, would this be an appropriate first board that I will be able to continue to build my skills on? (beachstart, check : waterstart, close: planing skillset, marginal)

I am just concerned that a board so much smaller than what I have been using to learn on (bic techno 2, 148L) would be to much for me, especially considering I cannon rely on waterstarts consistently.

Any help or advice you guys can provide would be appreciated.

zac

[Jrobb]

First things first, how big are you? 91l is a big jump from 148l, even more so for a beginner, and compound that if youare over 75kgs. If you got that board, the good thing is your water starts would have to improve...that's inevitable. They are probably suffering now with the large volume board cause they are actually harder to do so than a slightly smaller board. You cna't sink the tail to aid in getting up with the big board as easily so you need stronger wind. With proper wind, waterstarts are much easier on my 80l Mistral than my 130l Fanatic.

You have the right board in mind but I think you should look for more volume. Here's why: I've got 130l, 103l, 95 and or 80l with me at any given time. That covers the entire wind range. The two middle guys could be replaced by a 110l. I can waterstart within seconds of falling, plane at will if enought wind, pump onto plane in a gust (provided it's strong enough), get in straps blindfolded, jump, carry a bigger sail than most in same cond.(or maybe stupid enough to do so) and blast as fast as anyone I sail with or faster. There will be a middle grey area where the 148 is too big (chop cond maybe not on the lake but in a bay) and the 91l is a might too small. Again I go back to my orig. question...

If over 75kg look forsomething bigger 106, 110ish min might not sound like much difference but it will be felt. WHat sail size(s) do you have?

If under 75kgs, you could maybe pull it off but I think you would be strugglin.

J

[Josh]

I'm with JRobb - a bigger board is going to get you further, faster.

For one thing, it will mean more opportunities to sail. Depending on your size, and where you'll mostly be sailing, I wouldn't discourage you from going as high as 120 - there's some great boards offering incredible range in those areas. Corpus gets plenty of wind - other places don't, so keep that in mind. A bigger board will get you out more often in lighter winds.

Good luck with waterstarts - you'll get 'em eventually. Keep those arms above your head!


- Josh

[sirzacolot]

thanks for the quick replies guys. I am at about 85kg so a larger board would be preferable especially with lower amounts of wind. Guess I will keep my eyes on the used market for a bit longer,


zac

[Jrobb]

good choice. I too look for the bargains (cheap). I buy good gear used that fits my purpose. I've found that like in any market, exactly what you want will come along at some point , you just have to wait for it. Other things will pop up but if yuo really sit and think about them and their abilities you'll find they just don't fit the bill and that's when you have to say "Next!". I see stuff I want all the time but none of it fits in where I need it so I fight with myself untill I let it pass. Getting new equipment is so much fun even if it is used that this is difficult to get used to.

An addition to my board usage...my 103l is my bread and butter board. The 130l will come out less often than the 103 but still more than the 95l or 80l. If the 103l was a 110 or 115, I may be able to eliminate the 130 altogether. I'm 88kgs btw.

Good luck in your search

J