How do beginners start to get equipments?

[MrsSpace]

hi,

I'm pretty new in windsurfing and would really like to learn a lot more. Thinking of getting some equipment but on a budget basics and dun wish to spend on the wrong ones. How do we shop for equipments and in what order?

thanks for all responds in advance 

[PlaneSailin]

You should know roughly what you need before you start just buying stuff.

Maybe you should read some magazines (Marine Pde library has them, I think) and look at some other websites, to get more familiar with windsurfing gear in general.
 
For example, do you understand that there are certain mast sizes to fit a certain range of sail sizes?  eg. a 460cm mast might fit sails from about 6m to 7.5m, a 430cm mast might fit sails around 5 to 6m, and so on, depending on the individual sail design, of course.  I've had a 5.7 which needed a 460 and a 5.8 which needed a 430.  So, if you buy a mast because it's going cheap, you might find that it's the wrong size for the sail you want...and that's just the tip of the iceberg, as far as potential problems go!!

If you're lucky, you'll find a complete set to start with, so you won't have to worry about mixing and matching individual components in the beginning. 

Good luck!! 

[m3l]

If youre pretty new in windsurfing.. The best is to rent from the club 1st. As your skills progresses, then start to hunt for the " perfect " gear.. For some they just are very nature with the sport itself jumping right away to shortboard is not a problem for them.. For some other they have to work on other boards before jumping onto anything other form

[MrsSpace]

hi, thanks for your advises!

I am actually looking for a 2nd hand sail for my bf. We started windsurfing at least 2 months ago and he have been going on rental gears for weeks. He is thinking of getting a hard sail to improve on the skills and hopefully it will be more comfortable compare to the rental sail. Not thinking of getting any boards yet, as the PA's board are pretty good for us beginners now.

Looking thru the marketplace for 2nd hand sails, but till now still kinda lost. Actually am looking at NP's. But also reading on the rest too. Will try to understand more from internet.

Once again, thanks for the advises.... Cheers! 

[m3l]

Lol.. Alot of things concerning that too.. Most of the time ppl wont recommend cam-ed sails to beginners cause sail tuning for such sails requires a certain knowledge.. However in our condition it does makes you go faster than a sail without cam..

On our shores.. Go Big Or Go Home

But if youre sharing the sail then it can be quite a problem cause what he can handle doesnt mean you can.. If you get one thats too small he wouldnt be able to get much " kick " out of it..

A few sails you can look at which are freeride/semi race sails from all the available brands on our shores or from the 2nd hand section in PA or simply ask around cause some of the guys might just happen to have a new toy coming in and wanting to let their current one go..

[PlaneSailin]

If you are going to share a sail to begin with, maybe look for about a 7m.  If it gets too windy for you, your bf can enjoy it for a while.  This should provide enough power to get you planing and in the footstraps by the end of the NE monsoon, if you get enough practice! 

Make sure it's not about to fall apart!  There's a reason some old sails are cheap!!

[P.J.]

We would normally recommend beginners a camless sail about 6.5 - 7.0m depending on sailors weight.
A camless sail will be easier to control and lighter to uphaul. Once you progress , you can buy another sail +1.5m for light wind and the 1st sail for high wind.

If you have the budget, buy a longboard. ( there is a long discussion why a long board )  If for used short board  you would need at least 85cm width for stability.  SB Formula 135 is a good choice. Many beginners buying them at $400 and sell them later at almost the same price.