new gear

Question
I've been teaching myself on my dads old gear from the 80's, and i know I'm going to keep it up. Should i consider getting new gear? Would a new mast and sail be compatible with an old board? Also when should I be ditching the daggerboard? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tanja,

It is great to hear of a new windsurfer coming into the fold and also good to hear you plan to keep it up. At this point, getting a new mast/sail could be a big benefit to you. Newer masts are much lighter and newer sails are much easier to handle and much more efficient. Any new mast/sail would be compatible with the old board. Standard diameter mast bases will fit all standard diameter masts. (There are two diameter masts, standard and skinny. I'm fairly sure yours is standard). You can find decent used gear for a better price than new on ebay and craigslist.

Ditching the daggerboard will depend on your skill level and the conditions you are sailing in. Many daggerboards fully retract into the board so it never really gets ditched. On some boards the daggerboard just goes up against the bottom of the board. With this type the daggerboard may get ditched in higher wind conditions. But normally, the daggerboard will stay there until you reach an intermediate level and are ready to move onto shorter boards. It is also needed for light wind conditions.

Teaching yourself is a challenge so here is a place for some great learning tips.  www.windsurfingmag.com  Check out the 'How To' section. Also consider some instructional videos. Look up Peter Hart for some of the best.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover