Itty Bitty Beginner Set-up

Question
I am a 5 foot tall woman, 125 lbs. interested in trying windsurfing again after having sampled it a bit in high school more than 20 years ago.  I'd love to get a set of gear to use on our lake in light winds and teach my 12 year old daughter (5 foot, 95 lbs), ideally sharing the same equipment.

I'm strong and have great balance on a board, and basically understand how to do water starts, but due to being so short, I have limited leverage pulling the sail up out of the water.  Years ago, a friend cut down an old sail to make it easier for me to try as a beginner and easily pull it up out of the water.  What sail dimensions should I look for in more modern equipment?

I have looked for a used board and have year more than a year back on your answers site about daggerboard boards as beginner recommendations.  Any other specific considerations on board size due to my height and the size of sails I am likely to use?

Thanks for your tips,
Patricia

Answer
Hi Patricia,
For you I would look for a 5 meter sail.  For your daughter, I would highly recommend a childrens sail around 3 or 4 meters.
Boards with dagger boards are definitely more user friendly for beginners.  Try to find something used not more than 10 years old as the older equipment is much heavier and harder to learn on(more tippy).  
If you have time, check the link below and see if any of the shops are near you. Call them and go see what they have in used equipment or check your local Craigslist.
Windsurfer magazine this month has a big section on beginner and kids windsurfing.

http://windsurfingmag.com/wind-shops-schools/