Re-entering

Question
I am wanting to get back into windsurfing after a 20 year hiatus. I learned on a Mistral Superlight (early-mid 80's model with two mast holes) and was getting pretty good, up to doing some free style tricks. I loved the stability and buoyancy of that Mistral..we have light winds here, Gulf Coast Alabama. I am a big dude, 6'2 230 lbs. Can you recommend a board and rig, or a least a size I should look for these days?

Answer
Hey Mike,

If you are wanting to stay with a large board like the Superlight, there are new boards that are similar but are called SUP or Stand Up Paddle boards that have mast tracks so that they can be used for SUP or sailing. Just Google SUP or stand up paddle boards for plenty of information.

If you want to stick with just sailing and would like to learn to sail shorter boards, there are a few out there that have daggerboards but are also designed to work well as light wind planning boards that you can learn to jybe, tack, and waterstart on and yet still be able to uphaul like a traditional board. The newer boards are shorter, wider, and need less volume to hold up a sailor because of the width.  Bic and Starboard both make a few boards that fit into this category. For your size, you probably need to look for something at least 200-240ltrs in volume. This size would accomodate you and also larger sails for light winds. You can Google Bic and Starboard for links to their websites and also dealers. You can also get some good information on gear at windsurfingmag.com.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover