Which volume board is for me.

Question
I am interested in the Fanatic Viper; I used to WS about 20 years ago, and
could balance and tack (not graceful and often ending in the water).  I never
had a lot of fun because I leant towards lower volume boards and spent a lot
of time uphauling.  I want something easier to learn on now, so I can master
the basics and progress to having tons of fun. Which size (volume: 160, 190
220l) viper is the best for me - I am 5'9' 160 lb and so lean toward the
smaller boards thinking that it will be more fun after a little practice.   I am
looking forward to whitecaps, planing and more time on the board than in the
water.
Part 2:  I have 10 and 14 year old kids who would like to learn.  I will buy a
second rig for them.  Can we use the same board?

Answer
Hey Paul,

Great to hear you are getting back into sailing and want your kids to learn too.

The Viper would be a very good choice for you and your kids. It is a very user friendly beginner board and with the conversion kit it becomes an excellent performer for intermediate to advanced sailors.

With your weight and experience, I feel that you could get away with the 160. It may seem a bit small at first but you should be able to uphaul it with a little practice. It would also suit you well for learning waterstarts and higher wind sailing. This size will also be plenty to float the kids and get them sailing. I agree that getting them a smaller rig would suit them better than trying to use your rig. The only problem I see is that once they get the sailing bug, it will be a toss up of who gets to sail first. I foresee another board or two in the family within a couple of seasons ;).

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover