sail and board sizes?

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to buy windsurfing equipment. I've learned the basics and consider myself between beginner and intermediate. I can do a beach start just fine. It's a little harder but i can manage to do a water start also. I can tack and gyve but not too well. I want a surfboard and sail that I wont grow out of too easily. I was looking at a 8.2 meter sail but it seems too big. Can you give me some guidance? I am about 5'8" 170 pounds. thanks. Also, where do you think is a good place to surf around here. I live in Tampa/ St.Petersburg area. thanks again

ANSWER: Hey Yanko,

An 8.2 will work fine in your area when the winds are 8-12kts. It would definitely be your light wind sail. For your abilities and your area, I would suggest a board in the 120-145ltr range and start with about a 6.5 sail. As you get better and know more about the average conditions you will be sailing, you can look for a larger sail for light wind days, have the 6.5 for medium days and look for a 5.0-6.0 for higher wind days.

As for where to sail, I'm not familiar with all the sites in your area but I do know that there is a location for every wind direction. Check with your local shop for the various sailing locations.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow. thanks alot for the great help. I didn't think anyone would reply this well. Anyway, I just found a rig and here are the specs. I was wondering if you could tell me if it sounds like something comparable to my abilities? it is a 2007 Fanatic- Eagle 126. It's a 6.5 m sail. The board volume is 126 and a length of 249 the width is 69 its a 42 cm fin. The guy is also asking $1400 and it seems a bit over priced in today's economy. What do you think? Once again, thanks a million for your help. I didn't think I could get such good feedback in such little time. I am impressed. Thank you!

Answer
Hey Yanko,

The rig you describe sounds like it would work fairly well for you. You may have a little harder time learning to waterstart it but you should grow into the board instead of outgrowing the board. Also, it should be able to handle a larger sail for lighter winds and a smaller sail for higher winds. As for the price, you will have to do a little research to determine if that price is about right or a bit high for your area. Check your local craigslist ads and ebay for comparable rigs. You may have to price things separately to get comparisions. Also check out windsurfingmag.com for reviews on that board. Also check their links section to see if you can find it on sale at an online store that is closing out '07 stock. The board itself retailed for around  $900-$1000 and then toss in a mast, sail, boom, mast foot, & mast base, the owner could have easily invested $1600-$1800. Check the brands of the sail, mast, boom, mast foot, & mast base to work up comparison prices

Inspect the rig carefully. If taken care of, there should be little or no dings on the board, no dings on the fin, boom may show a bit of wear and tear, sail should be in very good condition (no tears, rips, or worn spots, mast should show a little wear at the boom connection but check it closely for deep scratches or hairline cracks. If all is decent to good, the price point would seem fairly good. If you can talk them down a bit, all the better for you.
If you find a lot of dings and little items that affect quality, definitely work the price down. Also check ropes for excessive wear. A cheap replacement but the condition of ALL the parts are an indication of how much care was given to the rig.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover