Beginner windsurfer using 20yr old board

Question
Last season (2007) I took lessons and rented boards couple of times. This
year I bought this Fanatic 320 board (i think it is 1990's board, about 10'
long) with fanatic 5.0 sail. I haven't started windsurfing with this board yet,
I'm still kind of hesitant if it is too old and may be I have tough time learning
with this old board. Any advice please?
I live in San Francisco bay area ,BTW

Answer
Hey Vini,

An old board like that will still work the same as the one you took lessons on. It may not be quite as stable or smooth but it will still work to give you time on the water. Just be sure to inspect all the parts for wear or damage. Sail should have no or few rips, grommets in good condition, battens intact. Board should have no holes, daggerboard (if it has one) should go up and down fairly smoothly, fin in good condition. Boom should have good rope on head and tail, clamp or tie on in good condition. Mast foot should be in decent shape with no tears in the rubber hourglass, downhaul rope in good condition, part to connect to board in good shape, part going into mast in good shape. If the inspection is good, it should be sailable. Just don't go out too far until you know that everything is working well. If any ropes are frayed or worn, replace them. Plenty of shops in the bay area to get rope.

Happy sailing,
Windlover