Leaving a bic 1970s

Question
It must be the most ugly thing i've seen in our cabin but I learned on it.  It was an old 70's style Bic windsurfing setup that's going for about $50 on ebay.  I learned on it and was hoping to get something much newer and more fun.  I'm looking to go faster and want options still open for whatever I can get out of a new setup.  I quickly learned last summer and was looking for a setup that was around $500.  I'd try to take it from my house on a river, where I would use it, to my cabin in Michigan, where its' main stay and use would be.  So if there's anyway lug it around would also be usefull...

I have checked ebay and craig's list....basically all I know where to get something used and cheap.  Most websites sold new equipment for boards at $800.  That would probably be the max for me... Any answers for a senior in high school in Illinois looking to go faster and get more into this sport for a min price?

Answer
Hey Colin,

It's definitely time to upgrade to a newer board & rig. Keep shopping around as gear is always going up for sale. As for what to look for; you should probably want to look for something that will work in light winds and still be okay in the high winds. Lakes usually don't see as much high winds as some other areas. Most newer boards are wider and shorter and this allows less volume but still gives good performance. Check out Bic Techno's and Starboard GO for some good examples. Most manufacturers are making similar model boards. It's just a matter of finding something that will fit your needs and allow your abilities to grow into the board. Keep watching ebay and craigslist. At cl, click on Illinois and check all the cities for windsurf, windsurfer, windsurfing. Also check states nearby. You never know where a deal might pop up. You can also do some research on newer rigs at windsurfingmag.com under equipment. This will give you some idea of the newer style equipment out there. The short/wide boards have been around for a few years now so there should be some used ones out there.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover