getting my first board

Question
Dean,

I'll try to keep this short and concise.
I'm    5'11"  and  180 lbs

Last summer I learned how to windsurf on what I would classify as a long board.  I was also lucky enough to have 5 sails available to use pretty much whenever I wanted.

Now I'm looking to get my own gear and I don't have a clue where to start.  I never really got comfortable in the foot straps and can't water start yet.  I'll be sailing on medium to large sized lakes with some choppy water occasionally.

What type of board should I be looking for, how many liters, and what sail size(s)?

Answer
Hi Walter,

You should be looking for a board around 150 liters in volume.   You should be able to stand up and pull the sail up on this size board and it is not so big that you will grow out of it once you gain the desire for faster equipment as it could be your low wind board.  You can also learn to waterstart and jibe on this size board. I would look for a sail in the 6.5 meter range.  Sailworks makes a great sail called the Retro that is a great beginner into advanced sail.  You will never out grow it. When buying a mast and boom, the more carbon content the better.  Carbon is expensive but it really makes a difference. If you plan to stay in the sport for lenght of time it will be worth it.

Good luck and good wind,
Patrick