Volume?

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I wanna surf from 11 to 25 knots, and I know the basics of surfing, coming from a
very big board. I am doubting between a 105, 115 and 125 volume board. I still need
to uphaul once and a while, but also wanna be able to surf as long as possible in
higher winds once I master the shortboarding... I weigh around 80 kilo's and surf
mostly in 11-18 knots conditions a little choppy condition. Sails from 5.2/5.5 to
7.5 Freeride...

How much volume do you suggest? I really need to be able to plane with 11 knots and my 7.5 sail...

ANSWER: Hey Jeroen,

To be able to plane in 11kts with a 7.5, you will need to go with the 125ltr at a minimum. With a 115 and the right fin (ie; large), you may get on a plane at times in 11-12kts but you may have to work at it to get there and stay there. That is providing that the wind stays steady at 11kts or more. You should be able to uphaul a 125 with no problem. A 115 may be a bit more work depending upon wind speed, size of sail, and chop. A 105ltr will work best in 20-25kts and will be a challenge to uphaul. Planning in anything under 15kts will be a struggle, even with a 7.5.

So, if you want more planning time and your average winds are 11-18kts, I would suggest 125ltr or near there. Look for a newer freeride board as they are the most user friendly for variable winds. That volume will also work well in winds up to 25kts. You may need to use a smaller fin for the higher wind conditions for better control. You will also have enough float to uphaul when necessary. This would also be a good size for learning waterstarts.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover


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

QUESTION: Hello Windlover,

Thanx for your help, as said I will hapilly stick to my Tabou Rocket 2006, thanks to your advice!
My Rocket has 69 cm. width and 130 measured liters.

My (I promise) 2 last questions:

1: What would be the smallest sail size with which I could nicely surf with on this board?

2:I now have a Gaastra Matrix 7.5 and a 6.0. But I need 1-2 sail(s) for 15-25 knots. Would my 6.0 be sufficient for that windrange?
Or should I trade my 6.0 for a 6.5 and a 5.5?
Or should I keep my 6.0 and add a 5.2?
Some people say that my 5.2 doesn't go with a 130 liter board and I have no clue if that would go or not.

Thanks for all your help, it really helps me making the right decisions and I really really appreciate your time and help!!! So Thanks for that!

Friendly greetings,

Jeroen
(Netherlands)

ANSWER: Hey Jeroen,

Your 5.2 will work on your 130ltr board. The problem is not so much the sail but the water conditions in 5.2 weather. Your 130ltr board has a bit too much float for big chop and swell. If you are somewhere that you can get flatter water the board will be more controllable. Also, using a smaller fin will help some. As I mentioned before, you might want to consider getting a smaller board for the 20+kts days. You may be able to find a decent used board to suit your needs and save some money. Not sure where you are specifically located so I have no idea what your used board selection would be but if there are a dozen or more sailors in your area, there should be some used boards around.

A 6.0 is usually good for a 15-20 wind range. Anything over 20 you should be using 5.5-5.2. You could use your 6.0 downhauled to the max and outhauled to the max but then your sail will not be as user friendly.

No problem helping you with your questions. That is why I'm here.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover

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

QUESTION: Hello Windlover,

thanks though for your help! The 7.5 sail I have is for 11-15 knots, and then my 6.0 for 15-20 knots, and more wind would be for a 5.2. I sail with some heavy chop, but I might go to another place next year where the water is more flat.

So it would be like this:

My 7.5 sail with a 46 freeride fin, for 11-15 knots...
My 6.0 with a 34-36 freeride fin for 15-20 knots...
a 5.2 for higher winds...

Do you think I need a 34 or a 36 cm. fin for my 6.0?
And do you honestly think a 5.2 will work in higher winds? I don't mind when my board would be a bit jumpy, perhaps you can give me a good finadvce for my 5.2 also???

Again, really apreciate it!!! There's hardly any wind these days so too much time to harass people about my quiver worries!!!

Friendly friendly greetings,

Jeroen

Answer
Hey Jeroen,

You would probably need about a 26-30cm fin for a 5.2 depending on the type of fin. A freeride fin will be the most forgiving and should be about 26-28cm. Your 5.2 will work fine but you will find that your board may feel out of control at times. Just sheet out and drop a little speed.

Keep on sailing,
Windlover