beginner board & sail

Question
Hi, I recently started windsurfing by taking a 2 hour beginner course and rented about 10 hours after that to practice sailing and tacking. Winds are usually light, between 10-15 mph, and I've been using a 180 liter board with a 4.0 sail. The sail obviously is small and I can uphaul and control it easily. I'm 5'7" and 130 pounds. At what point do you think I should buy my own board and sail - would it make sense to rent until I advance to a 150 or 160 board with sail above 5?  Or should I go ahead and buy something similar to what I've been practicing on? I feel like I would be able to put more time into it if I had my own equipment but I don't want to buy something I will grow out of pretty quickly as well. Thanks!

Answer
If you have the $$$ and you definitely want to progress in the sport, I would say it's time for you to purchase your first board.  I would recommend a board in the 130 to 140 litre range based on your weight and sailing conditions.  You will still be able to uphaul it and use it to learn waterstarting.  Once you learn to waterstart the sky is the limit.  You can then progress to a smaller faster and more manueverable board for high wind sailing.  But this first board will always be great for low wind days, so you really won't grow out of it.  I think a 6 sq. meter sail would serve you best as your first sail.  Something that has no cambers and is easy to rig would be best.  Sailworks has a sail range called the Retro which is a perfect all around sail.  Easy to use and you won't grow out of it also. When it comes to masts and booms,  all carbon construction is the best for handling, light weight and performance.  It is pricey but worth it.  You can find some great used equipment if you know what you are buying.  Try to find boards and sails that are no older than 5 years old otherwise the lack of new technology of the older boards will hinder you.  You can find used equipment on line at your local Craigslist or on Ebay or on windsurfingclassifieds.com.  I have been windsurfing for over 25 years and I still buy
most of my equipment used. Make sure you check boards for cracks or repairs and check sails for patches or overly worn condition before handing your money over.  If you need more advice just holler back.  Good luck and good wind!