help

Question
QUESTION: hi my name is viktor, I want to buy a windsurfing but i dont know what size i need to get? i am 21 years old and i weight about 170 lbs my hight is about 5-8. its my first time. thank you
ANSWER: Hey Viktor,

I would first suggest that you take a few lessons to determine that you like it. Beginner sailors use a longer board. There are many to choose from but if you buy without trying it, you may get something that you will outgrow in a short time. There are good boards that will work for beginners and yet still be very usable later on. When you go for a lesson the folks at the shop can give you better advice based on what your local sailing area is and what type of sailing you want to be doing. So, go find some lessons, give it a try, and then start shopping. When you start shopping, feel free to ask more questions as I can help you better when you know what you are looking for.

Good luck with your lessons,
Windlover

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QUESTION: I tried it and I like it, but can you tell me what size board should I get . I want to go fast . Thanks
viktor

ANSWER: Hey Victor,

It would depend upon your abilities and what type of sailing you will be doing. Are you near a lake, river, coast? What are your average winds? If it is windy with chop, or coastal with surf and swells, the type board you would want can vary. Send me more info on the conditions you will be sailing in the most and I can be more specific as to what size board to look for. Sorry for the questions but I want to help you find what will work best for you and your conditions.

Windlover

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QUESTION: It抯 a lake,  sometime its windy and wavy,sometimes its quiet and peaceful  lake ( its 50/50 ) thanks
Viktor  

Answer
Hey Victor,

Sorry about the delay in responding. I just got back home from France.

You are probably going to want a freeride type board to cover all the conditions of a lake. I would suggest something around 120-130ltr volume. Lengths are not so much a determining factor now. Any board around my suggested volume will be about the same length. This size board will allow you to sail light winds with up to about an 8-8.5 sq meter sail. It will also work for you for a sail as small as a 5.0. This will cover about 8-10kts to around 25kts wind. You would be able to rope start it as needed but also learn to waterstart, jibe, and learn tricks. You may eventually want a smaller board for higher winds but something around this size would be a good starter board that you would get a lot of use out of. There are so many good boards out there that I can't really recommend a specific board. I'll give you a couple of websites that you can get a lot of good info for shopping.

This site publishes Windsurfing magazine and they post board reviews on their website. Just go to the equipment section and check the reviews. There are links to many of the equipment manufacturers and various other sites related to windsurfing. Also read the instruction section for a lot of great info.

www.windsurfingmag.com

This site is a weather forecasting site that shows winds at various locations around the world. There is a fee to use the forecasting. You can still sign up and use the forum area for free. There is also an email area, shops, etc. that can be used for free. In the forum area there are places to read about travel, gear, how to, & regional info. You can read the posts or post your own questions. Lots of great input from sailors all around the world. They also have a classified section for used gear.

www.iwindsurf.com

Hope this will help you get going.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover