Used gear

Question
I am just starting out windsurfing, and I want to buy some gear. I recently found on craigslist some gear that sounds good and is affordable ($400). I was wondering if this gear sounds good and if it is good for a beginner.The gear is:
BIC SPORT WIND SURF BOARD IN GOOD CONDIITON , NO CRACKS OR BREAKS, COMPLETE W DAGGER BOARD, 4.1 METRE SAIL MAST, 5.5 SQ METRE SAIL (NO TEARS OR RIPS), 2,1 METRE BOARD, MAST EXTENSION, FOOT STRAPS, & MISC
INCLUDES TWO WET SUITS & WIND SURFING BOOK
Does this sound like a good deal? Should I buy? Your imput will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!

Answer
Hey Dave,

Great to hear that you are starting windsurfing. I do a lot of sports but windsurfing is my favorite. The rig you describe sounds like an older board. I would actually have to see the ad to give you the best advice on the value.

The Bic Sport I'm familar with was an entry level/intermediate board made back in the 80's. Nothing wrong with old school gear but you would probably outgrow it fairly quickly depending upon how much time you get on the water. The sails may be from the same time period. If so, then you would probably be looking to upgrade to more modern sails in the near future.

Not sure what type gear you were able to learn on. If it was newer gear then you may already be able to notice some differences just by looking at them. If you learned on old school gear, then it may not make much difference at this point.

For me to really give you a good informed answer, I need a little more information. If you could call up the ad from Craigslist and copy/paste the link into a message, I could look at the ad myself and give you much better advice. Or, you could tell me what city you found the ad posted in and I could look it up myself.

Another question I would ask of you is where you will be doing most of your sailing? Lake, bay, ocean, river, etc. Also, general location and average winds. This will help me help you make a good choice on gear.

Sorry to ask more of you, but if this gear is as old as I think it may be, the price may be a bit high. There is lots of old school gear floating around and the value is not as high as some folks think.

So, if you don't mind a little follow up on your question, I would very happy to do a little research and give you a much better answer. Welcome to the wonderful world of windsurfing. If you are looking to buy gear, you are hooked. Good luck with your sailing and just remember to have fun.

Windlover