Hi bill, i'm from chile (south america), and i was trying to find
information about the lanai boom, wich i'm thinking to buy, and i saw
on the forum of the windsurf atlanta site that you wrote once on
january that you have one, and i just wanted to know if you realy
recomend me to buy it, because i have already broken two booms and i'm
realy afraid of spending money in something that's not going to last
much. so please (if you can) tell me if is it strong or if have you
had any troubles with it.
i'll really apreciatte your answer.
thanks a lot
Juan Pablo Mönckeberg
PS: wich are the bast days to sail on lake lanier, i've being there
twice, but i didn't know that it was a good spot.
Thanks again
this was an email that i wrote him, but anyone else who nows any can help me with it at the email
Juan,
Actually I have two 2001 Windsurfing Hawaii Lanai booms, their smallest (137-198 cm) and their largest (183-244). I have not had any problems with mine and would recommend them to most people. I know one thing for sure, they’re stronger than I am. I managed to fracture one of the bones in my hand while using one at Hatteras this October.
That being said, I know of two people that managed to bend theirs. This was likely due to a combination of violent falls and having the boom near it’s max extension. I believe the damage is more likely due aluminum construction rather than the make/model of boom. I think any other aluminum boom would have faired the same.
If you’re having trouble breaking booms (although that’s a much better alternative to breaking bones), you might consider getting a carbon boom. I’ve never used one but they are advertised as being much stronger than aluminum, with more stiffness as an added benefit. Unfortunately, you’ll pay probably three times as much for one as you would for an aluminum boom.
As far as the best times to sail on Lake Lanier, these occur during the fall, winter, and spring when the passage of cold fronts bring strong winds. When that happens though, it’s also gusty, choppy, and cold. Today in fact was one of those days, and the temps never got above the mid 40’s Fahrenheit. Lots of neoprene required! You can check around the web site under “places to sail” and “frequently asked questions” to find out more.
Anyone else want to chime in?
Bill
Bill Herderich
juan,
a few questions-
how much do you weigh?
do you usually sail in fresh or salt water?
what booms have you owned in the past? did you buy them new?
btw, today was a "best" day at Lanier. At least for other people- I spent half the time pinching upwind, trying to kill power, and the other half on screaming (I was doing the screaming) downwinders every time there was a lull trying to avoid getting stuck upwind by Lake Lanier Islands. We small folk were on 4.5s while the Clydesdales were holding onto 5.5s and 6.0s.
it sounds grate, i have being some times st lake lanier about 5 years ago(used to go fishing) and last year, i went to full around on a house boat and on both times i never imegine that lake lanier was such a nice spot, now i promet to take my windsurfing stuff next time i get there (hope is not that expensive).
Well, i weight 70 kg wich is something around 150 pounds, and my first boom was a hi fly boom wich i choosed just because it was cheap, but it didn't look that bad, and the second one that i broke, i bought it already used at u$45, it was a nautix jumbo,so i dont really think that i could be named as "boombraker" or something like that, it's just that i've not being luky, because the last one got broken before i rigged the sail the firs time.
well, again thanks a lot. and hope to see you soon aroun there... or here... check out at the chilean windsurfing web site www.windsurf.cl and also if you look at http://www.windsurf.cl/modules/images/images/2078_ll.jpg there is me at puclaro... were is warm and windy al year round... and i realy mean it ALL YEAR ROUND. (3.5-6.5)
bye.
Juan Pablo Mönckeberg
CHILE.
ah, bill, wich diameter would you recomend me to buy 1 1/4 or 1 1/8 thanks again
Juan Pablo Mönckeberg
Definitely go with the smaller diameter. It puts less strain on the wrists and they SEEM to feel lighter. I have one and it the nicest aluminum boom I have ever used. Very stiff...
Chris
thanks, very much.
sorry to bother you that much, but now i'm in other problem. i have to choose between the lanai boom or a neilpryde 2002 x3 alu boom, i need plz someone to help me today, because mu aunt is coming here on friday and the store needs time for delivery.
they are both at u$120
thanks
Juan. CHILE
Having had both the NP and WH booms I would suggest the WH if you're breaking them in the head area. The NP tends to be a bit weaker in that regard. I weigh 220 lbs and have had good luck with the Windsufing Hawaii (WS).
Plop
Danny Johnson