Help getting started

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webguy's picture
webguy
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Joined: 12/31/2000 - 22:01
Posts: 13785
Help getting started

In a e-mail to gene I wrote:

Gene,
It was great to meet you and some of the other windsurfers at the clinic saturday. To much of even my shock I am interested in getting started in windsurfing. I have put my big 18m kite on hold for now, and am contemplating the cost of getting started and the amount of gear that I will need. I have a 14m and 8m kite right now, so I can kite in anything from about 9-20 knots right now. It really doesn't get fun with my setup until about 11knots, so I am looking to buy gear for those lighter days, until about 14 knots or so (when I will definitely be out on a kite). So anyway, I am interested to know If the energy Xr that you have for sale right now can take sails from about 7.5 to about 5.0. I understand that you have to have different masts and booms for different sails, but was wondering if I could get away with the following:
energy xr 105 liters 50.00 does it come with fin and straps?
420 carbon mast 60.00
5'6" boom 20.00
_______________________
130.00

This is my estimate so far for the cost to get going for everything minus the sail(s) form your shop. Please correct me on anything that is wrong. I weigh about 120 pounds wet and thought that a 7.5 sail would get me going pretty soon with a mast extension for the 420 mast? Thanks.
-Mike Williams
(the kid who brought a kite and sat around waiting for wind Sat.)

Note: I am not familiar with the amount of gear and other components needed right now, so please understand when reading the e-mail above. I am just trying to get an idea of how much stuff I will need and the cost for buying cheap used gear. I am only 16, so new and the best is not an option.

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webguy's picture
webguy
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Joined: 12/31/2000 - 22:01
Posts: 13785

Mike,
Just my opinon but if you are looking for windsurfing on light wind days and kiting when it is 14knots or more you should be looking at a big sail, big mast and a longboard for your windsurfing equipment. Rent the smaller sails from Gene until you get used to handling the bigger sails.
It just caught my eye when you were looking for sail sizes of 5.0 - 7.5. Generally you will see the 5.0 sails coming out on days when it is best for your kiting.

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gene_mathis
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Joined: 05/17/2002 - 05:00
Posts: 2143

Mike,

I got your email, the energy is one of my old boards, and it's not exactly a beginner nor a lite wind board, although with your weight, it would float you and a 7.5 sail. The 7.5 sail you mentioned wont rig on that mast either, and a 7.5 would be topping out the sail size for that board.

Anyway, it was nice talking to you at the clinic, give me a call sometime and we can talk about your options. I think there may be a few people trying to sell wider beginner/lite air boards but I'm not sure of their prices. Also, I do have a rig I can rent you fairly cheap.

Gene
770-967-0104

Gene Mathis

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nitro
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Joined: 08/26/2003 - 15:07
Posts: 484

OK, I'll come out and say it... Isn't it a bit strange to want to windsurf in 'lighter' winds, but kite in 'higher' winds? This it totally backwards from all other dual windsurfers/kitesurfers I have seen. Windsurfing really doesn't really get fun till you get at least 10kts (more like 13-15kts for me).

Anyway, I really hope you try to get into windsurfing. I think that you will find our local sailing sites and gusty winds much more suited to windsurfing than kitesurfing.

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webguy's picture
webguy
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Joined: 12/31/2000 - 22:01
Posts: 13785

NitroJiber:
Yes, it may seem the opposite to some coastal kiters, but inland kiting in kight wind can prove to be ALOT more challenging because of the gusting winds. Therefore, I would rather be on a poleboard with light wind, so when the lulls hit the kite will not drop, and when the wind is stronger and the lulls hit, then at least the kite will stay up. But overall, yes it may seem strange. Thanks for all of the advice.

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webguy's picture
webguy
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Joined: 12/31/2000 - 22:01
Posts: 13785

188lbs with a 115 liter board and a 7.3 sail i plained today in all winds from
13mph to 18mph.

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