No not yet...I have done some sailing and I have done some whitewater boating...I have read up on the subject and been out at Galts watching but have yet to be on a board.
spend your first $ on lessons if at all possible. While the newer wide boards make learning immensely easier, the sport can be horribly non-intuitive even for experienced sailors. I came from a dinghy racing background and didn't sail 10 ft until I finally broke down and got a lesson. Then I was up and around, literally, in minutes.
Those first lessons will also give you a much better idea of what you want to own in regards to board and sail size. I'm not trying to talk you out of buying anything (all us more "experienced" folks need someone 'downstream' to support our own buying habits) but I would rather you build your pyramid with the wide part at the bottom.
class5,
Let me know if you're interested in a lesson. I know there's a "real men don't take lessons" perspective out there, but, believe me, you don't want to go there in this sport. Webguy is so right. One solid, basic lesson will make all the difference in the world. I typically don't so lesons till warm water gets here -- about end of April -- but I make exceptions if you fit my wet wear or have your own. Contact me and we'll discuss it. (
or 706-833-WIND) I'm a certifed instructor with all the gear necessry (and with comparative examples of the modern, wide boards to see). I have a damaged on the nose (in freight transit), but relatively easily repairable, unused new board that is the model that has been my #1 best seller "first board" for the capable beginner. A model that wil take you far in the sport. Will sell for less than 1/2 price.
It's a F2 "Discovery 190" . Got caved-in on a straight line across the nose about 6 inches back. It has, like, a 1/4" compressed "shelf" there now. I've sent photos to Fred Dey and he says it can be fixed cosmetically like new for about $200 -- and you know, for him, that means absolutley perfect, undetectable repair. He also said he could fix it functionally for probably about $75. (I'm not quoting firm prices on his behalf here .) the board has never been out of the box and bubble wrap otherwise. Not a thing functionally or structually unsound about the board in any way.
To all who have a START board:
I have a used hifly matrix that is in good condition that I am trying to trade (and pay cash) for one of these boards, as I have heard great things about them. Other "floater" trades will be considered. Thanks.
Thank you for the insight...I do have some cold weather gear and am kind of ready to get out there and give it a try..hence the looking for gear..I have looked at getting new gear but did not want to spend 1500 or so till I had a better understanding of the sport and what I would prefer in the way of equipment.
Mark
Gene's Consignment Shop does rent a Start beginners package at a very cheap rate, BUT only to someone who has had lessons OR has done it a few times and has a basic understanding of the sport OR is going with someone who knows how to windsurf.
The idea behind this is to allow someone to get the basics down without shelling out alot of money on gear.
Have you had any lessons yet?
No not yet...I have done some sailing and I have done some whitewater boating...I have read up on the subject and been out at Galts watching but have yet to be on a board.
spend your first $ on lessons if at all possible. While the newer wide boards make learning immensely easier, the sport can be horribly non-intuitive even for experienced sailors. I came from a dinghy racing background and didn't sail 10 ft until I finally broke down and got a lesson. Then I was up and around, literally, in minutes.
Those first lessons will also give you a much better idea of what you want to own in regards to board and sail size. I'm not trying to talk you out of buying anything (all us more "experienced" folks need someone 'downstream' to support our own buying habits) but I would rather you build your pyramid with the wide part at the bottom.
http://www.whitecapwindsurfing.com/instruction/instruction.html
class5,
Let me know if you're interested in a lesson. I know there's a "real men don't take lessons" perspective out there, but, believe me, you don't want to go there in this sport. Webguy is so right. One solid, basic lesson will make all the difference in the world. I typically don't so lesons till warm water gets here -- about end of April -- but I make exceptions if you fit my wet wear or have your own. Contact me and we'll discuss it. (
or 706-833-WIND) I'm a certifed instructor with all the gear necessry (and with comparative examples of the modern, wide boards to see). I have a damaged on the nose (in freight transit), but relatively easily repairable, unused new board that is the model that has been my #1 best seller "first board" for the capable beginner. A model that wil take you far in the sport. Will sell for less than 1/2 price.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.
c:706-833-WIND (9463)
Will sell for less than 1/2 price.
What is it??
cv
It's a F2 "Discovery 190" . Got caved-in on a straight line across the nose about 6 inches back. It has, like, a 1/4" compressed "shelf" there now. I've sent photos to Fred Dey and he says it can be fixed cosmetically like new for about $200 -- and you know, for him, that means absolutley perfect, undetectable repair. He also said he could fix it functionally for probably about $75. (I'm not quoting firm prices on his behalf here .) the board has never been out of the box and bubble wrap otherwise. Not a thing functionally or structually unsound about the board in any way.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.
c:706-833-WIND (9463)
To all who have a START board:
I have a used hifly matrix that is in good condition that I am trying to trade (and pay cash) for one of these boards, as I have heard great things about them. Other "floater" trades will be considered. Thanks.
Thank you for the insight...I do have some cold weather gear and am kind of ready to get out there and give it a try..hence the looking for gear..I have looked at getting new gear but did not want to spend 1500 or so till I had a better understanding of the sport and what I would prefer in the way of equipment.
Mark
Don't forget - you can rent a Start board at Gene's:
http://www.expage.com/genesconsignment
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Gene's Consignment Shop does rent a Start beginners package at a very cheap rate, BUT only to someone who has had lessons OR has done it a few times and has a basic understanding of the sport OR is going with someone who knows how to windsurf.
The idea behind this is to allow someone to get the basics down without shelling out alot of money on gear.
Also, Randy, thanks for the plug!
Gene
Gene Mathis
Then again, Gene, perhaps you should do some work on the Start until you get over that BOZO syndrome thing.
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
and I thought the water was cold....
Gene
Gene Mathis
rotfl.......
brutal, Radny, cold and brutal
Interesting discussions going on here. Well, Gene, do you have student rates for your rentals?
Anyway, does any1 knows whats wrong with the weather? I thought its supposed to get warm like a few weeks back..
Bruno