Hi All:
I'm an ex-windsurfer, and I've been thinking more and more about trying to get back into it. It's been so long, though, and I haven't been keeping up with things, so I'm looking for advice about a used board to get.
My old board was a Mistral Tarifa (anybody remember those?) and I loved it. Though I was lighter then (it was fifteen years ago) it seemed that board was a good fit for me. (now I weigh about 160)
So my question is, what's a good used general-purpose board these days? I guess I need a semi-floater, since the wind around Chattanooga usually stinks, but I prefer to sail when it's blowing at least hard enough to waterstart. I don't want a new board, as I expect this one to live in the garage most of the time. But I know that some old boards are better than others. (for example, there's a Mistral Screamer that I may try for on ebay... anyone used one of those?)
Any suggestions? Good beginners resources? What kinds of boards are most popular in the club?
Thanks for your help
BG
Sounds to me like you are in luck. I don't know much about the size of the Tarifa, but if you were happy on that vintage of board and are willing to wait for a fair amount of wind, you could probably find one much newer and better for very little money. You might check out Gene's consignment to start with and see what he's got.
http://www.expage.com/genesconsignment
Randy
what wind speeds do you want to sail in?
Screamer or Screamer II? Original Screamer is pretty dated. Older boards like that have the track way forward for modern sails and will have to be sailed with the mast all the way back. Not to say it's a bad board but shapers have learned a thing or two in the last 8 years. Don't overpay if you are tempted to go for it (remember shipping may well be as much as a board that old is worth.)
what is your price range? and what size sails do u have for the new board?
what locations will u sail?
Thanks to everyone for your help and advice. Gene's Consignment is probably going to be my best bet, as it would be possible for me to drive to atlanta from here.
Some folks have asked about the conditions here... in a word, they suck. The wind never seems to blow... I've got a sailboat on the lake that I can hardly get out because of lack of wind (planning to sell it & buy a bigger one so that at least there's room below... I can fix myself a cup of coffie while I drift)
Anyway, I probably won't sail a board much in Chatt... likely have to take it to the beach once or twice per year.
And since it will see so much garage time, I want to keep things way cheap. And it's been so long since I've had a windsurfer, an ancient board will be new and improved to me. Now I've got to clean up/get rid of some other junk before I can buy a board in good concience
Thanks again
BG
If you are possibly coming to Atlanta to look at boards, you might want to give me a call, as I have a board that you might enjoy. This is a 105 L F2 Sunset Slalom - oldie but goody - $100. If you are looking, I have some sails & other gear, but no good booms. Chris 404-525-7190.
If you do make it to Atlanta, give me a call and drop by Gene's Consignment, I do have a Mistral Flow (103 liter, year 2000) for $400 or several other boards (105 liter Energy for $50) you might be interested in. And a 7.2 Neil Pryde Spirit (year 2002) for $100, 30% Fiberspar Carbon mast for $100, so depending on your budget, you may be able to get some pertty modern equipment. Keep an eye on my webpage http://www.expage.com/genesconsignment/ as the inventory changes regularly.
If I can be of any help, give me call, 770-967-0104.
Gene
Gene Mathis
I have sailed at Booker T. Washington Park in Chattanooga on some strong SW days and had a great time. It's right across from Privateer Yacht Club where there are some very serious Snipe (dinghy) sailors. Wind seems to funnel through the hills there a bit stonger than surrounding areas. Of course, as in this area, not much air moving until fall.
I have often wondered if you could get access to the pumped storage resevoir on top of that mountain near Tiftonia. It has got to be howling up there on the big NW days.
Chris Voith
Hammerguy,
You're right about those wind conditions, but there are a couple of us in Chattanooga. Best conditions are in the Fall & early Spring, but if you've got the neoprene it's pretty good in the winter on some of those not too cold days. If you live next to the lake like me you can get some surprise wind around 3-5pm but it's rarely predictable in the summer. To get the most out of it here get the biggest sail you can handle. I rarely rig anything smaller than 8.0 without leaving town. I'll look forward to seeing you out on the lake.
Rick