Hey guys,
I just stumbled upon this group. I had no idea that people windsurf in GA.. and now that I know it’s a “thing” im pretty pumped!
I have read most of the wiki section related to lake sailing, but have some gear questions. FWIW, I do sail (Force 5 sailboat) but am pretty new to windsurfing. I have a second hand longboard from the mid 80s, but can definitely see why learning on something modern will be much more enjoyable.
I’m picking up the used Starboard Phantom 320 in Bham tomorrow. Aside from a mast base and extension (and the 80s rig from my current board) I need the rest of the rig. With summer (and light winds) almost here, what sail would you guys recommend for a beginner given the board and typical wind conditions. As I progress down the road, I can purchase gear for various conditions. For now I want somthing to get me through summer.
And of course, buying used is much more preferred than new stuff.
Cheers,
-Clayton
The Starboard is a very nice board. It should work great for you here.
Summer winds are typically not strong enough to plane very often. So there are basically 2 options: 1.) To get planing go for the biggest sail (8, 9, 10.....) and rig you can afford or 2.) Don't worry that much about planing until the windier months so get something in more of a medium to sort of big size (say 6-7.5) and work on you sailing skills while sailing more in displacement mode. The medium size sail will be useful later on and easier to handle as your skills develop. For a lot of people around here 7.5 is their biggest sail and the one they use the most, but I use my 6.0 probably more than anything these days, though I'm smaller than most people.
I think option 2 makes the most sense. Option 1 would get you planing more often - but it might only be 6 days in the summer vs. 3 or something like that. Eventually, most of us end up getting bigger sails and rigs, to plane whenever we can. And smaller sails. And medium sails. And more boards.....
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
I have a 5.5 Ezzy (Panther 2 ...2010 I think) sail that you can have for free. Too small to get you planing in the summer but great to practice basic skills on. It's a good modern sail, but baked by sun so getting brittle. It probably will only last the summer...but it is free and it's not from the early 80's.
PM me
Marek
Sounds perfect for Option 2.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Thanks Randy, that's really helpful! Option 2 sounds like the way to go as i don't want to spend several hundred $ for a couple extra planing days at this point.
Marek, I just sent you a PM.
-C
Welcome! I must say I'm a bit surprised that Randy and I haven't dissuaded you yet with our hijinks.
Seriously, though, you are off to a great start by having gotten a great board to start on (and to keep). That will make all the difference in the world. With your sailing experience, it'll make the first few times SO MUCH EASIER (and I don't often do all caps).
In light winds, the 5.5 or even your vintage rig will be fine until you refine the "go out and get back to where I started" stage. Try the best you can to meet up with us so we can share those little tips that aren't obvious but ever so helpful. Pepper us with questions - we like questions. Good luck!
btw, where do you typically sail?
Signed,
Ex-Laser Sailor
Thanks for the welcome!
I just picked up the Phantom.. can’t wait get out on the water!
I also picked up the sail from Marek (huge thanks !)
Now I just need a mast and boom.. I saw you had an old post in the For Sail section with various sails, masts, booms, etc. Shoot me a PM if you have any of that left.
I was sailing my Force 5 up at lake hartwell (SC side) as my buddy had a lake house there.. currently it’s getting some TLC in the garage. I’ve had a Force 5 since middle school and usually sailed it on a small lake near canton.
Cheers,
-C
I have a boom that might work for the 5.5. Freebie!
Planning to sail tomorrow & can bring it... loaner mast too.
Thanks for the offer. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it out to the lake last weekend.. I’m going to meet up with Webguy sometime soon to buy a mast and boom. Hope to see you out there sometime soon!