Say I want to get into windsurfing...What all do I need?

Question

From another question, wanted to pry some minds to get an idea of this sport. I'm 6'3" 165lbs. What all will I need to get into it? I live 45 minutes from the gulf, so used gear shouldn't be hard to find. Just like a small list and any advice or reading I could do to speed the learning curve. Just want to add in again, due to some recent health issues my stamina and strength isn't the best.

One thing I was really wondering about. If you have a big board, can you windsurf in the surf? I spend almost every weekend at the beach, mostly surf side. I know you'd have to pick your days, but wanted opinions. There's also a very large bay that's usually very calm for me to learn in.

Originally, I was thinking about getting a small sailboat..but I think that'd be way too expensive and be too much for me to work with solo.

Answer 1

I also surf and learned to sail at the age of 8.  The experience from both of those are very helpful in picking up windsurfing.  I suggest you take a couple of lessons.  Generally, the first couple of times you will be on a beginner board (very floaty and paired up with a small sail).  It makes it much easier to get the basics down without being preoccupied with keeping your balance.  Once you get the hang of it you can decide for yourself if you want to invest in equipment.  It is very strenuous when you are first learning.  Pulling up the sail is a bear and you'll feel like your fighting the wind, but as you progress you'll find that you use your weight and experience to your advantage.  If you make it to the intermediate level, you will wear a harness which can extend your sailing time to hours without fatigue.

Smaller boards are better in waves.  They behave more like a surfboard.  You can still take a big board into the surf, but it will be much harder to carve up and down the face of the wave.

Sounds like you have a great bay to sail in.  Good luck.  It's a great sport.

Answer 2

rethink the sailboat idea. If your stamina isnt up to par and you dont have experience on a board not to mention learning how to handle the wind a windsurfer will kick your butt. Not that it is difficult really just a matter of balance, getting used to positioning the wind to help you . Find someone to help you learn  and rent one of the things before  you make that investment. No question you can teach yourself but it'll take hard headed determination. This summer I'm giving kiteboarding a go windsurfing got too tame :)

Answer 3

Iam so not gonna read that u wrote too much sry