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How to buy the correct windsurf sail

 
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arnegahmig



Joined: 27 Nov 2013
Posts: 17
Location: El Médano

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:10 am    Post subject: How to buy the correct windsurf sail Reply with quote

Hi folks!

I am looking for some feedback. I recently posted a new article which is meant as a guide/checklist for newbies to make an educated decision on buying their first windsurf sail. I would like to hear if I have missed something or left anything out.

http://howtowindsurf101.com/windsurf-sail-buying-guide/

Thanks in advance for the advice guys!

Arne
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rigitrite



Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 520
Location: Kansas City

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gear is expensive, especially boards and sails. However, they can last a really long time, and equipment in the last 15 years has remained virtually unchanged in basic technology, and quality. As a beginner, you should buy used and find what will help you improve without breaking the bank.
Once you decide that you really want to take up the sport and keep going, you should invest in a quiver. Having a set of sails, all from the same manufacturer and of the same model in different sizes will make everything much much easier. The first major $$$ I ever spent on new equipment was my first quiver of sails.

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NOVAAN



Joined: 28 Sep 1994
Posts: 1544

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 11:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great advice. I would add that having the proper mast for you new sails is a must. People down play the value of this, but it is the best way to get your sails to rig and preform properly...
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Sailboarder



Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 656

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For freeriding, sail and fins go hand-in-hand. So I would add at the end that once you choose your sail, you have to make sure the fin you have is a good fit, otherwise find one to maximize your sail potential.
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jingebritsen



Joined: 21 Aug 2002
Posts: 3371

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 5:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

what are you most common conditions?
what's your physical data?
what kind of interests do you have? free riding, racing, or surf sailing?

i live in florida. i use 7.5 and 9.0 sails the most.

i weigh 210lbs so have to sail larger than average stuff in surf, plus florida does not offer lots wind....

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gregnw44



Joined: 23 Jul 2008
Posts: 783
Location: Seattle, Wa

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 7:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jingebritsen wrote:
what are you most common conditions?
what's your physical data?
what kind of interests do you have? free riding, racing, or surf sailing?

i live in florida. i use 7.5 and 9.0 sails the most.

i weigh 210lbs so have to sail larger than average stuff in surf, plus florida does not offer lots wind....


Yeah I agree with this also.

How to decide what windsurf sail to buy, it at the same time easy and or complicated.

* What's the realistic wind speed's you're going to be sailing in?
* What type of sailing do you do mostly (or want to do)?
* How long have you been sailing, meaning, what's your skill level?
* What's your weight?
* How often are you going to be sailing in the next few years, realistically?
* What's your budget?
* What kind of boards do you have... or which one do you sail the most?
Greg Smile
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joethewindsufa



Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1190
Location: Montréal

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 7:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

4.0, 4.7 and 5.3 were suggested in the blog post
john ingebritsen mentions 7.5 and 9.0
these are typical ~15 % spacings in sail sizes

we assume the board has been purchased
board, sail with mast and the fin are all the engines
and MUST all work together
with you and your location

if buying new or used - RIG IT
and learn how that sail is tuned

larger sizes - will it work with an adjustable outhaul ??
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arnegahmig



Joined: 27 Nov 2013
Posts: 17
Location: El Médano

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 7:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow,
thanks for the great feedback guys! I will be sure to mention the advice at the end that choosing the correct fin, board and mast are just as important as choosing the sail and that they have to work well together. That is something that I missed including as I was focused on only the sail choice but as you all said, they all have to work together otherwise something will always be off.

Thanks for the great advice guys!

Arne

PS: rigitrite, I would like to include your post as a quote in the post at the end as a parting piece of guidance. I hope that is OK with you Smile
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rigitrite



Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 520
Location: Kansas City

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, totally fine with me.

I did neglect to mention that you do need to buy a mast that's the correct length, stiffness, and curve type for your sails. So that was good advice from some of the other guys who posted. A good fin is important, but it takes ALOT of experience to notice that your fin sucks, but even a beginner will notice a good sail/mast from a crummy sail/mast.

Oh, BTW: GO ROYALS!!! Beat the Mets!!! and.....GO SPORTING!!! Beat Portland!!!

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Sailboarder



Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 656

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 7:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rigitrite wrote:

I did neglect to mention that you do need to buy a mast that's the correct length, stiffness, and curve type for your sails. So that was good advice from some of the other guys who posted. A good fin is important, but it takes ALOT of experience to notice that your fin sucks, but even a beginner will notice a good sail/mast from a crummy sail/mast.


I personally meant the fin size, not quality. Since many boards come equipped with a respectively large fin, even early intermediates will find their board is too big while using a small sail within mfg specs. Changing to a smaller fin will fix the problem.
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