Sherman Island Board Recommendation

[peteuehlin@yahoo.com]

Getting back into windsurfing after 10 years off and need a new board. I weight 195lbs and am 6'2". I'd like to get an all around board that I could use with a 4.2, 4.7, and 5.3 sail. I used to sail primarily Coyote Point and have a 100L F2 Wizzard board that I used with a 5.2 and 6.0 sail . Should I start with that or would it be too big? Also, what size board should I be getting based on my weight. I'm sure things have changed alot in the past 10 years and I plan on sailing at Sherman exclusively. Thx, Pete

[zirtaeb]

Similar to your beloved Coyote, you need to cover winds from 18 thru 40, and tides ebb thru floods.
Your current board is fine for the decent average days. Nuke days, you would jibe and jump easier on something smaller and less speed oriented, while flood days something much bigger and more slalom oriented.
So I guess you gotta narrow it down a bit.

[peteuehlin@yahoo.com]

That's what I thought. Would I be able to use a 4.7 sail on my current board and maybe look on getting a smaller board and sails when it's really windy. What size board should I look for for those really windy days based on my weight. Possibly something like 85l or would that be too small

[zirtaeb]

100 liter Wizard is FINE if you sail a little smaller in sizing than what you'd normally use. Just rig the same as all the 160 lbs sailors, and you'll do just fine. Lots of freestyler's at 160 lbs are riding their 95 liter boards in everything. Just downsize fin to a wave 23.
While Sherman has lots of great windy days, there are more days in the 20mph average range, and as you know, ebbs and floods, with a short reach to get back upwind on the floods.

[peteuehlin@yahoo.com]

Thanks for all the info, I appreciate it. I was hoping to start out with only one board and see how it goes. Right now I have a 5.2 sail and a 6.0 sail. I was going to purchase another smaller sail that I could still use on my Wizard board at Sherman. Whould you recommend a 4.5 sail or should I get two sails like a 4.2 and 4.7 for those windier days. Would a 4.2 work on the Wizard or is that way too small.
Thx again!!

[zirtaeb]

Depends on your budget and how fussy you are.
Most would agree a .5 difference is huge when the winds are in the 25+ range, while in lighter winds, maybe a full meter is better.
For sure, if it's 28-40 mph at Sherman, you would be fine sailing a 3.7 on your board.
I, at 150 lbs., would need a 3.0 and 80 liters, to float thru the 28 and handle the 40.

[peteuehlin@yahoo.com]

Thanks for all the info. Think I'm going to look for a used 4.5 or 4.7 and then if I really get back into it I'll get a 3.7.

[johnl]

Sorry for the late reply....

Sailed the Delta for over 15 years and probably 10+ sessions a year. I weigh about 180.

I found a 100'ish L board and a mid 80's L board will get you through about 95% of the sailing there. A nice semi slalom fin for the low wind flood days, and then some decent wave fins. With that I would want a sail range from 6.0 down to about mid 4's. There are days when you will want/need a smaller sail (sub 4) but those days are very few, so it might not justify the purchase (along with a mid 70's L board).

But for years sailing there this was what I had/used and sailed there most days it was blowing.

[peteuehlin@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the info John. Gonna stick with my current gear and pick up a used 4.5 sail. If I really get back into the sport I'll look at getting a 85-90L board since I weight 195 and maybe a 3.7 sail

[mark]

I have been sailing Sherman Island for the past 30 years. I weigh about the same as you. For the most part I sail 2 boards the largest being 103 liter free ride and the small one an 85 liter free style wave. I use a 6.0 and a 5.3 on the larger board and a 5.3 on down on the 85 liter board. I also have a 75 liter Hitech blaster but I find that the 85 liter FSW (RRD 2008) sails really well on the windy days and the little bit of extra floatation is nice during the lulls.

At 195 pounds I rarely sail a sail smaller than a 4.2. I may get on the 3.7 once or twice per season.

If you are looking of a couple of used sails in good shape PM me. I have a 4.7 2002 North Voodoo that I put in the wave sail classified section a couple of days ago. I am asking $150 for it which includes a North viper 75 percent carbon mast which is the correct mast for the sail. I would also include a little bit older North 4.3 which will work on the same mast. My phone number is also in the add.

I live in Palo Alto but will be out at Sherman Island all weekend. I looks like it is going to be windy!