Learn windsurfing on older boards ?

MGG · Joined: 02 Aug 2013 Posts: 3

Hello windsurfers gurus,
I live close to the St-Laurence river close to Montreal, Canada and I figured I might as well try to learn windsurf since there is plenty of room on the water. I aim getting on the water at an affordable cost just in case it is not my thing. Renting would be an option but it is complicated with little options available.

Going through the local classifieds I find few windsurf boards that are meant for beginners. The ones available are in bad shape and too old for me to feel confident about them. There are intermediate boards that look in better shape, so I am looking at two options:
1- Bic Rock'n Roll 135L with a 5.5 for 300$ ...
2- Hi-Fly 180L with a 5.5 and 6.5 for 600$
I know the boards are old probably early 90's.

Question: Is it a viable option to get these type of boards for a newbie ?

About me: male, 185lb, 5'7, athletic, snowboarding skills ... (for what it's worth)

Thanks.

nw30 · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 3:55 pm Post subject:

The Hi-Fly would be better equipment for learning on, but $600 is waaaay overpriced, I'd offer $200 and settle for $300, but even that is a bit too high, there is almost no demand for stuff that old.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

135 is WAY too small. It would be a waste of $300 AND would discourage you from the sport. Keep looking ... for something closer to 200 liters. Better yet, given your sensible low trial price, might be a 12 foot, 220-liter longboard. 100,000 owners can't be wrong, and they cover a wind range from 1 mph lulls to 30 mph gusts. Board age matters far less than which board and its condition, but really old sails and masts would be a big negative even if like new. Search harder, and tell us more about the HiFly if you can.

MGG · Joined: 02 Aug 2013 Posts: 3

More info: ...
I am not able to find a lot of information on Hi-Fly.
The add does say Hi-Fly Custom 2001 10' 180 liters.
Here is a picture if this ring a bell to anyone.

The board seems to have room for double fins (the white boxes), but there is no daggerboard so that might be bad for a beginner.

Thanks.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Listen to Mike....Isobars.
You're not a skinny kid.
You need real beginner gear for at least 12 days, then you can graduate down to 160 liter boards.
Custom you posted, if it's 10' long, is maybe 135 liters, waaaay to small except for 90 lbs sized riders.

nw30 · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 6:55 pm Post subject:

Looks like an Ampro mast, $200 max for that set up.
I'm guessing he has no offers at $600.
180 Lts is close to what you'll need, but it would be nice if you could get a board that you could up haul on, but only for a little while.
A dagger board is over rated for learning, don't be worried about that.

windoggi · Joined: 22 Feb 2002 Posts: 2743

To be brutally honest, I wouldn't pay any amount for that gear pictured. It has no value and would be a hinderance to learning. Take lessons on beginner gear...you won't be sorry. But! Welcome to the addiction we all share. Nice to have you aboard.

d0uglass · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:34 pm Post subject:

Older gear can be OK if the price is right, the size is right, and the proper fittings are included.

You can rule out the 135 liter because it's way too small. The 180 liter is borderline big enough, but it doesn't seem to have a daggerboard, which means it won't work at all for a beginner, and it won't work well for anyone unless the wind is strong.

Your target should be a 200+ liter board with a daggerboard, and a 3 to 5 meter squared sail.

I wrote some more detailed advice on choosing old gear, here:

http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/2008/07/poor-persons-guide-to-windsurfing.html

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Mr. Windoggie has thrown out gear that's much newer, and in better condition than what is shown. Thrown out as in FREE.
Thanks Steve, I"m still using the 5.5 Rushwind in PuertoRico, it's my only sail I use there.

windoggi · Joined: 22 Feb 2002 Posts: 2743

Thrown out is not the phrase I'd use. My sister and her hubby quit sailing and I ended up with all their gear. I can only own so many 5.5s...
Sharing the wealth is the way I saw it. Glad you like the Rushwind.