options for light wind ocean conditions

[d0uglass]

How much fun light wind "sup with a sail" is depends a lot on how nicely formed the waves are and what the wind angle is. It works beautifully with nicely spaced groundswell and sideshore or side-offshore winds, but it can be awkward and sucky in onshore or straight offshore conditions, especially with poorly formed waves. Try it and you'll figure out when it's worth it, and when it's actually easier to just sup without the sail... or to get planing on slalom gear.

[ctuna]

If you have one of those single point screw in's .
As on the Fantic allwave I would try to keep the mounting
hole clean and even put a something in to seal it when
using as a SUP. Its subject to corrosion and sand jams and
will eventually come loose .
I had to have mine replaced with a mast track.

[manuel]

Weight?
Wind direction?
Wave period?
8 knots is just barely waterstartable on 5.x sails.
I do lightwind freestyle.
If the waves are clean with break in-between sets, you can slog out on wave gear but I'd look for at least 12 knots side conditions.

[LUCARO]

[NOVAAN]

Both the wind sup or your big free ride board can work in that wind range and in smaller waves. When that 17 mph gust hits you might even get a planning ride on the freeride board. I do not trust single screw inserts for large boards in the surf. As mention. Had mine pull out the first time I fell on a wave. Had it replaced and reinforced at my expense because they would not cover that insert in the waves even though it was a new board. The second time I had a mast track installed..

[trance_dude]

So it ended up being more like 15-21, and, unable to bear the thought of possibly missing a chance to "properly" windsurf, I went out on the 104 L wave board and 5.7 wave sail. It was OK. Mostly slogging, maybe 10-20% planing, a lot of light wind practice / work, good workout anyway. Ultimately, any day on the water is a good one!

In retrospect as @NOVAAN mentioned I think I should have just taken out a bigger board and the 5.7, not necessarily the SUP but perhaps even my 135! And MAYBE a bigger slalom sail. I've never really tried to sail in waves that small and I think it would work. Obviously in bigger surf that stuff could get thrashed. Next time...

[isobars]

You're describing ideal conditions for a 135L Sea Lion windSUP. Google it and its many videos of paddling and sailing in waves <8 feet at winds from 0 to 20 mph.

[trance_dude]

Looks very cool!! I want one. Just need to make room in the garage....