Is my board too small?

[carl]

Why the constraint of only 2 boards? If garage space is not a problem,
keep 3 boards. Then if it's really windy, you can take the 2 smallest boards,, if it's light wind, take the 2 big boards.
Most people can't handle a board bigger than 96L in wind over 25knots so if you want to sail in that wind, you'll need that board!
I think you'll be much happier keeping and learning to use the 96L and getting another used 115L to fill the medium wind need.

Not to mention, you'll take a big $$ loss in resale of the 96L,,,,,plus
I almost guarantee you'll want it back in a year or so when your skills improve.
(I've been there myself)

[GURGLETROUSERS]

From what you say Anton, the key is clearly your ability to uphaul, and then BALANCE a wobbly smaller board and rig, when there is little wind in the luuly bits, and nothing to lean on. (Always tricky.) If that is the case you'd be better advised to stay at about 120 litres. There are many good boards both old and new of that volume, with respectable control in the stronger gusts.

Two I often use in such variable, especially offshore, conditions, are an old Bic Techno 112 medium (a bit below 120 litres, but easy to use), and a more modern Exocet Cross 118 litre board. (shortish and widish, and easy to balance for its size.) The 120 litre size has Always been a kind of midway passage between lighter and stronger winds, and not to be sneered at.

Perhaps that volume would be the best bet for you for the next year or so, until you feel fully confident of moving down to 100 or so litres? (You shouldn't have to swim in then.)

[cgoudie1]

Hi Anton,

While I could explain both (low wind waterstart and low wiind uphaul),
It's not really going to do you much good without more time on the water.
And, you may be asking too much of the board you want. I want a board that's good from 15-40MPH also, but the physics just won't allow it.

I don't think you'll see much difference between the 96 you currently
own and a 108. A 118 is a better possibility, but it's going to be
a little bouncy from 27MPH on up. I do think you need more time
on the water, and if you're not going to be able to ride the 96
(for whatever reason), and you can only have 2 boards, you'll
want that 120-130 ltr board ....... for about 2 seasons, then you'll
want something like the 96 again.

My experience with "the disadvantage of the short wide freemove boards"
is that they bounce in heavy chop. I think if you really want some upper
range in a large short board (and I consider 120 ltrs and up pretty large)
you might want to look at some older used boards with a more drawn out
longer rocker line and a narrower tail (something like 8'10-9'2 in length).
You might get lucky and they should be really inexpensive.

Also, you can often "quiet" your larger short board down considerably in
higher wind, by swapping the fin out for a smaller curvier fin. It's
less expensive than a new board.

Good luck!

-Craig

p.s. 10 Knots (or even 10 MPH) is plenty of wind to waterstart if you've
been doing it for 20 years. At 5MPH it's a desperation uphaul, or a
lucky encounter with a fishing boat.

[isobars]

[antonputman]

Mmmm I know I should keep the 3S......
Just need to convince the GF sleeping in the van with me on the ever expanding pile of gear!!
I just see a used RRD FSW 111 LTD from 2011 for 500€. Still to small than?
New 115 Rocket or 116 3S 2014 models in CED constructions will set me at 1.000€.

[adywind]

The Freemoves have NO dissadvantages up to 30MPH , people do all kinds of things on them with different sails and fins-true Swiss Army knives. If you prefer a moderate wind board get a 110l instead of 120, but keep the 96 for the strong wind with sails below 6.0. A 110 l Freemove if sailed regularly will help you progress incredibly fast and in a season or two you'll be ready for the 96.

[dllee]

I have a "freemove" board that is 80 liters, 61cm wide, and thinner than any surfboard. It works great in gusts to 30, but after that, a narrower board slides between the wind waves and jibes much easier.

[NOVAAN]

What your asking for is not possible. At 23 to 40 mph your looking at a sub eighty liter board with a darn small sail to have any kind of fun. I'm a pretty lite guy but I sail with some boys. When the wind starts hitting that speed the big guys drop down to almost the same size board and sail I use. Keep your 96 3s. Its a very fun smooth board. Get yourself an old used 120 ish board to beat up and learn on. If your look at the inwindsurf adds, you almost never see a 3s for sale. People get them and keep them because they work..

[NOVAAN]

The 3s has a much ticker pad and it helps smooth the ride. I have both the 2015 Rocket 115 ltd and the 3s 96 CED. When the wind comes up a bit the 3s is just a blast to sail. I haven't seen or sailed the 3s 116 but if its anything like its smaller brothers it would be a good choice. You might consider the New Rockets wide 118. The new freemove boards are very forgiving and might fit your skill set better. Check out Big Winds for the JP Magic ride 118 in the full wood. They have a killer sail and include a board bag...

[isobars]