Right, so 2021 is the year I am getting back into windsurfing since probably 2008. So some thoughts from the brain trust on what has changed and what to consider.
Some background. I moved to Perth about 15 years ago from Namibia and still have the gear I used back then. This includes:
1. F2 Slalom Board (2.78cm , 103L)
2. F2 "Wave" Board (2.62cm , 85L)
3. Sails - 5.1, 4.6, 4.1, 3.5
I subsequently bought a 5.5 in Perth (don't recall ever using the 3.5 here, although did use the 4.1 a few times). I am mid 70 kgs, although maybe a bit closer to high 70's since Christmas.
Whilst in Perth I did most of my sailing at Pinaroo point (it is close).
The master plan is to start at Melville once or twice, convince myself I can still water start and brush up those gybing skills. Then head back to Pinaroo. I am thinking I should replace the mast base and mast extension. I previously had a long swim at Leightons when an old one snapped off. Not sure about the boom? Any ideas on checking this (hang on it from the ceiling?). I am sure the mast, board and sails should be ok and if not they break in my river attemps.
Also, I notice that PFD are now required? Am I understanding that correctly?
Any advice on what I am missing ?
Following this I was thinking of get a more floaty waveish board instead of using the old slalom board at Pinaroo. Thoughts/suggestions?
If you are comfortable on your gear, why replace it?
Otherwise, Pinnaroo Point - FSW gear seems to work the best. It gets quite choppy. Some people use wave boards when very windy.
Select to expand quoteremery said..
Replace the tendon and go for it.
Thanks for the advice, did that today. What a pain it was to get the screws out of the 15 year old one. Had to butcher a few ones to get them out. All brand new now. Now all we need is a bit of wind.
Select to expand quoteObelix said..
If you are comfortable on your gear, why replace it?
Otherwise, Pinnaroo Point - FSW gear seems to work the best. It gets quite choppy. Some people use wave boards when very windy.
Thanks Obelix, will definately look into FSW options once I get going again.
Ok, so have been on the water a few times. Waterstarts are fine but gybes need some work.
It is strinking how much has changed. Boards are much shorter (which I sort of knew) but what does suprise me, is that sail size seem to have increased (for a given wind strenth). Am I reading that correctly? It would appear as if people are using larger sails but they have more of a range?
Starting to think ahead. I will definately have to change my 20 year old gear. The sails are looking a bit sorry, boards are still fine but shapes are outdated. I am still considering if I should go "big bang" and replace the whole lot at once or do it incrementally.
So a question for the locals, what is the perfect setup for Pinaroo Point for a 75 kg sailor. The objective being to cater for the greatest wind range with conventional windsurfing gear (so excluding foils) with the potential to later migrate to some of the more wave orientated spots between Trigg and Hillarys.
What would you get if you had to pick:
1 Board (2 to 3 sails)
2 Boards (3 to 5 sails)
Thoughts be much appreciated.
