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kwindy



Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 13

PostPosted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:22 pm    Post subject: Board Reply with quote

I am looking for advise in getting a new or used board. I have the following two boards and would like to get a board that planes easier in light wind. Hifly, 272cm, 118L, 64cm wide and F2, 266cm, 97L, 57cm width. I weigh about 135LB. What's the relationship between width and planing ability?
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coachg



Joined: 10 Sep 2000
Posts: 3549

PostPosted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 7:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wider boards can carry bigger fins, bigger sails and generally the shape planes earlier. Think about the best shape for a rock to skip across the water.

Coachg
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DonORiordan



Joined: 06 Feb 2001
Posts: 146

PostPosted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

CoachG is correct in considering the mechanics of the board alone.
But the rider also contributes. A skilled rider (e.g. a pro) can get the tiniest board planing with relative ease on a small sail, while a newbie or even intermediate struggles like crazy. Even many of us advanced-expert sailors are still in awe at how well a pro can get planing in conditions where we just don't seem to have a hope.

So, it may not just be your board thats holding you back from planing in lighter winds. Its just as likely to be your technique (or lack thereof). You could look to improve both (better board and better technique via instruction, time on the water, etc). Or maybe even just a bigger fin. If you are on too small of a fin, you will struggle. If your fin doesn't match your sail (or your board for that matter), you will struggle. Of if your board doesn't match your sail (e..g new board combined with 10 year old sail or vice versa), same deal.

You sound like a lightweight (130 pounds or so, right?) so I would expect a 118 litre board or so to do quite well for a lightweight rider of competent skill with a propertly matching sail and fin in any conditions over say 16 knots or so. Unless its a heavy waterlogged board, which might also cause issues.

anyway, the bottom line is there are *many* reasons why you may be struggling to plane. Maybe not enuf wind. Maybe not enough sail/fin. Maybe not enuf technique. Keep an open mind and investigate them all. Instruction (I highly recommend ABK, these folks are awesome, but there are plenty other good schools aroun also) may be the key to unlocking your planing. Unless you live in somewhere with lighter winds (< 15knots), in which case the gear alone could make all the difference.

Now, when if comes to boards alone, wide and flat tends to plane the quickest (coachg's skipping stone analogy applies perfectly). Banana shaped boards which are more suited toward wavesailing won't plane as quickly...the flatter rocker (i.e. the less rocker), the better. Take a look at a Formula board or a dedicated Freestyle board. Both of these have the same basic shape...relatively short (for their volume), extremely wide, and with very flat rockers. Just like coachg's skipping stone...

A 110 litre freestyle board may plane quicker for your than something bigger but with more rocker...it depends on your own skill and amount of effort you put into it.

If you can reply with tons of details about your skill level (what can you do regularly, what can you do occasionally and what can you not do yet in terms of waterstart, jibe, tack, vulcan, etc) and where you sail and in what wind conditions, I expect folks will be in a better position to recommend specific types & size of board for you. and maybe sails, harness & fins to boot.

I'll summarize by saying there are no "silver bullets" in windsurfing. Its not like you can just buy something and suddenly be the best sailor on the water. Instead, its a continuous evolution of your skills (usually via time on the water), and judging the best equipment for the conditions in which you ride, plus your natural athleticism, all combined that leads to be best results. And do look for instruction to shortcut things on the skills dept, well worth it.

D
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kwindy



Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 13

PostPosted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:47 am    Post subject: Board Reply with quote

I can plane in 16 knots. I'd like to be able to plane in less than 15 knots. I am ok with jibing, tacking, and waterstarts. Although I need to improve in all departments in rougher conditions.
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