Looking for some gear advice on 2nd board

wind_serf · Joined: 12 Sep 2015 Posts: 12

I'm new to the sport and looking for some gear advice..

This summer I got a complete HiFly Magnum with a 5.5m sail used for about $200. It has been great for learning, but I feel that I'm ready to move on soon. I think it's about 175L. I'd say I'm approaching intermediate level, can tack/jibe etc but still learning.

I weight about 140 lbs and live in the Seattle area, where this is often light winds (5-8 knots). I've mostly been going out on lakes with little wave action, but sometimes out on the sound where there is a little more chop. I also have a friend in Hood River and will probably be road tripping down there a bit next summer.

So I guess I'm looking for a setup that would allow me to get out on those common light wind days we have in the PNW, but also occasionally take down to Hood River which typically has higher winds.

From what I've read, the wider formula style boards with a larger rig are good performers in light winds. I'm lucky to have a wide variety of used gear to choose from in the area. One board I was considering was a used Bic Techno, or something similar.. any thoughts?

Thanks!

windward1 · Joined: 18 Jun 2000 Posts: 1400

The Bic Techno 283 is a good board with a wide wind and sail range. Might work for you well.

rhorton1 · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 88

There's a dedicated group of windsurfers in the Seattle area.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/NW-WINDTALK/conversations/messages

I'd suggest chatting with them. Formula sailing in light winds is a large investment with oftentimes frustrating results. A longboard or raceboard would be your best bet in really light winds.. maybe even a sailable sup!

Also, finding a board for Seattle and the Gorge will be tough. I would suggesting spending most of your budget on finding light-er wind gear for the Seattle area and spending your last $100 on a complete Gorge specific board/sail/rig from one of the CGWA swap meets.

DelCarpenter · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 499 Location: Cedar Falls, IA

Before adding another board, add larger rigs.

techno900 · Joined: 28 Mar 2001 Posts: 4164

Don't go the formula way unless you are at LEAST an advanced intermediate. It's a big investment and they can work well with giant, expensive rigs. Slogging is no fun, so you need enough wind, and a big enough sail to get planing. For me at 168 lbs, it's an 11.0 sail in 10-12 mph winds with a lot of pumping. 12-14 winds for my 9.2 sail and pumping.

The Techno 183 is a great all around board. I raced one for a few years with sails from 6.0 to 9.2. One short coming - the nose will break off if you slam the mast into it. The board is pretty big in winds over 20 mph, unless it's flat water.

gregnw44 · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 783 Location: Seattle, Wa

wind_serf · Joined: 12 Sep 2015 Posts: 12

Thanks for the tips all!

I'm probably just going to ride out the winter on my current setup, maybe get a larger rig like suggested.. then hit the swap meets in the spring. And I'll definitely get on that local NW forum. we had some solid wind last weekend which was a good reminder I still have some learning to do on what I have now.