[ Clothes and Boots ] [ Buoyancy Aids ] [ Windsurfing Lessons ]
You can buy from another windsurfer who is upgrading his/her equipment. Second hand equipment from this source is usually in good condition but if you want to buy new there are some reasonably priced beginners packages available.
A Beginner's Shopping List
These are things you will need:- a windsurfing board with rigging
- suitable clothes and boots
- a buoyancy aid
- somewhere to learn (and some means of getting there if you have to take equipment!)
Types of Boards
This is the most expensive item of equipment you will need and so if possible hire it while you try out the sport. Water sports centres and windsurfing clubs have boards available for hire when you are having lessons.
Boards are usually classed as long, mid-length or short. Long boards are for everyone, while short boards are only suitable when you have gained a fair level of expertise and spent a lot of time on the water. It is possible to buy an all-round board that suits different sailing conditions.
Long Boards
When you start windsurfing you will probably use the basic long board. They work well in a wide variety of wind conditions and they have a high buoyancy level and a large daggerboard for stability. There are long boards for racing but these are more expensive with footstraps and fittings. Every year new boards are designed to increase safety and buoyancy and easier manoeuverability.
Mid-length Boards
Mid-length boards, from 310cm to 335cm fill the gap between the long board and the short board. They are useful for practising short board manoeuvres but they are more stable than short boards.
Short Boards
As an advanced windsurfer you may enjoy using a short board because it makes use of all your sailing techniques and offers you a challenge. Short boards, 300cm and less, are used in stronger winds to plane across the surface of the water. This means that you are just skimming the surface as you move. They are no good if you are a beginner because they have poor buoyancy and you would spend all your time in the water rather than on the board!
The price of boards varies between £500 and £1500 depending on their type and make.
Rigging
The rig is made up from four individual components; the sail, the mast, the mastfoot and the boom.
Sail
There is a wide range of sails available. They are made from a combination of Monofilm, a clear PVC film, Dacron, a type of polyester, or Mylar, a polyester film sandwich. Beginner's sails are usually cheaper and battened sails are more stable. An instructor can advise you about the correct sail to use.
Mast
Fibreglass masts from about £60 upwards are cheaper than those made from carbon/fibre glass and are more suitable for beginners. Two-piece masts are easier to carry and store than those in one piece but they are more expensive.
Mast Foot/Base
If you are buying a mast foot, ask the retailer for advice. You need one that is compatible with your mast extension and your board.
Boom
The boom is the bit you hang on to! It is made of aluminium or carbon tubing and covered in a soft grip material. It connects to the mast with a clamp at its front end. The rear end has a pulley and cleat mechanism to tension the sail by means of an outhaul rope. All booms are adjustable in length.
You can buy the board and rig as a complete package.
Clothes and Boots
A good wetsuit and boots are essential for keeping you warm in the water. They come in various styles, sizes and colours. There are thin suits for summer and thicker suits for winter. Try on lots of different styles until you find one that fits. It must fit you properly if it is to keep you warm. One piece suits are better for keeping the water out. Prices are from £100 upwards.
You can buy gloves for extra warmth but if you wear gloves make sure you can still grip the boom properly.
Wetsuit boots are essential. They keep your feet warm and they also protect your feet from objects when you fall in the water. Prices start from £12 - £15.
Buoyancy Aids
This is usually a foam-filled waistcoat filled with at least 6 kg of buoyancy material. Waistcoats have extra fastenings around your waist to make them secure. They should be a good fit, not too loose and not too tight. It is essential for your safety that you wear one whenever you windsurf even if you are a good swimmer and especially if you are a beginner. Everyone falls off their board and the aid will help you come to the surface even if you panic. Most buoyancy aids become less effective with age so they should be well looked after and replaced when their buoyancy decreases. Always clean them in fresh water and let them dry before you store them inside. Most water sports centres have buoyancy jackets that you hire when you have your lessons.
Windsurfing lessons
You can book windsurfing lessons at most water sport centres and windsurfing clubs. They are fairly cheap and courses are available at all levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced. They all work towards a recognised standard. An instructor will advise you about what to buy when you are ready to pursue the sport further. Remember, whatever you buy needs to be transported to and from the windsurfing area. A car with a roof rack and a willing driver are essential!
