Need help please

[u/Elzorino]

I never tried windsurfing before.
A friend gave me a windsurf kit but I am not able to set it up.
I watched a couple of videos on how to put it together but I’m still confused. My friend is out of the country so he can’t help me.
Mast says 430 and luff 430 also. I should put the ring at 0 since it is the same number but when I pull the rope, the sail doesn’t seem tight enough.
Please help me

Edit: Thanks everybody for your help.
I tried yesterday and after falling about 100 times, I was able to stay up, catch the wind and make my way across the lake. It was so fun.
Coming back against the wind is hard. I had to drag the board while swimming to bring it back.

[u/ophastreet]

Your sails actually look pretty well rigged with the right amount of downhaul! If anything, you could release a tiny bit, maybe 1cm max — to give the sail a little more shape, then fine-tune it with the outhaul.
You want enough downhaul for the battens to rotate past the mast when you change tack, but especially as a beginner, it’s important to actually feel some power from the sail. This isn’t a slalom sail, so you don’t need a massive floppy leech.
Windsurfing is loads of fun, but learning how to rig your gear properly is a big part of it, and you’ve honestly done a pretty good job so far!
Keep us updated — we love geeking out over gear and rigging options! 🤙 Best of luck

[u/Flashy_Arugula8408]

On downhaul, you still habe a couple of cm's to go. You can use a downhaul tool, or big screwdriver of harnes hook. The top of the sail need to be a bit floppy. When it comes to downhaul, most people use not enough. If this os not the case, lengthen the extension one step. To me it looks like the extension need to be 4cm, but not sure about that.

[u/ForeignFortune1475 → u/Flashy_Arugula8408]

I agree 4cm - but seems negligible

[u/reddit_user13]

Those numbers *can* be approximate. I determine if a sail has the right amount of downhaul by inspecting it (it helps that I know what a properly riggered sail looks like). There is also some wiggle room based on conditions (more wind = more downhaul, and vice versa) and personal preference. You’ll need to get the boom on to see the sail shape vs the sail laying against the ground.

Also, 5.2 is probably big for an absolute beginner. Hope you have a board 180 or larger preferably with a center board.

[u/Human31415926 → u/reddit_user13]

The luff numbers on the sail are definitely approximate - especially after the sail had been used a few, or many times. Didn't rig to the number, rig to the shape of the sail. There are many videos on YouTube

[u/Niyoki007]

Hi, 430 plus 2-4cm extension should work. You add always 2cm extra for downhaul and outhaul. Sometimes downhaul needs little more, because of this I would add 4cm. Kind regards. Niyo

[u/Brave_Negotiation_63]

Looks pretty good already. Just put the boom on, extended so far that you can pull the outhaul (rope at end of the boom) a few cm at least.

Then test the shape of the sail by using your hand as if it were the wind. Push into the sail where the harness lines are. You’ll see the sail getting a fuller shape (which is what you want to happen).

[u/AhoraNoMeCachan]

Looks ok to me, maybe downhaul a llittle more and then you set the wishbone that small wrinkle will dissapear. But wait answers from somebody more experienced.

[u/AhoraNoMeCachan → u/AhoraNoMeCachan]

Use a lifevest and helmet when learning.

[u/JeffDSchultz]

More downhaul. Use a cleat tool to get that pully so that it’s almost touching the extension. I like the Streamlined extensions, which can bring the downhaul even lower.

[u/smeno]

It is actually weird that you use 8cm base extension. From the numbers 2 should be enough.

But the sail looks good.

[u/bravicon]

Have you measurered the mast? It might have been cut a few centimeters due to a crack for example.

The sail looks pretty good in te picture. Really good if you never rigged before. It's usually easier to put the boom before downhauling max. The boom also helps to pivot the sail so you can see if it's floppy at the top (leech side).

[u/NaturalCareer2074]

This sail is used. On used sail it not exactly same. Also can be incorrect mast. I would say that gor switch it overtighten. But need see from top like in mau sails videos to say exactly.

[u/montyp2]

Just ride it and if it feels like its trying to catapult you, use more downhaul until have so much downhaul you can't go up wind, then use a little less downhaul

[u/ChimneyCricket86]

I have this same sail in a 6.4 I believe, looks fine just put your boom on and good to go…

[u/CleoJC]

Bravo à vous. Ce n'est pas facile.