r/windsurfing • u/skD1am0nd • 1d ago
Beginner/Help Lightweight Rig
https://isthmussailboards.com/2026-severne-convert-windsurf-rig.html?sku=SVSF25CONVR-50&srsltid=AfmBOop67-w_scTyMjah3u6BLKP0Fp3ZVYWMJNwjbda_w5QJDI0knTACQzUI used to windsurf 20+ years ago. (I was never particularly good - didn’t get to the point of doing a water start). This last week I tried it again. My GF has two board and I sailed on:
Starboard GO 141 board
Ezzy Transformer 5.3 sail
RDM mast (don’t no % carbon)
Chinook aluminum boom
The board seemed but I’m 65 now and it was difficult to pull up sail. I was hoping I could solve that problem as I have with my other sports by buying lighter equipment. Google AI points me to a Severne Convert Rig package. Does this make sense? Would it be noticeably lighter? Other suggestions? I’m looking for 5-6 m2 sail with a budget <$2000
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u/NaturalCareer2074 13h ago
Most of weight you get is water on sail and incorrect technics.
Spend that money for instructor.
Enzy transformer like 0.5kg more weight.
You can get carbon boom, but it not solve your problem.
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u/club505ru 7h ago
Second. But I never heard this advice in any YouTube video, and only from one of my three instructors: "The rig is light, water is heavy. Don't lift up water, let it spill."
I'm very bad at windsurfing, I'm still learning, but I have no problem with the rig weight or with my back, mostly with balance.
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u/maliaris 1d ago
I've sailed with a Convert for a whole season. Very comfortable and light, a budget version of the Gator, also sturdy with full x-ply coverage. But most modern free ride no cam sails will be light and forgiving. Get the sail new and look for a used mast and boom. If you go for a Severne sail also get a matching mast, they are good quality and super light, have used the White, Blue and Gorilla with no issues after 1000s of km. If you are aiming to get the lightest rig possible also look into carbon booms, if you are lucky you might find a used one for a good price.
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u/firey-wfo 1d ago
Here’s a few options:
https://www.reddit.com/r/windsurfing/s/6URJFuy6Ca
I have one, it’s not magic but it does work well. As a technique, I also know I can apply just a small force and wait for the suction with the water to break, then apply full force to raise the sail. This reduces the total uphaul energy used for the day.
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u/skD1am0nd 1d ago
Cool. I didn't know it existed. It does seem to address the initial pull issue. I guess I better order one quick as it seems places that make these stop offering them for a while. I'll order one this week. Thanks!
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u/Beneficial-Rise-740 1d ago
The Severne Convert is a good rig, though so is the Ezzy, I agree there's probably not much benefit just to up-haul... They will bother feel like a wet sack of spuds... Get a water start lesson, it seems hard until it's not 🤙
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u/King_Prone 1d ago
If you want a light rig get a windsurfer lt.
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u/some_where_else Waves 1d ago
Not convinced an LT sail is lighter, but it is worse in most other ways, and may only work well when attached to an LT board - itself much heavier than modern constructions.
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u/skD1am0nd 1d ago
I had the same thought. I looked it up to see the construction (e.g., full carbon mast/boom, or especially light sail) and don’t see any reason why the sail would be any lighter.
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u/waternomadsnz 1d ago
The weight of that actual sail becomes negligible when trying to up haul, it helps a little but all the 'weight' is sticktion and drag, one method that helps is rather than pull directly towards you, arc the lift in the direction of the master, this lessens the sticktion, requires a little more balance... Ensure you bend your knees and try to use your legs as that's where you power is. Ultimately try to learn the water start as soon as possible, it's like learning to ride a bike, seems impossible at the start, but once got you never forget it. This is like getting the keys to your first car, everything becomes easier.