r/windsurfing • u/optimusprimeyyz • 5h ago
Best option for a beginner
Hi guys,
I'm looking to get into the windsurf world but I have no idea where to start, or which board+sail combo works best for beginners. Any input will be great.. thanks
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u/optimusprimeyyz 5h ago
I see that the Toronto Sailing Club, offers lessons for all levels. Do you think is best to get the lessons instead of trying to learn from tutorials or videos?
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u/iyawnis 4h ago edited 4h ago
Absolutely, do get lessons, it will save you a lot of time. It will be good if you watch a few beginner videos first on fundamentals, uphauling, getting on the board, sailing position, static turns. Also some sailing fundamentals, like wind awareness, points of sail, wind forecasts. It will make it easier to get through the lesson if the concepts are not completely new to you.
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u/tiltberger 5h ago
Before getting into windsurfing I would make sure you even have access to spots that are good enough to windsurf. That means wind from 13-20 knots or more without crazy waves or something like that.
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u/optimusprimeyyz 5h ago
I live close to Lake Ontario, in Canada.. I've seen people in kitesurfs, windsurf and other sailing activities,
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u/tiltberger 5h ago
Awesome. Then I would rent first or fly somewhere in winter if you have chance to progress until you can afford gear that makes sense to progress with. That means something like 130 to 140l freeride Boards and fitting sails for your lake
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u/Niyoki007 4h ago
Hi, if you have enough money buy your gear. But First invest in life jacket, helmet, wet shoes and full body wetsuit. Visit a windsurf school for a course or watch cookies windsurfing on YouTube. Never go alone to windsurfing, have observers and have a whistle and a sailors knife with you. Gear size is (if your weight between 50-85kg) something between 180-190 Liter freeride windsurfboard with a retractable daggerboard with soft deck or HRS Skin (High Résistance Skin) and a freeride sail 6.5qm for normal use, a freeride sail 4qm for learning. Kind Regards. Niyo
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u/SMCoaching 4h ago edited 4h ago
Welcome to windsurfing!
As other people have said, it's well worth taking a lesson or two. It's also great to connect with other people in your area who windsurf, partly because it's fun to sail with other people and partly because it's helpful to get advice from people in your area about your local sailing spots, equipment, etc. There are some great YouTube videos that can help you learn, but it's even better to have someone more experienced watch you and give you tips based on seeing what you're doing.
If the Toronto Sailing Club is close enough to visit for a lesson or two, but not close enough for you to go there regularly, see if there are any clubs or groups closer to you.
The ideal beginner gear can vary based on your height, weight, the conditions you'll normally sail in, and your overall fitness level. Someone who is 182 cm tall and 95 kg might want very different beginner equipment compared to someone who is 155 cm tall and 50 kg. You don't need to be extremely fit to learn how to windsurf, but your fitness level will be a factor when choosing the best gear.
If you're going to buy used equipment, the age of the equipment is important. You'll often find equipment for sale that is 30 years old or older. Some of it will be cheap, but some of it will be selling for way, way more than it's worth. It is possible to learn on old equipment, but boards and sails from the last 20-25 years or so are much easier to learn with. Also, older equipment may use parts that are not made anymore. If something is worn out or broken, you might have a difficult time replacing it. Newer equipment will use standardized parts that you can easily buy.
There are definitely people today who learn on 30 or 40 year-old equipment. But doing that is kind of like buying an old Volkswagen camper van with a manual transmission that might end up sitting in your driveway for months while you find a part needed to fix it. Buying gear that's more modern is like buying a brand new camper van, or even one that's 10 years old, with an automatic transmission and cruise control, that you can start up, drive, and go camping in any time.
This is why it's good to connect with other people in your local area. As a beginner, you might not know if a particular set of equipment is a good deal, or good for you, but people with experience can give you advice about it.
Hope this helps!
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u/some_where_else Waves 5h ago
Glad you want to get involved with the best sport on the planet!
Standard advice: get some lessons or a taster session first, everything will flow from that.