VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Hi BWDers, I'm interested in getting into windsurfing and looking for advice on gear. I tried windsurfing on vacation a couple of years ago and loved it, managed to get the hang of uphauling and staying on the board, at least for short periods of time.

My question is, where would a beginner go to start? Are there any shops in Victoria that carry windsurfing gear? I've looked through the classifieds, but to be honest it's all a little overwhelming for a guy that doesn't know anything about the sport. Are some components better than other for learning? How do you know if a board is a good learning board? What size sails would I get? And so on...

Anybody have any tips to help me get started on finding decent beginner equipment?

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

edit: Should have mentioned I'm 6'3" and about 87 kilos if that helps at all.

Welcome!
You live in Victoria? I hear Elk Lake is pretty good to start. There is some good info in the wiki http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Sailing_Guide

As for beginner gear: make sure you board is big and stable enough and the sail doesn't have any cams in it.

This nifty gear calculator http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.ca/2010/1 ... nline.html to help you determine what gear you might be looking for.

I would probably recommend starting with a board 180-200L and a couple sails about 5m2 and 6m2. A dagger board would help you stay upwind but it's not necessary if you're getting a modern board (less than 10 years old).

There's no windsurf stores on the Island, just surfshops - a good source for westuits etc. - The only windsurf shop in BC as far as I know is Airtime boardsports, located in Vancouver: http://www.airtimeboardsports.com/ZenCart/
Looks like they have some decent beginners boards on sale.

PS. there were some threads of beginning windsurfers here not that long ago...

my first board and rig was a bic calypso and a 5.7 - and there is one right now in the buy/sell!

learning in the fall/winter is going to be tough, its cold and the wind is usually very strong, squally or both. not the best season if you don't know what you are doing. That said, Elk lake is pretty safe. good luck with the journey!

as Hijo said - do take note there are 3 threads below this one on the same topic.

IMHO learning in winter is the best idea because then you'll be ready to shred come summer!!! Just be aware of the hazards.

Have you heard of kiting?

Nanmoo...with a BWD username like slowlearner I think windsurfing is a good fit! Welcome and good luck with your journey slowlearner!

I would recommend sail sizes smaller than a 6.0.
I would recommend not just any sail but wave sails as they last longer when they are abused

Elk Lake is fine for drifting around but you sound a little more up the learner scale. Willows beach on a lighter SE wind (which is all the places seems to get now) is great for learning, sandy beach and safe.

Yes, please check the previous posts for this

Some more good tips: http://boards.co.uk/how-to/boardwise-be ... guide.html

And I forgot - Kus is actually a local retailer/rep. His website is here http://advancedsafety.shawwebspace.ca/
He might be able to help you out!

Thanks for the advice y'all! I'll check out the Bic Calypso, sounds like that might be a good way to start. Will check out Kus' site too.

I've thought about kiting but for some reason I'm just drawn to Windsurfing more. It's just hard to get started with...so much to learn!

Welcome, windsurfing is awesome. Get to Nitnat in the summer.

Many tips here:
http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_tec ... ariantid=1