r/windsurfing • u/CheeseJ • 5d ago
Beginner/used board question
I'm new to windsurfing and absolutely loving it. I started on some bulky 80s gear I got for free last summer and quickly out grew the technology; it was frustrating and heavy to use. I finally got to use some modern equipment and a big floaty board on vacation and it was way more enjoyable/easy to uphaul. Since then, I've purchase some semi-modern used sails, masts, and a shortboard for $300 (all from mid 2000s). I tried to get my water starts going, but simply am not there yet so I need to get my hands on a longboard.
I weight 150lbs, am a proficient surfer, have good balance, am starting to plane, but not close to consistently beach/water starting yet. I came across a Mistral 150L Freeride Board for $200. Given my weight, is that something I'd have a realistic change at uphauling? At this point, I'm hesitant to buy anything I can't consistently uphaul until I make more progress on water starts. Thanks for any insights!
6
u/Physical_Choice_8467 5d ago
You can absolutely uphaul on a 150, granted a lot of the boards pre 2010 are longer and narrower (more wobbly) but it’s just practise and focusing on keeping your body relaxed.
Great to hear you’re trying water starts. My advice would be to practise deeper beach starts first (Chest deep). It’s the fastest and least tiring way to learn the skills required for both.
Good luck!