Progressive Beginner-Improver

This would be a more ambitious, longer term purchase for those who know they’ve got the bug! If you’re looking to windsurf a reasonable amount with a realistic goal of getting into the harness and footstraps in a wider range of conditions, then consider an ‘improver board’. Manufacturers refer to these as ‘large freeride boards’, and you’ll probably end up with one between 140 and 160L depending on your weight. You should only buy this board once you can happily sail back and forth on a beginner board, so you might need to rent or borrow one for a while before buying. Being narrower and lower in volume with no daggerboard or centre-fin, freeride boards are less stable and harder to sail upwind. Although initially (first few days) they are more challenging, the big reason for buying a large freeride board is that you won’t grow out of it so quickly. Essentially they’re lighter to carry off the water, then on the water they’re faster, more responsive and encourage you to venture more quickly towards high-wind, ‘planing’ windsurfing. However, it’s vital to point out that they should still be of high enough volume to easily uphaul and sail around on in lighter winds.

Here’s what to go for…

‘Large Freeride’ Board Q&A

Volume? Sailor weight of 45-60kg = 130-140L / 60-80kg = 140-150L / 80kg+ = 150-170L

Soft deck? Not essential

Daggerboard? No

Foostraps? Yes

Are you already in the harness? You might suit a different type of board altogether. Click through for more…