seeking gear advice

[dray]

Looking for some basic gear advice...

I'm entirely self-taught on a series of antique junkers (sainval, wayler, old o'brien's). Feel like I've got the hang of it, but always a struggle just to plane on those old tanks. A real ride was rare, and in a big wind was a fight. Finally ready to step up, and wondering what my best option is.

I live in NYC, back in MN late June for summer, so can't attend swap or hunt used deals - would like to have complete rig ready to go when I arrive, so wondering best option for complete package is. I see some packages for under $1500 from windsurf-direct, including starboard go/rio, bic nova/techno, fanatic shark/viper.

Questions:

I'm solely on Lake Burntside in Ely - probably 5-10 winds, 20-25 on a good day. What size sail do I want?

If I'm not a complete novice, am I going to get bored on the rigs above?

If I'm 215 pounds, what size/volume do I want?

Any experience with windsurfing-direct? They are tax free, free delivery. Any other vendors suggested?

Any help appreciated!

cheers,
Dray.

[chanrider]

dray, you really should also give the House a looksy in Little Canada or on line or they have a great catalog they will send you for free:

300 S Owasso Blvd
St Paul MN 55117
THE-HOUSE.com
800-992-7245

These guys have been hooking me up with great stuff at great prices for years and they will not steer you wrong. JC and Sean are the guys I usually get WS help from I think. Check 'em out!

[Scuba Center]

Dray
I have some close outs on both the 170 Go and the Carve 161 that I can put together with an Ezzy rig pkg and keep you under the 1500 price I see in your posting. E mail me at Larry@Scubacenter.com or call 612-925-4818 and I can put a pkg together for you.
Larry at the Scuba Center

[freejoshua7]

Go with the 161 carve @ scuba center. It will get you up to speed in a hurry and you'll never outgrow it. Pick up a 7.5 Ezzy Infinity and you'll have fun in wind from 10-25. You won't be sorry. Give Larry a call.

[Jeff A]

If you are riding with a harness, you will want a bigger sail. I use my 9.3 sail 75% of the time around here in the summer. I weight 150 lbs.
Just my 2 cents.

Jeff A