New Board advice

[otisdadog]

Looking to transition from a GO 150 to a smaller board was thinking of a 110L - 100L. Any advice on what would be a good board to get?

[GWIND]

Starboard Carve seems to be popular.

[KUS]

I really liked the new design on the BIC's, the 62 Blast was a very user friendly and well made board, full pad deck (between straps), tough and easy Tuttle box, perfect for Nat and September Kook chop, a lot of the others are great boards but a bit like egg shells so not too great for beginner - intermediates or make sure to get a nose deflector and mast pad

[Mike D]

Fanatic 104 Freewave: One of the top rated boards in it's category. This is my second season, having started with a Carve 144 last year, jumping down to a 122 Futura at the beginning of this year, and now recently on to the 104.

Believe it or not the 104 is easer to ride than the 122, does everything better, with the exception of top speed. Check out http://windsurfing-direct.ca/CA/index.html they still have some 07's @ a good price.

[KC7777]

Hi,

I have owned both Starboards and JPs. I have not sailed much in the last 4 years and am trying to get back into it.

I just sailed a new Naish All Terrain 104L....felt easier to sail than a Starboard Carve but is faster and more maneuverable. Felt nicer than a JP FreeStyle Wave even.

Good luck!

[Mike D]

4 different board recommendations...that really narrows it down for you..lol

[GWIND]

Mike D- they are all good rides. sometimes it's just a matter of price.
they all ride a bit different. Try and think how and where you will ride the most and that should help you. try 'em before ya buy 'em.

[KUS]

there are some decent used boards around, perhaps a plan. If you buy new I am sure you will be pleased no matter where you land .....pretty much.

Try before you buy is a good option if in the Gorge, Maui, some rental places are a good option in Baja. I have some P-3 boards coming in a few days from LA (new line) which you are welcome to try out- 90L wave, 95L Free/slalom and 110L freestyle.

[otisdadog]

Thanks for the advice, what I'm pretty much looking for is a good nitnat/ Van Island board, as far as price is concerned, of course i'd like a good deal but I'm gonna get the best one for me. Was thinking between the starboard futura and a JP board.

[mortontoemike]

The Starboard Kombat's a nice all round board. There's a 95 and 105 version. I love my 95. It's fast and is a nice jiber.

[GWIND]

WILL BE AT NITWIT LAKE this sun/mon with 110 LTR. bic blast 62 for sale. anyone can try it out if interested. GW

[otisdadog]

Was thinking I'd order a new board online was thinking Big Winds, any suggestion or advice?

[KUS]

Was thinking I'd order a new board online was thinking Big Winds, any suggestion or advice?

Buy local, support your Canadian wind shops and don't buy a demo at Big Winds, I got one as soft as a burritto and when I wanted a repair they told me to shove it back then....no more $$ for BigWinds from me mind you I got a similar story from wind addiction try Gwind's, it's a nice board

[KC7777]

Kus,

But Big Winds (or any Gorge shop) can be great for buying new gear.

I just bought a new Naish All Terrain 104L from Big Winds. $1,549US retail. Steve sold it to me for $1,449US....and it came with 2 powerbox fins that I did not need and sold for $120US net on Ebay.

So a new board for $1,329US .... and no taxes in Oregon. Now, this is not as cheap as buying used....but a local shop would have to sell you a new board for $1,187CDN (pre-tax $1,187 x 1.12 PST/GST = $1,330) and that is not gonna happen.

Most Canadian retailers sell boards in the $1,500 - $1,800 CDN range for new, plus taxes.

It makes me wonder as Cdn retailers (in lots of industries) never seem to have prices that are similar to US prices (even though the $ are close to par with each other).

Just my 2 cents.

[KUS]

Cutesie, I know you are a demon with the calculator but I beg to differ as it doesn't sound all that cheap to me....getting a new Angulo at Windance for $699US was tho and Johnnyman brought that back for me on his return trip.

1329 is at least 1400 Canadian, the dollar is NOT at par.
Shipping is at least $150 unless you go and get it yourself, in that case it is much more
You are supposed to pay 19% import duty on windsurf, 11% on surf boards I think it is and then GST, PST too?. NAFTA doesn't mean no duty, check the book. Even if you spend a week down there, value of $750 is all you are permitted to bring back. If you smuggle it it becomes a burden, on your conscience and your mind when you chance it at the border. I won't do it again, not worth it.

When I get a new board I usually also need a new fin cuz both the old board and the fin are worn out. Canadian boards also come with fins so you could sell those on Ebay as well. I do agree that stores mark up their boards too much,...mostly cuz they don't sell many since everyone buys them in the US I bet.

Buy used boards, fix them if need be and save the landfills, buy new fins from Gord although his costs are also going up