EQUIPMENT

Expert sailors of average weight tend to bring low volume wave boards well under nine feet (275cm), roughly 8'4" to 8'8" (255 - 265cm). Sails typically range from 4.0 to 5.5, 4.5 to 5.0 being most commonly used.

For the nonexpert, I strongly recommend renting. When renting, you will often be able to get feedback and sailing tips from the rental center if you ask. A good plan for intermediates is to take a larger wave board coupled to a slightly smaller, less powerful sail than those the experts are using. On those occasional days when the hot shots are lounging around on their padded board bags because it "isn't windy," you can grab a 6.0 or 6.5 with a slalom board and still have a blast.