Mistral Pantera

Question
Hello my name is Mark
I just started my first windsurfing lesson.So far I love it. I am 49 and 175lb and will be surfing on Long Island. I would like to know, the best way to purchase a starter surfing rig.
My neighbor has a Mistral Pantera, which I can use at just about any time. I don't want to waist my time with the wrong board etc.
What do you recommend? Where would be the best place to purchase surfing kits?
Thanks for all your help   Mark

Answer
Hey Mark,

Not sure where you are getting your lessons. There is a shop on Long Island providing gear and lessons, www.hamptonwatersports.com
Depending upon your budget, you can shop locally, various online shops, and your local craigslist and ebay for used gear. If you feel that you are going to stay with it, stay away from older gear. Anything older than 8-10 years is somewhat obsolete and can be difficult to replace specific parts. Looking at your local craigslist listings, most folks are asking too much for older gear. All that being said, you should look for a newer style board that is the wider, shorter design that will work well for advancing you through beginner into advanced, and work well in light winds. For your size, something around 200-240ltrs should work well. Something like the Bic Nova or Techno with a daggerboard or Starboard Go with daggerboard would be good choices. Talk to the folks at the local shop about beginner/intermediate gear. You can get good info from them and then search around to find something that will work well for you. Also check out windsurfingmag.com for gear info, shop info, and 'how to' help.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover