Equipment choice

Question
I am getting back into windsurfing after 20 yrs and am trying to buy a board that will suit me AND my 2 teenage boys that want to learn. Me: 50, 165lbs, 5'8. Boys: 14 and 16, 175 lbs, 5'11, very athletic. I was beginning to waterstart and jibe when I stopped and loved hi-wind. Looking hard at the Bic Techno 2, not sure what volume to go for--148, 160,lower? Sailing on Chesapeake with regular chop. Is this a decent choice for a board for them to learn on and for me to get back into the sport?
 Any suggestions/comments are appreciated, Thanks!
Rob


Answer
Hey Rob,

Great to hear that you are getting back on a board. Also great to hear that your sons want to learn too. As for what size board to get, the 160 will have better float and stability for the boys to learn on. Be aware that without a centerboard, learning may be a bit more difficult. But the wide width will help to stabilize the board for rope starting and climbing back on. Upwinding will be done via digging in the upwind rail and raking the sail back due to no centerboard. The upside for you is that you can carry a pretty large sail for light winds and still use the board in 20+ winds.

For you, the 148 may be a better board but would be that much more of a challenge for the boys to learn on. Another option would be to go with the 148 and give all three of you something to grow into. Then find a cheap used longboard for teaching the boys. Check your local ebay, craigslist, swap meets, etc. for used gear. You should be able to get a good learner board for $100 or much less to teach on. Then the 148 would be for you and they would be able to advance to it. There are plenty of options out there. I feel the Techno 2 would serve you and yours well. It has gotten good reviews for being stable, good in chop, wide range of sails, good construction.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover