How Much Volume do I need?

Question
Hi Patrick,  I need some help! I learned to windsurf about 6 years ago on a 'hand me down' BIC board & 5.6 Gaastra rig I inherited from some relatives.  I am able to sail so it did not take me too long to learn to tack and jybe etc.  The board is very long and VERY heavy (no idea of volume). It is very tiring to get it on the plane (it needs to be very windy) but is impossible to handle when the wind does get up and will not respond to weighing either rail to change direction - I still need to tilt the rig forwards / backwards to help change direction.
Because of this I have done no sailing for the past two seasons and am eager to get back into the sport hopefully with the help of a new board but have no idea how much volume I need.  I weigh 160 Lbs and am 5'10 tall and generally never sail in winds lighter than 15mph.  I want something light, that will plane easily and that I can learn to water start with.  Thanks for your advice!!  

Answer
I would say you need a board around 125 liters or slightly more.  This will be a good starting beginner board that you will be able to use later as a low wind board if you progress to faster boards.  This board is not really good for less than 15 mph wind though.   You will be able to uphaul it and you should be able to jibe it. My friend who is and advanced sailor and weighs around 185 lbs has a 125 liter board and he uses it any condition with different sail sizes.  You should be prepared for somewhat of a learning curve going from a huge Bic to this size board.   I would recommend a sail around 6 meters.  The Sailworks Retro is probably the best all around sail made and you will never outgrow it.

Good Luck and Good Wind
Patrick