"WindSUP - what is it?"
Sometimes sports complement each other perfectly - like windsurfing and SUP. SUP (stand-up paddling) is currently the fastest growing water sport in the world. SUP paddlers stand on a board and paddle their way through stunning landscapes, paddling in a race or riding waves - provided there is no wind, as wind is a huge hindrance to SUPing. And what could be more obvious than simply mounting a sail when the breeze picks up and having fun as a windsurfer? Many SUP boards are now so-called inflatables or iSUPs, i.e. they have a valve and can be inflated. If the boards have a windsurfing option, they become an "inflatable WindSUP" with a small pack size. Inflatable WindSUPs are inflated to around one bar of pressure (14-18 psi) and the pump is always included with the board. If you place a fully inflated iSUP on both ends, you can easily sit in the centre without it bending too much. These boards can also withstand contact with stones.
"Can you use any SUP board for windsurfing?"
No, not all models have a windsurfing option. Boards suitable for windsurfing have a thread in the centre into which a normal mast foot can be screwed. You should also make sure that you can insert a centreboard or a second centre fin, otherwise you will drift sideways and have less fun! All-round sizes between 10' and 12'6'' are ideal as a family board and fun in light winds (the US measurements of feet and inches have become established). For children, the boards should be slightly shorter (9' to 10'), otherwise they won't turn properly with small sails.
"What do WindSUPs cost?"
The official retail prices for such boards start at 500 to 800 euros. Many VDWS surf schools now have SUP boards in their programme so that you can hire and try them out before you buy.
Sail for the bag
Several brands now offer complete rigs to go with their inflatable boards, including STX, Bic, Hot Sails Maui, Mistral, Naish, RRD and Starboard. The kits contain everything you need to go surfing: The sail, a multi-piece mast with matching extension, boom and usually even the matching ropes - all packed in a compact bag. This means you can be sure that everything is quick and easy to rig.
Canvas or monofilm sails?
The canvas (Dacron) construction is particularly useful for highly stressed single and ascending sails, as Dacron is more resistant to creases, falls and UV exposure than transparent monofilm. In combination with a maximum of three battens, the soft profile of a Dacron sail can develop a deep profile even in light winds, which noticeably increases propulsion.
Conversely, sails for ambitious windsurfers are generally made from monofilm. The advantages: Monofilm remains more dimensionally stable in stronger winds, which increases the control and stability of the sail's centre of pressure.
The bottom line is that cloth sails make sense primarily for children, intermediates and light wind conditions, foil sails from the start of planing.
Complete set vs. individual parts - which is cheaper?
If you want to have a rig for light winds quickly and without a long search, where the individual parts also fit together, the complete sets are probably the best choice; three- to four-piece masts also reduce the packing size. The new set prices are between 270 and 600 euros, depending on sail size and brand.
However, if you are on the lookout for discontinued goods and individual components, you can sometimes get a higher-quality rig for the same final price. However, it is important to note that the dimensions of the sail, mast and boom must match.
You can find a practical "Buying used" guide with all the important information and an overview of used market platforms at www.surf-magazin.de
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
