Hi

How do I know what size I should be using for different wind speeds?
I'm 90kg (13stone).

Cheers
Ed

If you ain't planing it needs to be bigger.
If you keep getting catapulted over the front it needs to be smaller.

Choosing sail size is a long standing conundrum - some people have it worked out with an anemometer for themselves i.e. x-y knots of wind = z sail size.
The majority of people go down to the water and look for someone of similar size, skill and equipment and ask them what size sail they're using and whether it's right.

We all do it and I'd be surprised if any windsurfer didn't give a useful answer.

Does anyone have windspeed vs sailsize chart here?

as bert says, ask people, tho some will obviously take out larger sails, like yesterday some where on 7.5m and i was on 5.3 and still flying along. Depends what you are trying to do. 17-23kts 5.3, 20-27kts 4.7, 25-34kts 4.2, and 3.7 for anything more. There is overlap there, because gusts, waves etc. You'll get the feel for it after a while. But asking someone is a good starting point. Also depends on what board you are using (and fin too)

Re: Duncans list.

In the lighter winds I always go bigger as the conditions are not as rough so can usually cope with being overpowered but apreciate the extra sail area in the lulls.

On the other hand over 30kts I tend to favour a slightly smaller size for more control as there is more than enough power to play with.

Hi Ed,

I posted this info up for someone looking to know what size fin they should be using - its a great little spreadsheet program that will tell you everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the right size windsurfing equipment!

There is a great sail size calculator explained & available for download on the Poole Windsurfing website at:
www.poolewindsurfing.co.uk/windsurfing-boards-windsurfing-sails-size/

It's a great tool that covers not only choosing the right size sail but also which board & fin to use. Everything in the settings can be tweaked to be adjusted for sailor weight, conditions, ability, etc - you name it, this little program can do it!

You punch in the data & get everything spat back out in a fancy graph & table of results!

Awesome!!