In this guide, we will provide you with all our advice for choosing the right equipment for your needs. Our brand AHD offers a selection of high-quality windsurf boards, both new and used, including foil boards available on our website and in-store.
For beginners, it’s best to have stability and good upwind capability to ensure safety. Ideally, a slightly longer board is recommended to facilitate gaining speed and early planing. A board with a width of over 70cm up to 90cm and a daggerboard like the AHD Zen is ideal. It’s also suitable for those who want a versatile board for SUP foil, SUP surfing, wave riding, and even wing foiling!
Wave enthusiasts should consider our wave boards, the Expressions. These boards are very narrow, typically between 50 and 60cm, and shorter, offering excellent maneuverability, speed, and responsiveness for a classic funboard experience. Wave riding requires skill and is suitable for experienced windsurfers. These boards are also great for freestyle with their durable carbon construction. Apart from wave riding, the Expressions perform well in established winds and on formed waves with excellent top speed and control.
Those aiming for maximum speed and long straight lines at full speed should choose a board like the SL-S. Unlike wave boards, these compact shapes have a wide beam, ranging from 60 to 75cm, allowing early planing and accommodating larger sails. This type of board requires physical engagement but offers pure sensations of speed and control. It’s worth noting that the width and deep Tuttle box of the SL-S allow for windfoil initiation, although dedicated foil equipment is recommended for progression. As for recommended accessories, a seat harness provides more control over the rig.
Those looking to combine multiple disciplines such as wave riding and speed or seeking a versatile board that can do it all without hassle will surely notice our Fury range in their favorite store! With an outline midway between freerace and wave riding, these relatively long boards have a width of 60 to 75cm. Comfortable, fast, and maneuverable, they perform wonderfully on flat water as well as in medium-sized waves without getting into trouble. Reach your top speed in absolute comfort on flat waters with the Fury.Â
While we have equipped the SL-S and Fury boards with deep Tuttle boxes compatible with foil use, the dedicated shape of the Compact boards is highly recommended. With their rectangular-tailed design, you’ll have substantial rear foot support and an early planing ability crucial for windsurf foiling. Once in the air, you’ll gain better control over the foil. Please note that a nose protector is strongly recommended for beginners to protect the board from impacts with the mast or boom. Another accessory, the waist harness, can also be used for wave riding and kitesurfing, allowing greater agility while on the foil. Speaking of foils, we offer complete ranges of carbon foils made in France that are perfectly suited to the sport, available in new or used conditions, including a special promotional windfoil package. We have also written a specific guide on windfoiling!
In general, in established conditions, you can go down in volume if you have mastered your skills. However, for windfoiling boards, larger volumes are usually preferred. For beginners, lighter individuals should aim for volumes around 150-200L. If you have experience in other water sports like kitesurfing or wingfoiling, even with an average build, a volume closer to 150L is acceptable. For wave riding, lighter riders should look for volumes under 85L, while heavier riders can go up to 105 or 110L. Slalom and freeride boards require more generous volumes, ranging from 90 to 130L. If you are lighter, aim for volumes below 115L, or above 110L otherwise. Again, if you are already comfortable with SUP foiling, winging, or kitesurfing, feel free to target a slightly lower volume. For windsurf foiling, start with a minimum of 120L, suitable for lighter individuals. The heavier you are or the more powerful your sail, the closer you can get to 200L.
The fin plays a crucial role in your session and the behavior of your quiver. We have dedicated an article on our website specifically about choosing fins based on your style of windsurfing. You can find it here: “Choosing My Windsurfing Fin Based on My Style.”
It depends on what you are looking for and your style of windsurfing! Similar to winging, with foiling, you can take off in very light conditions, sometimes less than 10-12 knots. In speed and freeride windsurfing, the wind range is quite broad, from 12 knots to well over 35 knots. For wave riding, it’s best to favor more challenging conditions with small, highly maneuverable rigs.
For beginners and wave riding, we recommend durable, lightweight, and maneuverable used sails with smaller sizes, below 6 or even 5m2. Monofilm with a woven structure is preferable. The cuts are sleek. For slalom, wider cuts and larger sizes, above 6 or 7m2, are the norm. These sails are powerful but less maneuverable, often incorporating cambers (forced battens) that improve the stability of the profile. In foil windsurfing, wider cuts are favored for better support, with sizes ranging from 5 to 9m2. Freeride sails offer more freedom and adaptability, so it’s up to your preferences to decide!
In general, except for beginners who don’t need more than 30 or 50% carbon fiber content, the percentage typically ranges from 60 to 100% for more advanced masts. As this number increases, the mast becomes more responsive, lightweight, but also more technically demanding. The diameter of the mast is also important. SDM masts are favored for rigidity, while RDM masts offer more maneuverability. SDM is perfect for windsurfing practices with sail sizes of 6/7m2 and above, while RDM is suitable for wave riding as it is more flexible and better withstands intense forces. Lastly, curvature and rigidity play a role, but these are more technical parameters. We refer to hard or flex top and constant curve for curvature, and IMCS for rigidity. Simply remember that hard (or an IMCS above 25) is stiffer and better suited for heavier riders or lighter wind conditions, while flex works well in gusty conditions and for lighter riders. Some brands like Loft Sails, Severn, and Simmer Style tend to prioritize specific curvature and rigidity indices, so it’s best to inquire at the store before making your choice!
Portland Harbour in southern England offers a flat, protected playground and hosts windsurfing championships. Camber Sands is known for its consistent crosswind, while the Isle of Wight and Hayling Island offer diverse spots. Exmouth, with its exceptional water, attracts riders from all the kingdom. Scotland also offers plenty of windy and wavy spots such as Troon Beach.
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