Pavel wrote:Thanks Leopard Skin. I’m looking for something more like a Futura, to use on light wind days at Jericho and Squamish.
Pavel
Pavel wrote:True. I weigh around 155lbs though, so a115l fsw board would be too large.
From first hand experience with Futuras I'm not sure I would recommend a Futura. They are EXTREMELY fragile. They are NOT forgiving at all in the durability department. The reason I'm looking for a second Futura (or iSonic) myself is simply because my current Futura was out of commission twice last season due to repairs caused by trivial damage. These repairs were due to very minor things which on other boards would never have been an issue. Knowing your current level I would recommend something more along the lines of a Starboard Carve, AtomIQ, or a larger Kode FSW. You WILL be catapulted frequently and the super lightweight boards like a Furtura, iSonic etc. WILL be damaged.
Regarding size, volume... Note that Futuras, typically are around 10 liters less volume than a similar freeride board (like a Carve). You can tell by looking at the board's sail range specs. For example. I am a 140 lbs sailor and found that a Carve 121 was my ideal size as my largest board. It was excellent on English Bay. You don't NEED formula or slalom gear for English Bay. Freeride is totally fine, sometimes it's better. Anyway...when I switched from the Carve to a Futura, 111-114 was my equivalent to a 121 for the same sail range.
Personally for your size knowing your current level, and knowing this will be your biggest board, I would not go less than a 121 in a Freeride. For you at your stage something like a Carve 121 would be the perfect board and size. Not too big, not too small. Put the straps inboard and forward, or back and outboard depending on your sailing goal.
For me at my level and size a Futura 114 is a perfect size. HOWEVER, there are times I regret going this small. I am trying to maximize my time on the water. That is why I bought that 8.6 NX the end of the season. In retrospect, I wish my Futura was a bit bigger like 117-122l to handle that sail size better. As it is now, when I get up in to the 8.6 I am at the edge of what the Futura 114 can comfortably handle (9.0 max). A Futura 122 or even iSonic 122+ for MY weight may have been a more appropriate size. It may be necessary that I look at a dedicated Formula board for the 8.6. Durability is a whole other issue. With that said, the 7.5 Retro on the Futura 114 when everything is dialed in and lit is magic. Also fins make a HUGE difference as well. Be prepared to set some money aside for an extra fin or two to go with whichever board you buy. I have a 38cm, 42cm, and 46cm for my Futura. All are Makani KAUILA Freerace. A weed fin should also be in your future. I Would also put on your list a replacement for that sail with the crazy batons. Something to chew on...
Starboard's "Boardfinder" was very useful for determining the ideal board and size. They don't seem to have it anymore.
The windsurfing calculator is a useful guide also:
http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/2010/ ... nline.html