Friend of mine that is in his early 50's and lives in the Fraser Valley (closest spot is Harrison Lake) asked me the question. I would like to know if you went back in time and started windsurfing. What would you do different?
My advice is to get a few lesson, get a cheap long board (learn the basics) and start foiling ASAP. Get a second short board for high winds. Keep in mind he only has a lake to windsurf and driving to the ocean is not feasible.
How would you do it again? What mistakes did you make? Go back 10, 20 or 30 years and apply this to today's gear (foiling/ long boards/sails).