In our beginner equipment series we discuss the different equipment pieces you have to buy when first out sailing with your own gear. We talked about boards and sails (see posts below) and this post will deal with your first boom and mast.
We’ll start with the mast. You would usually want to get a 4.30 or 4.60 mast, with around 30% carbon. Some places will provide you with a 1 year warranty for a new mast and will replace it if it broke. There is a good chance you’ll break a mast (I broke my mast because I did not make sure the two mast parts were inserted all the way) so paying the extra bucks buying a new mast might pay off.
You could also buy a used mast but you need to make sure it’s in good shape. Since masts are usually mostly aluminum, you need to take a look at the mast to see that it is not fractured, especially near the part that plugs the two mast pieces together.
There are of course fancier masts - with a higher carbon percentage, who are stronger and lighter than the mast you will probably start with, and there are skinny masts, which are, well, skinny.. their diameter is much smaller than regular masts, they way much less and are much stronger. They are suited for wave riding and make freestyling much easier.
The boom is similar to the mast in regard to the things you need to decide prior to buying - it is also made mostly from aluminum and has some carbon fiber to make it lighter and stronger.Thee is also a good chance you will break a mast, especially if you windsurf in strong winds. If you can get a 1 year warranty from your local
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