Sport Today

I'm looking for a first time short board. I WAS looking for something (
something sensible) around 290 in length, maybe an old BIC Astro Rock
or a Rock and Roll....

But now I've been offered this F2 Sunset Slalom at a very nice price. I
know these are very old boards I'm talking about, but I see no sense in
investing lots of cash in equipment at this stage.

The thing is, the F2 is only 280 with only 100 litres of bouyancy. So
it might be too radical for me. Someone told me also that the mast
track is placed very far forward on the board and so it nose dives a
lot.

I haven't been able to try it out yet because the weather in Ireland is
 completely wacko at the moment. Like, no wind and a beatiful warm
sunny day last Sunday, in November for chrissakes??

Anyway, I'd appreciate any words of wisdom from anyone who has ever
used one of these Sunset Slaloms.

Thanx
PJ.

PJ- Almost everyone I know who is an advanced sailor, sailed or owned a
Sunset Slalom at some time. It's a board that does alot well. It's easy
to turn, planes pretty easily and with different fins sails in a variety
of conditions. You didn't say how much you weigh. That really will
influence if it will be a good all around board for you. I weigh 120 and
for years it was my only board.  For someone heavier of course you'll
need more wind. I've had everything from a 7.2 to a 3.1 on that board but
it performs best with sails 4.0-6.0. Windsurfing magazine listed it as
one of the classic board shapes. If the price is right you can't go wrong
using it  for a first short board. Aileen Chesapeake Beach, Md

My wife passed hers on to me and I have been using it for 2 yrs.  Have
just replaced it with an 8"11"  Accelerator.

As she says in her post-it is a great board for a first time short board.
 I haven't experienced any problems with the nose sinking a lot because
the mast track is so far forward.  

I weigh 180 lbs.  our board is a 1988 model and has far surpassed any
other investment in equiupment we have made.

If the price is right you can't go wrong.

I agree with the last two postings: Sunset Slaloms are great first short
boards. I learned all of the "ropes" on mine, and bought a used one for
$50 at a swap meet for my best friend. She's off and running with it and
having no problems. GO FOR IT! (I still have mine for sentimental reasons,
even tho I don't sail it anymore).

Rena Buchanan

Great all around board. indistructable! Check the box and mast track.
could
be a wobbler? otherwise, they last forever.

It is hard to imagine a better board to learn to shortboard on.  The rear
footstrap is so far forward that you can get into the straps without
scooting back to the tail.  It is wide and forgiving.  And it's cheap
(now).  I still have mine, five shortboards later.

Bill

Dammit! Managed to hit the Send key by accident....i wasn't finished...

Now where was I...Oh  yea, I weigh 74kg/~12Stone/~160lbs. So I suppose
that I COULD uphaul it in a pinch...eh?

Yeah...OK....you guys have convinced me...I'll Take it!! Wahooo!!

You know, this is the really great thing about having news groups isn't
it? No matter what you need advice on you are guaranteed to find some
well informed, friendly, individuals to help out.
Thank you One and All.
PJ.

says...

Well I have to say I'm really amazed at the amount of people who have
replied with advice about the Sunset Slalom. Thanks very much all of
you.
The vote really seems to be in favour of buying it!
Everybody keeps saying "if he price is right.." well, ok, the price is
actually 100 quid (irish punts). So Yeah the price is right.
And the other thing might be my weight...well...I'm 74kg, about 160lbs.

Tony, this may sound irreverant but just make up the last two numbers,
you could carve'em in with a hot soldering iron if you really want to
be official.  We used to have to deal with this silliness years ago
when we had to register sailboards as water craft here in Utah.  I'd
just tell'em whatever they wanted at the DMV.  Thank goodness somebody
realized it's more expensive to police this than the revenue you get
from the registrations, and canceled it.  We don't even have to wear
PFDs anymore.  Maybe Utah is becoming a progressive state. Naaah!

Craig (go short or go home) Goudie  6'3" 175 LBS    Hot Awols
PC 9'4" course slalom, 8'10" Gem course slalom, 8'2" Cross M gorge bump
Usually sail the high desert lakes of Utah

It stinks in chop.

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 Dave the manic surfer

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