Re: Recommend board for learning waterstarts

BDB- I don't think it's any easier to waterstart on a small board than
on a large board.  If anything, it's harder on a small board because
you can't rest the booms on the tail of the board when you're getting
in position, and you need better technique not to stall or get
catapulted at the end of the waterstart.  I think a small board just
gives you a greater incentive to go out in high winds and LEARN how to
waterstart.  It's a mental thing.

That said, it wouldn't hurt you to get a modern, medium sized
shortboard to complement the Vinta in higher winds.  I weigh the same
amount as you, and my first shortboard was a 125 liter Tiga Free X
(the same shape as the Bic Techno 273).  I already knew how to
waterstart when I got it (I learned on a longboard), so all I had to
do was learn how to balance with less board under me.  There's a
spreadsheet that tells you the ideal first shortboard volume based on
your weight.  Check it out.

http://www.vims.edu/general/sailpaddle/SailCalculator.xls

For you, it's 122 liters.  I think anything from 118 - 150 liters
would be ok, but the 112 liter board you were looking at would be a
bit small.  For more advice on boards and sails, check this post:

http://jimbodouglass.blogspot.com/2008/02/top-16-windsurfing-questions-answered.html