Re: I have decided on a board (almost), opinions on the rest?

a couple more things...

1. don't make the mistake of buying lesser quality stuff or lower
carbon masts just because you are at the beginner stage. most gear can
last a long time if looked after and the cost to sell and upgrade can
be a lot.
2. if you can, as gerry says, get all xply sails or even dacron like
my superfreaks...i just won't buy a mono sail now.
3. ditto for no cam sails...almost a must for someone at your level
4. try to plan a complete quiver and buy it in stages....a 6.5 may fit
a better long tern quiver than a 7.0, (consider things like a 7.5 is
often the biggest sail that can go on a 460, so getting a 7.0 may not
be optimum)