Windcraft Advice on Gear for Windsurfing

Windcraft knows what gear will work best for you. Windcraft sells only the finest windsurfing gear. The newest and hottest gear is always in stock during the season and special orders are easy to arrange. With more years of experience than any store in the area, Windcraft has made windsurfing simple and unconfusing - as it should be.

Windcraft values the feedback of its team riders - who are dedictated Rio sailors who have worked with Windcraft for many, many years. Look for them on the water this season.

Windcraft has focused its talents on cutting to the chase with these exceptional product lines. Check it all out and then visit Windcraft. We'll turn your illusions into reality! If you are you are curious when and where Vic sails, just ask him when you are in the store. He'll reveal a little secret to you if you ask him.

Sails: Sailworks

Boards: JP

Booms: Hawaiian ProLine

Masts: Powerex

Wetsuits, Booties, PFD, Gloves: O'Neill

Components: Chinook

Harnesses and accessories: DaKine

Kite boarding and surfing accessories

Recreational Kites: Premier, Go Fly a Kite

Prices: Windcraft always sells at the most competitive prices. Call the shop at 916-777-7067 for equipment specifications and prices.

Gear Advice for sailing the Sacramento River: Gear selection varies based on sailor size and skills. These are general guidelines.

For the windier and choppier condition (wind range: 18 to 40 mph) use a short board with a wave or free-style wave shape . Most sailors use boards from 75 to 90 liters of volume (8'0" to 8'10" typical). Sail range 3.5 to 5.5, wave or free-style cut sails.

For flatter conditions, and wind ranges of 14 to 20 mph, large wave boards, slalom boards and larger volume free-style wave boards, slalom and race boards work best. Usually 8'4" to 9'4" with volumes of 85 to 160 liters. Sail size selection from 4.5 to 10.0 - wave to race style sails.

Wetsuits are optional when the weather is warm. We recommend smooth-skin shorties or convertible full suits. Booties are a good idea because some of the launch sites have rocks to support the levees that you must walk across to get to the water.

Harnesses are a must - this is a great place to learn how to get in and out of your harness and foot straps. We advise always rigging an uphaul in case the wind dies unexpectedly and you cannot waterstart back to shore (the Play Pen and the County Park at Das Clif Haus are best for learning waterstarts).

We always recommend personal flotation devices, and head protection on the windier days, for your safety.

Mast, boom, fin selection should be of the finest available for these conditions. For specific information in matching these components to your gear, stop by.

Visit our free Windsurfing Lesson here at this site. Stop by Windcraft if you'd like more help.

Vic Swanson's personal insight:*

"Here's the deal: I became a better windsurfer through using the best and right equipment. It makes a difference."

* Windcraft is a specialist in the Rio Vista sailing conditions. For over 16 years it has been a pleasure for me to work with numerous manufacturers and their representatives in providing state-of the art equipment for those that sail in the Rio Vista area. Windcraft was here yesterday, is here today and will be here tomorrow for you. Our product is selected by quality, performance and long-standing excellence in manufacturing. In addition, Windcraft provides these product lines at a most favorable price.

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