The Windsurfer Board
 You've got 3 main board types: long boards, mid-length boards and short boards, all manufactured from various materials. As a beginner you will be looking at long and some mid-length boards, the reason for this is their volume. As a quick rule of thumb, your boards volume should be calculated as follows:
Sailor(kg) + Board(kg) + Rig(kg) x2 = Required Volume
e.g. 75kg + 15kg + 10kg x 2 = 200 litres volume.
Long boards and most mid-length boards tend to have a few more adjustable components and deck fittings than shorties. Not all are required for the beginner but some are essential.
The Windsurfer Sail
Sail type and size used with the board are dependent on your intended water and wind conditions on the day you are intending to sail. Obviously the bigger the sail the more wind it's going to catch. Ultimately a well prepared windsurfer will have a 'quiver' of sails, suitable for the most common wind conditions.
Just like the board, sails come in many shapes and sizes, and each part has a name.
The Rig is what we call the sail when it is assembled with boom, mast and mast foot etc.
I made the mistake of buying a 6 meter sail (that's 6 meters squared) as my first choice of sail. On some occasions this was a bit of a handful and resulted in some severe dunkings!. Ideally I needed a 4, 4.5 or 5 for those frisky days. But don't forget what you don't own yourself you can probably hire.
Rigging the sail is the time consuming part of windsurfing that most people, given the chance, would do without. It's actually very important you get this bit right.
The Wetsuit
Wetsuits are made from a thick rubber called Neoprene. In cold weather and sometimes in warmer weather a wetsuit is essential to stop the body's core temperature falling. In extreme cases the chill factor develops into hypothermia sometimes resulting in unconsciousness.
Your first wetsuit will be either a winter 'steamer' or a summer 'shorty', the main difference apart from the cut is the thickness of the Neoprene (usually 5mm on a winter steamer). A good snug fit is essential for waterproofing, especially at the wrist, neck and ankles, though not too tight. A bad fit is simply not worth having.
Wetsuit prices vary a lot depending on construction quality. Suits with overlocked seams are cheaper and will let in some water, these are not recommended for cold weather. The best suit for cold seasons have either blind stitched, glued or taped seams, (or a combination) which are more expensive.
Windsurfing Accessories
Easi-riggs are a trade name for small handle with a cleat inside. These is used to get some leverage on a  downhaul or outhaul line without cutting through your fingers.
Buoyancy aids add extra, essential floatation which not only make safer sailing but encourage confidence in the early days of learning. On some inland waters it's compulsory to wear one.
Harnesses are an energy saving device that allow you to hook yourself at waist level to the boom thus reducing strain on the arms. These are not essential for the beginner as you need to be a reasonably competent sailor before using the harness, they're also not necessary in light winds. The most common harness type is the seat harness, offering good back support, others such as the waist and chest are uncommon.
 Boots are rubber soled Neoprene slip-ons that protect your feet from the cold and sharp rocks, making windsurfing a little more comfortable and give you extra grip to the deck.
Gloves are another comfort enhancer, but only really required for cold extremes.
The Windsurfer Roofrack
Unless you live right on the south coast, you're gonna need a roof rack to get your board about. Good quality racks are recommended for the weight your likely to be carrying.
I bought a Thule rack which was a bit pricey, especially as I have a two  oor car with no gutters - a spreader bar system has to be added to increase the distance across the cars roof.
Also a good set of straps are better than some old rope. Always take your time to strap your board and rig down well, never leave it to chance!
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