Shawn Henderson wrote:the onshore killed me, as quick as I got going I was in the reeds on the other side.

Hopefully I will get better at this and feel confident enough to wade out past the sticks. It was fun and like you said all survived. lots of beach start practice. Again, sorry I was in the way so much. it was a good workout, I feel like I got run over by a truck. Im sore all over! Newb windsurfer, Starboard freeformula 138. ezzy 6.0
Shawn, I am glad you survived a session like that. I got my first taste of planning from the super power before a strong storm. Good thing I was on my way back to shore. Else, it would have been ugly!
Anyway, I am not sure if this would help you: different boards are designed for different purposes and they have various degree of difficulties to get over before you can truly enjoy them. I made a huge mistake when I got my first board: I got a formula! Needless to say, I spent the next free seasons trying to figure out why I had such hard time controlling the board. In 2006, I got a Startboard GO and I was planning after 2 sessions with the new board! Now that I have the skills to sail the formula, getting back on it is that much more enjoyable, especially when the wind is light. I have not tried the Free Formula yet, but I am guessing it is not the best board to learn on. If the fin is too big, you will have problems when the wind is strong. In light wind, the big fin allows you to load it up with a big sail. The first thing you need to figure out is how to get upwind with the board. Once you get good at it, you will like on shore wind.

Let me know the next time you want to go out. Maybe I can give you a few pointers.
Leo: 801-319-3980