Pete - For beginning and fun boards, it's tough to go wrong here:

http://www.star-board.com/2012/products/boards/index.php?id=start

I'll give it a look but I don't want to get into trading equipment every few months.

Second lesson tomorrow, weather permitting. There are bound to be improvements because I can't do any worse!

Pete,

If you get into this, you had better not start your "search for experience from behind a keyboard" bit with the windsurfing group. Cat sailors have nothing on the windsurfing guys when it comes to varied opinions and "suggestions" on what you have to have/buy in order to make the things work. Sails, masts, boom, boards, foils ALL different - but all you really nead is a bazzillion hours water time and you might be pulling off a planning jibe.

Have fun man.

Actually, I already did. Maybe I just got lucky but it was civil and well reasoned. The general opinion is that longer is easier and more stable, can be fast, but is not as maneuverable. As I have no illusions about doing flips in the surf, that's not a problem.

Seems these long board are a throw back to the past and a way to combine SUP (stand up paddling- something I never intend to do) and beginner/intermediate skill levels.

Good for you Pete. When I want to go out in a blow, I'll keep taking out a Hobie Wave.

better bring your wallet then..$$

What do you weight in KG?
Board sizes are always measured in volume of liters, basic rules is that a board needs to be equal to your weight in order to float when not planing.
Length is not that relevant, actually short and wide boards are a bit more stable.
You would probably need a board of around 150 liters, that will be big enough to stand on and lift the sail out of the water (test some to see what you like).
For a first sail I would get a 5.5m sail, anything bigger will be hard to sail without a trapeze.
Rule for sail sizes is that your next sail must be around 20% bigger (5.5-6.6-8 for example) thats why there are so many different sail sizes.

Someone posted the Starboard website earlier, their Carve line of boards are perfect for beginner and intermediate windsurfers.

What would you say Tony about windsurfers vs kitesailing for beginners in strongish winds?

I've sailed the Wave a couple of times. I like it on the water but what a pita to move around the beach! That long straight "keel?" is something I'm not gonna put up with! Besides, the whole point is to have something that stows away and rigs quickly, but takes up very little room. A Wave is a boat; I have two I don't need a third.

Rolf- no worries I wouldn't get near a kite!

It depends on a few things, for both gusty conditions are difficult for beginners (maybe a it harder for windsurfing).
Water depth is another, water-starting is easier with a kite.

There are lots of places where they give kitesurf lessons in very strong winds (30kts), you just use a smaller kite.
Before going out on the water students get to learn with a small trainer kite to get a feel of how to steer, and the first time out on the water is without a board anyway.

Pete: You really should take a kitesurf lesson as well, just for comparison.