Hey BLR. There is a guy on Lanier who sells new and used gear and rents windsurfers so you can try before you buy. He also rents beginner boards and lessons. You can get him at http://www.windsensewindsurfing.com/

Please come and join us. Windsurfing is like hobie cating only in respect to knowing tacks and jibes otherwise it is an animal of a different species.

Hobie Cats are great up to mid 20mph but windsurfers take it on up to 40 and 50 mph winds. You would not believe what it is like to sail in 35mph winds gusing to 45mph with 4 foot face waves on Lanier. Would you ever think Lanier could get 4' face waves. To windsurfers they are jumping ramps.
I have'nt found PM's on this forums yet.