Hi LBWS community, I used to windsurf along time ago and wanted to take it up again. The problem I face is not finding a place to learn but finding a place that uses longboards to learn on. I have just recently found one and have started but thought this to be a big issue for any one starting out.

I think nearly all windsurfing shops tell you short boards are the way to go and cant even comment on longboards. When I say I want a longboard like the Kona they either say no we don't sell them and wont get them in.......by a Starboard GO. It's difficult to buy a longboard full stop - availability, waiting times, etc. It took nearly a month to get my Kona of which I love and would recommend it to any beginner.

I would like to ask the longboard community whether or not any one else is having/had the same problem?

Where do you live, mate? What country/area, what kind of sailing (inland/river versus waves, etc.)

You are rather right in your comment here in North America. Buying a "short" board and moping that the wind is not strong enough is the norm. You're usually 'advised' in shops by a 19-yo that's sailed only couple of years, stares at his muscles as he talks to you, and uses the word "cool" 5-8 times in the first visit. They'll talk about 'speed', though they've never raced or competed. Also: planing is 'goal', need for multiple gear, etc.

Or you get advised by friends/acquaintances, not much different. The quiver, all those sails for different winds (meaning to rig down when the wind picks up), the talk about new Tube on wavejumping, and so on. Often teach their mates with booms way too high and offshore winds, not on purpose of course.

Then you get fora: now look at posts like http://www.star-board.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4152. I don't want to be mean, and that Roger guy at Starboard is incredibly knowledgeable and discerning. But what a joke all this discussion as one answer to what should have been a simple question. Unreal !! The sport has turned into a Tupperware party (this is a recording, but it's 2am and can't sleep).

Personally I think you're mostly right to stick with longboarding in the beginning at the very least. More water time, more getting about, as sporty or more in the beginning than a short board. More possibilities (planing can be learned quickly and gets equally quickly boring). I.e. getting into racing eventually, lightwind freestyle at first, teaching others, social, taking the kids out, going somewhere (cruising, etc.) and so on.

Getting longboards: others will advice you here. I personally find all I need in classifieds and garage sales, real cheap. Usable full kits for under $200, sometimes $100. I find one per year or so. As example of fun being had on old gear: windsurfing-videos/fun-jumping-around-windsurfer-t502.html and longboard-discussion/fun-outing-with-oldest-possible-equipment-t482.html

Again: where do you live?