Hi everybody. I'm passed the level 2 stage. Not using footstraps or
waterstarting yet. There's a Fanatic x-Ray 145l going locally. Is this a suitable 1st board for someone keen to improve, is 70-75kg, and will be using it on open water. I dunno if I should go for a lower volume (as im lightish) or not, not sure what i learnt on... it was an old style 200l or something

Hi Roughjaw... and welcome!

I'mn usually the one that says ' buy the smaller board and learn to use it' that way it will have longr lasting appeal, but as you are yet to get into the footstraps etc. I'd say a 145ltr will probably suit you well... Ok, it's fairly big, but it will give you a nice stable platform for the early satges and help you get to grips with sailing hooked in and in the footstraps.

Once you get the hang of that and water-starting you will undoubtably want to move onto something smaller and more manouverable (especially if you sail at the coast), but you'll be able to keep the X-Ray for light wind days and blasting about with big sails.... If the price is right, I'm sure a 145 litre will be fine for you.

Al.

I agree completly with Justal on this. 145L will do you fine for learning footstraps, harness and gybes. It will also carry a 9m sail once you get a little better to allow you to get planning in virtually no wind at all.
Welcome to the site.

thanks guys