At T15 club level, most boards with a daggerboard or central fin are suitable, since these will help you sail upwind and keep you amongst the rest of the team15 group learning new skills and having fun, which is the main aim of team15 club sessions. Sail size will be determined by how big you are; if you need advice then ask your team15 coach.

If you are buying equipment then modern day youth kit is undoubtedly the best option, since it has been designed with the child in mind; it is a scaled down version of modern adult kit thus being up to date in terms of technology whilst being very user-friendly i.e. footstraps that are positioned with small frames in mind, soft deck on the boards to stop scrapes on knees and mast tracks set further back to aid with planing. For those children interested in performance, dedicated all-round kids' boards now exist, which are shorter in length with less volume (105-115L). Young people are no longer restricted to long, heavy, beginner style boards as an only option, which used to be the case. Whether you are into fast blasting, fun competition or freestyle, there are now boards on the market to suit, each providing maximum performance and ensuring a big grin on your face! The choice is now out there - just match it to your budget and level/style of windsurfing. If you are looking to get into your Zone Squad, then read to the bottom...

What board size?
Whilst modern boards are often described in terms of volume, a lot of second-hand equipment on the market is older and as a result, is measured in length; some of which is suitable, but not all.

To assist everyone no matter what your budget, the guidance for T15, especially in the smaller sail size categories, is that the board should measure no more than 320cm; boards of this length or shorter are easier to use with small sails since the boards will turn around quicker. In the 5.5m & 6.8m class, some people are using longer raceboards, which are fine for the larger sail categories. So at club level these are really the only two things to bear in mind - daggerboard and length. If you have seen a board that you think is suitable for your size and sailing style but are unsure, check with your T15 coach first.

What type of sail?
Kids sails can be divided into two groups; a basic range which will get you out on the water cheaply, enabling you to join in the fun and learn new skills, or alternatively a light, durable, scaled-down version of a performance orientated adult sail, with the ability to twist off and dispel wind. The latter will be more expensive but both types of sail can be used.

What's allowed at T15 inter-club challenges?

If you fancy representing your team15 club at the inter-club challenges then there are five classes you could sail in, depending upon your size.

In the 3.5m, 4.5m, 5.5m and 6.8m classes, any board with a daggerboard can be used. The class denotes the maximum size sail that can be used in that fleet i.e. providing you have a sail no larger than say, 3.5m, you would sail in the 3.5m class. If you have a 3.9m sail, then you would sail in the 4.5m class.

The fifth class available has been introduced in 2006 to allow a better progression from team15 for those aspiring to be selected for their Zone Squad; this class must use at Techno 293OD but any rig can be used (to a maximum of 6.8m). Additionallly, a trophy is awarded in each of the other sail size categories (3.5m, 4.5m, 5.5m) for 1st Techno, so the transistion to a Techno can be made earlier if participants wish.

Progression

It is worth remembering that T15 inter-club challenges are very much about grassroots competition so many children use the basic range rigs at the challenges, especially in the 3.5m and 4.5m classes, though not exclusively. For those children who really enjoy the inter-club experience and want to get into competition in a much bigger way, then the RYA Zone Squads are the direction to head in, as well as regional UKWA racing including the Grand Prix Series. When competing at this next level you may decide that team15 challenges are too basic for you (and for many they will be); time then to give up your place on the T15 inter-club team to allow newcomers to have a go. You could still be involved with your T15 club though by supporting the younger team and mentoring them, giving newcomers the benefit of your experience. 

Buying kit for T15 with Zone Squad selection in mind...

Some children decide to buy equipment when they start taking part in T15 inter-club challenges, realising that they not only like windsurfing, but enjoy the challenge of beating other people in some fun races. At this stage there are two routes you can go down. The options are:

1. You buy any board you like the look of (with a daggerboard / central fin) along with a suitable sail for your build and which fits into one of the inter-club classes (i.e. anything below 6.8m); either new equipment or second-hand, based on your budget. At a later stage you could sell this equipment if option two becomes more relevant, or you could keep this kit and purchase option 2 as well, if costs allow you to have both! 
   
   
2. You decide you really like racing and your aim is to get into the Zone Squad (which is the next level up from T15 in the RYA pathway). At this level racing becomes more serious and compulsory equipment is required - Bic 293OD and TK68 rig. This same board now has its own class in T15 inter-club challenges, so you can buy the equipment for T15 and use it to progress easily into the Zone Squads, if you are selected. 

The option is yours. If you need further advice then talk to your T15 Coach or the T15 Competition Organiser for your zone. Via the RYA website you will also find contact details for the RYA High Performance Managers (HPMs) who can advise those whose aim it is to get into the Zone Squad.