Formula riders Imput

I live on the Chesapeake Bay. We ususally average 10kt winds. I have seen a good deal on a formula board. I can get a 10M sail failrly cheap. So my question is to Furmula riders how do you like these fat boards? Are they hard to control in slight chop? when is it too big? (here we get chop but usually not steep enough to break, no white water) and what is too much wind for these boards? I have another board for rougher water. I am considering this option instead of a smaller board for bum and Jump/wave becasue we do not have enough hig wend days.

No fear is what I have to say. I raced formula this weekend on an 8.5 (14

well, started the race in winds too light to plane, but finished off in fully planning, something around 15 knots and still able to hold it down. I was pretty impressed with the range and ease of use of that big equipment. The sail is a bit older, 1999 NP V8. Though I can't wait to get my 'real' formula board, Starboard 156 Youth Board.

In my opinion, it's totally worth it, 10 knots and you're blasting almost anywhere you want. If I were in your situation (not that I know it very well, I just assume your addicted) then I would go for it.

Hope this helps, though you might want opinions of some more experienced formula sailors before u make a decision, Phil

I usually sail on the Patuxent by Solomons, and never have any problems with either my F155, or my F175. You just have to eye the chop before you get to it to avoid hitting a crest that'll get you airborne. Your worst issues will come from powerboats, which create chop that isn't coming in the same direction as the wind driven swells. When the chop gets over 4 ft, I'll switch to a smaller board, cause fighting to keep speed and the board down isn't that much fun.

Keep a long board around though.. I was out Sat, and while there looked like there was enough wind to plane, I couldn't make it happen with my F175, 70cm fin, and 10.7. Railing on my Equipe was a blast though.

Brian