The Complete Handbook of Windsurfing Board Masts

This is exactly what I needed. I run a rental fleet of about 20 boards, and I've been bleeding money on mast replacements because I didn't understand the difference between IMCS ratings and how to maintain them properly. Chapter 1 alone clarified why some masts fail after one season and others last years. The maintenance section in Chapter 5 has already saved me hundreds in premature replacements. Real knowledge, not marketing.

As an instructor, I've always relied on what manufacturers told me about their masts. This handbook shows you what's actually happening mechanically when you're sailing—why flex profile matters, how wall thickness affects response, what happens when you don't rinse after saltwater sessions. The business chapter is also gold if you're thinking about selling masts or servicing boards on the side. Highly specific, no filler.

Finally, a reference that doesn't assume you already know this stuff and doesn't try to sell you anything. I've been competitive sailing for eight years and thought I understood masts until I read Chapter 2 on specifications. The flex profile section completely changed how I think about mast selection for different conditions. Worth every penny, and I've already recommended it to three other sailors I know.

Very solid handbook with practical depth. Chapter 3 on choosing the right mast saved me from making an expensive mistake—I was about to buy a mast that wasn't right for my weight and board design. The installation chapter is clear and detailed. One small criticism: the supplier list in Chapter 6 is a bit thin in some regions, which I understand is a moving target, but more detail there would have been helpful.

I bought this because I was starting to think about renting boards as a side business, and Chapter 6 was exactly what I needed to understand the economics and logistics. The troubleshooting section in Chapter 5 is also really useful—several times I've been able to diagnose issues before calling a repair shop. My only wish is that there were more diagrams in the installation chapter, but the text is clear enough to follow.

Exactly the kind of technical reference I look for. The author clearly has real experience with masts—this reads like someone who's actually dealt with delamination, corrosion, and difficult customers rather than regurgitating marketing material. Chapter 1 is a masterclass in how masts actually work under load. If you make money from windsurfing in any way, this book is essential.

I repair boards as part of my shop's business, and I've been recommending this book to every customer who buys a mast. The maintenance and troubleshooting chapters are detailed enough that I've been able to guide people through basic repairs themselves, which builds trust. The material on saltwater corrosion and joint failure is spot-on. A serious resource for anyone who cares about their equipment.

Good handbook overall, and the technical content in the early chapters is solid. The business section was interesting but felt a bit disconnected from the rest—I get that there's value for people running a shop, but as a serious amateur, I mostly skipped Chapter 6. The specifications chapter could also use a few more real-world examples to make the IMCS scale feel more intuitive. Useful reference, but not perfect.