Start by going to your local windsurfing shop and ask about lessons and equipment. Lessons are usually a package deal, with the professional and the gear provided at a set place and time.

Once you feel somewhat comfortable on your own, you can start by renting or even purchasing cheap used gear from a shop. You can also find some great deals through swaps or online. Start with the basics: a stable floaty board (one that doesn’t sink under your weight), a small-size sail, a mast and base, a boom, and an uphaul line (or a harness if you are competent with water-starting). Don’t forget that these New England waters tend to get a little chilly, so you might want to invest in a good wetsuit. Once you have gone pro, you will then need a quiver of sails, a bevy of boards, and a whole collection of fins. But you can worry about that later.

There are a number of windsurfing outfits that provide lessons, gear, accessories, and repairs in Boston and the Boston area. Check the yellow pages or do an online search to find one that meets your needs.

Good beginner launching sites will vary depending on wind, currents, and tides—always check the forecast or talk to your local shop before heading out. A few noteworthy sites are:

Cape Cod - Kalmus Beach in Hyannis; Old Silver Beach and Chapoquoit Beach on Buzzards Bay in North Falmouth; Chapin and Corporation Beaches in Dennis on Cape Cod Bay; West Dennis Beach on Nantucket Sound; Pleasant Bay in Orleans and Chatham.

North Shore - Niles Beach in Gloucester; Nahant Beach in Nahant; Devereux Beach in Marblehead.

South Shore - Powder Point in Duxbury.

A good online resource packed with information on gear, lessons, wind reports and forecasts, launching spots, and travel destinations is www.iwindsurf.com.