I live nr birmingham aberdovey 2:15 hrs away is windsurfing a realistic hobby to get into as it seems inland sailing is a bit average once you have experienced the consistent wind of the coast. How long would it take for a quickish learner to become competent on the sea. Also how much would it cost to pick up decent gear for beggin / progessive intermeadiate thanks alot.

It will take a while to get to grips with sailing on the sea, but Aberdovey and Borth are ideal locations as you can also sail in the more sheltered waters of the estuary and get to grips with the basics on flat water. It's pretty much impossible to give any real time scales as it depends on so many factors such as your natural ability, your perseverance, the kit you use, the conditions you get when you do get to the coast, the regularity with which you get to the coast etc etc. Some people if particualrly dedicated go from complete beginner to sailing on the sea in waves with small kit in less than a year. For most it take much longer than that, and I'm sure there are people here who have been sailing for years and years and still wouldn't consider themselves proficient in real waves.

But, as long as you're having fun it doesn't really matter what level you are at or what you are actually doing when on the water, so just get out there and enjoy it!

Al.

The best thing about windsurfing is that you can NEVER learn how to do it all. You can reach a standard you would be happy with sure, but there is always more to go for.
Give it a go, if you like it, you'll never want to stop.