Paul Asker's Comments

The wide boards definitely shorten the learning curve.  However, most people never sell them for that reason, so the used market is sparce.   Another possiblity is to get a wide SUP with a mast track and use that for dual purpose.

As soon as you can comfortably cruise, I'd recommend getting a harness.  You should try to sail where there are lots of others, like Cass Lake or Stony Creek. Also, there's a guy at Cass who occasionally gives lessons.