Hi all
I'm after some advice about how to find out the right size of directional to use.
I'm 178 cm tall and weigh 87kgs and have only kited for one season and am interested
In buying a directional.
Also how does kite size used compare when using a tt or directional
My local is 15 to 25 knots.
Any information would be a great help. Thanks
Yellow thanks in advance
most guys I have seen use what they would normally paddle in on, though I have seen one guy your weight riding an epoxy that was around 5' 6" and he frothed on it. I haven't started directional yet but It seems to me that if you can TT on it, then any size directional is going to be easier to start planing on, maybe even 4' 6" or smaller, why not ? worth an extra 2m of kite? just a guess
I'm about the same height and weight as you and ride a 6'2" slingshot verve (epoxy, fairly heavy and relatively low volume) using 10mt in 20+ kt and 13mt in 15-25kt. Board goes great in these optimal winds but as soon as it drops I struggle to keep upwind. I don't think I could paddle surf on it, sinks!! (I surf on a 6'8" board)
From my experience i.e. 18 months on directional and mostly surf, I have found larger/higher volume boards 6'8" & even 7'3" performing better as the wind drops due to more flotation.
Bigger kite = smaller board or stronger wind = smaller board and the opposite is true. The focus is to ride the wave therefore I'm looking to go something more typical high performing surfboard, short around 6'0, low rocker for speed but with more volume than the verve. I think with your weight don't go too short unless you got volume.
Hope this helps.
I'm sure there's heaps more experienced guys here that can offer some board suggestions.
