I'm a newbie kiter with one more lesson to go, so I'm after buying a kiteboard (already purchased kite, harness etc).
I'm interested in a second hand Shinn Player for sale but after reading reviews i'm unsure how difficult it would be for a learner to use. Everything I've read indicates this is an awesome board but will it be so far out of my league as a learner I wont be able to use it?
I want a board with some longevity so I'm not interested in a basic learner board that I have to upgrade next season.
The board is the right size for my weight so i'm just after advice on how user freindly it is in the chop for a beginner.
Any advice appreciated.
Cheers
Craig
I just upgraded from my learner board (Cabrinha Rival 145) after half a season. I'll keep it for light wind days, but I wouldn't ever recommend anyone getting a big board like that to learn on. It doesn't really make that much of a difference. Get a board that will last you.
Anyway, I upgraded to a second hand 2011 Shinn Monk (135x42). Very different to my old board, but I absolutely love it! The guy I bought it from was selling it because he was mainly using his Shinn Player. My understanding is that the Player has more pop than the Monk, but the monk is better cutting through chop. Otherwise similar boards(?).
So, if you've found a good deal for that board then I'd totally go for it. You won't regret it.
I doubt it would hinder your progress in any way, but the player is aimed at the slightly more hardcore freestyle end of the market so it would probably be a while before you appreciate the true ability of the board. I ride the Supershinn which is sort of in between the Monk and the Player. i can't recommend Shinn boards highly enough. If you could get hold of a monk it would probably be the better option, but then I guess if your buying secondhand that isn't always an option.
Just checked the classifieds for this shinn, and if you are looking at that one in Innaloo, it is the same guy I bought my Monk from.
I'd be interested to hear his reason for selling the Player when he told me that he was selling the Monk becasue of the player.
Board was very well looked after and in good condition.
He is easy to bargain with. I knocked $50 off the price without any argument ($500). You could probably talk him down to $500 if you had the cash with you there and then.
Theres no way you "wont be able to use it".
Yes it is an advanced level board but that just means that non beginner types will appreciate the best it has to offer. To you, at your stage, it will just be another board till you skill up into it.
In saying that there are far better boards for beginners - for sure. Anything with more flex etc will offer a far more comfortable ride. The freestyling hotshots out there with their super high performance boards are sacrificing comfort for the performance they want/need. As a newbie there is no advantage taking the drop in comfort. Esp if you are not going to be riding flat water all the time.
IMO go for something more suited to freeride than freestyle. By the time you are demanding what freestyle boards have to offer your 2nd hand Shinn Player will be well out of date.
By the way - The Super Shinn & the 2012 Monk are now in store. 
Arrived today - finally. Demos available on both.
You will be fine on the player
I taught my daughter on one and she loved it
easy to plane , light and stiff to keep an edge..
Enjoy
