I got some stick on straps and pads for one of my old 6' 4 surfboards. My first turn and the straps peeled off. couldn't believe it. So I had to learn quickly how to ride strapless and I loved it.
My question is what size board would you recommend? I havebeen told that my 6 4 is way to big. I am looking for old second hand boards around 6ft mark or a kite specific surfboard. I have been told all different things 5' 7s to 6' 2s. Your thoughts please.
I am about 88kgs and 6ft tall and surf a 5 10 twinny, 6'2 shortboard.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Boyler
Go smaller. Dont need the length or bulk to paddle so you can afford to leave it out some. Just make sure you get a strong glass job...
dont bother using your regular surfboards for a start, especially in the beginner stages. I snapped two boards, ripped out FCS fin sets and made a mockery of it all.
Especially when you start to get some air, your average surfboards dont like your full weight landing on them especially if its your front foot.
In shallow water as soon as you hit the sand, you will loose a fin at best, the whole fin box, or snap your tail off.
i bought a 5'10 quad designed for kiting, thick stringer, double layer 6oz glassing, strap holes with pads, and future fin boxes. its heavy in the hand but sweet in the water, havent had a fin or snap problem.
hope this helps
it depends how you want to ride and what your local conditions are like.
if you have a nice consistent break that still holds shape when its windy and want to ride down the line then kite on a similar board to what you paddle.
if you ride in crappy blown out shore break in cross on wind, or want to boost off waves then maybe get something smaller, stronger and easier to throw around
Thanks guys. Just a thought my twinny would be perfect I think????? It has 2 pretty sizeable skeg fins is quite flat and has plenty of float???? Any thoughts, i'm going to try it on my next session.
Secondly, I have been looking around and I like the look of the Cab s-quad, however, would the 5'7 be too small for me at 6ft and 88kgs?
As far as ability goes i'm new to the waves with a kite but I love it. Last thing I want is to get a board that is too small if i'd be better on a 6 or 6'1.
Cheers
Hi,
I'm a simmilar size and weight. I started on a 6' quad fin board. I have found this to be the perfect size for everything from 1' to 6' plus. I have tried boards smaller they are fun turn super quick but I found that you need a bit of control when learning. I started with strap but now ride strapless.
Liquid force Tri fin ( Has softer rails better for learning) or quad (has sharper rails better for higher performance riding) or any simmilar would be worth a go.
Why dont you see if your local dealer has a demo.
Cheers
Danny
go a board similar size to what you would surf, maybe a touch smaller for all dims.
similar size to your normal surfboard because as you progress you tend to surf the wave without the pull of your kite. On a smaller board you wont have the float or carrry along the wave and will be more dependant on your kite.
I take my surfing fish out in lighter winds and/or crappy surf and love its extra volume and performance in those conditions. Although be prepared for your standard surfboards to cop a hammering kiting.
design wise your standard surfboard will perform really well...construction wise it will self destruct in a matter of weeks...you can go a heap smaller than you think, when strapped...i dont know about unstrapped...probably better to stay a little larger...get one made...specifying double six ounce deck.single six bottom...extra pads of six ounce under foot...any capable board manufacterer can do you a custom...keep your local shaper alive!!...when he is gone, you'll all be sorry.
yep, and you can get a kite specific custom board for less than an off the rack kite board
Stick with your regular surfboards, but not your favourites.
As your normal surfboard gets a bit old and looses its zip it then becomes a kiteboard, just slap 2x4oz epoxy (is best) where your feet go, don't even sand it just wax it up.
But for the heavier days, wind + swell get a board more suited, a bit smaller and thinner all over and holes for straps... maybe
