politics, dog poo and a new board

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Sucks not having any wind in pdx, and also sucks to skip over these pathetic fillers, like "get ready to bend over for CAP & TRADE" and "OT: Michael Jackson's death & media coverage" crap. So there is equally useless, but at least kiteboarding related question. How do I pick up good freeride board? OK I am a noob, proud to lawn mow (and that roughly should translate to free ridding, right?).

I have 150 Mako wide. I like this board, nice in the chop, easy on the knees. I also have Cabrinha 137 Custom, advertised as a freestyle board. Much more difficult to go upwind, and harder to handle in the chop.

I am not looking into any freestyle progression, but feel like Mako is a bit heavy at times. I am looking into CrazyFly Raptor, and have a question how to pick up the right size out of the lineup. Another board I am considering is Jerry Lewis III, and I was advised to go with 139.

So what do you suggest? Should I stay with what I have until I get better, or should I get a new board to progress faster, and what board would that be?

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

Can we talk about changing your avatar Question

There are things that are better left unseen, case in point. I ride a 145 misfit in all conditions. My other board is an underground 140. Chop and pop Exclamation

I just want to land some tricks Exclamation

Not this weekend though 10 foot swell

. This weekend its all about being shark bait Exclamation

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

slices right through it, great board Exclamation

the avatar has changed Neutral

dangerD · Since 27 Jun 2005 223 Posts Bingen Heights Stoked

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jun 26, 09 8:56 am

I'm withholding my opinion on the chance that you may change your avatar.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

The Jimmy Lewis Model III - is a super sweet board.

I am also a very big fan of Liquid Force Recoils - I have a 137 and a 131 - love them both!!!

Lot of dudes ride misfits - I have actually never tried one of these - but I'm sure that Slingshot would let you demo them. I think 2nd wind has some sort of rental/demo thing for slingshot gear.

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Who is that dude? Have not seen him around yet.

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Thanks for the suggestions! It gives me a short list of boards to try. I will check out 2nd Wind demos.

All this made me step back a bit. What does make a good freeride board? I get an idea of freestyle board, pop, ease of landing, and all stuff related to big air, but what would you look for when selecting freeride one?

Pepi · Sat Jun 27, 09 7:25 am

Hey Blue :

If you come by the 2nd Wind, bring in your Cabrinha board as well so that we can compare to what you are currently riding.

My personal thoughts on your post is that you just might need a little more time on the water riding the Cabrinha board to get more dialed in. The "other" board you have is likely holding you back a great deal in that it is very large, very wide, and is just not conducive to improving riding skills.
We have run into very similar situation as yours with customers coming having issues with skills development due to their riding that other board.
The situation had been solved very easily by setting them up with either a 130-133-ish board if they are under 170lbs, and a 133-138-ish board if they are over 170lbs. Typically a freestyle or freeride board (somewhat squared off tip/tail with moderate rocker) 40-42cm wide. These dimensions are kind of the norm for setting someone up with a good 'Gorge' kiteboard.

Anyways, if you come by the shop, ask for Mike, Nate, or Pepi. Bring your board with you and fill us in on what your experience has been with riding the board and we'll see if we can help you out, either with setting you up with a demo board, or sending you back out for more water time on your current Cabrinha board.

Thanks
Pepi

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Pepi, thank you for the reply. This is really great post. For starters, you demystified the issue of board sizing for me.

I heeded your advice of having more water time with my CB board. I had long session on it today, and went from "my knees cannot take this chop" to "it's manageable" in about two hours. And this board feels much more agile than the other one. Thank you for the nudge in the right direction.

I have to say you definitely know your stuff! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I might not need a new board right now, but I know where I am heading for my future equipment needs.

Pepi · Sun Jun 28, 09 2:37 pm

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

Think it's also worth mentioning that changing the fin size changes the board feel a-ton too. If you can borrow smaller fins to-try, worth doing.