Suggestions for Kite Surfboard?

KiteDuck · Since 17 Aug 2009 57 Posts

Anyone with experience have any suggestions?

I have decided to get a surfboard to expand my options for any given session. Never ridden one before.

Would like to get a board that:
- Is intermediate friendly with room for growth
- Can go upwind in lighter conditions
- Can run strapped and strapless
- Will usher me into the world of wave riding
- Won't break the bank (no carbon fiber slingshots)

Currently ride a twintip, Intermediate rider, 200 lbs

Suggestions would be appreciated for specific boards or things I should be looking for (length/width, etc).

*Unfortunately not in a location where Demos are convenient.

stringer · Since 31 Jul 2007 694 Posts Chucktown Flying Tomato

Go get a big fat one.
Doesn't really have to be kite specific, but make sure its solid.
I would forget the straps, but if you really really can't comprehend riding without them check out something like this
http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=64&idproduct=160

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

jsj · Since 11 Sep 2006 83 Posts Hood River

I ride a kid surfboard I got off Craigslist when I lived down in the bay area. It's a 5'4" and is probably all of 17" wide; classic tapered thruster w/more rocker than I see on most kite-specific surfboards. I'm utterly stoked on it and have yet to ride a board that works better for me.

I put in anchors for straps but took them off after a few go-outs. My take on that is that straps on a surfboard is more or less like training wheels on a bike....

have fun!

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

Forget the straps! Waste of time and money. Want straps stay on your twin tip. And don't waste your money on a kite specific board. Ask to borrow one off the beach for a few tacks. and as for light wind: Lose the straps and fins and go skim.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

I demoed the new 2010 Slingshot 6'2" Quad a month ago and loved it! It was super easy to ride and felt very loose. Rockets upwind. I feel like a "surfer" on it, which I am not. I own one now.

I tried a friend's 5'10" Ratboy, and though I liked it, it felt too small, and no more loose. I don't get the 5'4" models?

I think longer/bigger is better, and I find boards much more fun to ride without straps.
Eric

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

It looks like a wade variety of opinions. Most likely you are going to need to do a few demo's to figure it out. I have been considering getting a directional.

Post the results of your search when you make a decision.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I personally prefer thruster (tri-fin) surfboards over quads for kiting on waves. You have power from the kite to get you to the good section and once you're on a steep wave the middle fin will keep you closer and deeper in the pocket and allow for more fluid continuous turns going down the line. I know plenty of other people like thrusters too, but then some like quads so take it for what it's worth.

Mark · Wed Aug 26, 09 12:24 pm

Take a good long look at the quad fish boards. Good all around riding. Try several as they all have different feels.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

buy something used and big

Bailey · Since 13 Apr 2008 87 Posts

Slingy 08 sst 6'2 thruster bomb proof and cheap Very Happy

JacobBee · Since 26 Oct 2008 41 Posts Oregon

yah commericial boards r wai over priced. in cali its like 20$ for a rat board just don't land hard on it unless your a real man. if your a real man get a board that fits the profile of a weapon ultra sharp spear, heavy with skull cross too show power of long lines and flapper kites