Board Sizing

messidona · Since 19 May 2011 12 Posts

I am a beginning rider and just bought my first kite an 11m Renegade. I have taken a few lessons and can get up and riding and avoid getting pushed downwind. I am looking to kite in the 14-22 kt range and weigh about 150 lbs. I was wondering what the appropriate size board would be. I have heard everything from 134 up to 141. I am looking at a couple of boards and am wondering if a 134x39.5 will be too small and I will better off with something bigger like a 137x40.5 or even a 140x41.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

a 137 or 140 isn't too big at all. Later you can use them when the wind dies off instead of changing to a bigger kite.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I disagree. Unless you're wearing boots at 150lbs the 140 will be a lightwind board and won't hold an edge as well once you get into the higher wind range. The 134-137 range would be ok depending on what you're targeting. Are you more into cruising and carving than boosting? For boosting go smaller for carving go bigger. Eventually consider trying boots and then you can rock a 138.

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

beginner

mxwllms · Since 26 Jul 2006 110 Posts Boring, Or Stoked

on the other hand he did say he can keep from going downwind... that sure will be tough as a beginner on a 140 with an 11m when its blowing 20knts... i personally think a 134 is perfect. Im 185lbs and still dont have any fun on a 140 without boots... its like riding on a small boat

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

If you can already ride a big board wont do you much good. Kite and Genek are about spot on, 134 if your gonna ride straps, if you wanna eventually ride binders anything from 137 up depending on how big you and your foot is. Also the type of board and rocker will play into sizing.

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I think the 134 would be fine also. Especially if it is a good model board. I weight 200lbs and my main board is a 134x39 and I LOVE IT!!! I hate riding anything bigger. But it is also a top notch F-one TX4 board. I rode a 134or 135 (cant remember) slingshot SX and hated it with a passion so when I got the F-one 134 I was leary but it turned out to be a killer board.

messidona · Since 19 May 2011 12 Posts

I was looking at a 2008 Naish Sol 134 X 39.5. So the consensus is that this would be a good size? I agree that this will be funner in higher wind but will it get me up and riding in the 14-15 knot range?

jeremy · Since 18 Aug 2006 276 Posts Manzo & HR Obsessed

I'm 190lbs and ride the 2007 Naish Sol 136x39.5, for me, it's perfect for powered conditions. I've tried 38cm, too small, and 41 was too big.

For you at 150lbs, you could easily do the next size down in the Sol, the 38.5cm, but I'm sure the 39.5cm would work GREAT and give you a little more glide thru the lulls.

15 knots with a 12m or 14m is powered !! It's when it's <15 that you need something bigger (like a 46-47cm wide surfboard).

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

Not sure what your location is but if your near a good board shop, do some demos. If that's not an option, buy used and try it out before dumping 400-800 on a new board. You won't know what size/brand/shape you will like til you try some different gear.