Choice of Directional Board

olephill · Since 22 Jul 2012 29 Posts

Anyone have advice for a medicare card holder transitioning from a twin tip to a directional board? I weigh 185lbs and my normal venues are The Gorge, Florence and Whiskey and I am on 7m and 10m Rally's. I'm not looking for a slasher -- more like a stable platform on which to get good at jibing and riding on my toes. I own a 5'7" Cabrinha SQuad (don't ask me how or why I acquired that hot rod) and it is a bit squirrely for my current level. I also figure if I get something bigger/more stable I can always use the SQuad when the wind gets really blowing. Thank you for any input. Confused

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

Slingshot Dialer=surfboard with training wheels. Still super fun in light wind when you're proficient too.

sfbomber · Since 27 Jun 2012 114 Posts Stoked

You can't get much stable than a fish.

lubomm · Since 15 Aug 2007 248 Posts Hood Stoked

My experience is that a bigger surfboard , while more "stable", can actually have more pressure on the legs/knees especially when powered up; lots of planing surface. So assuming you go with straps, maybe it is ok to go with a smaller surfboard.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 615 Posts Addicted

any board you can find at a good price that is about 5'10 to 6'1" and about 19" to 20" wide will work. a little shorter if it is a little wider. wider is easier to jibe but can get bouncy if too wide. and a slightly flatter rocker is easier to learn on, if you can see the difference yet.
but almost anything will work because it is mostly TOW
have fun and crash a lot! Laughing

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

i also started with a 5'8".
i purchased a second board - Slingshot Verve 6'2" long. I learned to jibe within 5 sessions on this wider and more stable board.
good luck.

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

if you've got knee or back issues stay with a surfboard and stay away from the kite surfboards. The durability of kite specific boards comes with a huge price; stiffness. It beats you up on chop, tends to skip on the water, and simply lacks the "life" of a well made surf designed board. And anyway, buy a $75 board on craigslist, learn on it, ride every board on the beach, then make your own call. If you're not jumping a ton, don't waste the money on kite surfboard that somebody else is ditching because they found out that they hate that board and are now dumping it.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Fish is where it's at. And a great light wind board when you're done.