Quck ?. Am I too fat for kiteboarding?

Johns511 · Since 07 Sep 2009 2 Posts New Member

I am moving to the coast, South Carolina, and want to learn to kiteboard.

The question I have is: Am I too big to do this?

I'm 5'11" and 225lbs.
I'm active, an excellent swimmer and scuba dive all the time
Can a kite pull me out of the water and keep me going?

I'm asking on these forums because I want an honest answer.
If I ask the a kiteboarding teacher or shop I'm sure they are going to say "Sure, now how many lessons would you like to buy?"

Yes, I plan on getting lessons, I just don't want to waste my money.
Thanks

Mark · Mon Sep 07, 09 4:55 pm

Not a problem

KiteDuck · Since 17 Aug 2009 57 Posts

I'm 6'4" 210, had been 230 and it had not been an issue. You may be on 1 size bigger kite or a bigger board, but you should be just fine.

When I see the lighter guys floating through the air I really want to lose some lbs, but then I get to dinner and want to eat. Mmmm ... food.

On a Rampage · Since 19 Dec 2007 17 Posts Florida Keys

I have a friend that is 6'4 and 290 lbs. Never been a problem. Just need a bigger kite.

Now for the REAL question: How many lessons would you like to buy?

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 282 Posts Obsessed

I'm about your size and I seem to do just fine. I don't usually have to go up in size too much (except for my harness). A little bigger board makes a huge difference. Besides when all the little 150 lb waifs are being blown off the water we'll still be out there holding it down. One other thing you might want to consider is wearing board shorts over your wet suit. Cuz fat guys in wet suits might be worse than fat guys in lycra.

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

plenty of big dudes out there. You just need a bigger kite. Good luck man.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1857 Posts XTreme Poster

350 is big; 225 is buff

no problems for you at all. plenty folks your size and bigger who rip.

Eric

lineman · Since 05 Feb 2009 170 Posts Stoked

For big riders it's all about the board. I'm 215 lbs & I ride a 144 x 46 just about all the time. Stay away from anything smaller than a 135.

Johns511 · Since 07 Sep 2009 2 Posts New Member

Thank you very much!

Lessons, here I come!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

normal!
Your swimming will pay off big time in this sport. The ability to swim is really great as you will be self rescuing and swimming quite a bit.

Good luck,

Ron

6-2 230lbs and growing as we speak(lunch).

You and I are succulently plump. Very Happy

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Unlike surfing or windsurfing where weight can be a serious detriment, kiteboarders can shred even with a blubber layer. Just go with a bigger kite and let all the lightweights know they they are wimps when you are holding down way more square meters in windy weather.

Razz

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

Your not Fat, your big boned!! So you think your fat? Is this really a serious question? Well, I got a good laugh from it at least!! I'm amazed that someone who isn't the size of jabba the hut would ask this on a forum with 1000's of people to see. What a KOOK question to ask!! Go look for an ego boost on a womans forum. I would love to see this question posted on kitescoop, ooohhh the fun they would have with this..... Twisted Evil

typhoon · Since 02 Sep 2009 26 Posts Portland

I used to ride in Texas City (a town just south of Houston). I had a friend about your size who always ripped it up so your size will not be a problem.

However, when you go you buy equipment kite sizes for a particular wind range are designed for someone much smaller than you so you'll probably need to go up one or two sizes. Find a good local shop and they can help you get the right sized equipment for your build and skill level.

Good luck with the lessons, it's about the most fun you can have with your cloths on.

KiteDuck · Since 17 Aug 2009 57 Posts

The minnow · Since 26 Jan 2009 395 Posts argentina Obsessed

so, yes its o.k. am not losing wieght. most guys in santa barbara calif, did lose some for sure, i know several 300lbsers, and riding a 16m, is my everyday gig. i even rode my 17m fuel when guys were on 7m, sure it was killing me and ended crying to momy holding on the depower, but it was good till i needed to land it? got drug a little. so the normal for me is two sizes i see know people< which is very important know whos who, it really takes experience, but if normal people ride 9m, I ride 13m, but if you see them huckin big sick airs like 30feet up? then its another storie, still resist buying that barn door i love to ride frontside, no dough anyway, still zack of caution does well and is only one size? but thats santa cruz, where you ride makes a huge differance, and your board, i am in to cheap gear, so may be buy the 161 LF , it works and two bills is cool? wieght does add a lot more range to kite size, my small kite is 11m, someday i would like a9m but would use it once a year, and its really power dissition i also have rode asize smaller on some days, so again its experiance and gear and who, and how that kites riged. the agent reports!!! did i hear breakfest burrito, uhmmm Rolling Eyes

The minnow · Since 26 Jan 2009 395 Posts argentina Obsessed

so again the good thing you put your harrness on under the fat and it doesnt ride up as easy, the fat roll monkey boy to make it clear, and its good, and am not a fan of seat harness ! they are good for learning to fly, and a must for schools , i find if its a54cm? works, try it on dont buy mail order on this one .the harness is a touchy subject, and well?

chris2584 · Since 13 Sep 2009 8 Posts USA Kook