How Much Does The Board Matter?

tree · Since 29 May 2007 150 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

Did a search and didn't turn up good answers.

I started kiting a couple years ago and have been riding an old Misfit circa '03 (black/dark green) that I picked up for cheap when I was gathering my gear. I'm not a freestyle/slider guy - I primarily like catching air and riding waves. Would I see a big difference in performance if I upgraded to a newer all-around board?

I recently started working on the east coast (temporarily, I hope), and ride in a place where there isn't an opportunity to demo.

Thanks,

Aaron

stinkyskate · Since 18 Feb 2009 22 Posts Tri-cities WA

matters a lot. I tried riding without my board at three mile this weekend and got really cold.

forrest · Fri May 07, 10 7:14 am

Hey Aaron,

It does matter a lot. It's your body's interface to the water and determines how the power from the kite is applied to the surface of the water. A board can waste power or use it efficiently. Boards with a curved outline will turn better while boards with a rectangular outline will be more poppy but less turny. The flex pattern of a board will help you load against water longer for a better release when you're boosting. Your misfit is probaby pretty decent for freeriding and catching air but obviously a surfboard would be better for riding waves.

I'd just find an 07 or newer used board for cheap and buy it. It's going to be light-years better than an 03 board no matter what.

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri May 07, 10 9:10 am

honestly, I think it matters more than the kite. Especially these days since many of the kites fly pretty close to the same. I kited for three years on an 01 SX and when I finally got another board I thought to myself..I just wasted two years kiting on an old board.

So umm, yeah, make a coffee table out of that 03 and get yourself a new board. I'm a HUGE fan of the crazy fly raptors but the liquid force recoil is also a nice board. Hell, get yourself a close out recoil and a decent surfboard.

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

I agree with MonkeyBoy, I think the board matters more than the kite.
Try out as many boards as you can....different board, different style of riding.
Go to 2nd wind in hood river for a demo board request. They'll be happy to help.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

I use to think the right quiver was one board and many kites. Now I think the opposite. I use the Recoil for my all around board and love it.

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

What those-guys said...
rode an 02' Cabrinha for 5 years. The new boards (last 3 years) are a lot better in my opinion. You can find a good/used one for cheap.

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

Board technology has come a long way. Try to demo one if you can. I almost bough a LF Recoil a few years back because of all the good reviews, but when I took one out on demo I hated it. For some reason it splashed me in the face in heavy chop and was too stiff for my taste. Others seem to love it. I ended up on a North XRide and am now getting a Jaime. It's personal taste, but I like softer boards with a freeride (versatility) bent.

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Agree with everyone, board matters a lot more than the kite.
I know you said demo doesnt seem to be an option but it really is a must.
While generalities about shape and flex give you an idea of what the board will ride like they dont allways hold true with every rider/stance/style. I am so glad I tried several boards before buying my last one, I allmost didnt and would have regretted it if I had bought based on others opinions of the right board.
If there arent any shops to demo from where you are, try hitting up some fellow riders for a quickie on their stick.