Board sizing question for taller, larger folks

rockinbach · Since 11 Apr 2010 52 Posts Vancouver, WA

What are some good kiteboarding sizing guidelines for someone like me who's 6'4" 180lbs, novice for kite board lengths?

I'm currently riding an old Cabrinha Prodigy 158cm (2007, I think?), which seems like a cadillac compared to 2010 board designs. It was good to me as a beginner learning in the lighter winds of the midwest. However, I live here, now and I want to update to something newer that won't generate as much speed in the Gorge wind. How small in size can I go with today's wider boards without losing performance for a tall guy like me?

Chooch · Sun Jul 25, 10 8:44 pm

135cm-145cm is what you want to look for. Also be sure you get a board with some decent rocker and concave to help cut through the chop and soften up landings.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1490 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I'm 6'3" and 185 (close enough). I've kited 50 days since May1.
Last year I learned on a 153 now I ride a 143 SS FX and love it for all around. It's great for large kites and lite winds and it's also great on a 6M in big swells.
I've also tried the Ocean Rodeo Mako boards (150 ) and those boards are great in the river chop. They have concave bottoms that really smooth out the chop. The downside is that youcan't get them to slide 180's as easily as a normal board.
If you're an older kiter or have a mellow cruising style - you should demo the Mako King. It's amazing fun for cruising upwind and downwind.
Bottom Line: demo, demo, demo.

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

When I first started really going up wind I found that a more wave specific shaped TT was better in the gorge. I think I had a LF 137 with 1.5cm fins. It had a softer shape, slight rocker and it cost me $200.
Slingy makes a really nice board, but the question is, "are you going up wind?"

Very Happy

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 214 Posts Stoked

6 4 205. Use a 141 north x ride. Perfect size for me.

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

I'm 6'4 and ride a 135 lunacy. Great for going upwind and has a bunch of pop

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

I'm 6'3" - 195lbs.

Get a North X-Ride 136cm. So smooth in the chop, the best footpads around, excellent carving, enough rocker that it doesn't pearl, great in the swell, good upwind. Seriously, this board is the bomb.

I had a North Dragon and a Jaime Pro before this. It is an order of magnitude better than those.

I demo'd a Ocean Rodeo Mako and it was good too, but it seemed like it lacked the versatility of a twin-tip.

You cannot go wrong with the North X Ride........a great all around board. My friend has the 2009 and the 2010 is much better - smoother in the chop and carves/holds better.....maybe the fins?

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

6'3" 210

I have a 145 Nobile 555

It could be a little shorter but the extra length come in handy when it is light. It has not made it out of the truck in 2 months since I got my new Amundson custom 6'2"

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

your weight is a much bigger determining factor than height when it comes to board size. Im 185 pushing 190 and a 137 recoil is my go to size and love it! I use a 145 wlf in light winds and it works well.

shred_da_gorge · Mon Jul 26, 10 2:02 pm **Re: North X-Ride**

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Mako demos, available here

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

DEMO...DEMO...DEMO
The XRide was mentioned earlier as an all around board...UH,NO not for me any way. At 170lbs I did a Demo on a 134 and I want one for its high wind abilities holding an edge and toeside riding but not good for me in the swell, surfy applications (differant folks differant strokes perhaps) You really must Demo and see what fits your style.
As an all around I like a differant board but dont want to get into brand v brand here.