Strapless board size suggestions

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

It's true. After nearly a decade of riding twin tip I'm going strapless.

I've ridden a few surfboards with kites before but am looking for a board that's perfect for me. Any ideas on ballpark size etc?

I'm looking right now at a 5'11" quad (standard surboard) that's about 18" from center.

I'm 6'2" and about 195 pounds.

Also, how about some pros and cons of quad vs tri-fin setups. It seems to me that a quad with some kind of swallow shape might be better to edge on.

My newly purchased Russian bride thanks you for all your input.

PS - I'm sure this has been covered before in something posted a long time ago. I have to admit laziness in not looking real hard for it.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2620 Posts The 503 METAL

I would also like to understand the design intent between quads and tri-fins...I only (think) I know that I like tri fin setups better from the boards I've tried they seem smoother and carvier.

I though that quads stayed up wind better, but I also hear they are supposed to be looser.

Also, consider the NSI pads with inserts...sometimes you want want to strap!

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

I like 6 to 62 and 18.25 to 18.5 wide. Would not worry about the quad vs tri at all. Both work really well. I own and ride both in a 62 and alternate every 10 sessions about which i like the most if you are going to go strapless dont go too small. You want to surf. I have a 511 which feels too small. My kids love it though.

195 lbs

Eric

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

you might want to go a bit wider - at 150 I've been having fun with this 5'10 TL2 UFO (when its not blowing down the beach)

http://360guide.info/shop/surfboards/surftech-randy-french-tl2-ufo-510.html?Itemid=91&Itemid=91

wouldn't recommend this one as your first board - get a kite specific board - built quite a bit stronger

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

I like to ride a bit longer board if riding strapless, currently riding 6'-2" x 18 7/8" which I like very much. If strapless, then you can easily move forward on the board to go upwind and back when it is time to carve on a wave. Plus, the bigger and longer board coasts through wind lulls and light winds better than smaller directionals.

If riding strapped on a directional I don't like riding much bigger than 5'-8" as the strap positions need to be the same for upwind and wave riding. The smaller boards seem to fit better with straps in one position to achieve upwind and carving capabilities.

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

So far it sounds like something in the 6 foot range (and higher) is better for strapless whereas less than 6 foot would be better for strapped. I guess I was assuming that strapless and strapped would be similar sizes. This is good info.

Is there a similar suggestion for less/more float as well (more float for strapless and less for strapped)?

Or how about width? Can a strapped be narrower?

Just some questions I have. I'm sure others have them too.

For those of you playing the 'bored housewife' version of this game, the score is as follows: Strap-ons are better if they're short and narrow, but if you're going for the real thing make sure it's longer and has some width. The thrust can be controlled by either 3 or 4 fins but it doesn't really matter as long as it gets the job done. Just make sure you always know where your 'oh shit' system is just in case you have to get out of an ugly situation. And always remember, no matter how hot you think a board is there is always somebody else who's tired of dealing with its shit.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I like 6' to 6'6" strapless with the shape haveing more to do with the conditions. because you can move around you can ride biger wider board for lite wind or just slower less powered rideing. For strapped I like boards around 5'6" and pretty narrow because you can't move around as much.

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Would anybody like to comment more on 3 vs. 4 fins setups?

Also, pintail vs. swallow (etc)? I just keep thinking a swallow would grip the edge better but I'm not sure.

Thanks for all the info guys. This has really helped.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

I have a quad fish and a 'thumb' tail standard thruster. I like to ride the thruster in all conditions but for when its really light or the waves are super mushy. I had a pin tail and found it not loose enough for my taste and the thumb tall is a great compromise cause it will still hold a rail on steeper waves.

quads generally are going to have less resistance and a higher top end speed but you have to consider all the other variables like, rocker, width, thickness, bottom shape etc.

your best bet is to try as many different boards as possible.

happy shopping.

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

A lot of the boards I see in magazines and videos (although they are kite-specific boards) are using pads instead of wax. Any input on that comparison?

Thanks for the info on a setup that goes either strapped or unstrapped. That might save me some $$$ down the road.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2620 Posts The 503 METAL

Other than smelling nice...wax is a pain in the arse. You have to buy more and reapply. It gets on other stuff like your car seats, kites, etc. Also, it doesn't seem like wax gives as much traction with booties and cold water.

Pad's don't weigh much and give you a little cushion. With the NSI insert pads, I think it's a no brainer!