Board recommendations

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

Hey guys, I need help. Realizing that I'm still too beginner to do the wakestyle riding that I want to get to. Really would like to progress to aggressive booted wakestyle riding in the future. Given my wakeboarding background, it just feels better to me.

In the mean time, feels like I'm just making things hard on myself trying to use a wakestyle board. We don't get the consistent winds here that coastal areas get. I'll typically be out in 8-14 knots, and a bit gusty. I think the higher rocker boards might be sucking too much power for a big guy like me.

I'm 6'0" 200lbs, and do mostly flat water riding.

Looking for board recommendations that will be gentle on me while I'm progressing from beginner to intermediate, but will allow me to ride it for at least two seasons without feeling like it's holding me back. Something that gets up and planes quick, goes upwind pretty well, and still allows me to try some tricks. Thanks

Nak · Fri Jun 28, 13 2:41 pm

Yeah, 8 - 14 is pretty light. Look for a lightwind specific board. Given your conditions and the fact that you already have board skills, a Slingshot Glide would be an excellent choice. A 2009 - 2010 146 Slingshot Misfit might work as well. For higher end wind days a 135 Lunacy would work well. But the bottom half of that wind range is big kite-big board wind. If you're looking at 8 - 14, your first board really needs to be a Glide or something very similar.

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

Thanks Nak, can you tell me what the equivalents of the Glide are in the top three brands of boards. I'd like to maybe buy a couple second hand (1 bigger and 1 smaller) and if I have an option in maybe slingshot, liquid force, cabrinha, etc... then it might be easier to find something.

Nak · Fri Jun 28, 13 5:40 pm

Sorry, I'm not really familiar with the other board brands you mention. I've just mentioned boards I've used. I'm sure someone else will jump on here though. What you're looking for is a wide board with no channels on the bottom. The edges should be straight to pretty straight. Zero rocker to very little rocker. That's the basic requirements for a lightwind board. The Spleene door is a bit narrower and longer than 2012 and earlier Glides. Either the 2013 or 14 Glide has changed shape to be more like the Spleene door. I haven't ridden that shape of board so I can't offer an opinion on it.

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

when I got tired of my begineer board (LF edge) I bought a 142 Misfit and I really like it and its more board than I need for several years probably. It seems to be more a "do it all" board so not sure how it would be for wake style.

p.s I'm also about 200lbs

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

I would add that personal preference has a lot to do with it. Since I got the misfit i've been thinking of what other TTs are out there and how they handle. See if you can demo some boards.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

For 8-14 knots, you just need something to get you moving and keep you planing.
A light wind specific twin tip will be good for learning, and you can also keep it for the light wind days after you have progressed to a smaller wake style board with boots when it's windy.

In addition to the SS Glide or largest Misfit, check out:

Liquid Force - Full Contact (2013) or older WLF 145 (check 2nd Wind consignment)
Naish - Haze XL 144 (also discontinued)

http://liquidforcekites.com/product/boards/kiteboards/full-contact/

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

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

Thanks guys. MS ... Here in UT we are also light wind and high altitude (5000'). Thanks for sharing your experience.

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

I don't know that this was the best route to take, but I just got myself the Xenon Infra. It just seemed like a really nice board that would let me progress the way I want to. I think less rocker and better upwind than what I'm used to. Hopefully I didn't just put myself right back in the same spot. Embarassed

I decided that for the really light wind days I'll probably just get me a surfboard and practice my jibing. I'm assuming that these boards are even better for lightwind, correct?

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

Certeza
That xenon infra rocks! I love that board. More wakestlye oriented but does regular riding well too and the 2013 got softeron the knees in the chop. You will have fun with the Infra. Myy lightwind preference is a fish surf board or a skim. Both make light wind slighlty more enjoyable.

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

They make kite specific skim boards... a little more grippy and can take a bit more abuse. Kochease was refering to the fish style of surfboard. Most surfboard manufacturers (and kiteboard manufacturers) offer fish models. They are typically shorter and wider which really helps with the light wind.

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

Weaz has it right. Many kite companys make kite skims. The fish kitesurf boards are wider, flatter and less rocker with 3 or 4 fins. airush and liquid force make nice skims. For fish boards I love f-one kiteboards but lots of good brands out there. I saw last night online that kite paddle surf shop in bellingham has slingshot kitesurf boards for $399 new.

Certeza · Since 13 Aug 2012 24 Posts Northern Utah

For strictly light wind riding, would you guys stick to practicing strapless? Or is it worth using a front and/or back strap?