Advice on board choice.

VXflyer · Since 30 Jun 2013 6 Posts Spokane, WA Kook

I need some help on choosing the right board.

I am still a beginner, but learning fast (IMO). I have tons of wakeboard and snowboard hours under my belt so that is helping with the learning curve. I own a 12m North Evo, but still need to purchase a good board, that ideally will be used for years to come. So, I am looking for advice/suggestions on the right board for me.

My weight: 200lbs Height: 6'1" Rider ability: beginner/intermediate.

I live in the Spokane area, so wind conditions will be light for most days. Im looking to be able to ride in winds as low as 12knots, but want a board that will still be fun in stronger 20-25kt winds.

I am leaning towards a twin tip, but from the reading I have done, it seems a large surf board would get me on the water in light winds just as well if not better.

I was looking at a Slingshot Misfit 146cm. My thinking was this would be big enough for me, its a twin tip, and would still be fun in higher winds. Though not the best for light wind conditions, but would probably still work.

The Slingshot Dialer 5'11" was another possibility. Its a quad fin, fairly wide, with straps. Correct me if I am wrong but this would work well in light winds, and higher winds as well. So, really a good board all around wind conditions, but you lose the some of the aspects of twin tip riding. Friends have told me that riding surfboards is a lot of fun, I just have not done it yet.

Litewave Wing 161cm: the light wind machine. Great for light wind, but I don't like that it only has fins on the heal side. It seems this would get boring after a while. But I would astleast be able to ride with it.

Im open to any other suggestions on boards; these are just some that I have considered.

Let me know your thoughts. I plan to come down Hood River to do some riding as well. So an all around board is kinda what I am looking for.

Thanks in advance.

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Get a board that will work very well for your most common riding condition, I think, rather then try to get one board to cover both very light wind and stronger winds. Then later on get a board that will compliment that well. A surfboard is great for light wind, but yes, you lose out on some of the conveniences of twin tips. I would have both. And for a light wind surfboard I would just get a used surfboard in the 6'-0' range off of craigslist or something - reasoning being that if you are using the surf in lighter winds then you probably wont be putting too much stress on it and won't have to worry about folding into a surf taco.

So basically your two-board setup would be like a (cheap) surfboard and a large (but not door sized) twin tip. A 142cm twin tip would probably be fine. You could use the surf in any wind condition, and the 142cm in anything 17+ mph in all likelihood (depends on your biggest kite of course).

My 2 cents.

Sella · Sat Aug 31, 13 10:52 am

Contemplating a twin-tip or surfboard are two completely different rides. As a beginner possibly any brand large twin-tip to get more time on the water to work on loading power into your kite and body position to ride in any wind conditions.....then different style of boards come into play.

A lot of new guys think the board is holding them back......but having a great fitting strap and strong kite flying skills go a long way for beginners to better understand what board they prefer because everyone has their own style/preference. Ideally.....like Dern's feedback....is people typically have 3-4 boards on tap. Careful though....you'll look around your garage in 2 years and see 10 boards......and think WTF? Smile

Another option is a hybrid board like Vladiators Fuse he has for sale in the classifieds. It gives you riding options and a taste of surf. It's also good for getting out in Spokane conditions being 152cm.

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

start with the twin tip.
we all start with one board and then find a different one later.
Selling the old board helps offset the price of the new one.
Select an allround freeride board for ease of use/forgiving.
Demo different boards if you can, borrow friends boards.
have fun

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

Mako King. Rides like a snowboard and easy to sell when your done with it. Handles chop well. Decent low end and high end.

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 290 Posts Durango Obsessed

...it makes way more sense to get a twin tip.

surfboards are different, fun, and probably a good 2nd board. and may I recommended getting a strapless board.

as was noted above, kite flying skills are often seen (incorrectly) as secondary to board riding. boosting (still one of the funnest things I do on a kite) is purely a kite-flying phenomenon. keeping your kite low when lit, high when light, learn your loops, your rescues, your self launch/land, and you'll be really smokin' (and comfortable anywhere)

oh, and have fun