I have been taking lessons on the Gold Coast, and am ready to I get a new board. My instructor was mentioning board sizes around the 135cm mark, and listed a whole lot of manufacturers which I can't remember, and also mentioned that the board that the current world champion rides would work well for me.
I am 82-83kg / 180cm and although I'm a beginner at kitesurfing, I am picking it up quickly, and have a lot of experience sailing and windsurfing.
Can you advise me on what size/type of board I should be looking for? I see all sorts of factors like length, width, bottom shape, rocker, stance width, board flex, fin size etc, and it all becomes a bit overwhelming.
Thanks
I weight the same as you and my choice would be 132-136 x 39-41.
But there are many factors when choosing a board, usual wind conditions,water (flat,waves,chop), kite type, etc.
Good winds
Hi Gwk,
There are loads of good boards out there and width and length are important, but so also is weight, construction, bottom shape, rocker, fins, footpads and straps, rails etc. Even more importantly is the water conditions you will be riding in frequently and the style you wish to ride. If you ride surf, you'll need a softer rail and more rocker, if you ride flat water a hard rail and a bit of tail flex but a flatter rocker. A double conmcave seems to be good in heavy chop
No one can tell you what the best board is, because the only person who can determine this is you. My advice is to demo boards until you find one you like the feel of and then buy it. If you're lucky it won't be too expensive ;-)
You should include your state in your profile so people in the local can tell you what boards are available to you in your area.
Good winds,
Thanks for the comments - I'm going to be riding most of the time in the broadwater area at the Gold Coast - so flat/chop rather than waves. I have an aero II 12m kite at the moment.
I have been looking around and have had a recommendation to go with a Cardboards custom Freeride 138x42 soft flex, std stance, 50mm fins.
I think I'll go with this idea, so have been having some fun this morning designing some graphics...any comments on the choice?
Good winds 
best thing to do is borrow a couple to try from a shop and decide yourself what you like most!
Anything in the 135 or even a touch larger. I recommend going 'second' hand also in the first instance as you may quickly want to downsize as you progress.
135-139 is fairly middle of the road, maybe you can get a 130 and a 145, the 145 to learn on and light winds but the 130 for when your better and fully powered.
cardboards are good, aussie made FTW
hi ....
i believe you have to try out before you buy. you need to feel confortable on it . it depends where and how is your style of riding.
you should take on considearations all the tips above. but to begin for sure go second hand, cos as a beginner we seem to trash our boards and fins ahaahaa
but if it can help, i 'm the same weight as you . i tried thursday the new 134jamie pro north. this bord doesn t like choppy water , it s hard on your knees but plenty of flex and pop. the other thing are the pads , they are so hard on your feet after one hour it get soar. but it s a very fast board.
friday i tried 134 cabri. very nice board on the chop , smooth as going thrue easily. confi on the feet . not as much flex as a jamie. a bit heavier . but enjoyable. the only thing i fond it s with the double concave, the board is a bit slow to start and has a sweet spot .
hope it helps
cheers
