Hey guys still new to kiting due to work committments :/ as well as seabreze but was just wondering if anyone had some advice / reviews /comments about the 2012 cabrinha chopsticks ?? Im 92kg and have a 149 lined up... When I do manage to get out it always seems to be really choppy and makes it hard in the little amount of time I get to kite to advance with the simple things like staying upwind...as well as the shyte conditions no helping lol Any opinions greatly appreciated Cheers
149 Chopstick is a great board for where your at I'd say.
Just gotta get out as much as you can.
Practice practice practice
Passed the shinn monk to a few guys riding the chopstick and both loved the smoother ride , as for upwind abilities the monks a ripper, you'll not get it in a size close to what you have, why such a big board? As this could be a reason why your struggling to stay upwind, not the main reason but may be a big contributor to your struggle, pretty shallow outline the chopstick
Hey guys thanks for the replies...Cauncey I was recommended a larger board as I'm a big, but fit guy and would find it easier and quicker to learn on and find learning to stay upwind easier...?? And when I progress able to use it as a light wind option ??
Width is more important than length for light wind (do the math/geometry) and IMO it *is* a good idea to get a big board as your first, that can become your light wind board when you level up. At 92kg you just might get away with the 149x44 as a light wind board... and 2 boards are as cheap as a kite and will double its range.
I have a 170x50 as my light wind board and yeah, it's big but it's still a hoot to ride. I'm heavier than you though (and not so fit) so it's not hard for me to work it. My good wind board was a 139x42 and the overlap was fine.
Another idea - make a board out of plywood. Seriously, dirt-cheap, you get the skills you need and it doesn't matter when you smack it up. There are plans on the internet if you don't want a plain rectangle :)
Hey Timbo. Im a believer in the bigger than big board for starting out.
It used to be pretty much a given back when kites took a long time to get a handle on. Nowdays its not nearly as necessary as you will only need your oversized board for a very short time. But it will still get most newbies up & running quicker than dealing with a 'right size' board for your early days sessions.
The chopstick 149 - even at your weight - will serve the easier learning purpose for you but you will probably be ready for something around the 136 mark in a very short time. If, as you say, your kiting time is limited then expect to take longer. From the feedback of our students those who get out regularly & often progress way faster than those who have long rests between sessions.
The chopstick certainly has its place in the available range of boards out there. Good for long downwinders, playing with wave, lightwind etc so maybe worth keeping as a 2nd board - depends on what you want to do. But you will have way more fun & progress better once you are skilled when you buy your 'right size' TT.
Hey Timbo, I have a cab custom, Naish sol, and chopstick 149. The chopstick gets the most use simply because I can get out heaps more days. Speshally here on the East Coast this last season. In the waves, maneuverability is more about your kite than your board I reckon. this is an awesome TT but for popping off flat water the TTs with a hard rail do it better and easier but you need good strong breeze and a little skill.
Having said this, for pure get out there while your learning the Choppie lacks a bit compared to other 149s as you lose 10cm of drive with the turned up tips. So its really a 139 x 46. A Spike or a Glide will get you on the water more in the same length. Avoid reverse out line asymetricals for a while also as some of them can be beeatches to turn and are deader than john wayne for feel and pop.
Select to expand quotepuppetonastring said...
Hey Timbo. Im a believer in the bigger than big board for starting out.
It used to be pretty much a given back when kites took a long time to get a handle on. Nowdays its not nearly as necessary as you will only need your oversized board for a very short time. But it will still get most newbies up & running quicker than dealing with a 'right size' board for your early days sessions.
The chopstick 149 - even at your weight - will serve the easier learning purpose for you but you will probably be ready for something around the 136 mark in a very short time. If, as you say, your kiting time is limited then expect to take longer. From the feedback of our students those who get out regularly & often progress way faster than those who have long rests between sessions.
The chopstick certainly has its place in the available range of boards out there. Good for long downwinders, playing with wave, lightwind etc so maybe worth keeping as a 2nd board - depends on what you want to do. But you will have way more fun & progress better once you are skilled when you buy your 'right size' TT.
Totally agree with the oversized first board. I bought an absolute monster 146 x 46 made going up wind a piece of pi55! Progressed on it quick and didn't hold me back until I started doing more than basic jumps when the exta size was a hinderenxe. Kept it as a light wind board for the next 3 years
Size matters- fact - particularly for bigger blokes
