Ive just started the transition to a surfboard from my twintip and wanted to know...if I was to purchase a kiting surfboard what length would I need?
Im 6'2'' and weigh 90kg's...
Would appreciate any advice.
TW
My thoughts:
If you have some friends with surfboards, ask them for test ride.
I am 100kg and I got caught out on get a few boards that were too small.
Ultimately I needed something fat wide and long in low wind (10knots): A standard fish shape, no straps, 23 inches wide, 6"2' long (just a cheap surfboard will do). I would snap this in half if I jumped it but it gets me out in almost no wind and no kitesurfing company makes anything this FAT.
For moderate winds (15 to 20)and flat water/small surf I use a North Nugget (fat and short) with straps or Naish Skater (Thin, flat and long) without straps. I can jump with these without snapping them in half.
For high winds (20+) and flat water/medium surf I use the North Nugget with straps or North Whip with straps. I can jump with these without snapping them in half.
Most important thing I learned was get width and volume for low wind conditions and then thin it out as the wind picks up.
Select to expand quotetoppleover said...
Resistance is futile 
I started of in the light riding TT. Loved the boosting shallow riding and chop performance. But wanted more wave performance. So I went to the dark side...... but alas the dark side was lacking shallow riding, boosting performance... ..
So the dark side was found wanting...
I wanted neither full dark or full light. So I searched for the Holy grail in the shadows.....
I found the grail in the shadows. The Grey between day and night...... that is where I lurk. A mutant of the 2.
I'd probably go for a 6 ft board if I were you, I'm 6 ft and weigh around 85-90kgs and have been using a 5'8" and even a 5'1". I find bigger boards are harder to whip around and bounce through the chop. Just start off with an old 6ft surfboard.
I never liked twin tips
I never like footstraps on a surfboard
I started on a 6' 2" tuflite, about 27 litres, I am 80 kgs dripping wet. Great board to start on and while they may bounce around a bit you can really get them moving and when you start reading the chop you can plot a less bouncy course.
Got a 6' balsa board 23 litres, A really good high wind board but can sink inside the break when you lose speed.
I have a vanguard style board and they are great. Would be ideal to learn strapless and progress to improving your skills. I wish I had one to learn on. The vanguard itself has construction issues unless you get kite construction, I have seen a lot of damaged vanguards. The concept for kiting is brilliant.
I have tried a sugarqube (would like one but have a two board limit (not my idea). Also great board. Has deck inserts if you like straps.
Do not go to low on volume unless you are in high wind areas.
My other recommendation is to use a dynabar . Will really help your toeside kiting.
