HI guys!
I am looking for my first kiteboard and am not getting any consensus about the size.
I am 64kg (140 pounds) and am 164cm (5'4).
Some people are saying go really really big (i.e., 140cm) which means I'll need ot upgrade later, and others are saying go a 132 or 134...
I am looking at either second hand, or the Cabrinah Chopstick 2012.
Cheers,
I am 3 seasons into my kiting journey and still ride my first twin tip and a surf board now. It is a question I also agonised about in the beginning but own experience and observations have confirmed the initial thought. A slightly larger board (140/41.5) for my 85kg was the best solution. It now also serves in lower wind situations with my 16 and also allows me to go from Mullallo to Hillarys and back in a southerly (done again yesterday). I can go upwind harder then with a smaller board. I have two friends who got sold a 132 and a 134 in the beginning and we swapped boards for some sessions and they found it much easier to go on the bigger board. I am not saying huge (like a 154 or bigger low wind cruiser) but for you I guess a 138 would be about the same. If you are aiming at freestyle you may want to buy a second hand smaller board later but I do not intend to sell my beginners board.. it serves me well still.
my 2c is -- go a little bigger in the beginning .. it also helps for learning turns and going over the waves, it gives you a little more buoyancy.
good luck with your endeavour.
regards
gmd
I am 80kg and have been kiting for 3 seasons on a 138 x 43.
I am looking to upgrade to a smaller board very soon after trying out a few mates boards and loved them. I tried a 128 Nobile and could tack upwind in 2 tacks what it took me in about 8. I just can't seem to get enough weight over the back foot and lock in a tight edge. Also in choppy water my 138 now feels very difficult to ride after trying something better.
You can go smaller on a board with a flatter rocker than one with more rocker.
Most people at my local are riding boards between 131 and 135.
I would seriously advise going a smaller board like a 132cm especially for 64kg! Once your up and riding you should advance quicker IMO as you will be able to stay upwind easier and will not need to upgrade late.
65kg on a 128 nobile 555
is great for me atm .
only when super powered in chop at warp speed do i have drama loading
have some boots to try when powered too
bottom end bout 15knots
If you can afford to upgrade down the track, then a bigger board to learn on is the go. By bigger board for your weight I mean 136-138. Ideal for your weight when experienced may be 130-132. If you go bigger to start you can always keep it for the light wind days. All that said, it also depends on the wind strength and kite size.
Thanks for your posts - I guess I should have added that I can snowboard fairly well - I have done two complete winter seasons in both Japan and Canada, so I am not worried about the learning of board skills to the extent that this would be plaguing someone who has to learn from scratch.
Obviously I do realise there will be differences between the sports, but I am anticipating a quick transition...
My kite flying is more of a concern to me, which is why I have been practising without a board for a while...
