Hi all,
l was considering getting a race board for use as a light wind/downwinder/fun board. l was looking at either a North race Ltd or an Airush monaro, or any others that are suggested. l can ride toe side and go upwind without problems but have never ridden a directional b4 so was wondering if there was much differance in the ride, apart obviousy from having to jibe turn. Both boards are about the same price so the decision will come down to reviews/opinions as l dont live near a kite shop so likely wont be able to test ride before l buy. Any comments, suggestions, opinions, criticisms happily recieved.
Think you might be a bit limited to what being brought in to the country as raceboards haven't really taken off here. I've heard the Monaro's are in or are coming in and I've seen (with my own 2 eye's) a North LTD at Windgenuity.
Stonker might make you a custom, Underground is supposidly coming out with one but I don't think you'll see it for a while yet, there's 2 or 3 guys in the states doing custom's (NJS, Amundson/Windy Devil...) and a couple guys in Europe as well.
If you check out the racing section on kiteforum there's reviews of both boards you mentioned plus a couple others.
Hi Shodan,
We have a demo North Race LTD you are welcome to come and ride if you're interested.
I don't know that it would be the board I'd buy for downwinders, not even sure I'd buy one for light wind?
The NOrth Race LTD, is phenomenally fast upwind (must ride to believe) and across wind, downwind is not it's forte, they broad reach OK, but straight down or any more than three quarters off the wind and you'd be better off on something else like a North X-Ride, or an Airush Crossover.
The Airush Monaro comes with reaching fins which may make it a bit more forgiving as an "off the wind" reaching racer, but you won't go upwind anything like the North LTD, you'll need the Upwind fins for that which are sold seperately and aren't particularly cheap as they are precision CNC machined 18cm blades. Should be a fun board though, but only if ya mates have one, it's no fun racing on your own!
With that in mind, I am toying around with the idea of running a series of match racing days throughout the season at Pinnaroo and will supply two boards for people to come and race each other. I'll keep a scoresheet, run an elimination over the season with perhaps a final at Kitestock or something like that with a prize or trophy at the end. Maybe a $10 entry fee to cover wear and tear on the boards? Anyone keen?
Cheers,
KH
If you were after a lightwind/upwinder/speed board, then maybe a race board would be the go, but I think you should just try a standard kite surfboard for your weight and conditions if you want a light wind/downwinder/fun board.
Hey Guys,
Tobes is right, a normal surfboard like a 6'4" will be a better light wind board me thinks especially for going downwind.
If you want to go upwind, then the North Race LTD and maybe the Monaro (haven't tested yet) would be a better option.
I was actually thinking of doing an upwinder on the Race LTD for fun. It goes upwind about as fast as you can go downwind so it is quite a different experience to point that high and ride so fast.
We use the LTD as a rescue vessel sometimes in the school. If someone loses a board or needs help, it is twice as fast as getting our boat in the water (boat takes 5 minutes). We can grab the board and kite, pinch a kite off the beach and blast off downwind, find and retrieve the board and then blast back upwind again in no time at all. It's painful trying to do it on a twinny because it takes forever to come back upwind. Race Boards are quite unique and fun in their own way!
Cheers,
KH
Does anyone make a race board that doesn't cost as much as the annual budget of a third world nation?
Hey KH
Is the North LTD the 2009 or the 2010 model? ie. 2 fins or 4 fins.
A couple of us are keen on trying out race boards to go kitesailing on. Cruise upwind along the coast as far as possible in the early afternoon then blast back as the sea breeze builds. Maybe stop somewhere for a snack, chase yachts around the course, etc.
Thanks
Hey Gorgo,
The one we have is the twin fin 2009 model. I haven't got any of the 2010 racers in yet so can't comment. They're not that expensive, same price as the high end surfboards and pro kite boards.
Cheers,
KH
