Rider: 60kg, beginner/intermediate
Style: Freeriding
Weather: 10-15? knots
Hi l need to replace my board ,an encounter with a bollard while strapped to the back of the bike damaged the rail, and was looking at either a Nobile 666 or a slingshot glide. Any opinions on which one would be better for learning to get upwind would be much appreciated.
At your weight I think the SS glide will be a bit big and the ride will be a bit stiff, compared to the 666 1.37x44. The Glide has great bottom end but as soon as the water chops up a bit its not nearly as nice to ride as any of the other boards I've listed, and they all have a similar bottom end, although I would say the Glide still wins for absolute bottom end in smooth water.
Another great option will be an Underground Zephyr 1.38x44
I weigh 74kg and use the Zephyr 1.44x46 down to 10/12 knots with a 14M kite.
The other light wind board i really like is the Airush Switch 1.44x44, but since the Zephyr came out I prefer the ride and upwind ability of it.
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve
Given that you are still learning to get upwind, how damaged is your old board?
Unless it is totally destroyed the easiest thing is to bash the rail back into shape with a mallet then bog it up with epoxy putty and/or araldite. Maybe a little glass to reinforce bits. Clean up the edges with a file and a bit of sand paper and off you go.
As a beginner you are probably a bit stressed about having a nice looking board. As an experienced rider I quite like having a bit of mongrel about my board. I can happily ride up and down over the sand and shells and **** and not worry about it. It still works fine.
Also, if you are not able to go upwind yet then buying a built for purpose light wind board is not such a great idea. You haven't even got the basic skills together yet let alone the skills to use a light wind board.
It is true that most people are using boards that are too small but you would be better off getting some basic skills before dashing off and spending $1000 on a new board.
If you really must get a new board then Cardboards do good and quite cheap. Stick to a size around 135x39 for a mid-range board. Don't go too long. Extra length is just a waste.
I think for a 60kg person that a 135 might be a touch to big. It wont be your main board once you are more competant and it wont be a light wind board either. I think for your weight a 130-132 would be much better, and for a light wind board, as Steve said above.
Im bout 63kgs and ride a LF recoil Comp 134 x 40cm for all wind ranges. If i had the cash, id ride a 137 recoil comp in the light stuff (8+ knotts) and a 128 in the 18+ knott days. Until then, the 134cm board is a great allrounder.. definately not too big and with a bit of flex is great when things get choppy.
