I notice on big wind days 25 - 35 kts that most people(except formula racers) are out on low ltr boards 120l and less.
Is there a reason for this?
Are there benefits of smaller boards on heavy wind days?
Are there disadvantages of 140 ltr plus boards on heavy wind days?
Theres nothing stopping you using a large board in strong winds, it all depends on how hard you can clench you sphincter.
Generally you use volume and surface area for getting you going, the lighter the winds the more V&S you need. With the stronger winds you don't need the volume.
Once planing a smaller board is going to be a lot easier to handle, whereas an overpowered big combo is going to be very exciting but also possibly rather painful and expensive.
if you have ever tryed to sail a 95 litre board in 40 knots, you will know why, bigger boards start to get wind under it because of the size of the bottom, and leave the water at random moments, you should sail the smallest board you can, easier to jump, control even go up wind and faster or coarse. i'm usually around 85 to 90 kgs, anything over 18 to 20 knots i use 83 litre and smaller boards, also advantage of a smaller board in bigger winds, you jump higher and a small board is less harsh on landings because it will sink a litttle when you land, and not a handful while your up there. try a smaller board you will love it.
Had my 165lt board flip over (while I was on it!
) on flat water, due to a 30-40kt gust getting under the front.
If I had've hung on to it, I wonder if I could've claimed it as a loop?
....probably not.
Holey moley...today I bought what to me is a very very very small board, another spur of the moment thing. It's only *gasp* 110 litres!!!!!!! Fark!!
SUICIDE, dude! How am I supposed to sail the thing?? should I wear a pair of floaties on my ankles or what??
Anyway this is the board I'm taking to Vietnam tomorrow. BTW no wind in Singapore since last wednesday. It's been raining every day, like in one of those war movies...aargh...Charlie's got us pinned down...bring up the 60 and lay down suppressing fire...call in some fast movers; I want that treeline bombed back about a hundred yards...
it's not the trees fault.
the whales are probably the ones causing all the wind issues.
repeat after me//./////
what was the question again?
