HOW TO CHOOSE A BOARD??
Choosing a kiteboard is probably one of the three most important GEAR decisions for the newcomer, (the other two being choosing you kite and harness).
In the Kiteboarding business, just as in any other business it is very difficult to a clear understanding of what you really NEED, because there is always INTEREST and HYPE from the brand or brands that they represent. They don’t really care much about your needs, as long as you buy their gear.
Yes there are better brands than others in many factors like quality, performance, durability, support, etc. but almost every brand out there has a kite that can work for you.
This people put so much emphasis in what BRAND to buy, and so little in what characteristics fulfill your PARTICULAR NEEDS.
The result is thousands of people buying gear and not being able to use it, because regardless of the brand, it’s just not the right gear for them. Even worse than that, is being able to use it, but not being able to progress on it. Then you blame yourself, or your instructor, or your riding spot, but you really should blame the person that sent you gear that wasn’t appropriate for you.
This definitely leads to a considerably slower learning curve, and sometimes to frustration and it might even lead to quitting.
The purpose of these guidelines is to help you, so you don’t become one more victim of hype and greed.
In reality there are hundreds of factors that are relevant to your particular kiteboard needs, but in this guidelines I will address the most important ones, my goal is that regardless of the brand you get, you will be riding gear that WORKS FOR YOU!!!.
CHOOSING A BOARD GUIDELINES:
1. Your level: When you are a beginner, you usually need a board that is a wider and a little longer (most importantly width than length) than what you would ride if you were an advance rider. The reason for that is that a higher surface area board will help you compensate for your lack of riding efficiency. In other words, you will be staying and going upwind with less effort which means more energy and time for new fun tricks. As your riding progresses you can go for a size that fits your weight better. Even when you do outgrow it, you didn’t waste your money because you would still use it as your LOW WIND BOARD when the wind is not strong enough for your normal board. (keep in mind not to go with a board TOO big, you would out grow it too fast, and it would slow your learning curve down, also there would be some shock when you go for the right size of board for your weight)
2. Your weight: this factor is very important on your board selection. The right size kiteboard, is the difference between being able to go upwind or just drift. The width of the board should be directly proportional to the weight of the rider. Gear makers, usually name the boards by the length, obviously they are not interested on making it easy for you, their interest is to market their gear. The most important measure of your board is the width and not the length. This is because an extra inch of width affects the surface area of the board much more than an extra inch of length
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3. The rocker line of your board:
Rocker is the curve of the lower part of the board which makes contact with the water.
Basically, the more rocker you have, the less contact with the water and the more aggressive the board carves, but also the less efficient upwind ride.
You should get a board that is flat enough that it would take you upwind effortless, but with enough rocker to be able to carve aggressively. Finding a balance its very important. If you are a rider that it is usually underpowered, you will probably do better on a flatter board. If on the other hand you are a light efficient rider, you should try a bit more aggressive rocker line
4. Rigidity of the board:
although the pro riders tend to prefer stiffer boards, for more pop and more aggressive riding style, a good all around board should sould be nice and flexy (specially at the tips) A kiteboard with a nice flexible ride is easier on your body and have a smother overall ride. The best boards in the market are rigid between the pads and progressively get flexier towards the tips. (a board that has to much flex in the center (between the footstraps) has less upwind efficiency)
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