Old fart in a new sport

[shawnkillam]

I am an over 50 just getting into kiteboarding. I have just purchased a 10 M beast and am looking for advice re boards for the Delta. I am 5'7" 165 pounds. I've taken about 10 hours of lessons and while able to walk and chew gum at the same time, it is going to be a very long time before I am doing any tricks. In other words I am looking for a very basic very forgiving board if such a thing exists.

Also if there is any other beginners kiting in the delta particularly mid week pls give me a shout.

thanks Shawn

[windhorny]

Assuming you will not be doing massive freestyle tricks, a 140 would be a good all around size with a 10m kite at your weight. I would go down to Kitewindsurf and check out what they got down there. Slingshot has always made the best boards in my opinion. The north boards would be a close second. There is a newer company called Fanatic which makes a really nice all around board. maybe this helps.

[fearlu]

A "newer" company called "Fanatic"? ROTFLMAO!

Dude, you are crackin' me up!

[windhorny]

what? have they been around for years? I thought they have only been here for 5 years or so. Sorry!

[Tony Soprano]

Fanatic has been around since 1982

[windhorny]

kitesurfing or windsurfing? I dont know these things I have only been kiting for 5 years and have never seen their kiteboards until 3 years ago.

[Tony Soprano]

windsurfing

[doubledogdare]

Go demo some boards. Most shops have some demo's that they willing to let you try if they want your business. What is comfortable for me may not be your thing. The kiteexpo is coming soon to Pismo and that would be a good place to try a bunch of boards.

[K. Cliff]

Plan on getting two boards too, one for good wind and one for light wind. Ask around when you demo or when your at a kite shop. They will explain the whole science on surface area, concave and rocker etc. Having two boards can save the day.

[Bob]

If you end up like most of the yeahoos who post here you will end up with as many boards as you do kites anyway.... so no worries just get on the water and start riding and you will figure it out as you go and there is always a condition that is optimal for that one special board...
To wit, my 50 + year old butt hauls around two or three boards all the time.
A light air board and a heavy air board can extend the range of your kite too.