Beginner Board Size??

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mcarson
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Beginner Board Size??

Post by mcarson » Mon May 13, 2013 10:36 pm

As a beginner what size board should I get?

I'm 6'1", around 175# and will be doing most of my riding in Bodega Bay.

Bigger is better I'm told, but how big should I go?

Thanks for the help!

Yoda
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Re: Beginner Board Size??

Post by Yoda » Tue May 14, 2013 12:52 am

Twin or directional?
For twins you'll be happy on a 135-138cm. Make sure to take width into consideration.
Example: 40-42cm for size 11-12" feet.
I'm a 11.5 foot size and I can't ride anything narrower than a 40cm. My board is 41cm wide and it feels perfect.
For a directional look for something around a 5'6x18"x2" or go a little longer and slightly wider.
Good luck. Support local if you can! ;-)

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mcfly777
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Re: Beginner Board Size??

Post by mcfly777 » Tue May 14, 2013 11:17 am

Mcarson, thanks for posting. I had a similar question.... I am a beginner, 6'0, 180 lbs, have a North Jaime 133/40. I am having a lot of trouble particularly staying upwind.

Of course, the easiest route is to blame the equipment, I'm sure my technique leaves a lot to be desired, but I want to make sure I have the equipment that allows me to adequately learn. Should I invest in another TT, perhaps 140+ or should I just perservere with the current board ?

Leo

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Re: Beginner Board Size??

Post by BryanMichaelMeyer » Tue May 14, 2013 12:08 pm

Are you a beginner with a board or just with a kite?

A twin tip with nice flex is going to be forgiving compared to a surf style.

Also, if you have limited experience on a board- try to get as much practice as possible without having to deal with a kite. Head to the cable park in Sac, find a friend with a boat to get towed behind and/or get a longboard skate. Anything that you can do to increase your board coordination will transfer.

I ride a 138 and 139 tt, which is what i am used to for wakeboarding(prior life). I do plan on getting a 134 to travel with that doesnt have to be as forgiving.

B

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Re: Beginner Board Size??

Post by sanjose_kiter » Tue May 14, 2013 12:28 pm

ALL BEGINNERS, please get the biggest twin-tips you can find or capable of purchasing ... (speaking from experience, I am 150 lbs and was able to upwind/hold ground with 144x46 tt, 14 meter kite at 8 - 9 knts)

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Post by jzderm » Tue May 14, 2013 4:59 pm

I started last year with a beat up 160cm long litewave twin tip. I love that board for learning. I weigh 200 lbs and 6'2". I just recently graduated to a 138 cm board but still take my litewave with me as a session saver when the wind gets light.

Taking lessons on whatever equipment you have is key to riding upwind.

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Re: Beginner Board Size??

Post by Thor29 » Tue May 14, 2013 5:52 pm

It is definitely easier to learn on a bigger board because it gets up on a plane quicker. I am 6'1" tall and 190lbs. For reference, my beginner board was a 147 x 42 (2009 Naish Haze)) and my current board is a 136cm x 41cm (2012 North Jaimie).

Personally, I don't see much point in blowing money at that cable park in Sacramento. You'd be much better off just spending as much time as possible kiteboarding. But one thing I learned the hard way is that you actually need some wind if you want to get up and ride or go upwind (imagine that). I spent way too many days at Alameda with the kite barely flying and not enough power to do much of anything except slowly drift down the beach...

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Re: Beginner Board Size??

Post by mcarson » Tue May 14, 2013 8:35 pm

Thanks guys for the tips. Helpful stuff.

As fun as it may be, not sure I have the time to drive to Sac to tool around on a wake board. Much rather get dragged around in BB for an afternoon!

Cheers

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