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I'm want to add to my quiver a 5'-5'5" length surfboard. I'm currently riding an Underground Freewave 5'8" and I LOVE it. My style of riding has progressed into strapless airs and I'm fearful that I will damage or break a regular surfboard construction... that's why I got the Freewave because of its bomber construction. Unfortunately the new version of the Freewave, the Kipuna, is not available anytime soon, so I'm looking for other alternatives.

Anyone on here doing strapped or strapless airs on their surfboard? What's are you riding and is it holding up for you?

So far the Amundson Wave Freestyle and the Nobile Wave Skim look to be my best options.

Thanks, Yoda

Yoda.

Check out the Firewire surfboards made for kiting. Guys at Waddell using them for strapless airs and strapless freestyle and Live2kite carries them now. I ride a 5'6" Hellfire and 5'11" Taj both of which you would probably like.

Many of us are riding our directionals strapless (Naish, F-One, Caution... ) with no problem at all. The Underground is a very easy-durable board but not what I would call a true wave board...

Fredstem wrote:Many of us are riding our directionals strapless (Naish, F-One, Caution... ) with no problem at all. The Underground is a very easy-durable board but not what I would call a true wave board...

I've not seen a Naish, F-One, Caution or just about any brand of kite surfboard that's resistant to heel dents and/or breakage from ariels while still being reasonably light and flexible. The FireWire sounds like it may be worth a look.

My Underground is a fun,flexible and durable board and works great in small surf, but once it's head-high or overhead conditions, it's limitations shine. I want a board that offers a better surf feel, but won't get damaged or fail when jumping. I also want something with some flex in it as well. Stiff surf boards are no fun to ride IMO.

Yoda - may the force be with you he he

Yoda wrote:I'm want to add to my quiver a 5'-5'5" length surfboard. I'm currently riding an Underground Freewave 5'8" and I LOVE it. My style of riding has progressed into strapless airs and I'm fearful that I will damage or break a regular surfboard construction... that's why I got the Freewave because of its bomber construction. Unfortunately the new version of the Freewave, the Kipuna, is not available anytime soon, so I'm looking for other alternatives.

Anyone on here doing strapped or strapless airs on their surfboard? What's are you riding and is it holding up for you?

So far the Amundson Wave Freestyle and the Nobile Wave Skim look to be my best options.

Thanks, Yoda

Yoda wrote:I'm currently riding an Underground Freewave 5'8" and I LOVE it. My style of riding has progressed into strapless airs and I'm fearful that I will damage or break a regular surfboard construction... that's why I got the Freewave because of its bomber construction.

Man that UG Freewave is a SICK NASTY BAD-ASS Piece of art! I love my surfboard and have ridden lots of boards, and this UG is the best by a long shot... havn't tried the firewire which I've only heard good things about. The UG is so nice and fast, yet can get upwind in minimal condition..... They are not indestructible unfortunately. I could be wrong but i believe the board has a foam core, which is part of the reason its so nice. Every manufactured board will have variance in their production line, and it goes the same for this board. Good thing is UG will stand behind their product and help out if you do bust one. I wouldn't put straps on it.... (just cause if I paid $1000 for a board I would treat extra special).... Maybe if I was going to OB but thats my only exception. I've ridden the 2011 and 2010... the 2011 was nicer i think... maybe I just got better. The nose is rounded but I think its a 5'8" rounded to 5'5"... but designed from a 5'8". I want one... but not for that price.

Question is how the hell do you boost, grab the board, and get the kite back into position for the soft landing. I know practice makes perfect but its harder than it looks.

i've been doing tons of strapless airs and recently learned strapless spins on my OR 5'11" surfboard. It's nowhere near as light as the firewire boards, but I weigh 190lbs and haven't broken it. I've been coming down hard on the thing all year.

By far the toughest surfboard ever is my 2008 Naish 5'4". I've only ridden it strapped, but I have come in soo hard from bad kiteloops on that thing and after hundreds of sessions of jumping it's still with me. Maybe Naish still makes them that well?

Firewire kiteboards are supposed to be great (i have one for regular surfing) but they are not built like the kite brands and are designed for kiteSurfing, not hammering on.

There is always a tradeoff between weight and strength. Spoken by someone who broke a $1200 Aviso that wasn't mine.

and nc-kite - I often put the trimline between my middle and ring finger so I can steer the kite back forward with only my back hand on the bar.

or, tweak the board into the wind when you grab so you can then let your front and off earlier to redirect.

Kiteboards built for true surfing style usually don't hold up to boosting

If you find one that does though let me know!!

Kiteboards built for true surfing style usually don't hold up to boosting

If you find one that does though let me know!!