Picking the right board seems like a big mission. We are completely overwhelmed by all the choices and don´t know where to start!
I experience a huge mess on the kite market. There are between five to ten boards from each brand and each of them has special features and abilities.
So, how to pick the right board?
It’s a common misconception to think that you need a board for freestyle and another board for free riding and one that is for beginner. Really, the magic is having the right board that suits your ability level and the conditions you’ll be riding in most.
To keep it simple, we will be focusing on twin tip boards only in this article - the whole big topic of directional boards we will discuss in a separate article.
What to look for in a beginner board?
The size of the board (length and width)
The right length
How to choose the right size for your board is not easy in the beginning. It is depending mainly on your weight and your level, but also the conditions you are going to ride in.
You can find size charts with recommendation online. As a gauge, if you are a newcomer who is 55 kg (121 lbs) choose one that is around 135 cm in length. You will progress with the board and stick with it for the next 2 years or more. Some kiter tempt to stick with a big board for too long, and will find them selfs struggling once they go smaller. A big board is easer to stay upwind, but with a right sized board you will be forced to learn the right technique and enjoy riding much better.
To find the right length and model for you, check our board finder HERE.
The right width
Often forgotten, but as important as the length of a board, is its width. One cm more width, gives you more total surface than one cm of length. A wider board will make you get going earlier, will give you better up wind performance but won't limit maneuverability.
Light weight
There is more than one benefit in having a lighter twin tip board. Especially girls will appreciate a lighter board, it's simply much more handy to handle.
Plus you save weight when traveling - every one who had flown with a board before will know every pound can make a difference.
Don't think only because you are a beginner, you should buy "beginner boards". There simply is no such thing as a beginner board, only some brand use less pricy material to be able to offer the board for a cheaper price. But keep in mind, as a beginner, you’ll walk around with the board more than an advanced rider would. You’ll want a board that’s lightweight and easy to carry.
Curved bottom
Your board should support your upwind ride. Beginners boards are slightly more square-shaped than the rounded advanced board. On the other hand, the bottom of the board tends to be very flat. Together with a square-shape outline the board can be clumsy and limit your progress later. Therefore, you’ll want a 3D-shaped board with channels carved along the bottom, combined with the outline, which supports upwind ride yet allow you to turn easily and doesn´t limit your progress.
Medium stiffness and suitable rocker
As a beginner kitesurfer, it’s challenging to kite in choppy water. You’ll want a board with a lower stiffness, that cuts through the chop with ease and gives you a smooth and comfortable riding experience, in the beginning you want rather more flexibility than the great pop performance of a stiff board.
Twintip vs. Split Board
Twin tip boards are one solid board. Split boards are kite boards, that can be split into two. Split boards are easy to travel with and can save you money at the airport.
However, split boards tend to be heavier and they rarely provide as much technical support as a normal kite board.
What to look for in an advanced board?
After some time and experience you know what feels right for you:
You want the lightest and most responsive board on the market to make take-off and tricks super easy.
You want carbon core — this provides excellent durability and optimum stiffness.
The right stiffness of the board gives you a great pop but still provides smooth landing.
Girls Board: Be careful in buying a unisex board as the stiffness of the board is designed to man rider with an average weight of 70-95 kg. This board will be way too stiff for us ladies. It could slow down your progress, limit your jumping abilities and could cause knee injuries.
Shaped bottom with the 2-4 channels and keel-shaped sides. Shaped bottom of the board will increases control over your board and provides a very smooth and comfortable ride with no splash.
You want a stunning design. We girls do like pretty things, it's a fact. Why shouldn't your board be technical highly developed AND stylish? But not looking "girly" all in pink and purple.
Why have a board developed specifically for women?
Women are lighter and shorter than guys in general. To have a board developed specially for women means to have a different outline, suitable stiffness and lower weight of the board.
On top of it, the women´s kiteboards have smaller bindings which fit smaller feet. This is a real game-changer in all aspects- riding, jumping, landing.
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