Can i get some feed back from people who are around 100 Kgs on this:

Since i started learning, i'be been using an olry 182 - AKA boat.

its about 1 inch thick...

im probably an intermediate kiter now, and am looking at a smaller board, the other day i tried a 138 underground, and it carved more than floated, and felt excellent.

My question is:

After you've gone through that learning stage - does board size really make that much difference - i.e. you can edge just as easily on a 150 switch as you could on a 138 underground can't you?

does it become personal preference - ie you can skate around much more on a smaller board than you can on a longer one

so whats the deal - any of you C guys got any tips on board size?

i dont wanna go out and buy another big ass board just to find i could have more fun on a smaller one - never mind getting the boat into the car...

i guess the best thing to do would be to ask to try some out, but some suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
Robbo.

Agree. I havent riden many boards but started on a 160cm, went to a 141, and now ride a 128 jamie pro. The 128 planes better than either of the other two and is obviously way better for jumps. Just a better designed board, newer model etc

Agree with the other guys.
I think width is most important for early planing then flat rocker and wide at the nose/tail. I ride a Switch 142 x 40.5 90% of the time. Great board for 100Kg at both low (12-13 kts) and high winds (25Kts). Only change to 133 x 36 Compact when it gets choppy/waves or overpowered. Flat stiff boards do get uncomfortable in heavy chop. The Switch does taper off quite a bit right at the tail which helps you put the brakes on when overpowered. If you're tall a bit of length can help lessen nose diving waves if your balance is not good. Volume/thickness I don't think helps a lot. I used to ride a lot of home made boards and really noticed the difference of 1 Kg in board weight.
Even at 100Kgs in lightish wind you can ride a small board but you just do a lot more walking!

ive found in perth its usually all or nothin when it comes to the wind.
i have a 9.8 mid aspect wipika = 12sqm kite (so they - wipika - say)
i only take it out when theres 18 kn or more.
i have a 15.0 lift pro but because of my first sentence, i have only used it about 5 times this season.

thanks to the others for info on the board - you confirmed what i thought would be the way

Robbo,

Check out the Liquid Force WLF, 130 or 140 x 46cm, all the bigger riders I have met riding these keep it as there main board.

Quality board compared to the rest of the Thailand made boards.

let me know if you want a demo.

Jags,
This is what I think my ranges are:
Board: Airush Switch 142 x 40.5
Rhino4 18 range 12/13-19 Kts sweetspot 14-17 Kts;
Flexifoil storm III 15 range 15-27 kts sweetspot 17-22 Kts;
Wipika AirBlast 2002 12 (old 8.4) 19-28 Kts sweetspot 22-26;

Change boards above 22Kts to Airush compact 133 x 36 as the compact is more comfortable and holds more power:
Wipika Airblast 2002 12 24-30+ Kts sweetspot 24-28 Kts.

These are all 4 line high aspect kites which I like but these Ranges are, I suspect quite different for med. aspect kites and 5th liners. You got to try them out.

Hope this helps.