NSW
406 posts
I have recently switched board set up from a hadlow freestyle to a Slingshot Darkside fitted with Ronix closed toe boots (One's)
Im starting to get a bit more comfortable with them (first 2 sessions I hated the set up!!) but am still struggling with;
1. Initiating the toe side turn to go down wind to unhook without stalling - board does not seem to react to toe pressure without me throwing my weight which seems to result in the stall?
2. General boosting - board seems to want to stay on the water - not necessarily sucked down but definitely doesnt feel like it releases.
I'm well aware the board gets ridden by people far better than me so am assuming its operator error - any tips / advice?
WA
2485 posts
which year model is it? i was never a big fan of those boards, they did feel funny under foot but can be made to work if you just play with your technique a bit, try standing slightly more centred over the board (between front and back foot) and dont put heaps of toe pressure on, you literally only need to flatten off your edge to unhook, going down wind too far will make anyone lose speed and stall on any board unless its super wide super long and super flat. Especially if you're not up to riding at full power flat tack into all your tricks just yet.
You might be better of trying out other boards as well, from kiteboards I found the Best Profanity is by far my favourite board for boots, even though its got a lot of rocker it still some how manages to retain a lot of speed and efficiency, haven't had any stalling issues and have used that in very light winds without hassles.
Also make sure you are riding a board big enough for your weight, what size are you on and how many kegs you packing?
NSW
406 posts
Thanks for the feedback - the board is the 2012 model.
the board is pretty big compared to what im used to - 142 x 42 (as opposed to my straps board at 138x40) which I would think should account for boots difference however i am pretty hefty - 92 kilos & 6'3", I actually tried narrowing the spread a little bit already thinking maybe I had too much weight over the ends of the board but doesnt seem to help much.
Broadening the topic a little - anyone got other suggestions for a replacement?
WA
790 posts
Tona Pop
I got myself one of these a couple of months ago, Absolutely love it, its got a fair amount of rocker, big channels and chunky rails. I can go upwind on a 12m in anything over 15kts, and when the wind gets up it pops like nothing else. Its not the lightest board out there but its so much fun. It can be really thrown around.
NSW
406 posts
I thought the Youri board was straps only?
Never heard of Tona - any idea if there is a sydney dealer that carry them?
NSW
406 posts
Out of interest (as I know its going to relate to size and personal preference to some extent) what sort of angle are people putting their bindings at??
I have tried to replicate the angle on my straps board which if anything feels like the angle is too great....
