I'm looking for your advice on kite surf boards. Over the weekend I demoed the 2017 Cabrinha Spade (5"3') down at Beaumaris lifesaving club in flat water conditions. It was felt pretty good but I don't have anything to compare it to. I've got a trip to the Cocos islands coming up and I want a board that I can spend heaps of time learning to gybe and tack and carve. I come from a surfing background so I'm looking for a more traditional shape that feels like a surfboard should. I'm looking for a board that draws nice lines for carving but not necessarily a down the line speed machine. I'm 70kg and can comfortably ride strapless, toe side in flat water.

If anyone is interesting in selling their board, I'm looking for a relatively new board under $1000.

Cheers,

Juz

I would look at getting your gybing and tacking down pat on an old surfboard. As often kite specific boards that are easy to gybe on are often fat, short or way too buoyant and will slap on the chop instead of cut through it. I'd keep my money for a good board that's not to buoyant (around 20-25 litres), as you'll use this board longer and it will help you get better and better.

Also from your surfing background I think you'd pick it up quick, so there's no real point to spend big on a beginners surfboard.

I do have two 2015 North Wams for sale for $250 each in Vic, they have a traditional surf shape and would keep you going for awhile while you're learning but they're not too beginner friendly.

juz85 said..
I'm looking for your advice on kite surf boards. Over the weekend I demoed the 2017 Cabrinha Spade (5"3') down at Beaumaris lifesaving club in flat water conditions. It was felt pretty good but I don't have anything to compare it to. I've got a trip to the Cocos islands coming up and I want a board that I can spend heaps of time learning to gybe and tack and carve. I come from a surfing background so I'm looking for a more traditional shape that feels like a surfboard should. I'm looking for a board that draws nice lines for carving but not necessarily a down the line speed machine. I'm 70kg and can comfortably ride strapless, toe side in flat water.

If anyone is interesting in selling their board, I'm looking for a relatively new board under $1000.

Cheers,

Juz

If you surf and going strapless, save you money and just buy a decent s/hand surfboard. Standard shortboard 5'8" - 6'2" will do, nothing fancy.

Im about the same weight with a surf background and ride a 5"2. Id definately be following Castilof's advice and just grab a cheaper board for a year or two to see what style outline of board you prefer.

CapNRonK said..
Juz, I have an old (2012?) Cabrinha Skillit 5'6" that would probably work for you. It's a good board, not too much rocker or volume (probably around 20L), construction must be good because its held up very well. The paint is a bit chipped and it needs new pads and fins (future boxes), but water tight and solid. You could have it for, say $100 and/or a slab of (good) beer. PM me if interested.

That is a bargain! However, I rode a friends Skillet and it did not feel at all like a surfboard. Way too corky and no flex. Cheap surfboard til you know exactly what style of riding you want to pursue. If you come from a surfing background you will most likely not like the feel.

If I was in VIC I'd get a SMOOK