I have been kiting for a few years and have 2 twin tips that are now a few years old but I have been happy with them.

Also I have started using a surfboard strapless in surf and getting there.

Has there been many improvements in twin tips that would suit an experienced flat water and surf kiter for waves including down the line riding, pop and speed but still look after my knees and feet?

I think this is a big ask.

The 2 boards I have are freeride style - a 129 and a 133 which is a year later wider with more flex than the 129, I weigh 75 to 80 kg.

Dude, i'm 75-80kg, same same, will never part with the hammer BUT, try the new naish momentum 130-40, does it "all" better than anything else i've tried, imo.

getfunky said...

You seek the holy grail then..

Might help if you say wether you plan on keeping your other boards or trading em for a holy grail.

Also lay out the priorities or bias of the board you're after i.e.

1. Surf
2. comfort
3. fs/pop
4. girly impressive colours.

Holy grail? Add:

5. Able to surf / stand up paddle with too
6. Split board and light to hide away in your 'golf' bag at the airport
7. Cheap

Check out the North X-ride. Was looking for an all terrain board and just bought the 2010 model. Great in the surf and flat water. Plenty of pop and comes with three different footpad inserts. Use the softest one to protect your knees and feet. Probably not the fastest board though as has plenty of rocker. S bend surf fins allow you to throw the board around at will.

Ocean Rodeo Mako series have it covered I reckon ... I know not so popular down under, but quite big in north america ... the deep deep concave eats chop and acts like a cushioning affect - easier on the knees and i seem to ride a lot longer on 'em because of this ... for heaps of very interesting feedback go to the other forum and search for mako's... or go to Ocean Rodeo website

I second the OR Mako.. Great allround board, carves smooth and the concave kills the chop. Just not meant for wakestyle if you are after that.

Arent they the same as the 08 09 boards? doesnt look like to much has changed just a couple of new pics. Have a look at the Slingshot missfit and sx may be ok as well. But you may have to tie a not in the laces.

Basically, the Shinn wave is 148 x 42, 5 fins - has a thruster config 7cm centre and 55mm rail - and twin tips front 2 fins must be around 40~50mm ... got a feeling those front fins could still just grab/catch a bit of wave when riding in surf mode ...

Mako-king 165 x 45, only has 1 x front fin (G10) and you can take out the back 2 rail fins for twin tip mode ... so just, one centre fin each end, because the massive 18mm concave provides a lot of bite on it's own - this deep concave also seems to reduce spray almost totally ...

Can also, get the Mako's in 140 x 40 (great in sloppy waves too), 150 x 40 (for bigger guys on flat water lite wind, or for small choppy surf)