Time has come to upgrade my surfboards. I have been riding strapless for about 2 years and start to get quite confident. I can duck tack both sides, shovel it, jesus walk and get a bit of air as well.
I lack control if I get too high and end up loosing the board so this is definitely what I want to improve. Not sure if having a lighter board would help for that matter? Also, should the beam be placed more forward?
I haven't been able to land a 180 yet, as my fins always catch when trying to complete the move. I guess more rocker would help, wouldn't it?
Most manufacturers don't mention anything about these features so I find it quite hard to decide which board to get. I guess the easy pick would be the Mitu Monteiro by F-one but there is quite a few poor reviews regarding the quality of F-one boards.
My other pick is HB surfkites which are specifically designed for strapless kiting. They look really good but yet again I heard they'd break easily. They are the most expensive out there and are not distributed in Australia so it means no customer service either....
The last ones are from the AXIS range. The wood range should be released soon and they look pretty good. Not sure about the weight and if they have been designed for riding strapless? I currently ride Underground Kipuna and Pohutu which are from the same shaper, hence my interest for AXIS.
Any good rider out there who would be able to give me direction (not the lawn mowers please)? I am looking for 2 boards as I also like pure wave riding.
kite surfboards are designed for surfing. Sounds like you're after something for tricks. Lighter is certainly much better in the air and also much more susceptible to damage through that sort of abuse. Look at the local guys & get advice/demos from them. That's the only way you'll get what you want. Col
Talk to a local shaper who has experience doing kiting versions in their range. I see you're from wa. Steve del Rosso, katana, DaLewy and stone, just to mention a few. You'll get your best performing board off them.
I don't know the boards you have but if your fins catch you don't need more rocker. Your weight has to be further foreword. Look at some videos. I always place my front foot further to the front before takeoff if I plan to spin after landing.
For keeping the board to your feet it helps to have some width in the tail. My flat rockered Slingshot Celeritas with wide tail is great for jumping. My narrower Tyrant is much harder to keep at the feet. The tail always wants to down pretty soon after takeoff.
As to weight. I have never tried really light boards. But the abuse from strapless jumping is pretty hard.
For strapless skate style surfing try the Cabrinha Skillit, the concave deck is incredibly sticky on your feet. In the flic link it's a 2012 skillit, the new one is even better. For small to medium waves, strapless airs and tricks…..just try one
Skillet is a fun board for sure. Axis Newave may be what you are after especially for jumping around and having good control. Ask around to try one before you buy. Nothing like buying the wrong board!
Had the chance to try the Lafayette 5.8. I would prefer a slightly bigger board but it was a good ride in the water and was fantastic in the air. Lofty jumps were very easy and felt great. All kind of jumps were a real pleasure with the board. If his other boards fly as well, definitely a recommendation. Can't say anything about stability.
