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Originally posted by qfmike737

I'd prefer something that isn't directional...I would prefer a twin tip or maybe a mutant if a mutant is better. The board will be specifically used for going insanely upwind and downwind for a Slalom race.

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That looks like a dream board spec's, or one with propeller
I would say, going upwind is more to do with the skill than with the board.
If you find one, I will be interested to have one too

Make your own board out of plywood. My first attempt was 122X45 13mm ply. 75kg rider. In very light wind it was embarassing how much I was cutting the wind surfers off who were following a more normal ride line. Pic of board in photos section. Chrs salty

I have to agree with Salty.
Don't discount a plywood board for a good chance at staying upwind in light conditions.
In my humble opinion the best upwind boards have little or no rocker and some concave (side to side). Oddly enough, a plywood board with no fins gets upwind quite well. With no fins, the board feels a little 'loose' when flat on the water but there is very little drag.

Try the 06 Underground double concave FLX range, great all-round board. 132x39 for normal to strong wind and the 152x44 is an absolute killer for light wind! Upwind deamon and superb in all conditions, including surf thanks to the flexi tips! Can't go wrong with this one Ask your local dealer to demo one...

Yeah The underground board has been the board that most people have been suggesting. I currently ride a 2006 Naish Thorn 135 this Board also points upwind like a demon I was looking at the Underground Firebirds and Naish Aliens. Any feedback on these boards? I want to use these boards to practice for downwind/upwind/Slalom/Formula comps.

I have an Underground 06 FLX 132 double concave. Sensational. Was looking at two boards but now think this will do the full range. Was out last week in 20knots dropping to 10, had a ball. Went well in onshore chop, really smooth and easy to ride, whilst when it dropped out, I was the last one out there. I'm 80kg, and not the best kiter around, and some of the guys were doing the walk of shame with bigger kites whilst I was still planing upwind(i was on a 12massault which is very grunty). Overall,can't speak highly enough of the FLX. Also I got mine from Surf FX on Gold Coast. I live in Melbourne, saw their shop on holiday, and they sent it to me at no cost, on top of providing the best price I could find. Speak to Jason who was really helpful. Cheers.

im not too sure actually. Going upwind could be good advantage in slalom it could mean less tacks but if its only going to slow u down when you go downwind well then there has to be a compromise in the upwind ability. I think knowing what competitors will be using in slalom may have a bearing on what to choose. It seems that a fairly long light board with a double concave could be useful.

what about this one?

www.undergroundkiteboards.com/detail_product.php?id_p=24

Hey qfmike737,

The Exile is not a one board quiver, when it gets really windy, you are better served on something which is more suited to choppy water (It's 47cm wide!). I ride at Pinnaroo in Summer sometimes after work and it has probably the nastiest short chop on the planet over 25 knots and for this I use the Protoy 135 which is double concave and very smoooooth!

The Exile was built for the guys and girls who compete in freestyle on the world circuits and want a short board for freestyle tricks and need to stay upwind in the judging zone in light wind.

They are enourmously popular with their owners and I haven't heard of one coming up for sale 2nd hand in my corner of the globe. Good 2nd hand ones are like rockin horse poop, rare as! Search the for sale forums to see what I mean, lots of wanted ads in the west and only 2 sold in the east.

They are a bit over a G brand new. Good winds and good luck,