I've used a few different boards from 5'5 to 6'5. I'm still on an Underground 5'8 but I've decided my next board will be slightly longer...maybe 5'10 or 6'0 but with the same width and thickness. Generally speaking, the longer boards will be harder but it all comes down to the overall shape/dimensions of the board and the wave.

IMO I reckon the best board for the conditions will be slightly smaller than you would paddle surf in the same conditions. For the smaller waves, you'll have to rely on the kite more anyway.

I haven't tried the new rocket fish but the old one had absolutely no rocker in the tail and so was more like an old school directional. I should bite my tongue but IMO if you can't paddle surf it, it won't be as good as a surfboard you can (wave size obviously has to be considered). The newer boards are apparently a lot better.

If you are going to stay strapless, you may want to consider a normal surfboard as they are generally cheaper than kiting specific boards. 2nd generation tufflites are out (supposedly more like conventional polyester boards than the originals...flex) and retail for between 650 and 1000. The Al Merricks look the goods too.

Anyway, hope that helps! If you're just starting out, just stay with your board, try as many different boards as you can (all different dimesnions) and have fun.

Cheers
Dan Roberts

A lot of people say all sorts of things but i reckon if you can't surf it don't kite it.
I use the smallest board that i would surf. i have boards from 6'3 to 6'8 for paddle surfing and like my 6'3 best for kiting.

Thanks for your help guys. Sounds as though I should be getting something about 6'0. Either a normal surfboard that i dont mind destroying (there is no chance of me being extremely careful!) But prefferably a kite specific board that has a bit of tail rocker.

If I got for a surfboard I'm guessing I should be looking for
*thin rails
*narrow tail section
*decent nose rocker

Does that soulnd about right?

James

PS went for another session and finally learn't how to gybe the buggers! its just as bloody diffictult as windsurfing.

one thing to remember mate is a lot of people on this forum push either the brands you are affiliated with or the ones they ride with.

in terms of kite specific boards, yeh could be all well and good for you but its a hard call to just grab a design off the shelf and it be perfect for the conditions you ride in. oh and they are not designed to be indestructable...
definately worth trying and investigating price tho as there are guys on the beaches ripping with off the shelf boards.

polyester boards can handle kiting if made correctly for kiting.
there are a few of us that ride with custom shapes to suit what we like and they are glassed heavier and some with stronger cores to suit. worth thinking about. especially if you surf and know what sore of feel you like in a board.

some of these guys include (and in no order):
P-dot
Steve del rosso (clearwater)
stuey

Have a look at a BIC 5"10 fish. rrp: $400 I think. Good fin purchase (FCS just bust at the hint of a sandbar while kiting), flexy and very indestructable. Possibly uncool, plasticy and not seen on pipeline, but if you don't care then they could be good. Or have a look at the BIC 6'2 universal short board, epoxy (they call it CTS). Check out their website.

I kite my 9'4 Nat Young Mal and a 6'8 Cutloose Stubby tail with extra glass coz I'm a fat bastard. big muscley man.

I'm sick of buying FCS fins, keep that in mind when you're looking.

I AM HOOKED AND DON'T BOTHER TAKING MY TWIN TIP ANYMORE, I MOSTLEY RIDE MY 6'2 THAT IS 18 1/4 WIDE WITH A LOWISH RAIL RAWSON TUFFLIGHT BUT I JUST WENT AWAY FOR 4 DAYS AND I TOOK THE 6'4 RAWSON THAT I ALSO SURFED WHEN THE WIND DROPPED. THESE COME WITH INSERTS SO YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO (DARE I SAY IT) PUT STRAPS ON. THE BIGGER BOARD IS FINE AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE THE OPTION WHEN THE WIND SUX.