bit of newbie question i guess. I have only ever ridden a twin tip ocean and flat water. Dont have a prob with twin in small surf chop etc

What is more comfortable for longer downwinders etc twin or surfboard ?(obviously not wanting to pull flips n stuff the whole time)

If Surfboard is the answer what size do i buy, im 80kg ish

thanks, do you rekon u can drive upwind better on surfboard or twin?
From the outside looking in the surfboard looks easier maybe(big fins i guess)

Whats the smallest board i should ride/aviod?

the gibbo said...

thanks, do you rekon u can drive upwind better on surfboard or twin?
From the outside looking in the surfboard looks easier maybe(big fins i guess)

Whats the smallest board i should ride/aviod?

Surfboard will go upwind way better, also because you have kite power you can ride a much smaller board than you would paddle.

I'd say around 6'0 - 6'2 max (any longer and you'll be fighting the nose slapping and waving around)

I have 5'11" and although I'm a lightweight, my mates (100kg) ride it with no probs

I have wanted to ride a surfboard in the surf for the last few years. Bought a 6' 4' traditional surfboard and as the last post needed more wind than a twin tip - I feel this is due to the considerable rocker a traditional surfboard has combined with my lack of skill.

In the last couple of months I have now nailed sufboard riding to an ok level in winds to 25kn in surf, switch feet and go toe side with no problems. Wave size is not a problem as I have kited in medium plus surf on a twin tip for a few years.

What has suddenly made the considerable improvement - well I have made 3 changes to equipment which has considerable helped my slow progress due to skill/confidence as follows:

1. I now ride Griffin Argo kites which made wave riding much easier especially down the line. (declaration - I am a Griffin supporter now)

2. Bought a sliding hook set up, this gave me extensive flexibility for toeside etc

3. Changed my surfboard to a purpose built Slingshot V2 6' 2" - this was the cream on the cake in regard to surfboards for kiting due to quad fin setup, flatter rocker and being slightly wider resulting in improved stability and planning while switiching feet. This board is possibly best kited strapless but I use just the front foot strap. The front foot strap helps me in many ways including just picking up the board, control while getting started and getting throught the surf - plus I get less damage/scratches on the board from hook/harness.

Conclusion: the combination of the above now motivates me to ride in the surf more on a surfboard than a twintip. Surfboard kiting/wave riding in the surf is easier than a twin tip and more fun once you get past the difficult stage.

Hope this helps