VIC
192 posts
I weigh 92 kg in the nude and have a 12m kite. As a beginner I am finding I need quite a bit of wind to get out.
I am thinking about buying a large second hand twin tip to extend my kite surfing down a bit below 15 knots.
Is there any such thing as too bigger board? I see there are 148 cm boards around but then I have also seen boards up to 165 cm.
Thoughts? Recommendations?
I know a bigger kite would be a better option but I think a big board will be cheaper and it is much easier to swap boards mid session.
NSW
865 posts
hey, heaps of light wind twin tip topics in the forum at the moment that should cover most of your questions
basically if its too big it will feel horrible in the air and once you start to get a bit overpowered you will get really tired legs trying to edge.
some give massive spray to the face in choppy conditions mainly due to the squarer shape.
there are some boards out there that get around these issues, but best to demo in a few different conditions and you will soon get the idea of what each board is like and how you like it.
2 boards is a good option as its easier to swap boards than blow up and run lines for another kite. more kites is always good too :)
kitch
WA
8407 posts
A 12 mtr kite sub 12knts will only do one thing, mow grass, no matter what size board, if your happy with that, if not purchase a much larger kite, a fully powered 17 will give you some fun at 12 ,below that you'll just be mowing grass again
QLD
742 posts
Long and wide = planning area !! That why boards like the Spleene door or monster door are known as the light wind options I guess??
I hoped that a surfboard could be my light wind option and while better than my TT the relatively narrow tail of a surfboard compared to the spleene door variant means it really is a compromise :-(
VIC
237 posts
Don't forget rocker in the equation.
The flatter the better for light wind TT or surfboard.
635 posts
Width is more important than length. I have a mate about your weight and he uses the largest Nobile NHP board in the range (137x45 ish ) and he is up and going in 12knots no problems with a 12m Rebel.
Others are correct though, with that size kite you aren't going to be boosting to the moon so maybe a big wakeskate or strapless might be a better option as it just gives you something else to play at. If the wind picks up you grab your normal board and start boosting.
YMMV
60 posts
I have a 145x 48 twintip. I can only go upwind in about 12 knots on my 19 metre. You need to get a bigger kite and board. Kiting on a twintip in 12 knots gets boring after a while. If you do not want to get a bigger kite then you have to consider a race board. Problem with that is you have to learn to jibe as they are directional.
VIC
276 posts
We weigh about the same.
My 2014, 14m Switchblade with a 158cm Lightwave board will see me get going in 12 knots but it's hardly exhilarating...
In 14 knots onwards I can switch back to my normal size twin tip - but still it's just mowing grass.
I flew the 15.5m Liquid Force Solo last weekend in 12 knots. I reckon that had about 3 more knots of efficiency than my 14m switchblade. Doesn't sound like much however that allowed for small jumps and tricks in 12 knots as opposed to just mowing the grass.
If budget is tight, get a bigger board as that is much cheaper than a new light wind kite. If you can afford it I'd jump straight to buying a 15m or above. Anything smaller and you'll regret it.
QLD
1211 posts
Just got a 148 sprctrum x 44 awesome in light winds and strong winds just adjust your kite to suit how lit the kite feels, I way 70 kgs and loving it jumping over waves is easy cause you keep you power, also have a 140 x 43 naish untill the season rrally kicks in the bigger is just so user friendly. Dont hesitate you not regret it
