My beloved Shinn Dundee 135 x 44 cracked (both ends) while I was on a kitesurfing holidays in Sri-Lanka . I got it repaired but it is probably not going to last long - hence time to look for another board.

I read a lot and wanted to try Shinn Monk for a few months, even had it as a demo twice, but there was no wind to try it. When I broke my Dundee I organised purchase of Monk 135x42 and had it delivered to Sri Lanka. I went against the manufacturer recommendation (should have bought 137 x 44) and lived to regret it. The board is nice when I am fully powered but too power hungry at my size. My Shinn Monk is currently listed for sale. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistake as it cost you every time you buy and sell a board. Also, the demo gear I can try from local stores is usually medium size for guys around 70-80 kg, so it is hard to select a board after demo of what is too small you.

I am 100 kg, 183cm tall, mid 50s, looking for a comfortable ride board, not too hard on the body. I like riding at Penguin Island, so need something that excels in flat water and in small chop. I ride only hooked in, love to boost big, and I am getting into some basic tricks (back roll, rotations, heli-loops, transition jumps, etc.)

Would love to hear your recommendations of board models and board size for the above conditions (ideally from someone of my size).

Two boards that I tried in Sri Lanka for few minutes were North Jaime and X-Ride. They felt good but almost anything feels good when you are well powered in a butter-flat water (rode Shinn Toyboy 129 x 37 too while waiting for my board to be repaired and I was fine).

Local kite shop also recommended to me North Jaime and North Select or North X-Ride from a lower shelf.
There is another Shinn Dundee listed for sale (exactly the size I broke) but I am reluctant to buy an older board as it may be about to crack soon (???)

So far I am considering:

North Jaime 142 x 43 or 139 x 42
North Select 141 x 42
North X-Ride 141 x 42
Shinn Monk 137 x 44

Which one do you think should fit the bill or what other boards should I consider?

cbulota said..
Hi Swavek

I think you should first decide on what sort of board stiffness you want. A stiff board is a great choice for flat water and small chop. However a board with more flex is ideal for heavy chop. Not sure how your knees are at doing, but bare in mind that a stiff board is harder on the knees.

Demo more boards and try different brands

Christian

Thanks Christian, definitely don't want a very stiff board or a very soft board - something in the middle. Knees are not too bad, I play squash regularly, but I simply don't enjoy the feeling of a stiff board in choppy water.

Shinn Monk is as soft as I would want it, but could settle for something with a little bit more stiffness as well.

junglejim1971 said..
a twinnie for all conditions hey. I have the worlds first functioning full adjustable rocker kite board made in 2016 although I cant post pics its to hard to remove them and have to go through admin. I know as I have done it before for the shots of my board sorry boys and girls

Tried several demo boards and settled on Flysurfer Radical 5. Great upwind, carving, excellent low end, light, eats chop for breakfast, great for boosting, super comfy pads, very comfortable ride (easy on the body). Got 138x42 (100kg rider).

looks like this board is quite popular in Europe (made in Germany) and in USA - I am surprised it is not more popular down here. James Perth is the Flysurfer rep in Perth. I tried his demo Flysurfer Radical 4 - version 5 I bought feels quite similar. Version 6 is due to come out in April according to James.