cbulota said..
technique is often to blame, but in this case I think the board you're using is slowing your progress down when the power increases. 15 knots + on a 144x46cm with a 17m kite is a bit of a push, even considering you're 95kg
I said it many times before, big boards a super easy to learn BUT when you are well powered they can SLOW your progress DOWN due to the inability to edge it properly, especially in choppy waters (open ocean)
You need an insane amount of edging (i.e. a LOT of effort no mater your skill level) to control a big board when you're really powered up
If you don't already have a smaller board: go get one. something around 135-138x40-42 should do the trick.
On days like you describe you should have both boards on the beach and simply switch between boards given the wind conditions.
This can take multiple seasons of practice, but as your skills improve you will realize that you're able to use that smaller board in the same winds as previously on your big board, i.e. you're able to ride 12-15 knots with a small board. Then the big boards becomes handy in 8-12 knots.
So many beginners have that mindset that BIGGER is BETTER...well in that case you can see SMALLER is better.
Christian
Thanks Cauncy and Christian, your posts pretty much summed up what I was thinking, given what I felt (and I think I have my shoulder back and hips forward, but I havent looked at myself so who knows!)
I have a Cabrinha custom 140 X 142, but advice on that was it probably had too much rocker for my level. Is that ok you think or should I look at not only smaller board but also lower level of rocker. Can you suggest a couple of boards in that category, is Airbrush Vox maybe a good one?
thanks in advance
ps might just add, if weather wasn't so fickle I could do some testing on both boards so elements aren't helping me there, if I get out its a matter of do before its gone!
