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First time on a strapless surfboard

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Created by 3CPO > 9 months ago, 25 Feb 2017
3CPO
VIC, 12 posts
25 Feb 2017 10:06PM
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I would like to share my first time experience with others who are considering riding a surfboard.

So I got a 5'10 surfboard on eBay for $100 to give it a try. I normally ride a TT but never been on a surfboard. It was a bit tricky to get on the board at first, I was in choppy water and the waves washed it away very easy. But then with some downward pressure with my feet on the deck I managed to keep the board steady while diving the kite.

I was surprised I got up and riding quite easy after about 5 attempts. It is so much more efficient in the water and going through the chop is much easier than a TT. Staying up wind was as easy as the TT. The stance is much more comfortable and I did not get the ache in the back leg like I normally get on the TT. You don't need to bend the back leg as much.

I think I will most likely totally convert to riding a strapless surfboard. Now I just have to learn to swap feet and turn direction without sinking back in.

offshore
NSW, 40 posts
26 Feb 2017 10:24PM
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I have been only strapless for three years and used my twin tip last week as I am selling it with a kite, bar and pump as a package. Hated it, felt boggy. A strapless surfboard you are on top of the water. The secret to footwork when turning, count 1, 2. Move back foot forward, old front foot back. Turn the kite first and turn the board just below the direction you came, you will have created a wash line that you can use as a guidefor your new course. With practice just turn the kite harder and lean into the turn. Even when there is no waves I love going upwind and carving as many turns as I can on a downwinder

drewpweiner
WA, 501 posts
27 Feb 2017 8:09AM
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I feel the exact opposite. On my 6'2 i am hitting bumps like a crazy. Then I get on my 128 twintip and it is smooth as a mutha... plus the added foot protection of not coming off.

Lambie
QLD, 738 posts
3 Mar 2017 8:16PM
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6'2" is a big board for kiteing on - and likely to bounce around a lot so wont be the best unless you are on really smooth waves - which I rarely see.
I moved from the TT to a surfboard a few years ago and can ride strapless but in big surf I find I have a lot more fun with at least the front strap on the surfboard - I spend a lot less time body dragging back to the beach to get the board!! just my 2CW

Buddy23
3 posts
4 Mar 2017 3:41AM
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Hi

I am looking to get into directional riding but really struggling to pick a board, I have narrowed it down to the following options:
Cabrinha: Spade 2017, Phenom 2016 and the Secret Weapon 2016.
North: Wam 2017 or Nuget TT 2017

My Weight is ?95 to ?100kg and i am 6.2ft.
Does Volume matter?

Can anyone help

KR

offshore
NSW, 40 posts
4 Mar 2017 9:21PM
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Try before you buy. You cannot possible know what board is right for you unless you have tested it first. Even if you pick the correct model you have to get the size that suits. Last surfboard I purchased was after trying another kiter's board

SonnyRider
92 posts
16 Mar 2017 12:30AM
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Select to expand quote
Buddy23 said..
Hi

I am looking to get into directional riding but really struggling to pick a board, I have narrowed it down to the following options:
Cabrinha: Spade 2017, Phenom 2016 and the Secret Weapon 2016.
North: Wam 2017 or Nuget TT 2017

My Weight is ?95 to ?100kg and i am 6.2ft.
Does Volume matter?

Can anyone help

KR



Yes, volume does matter. I'm pretty much the same weight/height as you.

I currently ride a 6'1" Airush Converse has 27ltrs of volume. I started on a 6'3" 32ltr board (circle one, swallow tail) and found it was easier to get up and going. Easier for gybes & switching feet around. I'm strapless.

Now I'm better I only miss the volume on the lighter wind days.

The bigger board was a pain when the wind picked up, 25+ as it was difficult to dig the edge in and hold the power.
The Converse is better in every dept. I just miss those 5ltrs on the lighter days.

I still have the C1 , but it got driven over, took out two fin boxes and one side rail. Looks good on the wall tho' ;)

In my experience volume will make your life easier for the early surfboard experience. Then get a smaller less volume board as your skills improve. Keeping the larger volume for light wind days.

I did read somewhere on here, a good rule of thumb was to go for a third of your body weight to ltrs. so 100kgs? = 33lts in volume.

A local guy to me rides a Wham and he's not far off my weight. But he does ride pull & go kites. Delta style kites, where he's got power all the time. I don't like kites like that. Each to their own :)

HTH


bigtone667
NSW, 1502 posts
16 Mar 2017 7:18AM
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Select to expand quote
Buddy23 said..
Hi

I am looking to get into directional riding but really struggling to pick a board, I have narrowed it down to the following options:
Cabrinha: Spade 2017, Phenom 2016 and the Secret Weapon 2016.
North: Wam 2017 or Nuget TT 2017

My Weight is ?95 to ?100kg and i am 6.2ft.
Does Volume matter?

Can anyone help

KR


I am the same size as you.... North Nugget is a superb first board.

I still have my first one and a CSC model.

Don't go for anything under 19 inches width. And volume matters in the lulls helping to keep you on top of the water. But if you have consistent 20knots day in and day out, a piece of ply will do.

Another board to consider is the Firewire Evo. It carries me as well as the nugget, but handles significantly better in waves.

SonnyRider
92 posts
16 Mar 2017 9:41PM
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Select to expand quote

bigtone667 said..



Another board to consider is the Firewire Evo. It carries me as well as the nugget, but handles significantly better in waves.


I hear good things about the Firewire Tomo / Evo. boards

timmybuddhadude
WA, 738 posts
17 Mar 2017 7:56PM
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That sounds like a great experience...congratulations
The fifth time I tried to stand and go along on a strapless board I was so focused on the board I dropped the kite and popped it ...

..now I am just content with straps.

C000pers
VIC, 29 posts
18 Mar 2017 10:36AM
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North nugget. Stable, easy to recover balance and Planes easily in light wind. Does not turn as easy as other boards ive tried but definately helps with learning the base skills.



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"First time on a strapless surfboard" started by 3CPO