Right, now that I've got everyones attention...

*Waits for all the "That's what MY missus says" jokes...*

I'm 75kg, flattish water beginner, get out in 15-25kn, barely trying to get the hang of going upwind... a bit...

Anyway, back on topic. I'm a fairly crap beginner and last year when I first decided to start out I bought a bunch of gear. I'm all good with kites, but I've got a question on boards.

So last year I ended up with 2 boards (which admittedly I got before knowing much about kiteboarding):

1. 129cm x 40cm Axon Relic (2011 I think)
2. 160cm x 45cm Nobile Flying Carpet (2010 or 2011)

Now, I'm struggling with the Carpet. I can get up on it no problems, and go both ways but I'm finding it really hard to get the edge to stick so am having trouble going upwind (its like riding on a door and seems to be damn heavy). I vaguely remember reading that bigger boards are easier for a learner?

I borrowed a mates board yesterday and today (LF something or other), probably around 140cm x 42cm or so I reckon. I had no trouble holding an edge on this and it felt alot easier to ride.

So, is there such a thing as a board being too big for a learner? Or am I not trying hard enough/dunno what I'm doing enough on the Carpet? Should I just bite the bullet and get a Shinn or a Cardboard or something inbetween what I have?

I've got no problem with getting a new board if it will make my progression easier/quicker.

Cheers, any tips/pointers/recommendations/finger pointing/rude gestures/laughing welcome.

bakz

bakz, the short answer is yes, a board can be too big for you.

In the snowboarding industry board manufacturers recommend to choose board sizes depending on body weight first, then style of riding and terrain. It's the same in kiteboarding although I haven't seen any board sizes/body weight scales yet.

I usually give my students a 5-7cm range of sizes suitable for them based on their body weight. For 75 kg I would recommend anywhere from 129 to 136.

Smaller boards are best suited for strong winds as they will be easier to edge harder with a strong pull. Smaller boards are usually better for flatter water freestyle riding too.

Bigger boards are better for choppy water in general and they help in avoiding having too much water splashing in your face, which can get quite annoying. Bigger boards also help in going out in less winds (less than 20 knots for example).

Very big boards such as your 160cm are ideal for light wind conditions (15 knots) and for learning to get up and do your first few downwind tacks.
Most schools will use longer and larger boards for teaching the first water starts, as they are easier to balance on with minimum edge going downwind. Once you start to want to go upwind and have to edge the board it is time to get on smaller ''normal'' size board.

As you mentioned yourself, very big boards are harder to edge and can prevent you from improving your upwind riding at this stage.

your 129 can be a good size to keep for stronger winds days and flatter water. your 160 could be great to keep for marginal wind days (that's about the only use you'll have for it), but I could be a good idea to look for an in between size like 132-134cm for every day riding.

I hope that answers your question

I recently changed from a 140x42 stonker board to a 133x41 cabrinha prodigy 211, instantly I've noticed a world of difference in my progression especially in going up wind!