I need some help but I will start with some back ground info:

Height: 6'5" (195cm)
Weight: 95kg-ish

I started kiting on and off in Taiwan in 2005 with the original Slingshot Turbo Diesel 14m and Slingshot Jarvis 147cm board. Both were great as a beginner.

I moved to WA last year and quickly realised the 14m was far too big and bought a 2nd hand 2008 Cabrinha Switchblade 10m. This got me out most of the time last summer, as long as the wind is 15+ knots.

I think it is now time to upgrade my board. I kite at Leighton beach (chop and small surf) in Perth most of the time with trips up and down the coast. I would class myself as a freerider but see myself progressing in a wave riding direction (smaller kite and surfboard in time).

First the three boards I am looking at:
1) North XRide 139cm x 41.5cm
2) Slingshot Misfit 142cm x 42cm
3) Cabrinha Chopstick 139cm x 42cm

Any feedback on these or any other suggestions welcomed.

Also, am I looking at about the right size board for my height and weight? Or could I go with something in the 136cm range?

Secondly, as I'm using a shorter board, am I going to need an 11m or 12m kite?

Thanks for your help.

Thanks cauncy. Looking at the Shinn boards, it seems that the Luigi might be better than the Monk for carving in waves - anyone got any experience?

Also interesting that Shinn go for wider boards (44cm) for heavier riders, rather than longer boards.

NoBS said...

The amount of 'carving' your talking about with your experience isn't going to make any difference.

Fair point that I might not notice it now, but as I have been using my last board for over five years and feel its limitations, I may feel the difference with this further down the track.

Thanks pomE - had a look at Nobile and felt the 2HD would probably be more my type of board. However, Nobile's graphics are a bit too much for my taste!

The 2012 XRide with NTT straps is coming in at $990 at my local stores and I can get a new 2011 Luigi for under $800. As the Minister of Finance is starting to raise her eyebrows at my expenditure (I bought a 2009 Rebel 12m), I think I'm going to be riding the Luigi.

Thanks for all your help.

Maybe have a look at the new Cardboard Wave. Not sure if there out there yet but it might be worth having a demo

Sorry pressed post before I'd finished Mark shinn designed nobile boards till about 2009 and tweeked them into2010 one thing I didn't mention on a previously was how well this board gets you up wind effortless

YO BEKIT GOOD STUFF I'VE FOUND MY MONK JUST GETS BETTER THE MORE I GET OUT ON IT JUST ME TUNING INTO THE BOARDS CAPABILITIES IF THE IS A BETTER TWIN TIP OUT THERE I'D LOVE TO RIDE IT