WA
15 posts
So I have been kitesurfing for about 15-20 sessions now I can go upwind and transition.
I mainly head out in Mandurah and go in a wind range of 15-25knots I have a 7M and a 9M.
I weigh 70 kg's
The board I was sold by west oz kiteboarding is a 140/42 axis liberty and it has been great.
My question is when is it time to get a smaller board? I find this board really picks up allot of speed and is hard to slow down in stronger winds.
I also find it allot of work to go upwind as in I can only go out for 30-60 mins and my quads are destroyed. (probably because I am going so fast)
So when is it time to get a smaller board ? and what board would be the best all rounder for myself?
I will keep the bigger board for light wind days.
Thank in advance.
Cheers
QLD
258 posts
I'm 70kg as well and did the same late last season; kept the board I learnt on for light wind days (Allrounder 138x40) and purchased a Shinn Monk 132x41 and couldn't be happier. Also had a North Gonzales 130x38 and found that a great board/size as well...
WA
8407 posts
At said weight around 134 x 40, you could go up and down a size, a good edging board with decent rocker and outline helps to kill the power when edged, also water conditions are relevant, this style of board works great for shore/ chop locations, the shinn monk or pinbot would be my recommendation , the are plenty of others north Jamie and x ride xenon laluz and axis
Pretty hard to go past the monk for a great all round board, smooth , sprayless, fast ride, superb construction
Check shinnworld , you can email mark shinn for a personal size recommendation
Action sports balcatta are the wa agents for shinn
WA
15 posts
Thanks Everyone !!
Just purchased a Shinn Monk 2015. Shinn Monk's seems like a hard board to beat based on reviews.
I went with a 131/40 as that was all they had left and for my budget I couldn't afford a 2016 board.
Can't wait to give it a crack!! However if it is poor technique that has been causing my issues then I guess I am up the creek....
QLD
258 posts
Give it time to get use to as it took me a few sessions. I found it a lot more skatey than my previous board probably because of the bigger rocker and the flat bottom but once I got use to it there was no going back...
WA
15 posts
Just thought I would put an update on here about the 2015 Shin Monk that I got.
I can see why you recommended this board it is awesome !!! I had intended on keeping both boards but honestly I can't see myself using my other board anymore because this board is so good.
Thanks for the recommendation.
QLD
202 posts
Shin Monk is good and a lot of riders are afraid to try it (including me) either because its ugly or because you will never find a board to upgrade. ^^
4862 posts
Those board dimensions are fine. If your quads a blowing after 30-60 minutes one of 2 things is happening.
1) You have piss week thighs. keep riding they will strengthen up and or get on a bike a pedal it. That will make your legs way stronger.
2) You are riding like a dead sailor. All stiff and taught. Relax into it. Don't fight against chop and swell relax the legs and get a fluid flow going over the water.
Just to give you a reference point I did a 2 hour session yesterday on my 145x45 board 10m kite wind 20-25 knots gusting to 30. I weight 76kg.
You should easily be able to hold that board down for an how on the 9m in 25 knots. I am convinced its a technique issue not a board issue. All you will do by getting a smaller board is shifting the wind range of your kites up a couple of knots.
