get an old PU board for $100 odd and start learning to gybe and going toe-side don't go spending 600-800 on a kite surfboard. I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago and went through quite a few different kite surfboards before going back to the old surfboard which I use 90% of the time in the bay, and even though I have a twin tip I practically never use it anymore. You get used to not having straps pretty quickly and I am also a below average surfer.

HighzaKite said..
get an old PU board for $100 odd and start learning to gybe and going toe-side don't go spending 600-800 on a kite surfboard. I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago and went through quite a few different kite surfboards before going back to the old surfboard which I use 90% of the time in the bay, and even though I have a twin tip I practically never use it anymore. You get used to not having straps pretty quickly and I am also a below average surfer.

What High said is spot on, no need to fork out $500 + for a board when you're just starting. I started on an old surfboard to learn the basics and then forked more later for a new board. I weigh around the same as you and use a 5'8" board and recently picked up a 5'1" board, so I wouldn't suggest getting anything over 6ft. Only really use my twinny when I feel like having a big boosting.

Have a go on your old board, but its easier to learn if you have foot straps.

If you are going to buy a new surfboard see if you can test ride a North Nugget - really stable and good for light wind and gybing.

Also have a look at a North Whip from a couple of years back, wider hippy board very forgiving as you don't have to worry so much about weight distribution.

I was in the same situation as you a couple of years ago. Managed to get myself a Naish Global ex demo for ~ half price. I like it but haven't tried any other surfboards to compare it with. I reckon a board with footstraps will help when you start on a surfboard.

I reckon you'll find 6'10 a bit long and probably harder to turn than a kite-specific surfboard but if you've already got it no harm in trying it.

When you first try a surfboard you'll probably think it's rubbish. Keep at it. It gets better. Just keep repeating 'Weight on the front foot' to yourself.

I wrote this https://www.findfriendsforfun.com/post/learning-to-ride-a-surfboard-style-kiteboard about my early efforts kiting on a surfboard. You might find it useful.

I'm new on Seabreeze, well be lurking a long time but not written much, so thought I would respond here to get a bit of practice!

Depending on where you live, its pretty easy to pick up an old small surfboard for around 200.00 to 250.00, or sometimes even for a 100.00. The guys that surf these sort of boards turn them over pretty regularly so there are heaps on the market.

You will need to use footstraps to start with, and so you need to glass in some footstrap inserts, so you have something to screw your straps in to. You can buy them online here http://www.stubell.com.au/shopping-cart/board-building-components . The 5 HOLE FOOTSTRAP INSERT is best as it gives you some adjustment as you won't know exactly where to place them to start with.

You should also laminate some extra glass over the areas where you think your feet will be. If you can buy a board without too many depressions on the deck it will be easier to add a layer of glass or carbon fibre. The pressure on a board from kiting is way more than from surfing and has a longer duration, so you might get a sweet board and kit it up with straps and then wreck it in a season or two.

You need to buy pads as well as straps to make them a bit more comfortable and help the board last longer. You can find some on Ebay or probably your local kite shop should be able to help.

Hope that all helps!