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Kite Surf Board

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Kite Surf Board

There are two basic types to choose from when selecting a kitesurf board, directional and twin tipped, but there are an number of variations in each design and specialized boards for certain conditions. A recent trend has been to use regular surfboards when the conditions permit, which is usually days with very light winds. Straps are often adapted to the board for added control but many people will simply ride them barefoot. It can make catching a wave that much more exiting when a kite is involved and the board performs incredibly well even compared with bi-directional or twin tipped boards.

A directional kitesurf board is designed to travel in only one direction, from tip to tail much like a surfboard. They differ from surfboards in their size and buoyancy, being less buoyant than a surfboard but more buoyant than a twin tip board. The added buoyancy allows the board to perform better in slower wind conditions. Many riders choose these on less windy days because they will be able to ride faster and go further without tiring. These boards do not perform well going in the opposite direction so are not very well suited for performing tricks, jumps and other advanced maneuvers, but they are wonderful for beginners and riders who prefer to cruise rather than push the limit.

A twin tipped kitesurf board is the most common and popular board used by riders, both beginning and professional, today. These are the boards that are used by professionals and enthusiasts to perform huge jumps, technical tricks, grabs and spins. They are shaped much like a wakeboard, and a wakeboard can actually be used in many circumstances though they are not ideal. A wakeboard is designed for smooth water and jumping the wake of the boat so are often unstable in the commonly rougher waters found at sea. They do share their binding and boot designs with some of these freestyle kitesurfing boards. The binding can completely enclose the foot like a boot, or be a simple strap that secures the foot to the board. Personal preference often dictates this choice.

The differences in the size and weight of a twin tipped board determine how it performs on the water. A shorter kitesurf board that closely resembles a wakeboard is better suited for quick tricks and shorter jumps. They aren’t designed for huge airs, but more for technical, on the water tricks. For big airs choose a freestyle board which are slightly larger but are lighter as well. They are made from more expensive materials to withstand the added force of landing impact while still shaving off enough weight to easily fly into the air. The larger riding surface allows for faster speeds, which can be converted into incredible hang times, and easier landings.

There are many small differences in shapes and styles of these two styles of board, but they tend to ride very similarly. It is ideal to have both, and at least experiment with both styles before ruling one out. Many riders keep both types around because of their benefits in certain conditions.