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Kite Surf Boards

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Kite Surf Boards

Kitesurf boards come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a huge range of equipment out there. This can be confusing for someone who is just getting into the sport. Hopefully the flowing explanation should break down the mysteries of kitesurfing and help you understand what type of board is going to be right for you. Your first kitesurf board should be a large kiteboard.

A kiteboard is measured from the tip to the tip in cm. The other way to measure a board is the width of the board, and this will help you determine the overall volume. You will want to get the largest board you can get for your weight. The heavier you are, the larger the board and the lighter you are, the smaller the board.

For large guys who weigh 200 lbs and over, the board should be larger than 158cm.

If you have an average weight of somewhere in the region of 160-170 lbs, go with the 158cm board.

If you are a lighter guy, 130 lbs or lighter, you will want the 148cm board.

The larger boards offer significant advantages over the smaller boards. Here are the three significant advantages you get with larger kitesurf boards.

1- Because the larger kitesurf boards have more volume, they can go out into the water with less kite power. Being able to go out with less kite power is great for learning, because it means that the board is easier to manage. The kite won't pull you around and you can focus on placing everything just right without getting physically exhausted.

2- It stays afloat. Even when you make mistakes with the kite, large kitesurf boards will plane through the mistakes. To begin with, your kite placement will not be perfect, and any lack of power in the kite won't result in the board immediately sinking. The bigger board can sail right through and cover many of the mistakes you will make as a beginner and allow you to progress faster.

3- The third advantage is that larger kitesurf boards can go out in lighter winds. You will never outgrow your larger board. It will become your light wind machine. On midsummer’s days when the wind is light, this board will get you from the beach to the water. You simply cannot kitesurf in light winds with a small board. So start off with a big board and then advance to the small board.

Small kitesurf boards have one particular advantage over large boards. You can hold down more kite power. This is great for when you become more advanced and start going up-wind, jumping and doing tricks. A smaller board is easier to jump in the air with; its lighter and more nimble.

What you want as a kiteboarder are two boards. Having both a small and big board will cover the widest possible wind range and remember, kitesurf boards are a lot less expensive than kites, so buying two is not so impractical.

If you don't want to buy two kitesurf boards, then you need to find the right compromise. 138cm in length is a good compromise. If you are looking for one medium sized board, there are advantages as well as the cost savings. The medium sized kitesurf boards are able to perform the wake style tricks a little better because you have more resistance and a little more board in the water making it easier to pop off the water.

You need to consider what your riding style is going to be as well. If you want to ride more aggressively, then you will want a smaller board with a more aggressive shape. If you want to cruise and go out on a soul ride, then you will want the larger kitesurf boards with a flatter profile that can go out with less wind power, giving you a mellow ride. Think about the kind of kitesurfer you want to be and enjoy it out there in the open water.