Equipment – The Kiteboard
The Kiteboard
First off, boards have continued to progress like many other boards sports but there are generally two types of boards: directional style boards and bi-directional boards. Most riders use bi-directional(aka twintop) boards that look like a wakeboard but are shaped for kiting. They are the easy to lean on and figure out. Whereas, on directional boards you have to jibe to turn in the opposite direction like windsurfing and they definitely take more skill. Generally bi-directional boards are the mainstream and great for high-wind riding and jumping and general riding. Directional boards(like a surfboard) are used more with people who come from surfing/windsurf background or riders who like using a floaty board in light wind conditions or in surf conditions where they can get through the chop and handle bottom turns in the waves better than with bi-directionals.
What size kite board should I learn on?
Years ago they would teach on big floaty boards that were easy to get planing on but difficult to stay upwind or hold an edge on. Nowadays board have been as diverse as the riding styles and it is almost overwhelming how many boards are out there. Generally starting out many people make the mistake of buying a huge board like 155cm + because they are easier to learn on but soon realize that they outgrow that large board very quickly.
Again, local conditions will dictate the best board for you but a general rule of thumb that some follow for those just having 1 all-condition board is to get one 30cm shorter than your height for lighter winds and 40cm for higher winds. (so I am 5ft8in= 173cm so a 143cm board light winds and 133cm for higher winds).
You don’t need a large board to learn on. Shops may try to sell you 150cm and 160cm boards, but these size boards have long since been cut from many manufacturers range of boards and most probably are old stock left in the shops.
Most new boards are shorter and wider and have good flex in the tips for easy riding. You will see most manufacturers will have similar board sizes (they have decreased in size dramatically over the years) and the real noticable difference between boards will be quality(construction type) and stiffness.
How does tail shape, outside rail curve and width affect the board?
The wider the board, the more surface area you have - thus creating an easier planing board. The outline gives you rail contact with the water: a straighter edge gives more contact and better upwind ability.
Tail shape is the point of the board you push against to pop off the water. A fuller tail creates more pop, but it has a downside - in wave riding it tends to catch more. A more surfboard shape prevents this, but does not have as much pop. Again it all comes down to you and your local conditions.
Style of riding affects your stance
A natural stance would be too close to your eyes. Shift your feet and then look down at the distance between your feet, this would give you your natural stance.
Freestyle riders will use a very wide stance for landing maneuvers so that is reflected in freestyle board design (also taller riders will carry a wider stance)
Board volume
Kite boards are all about surface area not board volume. Large volume boards can make it difficult to hold an edge and control your speed. You might see some guys use a large volume board locally when it's really light wind just so they can kite.
Types of fins. Plastic or Fibreglass fins?
Honestly, if you get to the point where you ride enough to tell the difference between plastic and fiberglass then you are probably better than me. A good quality plastic fin is much cheaper and works fine. A fiberglass fin you have less vibration at higher speeds which creates a more stable and smooth ride but I am not that good to tell.
The fin shape and size can make a difference on the drag that your board makes in the water(hence why kiting in light winds with a skimboard is popular- no fins) and fins are important for generating the ability to get upwind with your board and creating the pop to jump. Most boards come with fins that are pre-configured for that board size so I haven't really messed with them that much but you can always look around at what local riders use.
Board construction and weight.
This goes back to quality of board. Generally the quality of construction will be reflected in the board price but if possible see if you can try multiple boards when learning to see what feels good for you. Also as you progress you can talk to experienced local riders and get a good understanding of what they feel works well for them as generally the experienced riders have used lots of boards. Construction methods become more noticeable in surfboards.
A light board is the best not only for riding response, but because you don't want to deal with a heavy board when you are in the water with a crashed kite,etc. A good tip I read is that the boards should have fibreplastic rails like snowboards, showing contouring just after the foot straps (to give flex in the tips) as a board that doesn't have the rail showing with the contouring is outdated and will not flex properly(Fiberglass does not flex around rails - it snaps!) You must be able to see your rail like that of a snowboard.
Overall a good, strong, light kite board is always desired.
What kind off straps and footpads do I need?
A good strap will be slightly contoured towards your stance and should be adjustable for different foot sizes.
The strap should feel like a binding - nice and snug. You should be able to swing your board under your body without the feeling of the board coming off.
There are two types off footpads:
1) flat with raised heels
2) contoured with toe grip
contoured straps fit most people - the flat with raised heels suits people with big or long feet.
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