BayAreaKiteboarding.com

I'm about 200lb, 6', moderate skill. I started with a 137x43 litewave board that a friend gave me, and after a couple of years I'm feeling like its time to replace it with something new. Seems like most of the recommendations are centered around skinny bastards in the 150-160lb range. Coming from a 137 I find the recommendations for 150cm+ boards to be suspect. The situation is further complicated by the fact that it seems like many of the nicer boards are only available in relatively small (<136cm) sizes.

12m is my usual kite, 10.5m if it's crazy on my 137 twin tip.

Should I stick with the same board size? Go to a bigger kite in order to get more board options? Go to a bigger board? Which board?

So what's a fatty to do? Any input appreciated.

You might want to talk to Royce at KGB Swag (www.kgbswag.com) in Emeryville. I wouldn't call him a fatty but he's a bigger dude so I'm sure he has some good insights, and he may be able to offer you something.

I'm 6'3 and 210 but I don't consider myself a fatty but I am heavy. I would go with the newer designs that are short and wide twins with rocker. I ride a 134 Naish momentum. Great board, gets up and planing easily but short enough to still be able to maneuver on. Lots of brands have a similar design. Also consider a fish shaped directional surfboard in the 6' or larger size.

You may want to stick to the 137,
It will help improve the range of your kite and for your size it will do anything the same 132 would do for lighter rider.
Longer board go upwind better and carve much better than shorter board.

I'm 6'0 and 220 and ride a 136 TT. I like it better than a bigger board I used to ride.

I am 210lbs, bought a 6'3 surfboard and never looked back, i sold my 140 tiwntip a long time ago for $20.00. but the new 136ish boards do work for chubby people. my momma said chubby people cant smile but i can H&hu

Thanks guys. Guess I'll not worry about it too much. I do have a 6' surfboard to ride when it gets light.

I highly suggest checking out the Wainman Blunt II 135 or 137 from KiteNaked.com or Crazyfly Raptor Pro 137. I have the original blunt 135 and a 2011 CF raptor pro 137 and love 'em both.
I'm 6' and 220. Usually ride 12m as my largest kite but occasionally use a 14m.

I was actually thinking about either the cf raptor pro or the raptor ltd. What width did you go with?

I have a demo for you. 135x42

http://kiteworldmag.com/2011-board-tests/shinn-monk/