What kind of board for begginer?

[kimbro]

> Of course, if ... you are over 200lb - that's another story.

As another beginner in that range, I'd like to hear that story.

All your advice is really helpful - and seems well-tailored for a spry 140 pounder. What changes on the board if you add 40 lbs of flesh plus 10 lbs of burritos?

[adamrod]

here's the way I do the math:

I weigh 155, I ride a 130, I'm rather experienced.
If you're a beginner, add 10 cm
If you weigh more than me, add another 5 cm
If you weigh less than me, subtract 5 cm.

so, for the 140 lb, you're a beginner that weighs less than me so on average, you should look for a 135

for the 200 lb, you're a beginner who weighs more than me, so you should look for a 145.


smaller board means you'll have more trouble learning, but won't have to sell it quite so soon. larger board means you'll learn faster, but will outgrow it quickly. the advantage of getting a super cheap board, is that if you outgrow it, you won't really lose any money on the transaction.

the crappy board is for the time when you're learning to waterstart, learning to ride both directions, learning to turn.

once you can go upwind and jump, you'll benefit from the new designs, and you'll want something a bit smaller than your beginner board.

nowadays, with the high depowerable bows/sle/hybrid kites, board size isn't as crucial as it used to be. you can get by with a much larger board because you can depower the kite to keep from getting teabagged. so, if you've got one of those kites, you could err on the side of going larger.

[Sonny]

I would recommend 128 or a 130 depending on what brand you want, but I would not recommend anything bigger than 130. If you buy a board from Helm, they will let you borrow a bigger board until you are ready for the board you bought (you have to return it end of each day).

[adamrod]

I would recommend 128 or a 130 depending on what brand you want, but I would not recommend anything bigger than 130. If you buy a board from Helm, they will let you borrow a bigger board until you are ready for the board you bought (you have to return it end of each day).

wow. you serious? that's a really good deal....

[michael]

Spleene Session is not great for chops of 3rd Ave when you are light weight. I am 155lb, and rode Session at 3rd Ave. I definitely prefer Spleene Rip way more.

I understand that heavy guys use Session so they can ride smaller kites.

[kimbro]

Good advice, thanks all for the pointers.