Hi brains trust,
Am in the market for a board for my partner but not sure on size. Recommendations from stores have ranged from 133-138cm but I feel they have recommended what they have in stock. She is 169cm and 61kg. Still at beginner stage but up on her feet and upwind (sometimes)
We kite butter flat to heavy chop. Live in WA so broad wind range but regular 18-20 in summer so reasonably powered. Looking for s good all round progression board.
Would love to hear some advice from anyone similar size/ weight.
Also any specific brand/models that might be ideal. Is there really a difference with the boards dedicated to females? Alana, Soleil etc.

Thanks in advance
Simon

At her weight and height 128-133, you should be able to find heaps of boards in this range 138 seems wildly off the mark, I ride a 138 at 98kg.
In suitable sizes we stock Shinn monkette and north Soleil in the girly boards, but also small north jaimes or xrides would work plus Core Fusion 2 and that's just one shop. Cast your net a bit wider!!
With regards the female specific boards, they typically tend to be narrower than the equivalent male size board, this is due to lighter/shorter riders so they are able to get weight over the rail.
Toddy

I am 173 cm 55kg currently ride 137 cabrina tronic - ride flat /chop great for waves - carves reallynice was recommended to buying larger but didnt want a bulky board -wanted something light and easy to manuver -wish i had of taken advice andgotton one size up
remember the smaller the board the bigger the kite you will need

I learnt on a cabrina calibra 139 it was fine went upwind really well wasnt so good on chop and waves so got the tronic

I personally wouldn't go any smaller than 137-also when u want to upgrade u will have trouble selling a board undef 137 as there will be a very limited market

Happy and safe kiting

Hey simstat,
I've just recently finished an article on picking board size. At 60kg, I'd recommend boards between 128 and 135. As a learner, around 134 would be ideal.
If you would like to learn more, check out the full article here. There is also a video that explains how board characteristics derive from dimensions, flex and rocker.
Happy hunting!
upwinder.weebly.com/your-next-twin-tip.html

I would go for a 132-135.. Nothing bigger if you want to learn freestyle tricks.

I love the women's Airush Diamond twintip.. Super fun light board designed for Chix. Awesome freestyle board which won't spray in your face and has lots of flex for nice soft landings but still great pop!!! Still perfect for freeriding also..

I have a 132 if you want to have a demo which I will be selling soon as I am upgrading to a new 2017 diamond in a few months! (I won the state champs on this board) You could also try airborne kitesurfing who will have a demo board for you to try

Feel free to contact me personally :)

Cheers

Shan

Width is more important than length.
Measure the opening of the boot of her car that should decide length.
Then do some more research on width.

Wow, some great advice there. Bit if a variance in sizes though.
Have looked at heaps of boards and have had the Shinn Monkette 131x40 recommended by one store. Seems to fit with the size guide from upwinder,and meets the car boot test (never heard that before) but much smaller than the other recommendations.
Anyone tried this board? Any advice?
Have read nothing but rave reviews on them.

Regards
Simon

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simstat said...
Wow, some great advice there. Bit if a variance in sizes though.
Have looked at heaps of boards and have had the Shinn Monkette 131x40 recommended by one store. Seems to fit with the size guide from upwinder,and meets the car boot test (never heard that before) but much smaller than the other recommendations.
Anyone tried this board? Any advice?
Have read nothing but rave reviews on them.

Regards
Simon

Your partners physique ,build , athleticism is a factor, I've found girls at the lighter less physical/ timid range become easily overpowered on standard board sizes, they lose their edge, a smaller board IMHO like the monkette or toyboy( older model)
Also if in wa your wind strengths are better than the norm and warrant a smaller board with more control, you Havnt mentioned if your partners new to kiting/ beginner or seasoned rider

yeah.... my girlfriend says width is more important too!!

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mypassingwind said...
yeah.... my girlfriend says width is more important too!!
[/

An example of an exsperienced rider
Using a wider model

Hi Simon, from my experience and I am sure we are talking straps here, taking height and weight of your gf into consideration, I would say go 133x39. Shame we don't have C's old Jamie anymore. Not too flat, floppy, booring, but not too much rocker either. That other board you are looking at now is slightly wider than what this length normally comes with. So could also work. Depends on whether your gf has large or small feet really (relevant for the ability to edge). 131-133 with 38-40 width should be fine. Should she want to ride in boots at some stage you need to go 135 or so instead probably.

Girls boards is pure Marketing, you can add a pink sticker yourself. And you can pick a board which is not too wide yourself as well.

It is probably too early to tell. But a relevant factor is also whether she prefers riding rather powered or takes it easy and likes it underpowered. Which a lot of girls seem to like, in the beginning at least. In that case the first board should probably not be too small. Especially for your flat water spot where going/staying upwind is important. In heavy chop on the other hand and fairly powered the smaller board comes in handy as you know.

See you on Sunday perhaps