I am learning to kite, female, 155cm, 54 kgs - what board would I use - I am at the body dragging stage??

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joosing said..
I am learning to kite, female, 155cm, 54 kgs - what board would I use - I am at the body dragging stage??

What board are you using at your school? Try and get the model and importantly, the size.

joosing,

The board size to choose depends on a few other factors than just your weight. If you live in an area where you'll mostly have light/moderate winds (12-18 knots) then you should look for a larger board, especially as a beginner. Generally speaking your first twin tip board would be the biggest, then you downsize as your skills improve. Also if you don't have any previous board skills (i.e. wakeboarding, surfing, etc.) a larger board is preferable as it will be easier to balance on and will be more forgiving. If you live in an area where you get mostly strong winds (20 knots +) then a smaller board is a better option, especially if the water is rough. Smaller boards are easier to hold a strong edge in choppy waters. Some beginners who chose larger boards may progress slower in strong winds and loose control easier as the board is harder to edge (good edging = speed control).

For your body weight, a larger board will be around 134-138cm and a shorter board around 124-128cm. Probably not the specific answer you're after, but I hope this helps :)

What cbulota says BUT I'd suggest to not waste money and buy a larger board as eventually even in lighter winds you will end up having difficulties edging the board properly hence controlling it, as you will ride a larger kite in those winds. Should you only have one kite and therefore be underpowered in light winds then of course a larger board will be beneficial. I'd rather invest into a second or third kite instead and have a board I can control and enjoy in all conditions. It is mainly the width of the board which helps get going in light wind, but which makes it hard to control the edge especially as your feet most likely are smallish
So 127-130cm in length and 37-39cm wide I'd say. Look for good straps as a lot of them will be way too big for you and this will make it hard to control the board.

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joosing said..
I am learning to kite, female, 155cm, 54 kgs - what board would I use - I am at the body dragging stage??

The ironing board

All of RussKraut's advice is spot on. My sister is 155cm @50kg, her board is 128cm by 38cm. An extra note make sure when ur looking at boards that the board allows the foot straps to be moved in for a narrow stance as whenever ive taken my sister out on my board the closest stance is still too wide.

134cm board is a standard board which 80% of riders use, no matter the skill and weight.

About weight of the board, too heavy and you'll reach for a lighter board all the time. I am 60kg riding 120cm 2.5kg hand made board. Even 0.5kg makes a huge difference for tiny person.

Lighter board and easier 'walk of shame', which is normal when learning:0)

Heavier board and more damages to the shins. You might invest in some shin protectors, they are cheap, but priceless when learning.

Just my 2c....

Shin protectors am I reading correctly????

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makntracks said...
Shin protectors am I reading correctly????

I usually wear my cricket pads for maximum comfort protection and most importantly styyyle

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dbabicwa said..
134cm board is a standard board which 80% of riders use, no matter the skill and weight.

About weight of the board, too heavy and you'll reach for a lighter board all the time. I am 60kg riding 120cm 2.5kg hand made board. Even 0.5kg makes a huge difference for tiny person.

Lighter board and easier 'walk of shame', which is normal when learning:0)

Heavier board and more damages to the shins. You might invest in some shin protectors, they are cheap, but priceless when learning.

Just my 2c....

Done and dusted. POST OF THE YEAR. ****ing shin protectors! And I don't know where you're getting your information but 80% of the kiting population on 134s? NAT

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dbabicwa said..
134cm board is a standard board which 80% of riders use, no matter the skill and weight.

About weight of the board, too heavy and you'll reach for a lighter board all the time. I am 60kg riding 120cm 2.5kg hand made board. Even 0.5kg makes a huge difference for tiny person.

Lighter board and easier 'walk of shame', which is normal when learning:0)

Heavier board and more damages to the shins. You might invest in some shin protectors, they are cheap, but priceless when learning.

Just my 2c....

aaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha. if your worried about hurting your shins, maybe kitesurfing isn't your sport!

Winner

just in case you mised the other thread

There are some really good womens boards around as well, most arent just a smaller version of the 132-134cm board that they really test. Most WOMEN, not men ride a 128 and for your weight it is a perfect size. If you were in boots you'd go a 134.....

If in lighter winds, something like a 2-3 year old Nobile NHP 132cm. Flexy tips, a little more rocker, and cheaper than a new board.

No Im not selling one...

Hey Joosing, just ignore all that sexist stuff above, the interwebs's pretty tough these days, and especially on this site

Most of the info above is pretty spot on, and the main thing that someone pointed out, is that at your stature you must have your footpads in the correct posi

Board size is not that bigger an issue at your stage, but stance is ( BTW, stop body dragging and get on board ), but don't try and go too small as it will really drag out your learning curve. And when you feel like you need to upgrade, I'm sure you'll easily pass it on or flog it to a friend who wants to get into the sport once they see how super you're doing

So yes, bigger board, something a bit floaty to get started on, but you'll progress a lot faster than trying to start out on a small board

And as many of us have, you'll probably end up keeping that board for a light wind toy

Any questions, just send us an e-mail

Veebs

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Drury said..

dbabicwa said..
134cm board is a standard board which 80% of riders use, no matter the skill and weight.

About weight of the board, too heavy and you'll reach for a lighter board all the time. I am 60kg riding 120cm 2.5kg hand made board. Even 0.5kg makes a huge difference for tiny person.

Lighter board and easier 'walk of shame', which is normal when learning:0)

Heavier board and more damages to the shins. You might invest in some shin protectors, they are cheap, but priceless when learning.

Just my 2c....

Done and dusted. POST OF THE YEAR. ****ing shin protectors! And I don't know where you're getting your information but 80% of the kiting population on 134s? NAT

Thanks mate.

Sorry, are we discussing a board for tiny female rider here? Yes, a shins mate, that is what my wife said and that put her off learning?!
When it HURTS it does NOT work for the most of them.

You jumped off your chair however a good % of MALE learning riders ride with a floating vest? A helmet? An impact vest? How's that?

And the boards? 134 is the most common size. Even resonates on this thread.

And lastly, where did you help with your advice instead of criticizing my efforts? Thanks fellas, I won't do it again...

Hey Joosing,

I have a 131 you can borrow for a while if you like to test for size untill you make up your mind, I dont use it anymore. just flick me a PM.