Raceboards are not particularly fast. They are fantastic upwind and in a race with an upwnid leg they will be past the upwind mark and halfway to the downwind mark before non-raceboards are approaching the upwind mark.FL Kiteboarder wrote:-
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Raceboards are not surfboards, right?
I mean, they are designed to perform better in lighter winds and are faster than surfboards.
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In crosswind races TT's have beaten raceboards because the TT is faster on the other points of sail.
You still have to gybe or ride a raceboard toeside and that is an added complication in very light conditions.
I love light wind riding. It's one of the greatest feelings to be cruising along with everything in perfect trim in smooth water. The feeling is enhanced when other riders can't even get off the beach.FL Kiteboarder wrote:-
...I would imagine if one could not 'comfortably' keep the kite in the air, there is no fun to be had...on any board.
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There are frequently times when the wind is too light to park the kite inshore but there is more wind out to sea. I can do a long run downwind to get out to sea then ride the stronger breezes back upwind.
Similarly there can be lulls where you use apparent wind to ride through to the next gust.
I would believe that the Sector 60 would be fun in any winds that you can comfortably fly the kite. BBut with the currently available gear for a moderately skilled kiter a good flat, wide TT and mid-sized powerful kite is ideal. A homemade plywood board is almost perfect for lightwind riding although it will be much heavier than a custom made board.
I also ride a 7S Superfish (7'3" quad fin) and that is a load of fun in light winds. Not as easy as the TT but loads of silly fun and keeps up well with a North RaceLTD 2010.