Xenon Laluz 132 or 135 for a beginner?

[ktawfik]

Hello All,

I am a beginner at kiteboarding, having taken an IKO course and practiced for a season (~8 weekends total). I have now started to go upwind.

I am currently in the process of buying a new kit and am beginning to settle on a board. Through all my research it seems like the Xenon Laluz is a great all round board and one that I can progress nicely into as I get better.

My question is whether it is more suitable for me (given my beginner level) to buy the 132 or 135 size? I weigh 70kg (155lbs or 11st) and am ~172cm tall (5 ft and will start with a 9m kite for most of the time.

Any advice would be very appreciated.Thanks.

[eitan80]

IMO if you live in a place with decent wind take the 132mmm maybe even if not, if you don' wabnt to replace it after a while. The 135 will give you an easier start, mainly because of it's width, but than later you will need to replace it with smaller size.
The Xenon boards are well known for their super low end and upwind ability, so i guess that the 132 would do a good job as well.

Good luck, good choice that's 4 sure !
E.

[sharky79]

I wrote this before in some post:
"A friend of mine got the La-luz 135 2010 as his second board, after struggling with the first one.
he weighs about 75 KG, and it seems that it is working great for him.
i guess that it is hard for a beginner to know the difference at first, but after a few sessions you can get the feeling and understands what might suit you better."

I think that although you are lighter, you are using a 9m kite.
So IMO the 135 will be good for you (I assume that as a beginner you are not riding super strong winds yet).

[chris1974]

I weight 78kg and having 10&7m kites I use the 132 laluz board
Since you are able to go upwind I believe that 132 will suit better
Bigger boards are for low wind conditions or in case you are in waterstart phase.

ride safe

Chris
www.albatross.gr
Paros-Greece, Hotel in Logaras Beach

[alexeyga]

Take the 132 and don't be shy with the kite's size... you'll love it!!!

[ktawfik]

Thanks a lot for all the responses everyone!

It seems like the 132 is the most suitable for my build and it's probably a board that will last me as I improve my level.

Hopefully that happens next week. I'm going for a week/ten-day vacation just focused on kitesurfing. Let's hope I can report back with some major improvement and positive reviews on the Laluz.

Thanks again!