Thanks. Any idea how long it will be before the new shapes/sizes will be available?

I'm sold on Firewire, but I'd like to use the boards for both kitesurfing and surfing (50/50), and I'm not sure if it's best to buy standard FST and accept the beating it will take from strapless kitesurfing or get a kite specific FW board and accept the extra weight/stiffness when surfing.

Up to now all of my surfboards have been PU and I've mostly been using skimboards in the waves with the kite. My surfboards need replacing so I'd like to kill two birds with one stone if possible with the Firewires.

Anyone have any feedback on surfing (no kite) with the kite specific Firewire boards? Do you feel much difference compared to standard FST? Thanks

get the normal, if you are used to light glassed surfboards the kite specific will feel heavy and dead compared to the standard. depends if you want it to last longer or feel better?

Sweet Potato 5 or 5.2

Quad fish HP. Light wind machine.

However I would recommend future fin boxes for kiting.
Less likely to do damage from the back of the fin if you hit a rock.

GJ,

For now, we have the weight heavier to compensate for the issues that we had earlier. We have narrowed down a construction that is literally bullet proof. We don't have any record at this point of any of the new construction models breaking that I know of. With that in mind, new construction and technology is being tested and built and the future is going to be unreal (i.e. lighter, stronger even, etc.)

For surfing, yes the FST will be more of a ride in the surf, but the kiteboards are by no means stiffer, just heavier in weight. We are aiming for next season for some new goodies to come out as far as construction. Good things in the works.

The Hellfire in a bigger size than 5'6, If I could get a 5'9 or 5'10...I could surf as well as kite it.

I agree, bigger would be better, but for me I'd need something in excess of 6'2" Just take the size chart from the surf ranger and offer those to kiters. Better yet, get rid of the kite line entirely and offer the option of thicker glass and foot strap inserts for any board in the surf line.

I think i'm going to get the board i want from the surf range and pay someone to vacuum bag a sheet of glass on the top overlapping the rails(not glassing over the vent of course). I feel like compromising on build quality in this way is better than compromising on shape.

how about a round tail taj, like this one.http://custom.firewiresurfboards.com/custom/config
looks just awesome.

A surfable, kiteable board for beginner riders 95kg and up. Call it the "Eleanor"

One that doesn't cost $800.
Sorry, but I still remember getting custom made boards from my shaper for a little over 200 bucks. That was the early 80's and a lot has changed. However, 800 for something that may buckle?
Don't get me wrong, I love the FireWire line of surfboards and they are my favorite boards for kiting.
So, I just go to Craigslist and find slightly used ones for a few hundred dollars. Ive been riding a 6'2" Alternator for 2 years and it's still water tight with some delamination on the deck. No worries because I just picked up an identical model for 250 on Craigslist that's just sitting waiting to be ridden. Thinking of picking up a lightly used 6'2" quad fish this week. Guys asking 300 and it's been listed a few times. I wonder if he will take 250?