Is a Slingshot Darko a beginner board? I am 170lbs, just starting out, and have a chance to buy one. I have a 14m kite, winds 10-20 knots. what do you think?

yeah it's good for beginners, if you can get it cheap enough. i got mine on ebay for $200, learned on it and rode it for a while.

there aren't really too many boards that are bad for beginners though, unless it says "wakestyle" in the description. i'd go with something like the 2012 liquid force nova, it's built along the same idea (freestyle) but does everything the 2010 darko does but a lot better. kiteboarding.com has them for only $350 right now.

the 2012 darko is supposedly better than the 2010 but it's also like $800.

it is 135cm, and he said $300, maybe to much but not having much luck finding one. is 135cm to small? for my size? also can I used it for wakeboarding? no tricks just simple wakeboarding.

what about a Naish board size 147cm, which would be better? this Naish the guy wants $220.

Hi, before we can answer about the board size it's very important to understand not only the lenght of the board (not so important) but also (VERY important!!) the width.
If you're a beginner riding in 10-20 knots, you probably should look at something about 134/137 x 41/43. I think, for example, a Nobile T5 137x42 is a perfect board for beginners, easy and forgiving with good upwind capabilities. Not an explosive pop but you don't need it for the moment.

thanks pmaggie I will try to get that info.