Selecting the board

[skyshimas]

I am new to the sport and just bought used 12m RPM now I am looking to buy a board on which I could learn and also progress. I am thinking light wind board so it could be used in the future as well. I am 185-190 lbs. any suggestions/ advice? Also size for my weight? Thanks for the help!

[Kenzo]

Hey. when I was learning, I struggled on a board that was too small for me. As soon as I got a bigger TT, 156x46.5 North Spike, I was up and riding every time. Now it is my L/wind TT. I guess the problem was I was trying to ride in wind that was just too light for my equipment, which is a common mistake. Get a bigger board

[Kamikuza]

What he said...

Primo board - Axis Ultra 148x44
Cheap and effective but less sexy - Ocean Rodeo Origin 142x48

[dyyylan]

I advise the opposite, a bigger board doesn't really help compared to a proper-sized board unless you go all the way and get a "true" light wind board like a door (which is boring as hell to actually ride)

A better option is to just go out when you are proper powered on your kite, even a little overpowered. Most beginners try to learn in winds that are super light because they are afraid of their equipment, and it makes it so much more difficult. It is far easier to learn how to water start and ride a bit when you don't have to focus so much on the kite, you can just dive it a little bit and get pulled up.

It's a lot easier to learn that way and will save you money so you can just get a board you'll actually use rather than having a lightwind board that will get you going 1 mph of wind sooner.

[Kamikuza]

I think beginners tend to go out lower wind than they should cos (as you said) it's scary and they can't handle the power, or they can't judge the wind. They also don't have he skills to maintain constant power from the kite, and need a bigger board to coast through the rider-induced lulls...

That's my theory anyway.

[dracop]

Go for a larger board, wider is easier to get up on, length is nice but more helpful the taller you are and the lighter wind you need.

Naish Orbit
Spleene Door
Litewave Wing
Best Breeze 158

There may be others, but target something 145+ that is at least 44 or 45 wide. Be aware 145 x 45 is the the final stop for larger boards of standard design - it gets really pricey beyond that point, but the larger boards make good beginner boards and serve as light wind boards down the road.

[skyshimas]

Thank you guys for the input. I'm thinking also making a call to the local shop and see what they have to offer and advice to give. I want something I can have fun on down the road as well.