Any thoughts on how much the edge profile will affect a boards performance. I am making a lightwind board and I don't want it to be too washy. Also, as I ride in pretty gusty conditions I need to be able to put down an edge to check my speed and get upwind.

What is a good profile?

e

Shucks, I thought I searched real good for other posts on this topic before I started a new thread. I have the same question. What is the ideal shape? I have looked at a bunch of different production boards and they seem to have a sharper edge with the bottom surface being mostly flat all the way to the edge. Thin Rails with the rounding on the topside of the board. I am making a few plywood boards this winter. I won't know how they ride until it warms up though.
Ken

Check out DC Kiteboard's page on "tucked rails"

http://www.dereck.com/dckiteboards/design.htm


I have tried this on some of the boards I have made myself with
riders reporting good results.

Awesome information. The tucked edge profile is what I used on my most recent board. The funy thing is I was originally going to put the rounded side to the water. Then I realized this should make the board slippery when powered up and flipped the board over. I am getting ready to mount the T-Nuts and finish it now. Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I was thinking the edge was important for the same reason you stated.
Ken