Thanks for the input (and the encouragement) - it sounds like anything around the 6' mark will work. I'll look for something strong and preferably cheap.

I'll definitely give the strapless option a try at some point, but I'll start with straps (will no doubt be posting later in the year asking for advice on strapless water starts).

Peter, most of the time all we get in this part of the Arabian Gulf is wind-blown chop - there are only a couple of spots that see actual waves and that's very, very occasionally. Still, I hear there's some surf in Oman, and Sri Lanka's not that far...

I would consider changing your philosophy and commit more to starting out strapless in flat water and Many people think that starting with strapps will give them "training wheels" but it often completely turns people off to directionals - because the straps are in the wrong position most of the time, especially on bigger boards. Riding strapless, you will be surprised, is not as hard as you might think...give it a try! Once you get comfortable strapless, then try the straps and see if they are in the right position...or if you even like straps on the board. It will certainly make footwork more callenging though, unless you opt for a fairly wide, overly stable board.

And DON'T use a board leash. You will get whacked sooner or later by the board, or worse a fin...and retrieving a surfboard by body dragging is super easy becasue the board drifts or surfs itself downwind much faster than a twintip.

As much as I respect Peter's advice...I suggest looking for a good board right away. I know many people who ride a crap baord for a while not really knowing it, and then when they get on a good board they are amazed by how much more they like it - and the crap board collects dust. For your size and weight I would go with something in the 29-31 litre range for the first board, probably 5/8 to 6/2 for length. I would also look for a board that was made for kiting, or is at least built stronger than normal like an Aviso. I'm a big fan of Firewire and Aviso boards for these reasons.

Quad vs Thruster? Both can be nice so it's a matter of personal taste. Some boards have 5/4/3 fin boxes so you can experiment. The Aviso Cole 5/11 is one such board. Firewire has the 5/10 hellfire or the Dominator which would be sweet rides.

Wax vs deck pad? again personal theng. I like wax and don't like to put a pad on my boards. If you are in a really hot place, maybe wax is a hassle?

Last but not least important...leave your twin tip at home (or at least in your boot) shen you get your directional. Force yourself to ride it, figure out transitioons, play with footwork, stance, etc. I also think a Dynabar helps a lot with the toeside riding. You'll figure it out fast if you dedicate a little time to it. Also, stay in knee deep water or deeper to avoid snapping your fins.

have fun

Any thoughts on the Slingy Coupe? Judging by the reviews, it seems well equiped for crappy chop and light wind... but would I be better off with a more conventional thruster/quad set up rather than a twin-fin?

I bet that board is tons of fun. Ive found that I can like aspects of almost any board. Might take you some time and a few boards to get to what you really like, but its pretty easy to like almost any board.

I have the same question as you so thought I would just post here instead of a new thread,

Would a 2011 Cabrinha race board (mainly because they are the cheapest race board I can find at 800 new) be good for a 65 kilo rider on a 13m edge looking to go out into 10-12 knots? It would be in flatish ocean (Santa Barbara area). Im looking for something to push myself on the light wind days instead of mowing the lawn, and something that I can use to get me out on the light wind days.

I would define myself as an early intermediate kiter , but I also surf and I am staring to get into dinghy racing as well.

I am not totally set on a race board because freerace boards look fun as well, just cant find a comparable deal.

Based on your requirements, 2011 Cabrinha board will work. However I'd recommend to look around if there are any 2011 Sector 60 V2 available for a good price. Cab board tracks more, it's harder to turn and will be little harder to learn to ride and jibe. Sector will give you required performance with user friendliness. Both boards should be great fast cruisers for light days and fun racers if there is an opportuninty.

Some good deals on Slingshot surf type boards!

http://kiteboarding.com/products.asp?ca ... +Closeouts