I'm currently looking at replacing my 5'5 Caution Trespass and am considering one of these Naish boards. This will be my go to board for 18 to 35mph plus winds. I have a board I ride for anything lighter than this. I weigh 170lbs. Typically, onshore knee to head high surf, choppy at times. I typically ride with straps, but will ride strapless from time to time. We don't have great waves that line up for days, so I am not parking the kite and really "surfing" the wave that much. Mainly like to do aggressive bottom turns, hit the section hard, then come at it again if any of the wave left.
Also need the board to get me back upwind good, as we have a decent current that typically runs with the wind. Been using the 5'5 Caution Trespass for over 4 years, and it works great...just busting out too many fin boxes on it, and I need to figure out something different.
I've read over a lot of the older posts comparing the two boards, and it seems like the main deciding factor is if you want to ride with straps, or without. But, I'll be doing both, so that makes it tough. I also want something I can't do aggressive bottom turns on, without sliding out. I'm leaning towards the Skater board, but don't know if that is the right call or not. Also, if I did go that route, is the 5'4 the right call, or is the 5'9 the call?
Sorry for all the questions, and know there is no perfect board for everything..... Just hoping someone has some recommendations off of riding these two.. and, can maybe direct me towards the better size....
thanks