Hi,

Looking for some help picking out a light wind board. I have 14m epic screamer and 17m best waroo for my bigger kites. And I am looking to get a bigger board for when the wind is light.

I weigh 210lbs and get frustrated when I see smaller guys out on the water cruising around and having fun and I'm stuck on the beach because its not enough on my smaller boards.

I currently have an older Liquid Force influence 138 and Best 130 board. Seems I need at least an average of 18mph in OBX to get cruisin on these.

I tried making a skimboard out of plywood which worked well for a while but I'd like to get a board I can use for light wind and for when it picks up a little.

I was looking at the Slingshot Glide and Epic Oxygen.

Any advice for a board would be great!

Thanks!

Check out the Underground FLX48 (148x46) around 2007,2008 or so. I think in 2009 or 2010 it changed to the "Stella". I used that board for a year, and still use it, I use it from 10knots up to 25knots, I'm around 225lbs. Great board, no splash in the face, still has good mobility for its size.

I own an Epic Oxygen and it is a nice lightwind twintip.
If you need to go bigger, the Shinn King George is for the real big boys.

I also like a lot my Oxygen, ultra smooth and great in chop too. You can probably try one if you are in OBX by contacting Dimitri.

The Oxygen is worth trying as is the King George. The Spleene Door / Monster Door are very good too. I have an 'Old Faithful' 2007 Door (154) that I use with my 15m Speed 3 and it gets me going nicely from about 12-13 mph. This years models look / feel quite exceptional. I weigh about 100 kg so something similar should work for you with your big Waroo. There's also, of course, some nice skim boards or surf boards and I don't think anything goes as early as some of the race boards though they are a bit restrictive. And there are some interesting hybrids (e.g. Airush Vector, Mako Wide, Flysurfer FlyWave) that you might want to try though they might not give you 'ultimate' low wind performance. There will be equal numbers of people advising you to 'go directional' or 'stay twintip'. All I'll say is that I enjoy a lot of my light wind kiting and I don't see the need to stand on the beach watching smaller kiters on the water so try a bunch and find what works for you.

Hi
I am a bit heavier than you at 240lbs but can identify with your frustration. I got a litewave Wing (154x48) a couple of years ago and use that 90% of the time with an Ozone Zephyr 17m. Theyre a good combo with a good range up past 20kts. Its a bit slappy on chop but at least you dont sink.

On my wish list would be the Airush Sector 60 or 66, but there would be a learning curve as it is directional and the fins might be an issue for the tidal shallow local conditions.

if you want to ride around the other guys in light wind...get a raceboard. You'll be riding fast and hard in super light winds...and if yo use it a lot you'll lose weight for sure. It is by far the best workout you can get kiting.

I have the biggest Naish Venturi and would not hesitate one sec to recommend it. Not only does it ride well...it looks really sleek too.

I've ridden most all quote: Light wind boards. I weigh 240 lbs. go with a Monster door or Flydoor XL. I would be cautious about a Race Type board with Mashetti size fins.

If someone is not your weight or bigger, advice on kite size and boards is not he same for them and you.

If you ride in ocean then a Custom Surf is what I had to go with. Most equipment is made for people weighing less than 180 lbs. IMO.

Have a look at the Nobile Flying Carpet also

I weigh 215 lbs, dry, and I know exactly what board you need.

I'm not a dealer, but I do own two of his boards so I am definitely biased!

You must use the LiteWave Wing! http://www.usa.globekites.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=72

I own the older version and I use it ALL the time. My son Curtis does to, seen here in the readers gallery and worldwide magazine http://www.iksurfmag.com/issue29/

I took it out twice last week in light winds (7-10 mph) with my 19M S3 D, and had some sweet seshes.

Daves newest version of the LiteWave Wing is even more refined and poppier (is that a word?).

Tell him David Hamlin sent you and maybe he'll give you a good deal.

His Lace Up strap/pad assembly is top notch and they are included, as well as the fins and handle of course and free shipping I think!

Get the biggest one he has. I guarantee you're gonna love it (and not pay through the nose)!

Cheers,
David