Trying to decide between global and skater... Want to learn strapless but will also use straps, decent waves good wind.

For Maui id say global. Depends on the waves and where but to me global for Maui. If you mainly ride kitbeach area skater...but have not ridden that board with straps much..

Yes mostly kitebeach... I've been thinking about it for awhile and waiting for something used but can't wait any longer. Honestly will probable ride mostly strapped but want to do some strapless. What size global... 5' 11" 180lbs?

Well this year I went with the 5'8''..but I am going to use it mainly in bigger waves and higher winds. I am quite a bit heavier than you. I would say if you are looking at last years...the 5'11 is probably ideal. The new ones comes off the top a little easier, but the difference is not insanely big. If you are using it for strapless too, you might even consider the 6'0''..but either would work.

I am really a bit torn saying the global because I really f#*$ing like the new 5'9'' skater. I have not ridden kitebeach in big waves, but I have seen them, and I think the skater would work well for it. I would not use last years skater with straps for sure. There is a pretty big difference on the big skater size..well it is not big, but it is significant

Hey thanks again... I'll see what happens tomorrow, it's kind of big over here, which should be interesting for my first directional day.