Saving...
Best Kiteboarding
How To Choose The Best Kiteboard
Kiteboarding is perhaps the most challenging extreme sport as it combines wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and even gymnastics into one activity. This extreme sport harnesses the wind’s power on propelling the boarder/surfer/rider across the water. There are a number of tricks and styles one can do while kiteboarding and depending on these tricks, the user has to choose wisely the board that he would be using.
Since the invention of extreme sports, man has never failed on developing the most extreme cases of sports to the extent of putting one’s life on the line for the sake of that man’s happiness and satisfaction on doing the most challenging things ever imagined by him. Viewed by a jampacked crowd under the scorching heat of the sun, riders take delight on gliding through the water and flipping in mid-air as they are pulled upwind by their kites which know no limits on flying.
While riders are at the mercy of the wind, this isn’t enough of a statement to conclude that their safety should be left compromised just because they chose to do it anyway right from the start. After all, despite the fact that they engaged into extreme sports which are naturally dangerous, they are also humans who need protection.
This is the reason why riders have to buy the best boards for kiteboarding. Of course they don’t come in cheap prices, but they do come with the best strength and durability. Choosing the right kite board is all about choosing the destiny of a rider in his chosen field. This is an investment only a true sports enthusiast understands. A rider may encounter a myriad of choices on kite boards considering that each kiteboard differs in size, color and sometimes, the tricks that you can do with it.
Straight To The Point
If you are not sure of what you are doing and if you are not yet sure on which board to buy, you can go straight to the point and ask your local kiteboarding equipment store. Your store should know the about the best choices on which boards to purchase and they can choose directly for you from your size, weight and experience. But only do this if you are the kind of guy who doesn’t have time to choose based on nitty gritty standards. However, there isn’t a such a thing as the best board for kite surfing. The best board vary from person to person. Hence, what’s best for you might not be good enough for one even. Hence, in order to choose the best board, you have to choose which board fits you best.
Because Size Matters
Size matters for every rider. The kind of tricks that you perform can be limited by the size of your board. If you are a beginner, choose a larger board since it has a larger volume and will it will keep you from sinking. This will also allow you to use a smaller kite which is relatively easier to handle. If you are an advanced rider, you can choose a smaller board since it is lighter and with it you can glide easier and perform more tricks.
Consider Your Weight
Your weight is also a factor which you should consider whenever you are purchasing a board. If you are heavy, then a larger board is needed. Here is a list of the weight ranges and the corresponding sizes of suitable boards:
*) 125pounds – 150pounds – 134x41cm kiteboard.
*) 150pounds – 180pounds – 140x43cm kiteboard.
*) 180pounds – 210pounds – 142x45cm kiteboard.
*) 210pounds up – 146x46cm kiteboard.
The Rocker, Width, And Outline
You should also consider some final adjustments with your board. The three factors which can add or lessen the length of your original kiteboard are the following:
1. The Rocker – The rocker is the curvature of your board from tip to tip. If you have an increased rocker, your rocker will feel and ride smaller. Flatter boards on the other hand ride larger because of their capability to ride along water surfaces with less friction.
2. Width – A wider board (wider than the standard 43cm) will allow the rider to plane sooner, easier and with less power.
3. Outline Profile – The over-all profile of your board can have varying effects to your kiteboarding experience. Your board will not displace much water if it is wider and it tapers heavily towards the tips. A board on the other hand which is lesser in width will displace more water, which will require you less kite power even if you are a large person, but in the toll of going on lower speeds.
Its In The Rider’s Pockets That Hurt Them The Most
You also have to consider the amount of cash a board costs. Normally a kiteboard costs $700. Anything more than that will mean an overprice. But sometimes, a more expensive kiteboard will mean more quality. But if you don’t have that much money, you can create your own board.
You Are At The Mercy Of The Winds
The greatest factor that you have to consider is the wind strength at the location where you would be kiteboarding. If the wind is light, you have to purchase a board that is larger. These bigger boards will make you afloat during light periods and it also reduces your frustration on wind lulls. Consequently, if you are in a high wind speed zone, you can purchase a smaller board.
It Depends On What’s Best For Your Foot
You can also choose your kiteboard depending on the comfort you want your feet to experience. You can choose among surfboard-like kiteboards which has foot straps, wakeboard-like kiteboards which has foot straps and bindings, or a pair of water-ski-like skis which has bindings.
Direction You Want To Take
Another factor that you have to consider is the direction of the board you want. Directional boards have a distinct head and tail which are called bow and stern respectively. These boards are used on lower wind speeds and lighter waves. They are used head first and to change direction, you have to “jibe” or turn the board’s head in the reverse direction.
Another kind of board is the bidirectional board which is used by modern riders the most. They have no distinct head nor tail and both tips of the boards are identical. It can travel on both direction by simply reversing your movement.
Preferred Style Of Riding
Of course you have to consider also the style that you would be doing while kiteboarding. If you are planning on just enjoying a low altitude, keeping single carving turns, and cruising, then you just have to stick on the standard size. But if you are planning on doing the most unimaginable tricks, like fastriding, high flying, and flipping, then you should equip yourself with a smaller board, and a stronger physical and mental capability.
Color And Design
Lastly, you have to consider the color and design of your board. The color and design of your board will say something about your personality and style of kiteboarding, so you also have to choose well. Choose a flashy design and color if you are into more challenging tricks.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
