Starsky wrote:Standard shortboard
Vanguards and all that aside, on big days especially in nice waves all it takes is the standard old school run of the mill shortboard in standard dims: 6x18.25x2.25 Thruster.
Thats about the only time they really work well with a kite.
Starsky is correct. (The others might be too. I am unfamiliar with the Naish line of boards.)
You are looking for a board with "continuous rocker." You will really appreciate it on late, steep, or fast drops.
Also I personally find extremely durable construction to be less important in my high performance boards. I am far less likely to be doing strapless airs or other things that overly stress the board in the type of conditions where these boards are appropriate.