Last time I used 3 different real pocket no-nose-boards of
around 90 x 35 cm
and designed a further one. download/file.php?id=84845&mode=view
Here is what I learned and want to share:
First about the limits
The only relevant limit for me is, that the rider should be very safe doing flying tacks or jibes as < 1 m surface jibes are still possible but much harder than flying ones. Another disadvantage will be that you have to ride cleaner especially at higher speeds as touchdowns are possible, but not at the higher speeds and a small o better no stabi will be helpful to allow fast pitch reactions to prevent front food from cutting into the chop.
But thats it.
For sure also with a volume pocket you will have less volume, but still enough as long it is fat enough.
Significant disadvantage in low wind is a mythos, you may loose maximum 1 knt which is not to bad as it gives your kite one knot more to body drag you home when the wind dies. And for sure in the lowest lowend you can't combine a pocket board with a small wing and small kite, but as long at least one of the two is big the wing makes you flying right from the start or the looped kite just bombs you on your small wing and board. Used here a 580 cm2 wing and want to build one even smaller.
Benefit list is long
- much lower weight as also foil connection has much lower stress as there is no long lever nose touches the water while foil piches downwards pulling out front plugs (the way two of my long boads gets weak)
- much more freedom in movement due to low momentum of inertia.
- great to jump with lower risk and more freedom especially for foiloffs
- Much more compfortable on the beach and in the car trunk, if the board is also narrow even the strut can be shorter..
Only further disadvantage till now you don't get to many real pocket boads so have to build yourself.
Or anybody already experience with serial boards < 1 m?
I am sure there will be a market in the future with raising abilities of customers.