Anyone use a 6' Shortboard in light wind?

[kitefrog]

Folks,

I've just had a day kiting in 10 kts and 2 foot waves on a 15m kite and a 6 foot directional board with no straps. Really good wind when there's very little wind. the board's really easy to get onto and ride, even holding down power and lean back against the rail is simple enough. The smallest of waves very be really good fun! Jibing, well that'll come with time!

I might get myself a used shortboard for this purpose. I figure a 6' shortboard is ideal, any suggestions? D.

[yoursistersman]

thats what i use for the same purpose, that size works good for me, but for even more light wind power ill jump on an old funshape of something bigger

[flemboyant]

i rode my 6"4 a few months back behind the kite a few months ago and loved it. i think that it is maybe a lil too long though. goin to try my mates 5"9 next week. ill let you know how it goes. i dont bother gybing on it tho, just ride healside and go to toeside

[Chris@sharkless]

hi I ride a 6'7 shortboard, for light wind and have my LF drop 136 for normal wind. All i ride

[tekko]

Surfboards are really getting popular Here in Cape Hatteras, with most guys riding 5'8-6'8... I am still a bit bigger and wanted something that would go even lighter and still paddle in on the glassy days, so I have just gotten a 6'10" JC Equalizer (not ready yet to buy surfboard just to kite, or would ride the Rocky but I am too fat to paddle in a 6')

We have been using the Surftech Tuflite epoxy boards, which seem to be the most durable- kiter friendly, and represent epoxy boards by some of the worlds best shapers. Seems to be a good idea, as Lou Wainman is riding his Tuflite M10 in a pic in the latest The Kiteboarder Magazine.

For more info on epoxy surfboards check-
http://www.realkiteboarding.com/index.i ... ategory=98

[DrM]

I've got a Tim Nolte 6'6" which I love. Coupled with my 19m - it's awesome for those marginal days. When you get it on the plane in marginal conditions it's kinda surreal - feels like you should be schlogging but you're crusing. They also go upwind like nothing else. Great fun.

[R]

It depends what you want to do and how big you are.

A small fast shape surfboard 6'4" or less will get you kiting and having fun in those marginal winds but depending on how big you are may not be any good for surfing on those offshore/windless days.

I've got an old 6'3" which I use to kite. My 6'10" is my surfboard. This way I don't wreck my good surfboard by smashing it around kiting.

Also the 6'3" is more fun on the kite cause it is easier to throw around.

[BLOWN AWAY]

I've used an old 6ft surfboard before and it goes really well. Agreed it handles the lulls way better, no sinkin feeling. Don't worry bout jibing, just go toeside. for the record though due to the floatation it's easier jibing an old surfboard than a proper kitesurfing directional board.

[pauly]

How does everyone find the lack of bindings?
I have just started riding a 6'6 myself on those quiet days.

[KiteGlider]

I ride a converted 7'10" Town and Country wave sailboard (very light), and for my weight 102kg, it's loose for easy jibing but stable at speed through chop with the double concave and narrow square tail.

Thruster fins make a huge difference, recomend minimum three fins, and the center back fin can be smaller than usual, helps when going over shallow sand bars.

I moved the straps foward for kiteboarding, but only use them in heavy chop if I think I'll be getting a little air.

Even if I'm powered for the smaller TT, I still switch off to the directional for speed runs and to practice jibs.
(yesterday I clocked a max speed of 24.7mph(21.46kts) and covered 31 miles recorded on the GPS winds were 10-15kts)