FireWire Evo KiteSurfBoard

[topmick]

Anyone out there kiteing & paddle surfing a 5'3 ?
At 75kg, I'm concerned that it might be too big for kiteing & too small to paddle.

[Bushflyr]

Not too big for kiting. I was successfully catching head high waves, at 85kg, on my 5.4 VG and I had never ridden a shortboard in my life. Depends on how you want to kite it. I prefer to use the same size board I would surf and use less kite. Basically tow in with the kite, park it and surf the wave using all wave power. Many/most people who play in the waves use WAY too small a board and rely on kite power. The waves aren't surfed as much as just used for kickers.

[topmick]

Yeah, I think your right about board sizes Bushflyr.
Just so happens, there's a demo 5'3 Evo(kite) at my local shop - I'll grab it first chance I get.

[Rakky]

...Many/most people who play in the waves use WAY too small a board and rely on kite power. The waves aren't surfed as much as just used for kickers.

Agree with your point Bushflyr.
I often wondered if 'kitesurfing' done by many is real surfing, or getting dragged down the wave by the kite, with the occasional 'kicker' off the lip, and not really using the wave power.
Parking the kite, I suspect you still have some pull of the kite.
Trend has been to use smaller boards, but the Tomo style smaller boards may work.

Sorry to hijack the Evo thread.

[topmick]

I have had the 5'3 Evo demo for a week now, kited 4 times in 15-25 knots. Also paddle surfed in overhead waves 1 time. (I'm 73kg)
I'm really getting to like this board, nice to be able to kite & surf the same board.
Rode it back to back with a 5'3 FW Vader today, Vader is more radical and accelerates out of turns more but the Evo is such a smooth ride.
Both sick boards & you can't go wrong with either.
I'm getting the 5'3 Evo, as I ready have a Sunova Vader

[omg]

Thanks for the feedback topmick.

What's your take on early planing abilities and the speed of Vader vrs. Evo 5'3? Also, have you ridden Vanguard, if so, how does it compare to these?

Thanks again!

[topmick]

I think the Evo gets going a bit earlier but there's not that much in it.
Both boards are fast, the Evo sort of floats over chop better/smoother.
The volume (27.4L) for paddle surfing is the main reason I'm getting the Evo + I like the more rounded outline.
I had a 5'2 VG, a few seasons back - didn't quite gel with that board for some reason but I only rode it in 3 fin config. I prefer quad set ups these days.

[snowflake]

Could anyone compare the Evo to a Nugget CSC?
I wonder whether the Evo has the same amazing lowend capabilities like a Nugget?

I (75kg) get going with my 17m on a nugget in 7-8 knots (flat water) and wonder whether an Evo could replace my nugget?

[topmick]

I see FireWire are soon to release the new Helium Tech, sounds like its going to replace FST - anyone know if/when we might see it in kite construction ?

[bigtone667]

Could anyone compare the Evo to a Nugget CSC?
I wonder whether the Evo has the same amazing lowend capabilities like a Nugget?

I (75kg) get going with my 17m on a nugget in 7-8 knots (flat water) and wonder whether an Evo could replace my nugget?

My opinion.

Have a tripped planned for Mauritius and I plan on taking the Evo and Nugget. The Evo surfs better than the Nugget (by a long way) and you don't get out of control speed on the Evo, but I can get out of control speed on the Nugget going down the face of a wave. But the Nugget does has the added benefit of going in lighter wind and handles the lulls well due to the additional volume. AND ... you can add straps.