Recommend me a surfboard - light wind / small waves / 210lbs rider

[cdbxyz]

Hi all,

I’ve just got back into kiting after a few years off due to kids and injuries etc. I have an 8/10/13.5 quiver of Core Nexus 2.

I am intrigued by directional surfboards to have some fun in the waves (small, mushy, usually max 6ft) and also to extend the bottom end range a bit without buying a bigger kite. I don’t want a huge kite as I’d rather be cycling in lighter winds, but a knot or two on the bottom would be good for days I’m already at the beach.

I’ve been looking at the Duotone Pro Fish 5’5 and the Core Ripper 4 (undecided on size)

Can anyone comment on the suitability of these boards for my intended use, or suggest an alternative that may work better?

Thanks
Chris

[Frankieboy]

for me Firewire EVO 5'3 worked the best when I was up to 260lbs (220 now)
Even in lighter wind it get going very early, rockets upwind and is OK in choppy conditions.
I had Vader 5'5 before and the EVO starts earlier.
I have the Stallion 5'4 and EVO performs much better for me
Don't look at the lenght or volume, there is much more then this with this board.

[teftelja]

+1 for Evo. Nimble, lightweight and plans early. 5.1 for 91kg works great

[Rob112]

Slingshot Mixer 5'8 - works well for me at 220lb. Could go 5'10 if you want bigger, but felt too big for me.

[Da Yoda]

Jimmy Lewis' Canary board is what 1st comes to mind. It's the most bombproof construction I've seen in a production kite surfboard. It's shape is intended for the exact type of waves you mention.
http://www.jimmylewis.eu/boards/canary-kt/

My buddy is around 220lbs and has broken several boards including Firewire's Evo Helium, but his Canary is still going strong.

[cdbxyz]

Thanks for the suggestions. The Evo looks good but doesn’t look like it’s available in the UK so would be quite a hassle to get one....

Duotone do a Pro Whip which looks like a similar concept, any thoughts on this?

[Da Yoda]

Duotone do a Pro Whip which looks like a similar concept, any thoughts on this?

I'm a fan of this board in particular, but I don't like Duotone's fin boxes. These Pro boards are also constructed with a lighter lay-up, so it's not as durable as the standard Whip. At your weight I'm pretty sure the Pro version would not last long.

Sounds like your after a compact shape. Are looking for something that's strap compatible or for dedicated strapless riding? That will help us narrow it down for you.

For strapless boards...

Naish's new Gecko 5'4 may be something to check out. It's dedicated for strapless riding but has their more durable construction.
https://www.naishkites.com/product/gecko/

Another one to consider is Eleveight's Esacape 5'4. I'm a big fan of this board and the fact it uses Futures fin boxes. Definitely a contender if you want a strapless board with bomber construction.
https://www.eleveightkites.com/boards/escape

[PullStrings]

Forget the Core and the Whip
Of the 3 boards you mentioned so far the Pro Fish 5'5" is it....widest board that is not too long and the highest volume
Core is too long and narrow....too pintail / volume ok
Whip too narrow volume too low
All those boards have 3 fins

Light wind means different things for different people
Waves 1 to 6ft
Here it is 9-10-11-12 knots
165 lbs rider
17 sqm kite
Quad fin board not being made anymore
North Nugget TT construction 2014 model....short 5'2"....wide 21" x thick 2 3/8"
Volume 28.9L

So with just a 13.5 sqm kite you can figure out what is to be expected

Maybe light wind for you is 12-13-14-15 knots

Its all good
Have fun
My 17 cents

[Frankieboy]

Thanks for the suggestions. The Evo looks good but doesn’t look like it’s available in the UK so would be quite a hassle to get one....

Duotone do a Pro Whip which looks like a similar concept, any thoughts on this?

You can get it from anywhere in Europe just google it

To me there is just something different with this board, a lot of boards look similar but don't ride the same

5'1 would be enough but as you asked a board for light wind I think the 5'3 is better.

[cdbxyz]

Duotone do a Pro Whip which looks like a similar concept, any thoughts on this?

I'm a fan of this board in particular, but I don't like Duotone's fin boxes. These Pro boards are also constructed with a lighter lay-up, so it's not as durable as the standard Whip. At your weight I'm pretty sure the Pro version would not last long.

Sounds like your after a compact shape. Are looking for something that's strap compatible or for dedicated strapless riding? That will help us narrow it down for you.

For strapless boards...

Naish's new Gecko 5'4 may be something to check out. It's dedicated for strapless riding but has their more durable construction.
https://www.naishkites.com/product/gecko/

Another one to consider is Eleveight's Esacape 5'4. I'm a big fan of this board and the fact it uses Futures fin boxes. Definitely a contender if you want a strapless board with bomber construction.
https://www.eleveightkites.com/boards/escape

Definitely looking to go strapless.

That Escape looks interesting, I’m leaning towards the Evo as have found it in an EU shop. Are they similar? The whole bottom shaping of the Evo just looks very different and everyone seems to rave about it.