Light wind TT board length/width

[JakeFarley]

I have been using my 135x46 TT for light wind riding (SB too slow). I was wondering if a longer board might get me riding in sub 9 knots (staying upwind) with my 21m Speed5? I am 200 lbs. Should I invest $600-800 in a "door"? Please advise.

[alford]

I can't answer if you should spend the money but a door vs a 135x46 will make a huge difference. Not sure about 9 knots but I'd bet 10-11 knots, lots of variables for sure.

[grigorib]

Yes. I rode my Flydoor XL 170x50cm in sub 8 knots under 15m Turbine on 37m lines

[Michaelr123]

They had a sweet deal on libres from liquid force with bindings for $300 at one point on real watersports. I'm 170lb 6' and was riding the 160x50. That's the board I really learned on with a 17 turbine on lightwind days inland in the Midwest. Goes upwind like crazy. I got a used celeritas and put some big fins on it and now that's what I like to ride when it's light wind, but its trickier to ride, especially strapless.

Hope that helps.
*I'm also pretty new to this sport, so don't listen to me*

[bigtone667]

I have been using my 135x46 TT for light wind riding (SB too slow). I was wondering if a longer board might get me riding in sub 9 knots (staying upwind) with my 21m Speed5? I am 200 lbs. Should I invest $600-800 in a "door"? Please advise.

I see several choices:

Go for a door that is at least 50cm wide and at least 150cm long (preferrably zero rocker) or a large skim board. I use a 150x50 CrazyFly Cruiser and/or skim board (also have some 22 inch wide surf boards that work a treat).

If the location is deep water, get a foil (the ultimate low wind weapon).

[alford]

Why is it always get a fucking foil? Every fucking time. He asked about a door, not a foil. Nobody cares that you foil.

[grigorib]

Why is it always get a fucking foil? Every fucking time. He asked about a door, not a foil. Nobody cares that you foil.

Because doors are dying. You can buy a complete, brand new 160x50cm door at Real for $299 and nobody will be making them anymore if prices are that low

There used to be “C” kites
There used to be quad kites
There used to be formula boards
Doors are on the way to become “used to be”

Nobody cares if one does or doesn’t foil, it’s just there’s very little reason not to. And for anything under 20 knots and over hip deep foils kick ass and will replace not only doors but twintips too. It’s an end of the era of of doors and huge kites.

[coupdevill]

200lbs using a 149cm Slingshot Glide and Rally GT 12m it's a beautiful thing!

coup

[bigtone667]

Why is it always get a fucking foil? Every fucking time. He asked about a door, not a foil. Nobody cares that you foil.

I believe I gave excellent door advice .......

[Shinnworld2]

I don't believe that "doors" are dying but certainly their appeal is dwindling for alot of people. Yes the foil does perform better in light winds if you have enough water... and I emphasis IF.
Take a trip to some very popular kite destinations..... Hamata or El Gouna in Egypt for example. Both have shallow water lagoons and a barrier reef some hundred metres out that whilst it is possible to foil it is certainly not easy to do so.
You will struggle to convince me that the hundreds and hundreds of kiters a year that visit those spots on vacation will simply NOT kite in light winds because it is not good for foiling - and in truth cruising in 10 knots of wind in ankle deep water on a door is pretty enjoyable.
There is also a large demographic of kiters that don't have the time, physical skills or desire to learn to foil and ironically this demographic are often the ones that purchase equipment for ALL conditions as they want to ride no matter what.....in the case of light winds that means a "door".

Jakefarley - with a large kite in sub 9 knots a 160 length board will be a HUGE benefit both in time on the water and the ability to stay upwind.