Useful Tips

Choosing a kiteboard

Kiteboard Is a relatively new type of sports equipment. It is a surfboard that is controlled by a special air dome (kite). The word "kiteboard" comes from the English "board" - a board and "kite" - a kite.

The most important thing to know when choosing a kiteboard is what type of board suits you best. The most common are only two types.

Symmetrical kiteboard Twin Tip

Both ends of such boards are exactly the same (symmetrical), i.e. you can use either end of the kiteboard to ride forward. It is much easier for beginners to learn on such a board, because it is more stable. Also, on it, you can easily change the direction of movement, leaving the same position of the legs, you just need to turn the body. Most of the riders ride on these kiteboards, because they can be used in all weather conditions and are versatile.

Directional kiteboard Directional

On a board of this type, they ride only in one, specific direction. She has a pronounced nose and tail. In most cases, the fins are located on the tail, so they can also be used as surfboards. Such kiteboards are used for riding in light winds or on waves. Directional boards are not recommended for beginners, because they are a little more difficult to manage. It is easier to walk on them against the wind, but in order to start moving in the opposite direction, it will be necessary to change the position of the legs.

Main characteristics of kiteboards

The size

All existing boards vary in size. When choosing a kiteboard, be sure to pay attention to this. The fact is that the size of the board must be selected taking into account your weight. The heavier the rider, the more he needs a kiteboard. This applies not only to the length, but also to the width.

There are three main factors to look for when choosing a kiteboard: the wind speed at which the board will be used, the rider's experience and the size of the board. For riding in a strong wind, you need a kiteboard less, and in a weak wind, more. An experienced person can handle the board more easily, so he simply doesn't need a very large size. Riding a small kiteboard will give you more fun and opportunities in medium to strong winds. If the gusts are light, there are special kiteboards for this case that work well in such conditions.

For beginners, it is better to train first on large boards, they are much easier to control. With the acquisition of skills, it will be possible to switch to a smaller size.

Below are the data that will help you determine the size of the board (for a wind speed of 4 - 6 m / s):

- rider weight 40 - 60 kg - length 125 - 140 cm;

- if a person weighs 60 - 80 kg, then the kiteboard should be about 135 - 155 cm long, the width can be 40 cm;

- rider weight 80 - 100 kg - length 145 - 170 cm, then the width should be at least 42 cm.

With an increase in the rider's weight, the width of the board should also change upward. If the kiteboard is chosen correctly, then an experienced rider can easily implement a variety of tricks and go to the glider.

Edge shape

It must be adapted to the riding style and experience of the person. Those. the sharp edge cuts into the water more easily. But the main thing is not to go deeper, but to stay on the surface. With decreasing radius (narrowing towards the ends and widening towards the middle) the kiteboard turns and rotates better, i.e. you can do all sorts of tricks on it. In addition, such a board cuts waves well. If the ends of the kiteboard are wide, then it is convenient to push off from the surface of the water on it (important for wakes-style).

Design features

In addition to the size of the board, there are many more factors to consider that affect its behavior in the water.

Single concave bottom(Single Concave). These kiteboards are pleasant to use in strong and medium winds. The pressure is transferred to the edge more comfortably, which makes it easier to control the board, it goes a little deeper and does not fall off the surface of the water.

Flat bottom. Kiteboards of this type are best used when there are no waves, i.e. lack of wind. They convey a pure gliding feel. You can also ride on such boards in light gusts of wind. With this bottom shape, it is easier to have an emphasis on the water.

Double Concave. These are boards with a concavity at the bottom (double). They behave well on the wave and are a great option for any purpose.

Bending the board lengthwise

The second name is "rocker". It is designed so that the board does not burrow into waves and can be variable and constant. The kiteboard will be faster as the rocker decreases. But it will be more difficult to manage it, tk. it is necessary to control that the nose does not burrow into the wave, but freely glides over the water.

Kiteboard stiffness

If the board is relatively soft, it does not develop high speed, but it is good to ride on the wind wave. To ride comfortably on a soft kiteboard, you need medium or strong wind and a sufficiently large area of ​​the board itself. For beginner riders, this, of course, only plays into the hands.

Accordingly, the more stiffness (it does not bend as much), the faster the board. In light winds, you can ride a small kiteboard. Only controlling it is somewhat more difficult.

For a comfortable and fast ride, it is important that the board is firm in the middle and soft at the edges. Therefore, many manufacturers make boards of combined stiffness. So that you can develop good speed and enjoy the ride.

Now about the fins

The main difference is their height and thickness. If the fins are thin, then the waves are better cut and, accordingly, the board is easier to walk on the water, because less resistance. But in order for the fins to be not only thin, but also strong, they are made of fiberglass using milling. This makes the board faster and easier to turn.

There are also cast fins. They are somewhat thicker than those made of fiberglass, but in terms of strength, they are definitely inferior to them. The kiteboard will be more stable and easier to steer if the fins are larger. This is especially noticeable on the waves. But turning on such a board is a little more difficult. The fins are usually two to six centimeters long. The screws are used with metric threads, so if they get lost it can be difficult to find the same. In case you need new fins, remember that screws are always sold separately, so it is better to order them right away. The fins should fit very well to the bottom of the board, so before attaching them, first glue a thin layer of rubber on the intended place, like a seal.

On modern planks, fins are often installed closer to the edges and farther from the end. In some cases, fins may be seen not parallel to the axis of the kiteboard itself.

There are models in stores with a different number of fins, but in most cases four are enough. It is worth remembering that the more fins, the more stable the board, but the resistance is stronger, so the kiteboard does not develop high speeds. The board becomes considerably heavier and is best used in strong winds.

Sometimes only two fins can be installed on the heel side. For normal riding, this is quite enough.

You can find kiteboards with different fin sizes. For example, they are larger on the outer edge, and somewhat smaller on the heel edge.

Hinges

To a large extent, the position of the legs depends on a person's height, weight and riding style.If your feet are wide enough, it will be more comfortable to land. the board will be more stable. Also, during acceleration, you will be able to rest more on the edge. If the placement of the legs is somewhat narrower, it is more convenient to use the kiteboard for rotation. The usual distance between internal mortgages is 36 - 41 centimeters. If the person who rides on the board has a small weight, then it will be more convenient with a slight shift of the loops to the heel edge.

When riding, the feet are placed on special soft pad pads. They are called pads. To prevent the legs from slipping, special wide enough straps are attached to the pads - straps. The size of the legs is adjusted with Velcro, but there are models with laces. Sometimes a small handle is attached between the pads, with which it is very convenient to carry the kiteboard, as well as to put it on directly in the water. The hinges are often asymmetrical. There is a slight expansion on the side of the thumb. Almost all manufacturers make them regulated. Then you can go kiteboarding with your shoes on. Another person can also use the board by simply adjusting the size.

With the adjustable bindings, the weight of the kiteboard increases slightly. The foot is not rigidly fixed on the board, so it can take a comfortable position.

conclusions

So, having figured out the types of kiteboards and sorting out all the main characteristics on the shelves, we proceed to the choice. If you just want to learn how to kiteboard and you know you need to buy a big board for beginners, take your time. On a kiteboard, you will learn to ride fast enough, so it’s better to buy a board about 140-150 centimeters in size (depending on the weight) right away.

There are also nuances when choosing a second kiteboard. If you bought the first one for training and want a more professional version, make no mistake. It is desirable that both boards differ in size. Small kiteboards for guys are usually 125 (length) - 38 (width) centimeters. Large board - 130 - 40 cm. For girls, the kiteboards are a little smaller. The small one is about 122 cm long and 35 centimeters wide. Large - 125 - 37 cm. At first glance, the differences are only a couple of centimeters.

When the wind is light and you are using a large kite and a small board, it is difficult to get started and get back to normal speed. If the kiteboard is a little wider, it will begin to glide earlier, and the kite can be taken smaller. The fins on the boards also vary in size. On a large kiteboard on the heel edge, their length is about 5 cm, and on the toe edge - 4 cm. If the board is small, then 3 and 4, respectively. The small fins on the toe side make it much easier to rotate the board, and the large ones on the heel make the kicks a lot easier.

Happy shopping!

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