board for small woman

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

My wife needs a board of her own instead of struggling with my gear which is way to big for her. She is small 5'2" 115lbs and guys - experts, shops, instructors, me always seem to recommend gear that is too big - windsurfing, snowboarding, bikes, kites. Most of the smaller boards seem to be really shaped for heavy guys in strong wind not a smaller rider in moderate or light conditions. What size and models boards would the smaller women on here recommend? Especially anything '04 or '05 so we can get something used.

Cheers - Paul

dcrowe · Thu Apr 26, 07 7:57 am

My wife is 5' 105lbs. She rides a slingshot sx 122. Just big enough to ride with a really small kite.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

most certainly:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-4332.html

NateDogg · Thu Apr 26, 07 8:28 am

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

kitesurf_girl1 · Since 05 Feb 2007 24 Posts Ireland

from my own experience and depending on your wifes level at kitesurfing;

if she is just cruising and wants to begin to jump/front,back roll then probably a 128cm or 130cm max and she will keep it for quite a reasonable amount of time too.

if she is more experienced and looking to be really powered up then anything from a 122 -126cm.

North look like they have quite a selection of boards in the 122-131 range but i wouldn't know where to pick one up round here.

cheers
mel

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

kristina · Since 14 Mar 2007 27 Posts The Hood

I'm 5'8" 135lbs and I ride an 07 Jaime medium (128) that's a great all-around board. A small would probably work. North is also making a women's specific board (the Paris) this year, but I haven't tried it.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

i'll probably be in the gorge this weekend, so if your wife wants to try my underground flx i can remember to bring that. pm me.

shredbarbie · Since 17 Sep 2005 97 Posts Hood River, OR

Hey Pauls,

My experience with kiteboards, kites and snowboards and any other expensive gear is try before you buy. I've been kiting since 01, and have had a variety of boards.

I'd recommend narrowing in on like 3 boards and finding a way to get her to demo them. Also consider where you are going to be riding and what the water conditions are... waves, flat, chop...

If you are in Hood River, I'd be more than happy to lend her my 122 Slingshot Misfit for a day. I think it's an 04 or 05. It's usually too small for me (I'm 5'10"), but I keep it for posterity sake. The only caveat would be if it breaks or get's lost you'd obviously have to buy it. This board is nice for the Gorge conditions, does well in flat water and some light chop / swelly swell and is really light. I wouldn't use it for waves/coast.

Also, I currently ride Litewave boards and LOVE them.

Litewave Dave is going to be out here in the N.W. May 16 - 20th demoing his 07 LITEWAVE boards and 07 GLOBERIDER kites.

I think Thurs or Friday at Sauvies maybe and the weekend here in Hood River. That is an AWESOME opportunity to grab some of his boards and try them. Demo days are few and far between, so if you can get out and try the gear, take advantage of the opportunity.

That is why I bought the Litewave board and the GK kites, because I got to ride them. I bought my board off him that weekend I liked it so much.

Here is his email if you want to shoot him a note. Confirm what his planned demo dates are, tell him about the situation and ask him if he can bring a small demo board for your wife.

Litewave Dave [info@litewavedesigns.com]

-Kirsten