Liquid Force Recoil or Flexifoil Freestyle?

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

I am a new rider, 5'8" and 145. I am trying to pick a board and the shop has a few choices...the LF, flexifoil and he also said he has underground. I have no idea which board to pick. I thought I would ask this groups advice.

Which board and what length/width is good for my weight?

I would appreciate thoughts and opinions

Thanks

Mark

sleestack · Since 07 Dec 2006 184 Posts Land of the Lost Stoked

If you are just starting then I would get a board a bit bigger, like something in the 140's. I've only ridden the underground, but liked it a lot. So much gear out there. You just got to ask yourself, "where do you see yourself riding in the seasons to come?" If it is the columbia only, then you can probably get away with even a smaller board to start, but you will have some growing pains; meaning your progession will be slowed somewhat with a board that has less float. If you plan on hitting the big pond aka the Pacific, then get something in the mid-40's. When you get better, you will want more boards, different sizes; same with the kites.

Best of luck with your upcoming addiction Shocked

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

I would agree with sleestack..something in the 140-150cm range, buy used, 2004 or newer snowboard style construction. You will outgrow your first board fast, but they are usefull for lightwind days once you are a better rider.

Then once you get the hang of the sport, you'll meet new people with different boards/sizes and you will get a feel for a style of board you like to ride.

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

Width actually plays a bigger part in the low end of a board than length. My board is only a 126, but bigger (more surface area) than most boards out there because its very wide all the way to the tips.

I'd say a wide board would be anything in the 39cm+ category... though you have to figure that measurement comes at the middle of the board, so you need to look and see if the tips look wide as well.

Length will help you edge, go in a straight line, and give you a smoother feel in chop. Width will help you get on on plane and keep planning as you point more upwind. More width at the tips will give you extra low end, less width at the tips will give you a smoother ride. Some concave is nice too because it will help reduce bounce in the board.

Hopefully this doesn't all add to the confusion. Very Happy

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

Not that I have anything to add to Phil or Trevor's advice, but Tekko who is the LF rep has offered to let kiters demo his boards- especially since he is out with an ankle injury-- see post http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-4883.html

Good luck-

forrest · Thu Jun 14, 07 9:06 am

What kind of kites are you going to be flying?

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

well now that you raise that topic....I was ready to pull the trigger on buying 9M and 13M Waroo. I have never seen them in real life and never flown them. I have only flown the Naish Boxer 9M and 12M during my training.

Today I saw a guy who owns a local shop flying a North. I was checking it out and it looked like a very a nice kite. Workmanship wise anyway. He carries North, Cabrinha, Naish, Ocean Rodeo and a number others and he said his fav is North. So....I am now waivering on my Waroo thinking.

If you guys have some tips on the kites I would love to hear them.

Thanks

Mark

forrest · Fri Jun 15, 07 8:36 am

What kind of riding do you like to do? What kind of riding do you see yourself doing this season?

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

Well considering that I am new...riding upwind is the flavor of the day. I think I have that going now. For this season I will be mostly doing cruising and nailing my board skills. I want to learn all transitions types, working my weak side(goofy) and then moving to some simple jumps. Long term I want to wave ride on a directional board. Doing all the radical tricks is appealing but I am more drawn to doing wave riding than tricks. I suspect I will learn a bit of everything in the end but combing my surfing interest with kiting is really appealing.

Mark

forrest · Fri Jun 15, 07 11:05 am

Last question, Where do you want to ride most of the time?

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

I am in Vancouver, BC. I did all my training in squamish so will probably ride there most often. I can also ride in Boundary Bay which is Point Roberts, WA. For waves it will be Tofino or some tropical destination but that is a ways off.

Trips to the gorge will happen for sure as well.

Mark

forrest · Fri Jun 15, 07 11:25 am

Sounds like you're a prime candidate for an SLE style kite. So you really can't go wrong with the 07 Waroos or the Boxer SLE. 9/13 Waroo combo is very popular. I think the 9, 12 Boxer combo is close in wind range and you might want to consider just a 9 Boxer to get out on just the best days.

All the boards you listed above would be good. I would go with something close to 140 if you're going to get an SLE as board speed is important when flying these kites and a larger board will help you keep your speed better than a smaller one. I've ridden the 06 Underground FLX 142 for an entire season and they're awesome.

LeeW · Since 19 Sep 2005 3 Posts New Member

Liquid Force in general for boards = better value for the dollar

Getting a used board is a good idea. I lost a couple during my first couple of years and it sucks to loose an expensive new board.

mack · Since 08 Aug 2006 29 Posts Hood River, OR

i am 5'10'' 180 and have a recoil 133. it rocks. go liquid for shure

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

my 2 cents on the kite purchase

new kites: are better designed then even last years kite, but cost more money and you will normally thrash your new kite the first year.

used kites: very cheap but do not perform as well, but who cares its used and your gonna thrash it. and since you are just learning, its not like you want a super zippy kite anyways.
or need a kite that is gonna boost you huge.

i'm a C kite rider so I won't go down the path of what type (sle or c) or brands etc to buy.

but for me I buy last years kites. just slightly used and works out for me. just get time on the water which is more impotant right now that actuall what you ride.

enjoy