Can I color/paint my board?

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

From my recent lost board episode I've been thinking of ways to make it more visible. Perhaps a coat of bright orange paint would do it? Has anybody ever tried this? What paint is best to use, will it stay on?

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

Spike check this out. http://oceanrodeo.com/gojoe.php I have one and have been very pleased. It flips your board, over and moves it downwind not with the current. Also makes drifting board very easy to see. It doesn't get in the way. Any time you don't want to use it just don't inflate it, doesn't get in the way of foot straps or hang over edge of board. Adds virtually no weight to the board. Now when i lose my board it just sails back to me instead of me having to drag around trying find it. If you dropped your kite and had to swim in it would make spotting board from shore or boat way, way easier. Down side it looks a little goofy. Got mine from Bellingham kiteboarding for $59 including shipping.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Dude, that thing is sweet! I will definately consider it. Stupid that I am actually contemplating weather or not it will be worth looking goofy. But being able to spot your board like that is awesome. Does the pad that it sits on conform to the boards curvature like a lot of foot pads do? And if you deflate it can you detatch it without screwing off the handle?

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

The base conforms to the board. You can't just pop it on an off the board. You can deflate it, squeeze all the air out and stick the valve plug in so water doesn't get in it and it is not bulky, flopping around or intrusive. When i ride easterlies i don't use it 'cos i figure it would just make the board go down river even faster. Even in light wind it sails board downwind rather than drifting with the current so board either sails to you or I drag downwind to it. Anyone who is really image conscious will hate it, it looks different but it does work and way safer than a leash.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

JP and I've painted a few boards, but we use car paint and shoot a good clear on it after (finish is just like a car). I'm sure you get could spray paint to stick, but be sure to scuff it up well first (600-800 grit should do the trick).

Here's my "heavily modified" 2003 SX 136, which I cut down to ~103cm, re-shaped/glassed the ends, and sprayed.

Side by side with JP's Misfit 123

tonyb · Fri Jun 29, 07 1:01 pm

The Go_Joe actually looks like a great idea even if a bit goofy looking. Much safer than a leash and could really cut down on the body dragging time and increase the riding time for beginners.

Which ever way you roll, always remember, safety first!

wylieflyote · Fri Jun 29, 07 1:57 pm

I asked Santa for a GoJoe this past Christmas, and she got one for me. Now, every time I come back from a session, she'll ask "Did you use that goofy looking thingy?"

I finally broke down and used it last week in the Gorge. Works perfectly. Board is very visible, and it almost races back towards you after a crash. If you are near-sighted, like I am, it is extremely difficult to body drag back to the baord. The body dragging is easy, it's just that I don't trust where I'm going when I loose sight of the board. Add some cloud cover to mess with the lighting, and it gets even more difficult.

No question about it... this thing is NOT cool at all. Weighed against the $500+ for a new board... I guess I'll eat pie.

Plus side: I've ditched the board leash and it's risk of head injuries

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jun 29, 07 1:59 pm

Spike, if you buy that inflatable sail thing a ma bob I am seriously going to kick sand in your face.

AND we are going to take away your newb of the year award.

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

i painted my crazyfly and look what happened! i think the brighter color attracts stumps Shocked

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

" The real American...Hero.......GO JOE!!!! "

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

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

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I like leashes... If you put a 75 meter one on, the only way the board's going to hit you is if you loop like Ruben!

JNETTE · Since 02 Feb 2006 149 Posts PORTLAND Stoked

I vote you paint it.....It was really really hard keeping track of your board....especially after it flipped over! Very Happy

skydiveblake · Since 28 Jun 2006 63 Posts San Diego

I would pay extra not to have one of those damn things on my board. Besides, kiting is all about fashion anyway - look at Josh's wetsuit...

Better to lose your board than get beat up for having a kook-banner on it!

surfncap · Since 06 Mar 2007 78 Posts NE

seems like good addition to all my kook flags, green helmet, purple pfd, would yellow or orange match best.
I am just learning to upwind body drag and then upwind board drag hopefully next session. Seems like I need to earn more upwind skills before getting a cheat. What are some drawbacks of it?.