Custom boards?

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

I'm looking for a cheap lightwind board. I saw these advertised on ikitesurf, and I think on ebay, too. Any thoughts? I realize I won't be buying a kick-ass $800 board. Anyone used one?
Here's the description:
"An advanced design with affordability.
Be a part of the "revolution"... Wider is clearly better.

The 146x18 is for all skill levels…
For all beginners in all wind conditions, all kite sizes and
for intermediate and advanced riders in light wind conditions.

Brand new, 146cm in length, 18" (46cm) width. Wider boards provide more planning surface allowing the rider the versatility to carry a smaller kite with controllable power and greater range. Wider boards will also help you glide through lulls and get you on the water riding upwind in more controlled conditions.

JAW board decks are ½” thick made from a furniture grade of wood; 7-ply, the top and bottom layers are baltic birch. The end result is a light board that is durable, not brittle.

Quality components include Nice Goods wide body asymmetrical straps with full adjustment, comfortable footpads, four 2" black fins & a light weight grab handle.

Try one for yourself!"

forrest · Tue Apr 29, 08 7:18 pm

It'll work for sure. Go wide.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Here's an old thread, though I don't think they're the same brand.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-503-0-asc-0.html

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

Thanks for the link and recommendations.
If I weigh 150lbs, and, for the sake of argument, I'm an excellent lightwind kiter with an 11m bow and a 16m Caution C-shape, which size should I get? The 146 or the 130? I kinda want to go smaller so it will travel more easily.

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

Anyone have a link to the 'Anomaly wood' board retailer from the thread that Kataku2k3 found? I'm not having any luck with google.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

How light of wind are you trying to ride?

With the size of your big kite, I'd probably go for the 130, unless you want to ride really light wind. I'm about 5lbs less than you, don't ride anything bigger than a 11m, and on my Lunacy can ride in ~13-15.

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

Yeah, I really like sticking with the smaller (11m) kite right now. I think I'll try the 130, it's 47cm wide, I think that'll be plenty. I'm not exactly sure how light I want to go. 13-15 sounds good. There's a range I think I can ride in, like, before white caps form, but my current board's just too skinny.

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

found this as a resource, if anyone's looking: http://myplykiteboards.com/2007.html

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

Last year I was having the same dilemma, so I built this thing for less than $60 and it works great. It is just a piece of 1/2" Birch plywood cut out to the shape of a Glide, T nuts for the strap and handle mounts, and sticky back pads. I shaped the rails with a DA sander and put several coats of exterior gloss paint. It is a bit heavy, but funner that a moped on a light wind day. Smile

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

Very cool. $60 w/out the bindings and handle, right?
I would like to make one but I don't have any tools...

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

No, about $60 for everything. Given, I did have some gear laying around and I have a shit-ton of tools, but you can put it together pretty cheap. At second wind you can get some crappy pads, straps and a handle for next to nothing; the T nuts and bolts are about $3; and you can get a 5' X 5' peice of Russian Birch plywood @ Sur-way Builders for $30 (which is big enough for 2 boards). I've got a 1/2 quart of paint left that you could use in a pinch.