Tips and considerations when trying to find the best kiteboard to choose as a beginner
There can be a lot of choices when you decide to purchase your first kiteboarding board. Unlike many other boardsports where there is one main style of board to choose (excpet surfing), and you can simply buy a brand that you like, that also fits your size; kiteboarding tends to offer a larger range of shapes, sizes, and models of boards, all for different purposes. Air Padre Kiteboarding on South Padre Island, has decided to break down the decision making process into a few steps that will help you in deciding how to choose your first kiteboard.
- Match board to size of kiteboarder (under 150lbs = 136cm-149cm, 150lbs-200lbs = 145cm-160cm, over 200lbs = 150cm-165cm)
- Take into account average wind speed of frequent kite spot (lightwind = larger board, strong winds = smaller board)
- Previous board experience helps reduce overall size (Previous experience = smaller board, no experience = larger board)
- Shape of kiteboard will make a difference in size needed to ride (more rocker = larger board, flat board = normal size or smaller)
For the full list of sizing recommendations and in depth analysis to make sure your decision in based on something viable (besides just the board graphics), read more at Air Padre’s news item on How to Choose a Kiteboard.
