Ok Kitesurfers here is a question from left field.
Has anyone successfully mounted a handle on a "no handle board"? I have a Cabrinha Custom without a handle. I would like to mount a handle on it if it
is even possible? If it is not just tell me i am off base, but if someone has been able to do it can you tell me where it can be done or maybe I can
do it myself if it is not to complicated.
Ideas anyone?
BTW I really like this board and want to keep it rather then buy one with a handle.Kamikuza - 22-4-2011 at 06:05 AM
... why do you want a handle?Chad - 22-4-2011 at 07:07 AM
Well I am just getting into kiteboarding and it looks like it would make it easier to handle the board in and out of the water. I also have a handicap
where my right hand will not turn at the wrist. This makes it hard to grab the board from the bottom when putting my feet in?bigkahuna - 22-4-2011 at 07:15 AM
What's the construction of the board? It's likely possible to do, I've done it on a couple of my boards. What you'll need are a handle, drill, epoxy
resin, and some brass threaded inserts / stainless steel machine screws (from Lowes or Home Depot). Drill holes just big enough for the inserts,
dremel out an area of the core bigger than the inserts*, fill the holes with epoxy and then carefully thread the inserts into the holes. Don't forget
to fill the insides of the inserts with wax (surfboard wax will work) before using them, otherwise epoxy will fill them and they'll be useless. Takes
a bit of finess to do a nice job, but I've done it for handles and straps and it's worked fine.
*Assuming it's a foam core board. If the core is wood, skip the dremel step.tridude - 22-4-2011 at 07:18 AM
LF,
looks like you have two options.................drill your board and install helicoils OR what you may want to consider..........cut a piece of garden
hose about 6 inches longer than the distance between you inner footpad bolts..........remove left and right inner pad bolts (drill hole in garden hose
to accept pad bolts thru it) install hose, run bolts thru hose and footpads, tighten (Locktite), ride!!!!!!!:DPHREERIDER - 22-4-2011 at 07:22 AM
drill, epoxy, inserts is tidy and works fine,
gotta fiber reinforced hose on a board ..2 years no problems.
go custom! DIY and really own it!Chad - 22-4-2011 at 09:03 AM
I like the drill, epoxy, insert Idea. is there a "best" kind of handle to purchase out there? That way I know what size screw hole i need to have?
Thank you all for the info it is a big help...
Chadtridude - 22-4-2011 at 10:38 AM
order a Cabrinha...................we have a dealer her in Charleston................google Oli Nahmgatc - 22-4-2011 at 10:42 AM
Tri's idea is the simplest and the least impactful to the board and its integrity - and its a quick fix. Might have to get slightly longer replacement
bolts. I used more rigid water pipe on mine but am going to swap it out for a softer hose.dave brown - 22-4-2011 at 11:38 AM
If you drill you might trash your boardbigkahuna - 22-4-2011 at 11:50 AM
The piece of hose between two footstraps ideas works, forgot about that idea. I know a couple of guys who did that with their Litewave's which
originally didn't come with a grab handle. Works fine.Chad - 22-4-2011 at 11:51 AM
Now thoes are cool! Thx Dave..
Will do thx Tri..
Chadbigkahuna - 22-4-2011 at 12:04 PM
Regarding the NSI stick on inserts, be careful with those. They are intended to stick on a smooth, non-porous surface. If your board has a p-tex
type surface, they may not stick very well if at all.BeamerBob - 22-4-2011 at 12:16 PM
I was fixated on my handle at first and later learned that just the pressure from the kite will pull you towards the board in the water. A few
wiggles of your toes and you're in the bindings without bunching up at the waist holding the handle trying to push your feet in.Chad - 22-4-2011 at 12:39 PM
LOL
I have ordered the parts and when they come in I will put together a little presentation on how and what it looks like.
Thx BB I am hoping to get there soon but would like the option at this time? Maybe later I will take it off.
BigK the board is a very smooth almost a lacquer or resin finish should stick great.
Have any of you used a GoJoe? is it worth the 69.00?bigkahuna - 22-4-2011 at 02:10 PM
Quote:
Have any of you used a GoJoe? is it worth the 69.00?
I've seen other guys who've used them. Looks kind of dorky, but would definitely help you see the board if you get separated from it. I'm real
careful not to get too far away from my board, and since I mostly kite in the surf zone my board is more than likely heading to the beach if I do
loose it. Not sure it's worth $70 though but I can't think of a DIY equivalent, maybe someone else can?Kamikuza - 22-4-2011 at 06:04 PM
The only time I hold the handle is when I'm walking up the stairs with it, to put it away
A problem is the twisting on the handle - walking over to the beach, the wind is blowing and the board flaps around, the screws get loose ... I don't
trust them macboy - 22-4-2011 at 07:01 PM
No go on the GoJoe (but I'll sell you mine for $25). I didn't like it. Caught TOO MUCH wind so as I was fumbling keeping the kite sorted the board
would be forever sneaking away. Crash the kite and by the time you get relaunched it'll be a good lesson in downwind body dragging.
The offer stands though. It's yours plus shipping if u want it. I could even bring down to FL and ship from there (cheaper I'm sure).Chad - 22-4-2011 at 07:33 PM
Kami great vid I watched it a few weeks ago. Nice job!! I do see what you mean..
Macboy I wish You had posted a few hours ago.. I purchased one from amazon and it has already shipped which means i own it. But I would of taken yours
for sure..
Like you said I will try it out and if it is just to much i will sell it.
Thank anyways...macboy - 22-4-2011 at 11:59 PM
Sorry LostFox. I'll try to be quicker next time ; )
I think the GoJoe IS a great idea but not for my skillset at this time. Where I see it's usefulness (for me) is when I start boosting my feet out of
the straps, flying downwind and then having to drag back to the board. The GoJoe in this scenario would be great as it catches so much wind that I
could really just wait and the board would come to me. But for me, fumbling with the kite, the board just drifted too much. I pulled it off and
immediately the board was a manageable part of the equation.
Now, I'm also in flat water - not waves. The added eight inches of "there's the board!" would be an asset in those conditions too.
I'll likely still unload the GoJoe. I'm planning a Kite Kloset garage sale early this summer to try to get the bits and bobbles that I'm really just
sitting on back out in the world and in use rather than sitting here collecting dust.carltb - 23-4-2011 at 03:07 AM
just a thought........... why not put a strap around the board, between the bindings. once you have got your board on your feet you can remove it and
tuck it inside your wetsuit. i was thinking something like a compression strap that just clips together.Chad - 23-4-2011 at 03:55 AM
Carl, that could be done but then I have one more thing to hold onto or loose in the sand. Alot like my PL kite straps that seem to get lost just when
I need them? Lol :dunno:Chad - 28-4-2011 at 04:15 AM
OK guys here is the finished product! It works very well on land and we will see how it does when it gets wet?
I think it looks great even though it is not stock. at least at anytime I can remove it to go back to stock with very little effort.
thank you all for your ideas.nfleech - 11-6-2011 at 12:48 PM
Put boots on that board! Step in and no need for a handle or gojoe because its attached...then you'll ride like dre
