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.

... why do you want a handle?

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?

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.

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!!!!!!!:D

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!

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...

Chad

order a Cabrinha...................we have a dealer her in Charleston................google Oli Nah

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.

Try these..

http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory...

If you drill you might trash your board

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.

Now thoes are cool! Thx Dave..

Will do thx Tri..


Chad

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.

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.

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?

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?

The only time I hold the handle is when I'm walking up the stairs with it, to put it away

I hold a foot strap when I put the board on - hold right strap, put left foot in or vice versa. See here at about 0:22 ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbT6DpZu_Z4

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

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).

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...

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.

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.

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:

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.

Put boots on that board! Step in and no need for a handle or gojoe because its attached...then you'll ride like dre

All problems solved