I'm looking to make the switch from a twintip to a directional. The main objective right now is to ride in light wind (11-12mph) but eventually I'd like to ride waves as well. I've got a 7'0" surfboard (thruster) with straps that I tried once but the rails are a little too thick which made it hard to bury during a water start.

Can someone recommend a good directional that will meet my criteria? I'm about 217lbs and ride in the ocean.

Thanks.

The thick rails aren't a problem. You have to ride the fins instead of the rails with surfboard style riding.

My favorite ocean kiteboard for light wind wave riding is a 7'3" 20" wide 3" thick board. It is based off of a F-One board.

Scott

another pic of my favorite board doing a handgrab gybe. No problem burying the rail. Keep at it.

Scott

Cool Scott, I'll keep at it....!

BTW, any tips on how to jibe, web links that show/explain the process?

Thanks.

Not a clue where to send you for info about jibing. Other than getting on a windsurfer and practicing footwork. With a kiteboard do your turn and as you come around to riding toe down do a little jump to switch your feet back to heel side.

You can practice with your ATB board as well. Carve a turn and instead of jumping the entire board to put your feet back heelside down do a little footdance to bring your feet back to heelside.

You gotta get out there and wipe out a million times till you get it.

Below is a jump jibe. I do my turn from heelside to toeside and as I'm riding toe down I'll hit the next small wave. When I hit the wave I'll do a small toeside jump and unwind so that I land heelside with the board backward. Whe the fins grab the board will spin and as it's spinning around to point the nose forward I do a little jump with my feet and land with my feet heelside and the board pointed forward again. :o I like doing that type of jibe. It's a lot of fun. The trick is to land with the tail of the board as high as possible and make sure the nose hits the water first as you can see in the picture.

Scott

Scott

Thanks for the information Scott...

I have straps on my board now (both surf and atb). Sounds like jibing might be easier strapless??

It might be easier strapless for starters but you'll need straps for harder riding.
It took a long time for me to learn it but once I got it it's like riding a bike. You never really forget.
Scott