I've been moving from static flying into snow kiting all winter, and I've finally been able to find everything I want for decent prices etc, the only problem is, the snow is gone, frick.

So I want to get an ATB to hold me over until next winter, the thing is I'm a big dude, about 6'3" around 275# so I want to buy something.....robust.

I'm willing to spend some money but probably top out around $300, which I think is a perfectly reasonable budget for a first board.

I'm in the states so MBS and GI are readily available and what I've been looking at thus far. If anyone has other ideas I welcome suggestions.

I'll probably be more of a cruiser than a jumper, but as I progress I wouldn't mind leaving the ground a bit. I'm inland so it's gonna be all grass, maybe the occasional beach on vacation.

Right now I've convinced myself that the GI Patrol 106 is the board for me. It seems robust and I like the idea of bionic (adjustable) trucks, I've found it for $280 brand new.

Is there a better board out there for me??

My next question is if anyone has any suggestions for getting started on ATB?

I'm a good snowboarder, a good wakeboarder, and I'm very comfortable with my kites, but I am new at using them for traction. I'm thinking the first couple of sessions without straps (because I figure I'll be running out of it a lot) light wind and slow going, get used to the board under my feet. And of course the full gamut of safety gear (I play hockey as well so I have full body armor at my disposal). Any other suggestions from the seasoned riders??

Keep an eye on here + ebay for an MBS Blade or comp 16.
Both are big beefy boards rated for well over #300.

Both are good for learning on due to the large size + they are near bombproof. They will take you well into the jumping stage. Both sell pretty cheap here and on Ebay and are great bang for buck when starting out. I had a Blade and now a comp 16 and haven't progressed to the point I need something lighter yet.

I saw a couple of GI boards this weekend that would be good cruisers and seemed to be beefy. The old MBS Comp 16 are a good bet too as Bladerunner recommended. If you find one with a brake, you can always take it off.

I'd keep the straps on the board and loosen them up so you can step out.

I HAVE BEEN OM mbs CORE 16 SINCE LAST APRIL

I AM AT 200#

THE BOARD WAS FRESH WHEN I GOT IT.

CERTAINLY TATTERED NOW.... TRUCK BEARINGS ARE GONE REPLACE 4-5 SETS OF WHEEL BEARINGS, DEF COULD USE NEW TRUCKS

ONE OF THE HUBS MELTED DOWN WHEN I RUN A BLOWN OUT BEARING TO GET BACK A COUPLE OF MILES BUT RESTORE IT

DECK IS SOLID THOUGH DROPPED MANY A STALLED TRANS FROM ABOUT 6-8 FEET NO PROBLEM

AND IT IS ROLLIN' AND FLYING TODAY
AS PIC DEMONSTRATES (NOTICE THE BROKEN AXLE REPAIR)