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TT size - hopefully a different question

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Created by cansyd > 9 months ago, 25 Oct 2018
cansyd
NSW, 44 posts
25 Oct 2018 7:30AM
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How do I know if my TT is too big as the wind gets stronger?

When I started I got a 151/42 and was advised it was a good board to learn on and when I got better I would get something a bit smaller (around 10cm shorter).

If the wind is strong then I find it hard to keep an edge and once I loose the edge hard to get it back.

I am about 90 kg and the above starts when it gets around 25kn although chop has a part to play here as well.

I can go upwind, downwind, do dry turns (sliding, heel tow, downloop). I also have a 160/50 for really light winds.

thanks in advance

stamp
QLD, 2757 posts
25 Oct 2018 6:53AM
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you should select a board that suits your style of riding and a kite to suit the wind strength. it's your kite that is too big for the wind - not your board

a bigger twin tip is good for beginners because it's more forgiving, easier to drive upwind, and won't bog through the lulls and turns if you mistime the kite handling. as you get better you can handle a smaller twin tip by throwing it around more, edging and releasing and not burying the nose in chop. this opens up more options for tricks.

psychojoe
WA, 1799 posts
25 Oct 2018 6:24AM
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135 is a pretty standard board size. Demo one in strong enough wind and see if you like it

daggy
WA, 527 posts
10 Nov 2018 4:19PM
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Yep, your board is too big. You need a 135 x 40.
And something with good (correct) flex. Old tech boards can be a bit too solid. They bounce in the chop and you loose your edging causing you to skip out of the water and loose control.
Try a Shinn Monk or North Select. They'll make a world of difference.
Also lower your kite in higher winds and move your weight a bit more to your front foot . Try and get the entire heel side edge into the water.

snalberski
WA, 857 posts
10 Nov 2018 5:18PM
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Select to expand quote
cansyd said..
How do I know if my TT is too big as the wind gets stronger?



By trying a smaller one

jamesperth
WA, 610 posts
10 Nov 2018 9:16PM
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Don't overthink it.

Im riding a 165x40 Mako King right now in my 10th season (and 94kgs). The longer length gives great upwind performance and it surfs really well. If you are not enjoying it, try something new.

But if you are losing your edge, maybe you need to change down to a smaller kite ? But a smaller board will also hold an edge better. Just depends what you are trying to achieve.

But if you are still having fun, just keep kiting

ewan kite
VIC, 926 posts
14 Nov 2018 11:53AM
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Select to expand quote
daggy said..
Yep, your board is too big. You need a 135 x 40.
And something with good (correct) flex. Old tech boards can be a bit too solid. They bounce in the chop and you loose your edging causing you to skip out of the water and loose control.
Try a Shinn Monk or North Select. They'll make a world of difference.
Also lower your kite in higher winds and move your weight a bit more to your front foot . Try and get the entire heel side edge into the water.


90kg on a 135? Maybe if all you want to do is boost and live in Perth, where its 25knots every day.
Assuming your profile is correct and you live in NSW I'd go for at least a 142x42/3. Also depends if you want to ride boots I'd look around a 144/6 but that might not be the thing you're after right now. Big boards are getting designed a whole lot better these days to still be nimble and fast, but having the benefit of softer landings and larger wind range (especially on the lighter side)



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