Kiteboard; understanding the science to perfect the art
The second main item required for kitesurfing, after the kite, is the board. The market is flooded with boards of not only various brands, but also of different sizes and shapes. Honestly, it is not easy to get the right gear, unless you really understand the science behind the seemingly simple board. All the different features of the board affect in some way, shape or form the end result you will be able to get. This makes the idea of taking a few lessons before buying the gear very tempting, for two valid reasons:
- You will, obviously and hopefully, benefit from the lessons by learning the basics of the sport, just like taking driving lessons.
- You will get to try out different pieces of equipment and, with the help of your instructor, will be able to figure out the best suitable equipment for your style. This can potentially save you money in case you end up buying something that turns out to be simply wrong for you as most equipment for extreme sports comes with an expensive price tag.
Lets discuss the main parts of the board and understand how they affect the surfers overall experience.
Length is probably the most important feature of a kiteboard. In the early days of kiteboarding, people used to ride on their surf boards as well. The average kiteboard though, is smaller in length than a surfboard; between 140-150cm. Boards that are longer than 150cm are more suitable for riders who are either beginners or have a heavier built and when the wind speed is light. Anything below the 140 mark would suit experienced riders, who have to execute various different spins and tricks and ride powered. Riders who are religiously in to the sport normally carry more than one board to have options in different conditions and locations.
To make the surfing part happen, the board needs enough surface area to be able to stay afloat. With the length of the boards decreasing, an increase in the width does the compensation work. Wider boards also make it easier for heavier riders to use shorter length boards. Increased width also delivers better ‘pop’ for freestyle maneuvers.
Rocker, or the end to end curvature of a kiteboard is also another factor that affects the board. The higher the degree of the curve, the better your control will be in choppy waters, especially after landings etc, but it will make the board very hard to work with in light winds. Straighter shaped boards, on the other hand, are faster and have better pop, but are suitable for flat water.
The rails of the board are the side edges, and the sharper they are, the more ‘bite’ the board will have when it comes in contact with the water. On the other hand, sharper edges tend to be far less forgiving and very catchy.
The bottom of the board helps provide the grip in the water by letting the rails sink in. The newer concave bottoms function even better, with increased traction.
Different styles of tail, effect the board in different ways; squared tail provide bigger airs, rounded have a more surfing like feel, whereas the grooved ones offer better grip.
Fins provide the easiest way to make a board suit your style and requirement. Wider fins have more connectivity with the water, where as a larger ones will help carve turns in the waves like surfing. You can easily change your fins to adapt your board to the conditions or the style you want to indulge in.
Three options are available for in the bindings area for surfers; foot straps that directly attach to the board, plates that have the pad and strap all attached to a metal plate and boots that are like….boots!!! All are fine as long as the rider feels comfortable in them, though the straps are the cheapest.
