beyond the lightwind board

probably everyone will give you a different answer, and most have more experience than me So take that into consideration when reading this .

I was recently in the same stage as you and I did an unhealthy amount of research. I ended up getting a custom built board because I heard many great things and the price was about the same as a mass-produced board.

check out Rogue Wave kiteboards: http://www.roguewaveboards.com/

I am very happy with the board Lee (the shaper) made for me and feel like I am progressing rapidly . You can call and speak with Lee directly and tell him your height/weight, the type of riding you are into, and the conditions you will be experiencing. he was a shaper for Jimmy Lewis for many years.
The board that I got is very similar to a Jimmy Lewis model III. It's 135x39 (im 6'1"/195lbs) and I asked for a board that would work well for freeriding when I am fully powered up. I wanted something that would handle chop well.

or you could just get a jimmy lewis model 3 and be done with it.

Dude me too. I'm only 165 lbs so its even worse. I'm debating just sticking with the Door for the rest of the season or getting a smaller board.

Brian,

Kite boards have gotten so specific over the years that I have been kiting that there is niche for every preference. Preference is the key word you should keep in mind. At this point you know you have a light wind board. Keep that don't sell it but ask yourself what you want to do in kiting next. You've learned how to ride, you can go upwind, you can transition alright. Now you probably want to start learning some basic tricks like jumps and rolls and so you will need a performance board. This type of board can be defined as a small 128-140cm range. Width varies with size but generally the width in a 40-44cm is sufficient. Another characteristic is rocker, that is the curve of the board from the center to the tips. Too much and you'll need a lot of speed to plane, a flat board will be hard on your knees and difficult in chop and waves and it will feel a lot like your light wind board too much. A slight rocker or progressive is just about right for doing most tricks. A progressive rocker is a common characteristic of a performance board. It is somewhat flat in the center and has a slight curve towards the tips but not much. Second characteristic of a performance board is flex, which is exactly as it sounds how much your board flexxes under pressure. More flex means more pop for jumps and better upwind performance in the chop and flat water conditions. It also allows for better carving and turns. It is also much better for your knees and prevents sliding during transitions and turns, reduces the "skatey feeling" of loosing grip in choppy conditions. You may have heard the term progressice flex tips. Another part important part of a performance board is flat vs concave which is the horizontal curve at the center of the board to the top and bottom. In my experience this is a preference thing. It works on some boards like the Ocean Rodeo Mako but on other boards it's added benefit is too scarce to notice much of anything although it feels a lot smoother ride. The last and important characteristic of a performance board is is construction and weight. Materials play a big part of a performance board. What's the core made of divincel or wood, what's the overlay made of? S-glass or carbon fiber. Although carbon fiber is lightweight it is known for being stiff and a carbon board reduces flex. Boards like this may be hard on your knees and I think are very specific materials in board design. S-glass which is what most companies use offer the best of both worlds, stregth and flex and reduced weight from just plain fiber glass. Another characteristic of a board is also the thickness and rails. The thickness will obviously affect weight but the rails should be relatively thin or progressive stage thickness. My board's rails are about an 1/8th of an inch all around. The rail is basically like a fin.

Bindings ie foot pads and straps you really don't have much choice other than what comes with the board but you can upgrade to differt companies bindings.

So think about those things when choosing your next board. I can talk a lot more about board characteristics but the thread will be too long. Best thing to do is to talk with your local retailer about what you want from a board then ask other kiters and of course demo a board if possible.

or go home.

-Skrocket

I have an 150 cm OR Mako and think its great. It looks kind of funny but it really is the ultimate do it all board. Great in chop, Light enough to allow you to do some basic tricks, transitions very easily and tracks upwind well.

I am in the middle of my second season so I too am still a bit of a beginner.