Directional boards

[rrc62]

I've been kiting on twin tip boards for a couple years but there is not always a lot of wind, so I bought a cheap directional on eBay for those windless days. Question is, how do you tack on one of these? The front footstraps are offset to one side, so it looks as if you have to flip the board 180 degrees when you tack. That sounds a bit tricky. Other than going airborne and fliping the board about all I can think of is to drop into the water, flip the board, then start up again.

 

Anyone riding a directional board? How do you do it? Normal riding would have the heelside low, toes pointed to the kite. Is it possible to ride toeside down? That would solve the problem. You can tell I haven't tried this board yet. I actually may not get to try it till next spring.

 

Thanks...Ross

[Pablo]

It's called Gybing(sp) Start to turn board and kite, back foot comes out and placed on middle of board, front foot becomes new back foot, spin 180, back into bindings and carry on the other way.

[elphinston]

I bought a NSP 6ft fish earlier in the year for light winds, ( i was out in 30 knts on wednesday riding strapless) its a pop out board but i dont care, its strong and bomb proof for kiting. Ive had more fun on this than on my TT. I would recommend using a surfboard to anyone. It is great fun. Its worth the effort and it feels so good when you can do powered carves at speed and through in a foot switch at the end of a turn and ride off on heel side. I cant wait to start riding it in some waves. learn to gybe in flat water to start with. The secret to gybing a surfboard with a kite is speed. Speed = stability. I do my foot switch once im on toeside and im edging hard as digging in the edge also seems to add some stability to the board , this technique works fine for me as i dont use foot straps, so it might be a bit different with them.

 

The only advice i can give is get out there and pratice, its very satisfying once you get it dialed

[sunset]

Ive just come back to directionals (which was all there was when I started), but now on a smaller board I find Jibing a real bugger so the easiest way is toe side heel side.

Just had a peach of a morning in waves with a Nova and being able to leave the kite and ride the waves put a smile from ear to ear. What also helped was to cream past the surfer on the way out and catch another wave before they were half way there.

Directionals won't take over but thay do spice up the sport

[buzbie]

I learnt on one, still got it, NEVER get rid of it as it is mental in the waves and smooth on the low wind days... Get one and have some wave fun.....

[keyrb101]

hi elphinston, whats the 6ft fish like for surfing? was thinking of swapping my 6'7'' for one, would it be a good allround surfboard as i rarely get bigger than chest hight waves.

[elphinston]

hi elphinston, whats the 6ft fish like for surfing? was thinking of swapping my 6'7'' for one, would it be a good allround surfboard as i rarely get bigger than chest hight waves.

 

To be honest i couldnt tell you as im not a surfer and have never surfed without a kite! And the surfing i have done with a kite was quite pathetic! Mainly i have been using it on flatish water to learn all the basics before i go any were near a wave.

But i aspire to greater things one day

 

The 6ft fish seems a good size for medium to high winds I was out in 30 knts the other day with my 10 Venom having a total blast, I sort of regret not getting somthing a bit bigger for lighter winds as im a 14 1/2 stone lump! I would think the 6'7" would be fine for messing about on.

 

sorry i cant be more of a help

[spewing]

Had my firs go on a North Rocket fish in the week. Storms up wind off the fins but my toeside needs some practice. Anyone got any tips?

 

Jibing was ok. Harder than the last directiopnal i rode which was 6'6".

The technique is to head down wind and take your front foot out of the strap. Put your new front foot in the strap and continue the jibe swaping your old front foot into the back strap as you comlete the jibe. I made more than 50% but wouldnt want to say that i could do this out the back in decent sweel.

You are supposed to be able to switch feet before or after the jibe. So my aims are to get my toe side nailed so that i dont lose any ground down wind and go up wind heel side and or to perfect my jibeing.

 

Id be intrested in having a go on your Nova Richard. Could be the thing for light wind wave riding and if the live up to the hipe I will probably be buying one.

 

Kev