VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Hi Folks,
I am in the market for a new board and would appreciate some input.
Right now I have a big, clunky, lightwind board and a Slingshot Darko, 135. Both boards are probably not the best choices for regular conditions where I do the majority of my kiting at San Pareil (and probably Nitinat).

I am thinking of getting a 2011 Liquid force Kaos.

Do you have any other suggestions or comments and why your board choice would be best for our local conditions.

thanks much
johnny Slats

Hey John,

Have you had a chance to try a Mako? Best twin tip for our ocean conditions IMO, slices through the chop, rips upwind against the currents, and a blast in the swells.

Thanks BA,
I saw you on your new mako at SP the other week and you were all smiles.
I have read some good reviews about it so demo'ing the right size will be my next step for this one.
I'll talk to the guys at the shop.
cheers
j


any other comments and choices out there?

Hey Slats,

Concave and rocker will help in the chop. Both of these characteristics will mean that the board will performed best when lit.

There really is nothing like a Mako from OR. Before you buy any board, demo a Mako from a local rider or the shop. The new 135 Mako looks like it will be the dream board for many riders. That being said, people tend to either love the Mako or prefer other twintips.

I have not tried the JT Pro from OR but I hear good things and you can easily arrange a demo of that board.

I have both the Wainman Joke and the Shinn Monk. Both are great in chop. The Monk has better pop and all round performance but the Joke is a little smoother. If we cross paths, you can try them.

I think another board to try out would be the North Jaime. This is known as a great all round board. North is sold at Nitinaht by Elevation Kiteboarding. I am sure that they will have demos of most of the North line once the season starts.

thanks OTLunch,
I have been on a pretty flat learning curve and still do the walk of shame.
Hopefully the next two sessions will get me staying upwind. I appreciate the offer on trying your board but I wouldn't want to scar it up as a noob.
The darko I'm using is obviously not the right board and I think I also like that idea of hitting nitinat and a demo from elevation (and perhaps a jetski assist lesson)
are you the guy who flies the orange and black Airush?
cheers
johnny

Hey Slats,
No I have a mix of white and black Wainman kites and ride in Victoria mainly.
You can also book with Strong Kiteboarding for assisted downwinders at Nitinaht.