How to buy a twin tip kiteboard.

         Whether you’re just getting into kiteboarding or you’re a seasoned vet sometimes deciding on the right kiteboard for yourself can be a challenge. What shape should you get? What style is best for your riding preferences? Sometimes the number of boards to choose from is overwhelming. The associates at Elite Watersports can assist you with this process. When purchasing a new kiteboard there are a few main features to consider: rocker, flex, width, thickness, and length. These characteristics of the board help determine its performance. So, before you shell out those Benjamins, consider what it is exactly that you need from your kiteboard; the local conditions and your style of riding are the main factors to consider.

Length: 

• Long boards are good for beginners and for light wind days. Longer kiteboards are able to be controlled in high riding speeds. Long boards are also forgiving and offer early planing. 
• Short boards are great for strong winds. They are more agile and loose which offers the rider a greater ability to manipulate the board. 

Width: 

• Wide boards are able to go on plane earlier than narrow boards. Having a wider board during light wind days is ideal.
• Narrow boards are controllable in chop and high wind speeds. 

Thickness:

• Thin boards have direct, light weight, specific flex zones.
• Thick boards are more stable and buoyant. 

Rocker:

• Big rocker in a kiteboard offers a more comfortable ride. When a board has a big rocker its edges catch less during maneuvers and is easily controllable during choppy water sessions and/or in strong winds. The board is slower at planing capabilities. 
• Little rocker in a kiteboard makes the board faster and able to hold a precise edge for controlled popping. The rails of boards with little rocker catch more easily and can be more challenging to ride.

Flex:

• The more flex a kiteboard has the more comfort riders will experience. More flex also offers softer riding and landings by absorbing the chop of the water.
• A board with too much flex, however, is not direct and too soft to pop efficiently.

Stiffness:

• Stiff boards are ideal for heavier riders. They offer more power and are best for freestyle riders.
• Soft boards are great for light weight riders or in light winds. 

Shape of the Kiteboard:

• Round – easier to turn but less edge control for take off
• Straight – good edge control for take off but harder to turn
• Concave – great upwind potential but bad turning performance