Finding the right directional board depends on many factors. There are different types of directional boards that are suitable for various kitesurfing styles and conditions.
Here we answer the most common questions about kitesurfing surfboards that are frequently asked. Feel free to read the questions and answers below, but don't hesitate to contact us if you have more questions. Our English-speaking customer service is always available, and we are happy to assist you with our expert knowledge!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should my directional kiteboard be?
The right size for your directional kiteboard depends on several factors, such as your body weight and the conditions in which you mainly practice kiteboarding. A heavier person should always choose a larger board than a lighter person. If you often kiteboard in strong winds, your directional board can be smaller. If you prefer to ride small waves, your directional board should be very maneuverable and therefore smaller. For big waves, on the other hand, you need a larger directional board so it can catch the wave's speed and you gain more speed in a straight line.
¿What is the best surfboard for kitesurfing for beginners?
To start kitesurfing on waves and directional boards, it is good to choose a fairly stable wave board. A directional kiteboard gains stability through its width. Wave boards gain width and, therefore, stability, for example, through a stubby nose and a square tail. Due to its width, the directional kiteboard gives you a bit less speed but much more stability. These features make it easier to find your balance and allow you to practice maneuvers much better.
What shape of directional kiteboard is right for me?
Kite wave boards can have different shapes, as you can find boards with and without a nose (no nose) and a wide variety of tail shapes. A directional wave board without a nose offers more stability and buoyancy. This makes the board suitable for light wind sessions, for starting with directional riding, and for kitesurfing in shallow water or small waves. The nose (pointed) makes a directional board more performance-oriented. The board can reach higher speeds and is more agile. Such a kite wave board is therefore suitable for larger waves and quick turns, but it is less stable.
¿How do the outline, rocker, and rails change the riding characteristics of a kite surfboard?
The outline of a directional kiteboard can be more or less straight or rounded. The more rounded the outline, the more agile and easier to turn the wave board is. However, the kiteboard is limited in its speed.
The straighter outline makes the directional kiteboard more stable and able to reach higher speeds. However, these boards maneuver more slowly and turn in a larger radius.
As with twintips, the rocker of directional kiteboards impacts how much contact the directional board has with the water surface. A flat rocker makes the board fast, while a high rocker makes the kiteboard maneuverable and allows for dynamic turns.
The rails of directional kiteboards can be either "sharp rails" or "soft rails." The sharper the rails, the more grip a board has when carving, turning, and at high speeds. These properties are particularly important when the waves are larger. Directional boards with sharp rails require some experience in wave kitesurfing.
If the rails are soft, the board has more buoyancy and is more forgiving, but you can edge it with less precision. A directional board with soft rails is especially suitable for small waves and for beginners in wave kitesurfing.
Which directional board is most suitable for the North Sea (small and choppy waves)?
Since the waves in the North Sea can vary greatly in size and are generally choppy, it is advantageous to choose a board that is very easy to turn so you can react quickly to the waves. Consequently, a smaller board with a more rounded outline is suitable. The nose and tail should also not be too wide.
¿Which surfboard is best suited for strapless freestyle?
Directional boards, which have less rocker and a straighter outline, offer you plenty of edge to create decent pop for freestyle tricks. A wide or stubby nose gives the board a lot of surface when you have to push the board against the wind while doing tricks, and the kiteboard is well balanced in the air thanks to an outline that is as parallel as possible.
Should I use straps on my directional kiteboard?
If you set up your directional board with or without straps, it is mainly a matter of preference. It can be an advantage to start kitesurfing in waves, as the straps give you more grip on the directional board. Even in very big waves, advanced riders often use straps to have a firm position on their board. You can also carve harder with a wave board with straps than without them.
However, for many kiters, the feeling of freedom that can only be experienced when riding strapless is what makes directional riding appealing. There are boards that can be ridden with or without straps. Therefore, if you're not sure whether you want to ride with or without straps, you should choose a board with strap inserts.
¿What fin setup should I choose for my kite surfboard - thruster or quad fins?
Fins offer you control but also drag, which means resistance in the water. Thruster fins (3 fins) provide more control but are also slower. For most kitesurfers, thruster fins are the right choice. A set of quad fins (4 fins) feels looser, more agile, and faster. This setup is particularly suitable for strapless freestyle boards or for very high and steep waves. There is no right or wrong answer here, so feel free to contact us if you are undecided.
What size fin should I have for my directional kitesurf board?
The size of the fins depends on your weight. The rule is that the heavier you are, the larger the fins you need. On the other hand, it essentially depends on what you want to do with your directional kiteboard. For tight turns, precise carving, and a more relaxed ride upwind, you need more grip, so larger fins are more suitable. For strapless freestyle or riding directional boards in shallow or choppy waters, a more playful board with smaller fins is an advantage.
¿What are the advantages and disadvantages of wax and surf pads for kite surfboards?
If you prefer to use wax or a surf pad, it's a matter of taste. The advantage of wax is that it doesn't change the design of your directional board and gives you that "real surf feel" and sometimes more grip. However, sand also sticks to the wax, so you have to reapply it from time to time and be careful not to wax your car too much during transport. Pads are less complicated and offer similar performance for most kiters.
¿What is a convertible kiteboard for foil?
A convertible kiteboard into foil is a board that you can use both as a directional kiteboard and as a kitefoil board, since it has inserts to attach a foil mast.
¿What are the advantages and disadvantages of a convertible kiteboard for foil?
The advantage of a kiteboard convertible into a foil board is that you have to carry less equipment with you if you want to be prepared for all disciplines and conditions. When you travel by plane, you have to check in less luggage, or you have more space for other things in your camper van. However, if you are a performance-oriented wave kiter and/or a foil kiter, you will realize that a board that combines both in one cannot offer you the same performance as a board specialized in foil or directional.
¿Qué marcas de tablas direccionales de kite vende Surfoon?
In the Surfoon online store, you can find kitesurfing boards from the following brands
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