ASK JOHNNY > CHOOSING A KITEBOARD

Kiteboarding is an amazingly free feeling. Think about it: flying on and above the water, powered only by the wind! But first, you’ll need a board to stand on. There are several kiteboard categories:

Twin tips
Raceboards
Foilboards
Sufboards

Raceboards and hydrofoil boards are more specialized boards that provide a unique performance. Twin tips are the most common kiteboards and will provide a more accessible and wider range of use.

Example of Board Types

CHOOSING A TWIN TIP KITEBOARD

Twin tip kiteboards or bi-directional boards allow you to change directions easily, since both sides are identical. These boards are similar to wakeboards and typically made of a composite material sandwiched around a wood core. Twin tips are the most common and a good place to start for a beginner. There are a few key factors when choosing the right board:

Size

Size Matters! The board size is probably the most important aspect of a board. The larger the board, the more surface area. That means more water to push and greater resistance. Larger boards will help you plane easier in lighter winds and keep you up above the water when the wind lulls.

A larger board will be easier to stay upwind when winds are light. As the wind speed increases, a large board will become difficult to hold an edge. A smaller “high wind” board will allow you to hold an edge and maintain power but will be more difficult to stay upwind when the wind is lighter.

Length and width both play a roll in the boards performance:
An average kiteboard size is 135cm - 145cm x 38 - 41cm.
Light wind kiteboards are typically wider 145 - 165 x 45 - 48cm.

For beginners, a larger board is helpful to smooth over mistakes that drive you downwind. Eventually, you will develop a personal preference and feel out the board that is right for you.

Profile

The profile (or outline) of the kiteboard will affect upwind ability, and performance in chop.

A square profile will provide more effective edge, making it easier to go upwind and provide better pop when jumping.

A tapered profile toward the tip of the board will give a more forgiving ride in choppy water and make it easier to carve. A tapered or rounded board means less board pounding and slapping on the water, giving an easier ride and less impact on the knees and body.

Rocker

The rocker is the curvature of the bottom of the board from tip to tip (think a rocking chair or banana). A board with increased rocker will provide better pop and landings. A board with a flat rocker will be easier to hold an edge and go upwind. The more rocker a board has, the smaller the board will feel.

Concave

Concave is the curvature of the bottom of the board from heal to toe. This aspect contributes to a smoother ride. Some boards now have more complex concave patterns which provides tracking and a generally all around smoother ride. (Higher end boards tend to me be more complex when it comes to design.)

Material

Twin tip boards are made similarly to wakeboards and are typically wood core pressed between different composite materials. Most are made using Paulownia wood, known for its lightweight and springy properties.

Some kite boards are made of materials like carbon fiber and other light space-age material, but wood core has been the most common. Carbon fiber boards are typically the lightest, stiffest and most expensive.

Fins

Large fins make it easier to hold an edge. Small fins allow you to slide the board out easier. Some riders will even go finless, especially when hitting features like rails and kickers.

Fins provide grip in the water and allow you to edge harder without the board slipping out. Larger fins provide better load and pop and also help with landings as well.

Larger fins will also give you better control and improve upwind ability. In flat water conditions, you can typically get away with using a smaller fin. You may want to increase your fin size in chop to get more bite.

As a beginner, a larger fin set will give you best overall performance. As you progress as a kiteboarder, you’ll develop your own personal preference. Try different fin sizes to see how it suits your particular riding style.

FEATURED BOARDS

Here are some of the top boards on the market today:

Cabrinha Ace - a great all-around kiteboard though a bit more on the advanced side. The quad concave bottom of the Ace makes for a smooth ride and gives a bit of a gripping feeling. This is my personal go to board in size 139.
North X-Ride - across the spectrum, all-around solid board.
Nobile Split - the ultimate travel board. Pack into a tiny case and no questions at
Cabrinha Spectrum - light wind machine with great performance.

My Board Story

I’m 6’3 and weigh around 200lbs. When I first started researching kite boards I figured I should get the biggest twin tip available. I wanted a board with lots of float, and the ability to go easily in both directions without jibing. This search led me to the Bic Airflow 215cm. It turns out that it’s extremely large for a kite board…but hey, it worked!

Over time I went onto smaller and smaller boards until I was riding a 133. Now I ride a mix of boards from 135 – 145 cm. If the wind is light, I grab the Cabrinha Stylus or North Spike . If you’re not sure what board is right for you, either stop into our store or ask me! We’ll get you flying on the water in no time.

News & Updates

Welcome to the NY Kite Center’s website. The NY Kite Center and its associates are dedicated to provide the best service subject to the following terms and conditions. Please read and agree to the following to continue using our site.

All products on our website are subject to availability, if the product is out of stock or on back order we will do our best to offer you appropriate alternative products to substitute.

All lessons and gear purchase are subject to agreement of our Waiver . Agreeing to our terms and conditions you also agree to all conditions on the waiver.

Services: The NY Kite Center’s lessons, services, clinics and trips are scheduled on a “first come, first serve” basis. To be placed on our schedule or wait list for any lesson, session, service, clinic or trip, we must receive full advance payment, subject to our refund policy – see below.

**NYKC Conducts Kiteboarding Lessons Rain or Shine! All Pre-Flight, Take Off, Power Up, Next Level, Wave Guru, and Go Pro lessons are a maximum of two students, one instructor, and one kite, bar, board set-up**

Cancellation Policy: Please call by 10am the day before your scheduled time to cancel a lesson or session. Failure to do so will result in a $75 cancellation fee. In the event that you cancel your session on the day of with less then 6 hours notice, you will be charge the entire cost of your scheduled lesson. **NYKC Conducts Kiteboarding Lessons Rain or Shine**

Lesson Refund Policy:If your session must be rescheduled due to weather conditions, your credit will be applied to your next scheduled session. Your lesson credit expires one year from the purchase date. (note: as you use your session hours, your remaining credit gets reduced according to the full retail value of the used session hours.) Any un-used, unexpired credit may be used toward the purchase of gear. If you are unable to use your session you can apply the credit toward merchandise purchases in our retail store. If you do not use the credit toward a merchandise purchase a refund of your remaining credit can be issued MINUS a 50% refund fee. Credit from unused lessons are redeemable for up to one year from date of purchase.

Student Lesson Conduct Policy: NY Kite Center reserves the right cancel/void any student lesson if it is determined that the student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if they are unable to perform the physical requirements for that specific lesson.

Product Return Policy:

Any unused New Gear (non-service item) may be returned within 21 days from date of purchase for a full refund minus a 25% restocking fee and any applicable shipping fees.

All Used/Demo gear is sold as-is and cannot be returned, only a store credit will be issued minus a 25% restocking fee and any applicable shipping fees if returned within 14 days from the date of purchase.

After 21 days any unused product (non-service item) may only be returned for store credit. This credit amount is valid for up to 12 months from the original purchase date.

Deposits on gear purchases are not valid or refundable after 120 days from the date of original deposit.

All labels, tags, and original packaging must be return with the specific item. All refunds will be paid less the applicable shipping and restocking fees. Customer is responsible for all shipping cost & drop ship fees associated with the return.

Custom Order Purchase/Return Policy: In the event you need to have a custom order placed for an item that you are requesting, we must receive full payment on the specific item and all shipping costs affiliated with that ordered prior to processing your request. If you decide to return your custom order, the return policy is as follows: If the item is returned within 30 days of the delivery date, a refund or store credit can be issued MINUS a 50% restocking fee. If the item is returned after 30 days of the delivery date, a store credit can only be issued MINUS the 50% restocking fee and this credit will be valid for up to 6 months from the return date.

Fraud Protection Policy: If an order does not have a matching shipping & billing address or is flagged through our ecommerce system for a fraud alert, NYKC reserves the right to require additional information to verify the purchase. This can include, but is not limited to, asking the customer to complete a form supplied by NYKC that verifies specific information. Special information could be, but not limited to, the billing & shipping address, the complete credit card number, expiration date, 3-digit code, and name as it appears on the card. NYKC also reserves the right to ask for a government issued ID to be used to verify the purchase. In addition to this, NYKC may require to run a test charge that must be verified by the customer to confirm the purchase.

Shipping Policies:

A signature is required for delivery.

Standard ground shipping may take five, but up to ten business days once tendered to the shipping company depending on your address and any potential shipping delays. If you require delivery sooner or by a specific date, let us know immediately.

*You will receive tracking information once your order has already shipped.

**Please note, changes can not be made to the level of shipping service once your packages have been tendered to the shipping company.

NY Kite Center is not responsible for loss or damage that may occur as a result of mishandling by the shipping company. We do offer and recommend additional shipping insurance for this reason.

Domestic (Continental US, excluding Alaska, Hawaii)

Free domestic shipping via UPS Ground, Fed-Ex Ground, 7-Day Express Ground, or US Postal Service Standard shipping is available on all small, in-stock, non-discounted items.
Expedited Shipping: UPS, Fed-Ex, 7-Day Express, & USPS Overnight and 2-Day services are available at an extra cost. A contact number must be provided to set-up expedited shipping request.
Shipping to PO Boxes can only be done via US Postal Service and therefore is not eligible for free shipping. We can waive this rule for larger orders on a case by case basis.
All orders with non-matching billing and shipping addresses will require a valid phone number for voice verification. For security reasons, in some cases (especially for larger orders), we may require scanned copies of documents to validate buyer’s identity as well as additional verifications through your credit card company.
Custom/Special Orders and Large Packages: All shipping cost must be paid for by the customer. There is no free shipping offer for these types of orders. You will be notified if your request needs to special ordered. In these cases we will contact you to discuss the shipping cost prior to processing your order and payment. Large Package dimensions are based on the shipping carrier's current size limitations and are subject to surcharges.

International (and non-Continental US)

All international orders will require a valid telephone number for voice confirmation. For security reasons, in some cases (especially for larger orders), we may require scanned copies of documents to validate buyer’s identity as well as additional verifications through your credit card company.
International orders do not qualify for free shipping. We will utilize USPS, UPS, or Fed-Ex for all international shipments.
Due to shipper limitations on size and weight of packages**, we will be unable to ship certain larger items (most kiteboards) to certain destinations. This will be handled on a case by case basis
Buyer is responsible for all foreign taxes and customs duties. NY Kite Center assumes no responsibility for any extra charges that may occur due to foreign taxes or customs duties.
In cases where a customer is needing to use a freight forwarding company the following rules will apply. The customer must set-up and pay all cost for their shipment. Purchases will only be accepted via cash, bank check, or money transfer. The items will not be released to the freight forwarder until all funds have be cleared for payment
NY Kite Center will not ship directly to other countries (excluding Canada & Puerto Rico). If you choose to use a freight forwarding company, we require that they have a location within the United States.

Gift Cards: All Gift Cards purchased can be applied to lesson or products purchases for up to 12 months from the date of purchase. Any unused funds from a purchased gift card will be credited to your account and will remain eligible with us for up to 12 months from the original date of purchase. If your gift card balance doesn’t cover the total cost of your order, we will charge you the remaining amount to your credit or debit card. If the total cost of the order is less than the balance on your gift card(s), any unused balance will remain on your account for up to 12 months from the original purchase date of the gift card.

Lost or Stolen Gift Cards: We can replace the remaining balance on a lost, stolen or damaged gift card, as long as you have the original purchase receipt. Please call 631-691-0793.

Returning Items Paid By Gift Card: You can return items purchased with gift cards in accordance with our Return & Exchange Policy The return amount will be credited to your account

Gift Card Specific Terms & Conditions:

Gift cards are not redeemable for cash.
Gift cards cannot be used as a credit or debit card.
Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice
Gift cards are issued by NY Kite Center.

Price Match Guarantee:

We guarantee the best price within the United States on all of our products
The price must be advertised on a website or catalog that can be viewed by a NY Kite Center representative
Any written or verbal price quotes brought to us will be considered on a case by case basis
The product must be the exact same make, model number, and year of the product you are trying to price match
The price match may not applied to free offers, closeouts (clearance), or Pre-Owned/Demo gear purchases
Price matching is only valid prior to the order being placed
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