Autumn Paddling
Both Naish and North have released their 2009 kiteboards. If you’re feeling a little sticker shock have a look at our closeout boards from 2008. Either way, Big Winds if giving you free shipping and in Oregon, as always, you don’t get dinged for sales tax.
Meanwhile, a little rain must fall but who cares if it dumps on your stand up session. David is our in house expert and dropped me this line about his experience on the Starboard Cruiser from a couple of weeks ago.
Conditions: 5-20 mph inconsistent winds, and flat water.
“I got my first impression of this board on a down-winder. I was paddling with a buddy who is about the same level as me, and we were both amazed how much faster I was moving, and how far ahead I got in a short period of time. The Cruiser is a super fast downwind cruiser, very maneuverable at the same time. To stay on the swell you can step way back on the tail, and pivot the nose around to where you want it. It responds well to cross-stepping up to the nose and trimming up and down the deck depending on the size swell you are on. The other great thing is that it travels upwind nicely. It seems to have more momentum and glide once you get it moving than most of the other boards I have tested. It’s a great all-around board: it accelerates well, goes fast and is totally legit in small surf.”
Conditions: Flat water, no wind
“First impression: very light, great balance, powerful! I was amazed at how much water this paddle pulls and with zero flutter. I almost got whiplash from the acceleration felt from a single stroke with the Advantage blade. It’s especially good for bigger riders, and riders looking for the ultimate in forward efficiency from their stroke.”
Conditions: Flat water, and up 10-25 mph wind.
“First impression: light weight, great balance. For those looking for a quicker cadence, this is the paddle of choice. It has extremely efficient strokes and excellent flex. I wasn’t sure how this would compare to other paddles I have tried but I was impressed with the feel of this one. Dan Gavere says these smaller blades are the trend now, and I can see why. You can maintain more strokes per minute with less torque and less fatigue. Another plus I found was that bracing is more forgiving. ”
That’s it for today. Next time we’ll jump back into the kite boarding transition.
