Choosing a kiteboard
Choosing a kiteboard can be difficult, especially for first-time buyers. 
What model, width and length should I get? What is the difference between a beginner board and a more advanced kiteboard?
If you are about to purchase a board, this guide may be a good idea to have with you.
Size (length and width)
The planing surface of the board is what largely determines how a board performs on the water. The surface is determined by the length and width, but other aspects also affect the properties of the board.
Longer boards with a lot of planing surface are best suited for beginners and/or in light wind conditions. The board gets more lift which means that the beginner can ride with a smaller kite = safer.
Shorter boards with less planing surface are preferable on windier days. They are then more comfortable to ride. Otherwise, they are best suited for riders who have come a long way.
The width of the board, as mentioned earlier, also affects the planing surface. A short and wide board works well both on really windy days, but also as a light wind option. The disadvantage of a wide board is that it is not so suitable in choppy conditions (bounces easily on the lively water).
Before you buy a board, think about the conditions you plan to ride in and what type of riding you will be doing.
As a guideline, the most common sizes today are between 135-140cm. This is quite suitable if you weigh around 70-85kg.
Board shape
The planing surface is also influenced by the shape of the board. A rectangular board with wide ends will plan early and offer a lot of “pop” for freestyle tricks. A board with slightly narrower ends (diamond shaped) will provide better control in windy conditions while also providing a softer feel when carving from side to side.
Rocker
Rocker describes the curvature of the underside of the board when viewed from the side.
A board with a lot of rocker (if you look at the board from the side) gives a smoother ride because the nose does not get stuck in the water as easily, for example after a jump or a turn. This means that a board with a lot of rocker performs better in choppy water and when it is very windy. However, it also means that you need more pressure in the kite to get the board to plane – so not so good in light winds. On the contrary, flatter boards with less rocker are the opposite. They are fast in flat water and plan easier. They also give more 'pop' because you have more board in the water to build up pressure with before jumping.
Rocker is usually divided into 2 types: continuous or 3-step. Boards with a continuous rocker have a smooth and nice curve along the entire length of the board. This provides a smooth and fast experience.
The 3-step rocker has a fairly flat surface in the middle to improve planing properties, but closer to the ends there is a bit more. This is to avoid them getting stuck in the water in choppy conditions. It goes slower than a continuous rocker, but there is better 'pop' in them.
Flex
Flex in the board creates a more comfortable ride by absorbing energy as the board cuts through the water. Some people may experience a lot of flex in the board negatively as it can feel a bit 'spongy' but also that it has less 'pop'. With a board that is too soft you can change the rocker just by pressure, which in turn causes the board to have less 'pop'.
Stiff boards are generally better suited to heavier riders, freestyle and in strong wind conditions. A more flexible board is better suited to slightly lighter riders and in lighter winds.
Flex Tips
A stiff board with flexible ends creates a very all-round feel when riding. In strong winds the ends flex, giving the rider a fairly comfortable experience, while maintaining a fairly straight rocker in the middle, which then generates a lot of 'pop'. In light winds the board stays very flat, which is beneficial for easier initiation into planing.
Concave
Kiteboards of today come in many different bottom designs.
A concave board (when viewed from end to end) improves the stability of the board and makes it easier to edge and thus gain height.
A double concave design helps more when ridden flat rather than edged. It keeps the edges from 'sticking' in landings after a jump.
So, in summary:
- Long and wide board – early planing
- Short and slightly narrower – good when it's very windy
- Shape – wide ends flatten early and have a lot of 'pop'. Narrower ends – good control on windy days
- Rocker – provides a lot of convenience in the shop, but poorer planing properties
- Flex – softer board for beginners