BIO
My goal with this blog is to deliver my personal thoughts and opinions about things going on in the fields that I am a part of. Most of the information that I write is about kiteboarding and kiteboarding products since that is what consumes the majority of my time. I am in love with kiteboarding and in love with my role as a shop owner, distributor and professional kiteboarder. I had always dreamt about living a lifestyle that would be revolved around traveling and being around the water. I also have always had a passion for art and music. I have been focusing on Photography and composing electronic music lately but sometimes it is hard to focus on anything other than kiteboarding when the wind is blowing. I hope you find some of the information I write about to be helpful, informative, interesting, exciting, adventurous, and creative.
Hey Mike,
I really appreciate your reviews on the Shinn boards. I have the Monk 130 and LOVE it, and your review helped me decide to take the plunge on that board!! Thinking now about a Duke 5’6″ – if not too much trouble, could you comment on how the 5’6″ (or Duke in general) handles chop? I have a a 5’8″ kite-oriented directional right now and while it is great in waves, it is kind of a knee basher in chop, not much flex or absorption at all, and a little chunky for much jumping! FYI I am 5’4″, ~145 lb, advancing intermediate (can gybe reasonably proficiently, ride coastal waves) and I typically like slashing and jumping off of small to medium sized waves our her in NorCal, powered up, both strapped and unstrapped in both side-shore and onshore conditions. Thanks in advance for any info!
Cheers,
Mark
Hey Mark,
Thanks so much for your compliment and I am really glad that my reviews are helpful. I am trying to stay more on top of my reviews but have been a little busy lately.
I mainly ride the 5’6” duke and prefer that size over the other Duke choices. I feel like the 5’6” is very smooth and agressive through the chop. I mainly ride it powered on fuels, strapless and in side-on or onshore winds. My local conditions are almost alway choppy and sloppy waves and I still think that it performs exceptionally well.
If you are jumping with a direction you will definitely love this ride. The top layer is very strong and the width of the board gives it a lot of control. It is definitely not “chunky”.
I wouldn’t consider this board a beginner kitesurf board. I think an advance rider will appreciate it a lot more than someone who hasn’t tried many styles.
The board is really light. Depending on what you are used to you may consider this a great benefit or you may want it to have a little bit more weight. For me, I think it could weigh a little more but for your style of riding you may really appreciate the weight.
Hope this helps a little. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks Mike! Really appreciate your time and advice!