Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is a form of kiteboarding wind powered surface water sport. It harnesses the power of wind through a large kite and a regular surfboard . There are various surfboards available and depending on the type of surfing there is difference between kite surfing boards which we will cover in this article. The kites are parachute like with inflatable tubes. The size of the kites depend on the strength of the wind and size of the rider. Although a surfing sport , the factor propelling the surfing is wind and not waves.

Apart from being an adventure sport , kitesurfing has a host of health benefits too .Your whole body is is used and exercised while surfing . It also increases improves the balancing act of the body and synchronization among various senses. The equipment required for this sport are portable , light and cost effective.

If we talk about the kite surfing boards then there are a variety of them available:

• Twin-tip
• Wake-style
• Wake-skates.
• Wave
• Directional or Race

Here we will talk about the difference between twin tips and directional boards .

A twin board is called so because the bottom half (tail) and top half (nose) are mirror images of each other and the flex is exactly the same on both ends. The nose and tail are symmetrical and are therefore of the same shape, flex and same camber profile. Directional boards on the other hand have the same tail and nose width but there is usually a very noticeable difference in shape and length. The side cut is also different and favors directional riding.

Twin tips are designed symmetrically from nose to tail being the same whichever direction you are traveling in. They are similar to wake boards. Directional boards on the other hand are not symmetric as the twin tips. The nose is longer on directional boards and the tail is stiffer so you can load up on hard turns.

Twin tips has symmetrical, side cuts, flex whereas Directional has asymmetrical side cuts and flex.

Additionally twin tip has centered stance whereas directional boards have setback stance because the tip and tail are not geometric but is tapering towards the tail.

Riding a switch is easier in a directional board than a twin tips board.

At higher speeds, directional boards are preferred over twin tips as they provide more stability and control. Since the nose is longer it provides better stability during high speed surfs.

Directional boards have more wind range as compared to twin tips.

Twin tips on the other hand are easy for jumping and turning without switching feet in comparison to directional boards.

Free ride boards are directional and freestyle boards are generally twin tipped.

If you ride park and land switch frequently then for you twin tip is recommended. If you’re just cruising and carving on trail then a directional board is preferable.

As most things the type of snowboard you choose is based on personal preference and the kind of surfing you would want to enjoy.