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1. •  
     CommentAuthorshred
   • CommentTimeDec 21st 2011

    
   I kite the Oregon coast from April-October in small to medium waves. On the big days I stay on the inside. I'm 80kg and currently kite with a converted 6' PU surfboard that's 18" wide with straps. I'm interested in a kiting board that can handle the stress of the kiting and controlled jumps. When kiting on a wave, I prefer to surf the wave more than being super powered up all the time. But I want a board than can also handle the windier days (25-35mph) and the chop that comes with it. I kite primarily in a triangle- always needing to get back upwind to hit the same wave again. What board and sizes would you recommend. To complicate things a bit more, I do hit the Gorge for swell riding 5-7 days a year when the coast is calm. I was considering the Hellfire and Taj boards from your kiting quiver. A local tells me the Taj is the way to go but he hasn't tried the Hellfire. My concern with the Taj is the rocker and the small length in the Hellfire. What do you think? Thanks for input.
2. •  
     CommentAuthoriggy
   • CommentTimeDec 24th 2011

    
   Have you considered the quadra5?? A little extra volume for those ow wind days or for upwinds, not too pronounced rocker, 5/4/3 fin config,very reliable
3. •  
     CommentAuthorshred
   • CommentTimeDec 24th 2011

    
   I think the quadra5 sounds great. My concern would be how that board at 19+ inches wide would handle winds in the 25-30mph range. Also, does width matter in its ability to go upwind?
4. •  
     CommentAuthorBrian
   • CommentTimeDec 25th 2011

    
   The Taj is still a good call at your weight if you think your going to be hitting those heavier wind days a lot. We have a number of riders that are larger than you riding them, but with strong wind which shouldn't be a problem there. The Hellfire will provide you more float and fin options and probably be more versatile for various wind conditions. Don't worry about the Hellfire length, it has plenty of volume and we have some larger riders that love them. I think the Quadra 5 may be too much float for you for that much wind.
   
   Hope this helps,
   -Brian