Sometimes a sport is just for fun until you start to get bored of it. This applies to kiteboarding too, as some kiteboarders might find it boring to keep doing things in a very specific routine. Well, that is until they discover the beauty of owning a freeride kiteboard! You know, sometimes people want a good time away from work just to relax and ride amidst water, take a cruise and try new tricks for some amusement. That’s what freeride kiteboarding is all about! My personal favorite, this is the avenue at which you can do anything everything you want with kiteboarding!
What is freeriding? Perhaps the video below can explain a little more.
But when it comes to freeriding with the kiteboard, there is, of course, a very specific type of kiteboard that you should purchase. Not surprisingly, the name of the kiteboard is, well, freeride kiteboard. Selecting the apt freeride kiteboard is one of the most essential steps in kiteboarding. Let’s read along some tips on choosing a freeride kiteboard and few product reviews to help our search.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Freeride Kiteboard
As we mentioned earlier, freeride kiteboards are meant for a cruise on water, a ride with lesser needs of techniques, high jumps or stunts. To consider, look for boards with:
- A balanced ratio of length to width (ideal ratio: approx. 140cm X 42cm or higher)
- Rounded tips
- Medium flex with shallow rocker
- Broad and large fins
- Minimum channels on the bottom of the board
All of the above will ensure that you will have a smooth and relaxing time riding along the waves, without the need to perform any of those stunts at all.
The Best Freeride Kiteboard That You Will Ever Need
Even when it consider the above, it can be tricky trying to find the best freeride kiteboard that will serve your needs. We have scoured through the internet, and here is the most comprehensive review of the best freeride kiteboard that you can find.
Star Kiteboarding Edge 133 Board
This high performing kiteboard is suited for any style as well as suited for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Having said that, personally, we will recommend this freeride kiteboard for riders with a certain degree of skill.
Meant for fast rides and has superior power and upwind ability, you will surely have an awesome time riding on this freeride kiteboard. We know a couple of owners who swear by this awesome freeride kiteboard!
The kiteboard is also stylish, and hence taking a cool picture of it will always be one of the must-do items with the kiteboard. (you can use the Soloshot3 to do the filming while you freeride with this kiteboard)
Pros
- Wood core tri axial glass layer ABS provides stability and durability
- Easy adjustment foot straps for better grip and comfort
Cons
- It is a multipurpose style kiteboard, not designed specifically for freeriding.
- Might not be preferred by beginners or cruisers.
- Length to Width ratio: 133 X 41, not an ideal ratio for a freeride kiteboard for beginners.
Ocean Rodeo Origin 3.0 Kiteboard
This is an excellent board for freeride though it can serve multiple styles as well. With a good board ratio and large fins, this kiteboard is loved by people just getting started with it.
The entire board is designed to be easy for all kiteboarders of all levels. It does have a specific mechanism and design to ensure that there is less impact on the kiteboarder’s knees. If you would like to jump, this twintip kiteboard will allow you to have a huge boost too.
Of course, when it comes to freeride, the ABS side walls and the blended wood core allows you to have maximum fun while freeriding, yet at the same time not negating the aesthetics and the safety that this best freeride kiteboard can bring to you!
Pros
- Great cruise and pop features
- Designed for long and stable rides
- Air pads and straps takes care of grip and safety
Cons
- Straps measurement are not comfortable for wide feet
- Water splashes might be less due to the fin size and bindings
Slingshot Sports 2018 Refraction Twin Tip Kiteboard
This refraction twin tip kiteboard can surely fill all the needs in kiteboarding though specifically designed for styles like wakeboarding or freestyle kiteboarding.
This newly released kiteboard in 2018 is a repackaging of a previous model. The all-round design is meant to withstand the forces and pressure of all sorts of possible conditions in the water. So, even if the waves are choppy and the swells are huge, you can rest assured that this freeride kiteboard will guide you through smoothly.
If you ever feel the need to do the stunts, the shape of the kiteboard ensures that you will get the maximum height possible with the least pressure that you will get during those rides. You can always change the wake fins around to suit your riding style, be it freestyle, wakestyle or even during those regular routines.
Pros
- Extra thick durasurf base
- Highly competitive on choppy waters
Cons
- Medium rocker and stiff flex makes it not an ideal one for beginners
- Comes with wake fins, suiting the professionals more. Newbies and just for fun cruisers might choose differently.
Conclusion
To experience a calm ride on a flat water, go on a seamless cruise in kiteboarding, ideally, we pick a freeride kiteboard. As a traveler myself, I prefer the Ocean Rodeo Origin 3.0 Kiteboard, which provides stability for long and effortless rides. Make sure to access your kiteboard according to the style you prefer and have a happy face all along!
