After some consideration, research and some advice from Ivan Salmon, I ordered an Airush Sector 60 V2 race board (2012 model) from The Zu Boardsports. I have just picked it up.
The Sector 60 is claimed to handles more easily than a specialised race board, and has great upwind and light wind characteristics.
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| Ivan removing the extensive packaging |
The first step was to remove the extensive packaging. The board would be unlikely to get damaged during shipping
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| First sight of the board, what a beauty! |
The first sight of the board is impressive. Clean lines, nice finish, solid yet not too heavy.
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| Awaiting straps |
The front view reveals as carefully shaped nose and not too aggressive rails
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| Large fins for the front and smaller ones for the rear |
The larger fins (24cm) are for the front, while the smaller ones (22cm) are for the rear. Each fin has its own slot as they are angled out.
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| 4 fins and three footstraps |
The sum total of parts is 4 fins (with screws and washers) and three footstraps (with screws and plates)
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| Positioning the screw attachments and plate for the footstraps |
There are three rows of screw holes in the end of each foot straps. Ivan recommended going for the middle row.
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| Footstraps laid out |
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| Holes for rear footstrap |
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| Carefully screwing in the self tapping screws. |
The screws for the footstraps are self-tapping. Ivan was careful to get the screw going vertically as it cuts its own thread. They can be removed and rescrewed. Care is required to avoid over tightening them and stripping the thread (which can be repaired with a screw insert if this happens).
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| Footstraps on |
Starting with the rear footstrap forward. It can be moved further rear once the rider is experienced with the board.
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| Bottom of board |
The bottom of the board looks built for speed.
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| Fins in position |
The big fins provide the great upwind capability.
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| And it fits in the rear of my X-Trail - bonus! |
And is surprise bonus - the board fits in the rear of my X-Trail.
Some further tips from Ivan:
- Use a kite 1 size smaller than you would for a twin tip or surfboard
- Be careful to keep the kite in the sky in light winds when turning. The board can function in 10 knots or less, but when you stop, the apparent wind reduces and your kite could fall into the water. Keep it flying.
- Don't edge the board. Ride it flat and steer by "twisting" your feet.
- Be careful of the sharp fins when doing a water start. Approach the board with your feet on the rail to avoid getting cut by the fins. They are sharp.
Some additional factors I considered for getting the Airush Sector 90 are:
- Good for downwinders - you can keep going when the wind drops and you can paddle the board if the wind dies completely stops.
- Speed. More speed!
- Upwind tours - going upwind then back downwind to the same place - less logistics than pure downwinders
- I might have a go at course racing
- I will be able to kite on lighter wind days of 8-14 knots (hopefully)
I am really looking forward to going kitesurfing on this board . . .
