A $200 Kiteboard?

My friend and I are currently producing epoxy/carbon fiber kiteboards with a foam core. In our dealings with prospective customers we have encountered quite a few people, mostly beginners, who are intrested in something much less expensive than the boards currently on the market.

We have developed a board with a concaved bottom made with a laminated wood core covered with epoxy and fiberglass for stiffnes and durability. Testing shows that with the correct shape these boards can perform similarly to a good foam core board, with the only real drawback being weight, about 3-4 pounds heavier than our foam-cored layups.

We believe we may be able to produce and sell these boards for aproximately $200 US including pads, straps and fins. Our current prototypes are excellent for cruising around and jumping, but the weight is somewhat of a drawback for doing advanced technical manuvers like flips and spins.

In order for us to be able to make these boards at this price there is some investment involved and we are not sure if the level of interest makes the investment worthwhile - Would you guys consider a board of this type at this price?

I'm not interested in what any Do It Yourself types who claim they can build a quality board for $35 bucks think (though I would like to how you think you can get fins, straps and pads for this price). What I am talking about is a performance board with a proven shape, quality construction, and durable finish.

What is the level of interest? Who would buy one?

the board sounds alright, but its all about duribility, flex, weight and lastly pop. as you said a heavy board restricts manouvers, and once you are at the ability to produce these tricks, you would not want to make it more difficult by increasing the variables. if it were lighter you would have a greater market, with out a doubt. the fact is the weight is a big factor that limits your clients to beginners looking for something cheap.

hope this helps.... Nic

I've been trying to get into the sport. And it is hard on a budget. I usually save to buy good quality that I can grow into, but with this sport It seems like a beginner board would be good to have. The construction sounds like it would take more punishment then a more expensive board, and usually when you start something new, you wreck quit a bit...I haven't gotten a chance to get out there. So I really couldn't give you an opinion on performance comparison of the materials. But as a newbie I am very interested in your product.

As a soon-to-be beginner, I'm on the lookout for inexpensive beginner gear. Personally I hope to get a used directional to start, but I suspect a lot of novices would find a $200 board attractive, especially if it had a claim to higher durability.

From a business standpoint, I'd think that schools would be your best market. They have a desire to acquire inexpensive boards that can take a beating, have access to many potential customers, and could sell the boards directly to their students, possibly as part of a package.

Just an idea.

My bro just created an almost exact copy of a wavetray in carbon on a stringered-foam blank. It weighs in at 2.2kg. Not been tried in earnest yet so cant comment on its longevity but I will soon. A mini pic of it is here: http://www.j.buckle.btinternet.co.uk/db.jpg

This has cost him about 150 UK to make, so Id say it was perfectly possible to make a good board at the 200 US mark, and I'd buy one if it proved good in tests by independant peeps (customers with other boards!).

Keep us updated if you do!

JB

If you narrow your market to beginners who are looking for inexpensive and durable boards - you could make it worthwhile. As a beginner myself, I'd love to get a new tech board, but investing $600 - $900 into something to beat around while learning doesn't make sense especially if I wont be doing any tricks anytime soon. I paid about $350 for a 'used' one so the idea of buying a 'new' at $200 is great if it comes ready to ride and proves to be durable. As a beginner, I want something that easily waterstarts and gets on plane and edge, and helps me progress towards more challenging skills.

Look forward to your product. What types will you market? - twin tips of directionals? Sizes?

This is just an Idea. I am a novice, and got into kteboarding because of wave riding, which is extreme. I've noticed there are no boards speficaly for this, and yours seems to be exactly what it requires.

BTW, about DIYs, i'm much better at trashing material than at building it!