Converting a Surfboard

Hi Has anyone any ideas on converting a surfboard for use as a kite board.ie attaching bindings fins etc..........I really want to try surfing but cant afford an extra £3-400 on a board.Im hoping to get hold of a board and convert it .....any help would be greatly appreciated Cheers Rob

If you start out with a converted surfboard you will want a real kiteboard very soon. Surfboards are good for learning to waterstart and go downwind. That's about it. As for ideas for converting a surfboard (if you insist), attach footstraps. Look at kiteboard pictures on the web to get an idea where they should go or ride the board without straps first to see where your feet end up.

Thanks for your help I realise I will pretty soon want a kite board but it will get me started and as you say Ill be able to pick up the basics....I hope... what sort of size board would you go for with a begginer in mind.........? I cant seem to find anywhere on the net that gices specs etc for kite boards............

If you start out with a converted surfboard you will want a real kiteboard very soon. Surfboards are good for learning to waterstart and go downwind. That's about it. As for ideas for converting a surfboard (if you insist), attach footstraps. Look at kiteboard pictures on the web to get an idea where they should go or ride the board without straps first to see where your feet end up.

Some people pick up the basics in a few hours. Having some good instruction, good location, good wind and good kite helps. 8-) (I had none and still did the first few reaches my second day out) After that you won't progress easily with a surf board and you may not realize how much it is limiting you in getting better.

Bigger is easier to get the basics down. I would go for a smaller board however. It'll take a little longer to get the hang of it but you won't outgrow it anytime soon.

Check out www.jimmylewis.com. Dwight (who posts here too) seems to like his a lot. Other companies you can search for are Naish, Fanatic, AHD, RRD, Litewave Designs, Roberts, Twintip, Airrush, Slingshot.....and gobs of custom builders. You should find specs on the websites of the above brands.