the best board?

Does anyone have any advice on the style and size of good beginning board(s) for my friend and I?

We're learning in Los Angeles, where the wind is usually 8-15 knots. We're using a Naish AR5 11.5. I weigh 145lbs and he weighs 210lbs. We don't have a preference for directional or wake. We just want something thats good to start with and fun in light wind.

I think it might depend on your past experience. If you've done windsurfing then I would try the directional board but if you're don't snowboarding or anything with a symetrical stance then I would definately go that way.

Try looking at an Orly bi-directional..........it's the latest. Its a pretty hot item, took me about two months to get my hands on one. Wipika sells them. Be wary of the Wipika kites however. Ask about their warranty, and make sure you understand it before investing $1100. I feel like I got cheated after a seem ripped out on a brand new kite and they wouldn't warranty it.

Hi I've been windsurfing for several years and have recently started my kitesurfing career. I chose a Naish ar5 11.5 and a F-one TwinTip Revolver 174 kiteboard. When I first saw the board I thought it maybe was to advanced for a beginner. But with some guts I managed to sail, jump and come back to my starting position after just two days powered up. Of course I did some practice on land before I entered the water. So, my point is: Go for a Twin Tip. Maybe you won't go so well up-wind as on a directional, but you avoid the hazzle of gybing. Gybing equals crashing and drifting miles down-wind.....

Norwegian Kiter

directionals are the easiest to start on. I'm learning on the Naish Skypirate 6'6