Knee start vs sink start

[biggins]

So...since most of the free world is locked down I started thinking about board volume. Obviously a big floaty board is easiest. But once we start getting below body weight on floatation at what point is a knee start actually more difficult than just sinking it and putting feet in straps?

Example: 70 kg rider. 50L board knee start or 30L sinker? Seems like in choppy water and good wind the sinker might actually be easier...but I’m speculating here.

Anyone have experience with both? I think we all need a floater but that second, high wind board is the question...

Thanks

D

D

[Admin]

Hey biggins,

Check out the video below.  This is a 40 and a 60 liter board for a petit gal in very flat water.  That seems like a smaller and a mid volume board for her weight.  She is doing great and making both work but not without struggle.  If that looks manageable for you that might be a good option. 

Dream Quiver:  I love the idea of a compact but stable kneestart board for light and fluky with a easy sink / easy submerged stand waterstart board for consistent and stronger wind.

[winged surfer]

With the new generation of specific wing boards they seems to have solved the problem of the manuvreability being compact and with enough volume  for knee start (safety).  Why you still want a sinker?

[biggins]

Great video admin...actually looking forward to how you get along on the fanatic.

I agree the new boards are shockingly small but high volume.  BUT a 30L board is still going to be more maneuverable than a 60L board...and am wondering if it might actually be harder to knee start a board that’s under your weight than to just sink it???

[Admin]

I agree the new boards are shockingly small but high volume.  BUT a 30L board is still going to be more maneuverable than a 60L board...and am wondering if it might actually be harder to knee start a board that’s under your weight than to just sink it???

Yes sir.  That is a big part of it.  For myself, I will be stoked if I can kneestart the 95 liter Fanatic 5'4.  I have no love for the kneestart.  It is an uncomfortable and awkward part of an awesome sport for me. 

The idea of flying around on a 25 liter foam wafer is just awesome to me.  The sink and stand part is easier than the crawl and kneel.  The rest is TBD .  The water is still low 40's here but I am really looking forward to getting back to learning this when it warms up. 

[biggins]

Admin, I’m looking forward to hearing your results. I see Matt riding a 33L board with a 6m in 12knots+ so I’m thinking eventually most will go that direction. I mean why do a tricky knee start in chop/swell when you can just sink it? 

Watching one day Maui do a knee start on the 50L and then a sink start on a 26L, the sink start actually looks easier and more controlled...But time will tell.

Maybe I’ll see you in the gorge this summer...Rufus was always my favorite camp spot.

Good winds