Why did I choose the directional?
Almost every kitesurfer starts on a twintip, and for good reason! It’s not just a beginner’s board, it’s an incredibly versatile tool that opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re popping, jumping, or throwing down an impressive backroll, the twintip can do it all. People are out there doing mind-blowing tricks with it, and honestly, it’s a great board to progress quickly, especially when you're just starting out. And I still love grabbing my twintip from time to time—it never fails to deliver a fun session.
But a few years ago, I decided to take a different path, I wanted to master the directional board. Why? To broaden my horizons, get that new, exhilarating feeling, and let’s face it, just to try something different. But let’s dive deeper into the real reasons.
The directional board is ready to be used
Two years into my kitesurfing journey, I started noticing other kiters who had been kiting for the same amount of time, or less, pulling off tricks I hadn’t even attempted yet. Cue the insecurity. My ego took a hit because, let's be honest, who doesn’t love some external validation? So, in a desperate bid to stand out (and maybe get some extra high-fives on the beach), I chose the directional board. At the time, I thought I was taking the road less traveled. But now, looking back, I realize that’s not the best reason to switch boards. You should do it for yourself, not because you think people will be impressed. Spoiler alert: they won’t care as much as you think.
Thankfully, that wasn’t the only reason for the switch. Reason two: my knees. Apparently, after 25, your body likes to remind you that it’s not as invincible as it once was. Twintipping over choppy sea water with its lovely waves and bumps was starting to feel like a knee-bashing session. An hour on the water, and my knees were screaming for mercy. With a directional, the ride is smoother, easier on the joints, and lets you enjoy the session without hobbling back to shore like you’ve just finished a marathon.
Reason three? Let’s be honest, it looks cool. Watching someone shred waves on a directional board is mesmerizing, like they’re dancing with the elements. There’s something magical about it, and I wanted to be that person—totally in sync with the ocean, riding the wave like a pro. Eventually, that’ll be me (fingers crossed).
Now, if you’ve stuck with me this long, I’ll be honest—progress on the directional has been slow. After four years, I’m still crashing more than I’d like to admit. Sometimes I wonder if this whole directional experiment is still a good idea. Shouldn’t I at least be nailing the basics by now? But then I remind myself why I’m doing this. It’s not for validation from others (though it’s nice to be known as “the girl on the directional”). It’s because I genuinely enjoy the challenge, even when it’s frustrating.
Every now and then, I get tempted to grab my twintip again. Last time I did, I ended up with a dislocated knee, so maybe it’s better we stay on a break for now. Or maybe, just maybe, I’ll go all-in on the directional and never look back. Who knows?
At the end of the day, it’s all about doing what feels right for you. Whether it’s the smooth ride of the directional or the adrenaline of the twintip, just make sure you’re having fun.
xox Berit