I am over-researching my next purchase and hoping for some advice for buying the first kitesurfing board. Don't want to buy (again) something not suitable and flog it for half the money I paid (just lost my job - will have lots of time but will be short of money).


I am confident riding twin tip, can ride switched and stay upwind (but only one way for now, other way I go downwind a lot). Would like to learn to gybe and start downwinders in Perth - no surfing background.

My size / gear at the moment are:


Weight: 100 kg
Height:184 cm
Age: 50

Boards:


North Spike 153 x 46.5 - light wind weapon
Shinn Dundee II 135 x 44 - all around marvel
Airush Switch 142 - don't use it much, advertised for sale

Kites:


2013 Ozone Zephyr 17m
2013 Cabrinha Switchblade 12m
2015 Wainman Smoke 9m
2014 Ozone Reo 8m


I can imagine using all kites on flat water (Shoalwater) to learn basics, but for downwinders only my Smoke 9m and Reo 8m would be suitable (Switchblade 12m probably too slow turning).


Would like to get a board that is suitable for learning and that I can keep once I know what I am doing, not something that is good for learning only. Something that is good for kitesurfing from flat water up to shoulder height waves. Do not have plans (or ability) for extreme surfing (big waves or flying tricks).


Most people say 'demo' but if you don't know how to use a surfboard yet there is no way to 'demo' even if a board is given to you for a day - hence need your advice Brothers and Sisters :-)


After reading (too much) I came up with few choices:


2014 Cabrinha Subwoofer 5'-11" (29l) - looks like the best choice to me based on what I read
2015 Cabrinha Phenom 5'-8" (28.9l) or 5'-11" (31.6l)
2015 Cabrinha Secret Weapon 5'-10" (30.6l)

The above boards I understand would be easy learning boards (being wide and having big volume), but would they be worth keeping once I learn?


The following two boards could be harder to learn (smaller volume, not as wide) but maybe better 'all round' once I learn?


2014 Slinghshot Celeritas 5'-11" (can't find the volume info)
2014 North WAM 6'-0" (25.4l)

Would love to hear your advice - please keep in mind that I weigh 100kg and that I plan to use my board almost exclusively in Perth, so need the gear optimum for Perth conditions. Also don't plan to buy more kites - would like my surfboard be suitable for the kites I currently have