Kite surfboard verses regular surfboard

I wanted to go over some of the differences between the kite surfboard and the regular surfboard.

Kite surfboard-
Usually epoxy or heavy glassed polyester
Straps for strapped riding

Bargain board-
A regular surfboard off of craigslist is fine for learning, get one with enough length and volume and preferably a quad fin setup.

The polyester surfboards for surfing are not as durable as the epoxy ones.They are made light for performance and speed

There is durability:low to high

Low- polyester thin made light for surfing may get pressure dings in deck from edging
full deck pad may help it last longer
would have to add inserts to mount straps if you want to ride with them

Medium to good-epoxy surfboards
depending on your weight a regular epoxy surfboard may last you a while, try to find one with less rocker and enough volume for the conditions

High durability- Kite surfboard
Specifically made for kiteboarding
Laminated construction usually epoxy or heavy glass polyester
Has foot strap inserts and most come with straps and pads
re-enforced deck for jumps and reduce pressure dings

Adding foot straps for kitboarding-
Options

Easiest-
Stick on mounts (dakine and others)
Clean area and sand wipe with adhesive primer stick on
 can mount the foot strap to the mounts

Epoxy the mounts below the deck
Rout out the area, insert the mount to ensure fiit, put tape or surf wax over the holes, put epoxy in hole and around, insert the mount level with the deck allow to cure and sane additional layer of glass over this is better for strength

Foot strap mounting styles
One hole insert, or several hole insert plastic wood or metal inserts

Foot strap location-
Make sure that the area that you are putting the inserts is correct, ride the board first if possible or copy a production kiteboard in general for mounting areas.