I’m here to tell you that split kiteboards is the best thing to ever hit the kitesurf travel industry. I’ve written on this topic numerous times before and I’ve reviewed many iterations of Kitelement’s re solve split kiteboard. Traveling without a board bag the size of a large golf bag is so much more convenient. Think about it: Instead of hauling this unergonomic behemoth of a bag through airports and transfers, you simply pack a duffel which you can easily fit in cabs and public transport. And it checks in as regular luggage, saving you money.
With the NHP Split from Nobile there is no compromise on performance either. This product oozes quality, has some ingenious innovation built into it and has been around long enough to stand the test of time (the first model was released in 2014).
Nobile NHP Split construction and innovation
At the core of the NHP Split design is Nobile’s all-time favourite free ride board; the NHP. It’s a true all-rounder which has been going for over a decade. It’s a Goldilock board, hitting the sweet spot for most people in terms of stiffness, rocker and shape. When I unboxed the board, I was immediately impressed with the build quality. The materials and the finish are second to none. The price does reflect this premium product. It’s not cheap, but the convenience when you travel is worth it. You might sped £200-300 more than a regular board, but what is that split across the lifetime of the board? It’s built to last and will stay with you for years to come.
Let’s take a look at the features that really sets this board apart. First off, the sawtooth split that connects the two parts is industry leading. Most manufacturers have copied this design, because it’s brilliant. It distributes the forces in a way that the board can bend over load without cracking. It’s really ingenious: No screws are used, only a small groove in one of the parts, which the other part slots into. The joint is then secured with a metal pin on each side. The pins sit under rubber flaps, neatly tucked away and secured while you ride. This construction allows for a quick and simple assembly, with no loose bits that you can lose. It’s not a bad looking board either, using the graphics to emphasise the sawtooth split feature.
Fins and handle are also added without the need of separate screws. Especially the way you attach the fins is really clever, and could easily become industry standard if Nobile allows.
Performance of the Nobile NHP Split on the water
The NHP Split comes in four sizes:
- 133 x 40 – 3kg
- 136 x 41 – 3.1 kg
- 139 x 42 – 3.2 kg
- 142 x 43 – 3.3 kg
My go-to size for free ride boards would be the mid-option of 136, but this time I got my hands on the 139 cm version. Those three cm in added length and one cm added width add enough surface area to feel just a tad more slow and sluggish to whip around in the surf and pop off the water. However, the upside is more low-end performance, which comes very handy when you don’t pack your full quiver and need a small set-up to cover a large wind range. To be fair, I had no issues with the size and could still enjoy every second on the water and in the air. And there was a lot of air time clocked on the trip on which I brought the NHP Split. Loops, hard landings, powered tricks, waves, I threw in the full repertoire, and the board swallowed it and asked for more.
Paired with a 13m Juice, I rode the NHP Split in both flat water and waves, every day for two weeks during a trip to the Caribbean. It’s 0.5kg heavier than a normal NHP board, but that didn’t stop me from having a blast on it. If you’re looking to cram out every ounce of performance, and you’re into a specific style of riding, especially freestyle, you will obviously need to bring your dedicated board. For everyone else, myself included, the Nobile NHP Split kiteboard will be the perfect travel partner on your next kitesurf trip.
Action photo credits: Dr Greg Bailey – Cheers, brother!