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buyer’s guide

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE:Underwave

Soft launched in North America in mid-2011, the full collection of Underwave apparel and water wear will be available at your local dealer in 2012. Underwave’s North American distributor Nicolas Ostermann explains why his distribution company is bringing the brand to the US market and highlights some of the key products he is most excited about.... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: Switch Kites

Having just launched in June of 2011, Switch is a new kite manufacturer that only sells kites directly to consumers. We talked to James Overington about Switch’s product line (including the upcoming Element kite) and about how they differ from other kiteboarding companies.... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: Slingshot Kiteboarding

For 2012, Slingshot is continuing the Fuel, RPM, Rally, and Turbine kites and also introducing a replacement for the Key HD, the Z. Slingshot’s board department also has some exciting things happening this year as they are now producing their twin tips locally in the Columbia River Gorge. Also, Slingshot is offering some of their surfboard in two constructions, a strapped and strapless version. ... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: RRD Kiteboarding

The 2012 RRD Kitesurfing line is more extensive than ever before. Roberto Ricci and the RRD team in Italy have developed unique products for specific riding styles and conditions. The 2012 RRD kite line up offers six kite models, 10 different twin tip kiteboards, seven different kite specific surfboards in 24 sizes, and two IKA registered course racing boards. RRD is confident that it has the right product for every level and type of rider out there.... Read More...

2012 Buyer’s Guide: Promotion Wetsuits

Dedicated to windsports for the past 30 years, ProMotion Wetsuits was founded by waterman Dana Love. In 1984, Dana moved his company to the Gorge which he said has proven to be an unbeatable location to design and test wetsuits with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to above 100° in the summer.... Read More...

2012 Buyer’s Guide: Ozone Kiteboarding

Ozone released their first 2012 kite, the surf-specific REO, in June and is now releasing updated versions of the rest of their kite line. Among the kites returning for 2012 is the race-winning Edge. Ozone is also continuing to produce depowerable foil kites for snowkiting and now offers an Ultralight version of the Frenzy that weighs 30% less and packs up smaller. Steve Barrett from Ozone Kites USA answered our questions about the 2012 Ozone line.... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: North Kiteboarding

For 2012 North is offering an extensive line of five kites, eight twin tips, five surfboards, and three specialty boards. Highlights for 2012 include new Adaptive Wingtips on the kites (except the Vegas), a track system on the twin tips, and new surfboard construction. North’s Dan Schwarz filled us in on the changes on the 2012 North line.... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: Nobile Kiteboarding

For 2012 Nobile will be introducing a new freestyle kite, a light wind/race kite, and a wave directional board as well as a new control bar while the rest of the line has been tweaked to improve construction and performance. Two new customer service reps were also brought onto the team who will handle all demos and US and Canadian customer and warranty inquiries. Nobile’s Maciej WacÅ‚awczyk answered our questions about what we can expect from the company’s 2012 product lineup. ... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: Naish Kiteboarding

Naish has made a lot of changes for 2012 including all new shapes and construction for the twin tip line, a new line of strapless only surfboards, and refinements to the kites and existing directional boards. Designers Ian Ponting and Damien Girardin filled us in on what Naish has in store for the 2012 model year. ... Read More...

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: Mystic Kiteboarding

Mystic completely redesigned its 2012 collection of wetsuits which now come in front and back zip models and a multitude of other options to match your specific needs and budget. The harness line was fine tuned to make them even more comfortable and stylish and women will be especially stoked with their expanded options as well. New for 2012 is Mystic’s wake/cable line of wetsuits and vests as well as an entirely new line of clothing and board/travel bags. Mystic’s Evan Mavridoglou walked us through what we can expect from Mystic in 2012.... Read More...