OK, this video isn’t kiteboarding related, but we were blown away by this. If you think you have gnarly conditions, you should watch what photographer and bodyboarder Mickey Smith has to deal with.

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

Relentless Energy presents Short Stories, a challenge to recognised core sports and music filmmakers…

The first Short Stories film, by renowned photographer and bodyboarder Mickey Smith, explores his world as a true waterman – both as an athlete and artist, and is called The Dark Side of The Lens.

“Originally I planned for the film to be more anonymous, rather than biographical, an all encompassing piece, to represent the photographers keeping the surfing machine afloat”, explains Smith.

Something that offers insight into what it takes to grind out a living as a water-based photographer in the surfing industry: a short experimental glimpse at a life lived in the shadow of obsessive photographic pursuits.”

“It also gave me the chance to ask myself a few questions, like, if you’re always observing and documenting what you see and experience, are you ever truly present? Questions like that where I could step back think and then see what the answers were”, Smith says.

As well as documenting various voices and experiences across surf photography, Smith worked with Allan Wilson from the Astray Collective, who acted as Director of Photography on the project. Together they logged hours of footage across the Atlantic coastline, traveling around Ireland, Cornwall and Manchester. Shot in Super 16mm film, as well as groundbreaking work with Canon 5D mk11 Digital SLR, Smith also projected images of the huge walls of water within which he works, on to monster urban landscapes such as sky rises and castles in Manchester, as well as the cliff lines at his home of Ireland

For the best reading experience, click on the View in fullscreen button below.

Name: Sam Light
Age: 20
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Years kiting: 7
Favorite Spots: Hayling Island, a few places in Hawaii, Brazil, Perth
Favorite Conditions: Flat water on the inside with kickers rolling through
Favorite Moves: Crow Mobe, Moby Dick, off-axis rotations
Sponsors: Naish International, O’Neill

One of Sam Light's hidden talents is that he can make a mean poached egg. Photo Toby Bromwich

GEAR SET-UP

Boards: 134 and 138 Naish Momentum
Bindings: Ronix Cells
Kites: Naish Torch
Lines: 20 and 24m
Harness: Naish Diamond

TIPS

• Popping off your toeside is hard, and like your first raley it takes time. Always remember to lock the bar in to your hip.
• Don’t forget where you came from and always be nice to everyone! Don’t be a hater!
• If there’s a camera out and you want to promote yourself make sure you are all over it like a rash and it will pay off. Make sure you’re always hustling.

Sam Light, originally from the south coast of England, is breaking out onto the international kiteboarding scene in a big way. Sam was the 2009 British Kiteboarding Champion and is currently traveling the world promoting Naish International and the sport of kiteboarding. Rumor has it that not only does Sam kill it on the water, but he’s also an English gentleman who can fix you up a proper cup of tea.

Tells us a little about Hayling Island. It sounds like a pretty unique place.
There’s no place like home! It’s not the kind of island where everyone has six toes; there is a bridge connecting it to the mainland, and it’s right near a big city so you get the best of both worlds. As far as the kiting goes it’s recognized as one of the best spots in the UK for its flat water. The local kite club has had to cap the membership because the beach just can’t hold many kiters and a ban would be devastating.

Have any other sports helped influence your kiteboarding?
For sure, especially wakeboarding. I did it a lot before I kited so I have always had my roots there. Wakeboarding videos get me motivated to transfer wakeboarding tricks to kiteboarding. I think there are so many tricks that kiters are missing out on.

Growing up around the water, how difficult was learning to kiteboard?
I think it was quite natural. I had the board skills down, so I just had to work the kite out. As soon as I had a kite I flew it at every opportunity, so I learned fairly quickly. We have a weather station near my beach, and its site has been my home page for years. When I only had a 7m I used to stare at it and click refresh until it said 15 knots.

What standout features do you most appreciate about your current gear?
I know I get paid to say I love all my gear, but I actually do! The Torch has changed considerably from last year; more bar pressure and a huge amount of pop make it pretty much perfect for what I love to do. I also have a secret prototype board that will be coming out in 2011 that I recon we’ve hit the jackpot with.

What do you do off the water to help you on the water?
I’m pretty lazy really! I would like to say I stretch twice a day and work out, but that’s kind of lame. I do keep fit playing squash, skateboarding, etc. I have learned quite a few tricks on the trampoline, especially off-axis rotations. Lately I have been getting into golf. It’s a cool sport, but frustrating. It’s also a great way to chill out in the sun with mates and a few beers!

Sam Light is helping to push wakestyle riding a little further. Photo Toby Bromwich

What trick or style are you currently working on?
I have been working on toeside a lot lately. I think I invented a new trick in Australia, but I’m sure someone will correct me. Basically, from toeside you do an S-bend almost all the way around before doing a frontside 360. Don’t forget the phat melon grab in the middle. It’s like an S-mobe crossed with a Tootsie roll. I call it a Wise Mobe. You can see it in the video Aesthetics from Australia. Check it out and share the love!

What is your favorite style of riding and why?
I’m sure you all expect me to say powered wakestyle riding, but I can appreciate a lot of different styles, though I can’t say I’m a fan of course racing. My favorite style is doing something different, not the same stuff that everyone else is doing. I like seeing people putting their own flair and background into tricks and pushing the sport in the direction they see.

What do you think can be done to draw more young riders into kiteboarding?
I would love to get more young riders into the sport. I think the cost of getting gear and taking lessons is the biggest issue. There is no guidance for them about where to start and if they do manage to start out it’s hard to make a living out of it. I really appreciated my Dad’s help when I was starting out, driving me to my first events and helping me get cheaper gear. I also think we need to push kiting further into the mainstream media.

What do you think about competitions? Are you planning on doing more of them in the future?
I’m kind of on the fence at the moment. Right now, the PKRA is in a strange place, especially with Aaron not competing this year and with all the controversy going on in the background. Not many people know what’s going on or know which trick is better than another. There are a few very talented riders on the tour though; guys like Youri Zoon and Alex Pastor are mixing it up with big tricks and really hard low wakestyle moves. I think it’s something I will do in the future, but right now I think there’s better stuff to do while they sort it out! I am really enjoying doing my own thing at the moment, making cool videos and photos.

What is something about you outside of kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t know?
I have pet chickens at my house. They lay the best fresh eggs and I make a mean poached egg!

What are your must-haves that you can’t live without?
Music and good headphones; music always gets me motivated and puts me in a good mood. My Mac helps me get through long journeys and I always look forward to Mum’s cooking. What can I say — it’s always good to go home and get some home cooked food!

Any words of wisdom you want to share with our readers?
Set yourself a goal and stick to it. Whether it’s to become the next world champion or to land your first jump, committing and believing you’re going to make it happen is the key. I’m a big believer that what goes around comes around, so share the love and you will get it back.

Best Kiteboarding has just released a new mini-website and promo video for the all-new 2011 Best Taboo. Check it out at http://tabookite.com/

Join F-One Kiting America, Bay Area Kitesurf and Kite Adventures for a trip of a lifetime this fall. Demo all the new 2011 F-One gear during this week-long epic adventure exploring and riding at some of the most beautiful coastal kite spots in the world!

F-ONE BRAZIL TRIP OCTOBER 23rd – NOVEMBER 1st

http://kiteadventures.com/fone/

This 10 days-9 night trip is co-sponsored by Kite Adventures, who have been organizing kite trips in Brazil for years, and F-One  Kiteboarding Americas. Great wind, great downwinders, good waves, all you can ask for.

Even though the currency is not working in our favor, we have been working hard to keep the trip cost under $2K, $1995 exactly. This is a special introductory pricing, just for F-One!. The regular cost is  $2500 per person.

The main idea was to go someplace great where we could bring in all the new 2011 F-One toys for everybody to try out. New BANDIT IV, 2-line SOURCE,  new Twin Tips (TRAX, TX, SK8, ACID), and SURFS (new fish 5’4 and 5’6, new  5’8, 5’10 and 6’0).

The  base will be Cumbuco, which is 30mn away from the Fortaleeza airport and we will then explore the coast and go to Jericoacoara (or Jeri).

We will have a Kite Adventure guide and coordinator with us + accomodation in local pousadas + transportation by 4×4 between cities and buggies for the daily downwinders. First round of Caipinrinhas is on us !

Feel free to forward this notice to your staff or to your customers. Places are limited. For booking, more info on the trip, etc… contact Dan@kiteadventures.com – 786-379-5483; or you can also book online at http://kiteadventures.com/fone/.

First come first serve!

http://kiteadventures.com/fone/

With North Kiteboarding’s Sky Solbach on the cover, the October Issue features:

• Stay Connected: Four Social Media Apps you should be using.
• Kiteboarding Vanuatu: A Step Back in Time
• Interview: The Unstoppable Billy Floyd
• Adam Koch and Adriana Harlan Profiled
• The 2011 TKB GEAR PREVIEW GUIDE: We get the answers you want to know about 2011 kites and boards
• SUP Kiting: Worth the Effort?

Get to your local kiteboarding shop and pick up a copy or subscribe in the TKB store!

For the best reading experience, click on the View in fullscreen button below.

Taking Care of Your Rubber: Wetsuit Repairs

By Jorge Pulido, Wetsuit Repair Guy/ProMotion Wetsuits

When your wetsuit springs a leak, it's time to either fix it yourself or send it off to the experts. Photo Scott Edwards

Unlike a pair of well-worn jeans, wetsuits do not get more comfortable with age. At some point it is time to toss out the old rubber and upgrade. Until then, you can keep your wetsuit out of the landfill by getting it repaired.

The first question is, can you fix it yourself or should you take it to the wetsuit repair guys? Basically, if you can fix the problem using wetsuit glue, you should be able to fix it yourself. If the fix requires stitching or replacing a section of the wetsuit, you should probably take it to the repair professionals who have sewing machines that are geared for wetsuits and the right type of thread and materials.

If you are down in Baja and in a pinch, try to avoid dental floss and duct tape as these make doing proper repairs more difficult. Instead, take a can of wetsuit glue on your trip to keep you suit patched together.

Easy repairs you can do yourself

Photo Courtesy ProMotion

Gouges that don’t go all the way through the material can be easily fixed with wetsuit glue. The wetsuit glue we recommend is called Seal Cement. It is black runny glue that comes in a four fluid ounce can.

The inside of the lid has a small brush attached. Another product often sold for wetsuit repairs is a clear product that comes in a tube but we have found the best success with Seal Cement.

Split Seams are seams that have started to open on the outside but have not completely come apart. A bit of wetsuit glue will close the seam and should keep it from completely blowing out.

Note that you cannot repair a completely blown out seam using only wetsuit glue, unless you add a seam tape to the inside of the seam repair. Using a “glue-on” seam tape is a good option. Otherwise, send it to the repair guys.

How to do it

Hold the tear or split seam open as you brush wetsuit glue onto both sides of the tear. Allow the first coat of glue to dry for approximately 5 minutes. Next, apply a second coat of glue and allow it to dry one more minute.

Finally, close the tear or seam evenly and give it a pinch to help set the glue. Do this when your wetsuit is dry and you’ll be back on the water after two hours of drying time.

When to send to the repair guys

Material Replacements are done when a section of the wetsuit is either worn through or rotted out. If the jersey on the inside or outside of your wetsuit is separating from the rubber, it cannot be repaired but must be replaced.

Estimates can go from “worthwhile” all the way up to “toss it out and get a new one.” We also do not recommend iron on repair kits as this home remedy often results in a scorched wetsuit.

Broken Zippers can go a number of different ways. Sometimes only the zipper slider needs to be replaced. This type of a repair is inexpensive.

A more expensive repair is needed when the zipper has broken teeth. If this is the case, the whole zipper needs to be replaced. In both cases, have the repair guys do it as some stitching and material replacement is involved.

Most wetsuit repairs average $20 to $80.

ProMotion Wetsuits offers wetsuit repairs with estimates on any brand over the counter at their Hood River, Oregon shop. Wetsuits needing repair should be dry and sand free.

ProMotion also sells Seal Cement online at www.wetsuit.com, along with most surf and dive shops.

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Name: Claire Lutz
Age: 23
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 120 lbs.
Years kiting: 2
Favorite Spots: The Slick in Cape Hatteras and the Sand Bar in Hood River
Favorite Conditions: SW at 18-22, it’s the perfect wind consistency and speed
Favorite Moves: Unhooked Raley
Sponsors: Mystic and Second Wind Sports

When Claire discovered kiteboarding, she moved halfway across the country to persue the life of a pro kiter. Photo Judith Schulz

GEAR SET-UP

Boards: LF Recoil 127 and a 134 custom hot pink wakestyle board made just for me
Bindings: Ronix Frank
Kites: Liquid Force, The Rev, and anything I can get my hands on!
Lines: Standard
Harness: Mystic Warrior II

TIPS

*Keep your kite low and make sure to edge really hard before you pop.
*If you are learning to unhook just practice unhooking and hooking back in while riding normally. This will help you get used to it.

Originally from a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan, when Claire first saw kiteboarding she decided that was what she wanted to do more than anything. She saved up all her money for more than a year and took a lesson at REAL kiteboarding and then decided to never leave. After spending two seasons in Hatteras, Claire recently moved to Hood River to work for Second Wind Sports.

When, where, and why did you start kiteboarding?
I started kiteboarding in March of 2008 after a long year of waiting for lessons. I took the Zero-2-Hero camp at REAL Watersports and never left! I had always dabbled in every board sport but never was able to focus on one.

I have always been a lover of the water and I was hooked from the first moment.

What was it about kiteboarding that made you pick up and move halfway across the country to do it?
I decided that if I was going to try and kiteboard for a living I might as well be somewhere I could do it almost everyday. I knew that Hatteras was a hot spot for kiting so I did my research and was on my way.

Have any other sports or disciplines helped influence your kiteboarding?
I love snowboarding; I do that in the winters while I’m at school and just focus on hitting rails and boxes so I can be better at that when I hit the water. I also wakeboard and skateboard on no-wind days.

What standout features do you most appreciate about your current gear?
I love the comfort of both my Mystic harness and my Ronix Frank bindings. The bindings are super light so I can do all of my tricks a lot easier.

What do you do off the water to help you on the water?
I try and stay in shape! I work out every day and this helps me be able to stay on the water longer and keeps the stamina up. It’s good to be in shape when you’re an athlete.

What trick or style are you currently working on and what is the challenge?
Right now I am working on the raley to blind , unhooked front rolls, and always working on hitting sliders. I’m close with the raley to blind. Hopefully I’ll have it down by the time people are reading this.

What is your favorite style of riding and why?
I love wakestyle. I love the feeling of unhooking, and doing powerful raley’s with the kite low. Wakestyle is helping to make kiteboarding more appealing to the masses.

Like many have said before me, kiteboarding is like the rollerblading of the ocean, and we’re trying to change that.

You were named KiteScoop.com’s favorite kite girl. What do you think about the Scoop?
I love the Scoop! Those guys are crazy. I think it’s great what they are doing. People share their opinions and rant and rave. You name it, they do it. They also launched an updated version which has more kite news, videos, interviews, and pictures.

They are called the Scoop Troops because they are the ones really pushing wakestyle.

Do you think the direction that the Scoop is pushing the sport is the direction kiteboarding needs to go?
I think it is already catching on. More and more people are riding boots and keeping their kites lower. I’m not saying that everyone should ride wakestyle, because that’s not everyone’s thing, but if we are trying to appeal to more people we should try and seem more legit like wakeboarding and surfing.

Right now those people aren’t too convinced that kiteboarding is cool. They should be, because it is!

Claire was named kitescoop.com's favorite kite girl. Photo John Bilderback

Why do you think there is so much arguing and bitterness between the different aspects of kiteboarding? Can’t we all just get along?
I’m not too sure why there is so much arguing. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I think the bitterness comes from the people trying to push the sport to new limits.

They are getting upset with the people who are holding it back. This should be about evolution of the sport. How can we make it grow and change for the better?

What was your scariest kiteboarding experience?
A few times when I began kiteboarding I would go out in any wind condition without understanding the wind patterns and a lot of times the wind would die. My friends would say don’t go out further than you want to swim back in, but I didn’t quite listen.

I would be stranded so far out in the Pamlico Sound or the ocean, try and self rescue, tangle my lines, and probably cried because I was afraid of sharks. OK, I did cry.

What is your most memorable kiteboarding experience?
When Lulu Vroman and Trevor Murchie taught me how to hit sliders! Lulu is my hero. She kills it on sliders.

What are your must-haves that you can’t live without?
Ipod! I cannot live without music. On the water or on the plane, it’s essential. Also a hair tie because my hair is wild and out of control and chapstick is a must!

Any words of wisdom you want to share with our readers?
Never give up. There will always be people who won’t believe in you and try and bring you down. Don’t let them!

2011 Best Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.bestkiteboarding.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Taboo	4,5.5,7,8,9,10,12,14,15,17	Yes	4-6	4	Yes	High Performance SLE Kite	September
Bularoo V3	5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15	Yes	5	4	Yes	All Around, Snow, SLE Kite	March
Kahoona V3	5.5, 7.5, 9.5, 13.5	Yes	4	4	Yes	All Around, Surf, Delta Kite	March

Best 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

The 2011 kite line up from Best builds upon the performance of their Kahoona Delta and Bularoo SLE kites. New for 2011, Best is introducing the Taboo, a high performance kite to replace and surpass all previous Nemesis designs.

The Taboo line represents a completely different approach to designing a range of kites. Every size of the Taboo is based on analysis and rider feedback of the most popular riding style for the wind range covered by each kite.

Best is offering something for everyone in 2011 from the beginner rider looking for their first kite to the hardcore freestyle rider looking for gear that is built to last and dressed to impress. Kite designer Peter Stiewe fills us in on the details of the 2011 kite line while board designers Shannon Best and Jeff Beige give us a peak as to what we can expect with the boards.

With the release of the new Taboo, Best says it has introduced a “radical new approach” to how a range of kites is designed. What’s so radical about the new kite range?
Look at any kite model on the market and they all do the same thing. They all try to make every kite in a range as similar as possible to each other so they all fly the same. But do you want your smallest kite to handle like your largest and vice versa? Or would you rather have a kite where every size has been designed to be perfect for a given riding style and specific wind range?

That’s what makes the Taboo radical; every single size is designed to be the perfect high performance kite for a given riding style. Each kite is unique, with unique geometry, unique construction techniques, unique product features, and even unique materials being selected for specific sizes based on their intended use- we call it ‘Ride Optimized Geometry.’

2011 Best Taboo

How did Best determine what sizes would correspond to specific riding styles?
We had test riders and members of the R&D team out at beaches with clipboards, noting down which kite models people used in what winds and how they rode them.

Once we had the data it was just a process of number crunching and then putting the results to the test to make sure we had interpreted the facts correctly. The results were pretty simple and that was what led us to the small-medium-large kite grouping that you see in the Taboo.

The smallest kites focus on control, stability, and unhooked performance. These kites are fast and direct with light bar pressure and steer well even when unhooked. They are rock solid in the air and make the perfect platform for unhooked wave riding or wakestyle riding depending on which bar size and back line connections you hook up to. The medium sizes focus on power delivery, speed and feedback. They have insane pull for kite-looping and will launch you sideways through a loop as fast as they take you upwards, perfect for new school riding and powered unhooked moves.

The largest two sizes focus on aerodynamic efficiency and handling. They are light fast turning kites which penetrate upwind in the lightest breeze. Their canopy shapes and bridles make them exceptional downwind kites as well, so they are perfect for course racing as well as pure lightwind riding.

***This info has been updated from the October 2010 Print Article as all kites were not finalized as of the print deadline.***

Doesn’t the weight of a rider also have a large influence on size? For instance, a 12m could be a light rider’s largest kite or a 200 lb. rider’s smallest one.
That’s true, and as long as they both want a hard looping, aggressive kite with huge hangtime they’ll be more than happy. We’ve designed the Taboo to have a broad depower sweet spot in each size, so there’s plenty of range for light and heavy kiters.

None of the sizes requires legs of steel to push them upwind so weight isn’t an issue with any size in the range. We base the sizes around an average 75kg/170lb rider. Lighter or heavier riders should adjust their size picks accordingly. We figure 10kg (22lb) equals 1m difference in canopy size or +/- 2 knots.

2011 Best Armada

Is the Taboo similar to any past kites that Best has released?
It’s probably fair to say that there is a little bit of every kite we’ve ever made in the Taboo range as you can’t unlearn what you already know about kite design. However, the Taboo is unlike any other kite we’ve made, both in concept and execution.

Where does the new Taboo fit in the 2011 line up? Who is the kite targeted at?
If your quiver is already built up of odd kites in different sizes for the different types of riding that you do then the Taboo was designed for you.

We wouldn’t advise beginners to buy them, especially in the mid sizes where the endless depower could get you into trouble really fast if you take your eye off the kite mid-turn.

So is this new approach across the board for the company’s kite line up?
We accept that some riders want a quiver of kites with a consistent feel across sizes. For these riders the Kahoona and Bularoo will continue to be their go-to kites.

But for riders who really have to push the limits of wave riding, wakestyle, new school, big-air, and racing there’s the Taboo.

The Waroo has been a very successful design for Best for the past few years. Why was this kite not refined for 2011?
When we were designing the 2010 Waroo there was always two branches to that development tree, the delta version, which became the 2010 Waroo and the SLE version which was reintroduced as the Bularoo.

Since the Bularoo has outsold the Waroo this season we have to keep the kite that riders want, so the Bularoo stays. The Bularoo V3 will be the 2011 Waroo in all but name.

Best introduced the new Redline bar this year. Will this be the bar for the 2011 line of kites?
All the new kites are designed to fly on this bar, we’ll not be replacing the bar for 2011 but eventually rolling out improvements to the design as they are developed, tested, and signed off for production. The Redline Performance Bar is here to stay and it will just keep on getting better and better.

Best changed factories for its 2011 twin tip board line up. What did this accomplish?
Lighter, stronger boards with a better ride — we can now make a better board for similar money at the new factory and their finishing process’s are way beyond what we had access to before.

The finish quality of the printing and gloss work is simply astounding. More importantly, it’s also less shipping time from the factory to where we test in Europe, so we can make more prototypes which means better boards in less time.

2011 Best Spark

There’s a new wakestyle board in the line-up this year, the Profanity. Can you explain it?
Sure. We took a thin section Paulownia wood core and laminated it vertically with a PVC foam base for a unique vertical sandwich construction that gives you the lightweight of wood and the speed of pop of a foam core. We then added deep section ABS rails that are deep enough for you to sand the shape of the tips if you prefer a rounded corner.

The underside of the board is a masterpiece –large single into double concave flowing into a twin channel tip. The accelerated channel flow under the tips has the same effect as reducing the rocker given you a faster planing board with a livelier feel, but you still have the extra rocker for pop and landing smooth. We’ve also created an outline that gives zero spray in combination with our thicker rail without suck down. You can run it finned or finless for sliders and kickers.

Because of the twin channels you lose little grip without fins. For taking it on sliders we’ve beveled the underside of the rail. Just before you hit the concave there’s a flat section with a negative 1.5mm drop, meaning that no matter how you hit the rail you aren’t going to trip your rail and take a face full of pipe. The Profanity is built to take straps or boots and comes ready to take 6” or 7” mounts.

2011 Best Profanity

What are the most significant changes that were made to the next generation of Armada twin tips?
The most noticeable thing is the quality. From the finish of the graphics to the see-through core to the rail to the A4 stainless inserts, everything is improved- it’s built to tighter tolerances. There are also specific design changes; the lay-up has altered with a new mix of biax and uni-glass. The weight has dropped even further than before yet the strength and stiffness has increased due to the new PVC core-surround construction

In 2010, Best produced a limited quantity of the Kristin Boese pro model board and was surprised with how quickly this board sold out. Is this board coming back in the 2011 line?
We should have known it would be a sellout — if you have a great looking board tailored for women riders designed by the ‘winningest’ female kitesurfer of all time, it’s going to be popular. So yes, it’s making a reappearance for 2011 and has been moved to the new factory so will roll off the production line with its big brother Armada.

How about the Spark, your price point twin tip. Is this board coming back?
The Spark stays with a few tweaks under the hood and a new lick of paint for those entry level riders who like a little touch of wakestyle.

What’s going on with your 2011 surf program? Any changes?
Both boards will get new graphics for 2011 and maybe some tweaks to the fin area and deck pads, but that’s a little far off yet to be able to call it.

2011 Caution Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.cautionkites.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Spitfire	5,7,9,11,13,16	Short	5	4	Yes	Freeride, Surf SLE	October

Caution 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

For 2011 Caution has streamlined its kite offerings to a single line of kites, combining all the best features from their 2010 line into a single free ride kite that excels in the waves and performs for the freestyle riders in flat water. The line features a new sizing scheme, slightly less bar pressure, faster relaunch, and Caution’s precision steering dynamics.

Caution has designed and built kitesurfing products since day one with more than eleven years of experience in kite product development and manufacturing. Their focus is to build high performance gear built to withstand the demanding conditions of Santa Cruz.

Caution’s Peter Schiebel, Poul Shiebel, Jeff Burton, and Brendan Richards gave us an overview on what we can expect from the company’s entire 2011 line, including boards.

2010 was a great year for Caution with the introduction of the Zombie kite and refinement of the Mayhem which evolved into the Mayhem X. Are these two designs coming back in 2011?
For 2011 we have consolidated the Mayhem X and Zombie kites into a single model. For now we’re calling it the Spitfire, but that name might change before we release it. It offers our riders a mix between the two.

Over the last year, we found our team and core riders were moving toward the Zombie which offers stability, fast yet predictable performance, and all around good handling. Our aim was to take the Zombie platform and tweak it to get some more performance while keeping the qualities that have made it such a popular kite.

What are the major differences between last year’s line and the new kite?
The advances for 2011 are subtle fine tuning changes made to steering characteristics, bar pressure, and overall range. We took feedback from our riders and reps and changed our sizing around a little. We made sure we kept the Zombie’s impressive range while designing for performance.

We experimented with our wingtip design, ultimately reducing bar pressure without losing any precision response and control. We also made changes that allow the kites to relaunch from deep in the window faster, which will help advanced kiters get their kites in the air before the next set and will allow beginners to spend more time with their kites in the air.

The kites are tested and optimized for wave riding conditions, but at the same time offer big boosts and friendly unhooked sheeting characteristics.

Have you made any changes to the control bar? What are the safety features on the bar?
Last year the bar went through a major upgrade, so for 2011 we added some additional features while keeping our performance oriented design. New for this year we have rerouted the safety depower line through the center of the chicken loop assembly, making it a cleaner design overall. Our spring tensioned quick release is accessible from all angles offering a simple and easily accessed push away release.

We added additional travel to the throw and upgraded our insert to reduce friction and increase durability. Our bar ends were slimmed down for weight savings while still offering adjustable bar length settings.

2011 Caution Spitfire

Caution’s Redline and Hustler twin tips are still popular boards although neither has been updated in a few years. Can we expect a new twin tip from Caution in 2011?
This summer we brought some new talent to our team with wake and skateboarding backgrounds. This has brought more energy to our twin tip product development, so it’s a safe bet that you’ll see some new models in our twin tip pipeline for this next year.

This year, Caution added the 5’10” to the directional line late in the season. Is the line changing for 2011 in any way in terms of sizes, construction, or graphics? Can you give some recommendations regarding what level or type of rider would be best suited for each size?
For 2011 the Trespass line continues with the 5’5”, 5’10”, and 6’0.” Each board comes with a redesigned stomp pad with heel kick and new foot straps designed to offer the optimal balance between comfort and control. Each board is shaped out of our high density polyester blanks and comes with reinforced Future boxes.

The 5’5” is great for smaller riders and windier conditions. The 5’10” is optimal for bigger riders that are looking for a high performance board with solid control and glide. The 6’0” works great for lighter wind locations and bigger riders who are looking for more stability and surface area.

Your directional boards all feature Speedwing fins. What are the advantages of these types of fins versus traditional fins? Any disadvantages?
Speedwing fins are designed to reduce drag through the use of winglets on the two side thruster fins. These fins tend to create a little more drive and more hold when slashing the lip. They seem to help the board fly upwind, making it faster and easier to get back to the top of the lineup.

We have gotten tons of positive feedback on these fins, but at the same time fin choice can be highly subjective, so really each person should come to their own conclusion regarding advantages and disadvantages.

Caution also ventured into the standup paddleboard (SUP) market this year. This issue, our instructional is on kiting with a SUP written by Caution’s Brendan Richards. Be honest. Can you really have fun kiting on a SUP?
It’s debatable, but without question it’s more fun than sitting on the beach and can add variety to your kiting.

2011 Eclipse Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.eclipsekites.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Thruster V4	8,10,12,14	Yes	5	4	Yes	High Performance SLE Kite	Now
Kima	6, 9	Yes	3	4	Yes	Surf Delta Kite	September
Thruster GT	tbd	Yes	5	4	Yes	Super Light, High Performance SLE Kite	October
Kima GT	tbd	yes	3	4	yes	Super Light, Surf Delta kite	October

Eclipse 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

2011 marks a new beginning for Eclipse with four new kites, new boards, and a clothing line to be launched later in the year. Eclipse is maintaining its “By the riders for the riders” approach with affordable pricing, unreal performance, better quality, and a bullet proof warranty with worldwide coverage.

Eclipse’s goal is to provide value to kiteboarders by offering products the riders want at prices they can afford. Eclipse’s Chris Cousins called us from testing in Italy to tell us about the changes Eclipse has been through this past year and what we can expect from the 2011 line.

Eclipse went through many internal changes in 2010 and had some delays in production as the company reorganized. What happened?
Delays in our product and internal changes in 2009 were a result from one bad decision we made in 2007 – a bad choice of a product supplier. In manufacturing, everything starts and ends with your factory. In 2007, we had to move our production because of quality issues.

It was a very sudden and unexpected move, which put us in a desperate situation. We moved to a different factory and signed a really bad contract with a manufacturer. We knew it was a bad contract back then but it was either that or no kites in 2008 so we just did it. Initially the move was good, but in the end the manufacturer used clauses in the contract to create devastating delivery problems, which affected Eclipse, many dealers, and our reputation. It was a horrible experience that I would not wish on my worst enemy.

What has changed now? What has the company done to re-establish shop and rider confidence in product delivery and customer service?
Selling kites is simple; customers want the best product for their money. They want it quickly and want good service if there is a problem. We intend to provide just that. Now we do things completely different. First, we use two factories – one makes products for Europe the other makes kites for North America.

One factory is a joint venture with Eclipse, so we have more control over production. For the USA, we are limiting the size of our dealer network. In the past, Eclipse had over 50 dealers just in the USA and it was far too many shops- prices were heavily discounted and it was difficult to compete and create a competitive advantage over our competition.

In America, we now plan to sell direct and through select affiliated shops — the pricing/sales structure is far better for the customers and Eclipse. We now control the pricing and customers’ expectations, which provides a better experience for the riders. In Europe, we still distribute directly to dealers through our offices in Spain and Germany which eliminates common tax/duty issues.

Who is Eclipse’s main designer?
Bill Hansen and I designed the current product line which we feel is our best work yet.

Eclipse just released the Thruster V.4. Will this kite be the same for 2011?
Yes, we are trying to get away from labeling kites by year because it’s completely pointless for this business. At Eclipse, new products are only made when they are truly better.

Changing the model year lowers the resale value on the kites, increases our expenses, and shortens our R&D process. So circumventing the model year allows us to focus more time on improving our products and creating better value for the riders.

For 2011, Eclipse will introduce the updated Kima. Tell us more about it.
Our focus on the new Kima was to satisfy the riders’ requests. Our aim was to increase efficiency, improve durability, and reduce bar pressure. At the end of the design process we created a kite which weighs about 2 lbs. less. This resulted in a much better range, which removed the need for a 12m in the line.

We also simplified and reinforced the canopy to increase strength in key areas. Finally some bridle modifications resulted in lighter bar pressure and faster relaunch.

Why would riders want to upgrade to a newer Kima or Thruster?
Because they are truly better kites with over two years of R&D invested in them. Try one for yourself.

How will the Kima GT and Thruster GT differ from the Kima and Thruster?
Both the new GT kites will be made with a new carbon-based fabric and will weigh one third less than traditional kites in the same sizes. Thus, they are very fast, powerful, jump higher, relaunch faster, and have amazing low end. It’s the next step forward in kite technology.

A new bar was introduced with the Thruster V.4. Will this same bar be used for all the new 2011 kites?
Yes the new bar is called the Morph. This bar is a complete redesign, nothing from the old bar remains. The bar is very interesting, with a new push away release, bellow the bar depower, adjustable bar ends, sliding stopper, and partial and 100% safety options. It’s a simple, safe, and performance-oriented bar we know riders will love.

Eclipse offered a custom surfboard in 2010. What are your board plans and when can we expect them to be introduced?
We are releasing the Skyline pro models in September. These are twin tip boards designed for the ultimate performance and value.

Any changes to the Bulletproof Warranty?
The warranty now offers worldwide coverage so if you break your kite in Fiji and need it fixed, you just go to the local repair man and put him in touch with Eclipse – we’ll take care of getting it repaired. In the USA you have to send the kite to Prokitesurf in Texas for repair. For us to honor your warranty, you absolutely need to register your kite online.

2011 Epic Kiteboaridng Kite Line

http://www.epickites.com

Kites	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Renegade	6, 9, 11	Yes	3	4	Yes	Waves, All-Around	September
Screamer	7, 9, 10, 12 , 14	Yes	5	4	Yes	Advanced, Performance, Big Air	September
Junior Pro	4	Yes	3	4	Yes	All-Around, for kids	Now

Epic 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

For 2011, Epic Kites is continuing the Screamer, Renegade, and Junior Pro lines. Each kite has had small refinements made to it and Epic claims that they were able to improve every kite in the Epic line.

Like in 2010, there will also be a 10m LTD Screamer, which is designed to be an ultra-performance and very powerful kite. The Epic bar is staying much the same, but features new colors and a new center hole to reduce wear.

For those who have children who want to start kiteboarding, the Junior Pro is a kite specially designed for kids. Epic founder Dimitri Maramenides filled us in on what we can expect from Epic for the 2011 model year.

What was some of the rider input on the 2010 gear that you put into the 2011 Epic kites?
The response on the 2010 kites was amazing from riders across the world with varied riding styles and needs. Most of our customers told us not to change anything on the kites, but we knew we could improve on the performance and construction. With a few tweaks and small changes we made the 2011 kites even better than the 2010.

What are the standout changes?
For the 2011 Screamer, we made the 12m and 14m sizes 12% faster and reduced the bar pressure by 8%. We then took the construction to a new level and reinforced key areas for added strength. The 7m and 9m Screamer have undergone small construction improvements and minor tweaks for enhanced unhooked performance.

The 2011 Renegade 9m meter was improved to make it 12% faster with 10% less bar pressure and we added reinforcements. The Renegade 6m was near perfect, but riders will enjoy additional reinforcements and minor tweaks on the bridle for the 2011 version. Our greatest challenge was updating the Renegade 11m. We wanted to make this kite more powerful with less bar pressure and faster than its predecessor.

To pull this off we went back to the drawing board and started from scratch, but we were able to make the 11m substantially more powerful and significantly faster with totally stability!

You are continuing the 10m LTD Screamer for 2011. How is this kite different than the standard Screamer?
The Limited Edition is an extremely powerful kite using the same design characteristics but with a slightly different profile making this 10m as powerful as any other 12m kite.

For 2011 we decided to tweak the plans of the 10 LTD to improve the direct feel. Now not only do you get the amazing hang time, but unhooking is even better than last year’s model with powerful grunt, amazing pop, and explosive jumps.

Epic Renegade

Why would a rider who loved the 2010 Epic kites want to upgrade to the 2011 versions?
The 2010 kites are still amazing kites, so if you just purchased a 2010 kite I would not recommend that you buy a 2011 kite yet, unless you want to upgrade the quiver and get a better and improved version.

Are any changes being made to the Epic Bar?
The bar will remain the same but we changed the colors on the bar and we made a new hole on the bar so now the line of the CL can move in and out easier. We also changed the thickness of the lines and made them thicker and stiffer so it is easier to unroll the lines.

What was the approach to making changes on the new kites?
We are able to succeed in this industry because we listen to customer’s needs and work with them. You will see not only that our kites are superior quality compared to other brands but the performance and the customer service is incredible. Don’t take my word for it, just give us a try and you will see.

Epic Screamer

What type of riders are the Screamer, Renegade, and Junior Pro 4 designed for?
The Renegade was designed for all around riders, from teaching to wave riding to power moves to jumping. In a few words it’s a kite that can do everything you desire. Personally I love the Renegade for the waves. Now on the other hand the Screamer was designed for riders looking for big jumps, big hang time, big kite loops, and a very fast kite.

The Junior Pro 4 was designed by Cameron Maramenides, the world’s youngest pro rider. The size will be 4m with 20 meter lines, but this is not a toy! It is a kite made for those of us who really want our kids to excel and not just put them on a smaller version of what an adult rides. This kite has the performance of the Renegade line but in a smaller size made for the young guns. The one pump, compact bridle, super easy relaunch, and incredible depower also make it a kite that is excellent to teach those just starting out. Watch out though, pretty soon junior will be out-jumping you!

2011 F-One Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.f-onekites.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Bandit 4	5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14	Yes	3	4	Yes	All-Around Delta Kite	September
Source	7,9,11,13,15,17	Yes	5	2	Yes	2-Line Light Wind SUP Kiting	August
Freeride (Name TBD)	TBD	Yes	TBD	4	TBD	Freeride Kite, Replacement for 2010 Revolt	Spring

F-One 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

For 2011, F-One is releasing the Source, a 2-line kite specifically made for light wind riding on large boards. Photo Regis Mortier/F-One

In 2011, F-One will be continuing their popular Bandit kite, now in its fourth generation. The Bandit was the original delta kite and F-One is staying dedicated to the delta concept.

The most interesting new product from F-One this year is the new Source, which is a 2-line kite that will have no depower. The Source is meant to be used in light wind while kiting on SUP or other large boards and we are very interested to see how well it is received.

F-One will also be releasing a new kite in 2011 to replace the Revolt, but as of our printing deadline that kite is still unnamed. F-One’s Raphael Salles answered our probing questions about the 2011 F-One line.

What was some of the rider input on the 2010 gear that you put into the 2011 F-One kites?
To develop our products, we’re using feedback from customers, riders, distributors, and schools and try to see what we should improve and what we should offer for the future.

What are the standout changes?
We have done a huge amount of work to improve our Bandit. The Fourth edition Bandit is getting a revamped shape, a new outline with square tips, only three struts, and a new profile. The result is a new feeling.

The Bandit is lighter yet super solid while also smooth with a direct bar feeling. The Bandit 4 is more reactive and turns faster but is still super predictable and safe. We have worked on more specific designs for each size to really optimize the performance. There is a new bar and we have improved the safety system and bar accessories.

Aside from the new Bandit, we have worked hard on a brand new kite design dedicated to SUP and extreme light wind conditions. This new kite is called the Source. We have been developing this two-line kite for over a year now and it was interesting to revisit the original kite concept and improve it with all the experience accumulated in the past decade.

What is the idea behind the Source, F-One’s new two-line kite?
The first thing is to open our sport to a larger public and second is to have fun in light wind conditions. Using a bigger board like a SUP is totally changing the need for power. With a two-line kite, only 8 knots of wind, and a SUP board, you can start planning and feel that big board flying above the glassy water. It’s just going back to the source of watersports.

You can take inexperienced friends and family to the beach, take them on the water, and share your passion. You can bring them on your board for a ride and have fun, a true summer sport. For expert riders it can also be good to try new tricks. Unhooked power jibes on the Source give you the feeling of a bottom turn.

2011 F-One Source

With all of the high-depower kites that are available on the market, what riders do you think will be drawn to the Source? How many riders do you think are willing to give up the ability to depower their kite?
I understand it can raise eyebrows to propose a two-line kite today, but we needed depower capabilities in the first place because we wanted to jump and use our small twin tip boards. When you stand up on a big enough board the amount of power you need is down dramatically so you don’t really need to depower.

The Source is a light wind kite only to be used in 6 to 14 knots. The best winds are typical light summer winds, like thermals or trade winds, not the winter stormy gusty weather! The lack of depower is not like giving up something, it’s just that you don’t really need it. With two-lines and less power you can spend much more time unhooked and that should be a new feeling for many, many riders.

Unhooking on a regular kite was reserved for advanced riders, but not anymore. From pros to beginners or just casual riders, everybody will enjoy having a lot of fun where you would normally have stayed home or been stuck on a crowded beach!

Which riders will appreciate the Bandit 4 the most? Which ones will appreciate the Revolt?

The Bandit 4 is made for everyone; it’s our main kite. The Revolt will have a new name next year and will be our freeride kite with auto relaunch as its main advantage.

Will F-One continue to be fully committed to the Delta shape for 2011?
Yes, the Bandit 4 is using the delta design and the new freeride kite will use it too. The upcoming freeride kite will have a more pronounced delta shape than the Bandit. The Source is not a Delta, but it’s the same kind of outline with square tips and three struts.

2011 F-One Bandit 4

What do you feel are the biggest benefits of Delta kites?
Easy relaunch, great low end with immediate power, and excellent depower capabilities. We have four years of ongoing development on the Delta concept, so we know it very well now and we improve it each year. I believe we still have room for improvement.

Why would a rider who loved the 2010 F-One kites want to upgrade to the 2011 kites?
We have been able to surprise our customers with each release, from the original Bandit to the Dos, then on to the third edition and they will be surprised too with the fourth! The Bandit 4 is about performance and feeling. The Source will change your vision of what is a light wind day!

Are any changes being made to the F-One Bar?
Yes, we have a new aluminum bar with an innovative design and we have upgraded the accessories around the chicken loop and safety system.

2011 Genetrix Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.genetrixkitesurf.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Origin	5,7,9,11,13,15	Yes	6	4	Yes	All-Around, Beg-Adv	2011
Hydra	7,9,12,14	Yes	6	4	Yes	Racing, Speed Kiting, Gusty Conditions	2012

Genetrix 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

Genetrix believes in a two-year major R&D cycle, which means that only minor changes will be made to their kites for 2011. The all-around Origin will be receiving a few minor tweaks for the new year while the unique Hydra will remain largely the same for 2011.

Genetrix is also updating their popular XWY riding shorts and will be coming out with a new golf travel bag.

Genetrix US Distributor Gerard Bourgeois sat down with us during the Genetrix trip to Vanuatu to let us know what is happening for 2011.

What are the changes being made on the 2011 Origin?
For 2011, most of the changes on the Origin will be on the bar. It will have a shorter bar, new stopper ball, improved donkey doodle, new grip, and improved color coding.

The Origin’s canopy will also have bold new graphics and colors and some minor bridle modifications are still possible, but the R&D on that is still underway as of the deadline for this article.

Why has Genetrix decided to update the Hydra on a two year cycle instead of annually?
Genetrix believes in evolutionary product design with all kites on a two year major R&D cycle. This prevents the release of unproven concepts, which sometimes happens when companies are overeager to rush out a new design just because it is time for the new model.

Thus, the Hydra, having already evolved through four different generations and having already achieved world-beating performance will see only minor modifications to the 2011 version in the form of minor bridle adjustments for increased stability.

Because the Origin was all new in 2010, the 2011 kite will see more changes.

What rider input is Genetrix putting into the 2011 products?
We listen to both our team riders and our consumers and have chiefly made material changes that result in increased durability and design changes that result in increased stability.

How will the Genetrix bar be different for 2011?
The 2011 Origin bar will be shorter and will feature a new stopper ball, improved donkey doodle, a new grip, and improved color coding.

What riders will really appreciate the Hydra? Which ones should choose the Origin?
The Hydra is a kite designed for performance under the world’s most challenging and gusty conditions.

Almost all of the riders who compete in the speed kiting trials in Namibia have a Hydra, even ones who are not sponsored by Genetrix.

Because it is a thoroughbred, we feel that it is most appropriate for intermediate and advanced riders.

The Origin is an ultra-fun freestyle kite with a very easy relaunch, so it is our most beginner friendly kite, although the performance is enough to satisfy the most advanced freestyle and wave riders.

Why would a rider who loved the 2010 Origin want to consider upgrading to the 2011?
Chiefly for the improved bar and the terrific new colors and graphics.

Does Genetrix have any other products that will be new and/or updated for 2011?
Yes! We have a great line of updated XWY kite-specific board shorts that you will be able to order direct from our website and from our dealers.

These shorts are made slightly longer than most surf shorts which helps avoid the dreaded board short “ride-up” and to provide additional protection for the rider.

We will also have the best looking golf bag on the market in 2011 while still maintaining all the functionality of a traditional golf bag.

2011 Globe Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://globespirit.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Trix	5.5,7,9,12,15	Yes	5	4	Yes	Waves, Unhooking, All-Around	October
Sonic	6,8,11,14,17	Yes	7	4	Yes	Freestyle, Big Air	October

GK/Litewave 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

The GK Trix will be returning in 2011 with new graphics, minor tweaks, and a quick release that is now easier to put back together. Photo Stephan Kleinlein/www.oceanbluesky.com

Globe Kiteboarding (GK) is rolling out new versions of the Trix and Sonic for 2011 that will show off new graphics and minor changes compared to the 2010 kites. For people who love to tinker with their gear, the bridles on both kites will still offer a wide range of adjustments.

The GK quick release, which some riders had trouble putting back together in 2010, has been redesigned to be easily re-assembled with one hand.

GK Kite Designer Mat Pendle answered our questions about the 2011 GK kites while Litewave Dave Turner filled us in on what to expect from Litewave in the coming year.

What are the biggest changes on the 2011 Sonic and Trix compared with the 2010 kites?
The biggest change will be to the graphics for 2011.There will be some panel layout changes and we are also taking some measures to lighten the kites just a little. The feedback that we got from the 2010 Trix and Sonic was very good. The Trix generated a lot of interest and riders like the easy-to-ride style, which is great for freestyle and of course wave riding.

The 2010 Trix was a complete redesign compared with 2009, so the shape for 2011 will remain the same as 2010. The Sonic is great for fast cruising and huge jumps. Riders who liked the 2010 Sonic will feel comfortable with the 2011.

I have not changed the shape of the kite itself, but you can adjust the kite by just moving the bridle positioning and get the exact feeling of previous year Sonics all the way back to 2006. I have never changed the magic profile of the Sonic.

Have any changes been made to the control bar?
The safety quick release has had a small modification that makes it even easier to reengage. The release system is basically unchanged, but now you can put it back together with one hand. It works really well. Just push up and you’re out.

Will the GK kites offer as many tuning options in 2011 as in 2010?
Both the Trix and the Sonic have super simple and small A-KPO bridles. You can unpack the kite from the bag and ride with nothing to move or tune your kite to something more personal by adjusting your bar pressure and turning speed. They will probably have the same number of options, but we may reduce that by one adjustment.

We have three positions now and may go to two. This is for tuning the front line attachment position for the bridle and is a patented GK invention. To tune line lengths, GK has a novel approach. You simply shorten/lengthen the bridle on three adjustment knots at four attachment points.

This lets you take one bar kite-to-kite without adjusting the bar. Outside lines are adjusted on 3mm spectra leaders off the bar ends.

What type of riders will prefer the Sonic? What riders will gravitate towards the Trix?
The 2011 Trix is our medium aspect ratio kite that is super stable and fast turning. It’s perfect for wakestyle, wave riding, or beginners. Built with more stitching and reinforcements than any other kite on the market, the Trix is sure to last many seasons to come, even in the surf.

The 2011 Sonic is now in its fifth generation and the refinements on this kite make it a super-efficient upwind machine that is suitable for the rider that likes to go fast and boost big floaty jumps. The Sonic is our high-aspect SLE kite that has lighter yet fully adjustable bar pressure.

If a rider loves their current 2010 GK kites, what are the biggest reasons to upgrade to the 2011?
If a rider loves their GK 2010 then he or she should keep it and tell their friends to share the fun with a 2011. Maybe I make the kites a little too strong and durable.

It makes the price a little higher, but you can keep going on your kites for a long time. Some sales guys told me to make a cheaper kite that isn’t as durable. That might be better for business, but not for the planet. There’s not much to recycle on a kite.

How have the Litewave Hybrid Lace Up straps and pads been updated for 2011?
The Hybrid Lace Up straps and pads will be lighter, stronger, and better looking in 2011. The pads will be molded with traction insert pieces. The patented design has a wider laced-up strap with a toe ledge that holds your foot in super snugly. The elevated heel gives more edge bite. The result is better board control and better riding.

What changes can we expect from Litewave for 2011?
2011 is bringing changes to the Wing, Storm, and Quad-Surf boards. The 2011 Wing, which is available now, has evolved into a mind-blowing machine. Riding has never been smoother or easier. The tip-to-tip radical concaves smooth out chop and makes for a very positive carving feeling.

The tips are very thin and flexible with built-in torsion bars to maximize carving performance under load. This board is truly a session saver. I weigh 100 kg (220 lbs.) and can stay upwind on this board in 10 knots. The 2011 Litewave Storm twin tip delivers unmatched grip and upwind performance with evolved features like a tip-to-tip single-concave, parallel outline between the feet, and an ultra-thin outline with torsion bars for a flex pattern that allows end-to-end flex while minimizing fin twist-off.

The 2011 Litewave Quad-Surf features a pulled-in bat tail outline and a faster gun style rocker that allows this board to really drive through and keep speed through bottom turns while the quad-fin configuration gives incredible grip for snappy off-the-lips. The quad fin setup also makes for a wave board with limitless top end speed yet a very snappy and responsive feel.

2011 Naish Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.naishkites.com

Kites	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Bolt	3,5,6,7,8,9,10.5,12,14,16	Yes	5	4	Yes,Octopus	All-Around, Waves	August
Torch	5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14	No	5	5	Yes,Octopus	C-Kite, Unhooked, Wakestyle,Freestyle	August
Park	6,8,10,12,14	Yes	3	4	Yes,Octopus	All-Around, Waves, Freestyle, Wakestyle	October
Charger	3.5,5,7,9, 11, 13,15	Yes	5	4	Yes,Octopus	All-Around	March

Naish 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

Robby Naish gives the 2011 Bolt a workout on the North Shore of Oahu. Photo Stephen Whitesell

For the 2011 product year, the Naish kiteboarding line has received a big overhaul, with two brand new kites added to the line. For riders who could not decide between the 2010 Cult and Helix, those two kites have been combined into the Bolt.

The new Park is a C-like kite for riders who have always wanted to ride a C-kite, but who have shied away from C-kites for fear of them being too demanding. Of course, the now legendary Torch C-kite is still in the line with improvements for the new year and a 2011 Charger will be released in the spring.

Naish’s Damien Girardin (Kite Designer) and Greg Drexler (Board Designer) supplied the answers to our questions about the 2011 Naish products.

For 2011, it looks like Naish went for a major redesign, instead of simply refining last year’s models. What spurred the decision to revamp the Naish lineup of kites?
Actually, we only have two new kites out of four in the line. The Bolt is the mix of the Cult and the Helix, taking only the best of both kites so it could not be named after neither of them.

The Park is an entirely new kite, based on the idea that the Torch was the best C-kite on the market and that some people would just not be able to experience it because of its pedigree of being “too freestyle oriented.” We then created the Park based on what we knew with the Torch. We added the freeride and easyness provided by the moderate delta outline, added bridles, and made it a three-strut kite for a light feel.

What rider input did Naish incorporate into the 2011 designs?
All our top team riders like Kevin Langeree, Sam Light, Cyril Coste, Ian Alldredge, Reo Stevens, etc. had some input on the 2011 kites, but we also have a crew of testers and regular customers, dealers, importers, and schools worldwide that get to help us drive the design.

Naish has been very dedicated to the Sigma shape concept for the past few years, but for 2011 only one kite, the Bolt, features the Sigma Shaping. Why is Naish moving away from the distinctive shape of the Sigma kites?
We’re not moving away from the Sigma this year, we have just realized that the people buying the Helix and Cult last year were looking for the same kite most of the time, so we’ve decided to make it easier for them by combining them into that one kite they were looking for.

Naish’s Kite Designer Damien Girardin takes the 2011 Park out at Maui’s kitebeach. Photo Erik Aeder

Have there been any changes to the Octopus Inflation System?
Yes, we have changed the way to access the valve inside the strut. You can now open the strut entirely in order to access the valve super easily, making the replacement of a bladder easier than it’s ever been.

How has the Torch changed for 2011? Will die hard C-kite fans still be drawn to the Torch?
The Torch evolves size by size based exclusively on the top Torch riders’ input (World Champion Kevin Langeree, wakestyle master Sam Light, unhooked wave rider Reo Stevens, and kite loop killer Cyril Coste). For example, we made the 9m a little more solid in the air, the 12m and 14m are faster turning, the 7m and 8m are more controllable, and we’ve also added a 5m for smaller riders and storm riders.

There is no question that die hard C-kite fans will love the new Torch.

For riders who like C or C-like kites, how will they decide between the Torch and the new Park?
That’s pretty easy. The Torch will be the answer for the rider that loves full C-kites and 5th line relaunch while the Park will be for the riders that like the “C-like” kites. However, the Park is open to more riders than that; it will appeal to a lot of people from the beginners to the ones that want to unhook or simply ride any kind of conditions and style.

What is the purpose of the LWR Assist? Is there a reason to use it in non-light wind situations?
The LWR (Light Wind Relaunch) is designed with the new trend to go out in lighter and lighter wind in mind. The new kites and boards (like our new Venturi board) open the option to ride in super light conditions when relaunching a kite the classic way may not even work anymore.

The LWR simply helps you pull from higher than the wing tip on the trailing edge of the kite making it flip and relaunch in virtually no wind. You may want to use it in regular wind but it is not necessary as our new kites relaunch without the LWR in their normal wind range.

The Charger received a complete redesign for 2011 to increase its performance. Is it still a great kite for entry-level riders like it was in 2010?
Yes, the Charger will still be a great entry level kite for 2011, but we’ll talk about that later since it will launch in spring 2011.

Which 2011 kite is best suited for wave riders?
It depends on the kind of riding someone wants to do. People riding unhooked should go for the Torch while those riding both unhooked and hooked in will go for the Park or the Bolt.

2011 Naish Bolt

What changes have been made to the 2011 Naish bar?
For 2011 we have come up with a new grip that is fully thermo molded with a Tahitian pattern. The grip is really improved and we managed to keep it soft in order to avoid any chafing of your hands.

We have also added a fixed stopper on the trim line and some marking to position the sliding stopper. In order to add some style the trim loop and the leash are now white.

2011 Naish Global Surfboard

What are the highlights of the 2011 board line?
We make an extensive line of kiteboards, so to highlight all the biggest changes would be much too lengthy a reply. To pick one thing, I’d say the most work was done with constructions to fine-tune the flex of all boards. Each range and every size in each range are individually engineered to get exactly the performance we are looking for from the flex.

It is amazing how the same construction can ride so differently on two differently shaped boards (rocker and/or outline). What works great on one sometimes has the opposite effect when used on a different shape. We made our 2011 twin tips stiffer overall, and so to do this we had to work on every board. Flex is much more than just how much it bends from tip to tip. It is how much it bends in different areas under different loads, how it bends, and how quickly it responds.

Flex on waveboards also makes a huge difference. The most visible result of our work in this area is seen on the parabolic carbon fiber rails we developed for the Global range. Adding this to our epoxy EPS/PVC full sandwich construction made the boards very direct and responsive.

2011 Naish Momentum

Why was a 138 added to the Momentum line?

The Momentum range had grown so popular among the wakestyle riders that the most serious riders were demanding a Momentum that would be ideal for boots and sliders. Development of this took a long time because the outline and flex requirements of the 138 were much different than those of the other sizes. The great part of the development of the 138 was that we’ve got some super talented team riders that were totally motivated to give their testing feedback so we could get this board into our range as quickly as possible and they are now especially stoked on the final product because they were involved in the development.

Click here to read the full story.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images

Few people embody the saying “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” more than British entrepreneur Richard Branson.

Branson is as famous for his daredevil stunts as for his Virgin branded companies including Virgin Galactic and Virgin America.

But often his record-setting feats take a few attempts. The AP reports that Branson had to give up his attempt to kitesurf across the English Channel on Tuesday because of rough seas and high winds.

The stunt was an event to celebrate Branson’s 60th birthday last month. He was five miles out to sea when his support boats were forced to turn back.

Branson and his his fellow kite-surfers, including his children, Holly and Sam and nephew Ivo along with a support team, relatives and friends, were over an hour into the four-hour journey.

They were headed for northern French port of Boulogne. According to the AP story, Branson said that while it was great conditions for kitesurfing it was bad conditions for the boats and too dangerous for them to continue.

Writing on Twitter Branson said that he plans to try again on Wednesday adding that “I don’t think I’ve ever done an adventure where I’ve succeeded the first time. I’m looking forward to getting the job done tomorrow.” Should he succeed he will be the oldest person to cross the Channel by kitesurfing. He’s also hoping to set a record for the fastest crossing by a kitesurf team… Read the full story here

2011 Nobile Kiteboarding Line

http://www.nobilekiteboarding.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
N 62	5, 7, 9, 11, 13	yes	3	4	Yes	All Around SLE	Now
T5 - Koinobori	5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14	Yes	3	4	Yes	Freeride SLE	September
NHP	5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14	Yes	5	4	Yes	Freestyle/Wakestyle/Wave SLE	November

Nobile 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

Nobile redesigned all the canopies on their next generation 2011 kites to improve their speed, power, relaunch, and stability. Photo Maurice Zarka

Nobile says that their 2011 collection is all about freedom of choice and discovering new aspects of the sport we love so much. For 2011, Nobile will offer three next-generation kites and focused their R&D on retuning each of their canopies to offer faster turning, more power, and stable performance.

All boards offered in 2010 will be continued in 2011 with some minor tweaks as well as the introduction of three new boards, including a directional. We spoke with Lukas Piatkowski of www.muvon.us, Nobile’s North American distributor about what Nobile has in store for us for the new model year.

In 2010, Mark Shinn and Nobile parted ways. How has this affected the brand and who leads the R&D efforts for the kite and board lines?
Mark was a really important part of the company, but his main responsibility was marketing. Although Nobile always listened carefully to Mark’s ideas on boards and technology, it was always Dariusz Rosiak, Founder of Nobile Kiteboarding, who’s been leading R&D and Nobile’s innovation.

Additionally, our team riders really influence the gear we offer such as Mike Blomvall’s 50fifty or Asia Litwin’s NHP WMS.

For 2011, Nobile is introducing an all new control bar. How has the bar improved and is it universal for all the kites?
The major improvement for the 2011 bar is a totally new safety system which helps make Nobile’s bar even safer and easier to use than the last generation.

The new bar will be white and comes in one size for all Nobile kites with complete depower and a super fast fulcrum quick release for maximum safety.

2011 Nobile T5-Koinobori

Nobile has refined the three kites in its line, the NHP, T5 – Koinobori, and N62. Are the refinements minor tweaks or major redesigns?
Nobile focused on redesigning each kite’s canopy, so they are now faster, offer more stability, and generate more power. The N62 V2 is the all-around kite for beginners and intermediate riders — they will love one of the most effective relaunch systems on the planet Earth.

The new N62 features a reduced sweep through the wing tips compared to a traditional delta, ensuring phenomenal low-end performance, massive wind range, and pivotal turning without the indirect, imprecise handling of a traditional delta. This kite delivers “park and ride” ease and excellent sink back (the ability of the kite to drop back into the window) characteristics, ensuring the N62 is forgiving of rider error.

The T5 is the freeride-focused kite for intermediate and advanced riders looking for outstanding power range. Through further development of Nobile’s Natural Arc Technology, they reconfigured the geometry to allow for the complete separation of the front and rear bridle sections without the connecting pulley. The huge wind range, lift, and hang time remain, but with a marked improvement to the low-end power and relaunch capabilities. The T5 features superior direct-feeling control, improved predictability, and perfectly balanced bar pressure while now providing near delta-like relaunch ability. For new school and freestyle enthusiasts, the NHP high performance kite will be a perfect choice.

The new NHP has a fast and direct feeling, axial turning, low bar pressure when unhooked, and instant response to rider input, however Nobile placed increased priority for 2011 on enhancing its huge depower range without affecting its upper range and improving its relaunch ability to be even quicker. Using a short and simple bridle also allowed designers to completely redesign the NHP’s 5-strut construction resulting in a fast flying kite that climbs to the front of the window in all wind conditions — an essential trait for a modern freestyle kite both for smooth power delivery after landing and for completing kite loops without stalling.

Why would a rider who is happy with their 2010 Nobile kites want to upgrade to the 2011 kites?
We believe the 2011 line will open a totally new chapter at Nobile. All models have been redesigned, so they are more stable and have more power. Along with the introduction of the totally new safety system, all our 2011  products are next generation and have been substantially redesigned and improved.

2011 Nobile T5

What can we expect from the 2011 Nobile board line?
All our boards from 2010 will be offered in 2011. The changes are more refinements than major overhauls and the graphics have really been stepped up making what we believe will be the best looking equipment of the upcoming season. Additionally, three totally new models will join our board family for 2011 including a new directional.

The WAVE will come in three sizes and combines a beautiful design with amazing wave performance. Our other two models are: Double HydroDynamic –A high end machine with a one of a kind double-profiled bottom for unlimited speed and extraordinary freeride performance and Flying Carpet – Our XXL board for low wind conditions. Additionally, a wooden skimboard is also a new product in our inventory.

How can consumers choose which board will suit their riding style and conditions best?
The best way to choose the ideal board is to visit the Nobile Gear Selector at www.nobilekiteboarding.com

The reigning freestyle world champion Kevin Langeree has released a short movie describing his horrific story of how he injured himself in Fuerteventura, Spain during the men’s freestyle double elimination final heat against Australian rider Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) the current world tour leader.

It has been a huge upset to all, but this strong, determined young man will be back out on the water for the 2011 PKRA world tour season more determined than ever to win his second world championship title.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Kevin!

2011 North Kiteboarding Kite Line

http://www.northkites.com

Kites	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Rebel	5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14	No	5	5	Yes	All-Around, Waves	September
Vegas	5,7,9,10,12,14	No	5	5	No	C-Kite, Unhooked, Wakestyle,Freestyle	September
Evo	4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,14	Yes	5	4 or 5	No	Waves, Freestyle, Wakestyle	November
Fuse	5,7,9,10,12,14	Yes	5	4 or 5	Yes	All-Around, Waves	February
Dyno	16, 18	Yes	5	4 or 5	No	Light Wind	Winter

North 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

Photo Adam Koch

For the 2011 product year, North is rolling out an impressive line of five different kites. Four of the kites are improved versions of the 2010 models and the brand new Dyno is a light wind specific kite only being made in 16 and 18m sizes. If you liked the 2010 kites from North then you should love the 2011 kites, as the Rebel, Fuse, Vegas, and Evo all went through small design changes to improve each kite.

We just about had to tie him down to answer our questions, but North Sales Rep Dan Schwarz gave us the details about what we can expect from North for 2011.

What rider input from the 2010 kites was put into the development of the 2011 North kites?
We take our input from a variety of sources. Besides the professional riders with whom we are designing kites, we actively seek feedback from a variety of riders of various skills both directly on the beach and through our dealer/distributor network.

The Dyno is being introduced as an ultra light wind kite. What separates the Dyno from the other North kites?
The Dyno is a different beast than any other North kite. There are specific design criteria we strive to meet for a light wind kite that don’t necessarily translate into a good kite in smaller sizes.

What are the biggest changes on the 2011 kites?
2011 is going to be a banner year for our kites. The last couple of years we’ve shaken things up through the removal of the center strut and then the addition of the floating center strut on the Rebel. 2010 also saw the addition of a brand new design, the Fuse. Our 2010 lineup was solid all the way through, and we feel that we didn’t need to make dramatic changes.

This meant that we were able to really focus on nailing the small details such as tuning the entry profile for each size kite to give us all the performance we can get for each size individually.

2011 North Rebel

Are there any changes on the 2011 North bars?
Again, 2010 was a great year for our bar. We are obviously an industry leader with our below the bar swivel, bar design, and release/leashing setup.

2011 brings a few small tweaks to the release/leashing setup, but everything from the bar up will be very similar, so, as always, you’ll be able to use any older North kites with the 2011 bar and vice versa.

With five different kites to choose from in the 2011 line, how will riders decide which one is best suited for them?
The best way to decide is of course to demo every kite available. The second best way is to discuss what you are looking for with your local retailer. As a general outline, the Rebel is, as it always has been, a 5-line all-around wave/freeride kite.

The Fuse is a 4 or 5-line bridled freeride/wave kite. The Vegas is a 5-line freestyle-oriented C- kite. The Evo is a 4 or 5-line delta shape and falls between the Rebel and the Vegas – It works well in both the waves and for unhooked freestyle type riding. The Dyno is a lightwind specific kite.

2011 North Vegas

For a rider who loved their 2010 North kites, what reasons will they have to upgrade to the 2011 kites?
All 2011 kites have been government certified to offer a minimum of 32.7% more fun than the 2010 models. Specifically the kites feel noticeably crisper and smoother.

The smaller sizes have been toned down to make them less punchy in gusty high winds, while the larger sizes have been made faster and more stable.

What are the biggest changes and/or additions to the 2011 North board line?
The biggest changes to the twin tip lineup is the more aggressive double “V” bottom shape on the Team Series and Jaime. All of the 2011 kite/surf boards are shaped by the legendary Sky Solbach and feature bamboo construction.

We’ve also added a new shape, the Whip, to our lineup. According to Sky the shapes are 26.3% sweeter than previous models.

2011 North X-Ride

Will there be a 2011 North race board?
There will be two race boards. A full-bore high volume race board and a scaled-down twin fin free-race board, which offers many of the advantages of a race board while being more user friendly and fun for freeriding.

Has the construction changed on the 2011 directionals?
Yes. We’ve moved to a completely new construction featuring a bamboo veneer on all of the kite/surf boards. The new construction is supposed to feel nicer, especially through the chop. And damn do they look good.

2011 RRD (Roberto Ricci Designs) Kite Program

http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com

Kites	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Passion MK III	3,5,7,9,11,13	Yes	5	4	YES	All-Around, Easy Ride, Beg-Int	August
Obsession MK III	5,6,7,9,10.5,12,13.5,15	Yes	5	4	YES	Freestyle, Unhooked, Big Air	September
Religion	4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11.5	Yes	3	4	YES	Waves, Waves, Waves	Now
Addiction MK II	11,13,16	Yes	7	4	YES	Racing, Extreme Upwind, Speed	October

RRD 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

RRD 2011. Photo Courtesy RRD

While many companies seem to be releasing more products marketed as being all-around, RRD is taking a different approach and is offering four kites this year that are each being marketed for a specific purpose.

For 2011, they have also applied that idea to their surfboard line and are offering ten different surfboard shapes that when you count up the different sizes and construction options adds up to 24 different boards. RRD’s US Distributor Evan Mavridoglou answered our questions about the 2011 RRD product line.

What changes have been made to the new Global Bar? What makes the RRD lines different from those from other manufacturers?
The Global Bar V3 comes in one size with two adjustable connection points to accommodate all kite sizes. It features an incorporated safety line which keeps the depower line clean and protected.

Both the depower line and the safety line now run inside a dual chamber tube that hides these two basic lines. No more tangling around, it’s all clean and safe now.

Our exclusive Rigid Flying Lines obtain an unmatched low stretch factor reduced by 85% compared to the classic flying lines. This allows the kite to be faster in turns and allows faster transfer of power to the board resulting in better response and handling.

For 2011, RRD has a surfboard line of 24 boards. Why is RRD making this many different boards?
Since the first kite designed specifically for waves (2002 RRD Type Wave), Roberto Ricci has shown his commitment to riding waves with a kite. After the tremendous success of the Religion, RRD designed an array of surfboards that enables everyone to hit the waves with a kite.

No matter the rider skill level, conditions, wave size, shape, or wind direction, there is an RRD surfboard designed for you. There are ten new shapes in multiple sizes and constructions. This is the most complete line of kitesurfing specific boards specifically designed and built to be ridden with a kite in your hands.

For someone without any surf experience, how will they be able to choose the right board?
Each board has been designed for specific conditions. The Salerosa is an onshore wave-specific board to ride with speed and powerful turns even in choppy waters and mushy waves. The Gitana is a side shore wave and powerful surf specialist board. It’s a blend of easy turning and great control at high speeds that will allow you to use every square inch of the wave face. The Gitana is about heavy turns in the most powerful pockets.

The Magonda is a pro surfer super-compact shape that can be ridden with or without straps. Designed to be ridden in small surf, the Pescado is a great retro-style fish shape to be ridden on thousands of peaks and in lighter winds. The Domingo is the board that you will ride in the lightest winds, when nothing else goes. No matter if you ride in Florida, San Diego, or Texas the Domingo delivers and makes your kitesurfing day possible!

2011 RRD Obsession

It seems that the 2011 RRD kites all have a very specific purpose. Why has RRD taken this approach as opposed to offering kites that satisfy riders of different styles?
Each kiter and location creates a unique combination and there isn’t one kite that can accommodate everything. RRD believes that the needs of a beginner require very different kite characteristics than what a freestyler looks for.

Similarly, a pure wave kite fulfills very different conditions and style than a racing specific kite. With this philosophy in mind, RRD offers four distinct kites that are very good in many conditions but excel in the discipline that they are designed in.

What type of rider is each of the new 2011 RRD kites best suited for?
The Passion is our beginner –intermediate kite. It’s a super easy riding kite and extremely stable. The Obsession is a freestyle kite designed for high jumping, fast turning, powerful kiteloops, and excellent unhooked riding. The Religion is a pure wave riding kite designed for surfers with a bar in their hand. The Addiction is an upwind machine designed to win in course racing competitions.

The 2011 line of RRD kites carry the same product names as the 2010 kites. What are the biggest changes that were made to the kites?
Constant input from our team riders, shops, testers, schools, and kiters in various locations around the globe provides a wealth of information that helps us bring innovation and improvements each year. The Obsession III has been improved in certain areas while the main concepts have remained unchanged.

It’s tough to make your best selling kite even better, and you have to be careful not to over-engineer a product when it has been working so well. The 2011 Obsession III has slightly higher bar pressure and is even more stable while delivering more steady power during kiteloops. We also added 6m and 15m sizes. The Passion III is a completely redesigned kite. It is extremely smooth, easy flying, and tons of fun for all levels including beginners.

The Religion is the fastest turning kite in the RRD line, made specifically for onshore and side onshore wind conditions while riding waves. The Addiction II is a 7-strut kite with improved ease of use and downwind speed and performance. Upwind is still incredible and the 16m is designed to fly in the lightest winds possible.

2011 RRD Addiction

The Addiction is RRD’s racing kite for 2011. Will this kite appeal to riders outside of racing?
The Addiction is a fun kite to fly even if you are not a top racer. For 2011 the Addiction has become easier to use, faster turning, and is geared towards anyone who wants to shoot upwind way further than anyone else.

2011 Wainman Hawaii Kite Line

http://www.wainmanhawaii.com

Kite	Sizes	Bridle	Struts	4/5 Lines	One-Pump	Style	Available
Rabbit Series	5m Bunny,7m Gypsy,9m Smoke,12m Boss ,15m Big Mama	Yes, removable on 5,7,9	3	4	No	All-Around, Waves, Unhooked, Beg-Adv	Now

Wainman Hawaii 2011 Kiteboarding Gear Preview

Photo Courtesy Wainman Hawaii

Wainman Hawaii has a unique philosophy when it comes to releasing new products. They are against developing and releasing new products based on a calendar and instead focus on constant improvement and only release a new product when they feel it is ready.

There are no planned changes to the Wainman Hawaii Rabbit kites and there may or may not be new kites coming soon. In answering our questions, R&D Manager Mike Husky hinted at the possibility of some new Rabbits and even a single size of the long anticipated Wainman C-kite, but is keeping the details vague.

Wainman Hawaii is revamping their board line with a new and more durable Blunt twin tip, all new Joke twin tip, and an entirely new surf line shaped by Sean Ordonez.

Wainman Hawaii releases product a little differently than other manufacturers. What drives the Wainman Hawaii product release schedule?
Does the world change every year? We can’t let the falling leaves and changing of the season determine the release of a new kite or product line. We do need to evolve, that`s for sure. At Wainman Hawaii, we aim to constantly improve our wind tools so they become simply better, but the rat race isn’t good for sports gear.

It would be a pure shame to rush through changes just to pump out a new kite every year, which could result in a tragic detuning of the magic feeling between rider and equipment. Most of the existing pro toys, for many different sports, stay the same for many years, just like the wheel…

Mike Husky with the new Wainman Hawaii Joke. Photo Courtesy Wainman Hawaii

Will there be updates to the Rabbit kites for 2011?
There will be no updates to the existing Rabbit kites, at least not until this era ends. The Rabbit kites will stay exactly the same as they are for now and they will not be given any new dates from our side, don’t worry. When it comes to aesthetics of the kite and not performance, I will tell you that maybe some crazy guy from the Gang will decide to change some paintings on `em.

Timing of this? Let`s pretend time does not exist. Knowing how Rabbits multiply, we can anticipate some new arrivals to the Gang. There might be a few offspring in the size gaps for some really demanding kiters next summer, but only Rabbit knows what exactly will happen.

Will we be seeing the highly anticipated Wainman Hawaii C-Kite this year?
A good and proportional C-shape is a beautiful thing, but also definitely a kite for very advanced riders. For example, square tips demand a traditional technique of relaunch which is not as simple. A C-kite can deliver unique performance but the optimal wind and functional range is really very narrow. At WH we were all raised on C–kites, but we strongly feel that the versatility of the Rabbit kites makes the addition of the C-kite rather unnecessary due to the fact that it has many characteristics similar to a C-kite and more. But for all you C-kite connoisseurs, don’t worry, a limited edition single size C-kite is something that we are still considering, but let`s act like we live forever…

Wainman Hawaii is about to release a new version of the Blunt. How is the new board different from the last version?
When releasing the original Blunt boards last year we didn`t anticipate such an immediate global demand. Without much hesitation, we decided to make the existing Blunts – super light boards in full custom construction – available for all riders. However, it wasn`t really meant for hardcore riding. The new Blunt is produced in a different facility and is just slightly heavier but now totally bombproof.

Still, this is the same great skinny board. It’s as dragless, smooth, edgy, and sick for strapped freeriding as the original Blunt was. The only other little change is the range. We discontinued smallest size of 120 and added a new 135 board, a scale up of the last year’s popular 130. The old 135 – a low rocker, wide, light wind board is now replaced by a 137, which has different proportions than the current 125, 130, and 135.

The Wainman Hawaii Blunt II

We heard a rumor that Wainman Hawaii has a new surfboard shaper. Who is now shaping the boards?
In order to constantly progress our surf products, we were looking for someone who could commit more time to us and who could also work with the nuclear energy and open mindedness to modern technologies and shapes that is the lifeblood of WH. Through Bertrand, we found out that our good Maui friend Sean Ordonez was enthusiastic about cooperating with Wainman Hawaii.

As Sean had already shaped many sick boards for Lou in the past, I didn`t wait even a minute and we started working on new projects together. Sean is a great guy with an unbelievable sense of humor and a huge experience of crafting many thousands of hand shaped boards. Most important of all, he is an active kiteboarder, riding Rabbits! The result of our first winter together is three great new surf shapes from Sean’s magic hand.

The Magnum is a beautiful classic surf shape available in 5’7”, 5’10”, 6’0”, and 6’2”. The Gambler is a new school progressive shaped board with more width and a cosmic shaped 3D bottom in 5’7” and 5’10”. The Passport is a world traveler kite and surfboard, also wider but with flatter rocker that you can take with you for any trip and can paddlesurf or kitesurf. It is available in 5’8” and 5’11”. Sean is in full charge of the surf shapes at Wainman Hawaii and I am taking care of the twin-tip development.

The entire Gang is always involved in R&D of our products, especially Lou who inspires us with his unique ideas and observations, but Niccolo, Franz, Bertrand, and all others are also involved. It is always teamwork with a wide spectrum of different points of view.

What riders will prefer the Joke over the Blunt? Is the Joke meant to be ridden with boots and the Blunt with straps?
The New Blunts have the same shape that was developed by us last year and are now being produced with a new bomb-proof technology. The Blunt is a superb hooked-in toy which will excel in choppy conditions. The New Blunt also offers amazing all-round features for occasional unhooked riding or twin tip wave carving.

It lands jumps very nicely, but is aimed more towards in-line landings with less momentum carried by the rider. The Joke is a totally different board but is also a great freerider that can carve insanely. Like every good board should, it handles the chop with comfort.

The main difference between the two boards is the fact that due to its magic 3D bottom shape in it, the Joke will land the hardest and most awkward landings you can imagine and has insane upwind capabilities. These features make it a first choice for the wakestyle riders and freestylers. While designing this board I was working very close with Niccolo, who is a very progressive rider. Many times after his multiple rotations, while carrying huge energy and pretty much free-falling, he was catching the edge or slowing down. This resulted in a disturbing of his motion.

Landings on the Joke are ridiculous as you can land absolutely everything, but of course you have to know how to land, as this board will accelerate when touching water! Both boards can be ridden with straps and with bindings, however you are right that those riders who prefer bindings will definitely prefer the Joke. The more mellow freeriders who don’t unhook or rotate that much and use the kite to slow down the landing would probably prefer the Blunt.

Photo Courtesy Wainman Hawaii

What can you tell us about the still-secret Cruizer board?
A secret is a wonderful thing for the imagination, so maybe let’s just say like the name implies: by the time we will release it, it will be a sick board for riders who are preparing to learn to ride.

Will there be any other new Wainman Hawaii products for 2011?
The WH Production Department, directed by its fearless leader Tommy Lee, has even more secrets up its sleeve. They are preparing a few really nice surprises for The Gang very soon. I hope Mr. Lee will not hunt me down for revealing this, but there will be new pads, straps, fins, a t-shirt collection, rash guards, shorts, and other things available in the near future.

Will the 2011 boards still ship with board bags and everything you need to get the board ready to ride?
For sure. Good boards need good homes and it is a shame when a board gets damaged outside of its natural water environment. For all of our boards, the package will include a board bag and required hardware to get you out on the water.

For the best viewing experience, click “View in fullscreen” below.

PDF Download:

Download the full PDF version of The Kiteboarder Magazine

The August 2010 Issue of TKB features:

*13,000 Miles of Kitesurfing: 15 Countries over 145 Days in a VW Van

*From the Beginning: An interview with Wainman Hawaii’s Franz Olry

*Breaking the Light Wind Barrier

*Demystifying Kite Design

*Instructional: Nuclear Grab, Unhooking in Waves, Hitting a Slider

*Naish’s Sam Light and Mystic’s Claire Lutz Profiled

*Workbench: Repair or Replace Your Wetsuit?

For the best reading experience, click on the View in fullscreen button below.

Edging and Controlling Speed

By John Mapel

These days, I hear more and more people talk about how they want a lot of depower in their kite so they can have more control.

I often respond by remarking that a rider shouldn’t just rely on the kite’s depower capability, but should also work on strengthening his or her foundations.

Speed and power control is a combination of body positioning, board riding skills, and kite technique. Whether you are trying to hold it down in overpowered conditions or drive upwind, here are some tips for having better control over your riding.

Body position:

Proper body position is the key ingredient for good power control and resistance against the kite. I like to tell my students to think about playing tug of war when edging. The winning team doesn’t bend over!

It’s all about keeping your hips forward, your shoulders back, and your head looking in the direction you want to go. Proper weight distribution over the board can be achieved by keeping your front leg straight and your back leg slightly bent.

Imagine creating a straight line through your body from your front heel to the back of your head. By doing these things, your body position over the board will fall into place automatically and you will be able to edge harder and have better control of your kite’s power.

Gear:

Making sure your kite is properly adjusted and tuned is important in your ability to control power and speed, as it can have a huge effect on your ability to keep good body position.

You should be able to sheet out the bar and depower the kite without compromising your stance. For this very reason, I prefer to fly kites that are designed with a short throw on the bar system to depower the kite at arm’s length.

Many kites with a longer throw on the bar system include a stopper ball on the depower line that can be set so the bar will stay within reach if you let go of it. Having to bend over to depower the kite defeats the purpose of being able to control it, because you end up losing your edge and resistance against the kite. Make sure that you can depower the kite by pushing out just with your arms and not breaking at the waist.

A properly tuned kite gives you an advantage in power control and in being able to “hold it down” in high wind. In most cases, you should have your bar tuned so that all lines are equal length at the kite.

When flying in over‐powered conditions, you can experiment with alternate tunings by either shortening the front lines or lengthening the rears, depending on where your tuning options are. Many bar systems have different sets of knots on the leader lines, allowing you to adjust the line lengths.

The kite pigtails often have multiple knot attachment points. By shorting the front lines in comparison to the rears, it is easier to drive the kite to the edge of the wind window outside of the power zone. This will give you a bit more top end, as well as make it easier to edge upwind in over‐powered conditions.

Erik Volpe shows the proper technique for controlling speed and getting upwind. Photo Lance Koudele

Getting Upwind and Controlling Speed:

With a properly tuned kite and correct body position, controlling speed and getting upwind will be much easier to achieve. It’s a combination of kite control and edging with the board.

Start by riding with good speed and keeping a decent edge. Keep your kite low (I keep mine about five feet above the water line) and sheet out the bar just a bit. Progressively dig your board harder into the water, almost like gradually pressing the brake pedal with your back foot. At this point, you should notice the kite shoot forward into the wind as the window shifts with you.

You will also feel yourself slowing down as you progress more and more upwind. As you practice this technique, you should realize that if you edge too hard you will stop completely, and if not hard enough you won’t be forcing the kite outside of the window or traveling upwind. This is a valuable technique to master for intermediate level riding, and will allow you to have more control while relying less on your kite’s depower.

John Mapel is a co-owner of All Out Kiteboarding in Georgia.

What We Are Excited About for 2011

Everyone here at The Kiteboarder Magazine love to get out and ride and we get just as excited as you do when the new products come out.

After a quick poll around the office we put together our picks for the upcoming 2011 kiteboarding products that we here at TKB are most interested in.

Best:

2011 Best Taboo. Photo Gavin Butler

Best has taken a new approach to the design of the all-new Taboo and we like the idea that each size was specifically made for the different types of riding people usually do in different wind speeds.

Caution:

The 2011 Caution Spitfire. Photo David Devries

The 2011 Spitfire was created by combining the best aspects of the 2010 Zombie and Mayhem X and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Eclipse:

With their 2011 product line, Eclipse is hoping to put the last few years behind them.

Our San Diego based staff members are curious to try the 9m Kima, which Eclipse claims will eliminate the need for a 12m because of its expanded range in lighter wind conditions.

Epic:

Epic Kiteboaridng 2011

We really want to try the 2011 10m LTD Screamer, which Epic is claiming is an ultra high performance kite with the power of a 12m.

F-One:

The 2011 F-One Source is the first 2-line on the market in years. Photo Regis Mortier/F-One

For sure, the F-One product we are most interested in for 2011 is the new Source 2-line kite. It’s been a long time since anyone sold a kite with no depower and we are very curious to see how well it is received.

Genetrix:

Genetrix Kiteboarding 2011

We liked the 2010 Origin from Genetrix and are anxious to give it a try on a new and improved control system in 2011.

GK:

2011 GK Kiteboarding. Photo Stephan Kleinlein

With minor tweaks and a quick release that is easier to reload, we are looking forward to getting out on the 2011 Trix.

Naish:

The 2011 Naish Park. Photo Erik Aeder

The Park is an all new kite from Naish for 2011 that they are describing as “C-Like” for the riders who want to try a C-kite, but are intimidated by them being too oriented for hardcore riders.

Nobile:

Nobile Kiteboarding 2011

The NHP is Nobile’s highest performing SLE kite and are interested to see if the new profile which improved its low end changed any other performance characteristics.

North:

North Kiteboarding 2011. Photo Adam Koch

We are expecting the 2011 Dyno, North’s all new light wind specific kite, to turn some heads in riding areas plagued with light wind.

RRD:

2011 RRD Kiteboarding. Photo Courtesy RRD

Almost all of us here at The Kiteboarder love to ride in the waves and we are excited about RRD’s 24 different surfboards they are offering for 2011.

Wainman Hawaii:

The all-new Wainman Hawaii Joke

We are really looking forward to getting to put a pair of boots on the new Wainman Hawaii Joke twin tip and go out for a powered up flat water session.