Designer’s Corner: Jimmy Lewis Chamber KT
Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine
Designer Profile:
Name: Jimmy Lewis
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Job Title: Shaper/owner
Designing: Boards for 40 years
Kiteboarding: Since the beginning
Product name: Chamber KT
Product category: Directional Surf Style Kiteboard
Sizes available: 5’5”, 5’9”, 6’1”, and 6’5”
Release date: August 2009
Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design?
The Chamber KT is an evolution of the Jimmy Lewis Chamber Thruster surfboard.
If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it?
The main goal was to capture the highest performance wave characteristics of my top surfboard and make it suitable for kiting.
What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase?
The biggest challenge was to keep the weight down and maintain proper flex while still making it durable enough for kiter abuse.
If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be?
While the larger sizes are great for light wind and racing, the primary characteristic I wanted to achieve was a fast and snappy board that feels just like a thruster surfboard. To achieve this the width and other dimensions are the exact dimensions that a lay down paddle surfboard would be at each respective length.
What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics?
This board is completely hand shaped and hand painted with automotive quality urethane paint. The new colors are inspired by some of the most famous colors in the automotive history including red, yellow, blue, green, ocean cammo and desert cammo.
What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions?
The Chamber KT can be enjoyed by all levels of riders. With the removable straps in place, beginners can find their footing, and advanced riders can tackle the biggest, fastest surf. With the straps removed, this board will really shine. Once you can move around, you can really push the limits of control. Tight carves and strapless airs will come naturally. The average rider will instantly feel a difference from other directionals in that the Chamber KT becomes an automatic extension of your body. Many other boards feel clumsy and floaty under foot. This one will make you smile and try new tricks.
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What is your warranty policy on this product?
Warranty covers any manufacturer defects.
What differentiates your product from your competitors?
People have always referred to my boards as having some sort of “Jimmy Magic.” When choosing a factory to produce my boards years ago, I wanted to keep the feel and quality of my custom boards. This is especially important when producing a surf shape. All of my boards are shaped by hand so the “magic” is intact and and the attention to detail is phenomenal.
TESTED: Jeremy Green: Jupiter Kiteboarding
I noticed is the incredible range and versatility of the board. It excels in any condition from light wind to fast heavy waves down the line riding, typical of the conditions we get in Florida. The board works great with or without straps and the width is just perfect to make strapless transitions effortless. The high floatation and low drag allows the board to plane quickly making it a great ride for larger riders.
Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine