2002 marked the beginning of Mystic’s journey, which today has grown into an innovative trailblazer in the kite and windsurfing worlds. Founded by the Blom family in the Netherlands, the company is now part of the North Actionsports Group, the parent company of North Kiteboarding, bringing together two strong brands under one umbrella. Comprised of highly experienced industry innovators and leaders determined to make our sport more accessible, sustainable, innovative and exciting, North American Sales Manager Matt Aiken walks us through the highlights of Mystic’s 2021 lineup.
WHAT IS NEW AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL OF YOUR COMPANY FOR 2021?
It’s an understatement to say 2020 was a peculiar year and made for some challenging decisions. The mid-March timing of countries going into their various stages of Covid quarantine coincided with the final stages of product forecasting and ordering of Mystic’s Fall/Winter line. Despite the uncertainty, we had the confidence to move forward with a plan to continue with our regular release schedule and to keep our orders in place with our suppliers. While there were a few delays, we have been able to release our new Fall/Winter line complete and mostly on time. There were some significant shutdowns at the manufacturing facilities and we had some lag in shipments, but we were able to produce our entire line. The restrictions on travel added levels of difficulty in future product development but we anticipate also being able to bring our new Summer 2021 product line to the market complete and on time as well. Mystic will storm into 2021 with a line that continues to evolve and innovate.
IS THERE A SINGLE INNOVATION THAT YOU WOULD FIRST LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT?
Representing the third generation in Mystic hard shells, the Stealth harness was released mid-summer 2020 and has set a new standard for sophistication and performance in the hard shell category. The Stealth’s European-made Bionic Core has set the industry standard as the lightest, strongest, most high-performance shell on the market. No other harness combines the stiffness and flexibility of Mystic’s Bionic Core. The new Stealth harness has been blowing minds with its new, lightweight, non-water absorbing construction. Combined with the Stealth spreader bar in any of the hook or rope configurations, riders have an unmatched level of fit and performance.
WHAT HAS CHANGED OR IS NEW IN YOUR 2021 WETSUIT LINEUP? WHAT ARE THE KEY FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE FEATURES INTRODUCED THIS YEAR?
Mystic develops wetsuits for the specific needs of the kiteboard market. This has meant working with new suppliers to develop some exclusive materials and manufacturing processes optimized around Mystic’s specifications. Past seasons have seen Mystic develop exclusive interior linings and exterior coatings for their suits. Particular emphasis was placed around adding increased levels of four-way stretch into Mystic’s Flaremesh (Voltt, Majestic and Diva suits) and Fox Fleece linings (Voltt, Majestic, Diva, One, Marshall, Dazzled, and Star wetsuits). The updated linings offer improved stretch, minimal water absorption, and better durability than previous generations. New for 2021 is the introduction of Yamamoto 39 limestone-based neoprene into the highest-end suits resulting in greater levels of flexibility and improved thermal properties. While Mystic wetsuits always strive to put performance first, the brand prides itself on leading-edge looks and graphics. For Winter 2021 Mystic has launched the One Series suits. Built by a boutique wetsuit manufacturer, the One offers a truly outspoken look in a high performance zip-free design.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ACCESSORIES OR OTHER PRODUCT LINES YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRIEFLY INTRODUCE OR DISCUSS CHANGES/HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2021?
The Stealth spreader bars have set a new standard in the kitesurf industry for performance and fit. The recommended bar for Mystic shell harnesses, the Stealth spreader bar is easily compatible with most other brands of harnesses on the market and will offer an immediate upgrade. The Stealth’s Fiber-Fusion composite construction has proven durabil
ity, the Lever Lock closure system offers ease of use and adjustability, while the Fender-Shield serves up the highest level of comfort. For 2021 the new Freeride Edition joins the Stealth Bar Kitesurf (hook) and Stealth Bar Surf (rope).
