2 minute read
OFF THE TOP
“What an insane shoot we’ve had. In three days we rode five different spots for this epic film project. South Africa is simply incredible. Even when you soar high through the sky you feel tiny compared to all the mountains and surroundings. And this particular moment, just before taking the board off and starting the rotation gave me an incredible rush. So this picture perfectly describes when epic surroundings and adrenaline come together. Together with camera and off-road guru Kyle Cabano we shot some insane footage. Be sure to check out the epic video from the project Three Days Well Sent.”—Giel Vlugt
PHOTOGRAPHER: KYLE CABANO RIDER: GIEL VLUGT LOCATION: FALSE BAY, SOUTH AFRICA
“This photo of Nick Jacobsen was taken during the North Kiteboarding shoot. We were shooting over ten days and obviously you're always looking for that one special shot. We actually managed to get the shot on the last day of shooting at the Crayfish Factory. There is an old jetty and a pier and the wind was really sketchy and gusty. In the pure style of Nick Jacobsen nothing’s ever too much of a challenge for him and he hit this out of the park. The shoot took place in the middle of March, way after the kite season when there's never really any wind in Cape Town. It was a massive gamble. We scored some really special conditions at new spots that kiters usually wouldn’t go to because of different wind directions. It all worked out, so we’re all pretty happy.” —Craig Kolesky PHOTOGRAPHER: CRAIG KOLESKY RIDER: NICK JACOBSEN LOCATION: CRAYFISH FACTORY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
VOLUME 8 // ISSUE 1 // NO.18 FEATURES
44 THE BIG CHANGE: STRAPLESS BIG AIR
The level of riding on the GKA Strapless Kitesurf World Cup Tour is developing faster than any other discipline in kitesurfing. Matchu Lopes explains what the big changes in riding mean for the upcoming would tour.
52 BIG AIR RIDERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Kitesurfing Magazine checks in with some of the top up-and-comers of 2022.
68 THE BEST BIG AIR KITES GO HEAD-TO- HEAD
Jumping has always been one of the most exciting aspects of kiteboarding for both the rider and the spectator. Kite brands continue to improve the handling and jumping capability of their designated big air kites and for this year’s test, the Kitesurfing Magazine team assembled an assortment of the industry’s top models.
82 8 OF THE BEST FOILS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD
It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since Kitesurfing Magazine had its first major foil test. For those that might feel their foiling skills have plateaued, it’s definitely a great time to consider upgrading to a set up tested here.
88 STUFF WE LIKE
Tested! A look at the best new gear for 2022.
UPFRONT
10 OFF THE TOP 18 EDITOR’S INTRO 22 ON THE COVER
24 REP 411: NICK BAINES 26 WHO’S THAT: NADJA BLANCHET
DEPARTMEN T S
28 PEER PRESSURE: MARC JACOBS 32 VLOGGING: STEVEN AKKERSDIJK 36 ESCAPING SOUTH AFRICA: JACK RIEDER 40 JAWS: JESSE RICHMAN
