Kiteworld Magazine Issue #75

KW

#75

I N S I D E :

T H E

A F T E R - S E S S I O N

K I T E

B A R S

I N

T H E

W O R L D !

LAKE GARDA • SURFBOARD BASICS • ESSENTIAL GEAR REVIEWS • WIN A VEGAS!

PLUS : GOING OF F-SET BASIC SUR F B OAR D SKILLS C KITE AND F R EER IDE GEAR R EVIEWS

IMMENSE DOWNWIND THRILLS INCLUDI NG: ‘ T H E I RON M A N’ – A 6 0 0 KI LOM ET RE

75 VOYAGE FOR T H E W E E KE N D WA RRIOR!

Issue #75

>

JUN

–

JUL ‘15

Other countries: please affix new barcodes UK £4.90

T

B E S T

The World’s BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL kiting magazine

WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

THE PERFORMANCE PERSPECTIVE

T H E 2 015 A I R U S H A P E X

Combining our premium construction with the groundbreaking Apex shape, this innovative configuration combines a higher rocker, increased width and the unique Airush Venturi Concave. The result is a versatile ride that suits aggressive freeride and freestyle, while remaining easy to use and comfortable at speed.

Trident Performance Sports Inc | info@tridentsports.com | US KTWO Distribution | sales@ktwodistribution.com | UK Assault Kiteboarding Center | info@assault.co.nz | NZ Auswind | sales@auswind.com.au | AU Airush Africa | airushafrica@airush.com | RSA

TURNING

SPEED

BAR PRESSURE

TURNING

SPEED

SPEED

BAR PRESSURE

TURNING

BAR PRESSURE

Kiteworld_ENG_460x280_2015gear_Cabo.indd 3-4

19/02/15 16:10

Were not Lost Were Leading

Team Mystic #INCONTROL

GET #INCONTROL | MYSTICBOARDING.COM

ANDRE

Phillip

LOCATION: BRAZIL ACTION: BERGERON

RENEGADE KITE HARNESS

F R EEDOM SH A PE SPR E A DER BA R M EMORY FOA M R EL I EF ZON ES

DA K IN E.COM

// RIDER: TOMMY GAUNT

The Sculp is an incredibly versatile all-around performer, suitable for a wide range of riders and styles. The Sculp delivers consistency in all riding disciplines. Built around a widely popular Flat-Delta platform, the Sculp is smooth and predictable in the air with progressive power delivery through the bar’s range of motion. Due to a new bridle system and rock solid construction, the Sculp has a very direct feel and persistent stability. The ease of use is unbelievable, leaving even the most particular riders feeling right at home in no time. The 2015 Sculp is your new weapon for ultimate performance in an all-around kite.

CRAZYFLYKITES.COM | CRAZYFLYSHOP.COM North America - distributor: Pksdistribution.com, Corpus Christi, TX , info@pksdistribution.com UK - dealers: list of dealers on www.crazyflykites.com

SCULP

3m / 5m / 7m / 8m / 9m / 10m / 11m / 12m / 13m / 14m BLUE / GREEN / ORANGE / SILVER FREERIDE/FREESTYLE.

ONE WORLD. ONE KITE.

CRAZYFLYKITES.COM

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CONTENTS

75

CONTENTS

0 1 9

REGULARS: 024

>

EDITORIAL

128

030 > GALLERY SUBJECT: INVIGORATION 046

>

052

MOST WANTED

New toys for the summer

>

Hot froth from around the world, including news of our

collaboration on the new UK tour

>

>

TURN AND FACE

Gybing and tacking – essential surfboard techniques

to get you started

>

LET’S GET PEARCED Matt’s back with a downwind training special

AARON AIRS

The inside track on the launch of the Virgin

Kitesurfin World Championships from the five-tim

Champion in his regular Kiteworld column

060

READY TO RIDE? Know how to fin the right instructor for you

058

130

142

SPY NETWORK

>

features:

MARK MY WORDS

080

Mark Shinn suggests some methods to stoke your

Gabi Steindl on the art of getting completely and

riding ambitions for summer

utterly lost in her kitesurfin sessions and making

friends with silence

062

>

>

064

READERS’ GALLERY

084

Push the button and get in the mag!

>

THE SNAP

A Tomo outbreak has recently been seriously

affecting wave riders. John Bilderback talks to North

Shore shaper John Amundson to fin out more

070

>

SESSIONS

A rider’s view of the Red Bull Ragnarok and a KTA

adventure to Tajikistan. Yes – Tajikistan

099

>

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FLOW AND SILENCE

GOING OFF-SET

We love to play with Mother Nature. Let’s keep her

happy. Matt Pearce starts a series in which we look at

some ways that we can start to help as kiteboarders

090 > DEDICATED – RYLAND BLAKENEY

Painter and decorator Ryland Blakeney on his love of

unhooked wave riding

124

KITE REVIEWS

>

>

THE SCIENCE OF SUNSHINE

If it’s sunny, Lake Garda in Italy will be windy: fact.

Featuring: the Airush Razor, Naish Torch, North

Vegas, Ozone C4, RRD Passion and Ozone Edge

136

>

DIGGING IN

BOARD REVIEWS

We hear from a group of Australians who are close

to raising AUD$100,000 for charity through some

Featuring: the Axis Division, Shinn ADHD, Cabrinha

huge downwinders and then we suggest a 600

Ace, Airush Livewire, F-One Trax, Vanhunks Bucca

kilometre monster voyage, known as the Iron Man,

Flex, Nomad Custom, North Select, CrazyFly Elite,

that you can sign yourself up for in Brazil that takes

Shinn Monk, Slingshot Misfi and Liquid Force Echo

just six days to complete

110

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COVER > Liam Whaley, the hottest property in freestyle at the moment PHOTO > Andre Magarao CONTENTS > Jason Slezak’s riding world of opportunity opened up through recent LF foil development. Why not try something new for yourself?

PHOTO > Reo Stevens / Cabrinha Quest in the Marshall Islands

ins piR ed by na tu Re // dR ive y n b th l e e em ts // fl yo zo

dedicated wave

en

reo

ne

VERSATILE

Versatile performance in all conditions

FLOAT

Excellent float and drift characteristics

m

HANDLING

Direct handling - turns on a dime

.co

DEpOwER

Mega de-power range

ozonekites

photos: jason wolcott

//

pa u l s m y t h

//

team RideR:

Ryland blakeney

ins pir ed by na tu re // dr ive y n b th le e e me nt s // fl yo zo

dedicated race

ne

advanced

advanced riders only

2016-Inspired-Kiteworld-DPS.indd 2

m

technology

State of the art technology

.co

race

race specific kite

ozonekites

team riders:

Johnny heineken //

chiP wasson //

n i c o Pa r l i e r / /

ricardo leccesse

photos: michael Petrikov

13/04/15 5:00 PM

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COLUMNS

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EDITOR I A L

THE IRREGULARS

J

ack Golloway was a first time competitor at this year’s Red Bul Ragnarok event in Norway, the world’s most gruelling snowkite race. He hadn’t even snowkited when he decided to sign up, but managed to finish 15th out of 300. His gripping report o page 70 reflects this issue’s intent to uncover some amazing fe ts achieved by kiters who you may not have heard of before; regular kiters who have managed to achieve some irregular things.

On page 136 we hear from a group of Australians who are well on their

way to having raised over AUD$100,000 for charity through their epic downwinder adventures. They tell us about a couple of their favourites before revealing their plans for their next one along the Great Barrier Reef, for which they’ve managed to encourage Jesse Richman and Susi Mai to join them, and it looks likely that Sir Richard Branson will be edging his way along the route, too.

And it’s not all about what other people have done this issue, either.

The Iron Man is a 600+ kilometre once-a-year epic downwinder along the popular northeast coast of Brazil. It’s not for the elite – you can sign yourself up for it! Go on! We’ve got the details for you on page 140. You may need a little training – we’ve got you covered for that too on page 142.

As kiteboarders, we’re a bit different from most of the rest of society because we play so closely with nature. We’re regularly face-to-face with the health of the planet, so we’ve started a series that looks at how sustainable and ‘green’ the sport of kiteboarding is. We tell our friends we do this fantastic sport that relies only on renewable energy. ‘How cool!’ they tell us. We’re not about to admonish anyone (our collection of flight stubs plant us firmly in the bad camp), but there must be some steps we can take to off-set the damage that we do through the travel that we love so much?

Later in the series we’ll be talking to manufacturers to find out more about what they’re doing to help clean up their processes, but Matt Pearce starts this issue on page 84 by suggesting some changes that we can make ourselves as regular riders right now; just a little bit at a time. It all helps and some things are fairly obvious, but it still takes some conscious decisions to confront ourselves to make a change. Someone has to start somewhere, and it might as well be us.

And if all that isn’t inspiring enough to shock you into action this spring, then Mark Shinn helps you get your head around a new approach to stop riding stagnation in his regular column on page 60, we pair you up with piles of equipment to suit your style of riding on page 99 - and then Matchu Lopes hotfoots you through some key basics in surfboard technique from page 130. Get your new season off to a flying start by finally getting to grip with riding that directional that you’ve always fancied. It’s not as difficult as you think – you just need some inspiration.

So, how do you come down after all the excitement? There are few things as pleasurable as the taste of a nice, cold beer after a truly epic session. So we’ve asked some of the most widely travelled and sociable riders to give us a list of their favourite all-time aprés-session drinking holes.

Find your way to Happy Island and more on page 148.

We’re 75 issues old this time around. Our passion for kiteboarding hasn’t wilted in 14 years and our experience only tells us that, although we think we’ve learnt a lot about the sport, this is really only just the beginning. So, let’s decide to say that we’re 75 issues young instead... because after all, there are few sports that allow such a wide spectrum of people to improve so quickly, to fly through the air like super heroes... and make us feel like giggling little kids whenever we hit the water.

Enjoy the issue.

Inspiration in the form of Carlos Mario PHOTO > Vincent Bergeron

Jim

WWW.NOBILEKITEBOARDING.COM

Pró Infinity

Pró 50/Fifty

Pró XTR

Pró 2HD

Pró NHP Carbon

Pró NHP

EUDAZIO DA SILVA (WORLD’S NO. 8) HAS CHOSEN PRÓ LINE PRODUCTS

026

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MASTHEAD

MASTHEAD

75 EDITOR

JIM GAUNT > jim@kiteworldmag.com

ART DIRECTOR

LYSSA RUTHERFORD > lyssa@kiteworldmag.com

TECHNICAL EDITORS CHRIS BULL AND JIM GAUNT

INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING

JAMES ‘STAN’ STANLEY > stan@kiteworldmag.com Danielle Gaunt > dan@kiteworldmag.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN BILDERBACK CHRISTIAN BLACK YDWER VAN DER HEIDE

ASSISTANT EDITOR

MATT PEARCE > research@kiteworldmag.com

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT

CRAIG SAWYER > craig@kiteworldmag.com

TEA BOY

HUGH MILLER > hugh@kiteworldmag.com ADVERTISING PRODUCTION: 328 MEDIA SUBSCRIPTIONS: subs@kiteworldmag.com CORE SHOP DISTRIBUTION: core@kiteworldmag.com ACCOUNTS: admin@kiteworldmag.com PUBLISHER: 328 MEDIA LTD

TEST TEAM

JIM GAUNT, CHRIS BULL, NEAL GENT, WALDEMAR VROEGOP, STUART LAYTON

CONTRIBUTORS

ANDRE MAGARAO, REO STEVENS, YDWER VAN DER HEIDE, ROBIN TAYLOR, TOBY BROMWICH, LUKAS NAZDRACZEW, PAUL SMYTH, RYAN TAYLOR, QUINCY DEIN, COLLEEN CARROLL, TOM COURT, JAKE KELSICK, SAM MEDYSKY, JALOU LANGEREE, VINCENT BERGERON, MARK SHINN, AARON HADLOW, JOHN BILDERBACK, RICHARD HATHERALL, JENNIE MILTON, GABI STEINDL, COLIN LOENHARDT, JASON WOLCOTT, ALBERTO RONDINHA, FABIO FIORE, ERIC BEAUDONNAT, RYLAND BLAKENEY, TONY NELSON, KATHRIN BORGWARDT, JACK GALLOWAY, JOHN AMUNDSON, AXEL REESE

HEAD OFFICE

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KITEWORLD (ISSN: 1477-1314) is published bi-monthly by 328 Media Ltd and distributed in the US by Ascendia USA, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831. Periodical postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Kiteworld (328 Media), 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831

MY LIFE, MY RIDE, MY STAR

TAÏNA 2015 4TH GENERATION FREERIDE / WAVE / FREESTYLE STARTING AT $840

WE’VE CREATED THE ULTIMATE WIND MACHINE TO SATISFY ALL STYLES, LEVELS, AND CONDITIONS.

SIZES 5.5m / 7m / 9m / 10m / 12m / 14m / 17m

www.starkites.com | @starkiteboarding | info@starkites.com

UP YOUR GAME Experience the advantage of effortless handling with the 2015/16 Naish Ride. Incredibly lightweight with a fuller center section, the Ride delivers superior low-end performance, maintaining smooth power delivery through turns. Featuring a 2-strut design, experienced riders will appreciate its great stability in high wind, while ease of water relaunch, jumping and sheet-in-and-go performance make it a great kite to grow with. Gear up and enjoy the Ride—the proven kite for effortless control.

PaciďŹ c Boardsports LLC - pbs@naishsails.com - (509) 493-0043

15_16Naish_Ride_2p_KWUK.indd 3

Find Your Ride

NaishKites.com

2015/16 RIDE All-around Freeride

Sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Photo: S. Whitesell

Naish_Kiteboarding

NaishKiteboarding

4/6/15 1:27 PM

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PHOTO > Ydwer van der Heide

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GALLERY

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75

{SUBJECT: INVIGORATION}

INVIGORATION n. { 1 } E nergi s e , enliven { 2 } E x cite , e x hilarate { 3 } I n s pire , refre s h { 4 } R einforce , re s tore { 5 } R evitali s e , s ti m ulate

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UP-FRONT

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GALLER Y

E nergi s e ,

CAPTION > Alex Pastor bringing the calm

PHOTO > Andre Magarao

enliven

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CAPTION > Oswald Smith, the storm

PHOTO > Robin Taylor

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UP-FRONT

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E x cite ,

CAPTION > Langeree’s tail lash, Mauritius

PHOTO > Ydwer van der Heide

e x hilarate

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UP-FRONT

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GALLER Y

I n s pire ,

CAPTION > Relinquishing. Alex Neto, Soma Bay, Egypt

refre s h

PHOTO > Toby Bromwich

0 3 7

CAPTION > Enthralling. World Champion Karolina Winkowska

PHOTO > Lukas Nazdraczew / Ford Kite Cup

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R einforce ,

CAPTION > Paula Novotna

PHOTO > Andre Magarao

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CAPTION > Highly charged, Alberto Rondinha

PHOTO > Andre Magarao

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R evitali s e ,

CAPTION > Simon Wichtermann, Perth, WA

PHOTO > Paul Smyth

s ti m ulate

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CAPTION > Amy Strzalko, Cayman Islands

PHOTO > Ryan Taylor

AP B8 KITEWORLD 460 280 uk.indd 1

09/10/2014 15:23

Neoprene waist belt with 4 Point attachment

Shapes to your body, adjusts to body movement and keeps the harness secure.

Multiple Leash connections

3 possible handle pass leash connections.Tube for sliding leashes, D-ring on each side and a welded D-ring on the bar.

Our harnesses have evolved over twenty years of development.

The under-the-skin engineering gives the most comfortable and refined product on the market. Inside layered construction seperates function from cushioning and grip, close to your body, to mid layer tension distribution and an outside protective shell.

Integrated parts working seamlessly together for the best function and technology out there.

MORE THAN JUST A HARNESS, PRODUCT DRIVEN TECHNOLOGY

Internal load plate

Pre-shaped plate that spreads the load from the spreader bar over the harness. The bar and HPL system are anchored to this plate.

Slide in barpad Patented Pin-release bar system Quick and easy to use and bulletproof.

Unifies and locks the barpad and harness body. No movement and more comfort.

W W W. P R O L I M I T. C O M

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GEA R

/ MOST WANTED

MOST New products coming your way

WANTED GIN :

The Geek is aimed squarely

at the intermediate rider keen to progress

F-ONE:

who is looking for a board that will help them improve but won’t become boring as they get

Freshly redesigned and

easier to use for 2015, F-One’s Trust is a fun,

better. A super upwind ability is combined with

freeride kite with loads of performance but

a smooth and forgiving feel. The lightweight

more forgiving than the Bandit. The Technoforce

wood core provides a comfortable flex pattern

double rip-stop Teijin canopy adds durability,

with precise control in all conditions. Performing

yet is light, responsive and allows for gains in

really well in chop, the Geek is forgiving on the

performance. Easy bar pressure combined with

knees, even after heavy landings, helping you

excellent auto-relaunch, lots of depower and a

nail your first jumps and transitions. Complete

stable, predictable turn make this an ideal

with Gin’s own high-quality ergonomically

kite for those looking to progress at their

designed footstrap and pad system, the Geek

own pace without feeling intimidated.

also comes with durable G-10 Fins and is

SIZES: 13, 11, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5m

available in three colour schemes.

SIZES: 140 x 42.5, 136 x 41 and 133 x 40cm

www.f-onekites.com www.ginkites.com

FLYSURFER: Made in the EU, the FlyRadical 5 is

MYSTIC:

Flysurfer’s next generation performance

give you a daft ‘rashie tanline’) and has seamless back panels to avoid discomfort when

freestyle machine. The rocker line has

being worn under a harness. An adjustable waist cord allows you to tighten or loosen the fit,

been increased and revised torsion

the M-Flex neoprene material is durable in the sun and of course, vitally, the Neo will have

patterns allow for perfect control

you looking good, too!

and grip, while an improved tip-flex

SIZES: XXL - S

The new Neo long-sleeve top features a loose-fit neck (so won’t

combines with a stiffer mid-section to give incredible pop.

www.mysticboarding.com

A wood/foam composite core gives it a responsive feel while keeping the weight down and the new heelside channel, tucked-under rails and ergonomic outline make the Radical 5 a very effective freestyle stick. Along with the new ‘Click & Ride’ fin system there’s the plush, new and improved ‘Space ‘n’ Galaxy’ ergonomic pad/strap system that are grippy and comfortable.

SIZES: 144 x 46, 138 x 42, 134 x 40, 132 x 39 and 127 x 36cm www.flysurfer.com

MANERA:

Few things are as devastating as

a damaged surfboard, particularly when it only happened en-route to the beach. Manera have produced the durable

ION:

The Onyx Amp features brand new ‘Ninja Knees’

and affords huge freedom of movement with added protection to the lower legs thanks to the neoprene foam ‘Crash Padz’. Ion’s highly-elastic liquid-seam sealing glue prevents water from entering the suit, is durable and highly resistant to tearing.

The Sky Solbach and Airton Cozzolino Signature harness ranges are based on the Madtrixx and Vertex harnesses. Airton’s Madtrixx harness features a slim cut outline with invisible seams along with his signature Cape Verde colour scheme. The Vertex is the firmer, more supportive harness with higher back support thanks to it’s X-Spine 2.0 Construction. www.ion-products.com

and flexible board sock that’s been designed with a rugged polyacrylic nitrile and polyester construction. Protecting your board from small scrapes and dings, the Manera sock is extremely light (so perfect to travel with) and dries very quickly so won’t stink out your car. It also stops you covering your seats in salt and board wax. Choose from a range of colours and sizes from 5’8’’ up to your 14’ race SUP. www.manera.com

TWIN WAVE 148

NEW WAVE 5’4”

NEW WAVE 5’8”

SURF COLLECTION 2015

RIDER: TORRIN BRIGHT

WOODEN SPUD 5’0” 5’3” 5’6”

WOOD WAVE 5’4”

WOOD WAVE 5’7”

WOOD WAVE 5’10”

WOOD PRO WAVE 6’0”

axiskiteboarding.com

FOILBOARD CONVERTIBLE

048

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GEAR

/ MOST WANTED

NAISH:

Launching two ranges in

the year, Naish have just announced four new

NOMAD:

kites, ergonomic harnesses, and a sporty new Revamped for 2015,

board for 2015 that will run into 2016. The

a board that utilises a unique rocker profile

Draft, Ride, Trip and Fly are the new stable

and has been designed using fluid dynamics

mates to the continuing Torch and Park kites

research and constructed with aerospace

- and between that extensive range Naish

spec materials – no wonder it’s simply

have all corners of the kiteboarding spectrum

called, ‘The Prototype’. High-performance

nicely covered. The Draft is a big air and race

‘3K Carbon’ further improves the board’s

machine packed with major hang-time and

strength, flex and responsiveness and the

massive low end; the Trip is a cutting-edge

board is available in two forms: the Prototype

strutless wave and freeride kite; the Ride is the

and Prototype Ultra-Carbon.

ideal all-terrain entry-level kite for ease, fun

Nomad’s Wave twin-tip is a brand

and simplicity; and the Fly is Naish’s entry into

new release after almost a decade in

the hotly-contested light-wind kite market.

development. Sitting bang in-between an

The Skater Sport is the latest shape for the

everyday twin-tip and a directional surfboard,

strapless freestyle game as a modern board

if you’re looking for a board to shred waves

designed for beginner to advanced riders who still

and then boost airs, this could be the board

want to tear it up and have fun in smaller waves.

for you as the meticulously designed rocker

Finally, you’ll find five waist and seat harnesses for everyone, from hardened freestylers to beginners and groms

line effortlessly eats up chop in the rough stuff, too.

alike, completing this latest batch of releases.

www.nomadkiteboarding.com

www.naishkites.com

OCEAN RODEO:

The Duke is all about

PROLIMIT:

Boasting eye catching styling and top end technical

fun and represents a fresh take on directional kiteboards.

features, the Fusion Steamer’s triple glued seams allow for stretch and

The deep Mako concave ensures it glides through the chop

durability while the new Zodiac lining on the chest and back make this suit as

while effortlessly tracking upwind. A massive sweet spot

warm and comfortable as it gets. Leg drain holes and water repellent coating

helps you land jumps and nail stylish transitions more easily.

help shed water while the neoprene reduces windchill as much as possible.

A nice, loose feel at lower speeds converts to

Also look out for the Kitewaist Pro - a moulded top-end waist harness,

grippy, responsive riding characteristics at

designed with increased ‘body contact’ to improve comfort. A pre-curved 3D

higher speeds. The full EVA top deck and flatter

shaped belt, resilient DuraCore webbing and high-end safety systems make

tail make this board really good fun for cruising

this harness a real contender in a variety of colour schemes.

around and practicing your fancy footwork.

FUSION STEAMER SIZES: XXXL - XS

SIZES: 165 x 47cm

KITEWAIST PRO SIZES: XL - XS

www.oceanrodeo.com

www.prolimit.com

OZONE:

Developed without compromise

RRD:

RRD have a huge harness range,

and storming to race wins, the R1 produces breath

featuring designs for different body shapes

taking speed and performance. The ultra clean

and varying ergonomic requirements. From the

leading edge, smooth surfaces and number of cells

high end, freestyle specific Shift harness for

give an insight into its capabilities, but it’s what

the demands of aerial beat-downs to the wave

you can’t see that makes this race focused kite so

specific, slimly fitted ‘Skin’ that has the ultimate

special; the feeling on the bar, the responsiveness

freedom of movement. Find many other harnesses,

and stability that surpasses every high performance

regardless of your chosen kiting discipline.

kite that Ozone have ever produced. Once the highaspect foil flying technique is mastered, advanced riders will find true race pedigree performance on the water, land or snow. The R1 foil race control bar has 30% more depower range with a new stall-handle with mini relaunch colour coded stopper balls for easier relaunch and control.

SIZES: 19, 17, 15, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6m www.ozonekites.com

www.robertoriccidesigns.com

PURE FABRIC TAPED ONLY ON STRESS POINTS ON THE INSIDE FOR INCREASED FLEXIBILITY AND MOVEMENT COMFORT.

THE PERFECT BLEND OF WARMTH AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL. MADE WITH OUR SUPERSTRETCH LIMESTONE NEOPRENE AND MESH NEOPRENE PANELS ON THE TOP PART AND DURASTRETCH NEOPRENE ON THE LOWER PART AND LEGS.

GRADO C H E S T Z I P

”D y n a m i c P e r f o r m a n c e” THE GRADO CHESTZIP FURTHERMORE OFFERS ADDITIONAL WARMTH THANKS TO THE SPECIAL CHEST AND BACK PANELS, WHERE MESH NEOPRENE ACCELERATES WIND DRYING TIME.

FEATURES • 50% FABRIC TAPED ON THE INSIDE • MESH PANELS ON CHEST AND BACK • ANTISKID DECK PROTECTION

LIQUID TAPE ON SIDE SEAMS • DRAIN HOLES • ANKLE WATER LOCK STRAPS

Disponibile nei colori: Red-Black • Blue-Black

Disponibile nelle taglie: S•M•MT•L•XL•XLT•XXL•XXXL WWW.ROBERTORICCIDESIGNS.COM

WETSUITS

Disponibile negli spessori: 5-3 • 4-3

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SPY

NETWORK

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NE W S

GREENLAND

The current record holders for the fastest surface journey across the North Pole are preparing for another world record attempt. The four man British expedition team, led by polar explorer Tom Avery set off from the UK on 5th May with the aim of breaking the world record for the fastest crossing of Greenland, which was set in 2008 and is 17 days, 21 hours and 30 minutes achieved

by Patrick Peters and Matt Spencely, a Luxembourg / British pair. 67°N Greenland Challenge team - Patrick Woodhead, George Wells, Andrew Gerber and Tom Avery - are all 39 years-old and would like to celebrate their 40th years with a new record. They expect to complete their 540 kilometre mission in just 12 to 14 days, a challenge many have deemed too ambitious. www.67n-greenland.com

FORMULA WORLDS AND EUROPEAN HYDROFOIL CHAMPIONSHIPS We will be at the racing extravaganza this year that is taking place on Hangloose Beach in Gizzeria, Italy from 8th - 19th July.

As foiling speeds and performances increase almost by the week, astounding the sailing world, and as Formula racing gets ever closer to Olympic status, expect all the big dogs to be going hell-for-leather in this beautiful Mediterranean spot.

Look out for regular updates from us at www.kiteworldmag.com, though Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in video through the Kite Show at: www.thekiteshow.tv

WORLD CLASS ACADEMY RED BULL KITE THE WAJ

For the second consecutive year kitesurfers are coming to Amwaj Islands in Bahrain to participate in the only regional amateur kitesurf competition: Red Bull Kite The Waj from 4th 6th of June.

Ruben Lenten will be overseeing and judging the event. 16 teams of two riders will compete head to head. In round one they will be judged on air time, in round two by their grabs, round three on rotations and in round four their best tricks. 40 participants are expected to compete from ten countries.

More at: www.redbullkitethewaj.com. Follow the conversation #KiteTheWaj on Social Media.

WORDS - Capo Rettig If you think school is boring, think again. The World Class Academy is a grade 9-12 private high school for junior kiteboarders who want to train, travel, and compete while fulfilling high school credits in a unique environment. Teachers travel with their students to the world’s best kite destinations, using an academic model focusing on character development, cultural immersion and a curriculum that incorporates the areas where they travel into their daily lesson plans. The result: creating some of the world’s top junior riders that have the academic tools and maturity necessary to succeed, no matter what they decide to do in life.

“Students at WCKA have discovered their passion at a young age and it drives them to do incredible things on and off the water.” says English teacher Lindsay McClure.

The 2015-2016 school year will begin in late August at the school’s headquarters in the Columbia River Gorge before heading to Maui, Brazil, South Africa, SPI, Texas and Hatteras in North Carolina. “This is the first time I have actually been excited to go back to school.” said senior Natalie Smith from California.

Maths classes right before a flat-water session in Brazil is a pretty good way to spend high school…

More at: www.worldclasskiteboardacademy.com

RED BULL MEGA LOOP CHALLENGE

The Red Bull Megaloop Challenge wind window is 22nd April – 10th November. Previously a core Dutch event, the rising credibility of the contest has attracted many of the sport’s best international mega loopers. Ruben Lenten personally invited eight kiters to take part in this storm chasing event and the other eight kiters based on their mega loop video submissions. The event will take place at The Spot, Zandvoort when the winds get over 30 knots and the organisers decide to go for it! www.redbullmegaloopchallenge.nl

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BRITISH KITESURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015

VIRGIN KITESURFING ARMADA TRILOGY 2015 – 16

We have joined up with our friends over at IKSURF magazine to run a freestyle tour in association with the British Kitesports Association. The aim is to rekindle the incredible competition scene that once existed in the UK that propelled the likes of Hadlow, Crathern, Light, Court, Boulding, Bridge, Wilson, Jones and Whiteley onto the world scene. We’re stripping it all back to basics first to get back to the roots of UK events when the competitions were weekends for the entire industry and regular riders to come together. The format will mirror that of the VKWC with a view to these events eventually feeding UK riders into the European and World Tour schedule.

There will be a pro men’s fleet, women’s, amateurs and juniors in freestyle and where the wind allows there will also be big air and downwind slalom competitions for everyone to join in for fun.

The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada brand has expanded this year to include potentially world record breaking mass downwinder attempts for charity in Tarifa, Cape Town and, as always, in the UK. Friday will be the first full day of the event on the UK weekends with a massive brands tent, loads of new gear, a cafe, bar, a big screen playing kite films and loads more, including two huge party nights over the weekend. The World Record attempt and 15 mile downwinder will take place on the Saturday or Sunday as usual. Virgin, Volvo and a host of other sponsors are confirmed and Sir Richard has it in his diary. As always the big focus is on fundraising for the Armada charities for which they have raised £120,000 so far out of this event for Snow-Camp, Virgin Unite and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Keep up to speed with all the details at: www.facebook.com/britishkitesurfingchampionships www.twitter.com/britishkite and via #britishkite

KITEWORLD AND KITE SHOW APPS Join us beyond the pages of the magazine via our new responsive website and our digital apps for subscribers that allow you to catch up on sections of the magazine that you didn’t manage to read at home while you’re on the bus, train, plane or stood in a queue.

Get a combo print and digital subscription to Kiteworld or a digital only subscription and we’ll hook you up with all our digital products. More at: www.kiteworldmag.com The Kite Show app is available for free with no in-app purchases needed via the App Store and Google Play. Catch up very easily with what’s hot and what’s not!

www.snow-camp.org.uk / www.virgin.com/unite / www.rnli.org. More at: www.kitesurfingarmada.org.uk

VIRGIN KITESURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND ONE:

Dakhla, Morocco, March 2015

The first event for the new world tour kicked off with Morocco’s incredible all-round spot delivering fantastic conditions that allowed the completion of freestyle, big air and wave contests. Liam Whaley and Karolina Winkowska claimed the freestyle crowns, Kevin Langeree and Gisela Pulido the big air, while Keahi de Aboitiz and Jalou Langeree won in the waves. Overall the organisers stated that it was a magical start for the Virgin Kitesurf World Championships season 2015.The next round will be held in Venezuela from 9 - 13th June. For more confirmed dates visit: www. vkwc/world-contest-schedule/ Aaron Hadlow writes more in his column this issue while Lewis Crathern was behind the scenes and presents a special behind-the-scenes video report for the Kite Show in episode 17.

Find more on the tour at: www.vkwc.com

KITE SHOW EPISODE 17 Released early May, the latest Kite Show is sharper and more explosive, fitting neatly into your 20 minute break. Tony Logosz explains the design changes on the 2015 Slingshot RPM, Reo Stevens spills the beans on his top three all-time wave spots and then elite wakestylers explain the differences in technique between throwing tricks off waves and man-made static kickers. Lewis Crathern delivers his VKWC report and we also check out the Red Bull Ragnarok snowkite contest, a tricky Airush mirror project shoot for Ydwer van der Heide and a first play for Liquid Force’s brand new movie, Dork Baja. www.thekiteshow.tv

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WHAT’S WRONG WITH KW? Time for another cull in editorial staff and to rectify a couple of errors that slipped through the mill last issue

Just a snapshot of the amazing riding opportunities around Corpus Christi!

PHOTO – Kynan Stevenson

#01: Firstly, there was an error in our average wind chart in the 2015 Travel Guide supplement on the Corpus Christi, USA spot guide. Here’s an updated wind chart for the area. Corpus Christi actually boasts arguably the largest amount of kite-able days year round in the continental United States. Featuring a wide variety of conditions, from the pristine shallow flat waters of the Laguna Madre to the 100 windy overhead surf on the 90 Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus 80 Christi and South Texas have 70 something for everyone.

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The guys at 361 Kite have all the low down on riding in the area: www.361kite.com

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J F M A M J J A S O N D

#02: This was the very fine gallery opening shot by Seth Warren in issue #74. At the time we didn’t know who the rider was, but have found out that it was none-other than unsung hero of the scene, Bob Randolph in the Big Horn Mountains in northern Wyoming, USA. Love that shot and Bob deserved some credibility for the shredding.

Precise kite repairs by the experts

We are an approved repair centre for most manufacturers because we repair inflatable and foil kites to a high standard!

#03: And finally we’d like to confirm a slight inaccuracy in our description of the line lengths in our Wainman Gypsy 6.25m and Smoke 9m reviews last issue. The Gypsy comes with 21.5m lines (17 + 4.5m) and the 9m Smoke comes with 23m lines (17 + 6m).

More details at: www.wainmanhawaii.com

Now closer to the beach: Old Chapel, Church Hill, Newhaven, BN9 9LN

Send us your kite, we’ll quote and get to work right away!

www.theloftworkshop.co.uk info@theloftworkshop.co.uk

(UK) 01273 516 332

HANG TIME

2015

NOTUSREV 2015

WAVERIDING

5,5m 7m 9m 10m 12m 14m

REV

NOTUS

FREERIDING

www.zeeko-kites.com / contact@zeeko-kites.com / sales@zeeko-kites.com

ONE KITE, SIX SIZES PERFORMANCE EVERYWHERE

FREESTYLE

REVOLUTION IS IN THE AIR

© ZEEKO KITES / Sharkeye Reload prod / Olivier Blondel

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fter all the excitement

Not heard much about the new Virgin Kitesurf World Championships and the first event in Dakhla? That’s also Aaron Hadlow’s complaint in his regular Kiteworld column

stay fit in between events

the ASP in a few months. That’s a longer

thick new rule book that was handed out

term objective. I thought that would be

at registration. There were quite a few

the case, however, I feel the riders had

changes, although the main issue most

a lot of expectation when they arrived

riders had was the change in the judging

in Dakhla for round one. Maybe without

system - something so important that

the rumours of such vast improvement,

should have had more time to be tested

riders might have rolled up to Dakhla and

and developed. If you train all winter and

appreciated some slight improvements,

are expecting the judging to be similar,

but the handling and low levels of

only to suddenly have the goal posts

communication leading up to the firs

shifted, it’s hard to look beyond that and

event had a negative effect.

find the positives

The new philosophy is very much

Having a clearly explained TV show that

business driven and the world tour is now

breaks tricks down for the public to easily

more of a ‘product’. Virgin and Zed are

understand is a good idea and I think most

50/50 partners and we have a new tour

would agree with that. It is a shame that it is

manager with old tour manager, Mauricio

so hard to test something like this and that it

Toscano, keeping an advisory role. I

could not be introduced more gradually, but

understand they want to build from the

once it is eventually tweaked and refined, it

base up, which sounds great, but maybe

should be more understandable and even

that is why there is some friction. A plan

better for the riders.

derived from out-of-industry concepts

Despite these issues, if I’m honest, I do

will in theory benefit everyone long term,

buy into the new plan and I understand

but can cause conflict initially, primarily

why this is all being put in place. I always

in the way it has negatively affected the

reflect back to one single point: nothing

immediate delivery of media.

has really improved since my first event

Many riders felt that the basics had

in 2002! I think the above points need

been forgotten at a couple of meetings.

addressing, I think they could have done

Followers found it difficult to stay up-to-

and should do more to please the riders

date with the event as there was no live

- after all, most of us are industry driven;

stream, limited updates on social media

we need to keep our sponsors happy and,

and also pictures or video at the event

without the full support from the riders,

were difficult for the riders to get hold of

it will become an uphill struggle for the

for their own personal updates.

organisers. But the bottom line is that

of the King of the Air I

After coming back from Cape Town this

finally made it back to

year I had two or three weeks before the

my new home in Tarifa

first freestyle World Championship tour

The priorities for the tour seem

something needs to be done and, although

the following morning.

stop and having one of Europe’s kiting hot

to lay in building an understandable

it may become more commercial, it is

I moved there this time

spots on my door step helped me prepare

TV show and focusing on that sort of

about time somebody gives something a

last year as my life

perfectly. I felt settled and trained well for

distribution with IMG Media. Big events

go and that’s why I try to support it.

the start of the season.

attract big sponsors and, after all, these

There need to be sacrifices and

revolves around kiteboarding.

I have been on the move, traveling and

The former PKRA has been quite a big

guys specialise in running large scale

compromises from all involved in order for

changing schools since I was four years-

talking point of late. The announcement

events and own huge businesses. My

this project to work. If some problems are

old. Once kitesurfing came along I was

that the PKRA was getting sold with new

personal opinion is that they ran out of

ironed out on the kiteboarding side and we

rarely based in one spot for more than a

investors coming in came in the middle

time. Running so many huge projects -

see some fruition on the media side, we

few months. From the age of 14 onwards

of last season. The aim was apparently

maybe the smaller projects take a back

could all be on a decent track to success.

I have been on a constant adventure. I

to take kiteboarding to a position that

seat. Perhaps the lack of knowledge

If we only look at the positives then we

loaded my van to the top, sold what I could

many have felt it should have reached

and experience in a relatively new sport

see kiteboarding now being produced

in the UK, chucked the rest and set-off on

at a professional level some time ago.

means that the smaller, more obvious

in house at IMG alongside media for

a 20 hour drive to the south of Spain. I

Rumours flew around and there were

things were missed. Dakhla was of

competitions such as the English Premier

love change and challenges and hearing

indications that the following season

course only their first event in charge and

League. There was also more prize

stories from other people who have taken

would already be a massive improvement.

I would expect them to learn from the

money in Dakhla and a structure is being

solid feedback and sort the small things

put in place that should give us a much

out relatively easily.

more professional outfit in the future, even

a huge U-turn in their life for one reason or

Perhaps

there

was

a

miss-

another. Living in Tarifa I can be at ‘home’

communication. The reality is that nobody

but also have more opportunity to kite and

could turn the kitesurfing world tour into

CAPTION > Style never goes out of season PHOTO > Toby Bromwich

A big change came with the fairly

if this first season is a little shak .

KW

WavesVillage.com

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“The important question when it comes to equipment is: should you buy something you like, or something that will challenge you?” Though Mark Shinn was a double World Champion back in 2002, he is still learning and loving it. His regular column very much focuses on making sure that your own riding motivation fires continue to burn brightly

You might think that spring is a strange time to talk about motivation having just come through winter, but I know a good number of riders that have emerged from their winter break, full of excitement, and after a few sessions doing their same old moves have gone on to lose the urge and their passion has slowly drifted away.

Remember when you first took up the sport – it was the thrill and adrenaline of learning that contributed a large part to your enjoyment. For most people that doesn’t change, however, as you get better and skills stagnate it’s easy to forget how to push yourself and your pace slows down.

A good way of putting fire back into your learning is to buy yourself a new challenge. Have you always been a twin-tip rider? Why not take the plunge and buy a strapless board, try some wakestyle or invest in a foil board?

You don’t have to abandon all that you know and love about the sport, but cracking open a new door could be the breath of fresh air that your riding needs. A new challenge might be a humbling experience to begin with as your previous level of competence will take a knock back, but (as I am reliably informed) a bad day for your ego is a good day for your soul.

Riders with a higher skill level that

R

haven’t progressed in some time seem to teeter on the edge for longer when confronted with the prospect of throwing themselves into something new. Don’t look

iders all across Europe

and looking at someone else’s meal that

or to simply have fun? I’m not suggesting

at it as an investment wasted as much as

and

of

looks ten times better than your own is

that you can’t have fun while developing

further investment spent ensuring that you

been

arriving at the beach to find that your

and progressing. Personally, I don’t seem

continue to love what you do.

rejoicing the start of spring

recently purchased ‘latest and greatest’

to have fun unless I’m learning something

If all this isn’t motivation enough then

as they dust off their

new kiteboarding toy isn’t exactly what you

new. If I look back to my less-motivated

you can always persuade a friend to join

kiteboarding

wanted or needed after all.

some

America

parts

have

moments of kiteboarding, they have

you. When the frustration of learning hits,

The all-important decision comes down

always been when I didn’t have goals; no

having a partner in crime is always a good

to honesty; not honesty of the guy in the

new styles to learn, no new tricks on the

way to overcome the urge to give in.

For many it’s the time to think about new

shop trying to sell you something, but your

boil or no new gear to play with. As a result

Ask yourself this: are you willing to

gear and, while I’m very happy to sit here

own honesty with yourself. Purchasing

I spent less time on the water and enjoyed

take a step backwards in order to make a

and write you out a thousand reasons why

disappointment will inevitably occur if you

my riding the least.

giant leap forwards? Are you willing to put

kiteboarding gear is great value for money

can’t answer your own questions truthfully.

I’ve been playing around with old-

in the time and effort to pull through the

and not really all that expensive (well, in

Of course, if your main criteria for buying

school board-offs again recently, having

frustration in order to achieve something

a comparative, not very realistic kind of a

something is that it’s new and shiny then,

discovered that I had completely lost the

greater? I do believe that we can all

way, at least), the truth of the matter is that

as long as you buy something new and

knack for them... and it has been a blast!

benefit from this kind of sporting reset, but

you will part with a healthy pile of notes for

shiny, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. I

I have been re-learning tricks that I used

if you don’t want to take the chance then

pretty much whatever you buy.

suspect (and hope) most kiters are a little

to be able to do and it has been almost

don’t worry; there is a veritable plethora

less superficial than that

as much fun as learning them in the

of new and shiny kite kit out there on the

gear

and

start regularly checking the forecast again.

Judging by the large number of mails I answer in regard to board type and size,

The important question when it comes

first place. However, my motivation for

market that would look fantastic in the

I guess it’s an important decision that

to equipment is: should you buy something

learning those tricks (well, re-learning),

back of your car. And then, who knows?

nobody wants to get wrong. The only

you like, or something that will challenge

was a new kite that is designed for better

Maybe mowing the lawn and back loops

thing worse than sitting in a restaurant

you? Is your goal to develop and progress

jumping and hang-time. I’m sure that some

will come back into fashion!

KW

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r e a d e r s’ g a l l e r y Push the button and send your images to readers@kiteworldmag.com The winner gets a Cabrinha goody bag, like Dimitri Kraskovsky this issue who braved the cold of Washington State to capture his friend Doug who was keeping things fired up over winter

{01} WINNER Doug Bixel keeping the kiteboarding flag

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flying through the colder months in Washington State, USA PHOTO – Dimitri Kraskovsky

{02} Michele Presacane performing a kite eclipse at sunrise at Aberdyfi, Cardigan Bay, mid-Wales PHOTO – Shem ap Geraint / KSW Board Riders

{03} Classic south coast UK shore-dump. When you think of your home spot, does it make you feel all warm and fuzzy like this does to us?!

PHOTO – Julie Cockle

{04} There’s nowhere that Joe Martino would rather be than Bonaire at this moment!

PHOTO – Joe’s friend

{05} Martyn Bone enjoying a perfect 25 knots at the old lighthouse at Troubridge Island in South Australia PHOTO – Maurice Windley

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S N A P ABOVE LEFT > Tubular swells. For John, the North Shore is a constantly changing testing and pleasure zone CAPTION LEFT > Bad designs come to the North Shore to die. (Notice the second board taking its last breath in the white wash at the top of the wave!)

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percent of all the species that ever lived on Earth are now extinct. This probably applies to board designs, too.

Being what it is, the North Shore of Oahu is the place bad designs come to die.

Miles and miles of powerful waves teach you about yourself and your equipment with merciless honesty. If something doesn’t work, this place will let you know.

Similarly, a design can also be validated when people really buy into it on the North Shore. At Mokuleia Beach Park recently - the North Shore’s wave kiting epicenter - there has been a widespread Tomo outbreak. If you’re not familiar with the design, the board has a distinctive, snubbed, triangular nose, a pretty straight rail line, is fairly short and riders like Felix Pivec have been absolutely gutting waves on it. It has become so popular here that it seems as if almost everyone is riding that shape.

I became curious about such a big shift in design evolution in such a short space of time, so asked one of the world’s top wave kiters and shapers about it - my good friend John Amundson. He’s been spending a lot of time riding them recently and has also been refining the concept for his own line of boar s.

“The straight rail keeps the board stable when edging, and also keeps it from porpoising and pivoting off the apex of the outline. The wide tail creates lots of planing surface and gives it good light wind ability. It also goes upwind really well.

On waves it’s extremely stable when you’re coming off-the-bottom but then you can still break the fins loose o f-the-top.

“The design elements in this board are working together in a different way, usually loose and stable don’t go together. Loose boards usually get ‘nervous’ at speed.”

On refining the concept, he says there were some cons “The triangle nose would catch on certain bottom turns in the pocket. The board would slow down all of a sudden - I knew it was one of those corners catching.

The triangle nose has no design validity.

“It’s also very flat in the nose, making it hard to transition up onto the lip, having to punch through instead of transitioning up smoothly. On the way down it would then want to stuff the nose. So I’m giving ‘The Johno’ more nose kick and softening those edges, for better transitions.

The ‘Johno’ is John’s version of the design. He believes, “It’s another spoke in the wheel of evolution. I really think you can have a more aesthetically pleasing look, with sexy curves and have better performance.”

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John’s theories face some harsh and dispassionate testers, which arrive around every 18 seconds or so from the far North Pacific. When it’s big and gnarly the results carry consequences and lessons come quick.

In evolutionary terms I think that would be called selection pressure.”

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After kiting for sixteen years, John is also working on evolving a brand

plantation homes, farms and fields. His sprawling secluded parc l

new type of craft along with some big industry players - a project that

looks over the North Shore and off towards Mokuleia. It features

involves a new kind of foil and a flying boat

aquaculture ponds, his girlfriend’s jewellery studio, a large house and a garage full of boards with a Yellow Corvette also squeezed

The Foilair is essentially using what we love about kites – lift - and

in there, too. To me he seems to exist in a state of constant

what we love about foils - efficiency through the water - in a ovel

comparison. Blending forward thinking and solid traditions, John

configuration that has the potential to revolutionise travel ov r the

uses modern computer controlled machining to manifest time-

ocean. The prototypes are sure to be interesting and John is busy

honoured design ideas. He brings forward the best DNA of what’s

designing and constructing the foil moulds in the glassing portion of his

already been done and adds his modern understanding and

shop. He brought out some large plywood wings to show me what he’ll

manufacturing techniques to it.

be testing in carbon soon.

Clearly his ability to test his creations and weed out any weaklings I asked him about his personal evolution and how the North Shore has

must be his greatest strength, however. Most shapers ride, but

helped him advance his designs.

largely depend on their team riders for high level feedback. John gets to feel everything for himself. I think it’s what really sets

“The creativity that comes along with living here on the North Shore is

him apart from most shapers. His theories face some harsh and

great. In my early days I always felt contained when living in California.

dispassionate testers, which arrive around every 18 seconds or so

When I came here after high school it was the creative side in me

from the far North Pacific. When it’s big and gnarly the result carry

that knew that this was the place that I could spend the rest of my

consequences and lessons come quick. In evolutionary terms I

life. There are so many characters and these are the guys that I’m

think that would be called selection pressure.

comfortable being with. Living in this atmosphere makes us the best we can be and I’m inspired by the people here. I’ve watched guys like

It’s not only board designs that must survive and evolve, but the

Jamie O’Brien tow into twenty foot surf at Outside Log Cabins - just

board shapers, too. They are a species we need. The good news is

for kicks - on literally just a pool toy, and then I find myself thinkin

that software and hardware are opening up production to many more

about the design of that inflatable. I just go ‘ ow, there’s food for

people. You can create a board without touching a planer and just

thought there’ if you can stop and appreciate it. Just think about all the

email an order for your next board. It’s something similar to how digital

interesting people around here that aren’t nine-to-fiving it ev ryday.”

photography allowed everyone to be a photographer. If you have an opposable thumb, you’re qualified

John’s cutting edge designs come to life in a shop on the side of

ABOVE LEFT

> John on the Johno

CAPTIONS LEFT (CLOCKWISE) Telling tales; Home made weaponry; North Shore sunbeds are for the best top models CAPTION RIGHT > Who is JOB? He’s Jamie O’Brien and he does this sort of thing for kicks!

a vast bamboo filled valle . It’s solar powered. Clearly evolution

However, when it’s a really important photo, or a long, high-speed

and inspiration are at work here, too. The drive to his house up

bottom turn looking up at a big wall, it’s good to have a highly

the winding Pupukea Road takes you past mansions and modest

evolved professional and all his experience on your side.

KW

070

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{01}

STORIES

RED

/

SESSIO N S

BULL

RAGNAROK

SESSIONS Jack Galloway from the UK was a first time entrant in the 2015 Red Bull Ragnarok. In fact, he’d never actually snowkited. This is how he got on a t the extreme endurance race tha t sees competitors negotiating very challenging terrain over 100 kilometres in Norway in early April

WORDS > Jack Galloway

T

PHOTOS > Red Bull Content Pool (unless stated otherwise)

Clearing the pack PHOTO – Mats Grimsæth / Red Bull Content Pool

he first challenge of the Red Bull Ragnarok is to gain entr . On a well timed day

It was strange not being able to look at the sea state to help me make a decision on kite

off in early December I was frantically typing in my debit card details at 11.01am

size, but it seemed most people were on nines. I put my ski boots on and pumped my

trying to become one of the lucky 300 to compete in this iconic event. Just ten

seven, deciding it better to be underpowered than overpowered on my first go. Having

minutes later an email confirmed my place and it dawned on me that I had

spent much of the winter sessioning in five mil rubbe , it was an absolute pleasure not to

entered one of the toughest snowkite races in the world - having never snowkited before.

have to put a wetsuit on. A positively balmy -1 °C, I felt toasty in my ski gear.

How difficult could it be? I’ve competed in several kitesurf races and enjoyed two seasons skiing. Surely the two could be combined quite easily?

Skis clipped on I launched my kite and set off across the great frozen lake of Orteren. It felt pretty easy at first but just moments later I was going way too fast! Gradually I got the

Four months later I was heading to the airport with a lot of gear. I had no idea what the

hang of it, built up my confidence and after an hour on the lake I ventured into the hills. I

weather conditions would be like, so figured better to be safe than sorr , with a seven and

didn’t feel particularly ready for that challenge, but I had to try as the terrain for the race

ten metre Ozone Edge and two Ozone Chronos - sizes 12 and 15. My skis are 100mm

would be similar the following day. Kiting just a short distance into the unknown I had an

under foot and 178cm long; great for off-piste and seemed like a good all-round ski choice.

incredible sense of freedom. The views were spectacular and the terrain was challenging, exciting and rugged. By the end of the session I was knackered, but couldn’t wait to race!

The route from Bergen airport to the Hardangervidda National Park was stunning. Looking out for any kites that were already up I hoped to find somewhere in the park that would be

I stayed at the Haugastøl hostel. Just a ten minute drive from most of the kite spots, Red

good to get some vital practice in. I only had one afternoon before the event and most of

Bull had set up camp there for the event. The race briefing informed us that this year’s

the drive had been in a complete whiteout. I was starting to lose hope. As we approached

race would be the longest and toughest yet, with the highest climbs, the most competitors

the last possible spot, the clouds suddenly cleared and more than fifty kites appeared in

and the biggest cliff! Matt, the race office , warned us of a 30 metre cliff just after gate two.

the distance. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt.

Surely he meant 30 feet? I was pretty nervous about that. The forecast looked promising

06 77 1

Follow the leader... somewhere in the distance PHOTO - Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content Pool

Jack PHOTO – Richard Galloway

Four laps please

and the race was scheduled to start at midday at a nearby spot called Laegreid. Like all

looked like a big drop. I noticed people were slowing down in front of me. I dodged some

snowkite spots near Haugastøl, it has very limited parking, so we loaded our kit into a lorry

rocks, checked my speed a little and slid ungraciously down a steep, narrow gap between

and piled onto several coaches to make our way to the start line.

the cliffs. (I recently saw a video of Ruben Lenten jumping straight off it during the race, maybe I should have tried that!)

I expected the rigging area to be jam-packed with 300 people pumping their kites but, to my surprise, it wasn’t. Most beaches - like my local spot in Poole Harbour - have very limited

I had survived the busy and difficult section, my legs were already on fire and I was onl

space to rig up. The snow creates a huge area with plenty of space and set-up though and

ten minutes into the race. I probably should have paced myself at that point but adrenaline

was much easier than I expected. The race start was delayed by an hour-and-a-half due to

levels were high. Instead I edged harder on my skis and concentrated on getting every

very poor visibility at the far end of the course. By 1.30pm the wind was about 15 knots which

ounce of power from my kite.

made it difficult to decide on a kite size as I could see every hing from six up to 18 metres already in the air. I decided to launch my 12 Chrono and squeezed my way over to the start

The upwind leg was easily the hardest and sometimes I had to tack just to give the other

line. I had never seen so many kites grouped together in one area!

leg a rest. The gates at the far end of the course were a long way apart and I had no idea how the guys at the front knew where to go, but luckily I had their kites in the distance

After a 15 minute countdown a loud horn signalled the start of the race and we were off!

to follow. I could see why the start had been delayed; it would have been an absolute

Reaching across the wind at 20 knots it was essential that I didn’t get into a tangle. My aim

disaster in a whiteout. I completed lap one in 45 minutes and at that point realised how

was to get clear of the main group and to race my own race. I had just about managed

ridiculous this race is – there was another four laps to go!

this by the time we reached the first gate and figured I was probably in the top thir . From there the race went downwind and uphill, I knew that the cliff was somewhere at the top.

I was neck and neck with another skier and my competitive nature got the better of

Rounding the second gate we then sped off through a small cloud and towards what

me; there was no way I was about to slow down. Another 45 minutes later and I’d

072

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STORIES

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SESSIO N S

The Hardangervidda plateau is an awe-inspiring heaven for snowkiters PHOTO - Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content Pool

All-round skills are required to negotiate the Ragnarok terrain PHOTO - Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content Pool

completed the second lap in good time, even with

It was a relief to complete lap three and swap for my

the added challenge of having to avoid several

15 metre; the extra power making a huge difference

inflatable kites which had fallen out of the sky in

in the lulls. Feeling refreshed after a quick drink and

the lulls. The advantage of foil kites is clear in an

energy gel I struggled my way around the fourth

environment like this. By the middle of the third lap

and final lap. Fortunately the course had bee

I was wishing that I’d swapped to my 15 as there

shortened due to the exceedingly light wind. Fatigue

were lots of holes in the wind and it seemed like

and dehydration had set in and it took a great deal

there were more kites on the snow than in the air

of effort to complete the course. I have run several

by the time I reached the far end of the course.

marathons and can tell you with 100% certainty that

Just 14 of the 300 competitors managed to complete the full course

Sure enough I too lost power and my kite started

this was harder, giving a new meaning to ‘endurance’

before the last lap was shortened. Jack Galloway is sponsored by

to fall from the sky. I frantically looped it while

as far as I’m concerned.

Ozone Kites UK, Easyriders Kiteboarding and Jibtuning

to keep the kite moving but it inevitably stalled

I had to finish. The last lap took me 1 hour and 20

Don’t miss our video report on the event in The Kite Show episode 17

and hit the snow. Was my race over? I looked over

minutes and was my slowest by far, mainly due to huge

that features some excellent GoPro footage that Jack shot during the

my shoulder to see others in the same situation.

gaps in the wind, but I crossed the line in just over four

race. It’s out now at: www.thekiteshow.tv Also download the free

I started skiing backwards down the hill and used

hours. It was an extraordinary feeling to have finished

Kite Show apps in the App Store and Google Play

apparent wind to launch my kite. Consistently

this unique kiting event and made all the better by

looping the kite I made my way to gate four where

finding out that I had finished in 15th place! I’ll definite

I found some clean air and headed upwind.

be back next year.

skating upwind on my skis. I did everything I could

KW

0 7 3

Digging in and keeping up PHOTO - Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content Pool

LEFT TO RIGHT: Women’s ski podium. Winner Steph Bridge (GBR), 2nd Camilla Ringvold (NOR), 3rd Eugenia Gueorguieva (USA) Women’s snowboard podium. Winner, Linda Viktoria Olofsson (NOR), 2nd Ingrid Danielsson (SWE), 3rd Marit Nore (NOR) Men’s ski podium. Winner, Felix Kersten (GER), 2nd Klement Store (NOR), 3rd Michael Kaspar (SUI) Men’s snowboard podium. Winner, Sigve Botnen (NOR), 2nd Reinhold Gehrer (AUT), 3rd Peter Martel (CAN) PHOTOS – Christian Black / Red Bull Content Pool

LIVING FOR THE LIGHTER DAYS L I G H T W I N D

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F R E E R I D E

THE NEW JUICE SIZES

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Rider_Reno Romeu / Pic_Toby Bromwich

R E L AT E D F R E E R I D E / L I G H T W I N D B OA R D S

SPIKE TEXTREME

X-RIDE

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N O R T H K I T E B OA R D I N G .C O M – MMXIV – ›CRAFTED WITH PRIDE‹

# N O R T H K I T E B OA R D I N G

076

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S E SSI O NS

{02}

ROOF

T a j i k i s ta n ,

OF

THE

WORLD

Se p te m b er

REGATTA

2014

Elevated experience. Kitesurfing at 4,000 metre altitude where the salty water rapidly increases your speed

T h e K i t e b o a r d To u r A s i a a i m s t o i n t r o d u c e k i t e s u r f i n g w i d e l y a c r o s s A s i a a n d u s e t h e p u b l i c i t y t o h e l p c o m m u n i t i e s . H o l d i n g a regatta last September for a multitude of sailing sports on a lake at 4,000 metres in a poorly connected village in Ta j i k i s t a n , w i t h n o e l e c t r i c i t y a n d a n u n p r e d i c t a b l e b o r d e r - p a t r o l , p r o v e d a s t e p t o o f a r f o r m o s t p a r t i c i p a n t s . A d e d i c a t e d f e w d i d c o m p l e t e t h e c h a l l e n g i n g j o u r n e y t o l a y t h e f o u n d a t i o n s f o r m o r e t o f o l l o w t h i s y e a r, t h o u g h WORDS > KTA

E

PHOTOS > Tony Nelson and Kathrin Borgwardt

instein wrote, “If at first the idea is not absurd

snowy summits, rising to the towering 7,135 metre Pik Lenin.

into the regatta, so organisers Tony and Jackie Nelson,

then there is no hope for it”. For most sailors or

Served solely by glacial water, it is frozen seven months a

along with META executive director Gulnara Apandieva,

kitesurfers, the notion of holding a high-altitude

year. From June to October, however, it is transformed from

decided to press on.

regatta in one of the world’s most remote, land-

ice-white to turquoise-blue.

Polly Crathorne, KTA rider and former UK kitesurfin

locked locations seems sufficiently crazed to fit the bil Intrepid sailors were invited to the lake to participate in

freestyle champion was first on the regatta list. “I just kne

Tajikistan’s Eastern Pamir is an amazing region: majestic

what would be the globe’s highest-altitude sailing event

this would be the adventure of a life-time and the opportunity

scenery and a rich culture overlaid with the history of the

for the Roof of the World Regatta. Perhaps surprisingly

to crack some world records was enough for me to want to

Silk Road. It’s not for the feint-hearted, though. Explorer

organisers’ expectations were buoyant – guessing some

come along, no matter what the odds were on us being able

Marco Polo wrote:

hardy sailing souls would take up the gauntlet. By July,

to kite.” she said.

with support from the KTA, META (Murghab Eco-tourism “The plain is called Pamier, and you ride across it for

Association) and others, 26 participants from 12 nations

Heading to the Tajik border post at the apex of the 4,280

twelve days together, finding nothing but a desert withou

had registered, including kitesurfers, windsurfers, dinghy

metre Kyzyl-Art pass was a make or break moment.

habitations or any green thing . . . The region is so lofty and

sailors and even a catamaran.

Miraculously, within 45 minutes this first group were throug and speeding along the 50 kilometres to the lake shore. By

cold that you do not even see any birds flying. And I must notice also that because of this great cold, fire does not bur

A month later, rumours of Tajik border closures surfaced

afternoon a second participant, US sailor, Kelly - who prefers

so brightly, nor give out so much heat.”

and visa-issuing restrictions appeared. Prospective regatta

anonymity because of the sensitive nature of her work in

entrants faced the possibility of an 8,000 kilometre trip

northwest Tajikistan – arrived with her compact Aquaglide

Times have changed. The region can now be traversed

only to find that their entry would be barred. Twenty-six

‘Multi-sport’ 270 dinghy-windsurfer.

by the world’s second highest international road, grandly

participants rapidly dwindled to five who already had visa

dubbed the M41 Pamir Highway. Yet at best the ‘highway’

and were willing to take a chance: two German kitesurfers,

By early evening all were ensconced at Karakul’s Sadat

is pot-hole ridden, at worst it is a deeply rutted mud track

Kathryn Borgwardt and Benny Stefanski, drove from Berlin,

home-stay, which doubled as regatta operations base. The

that is so challenging it has gained cult-status among road-

Polly Crathorne flew from the UK to Osh in Kyrgyzstan; a U

lake waters in the sinking sun looked inviting. Crathorne

tripping adventure seekers.

dinghy sailor was already working in the country, and she

pumped her kite and with a rapt audience of children, kited

came with her Tajik colleague. The KTA media team also fell

until fingers and toes were numbed by the chilled waters

The jewel of the area, Lake Kararkul (Black Lake), lies along

foul of the visa ban, leaving the regatta with rather less TV

The wind was reasonable, but the thin air (about 65% of sea-

the M41 route at an altitude of almost 4,000 metres. The

and media output than it had hoped for.

level density) made much jumping height difficult to reach Speed was a different story. Saltier than seawater, the lake’s

depression formed by a meteorite strike 25-million years ago offers 380km² of unrivalled sailing potential framed by

Nevertheless nine months’ groundwork had already gone

added buoyancy helped Polly really race across the surface.

0 7 7

US sailor known only as ‘Kelly’ due to the delicate nature of her work in northwest Tajikistan uses this inflatable dinghy-windsurfer on the lakes close to where she is based No shortage of kite launchers

The regatta may not have turned out as the organisers had hoped, but the local Imam declared he had never seen so many people of all ages out enjoying themselves, demonstrating the natural allure of sport, wherever you’re from

See you next year

Kathrin introduces children to powerkite lessons in the Philippines all-year. This young Tajikistan is locked into his experience

Polly introduces kitesurfing to the region

Benny’s new volleyball team

078

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STORIES

/

S E SSI O NS Although the road was long for Kathrin and Benny, it wasn’t always too bad

Lonely demo – next year plans are afoot to instigate a much bigger event for September 2015

Roof of the World crew

Kathrin in need of desalination treatment

Polly and friends

Inspired by Crathorne’s example, Kelly inflated and rigge

Although this event was just a shadow of the spectacle

the regatta next September, but this one was not yet at an

the Aquaglide and sailed the following afternoon’s light airs in

that it could have been, stumped by the transport and

end for Kathrin and Benny. On their journey back along the

glorious conditions beneath glinting snow-capped peaks.

practical challenges, the team that did make it there

M41 Pamir Highway they sessioned every lake - Yashikul,

managed to have a positive impact on the area. Kathrin

Sassikul, Rangkul and Bulunkul - virgin kitesurfing

After eight days and a 6,000 kilometre drive from Berlin,

ran a KTA Kite Kids powerkite class to the delight of the

territories, all set in high desert, between 3,000 and 4,500

through Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

local children. Beach volleyball was once again a huge

metres in altitude.

and finally Tajikistan, Kathrin Borgwardt’s and Benny

success and by early evening 300 villagers had gathered.

Stefanski’s journey proved every bit as eventful as

The local Imam declared he had never seen so many

Almost every day is kiteable in the mountains in summer

those exotic names suggest. Car problems included an

people of all ages out enjoying themselves. A team of ten

until the lakes begin to freeze for winter. For kiters, this is

overheating engine at the high passes in ‘no-man’s land’

journalists from the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, had arrived

undoubtedly one of the last adventures on earth: shredding

on the Kyzyl-Art pass before the Tajik border, which meant

to record the proceedings. Kathrin and Benny took the

beneath the 7,000 metre peaks and thawing out after a

an uncomfortable night spent at over 4,200 metres in

opportunity to visit the local school to formally hand

session in a banja - a sauna-like room where shower water

-10°C in the roof tent, with little or no acclimatisation. They

over the volleyball equipment that had been donated by

is heated on an open fire. Over-nighting in yurts and eatin

got a hole in the oil pan thanks to a rock strike, punctures

Mikasa and Funtec, a clearly touching act of generosity

restorative borsch - the traditional Russian beetroot soup -

galore and the exhaust pipe dropped-off. Police and army

to the school’s director.

with locals was unforgettable.

The regatta’s fifth and final contestant was journali

In the eight days it took them to cover just 900 kilometres

Andy - a Tajik who also prefers discretion with regard to

to Dushanbe, they skirted Afghanistan and Pakistan’s

Amid ominous gathering storm clouds on the regatta’s firs

his identity. By 5pm the wind picked up and the Aquaglide

fabled Wakhan Corridor, and were invited in for tea every

day, the team scoped out fresh sailing pastures on Lake

was launched. An inflatable river raft courtesy of local tou

time they stopped for petrol. The region’s utter remoteness

Karakul’s north shores, but the freezing water and thin air

operator, Pamir Highway Adventure, was also pressed into

just seemed to echo – literally and metaphorically – the

presented unique stamina challenges. The rangy ex-pro

service and a small team of locals in life-jackets ventured

words of one Pamir Off-Road Adventure Tour driver, who

volleyball player Stefanski had a surprise in store for the

out on to the lake under keen supervision. Crathorne and

said, “Many people know more about the moon than about

Karakul villagers though and by the following lunchtime he

Stefanski followed their lead on their kites, to hoots of delight

our country”. A few more know now. Still, the last leg of the

had marked out two outdoor volleyball courts. Volleyball

from those packed on the shoreline.

road trip was draining and Kathrin and Benny were happy

checkpoints registered progress every 100 kilometres that was punctuated by ferocious sandstorms.

to part with their vehicle and choose to board a plane for

is actually the most popular sport here, so his pro-ball experience was more than welcome.

Plans are already being prepared for another attempt at

the final leg home.

KW

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080

/

FEATURE

/

THE

MIN D

Flow & Sile nce If you’re just starting out in kiteboarding, you will probably have a hard time imagining that kitesur fing can be a Gabi Steindl - once a world tour competitor, now a writer, traveller, physiotherapist, free thinker and frequent solo Flow

You may have read more about flow in Dr. Jason Gallate’s

I could not imagine a life devoid of these feelings and the

Mihaly Csikszentmihaly is a theorist and professor of

‘To Love, To Kite...’ columns in previous issues of this magazine

moments that I experience them. Being completely involved in

psychology who has contributed pioneering work to our

– he too was very keen on the art of flo . Mihaly created the

what I’m doing enables me to experience a perfect inner clarity

understanding of happiness, creativity, human fulfilment and

‘Combination of Challenge and Skill Model’ which explains

and a deep sense of serenity. I simply begin to forget myself

the notion of ‘flow’ - a state of heightened focus and immersion

that you will be in flow when your challenges are greater than

and feel as though maybe I’m part of something bigger.

in activities, such as art, physical activity and work.

average and, crucially, when your skills are higher than average.

I read one of his books about ten years ago while training

If you’ve ever felt something similar then it’s likely you’ve experienced flow in some way. Perhaps you’re chasing it

in Brazil in preparation for the final world cup stop in Fortaleza.

Flow in life

I found myself studying the book, rather than just casually

Sport is just one area that people refer to flo , but regardless

Experiencing flow while engaging in an enjoyable past-time

reading it, and ended up writing out pages and pages of

of titles, fame or fortune, spending your life doing the things

is great, but how good would it be if we could consciously

information by hand so that I could go back to my favourite

you enjoy and simply getting good at them will also allow

create flow in all of our everyday tasks

parts at any time. Analysing and understanding flow was pretty

you to enter a ‘flow state’. Life’s meaning takes on a greater

If you’re lucky enough to have found a vocation that you

ground-breaking, not only for my career as a pro kiter, but for

significance when you are constantly engaged in something

enjoy, perhaps you’re able to find flow at work, too? Lucky you.

my life in general.

that you are passionate about.

Mihaly suggests that reaching ‘flow state’ is one of the

For me, wave-kiting is just that: it puts me right into that flo

again even now. Perhaps you always will be.

Silence

secrets to happiness, and I certainly agree. Existence is

state. Just by being out there in ‘the big blue’ I feel a connection

temporarily suspended, you become fully immersed in a task

with the waves, the wind and the ocean in a way that goes

and feel free from external worries or problems - everything

beyond the physical. Writing can also give me that feeling of flo

seems to happen automatically and effortlessly, without

– admittedly not always, it has to be said - but when I’m in flow I

One of the unique beauties of wave-kiting (and something

thinking. It’s almost as if you’re on autopilot.

have the opposite to writer’s block. It’s pretty great really.

that is very contrary to surfing) is the fact that you are

“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.” Confucius

0 8 1

CAPTION – Silent wave assassin.

Gabi channeling her uplifting moments in shred at one of her home breaks in Western Australia PHOTO – Colin Leonhardt

peaceful and almost meditative experience. Believe it or not, you’ll soon gain control and learn to ride like a zen master.

missioner - reflects on the art of getting completely and wonderfully lost in kitesurfing and making friends with silence completely alone. Sitting in the line-up at a crowded break is

I personally love spending days when I don’t speak to

find the solution as soon as I can find flow in the ocean. In

the total opposite; there’s always chatter and lots of interaction.

anybody and I feel fortunate that I’m able to do that. However,

silence my head feels lighter and it seems that mental clarity is

(Maybe the occasional fracas too if you’ve unintentionally

not everyone is in the position to do so. As a result, for most of

more readily attainable. As a result I make every effort to allow

stirred up the locals.)

us, the silence we can experience while kiting in the waves is

time for silence in my life.

When you’re immersed in waves with your kite there is

absolute gold and a rare opportunity.

“Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” - Francis Bacon

no noise, other than the sound of nature. And possibly the sounds of your friends cheering you on (an unavoidable potential block to achieving a feeling of flow and inner

“Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself.” - Hermann Hesse

serenity, but welcome all the same).

If only we could apply what we can experience and feel in the water to our daily lives on the land and try to cultivate

From the moment we wake up in our beds until the moment

Experiencing and immersing yourself into silence is an

and adopt more flow and silence into our day to day

we crawl back into them, our lives are loud, busy and filled with

incredible, and I would argue, worthwhile experience.

existence; if we could try to become more mindful of the

external noise. We rarely experience actual silence and, if we’re

Connecting with nature in the same instance can make that

power these mental and physical states afford us in terms

honest, many of us probably ‘fear’ it to some extent. We feel

experience even more potent and I find the easiest time to

of how we feel after a sick session and the potential insights

uneasy when life becomes too still and being comfortable with

fully go within myself is when I’m in flow out there in the ocean.

they can give us, then perhaps we could feel more relaxed,

silence doesn’t come naturally for us. Apart from all the external

Time can cease and thoughts may quieten. If you will let it,

more focused, more satisfied, more peaceful and yet at the

noise, there’s all the noise from within; the constant internal mind

silence can be an anchor, healer and a guide.

same time more powerful.

chatter that many of us are accustomed to is quite often even

Nature is perhaps the most readily accessible and effortless

harder to deal with than the noise from the outside. The sounds

channel through which we can experience inner silence. For me

of our environment combine with the ‘monkey mind’ inside of us,

and many others, kiting in the waves is a kind of active meditation.

leaving very little room to truly experience silence.

When I face seemingly unsolvable problems I can usually

Let kiting, the waves and the ocean show you the way.

Find Gabi at: www.kitegabi.com

KW

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ikointl.com 09/04/2015 16:22:13

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ENVIRON M E N T

g o i n g o f f

- s e t

The first in a series of features focusing on the subject of sustainability. In coming issues we’ll be looking at how we can adjust our travel habits and how some brands are already improving their gear production, material choices and other aspects of their operation on a journey towards more sustainable practices and lifestyles. We’re not here to admonish anyone - hell, we are far from perfect looking at all the sandwich packs in our recycling bins and the fact that we speed in our own cars for a kite session - but we are all addicted to this crazy-wonderful sport that relies on a green, renewable energy.

Perhaps we can help lead the way to be the change we want to see in the world, little-by-little. All we’re hoping here is to inspire a tweak to the consciousness that we are probably all labouring over at the moment. Kiteworld assistant editor, Matt Pearce, leads the green charge for us. Now, where to put these lunch packets that isn’t going to screw with all our freshly-built good karma?

The beautiful now, but for how long?

Sam Medysky, Brazil PHOTO – Andre Magarao

WORDS – Matt Pearce

0 8 5

“As a collective group of people, we are misguided if we think that we’re not having at least some effect on the environment in the process of enjoying our sport.”

A

As kitesurfers we are fortunate enough to rely on an

the same method. Meanwhile the snow line retreats

around the world, or even just to our local beach, the

infinitely renewable resource to power our antics. All

further up the mountains year after year. Our water

gear we buy and our day-to-day habits all have an

we need is the wind and that ain’t running out anytime

riding brethren in the wakeboarding community are in a

environmental ‘price-tag’ attached.

soon. Sometimes it doesn’t quite play the game and

similar boat (if you’ll forgive the pun). If the boat doesn’t

Travelling the world is obviously going to leave its

we don’t get the conditions that we hoped for, but we

get its fuel then wakeboarders don’t get their session. In

mark in the carbon burning stakes, but what about the

are always safe in the knowledge that, eventually, it

comparison to the carbon footprint people leave when

trips to our local spots? Unless you’re living the most

will come back and our lives will be fulfilled once more

doing these sports, we kitesurfers have some pretty

ideal ‘soul-surfer’ lifestyle imaginable and reside in

The actual act of kitesurfing and riding a board acros

green credentials. As long as the wind keeps doing its

a tent by the beach surviving off freshly caught fis

the surface of the water powered by the wind is as

thing then we’re going to be getting after it.

(hmmm, jealous!) then the chances are that when you

non-damaging to the environment as it could possibly be, and we can all take some pride in that.

For a snowboarder or skier to get up the mountain

However, as a collective group of people, we are misguided if we think that we’re not having at least some effect on the environment in the process of

go about your daily routine to get out kiting you’ll be taking a toll on the environment.

Let’s consider it step-by-step. When we wake

they need, more often than not, to be carried up there

enjoying our sport. While actually going kitesurfin

up in the morning most of us will take a shower

by a fossil fuel powered ski-lift. Anything they buy to

is all fine, dandy and eco-friendl , this is really only

(at least if our significant others have any say in

eat in a restaurant has been lugged up the hill using

one part of what gets us out on the water. Travelling

the matter). If you’re feeling a bit groggy then you

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FEATURE

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ENVIRO N M E N T

might linger in there a little and before you know it

year. The vast majority of these will never be recycled

problem, and the beauty of it is that that’s exactly what

ten minutes has flown by and you’re still conditioning

due to people throwing them in the bin and most

they are. Simply sharing lifts, driving more efficientl

your hair (because you’re worth it). In that time a

of those that find their way into a recycling box wil

(which doesn’t necessarily mean arriving later), not

conventional shower can use upwards of 80 gallons

probably end up in the same landfill. This is because

buying food and drinks packed in disposable packaging

of water and will have potentially generated up to four

most disposable coffee cups are coated in a plastic fil

and trying not to spend too long in the shower after

pounds of CO² emissions. To put it in perspective: if

that requires specialist recycling plants to recycle them.

your session cuts your daily carbon footprint by more

you cut your daily shower down to just five minutes

The only cups that are properly recycled are those that

than half. It saves you money as well! These small,

you’ll be saving approximately 14,600 litres of water

are left in the coffee shop and, if you’re getting take-

simple steps carried out on a daily basis by one person

a year and preventing the expenditure of 730 lbs of

away coffee, the chances are you won’t be leaving your

may seem insignificant on a global scale, but when yo

carbon at the same time.

cup in the café once you’re done. Want to get around

combine their effect on that person’s carbon emissions

this? It’s pretty simple: just buy a travel mug and ask

and the amount of waste they produce across a whole

quick glance at the Windguru forecast on your phone

your friendly neighbourhood barista to fill it for you

year, the positive effects are obvious. Now, imagine the

shows that the wind might die out a little earlier than

They’ll be happy to do it and some of the bigger chains

cumulative results that could be achieved if we all tried

you’d initially thought, so you put your foot down in an

offer a discount if you use your own cup. That simple

to make decisions everyday with sustainability in mind.

effort not to miss out. A slight increase in speed from 65-

act will help eliminate a huge amount of un-recyclable

70 mph up to 75-80 mph results in a 20% increase in fuel

waste being produced. Your coffee will stay warmer for

We devote much of our time and dedicate most of

usage. If you’re only traveling less than an hour to the

longer as well!

our thoughts to a sport that enables us to have fun in

Then you jump in your van to drive to the beach. A

beach then the chances are that the extra time spent with

Then there’s the 500 ml bottle of water you picked

Living a greener life isn’t a hard sell to most kiters.

nature. The physical act of kitesurfing is inextricabl

your pedal to the metal won’t really earn you much more

up. Approximately 50% of plastic bottles purchased in

from the mental experience we are afforded thanks to

time on the water, however you’ll have just significantl

the UK are recycled. The rest of them are thrown into

the simple joy of ripping through the water on something

upped your carbon expenditure for that journey.

the same landfill site as your co fee cup and will remain

little bigger than a tea tray. Therefore, it stands to

If, in your haste to get to the beach, you didn’t pick

there for the next 450 years until they decompose. The

reason that we have, if not a close connection with our

up your friend to share a ride and they had to drive

plastic wrapper your sandwich came in will most likely

environment, then at the very least a respect for it and

themselves, then your combined carbon emissions for

suffer a similar fate and will keep the bottle company

a vested interest in preserving it by keeping it clean.

the day are unnecessarily doubled! Also, you left your

for the same length of time. Again, there’s a simple

Many people find it easy to say that the damage bein

mate stranded, which is not cool…

solution: just fill a reusable water bottle at home with ta

wreaked across our planet due to waste and the burning

water. The water that comes through our taps is filtered

of fossil fuels is none of their concern. In the developed

puzzle, however. Kitesurfing is tiring and a long da

clean, safe and quite often pretty much the same as

world many people suffer from a complete disconnection

on the water is going to require food for fuel, water for

the stuff you’re paying for in bottled form (at an average

with nature and have little reason to consider their

rehydration and, most likely, coffee - because nothing

mark up of 500% I might add). You can apply a similar

immediate environment, the effect their lifestyle and the

truly great can be achieved without caffeine. We all

logic to your food for the day, by preparing your lunch

choices they make have upon it and what that means for

need to eat and we all need to drink, but if your daily

at home and chucking it in a tupperware container. It’ll

the rest of the world.

routine involves grabbing take-away coffees, bottled

most likely be healthier than the preservative laden

drinks and unnecessarily packaged foods, then we’re

option you grab off the shelves, it’ll cost you less and

such ignorance and we cannot bury our heads in the

running into a problem.

the tupperware box will be reused time and time again,

sand and ignore the issue. Damage to the environment

allowing you to enjoy your sarnies guilt free!

is all too plain to see from the kiter’s viewpoint and

Getting to the beach is merely one piece of the

Let’s look at the take-away coffee first. In the U alone 2.5 billion paper cups are currently used each

These sound like obvious and simple solutions to the

Kitesurfers are not, however, afforded the luxury of

our potential failure to live sustainably and the effect

0 8 7

CAPTION HERE: The future of freestyle features.

Dystopian oil drum jibbing.

Bas Koole, filthy, and not in a good way PHOTO – Ydwer van der Heide ILLUSTRATIONS OPPOSITE: Surfers’ Against Sewage / www.sas.org.uk

“In the UK alone 2.5 billion paper cups are currently used each year. The vast majority of these will never be recycled due to people throwing them in the bin, and most of those that find their way into a recycling box will probably end up in the same landfill.”

of our habits on our environment are all too apparent.

Even in the UK and the US there are areas of coastline

in mind. By analysing our daily routines, the things we

Discarded plastics are increasingly ending up in our

that are being irreparably damaged and the threat this

do and the products we buy, we can have a positive

oceans, polluting our water quality and our beaches.

poses to our beaches is growing everyday.

impact on the situation so that we, and those who come

This threatens our health and that of future generations

The answer to decreasing the adverse effects we are

after us, can keep doing what we love: namely, mucking

as well as jeopardising our ability to enjoy ourselves

having on our environment and turning back the tide of

in the ocean without fear of damaging our bodies.

rising sea levels and poisoned oceans is for us all to

Global warming, as a result of increased levels of CO²

play our part - even on the most basic level. We need

follow, is simply to highlight the issue of sustainability

production (regardless of what Jeremy Clarkson will tell

to live a sustainable lifestyle in which the choices we

and all of its components. We’ll consider how to live a

you), is causing rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

make are made with the well-being of the environment

sustainable lifestyle at home, the environmental cost of

around in the ocean attached to a kite.

The aim of this article, and the series of features to

088

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FEATURE

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ENVIRON M E N T Wind it back mate

The scale of the problem on UK beaches PHOTO – Surfers’ Against Sewage

“By analysing our daily routines, the things we do and the products we buy, we can have a positive impact on the situation so that we, and those who come after us, can keep doing what we love: namely, mucking around in the ocean attached to a kite.”

Nasty. PHOTO – Surfers’ Against Sewage

A Surfers’ Against Sewage beach clean up in the UK PHOTO – www.sas.org.uk

travelling and how it can be limited, as well as the equipment we buy, the processes by which it is made and how it gets to our front door.

As they say, change begins at home. Adjusting our attitudes and our actions can effect positive change that spreads further than our own communities and our sport itself. Throughout this series we will speak to the companies and individuals who are making an effort to operate in a sustainable, eco-friendly way as

02

well as considering ways we might all do the same.

01

Nobody is saying we need to stop driving cars, never touch plastic again and boycott international travel (heaven forbid!), but there are steps we can take, however small. Gandhi didn’t kitesurf (as far as we’re aware) but he did make a good point: “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

After all, if that change allows us and our children to keep

05 06

doing the best sport mankind has come up with for years to come, then that can’t be a bad thing can it?

03

Sufers Against Sewage (SAS) are calling for marine litter to be reduced by 50% by 2020 and have an incredibly active and

CAR SHARING INTRO – Sharing is caring and good for the environment. It’s also a great way to make new kite buddies. Here’s some car pool stories from our Facebook fans. Room for a little one?

04

{01} From Chris Reed: This was the result of my friend and myself having our bags taken from the beach with our keys in them! We only had access to the front of my van because the rear of the van has separate locks and the back keys had gone. So, three wet, cold kiters (Ania Przedlacka, Nic Stryder and myself) plus three boards, three kites, three harnesses and three bars squeezed into the front of my work van... for 60 miles! #characterbuilding

transporting ten kites and gear inside and on top of the ‘Wasson Blazer’ at the Lord of the Wind event in Baja, usually to get to the beach... or get beer.

effective community beach clean programme. Last year 10,000

{03} From Ronja HB: For this weeklong trip on a daladala bus in Zanzibar we had 18 kite bags, normal baggage, drinks for a week and 18 kiters (three had to stand on the back of the bus!)

SAS are also challenging the government to implement greater

{04} From Alex King: This was on a downwinder from Sunset Beach to Doodles in Cape Town in October 2012 in a VW Caddy Panel Van. We got two people in the front and the rest climbed in, over, or around from the back door and side door on our journey up to Sunset!

{05 + 06} Two shots from Daniel Smith: The Ute shot is from a lagoon in Egypt a few years back with Soul {02} From Steve Bodner: Four Kitesurfing. Then I got three kiters kiteboarders and a windsurfer (Johnny Heineken, Joey Pasquali, Erica Heineken, in two seats in my Golf. ‘Shotgun’ got serious real quick!

Stefaans Viljoen and I)

volunteers removed 60 tonnes of marine litter from UK beaches and this spring’s Big Spring Beach Clean has broken all records. measures and actions to reduce the levels of marine litter in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Finally, SAS will continue to work with industries to identify better working practises that will reduce the litter lost to the environment.

The SAS website lists lots of personal actions you can take to reduce your environmental impact, such as pledging to stop using single-use bags and disposing of sanitary items down the loo. There’s also the fantastic Marine Litter Report that sums up the state of the nation’s beaches and the solutions that can be implemented by individuals, industries and governments. www.sas.org.uk

KW

090

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FEATURES

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INTERV I E W

DEDICATED:

RY L A N D B L A K E N E Y I NTERVIEW > Jim Gaunt

W

PHOTOS > Jas on Wol cott / LEW HS (un l ess st ate d ot her w is e)

here do you live?

can be a couple of hundred guys at my local doing downwinders. Some days are hectic!

Scarborough, Perth, West Oz. God’s country!

What was it that attracted you to kiting?

My wife and I had just bought a pad on the beach at Scarborough and I watched one

How long have you been surfing?

guy kiting every arvo for a few weeks in the summer. At the same time I was trying to

As long as I can remember. Dad got me surfing from a young age - probably four or

get my head around all the blown out surf and it looked like a good way to keep getting

five. By the time I was ten I was surfing every day after school and have had a huge

some salt water on the skin.

love for the ocean ever since.

Were you straight onto a surfboard, or have you done your time on a twin-tip?

How long have you been kitesurfing?

I was right into twin-tips for a few years. I even nearly stopped surfing for a good

I started around 2001/02, so a good 13 years. There wasn’t much of a kiting crew in West

18 months as kiting was such a fresh, new phase and all I wanted to do was kite. I

Oz, but a buddy and I would do downwinders as we couldn’t stay upwind on our two-line

competed a fair bit nationally for a few years and focused on shooting videos with a

kites. It’s funny thinking back about that as the beaches were so empty then. Now there

few mates. Eventually I lost the love for that and was getting bored with flat water, so

Indo calling

Year-in, year-out we’ve been rigorously peppered with images of Ryland Blakeney from West Oz pulling in to stacks of southern hemisphere beasts that he’s managed to hunt out on the multitude of trips he takes each year. Ryland isn’t a full time pro either, he’s got a job, he’s married and has kids, however, he’s dedicated. In particular it’s his dedication to unhooked performance wave riding that we’re interested in here. Although many riders have switched back to riding waves hooked-in, Ryland is a specialist and has continued to find high levels of performance and freedom riding waves out of the loop. Let’s pull in for a few views from the pit and tips from the top It’s okay to hook into bombs in Indo

I started riding a twin-tip in the surf - using waves as kickers on the way out and riding

study footage to see how I can do things better - whether it’s holding a rail through a turn,

them on the way in (not that a twin-tip actually rides a wave properly, but we were

hitting a lip / section a bit later or trying to sit / ride deeper through barrels. Every session is

giving it a crack!). To this day I can remember the first time I rode a surfboard with a

a learning experience and I’m still having so much fun in the waves. Surfing is still my true

kite. It was at Garaloo in 2003. The winds were light and it seemed like a better way to

passion, but having an epic surf session is a lot more rare than an epic kite session where

get going than on my twin-tip. It was still a good couple of years till it all made sense

I live, so it’s awesome to have both sports to do. As for board shapes, I tend go for very flat

and I clicked on that it could be so good. I haven’t ridden a twin-tip in the last eight or

rockers. I like to ride fairly fast and a board with a flatter rocker board allows for that. I also

nine years. Unless there’s surf, I don’t kite these days. It doesn’t have to be massive

go for a shorter wider board, but not super wide – somewhere around 18.5 to 19.5 inches

though; just as long as there’s something to hit.

and under 5’10’’ in length. I’ve been having a heap of fun on Vanguard and Vader type boards, too. You may have seen the Firewire Tomo boards which are definitely a fun choice

Have you found a particularly favourite board shape and has your approach changed

if you can see past the weird look of it. You’ll be blown away by their performance. There

with the evolution of equipment, or are you just tweaking your skills?

are a few copies out there, but the Tomo shapes are very refined and well tested. Every

Good question. I actually don’t think my riding has changed much. Filming helps a lot as I

year I have a slightly different journey though - priorities change, places become more

09 52 4

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F XE XA XTU /RE XS XX/

INTERV I E W

“Filming helps a lot as I study footage to see how I can do things better - whether it’s holding a rail through a turn, hitting a lip / section a bit later or trying to sit / ride deeper through barrels. Every session is a learning experience.”

Frothing for this

crowded and I try to spice things up to keep the stoke alive. It’s all good, though!

hooked-in on a wave. I have way more freedom unhooked and it feels much more like surfing. Yeah, a lot of crew have gone back to riding hooked-in, but I don’t care.

There was a core movement towards unhooked wave riding several years

I ride the way I do because it feels good and right. Also, in my opinion, when I see

ago. Recently the quick and instantly-depowering wave kites have seen the

proper turns done unhooked they look a hundred times better than the same turn

majority of those guys switching to riding hooked-in again for most of the

hooked-in. I also think a big reason that a lot of guys are riding hooked-in is because

time. You seem to have remained dedicated to an unhooked style. Can you

they are doing upwind airs and you can’t really do those unhooked. For down-the-line

describe why and what has dictated that?

wave riding in cross-shore winds, unhooked is where it’s at!

I guess I’m too lazy to change and I hate the ballet in the flat water on surfboards.

Ha ha, nah it’s all good, just not the direction I want to see the sport go. My surf

Do you think the conditions you regularly ride in are somehow different to

background makes me want to see the wave riding side of things pushed more. I

the conditions at most local spots and make unhooked riding easier? Or

try to unhook on pretty much every wave if I can as I don’t like the feeling of being

have you just persevered to get it to work?

09 54

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INTERV I E W

“Surfing is still my true passion, but having an epic surf session is a lot more rare than an epic kite session where I live, so it’s awesome to have both sports to do.”

Probably a bit of both. If you want to do something you

If you’re wanting to try it for the first time then a good time is right

make it work. I generally ride in cross/cross-on winds, so I

as you reach the bottom of the wave. That way you are setting

love this wind direction for unhooking. If your local is One

up your first turn and have been able to control the speed at

Eye in Mauritius, then you probably never unhook as it’s

which you drop into the wave. Most kites will fly better unhooked

super offshore.

with an inch or two of depower to stop the kite choking due to too much back-line tension. A little depower will definitely help

Are you able to ride unhooked in stronger conditions?

it park better and you will come to find the sweet spot in terms

I try to, ha ha! I will try to unhook in every session, even if it

of trimming for your particular kite. It’s not the kind of thing you

means my kite is so depowered that it won’t even turn.

will nail the first session, though. Persistence will pay off and it’s great to be able to do both, so give it a crack!

HERE – Goodness at home PHOTO – Paul Smyth BELOW – Ryland likes to use all of the wave

Can you give us your top tips on approaching unhooked riding in terms of timing and when to unhook?

Ryland is sponsored by Ozone kites and Firewire surfboards

KW

The Original Kitesurfing Show.

Episode 17 out now.

Download through The Kite Show App!

Produced in association with:

Reo Stevens knows where to get shacked! Episode 17 features his top three wave spots.

Plus: We get the inside track on the new RPM, the new world tour, the Red Bull Ragnarok and much more action!

PHOTO – Jason Wolcott / LEWHS

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0 9 9

2015

R E VIEWS WRAP C

k ites ,

f reeri d e

ro u n d - u p this

k ites an d

a stac k

o f boar d s f or a l l tastes

year ’ s testin g sessions f ro m

ON THE JOB

WHY CAPE TOWN?

We try to bring as much well-rounded experience and buyer’s

There are few places December to February that offer such

considerations into our reviews as we can. We’re not about

a wide range of varied and challenging conditions. We tried

finding the best products for pro riders, but rather squeezing

to test each item over at least three sessions, often on

out the most relevant characteristics for every day riders.

downwinders and swapping the gear between us. It’s a hard

Senior tester Chris Bull is 40-something (we’ve stopped

life, but someone’s got to do it!

believing he’s still 38, no matter how often he tells us), has

Kitesurfing is a very touchy-feely experience and all our

been kiting for 15 years and tested more gear than anyone

tests are based on what we felt. Of course that’s subjective

we know, outside of gear developers themselves. He runs

and views can change when you ride a kite every session

CBK-Hayling Island (www.CBK-haylingisland.com), a lively

having welcomed it into your life, but hopefully our reviews

school, club and shop and understands what the pros and

will assist you in finding the kite that has the right character

bros are looking for in their purchases. Jim Gaunt is 36, editor

for you a little bit quicker.

of Kiteworld, has been kiting for 13 years and rarely rides the

Here’s a guide to what the scores mean for each kite.

same gear session to session, so has a good understanding of

(Remember: not everyone wants a kite that scores 10/10 for

current directions/trends. Where possible, we also gather the

everything. For example when considering ‘Steering speed’

opinion of amateur guest riders who also jump on the gear.

– you could end up in a hedge if you’re not ready!)

C ape T own

KITE BALANCE POINT READINGS X / 10

BOARD BALANCE POINTS X/10:

Build quality: 1 = Good luck getting it out of the bag in one piece / 10 = Indestructible

Build quality: 1 = Warrantied for the weekend / 10 = Hand it down to your grandkids

Full package: 1 = Pigtails sold separately / 10 = Comes with its own wind

Fixtures and fittings: 1 = Some chance of assembly / 10 = Accessories from the Gods

Low end: 1 = More power in a handkerchief / 10 = If the leaves are moving you’ll be flying

Speed: 1 = Needs a flame up its a%$£ / 10 = Induces wrinkles in your cheeks and squinting

Top end: 1 = Force 3 feels like gale force 8 / 10 = Trees blow down before you max out

Pop: 1 = Like a lead balloon / 10 = How’s the view?

Steering speed: 1 = Barely turns / 10 = Blink and you’ll miss it

Drive: 1 = Constrained in chains / 10 = Creates enough energy to fuel a space mission

Turning circle: 1 = Most pivotal / 10 = Likes to scrape the water

Flex: 1 = More movement in a concrete slab / 10 = Contortionist tendencies

Power through turn: 1 = You won’t notice it turning / 10 = Could move a house

Comfort: 1 = Like a bed of nails / 10 = Like walking on little fluffy clouds

Bar pressure: 1 = Light as a feather / 10 = Get down the gym

Looseness: 1 = Likes to get around / 10 = A peck on the cheek is quite far enough

Water relaunch: 1 = Superglues itself to the water / 10 = Has an allergy to water

Grip: 1 = More traction in a tea tray / 10 = On train tracks

Drift: 1 = Rebel without a cause / 10 = Escorts you gallantly down-the-line

Upwind: 1 = “We’re all about the downwinders anyway” / 10 = America’s Cup challenger

Boost: 1 = More lift in a wet towel / 10 = Will take you into space

Slider proof: Yes / No

Hang-time: 1 = Back to the water before you know it / 10 = GPS needed for piloting

Freeriding: 1 = Makes flat water feel like moguls / 10 = Ride fresh powder every day

Unhooked: 1 = Collapses or pulls your arms out of their socket / 10 = Who needs a chicken-loop?

Freestyle: 1 = More performance in a wet wetsuit / 10 = Fitter than Jessica Ennis

Ease-of-use: 1 = Will make you give up kiting / 10 = Put your mother on it and she’ll shred

Ease-of-use: 1 = Get in the garage and build your own / 10 = Features auto trick learning button

*DT = Didn’t test, so not prepared to score

*DT = Didn’t test, so not prepared to score

THANKS TO

Acker Car Rentals: You can’t come to Cape Town

THANKS FOR CAPE TOWN GEAR LOANS:

and not rent a classic 80s Mercedes. Reliable, comfortable, cheap and

Cabrinha ZA: www.cabrinha.co.za

you can safely store all your kites and twin-tips in the boot.

Watersports Warehouse (F-One / Airush):

www.ackercarrentals.co.za

www.watersportswarehouse.co.za Naish: www.suntrax.co.za

Alex Vliege / Sheree and Grant Brown – These three literally keep Blouberg rockin’ and rollin’ providing

Liquid Force: www.liquidforcect.co.za

accommodation, advice, parties and general help with anything on the ground. Find them at: www. endlesssummerbeachhouse.co.za / www.themystichouse.co.za / www.capetownguru.com

KITEWORLD TEST SESSIONS ARE PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH VOLVO

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KITES

Medium diameter / Coarse feel / Centre line covered in durable plas tic - comfy against fingers / Grea t-siz e freestyle chicken-loop with clean functionality and re-build / Tidy, easy above-bar trim / Line un-twister above chicken-loop works, though grip is sma ll.

AIRUSH / RAZOR / 9M AP EDITION TEST TEAM NOTES: We had the Alex Pastor

and pulls very deeply and steadily, but it’s very clean too and well

one back line, but there’s also the option of pulling on the fifth line

Edition which is just a cosmetic difference

behaved; it’s just manly and when you become very used to the

to roll the kite over.

to the regular Razor Team model. The Razor

softer freeride kites, is tiring. But the Razor is one of the most

is an incredibly well made kite with a noticeably enhanced

easy-to-use C kites and when switching the lines forward, we

SUMMARY: The Razor will ideally suit a dedicated and dynamic new

construction with loads of attention to detail in the canopy and

have to say that we enjoyed it more – we are getting old! In the

school freestyler who is not just looking for a steady chugger. There’s

reinforcements. If you bought this as a brand new kite you’d

forward front line setting it’s like there is much less background

wakestyle feel if you want it, but also the more agile forward flight that

be pleased when you unwrap it – probably like buying a brand

noise in our sessions and for general riding everything is easier,

makes it so much fun to throw around and get into great positions to

new Audi. The Aramid load frame now used by Airush in their

but the connection is still very involving; very C kite. The Razor is

help make the most technical hand-passes possible.

Team range of kites has proved itself as a worthy structural

really reactive and drives forward in the window very smoothly and

development to add life and integrity to the canopy.

once you get the taste there is something so much more engaging

KW LIKED: From boosting, to poise and pull for freestyle, to simply just

The AP Edition comes with the AP bar. If you’ve got worker’s

in the C kite flying experience than on many bridled kites. You feel

being a rewarding kite to fly for fit freeriders, the Razor is a genuine C

hands (like Bully), you’ll find the coarse grip and distinct finger

closer to the road, you follow the kite more through every turn

kite that many ambitious riders could grow into. For top level freestylers

ridges to your liking. If you’ve got office hands (like KW editor

and your senses are kept very alert. There’s medium pressure at

the build quality and two very good front line setting differences cover

Jim), you may want to choose the regular bar instead that’s still

the bar and the Razor is actually very easy and instinctive to fly.

today’s modern riding styles very well indeed.

nice and grippy, but more comfortable. The Razor is a dedicated

There is considerable low end too, as we were using this quite

five line set-up and we would like to see a stopper ball a bit

happily while others were on 12s. The manoeuvrability helps the

KW WOULD CHANGE: The Razor is a really fantastic package overall,

closer to the bar as if you miss a pass without having your

Razor generate power rather than just sheeting at the bar in what

the only very tiny change we’d make is to implement a one pump

leash set up on suicide the bar does disappear a long way up

would otherwise be underpowered conditions. Although the Razor

valve that doesn’t require the middle nozzle as not every pump you

towards the kite.

has a keen forward flight, it’s also happy to be left alone and felt

borrow will have that if you’ve forgotten yours. This is just a general

There are three line attachment points on the back and two

great when riding the strapless Shinnster when we wanted to just

consistency we’d like to see across the industry.

for the front lines on the very corners of the kite with no bridles.

concentrate on the board. When the wind picks up the Razor does

We always had the lines in the middle on the back, but used

have that great C-kite climb when you jump, but although always

both settings on the front and found a great difference. The wind

smooth in its flight, does tend to bring you down fairly quickly. You

wasn’t very strong, so thought we’d like to have the kite sit a little

get a quick rush of very good height and then you’re down again.

further back in the window for a more grunty power to check its

It’s a little unfair in this review in that we feel that the Razor and the

credentials for being a bad ass, so set it up on the rear front line

Torch are quite similarly aligned, but we didn’t have the Razor in

setting first. Very parked in that setting, the steering slower and

the incredible jumping winds of Cape Town. The consistent forward

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 9 / Full package: 8 / Low end: 7.5 /

the power is really constant. In the gusts it is a testament to the

flight does help the Razor in kite loops of course, taking a nice,

Top end: 8 / Steering speed: 7.5 / Turning circle: 6 / Power through

kite in terms of how long you can hold power when you lay your

wide radius and getting itself low in the window and without a hint

the turn: 7.5 / Bar pressure: 5.5 / Water relaunch: 6 / Drift: 7 / Boost:

rail in when set up in this wakestyle mode. The Razor definitely

of choke around the bottom of its circle; powering very consistently

8 / Hang-time: 7.5 / Unhooked: 8.5 / Cross-over: 5.5 / Ease-of-

steps back in this mode, in the land of C kites it’s definitely dirty

through the turn. The relaunch often only requires a steady pull on

use: 7.5

SIZES: 13, 11, 9, 7 and 5.5m www.airush.com

1 0 1

Thin to mid-size diameter / Light weight / Slick and easy / Simple strap-based pull-pull abovethe-bar trim / Relatively small throw / Below bar trim available

NAISH / TORCH / 9&7M TEST TEAM NOTES: We have had a long history with

any of the riders in Cape Town over winter. He gets scary high when

that you can go big, do a kite loop and fly it really far into wind.

the Torch and what we have always liked over the

you’re riding underneath him.

SUMMARY: The Torch is an absolute classic. Punchy, aggressive

years is that it has generally been the easiest C kite

As with the Razor there are two line attachment settings on the

and very quick to react, the direct connection is still there. It’s

to use. It’s still very mean looking, well featured, strong and has all the

front, though in the relatively short time and howling conditions

interesting that this year Naish have made it more legit again,

finishing touches you’d expect. Naish’s Octopus one pump system is

we had the Torch in, we concentrated on riding it on the stock

probably because the Park is such a phenomenal performance

quite unique - operating via internal tubes. Each strut has a rubber

front setting. All the excellent power management comes from

freeride machine, so allows the Torch to go back to its specialised

nipple valve that needs to be closed before pumping up, but opening

the Torch’s rapid and efficient speed through the window, sitting

roots. It’s more focused and they’ve taken away some of the

them when deflating means that it’s quicker to expel the air and roll the

nice and high and allowing you to crank upwind. The Torch isn’t

depower at the bar, though you can still trim it. You find yourself

kite up. Before inflating you have to remember to close all the valves

fatiguing because of that and the loops are also utterly reliable.

being reminded of days of old in the gusts when you sheet out

again. It’s very neat and tidy and works well.

The air frame has constantly been tweaked over the many years of

and have to lay your edge down, but now the kite rewards you by

The Torch always had more bar throw than other Cs in the

development and, crucially, Naish have never over-tweaked it. It

pushing more forward in the window and giving you great speed

classic days and you could always depower it by digging your

never stalls and drives through the window very quickly, delivering

upwind rather than pulling you downwind. It’s a nice experience.

edge in, allowing you to hold a lot of wind when most C kites were

nice power if you want it. It’s a very exciting kite to fly.

It’s just not plug and play jumping. But get the technique right and you’ll go higher than you ever have.

primarily just very grunty and masculine beasts. As we mentioned

Although in the right hands the Torch is an incredible jumper, it

already in this issue, we get so used to riding all these easy

definitely requires good technique - like most of these kites - to get

freeride kites that when you get onto a C kite there is such a real

you there. After riding the Park which is so easy, we were disappointed

KW LIKED: There’s not much that can touch it in terms of boost

difference in the way they feel and it takes a while to get dialled

by our first few jumps on the Torch. Bridled kites allow you to be

performance. You just need the qualifications to use it.

back into them. When testing the Torch we actually had it back to

cautious when you send the kite and then to decide once the kite is

back with the Naish Park which is one of the most easy kites to

overhead how much you want to inject into your jump. On the Torch -

KW WOULD CHANGE: The Torch is quick, so requires good response in

do anything on. Perhaps that, coupled with the fact that the Torch

and C kites in general - you keep it sheeted in the whole time you’re

your handling to manage it for technical unhooked tricks, especially in

now has a shorter depower range compared to the days when it

moving the kite and the technique comes in being able to harness that

the smaller sizes, but as it gets nicely forward in the window it does

had the double depower push-out bar, made the difference even

and time it with your cut into wind.

have a lovely feel at the bar unhooked, however.

more stark. It’s now more like you’d expect a C kite to be. If you’re

Generally speaking the Torch is nice and easy to fly around, but

used to the range on freeride kites you’ll find yourself riding along,

the steering is quick and we reckon that the Torch has the quickest

sheeting out in a gust and reaching full depower at the bar very

turn initiation out of all these kites, so for sending a jump and kite

quickly. There is a lot of trim available in the kite and the Torch is

loops it’s a dream. When you’re jumping, unhooking and rotating you

still one of the best at getting forward in the window when you dig

do need to have your game on to not send the kite unintentionally. It

your edge in, so once you get dialled in, you can really hold power.

may react too quickly for you at times when you’re rotating, but it has

Just look at Kevin Langeree – we’ve seen him out on a 10 metre

such good feel and responsiveness that it will always help you steer

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 / Full package: 8 / Low end: 7.5 /

Torch in ridiculous winds. He’s an unnatural talent, but we can’t

your way out of trouble.

Top end: 8.5 / Steering speed: 8 / Turning circle: 5.5 / Power through

look beyond the fact that the Torch won back-to-back King of the

The Torch comes from a time when design was all about being lifted

Air titles. Kevin jumps consistently higher and travels further than

up. The Torch and Razor are similar and have that freeride C feeling in

SIZES: 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5m www.naishkites.com

the turn: 7 / Bar pressure: 6 / Water relaunch: 6 / Drift: DT / Boost: 8.5 / Hang-time: 8 / Unhooked: 8 / Cross-over: 5 / Ease-of-use: 7.5

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KITES

Very neat and functional design / Midsize diameter / Smooth, tidy above-bar trimming cleat and minimal line / Clean, functional, easy, reliable chicken-loop / Easiest line untwister above chickenloop / Oozes quality and function.

Wakestyle bar also available that is very small indeed. Great to reduce reactivity in smaller sizes. Our opinion is it’s just a little too small for freeriding on the 9m and bigger.

NORTH / VEGAS / 7&9M TEST TEAM NOTES: Where other kites have

have to have good board skills as well as good kite handling skills,

people feel safer with. The Dice turn builds in speed getting more pivotal

focused on adding freestyle performance to their

so that is still a big difference between this and a pure freeride kite,

as it progresses around the turn. You can affect the turn more on the

freeride kites, North have added a freeride quality

but it’s amazing how soft, easy and intuitive the Vegas feels, thanks

Vegas, which also initiates its turn quicker, reacts faster, especially in the

in large part to its impeccable behaviour.

softest mode when it really drives positively through the turn. The Vegas

to their freestyle kite. On the freeride setting we were absolutely gobsmacked on our first run out. Bully was so surprised he went

There is massive depower compared to more traditional C kites,

turns more like a snowboarder carving downhill; the Dice has a bit more

up to Hadlow when he saw him on the beach in Cape Town and

but the Vegas always maintains at least a little power, which helps

of a skidding turn. The Vegas; a road racing bike - the Dice; a dirt bike.

said, ‘I thought you were hardcore!’. (We later found out how

it feel so smooth. Not unruly in the power it maintains, the retained

Both can be ridden by a wide spectrum of people. The Vegas however

hardcore he is.)

power is great for just keeping your board speed going. You’ll notice

can be tuned for way dirtier freestyle performance at its top end, while

In terms of quality, looks and feel, North’s attention to detail

it especially on downwinders when you want to just come off your

the Dice is the choice for waves.

is very good indeed and year on year they make a sensible and

rail for a section. The Vegas sits nicely above you at 11 with enough

worthwhile step forward. North’s version of the one-pump system

tension in the lines to keep you cruising downwind, and this poise

SUMMARY: The Vegas is insanely good for any rider looking to seriously

is a wide inflation valve that connects directly to the pump hose

only becomes more useful the better you get.

progress in freestyle as it allows you to break yourself in steadily and

without the need for a nozzle and inflates very quickly. The unique

The three different attachments for the front lines allow the Vegas

yet has all that jumping performance that took Aaron to the King of the

turn element to lock the valve off works well, once you get the knack.

to really change its personality, progressively generating more power

Air along with highly-tunable C kite performance. The cherry on top is

The North bars (and there are two options for the Vegas) are the

through the turn and increased pull the further back you attach your

that it also has room to breathe as it depowers so well.

absolutely business.

lines. Even in the middle setting the Vegas is certainly a much dirtier

There are three settings for the front bridle – ‘high’, ‘medium’

machine. So much so that we questioned if there was need to even

KW LIKED: Approachable handling in a kite that converts C kite handling

and ‘low’ depower. In the high depower setting, the Vegas has to

go a step further, but who are we to question Hadlow’s low depower

advantages in a way that freeriders can appreciate.

be the most comfortable C kite on the market. There’s still a direct

setting in which it becomes a raw, powerful beast. Still predictable,

connection but the Vegas also feels light, easy and the response is

it’s heavier, set steadier further back in the window, slower to turn

KW WOULD CHANGE: Many people are so used to four line simplicity

just bang-on. You can ride all day long and not get tired but you’re

and with more bite. And it’s fascinating to see how the master has

and convenience that this will be an overriding factor swaying them

riding around on a C kite feeling like a badass. Frankly this really

his own kite set up.

away from the Vegas.

VEGAS OR DICE?

SIZES: 14.5, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6m

is an easy kite to ride in this setting and goes way beyond being suitable only for freestyle.

C kite performance combines with incredible range in a modern

The Dice is North’s ultimate crossover freeride kite, so we thought it

freeride feel. This isn’t a difficult-to-fly C in its high depower

important to cover some differences. Parked next to each other in the

setting, though is still different to a bridled kite in the way that it

sky they look very similar in shape, the Vegas having an extra strut in the

jumps and creates lift, and also differs in terms of the direct feeling

tips. Other than that the differences in cosmetic structure are hard to pick

you get at the bar (though the Vegas is lighter than most other C kites

at first. The Dice has more low end grunt this year, the sheeting is more

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 9 / Full package: 9 / Low end:

in this soft setting). Providing a broad sweet spot that’s typical of C

direct and there’s more feeling and feedback. The big difference comes

7.5 / Top end: 8.5 / Steering speed: 7 / Turning circle: 6 / Power

kites, the Vegas generates lift as soon as you start to move it, unlike

in the Dice being a four line set-up, compared to the Vegas’ five, and

through the turn: 7.5 / Bar pressure: 4 / Water relaunch: 6.5 / Drift:

a more bridled kite that really only creates true lift when it hits the

there’s more sheeting power and depower dump on the Dice. The throw

7 / Boost: 8 / Hang-time: 7.5 / Unhooked: 8.5 / Cross-over: 7 /

top of the window as you sheet in. To get the most out of a C kite you

is bigger and the power at the bar can be more on / off which a lot of

Ease-of-use: 8.5

www.northkites.com

Best Kiting the

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KITES

Above-bar cleat is very Mid-size diameter / tre line coated in smooth and clean / Cen smooth against fingers plastic for longevity and r / Ideal wakestyle iste untw line nt elle / Exc nal and quality chicken-loop / Functio

O Z ON E / C 4 / 1 0 M TEST TEAM NOTES: By now you should be aware of

many dedicated binding riders love this model.

solid feel of control, but likes to be ridden with intent, which many freeriders like.

how highly we regard the quality of Ozone’s product

Although it’s very well paced for a constant wakestyle pull, the C4 is

presentation. The C4 is no different - rock solid

actually quite light to steer around the sky when powered up and edging.

Slip it into new school mode though and it’s like riding around in a car

canopy, polished and clean in the sky, incredible attention to detail,

When you’re on the move and providing resistance against the kite it’s

with lower suspension and low profile tyres. It’s dirty. It’s old school C kite

impeccable stitching work and all the latest modifications. As an all-

actually relatively pivotal in its turns, so for general riding, if you’ve got

feel with new school usability – such as easy back line relaunch - but

round package, from bag to bar to kite, it’s incredible. Ozone use the

kite skills it’s not tiring and when you’ve got your timing right the C4 can

don’t expect it to feel as usable in all-round ways as other more high-

mid-sized inflation point valve that untwists with its base unit to allow

go absolutely huge in strong winds, travelling great distances through the

performance freeride kites. This is next level filth.

for maximum width rapid deflation.

sky, too. It’s a total machine in the right hands.

The C4 has a reputation. In the world of bros, it hangs with Dre and

However, when you put the C4 through a kite loop – so that you’re

SUMMARY: This is still very wakestyle focused, for experienced riders

Snoop. It has a history of wakestyle legitimacy on the edgier side of

steering the kite without as much tension in the lines as when you’re

looking for turning grind and power through loops and a super-stable

bridled kite design and has been as close to true C kite genetic feel in

edging against the kite - it really slows up and generates a lot of power.

horizontal pull across the water. At the same time it’s not like tying

terms of how it delivers power as any bridled kite out there. Now the

We score it highly for its steering speed, although it actually doesn’t

yourself to two plough horses. The power is usable, not just full-on

Catalyst fits the performance freeride bill for Ozone so well, it has allowed

generate much power for the first couple of seconds, but keep pulling

and gnarly, and if you need a break there’s the more forward flying

the C4 to pursue a thoroughly gritty wakestyle route.

on the bar through a kite loop and it winds itself up, generating more

freeride setting.

The bar set-up is very wakestyle with a bigger chicken-loop and shorter throw. Totally unlike the big throws and trombone-like sheeting

and more power – completely the opposite of flatter SLE kites that drop power through the turn.

KW LIKED: One of the cleanest cable-like pulling machines out there with great boost for the advanced rider and filthy loops

in and out movements on freeride depower kites, on the C4 you need to

So, you have the ability to make mistakes at the bar in your

get used to using your legs to deal with power. Many riders will favour

tricks and the kite will start moving, but without generating too

the C4 over other C kites thanks to it running on four lines for simplicity

much power in the beginning – ideal for wakestyle or for negotiating

KW WOULD CHANGE: The C4 fits its billing well, though Ozone say

and convenience.

sliders. However, jump and send it into a committed loop and it gives

in the freeride setting it will work well in waves. Perhaps in perfect

you a very different generation of power, holding a very solid line

cross-shore unhooking conditions, but that’s very specialised. Needs

around its turn.

a bit more forgiveness for general wave riding we reckon.

At first C kites can feel as if they don’t have the best low end. They take some manoeuvring to get the power compared to low aspect bridled freeride kites. The C4 is quite physical to fly but you get going in a torquey

The C4 can pack a punch, but it also has an extremely constant

sort of way. There are two settings on the Variable bridle allowing you

pull that builds up rather than bites sharply. This is a very steady

to choose a new school, heavier and direct feel, or you can move the

workhorse for unhooked freestyle tricks but with loads of feel,

middle bridle line to the pigtail knot closest to the leading edge for a more

butchness and bags of meat through the turns. In general flying you

freeride feel, pulling the leading edge forward, making the kite sit further

can hold onto lots of power on this C4, which helps keep your tricks

forward in the window.

consistent as the wind increases, maintaining superb pop and the

SIZES: 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6m www.flyozone.com

The C4 ships in the new school mode. In terms of sheeting in on the

pause in power at the bar. However when the C4 first came out

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 9 / Full package: 9 / Low end:

bar and getting that simple wave of power transferring through your body

it really offered a grittier ride for experienced riders who weren’t

7.5 / Top end: 7.5 / Steering speed: 7 / Turning circle: 7.5 / Power

you may be used to with hybrid kites - that sensation is only moderate.

necessarily wakestylers, but were looking for something more

through the turn: 8.5 / Bar press

That’s why it’s such an excellent wakestyle kite. Steady and smooth, the

engaging to ride than the softer hyrbid / bow kites of the time.

Drift: DT / Boost: 7.5 / Hang-time: 7.5 / Unhooked: 8 / Cross-over:

C4 likes to be ridden as a park and ride kite and it’s very obvious why so

In freeride mode the C4 still offers lots of constant power and a

4 / Ease-of-use: 7

ure: 6.5 / Water relaunch: 5 /

A Greek Kitesurfing Adventure

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KITES

RRD / PASSION / 7&9M

RRD GLOBAL Mid-size diameter / Firm feel / Clean and simple / Chicken-loop safety system works well / Line untwister needs more grip / Nice above-bar cleat trim and bungey retracts excess trim nicely / Would like to see shorter bar options.

at all around the 7 o’clock area of the window, no flapping, just good

TEST TEAM NOTES: RRD kites are always a sight to

Importantly, the sheeting range doesn’t affect the flying

behold. Loud and proud, they look light, racey and

characteristics of the kite. Some kites sheet out so far that the kite

efficient aerodynamically in terms of design as you

can tend to kink in the wingtips. The Passion sits beautifully well

first pump them up. Super skinny struts, the one-pump tubes clip

balanced on all four lines with a lovely sweet spot in the middle,

SUMMARY: The Passion is a great hooked-in flying machine and jumps

neatly in to the struts. At first the Passion looks like a three strut kite

allowing for comfortable sheeting in and out.

very intuitively. Within ten minutes you’ll be really enjoying the Passion

forward flight, giving you confidence.

with lots of material either side of the middle strut, but there are two

The Passion has gone beyond a beginner’s kite. It’s very planted

if you can already kitesurf. If you’ve only just finished your lessons the

small struts positioned closely together at each tip, making five in

in the air, predictable, solid and yet easy if you like a connected,

Passion also represents a good purchase as once you’ve got past your

total and pumps up fairly quickly with its mid-sized nozzle.

slightly more robust feel. We were surprised with the performance

first few days getting used to it, it offers simple controls and plenty of

The broad profile of the Passion creates good low-end power as

at the top of the window given its market positioning, but there’s

room for improvement in your riding.

soon as you set off. You can expect a lot of attitude on a five strut

excellent lift and performance. For a beginner there is a lot of

mid-aspect kite like this with its thinnish leading edge and sporty

performance there – it doesn’t just pull, it punches, too.

KW LIKED: Lovely, balanced handling if you’re a rider that likes a bit of manliness in your kite and superb over-head lift and stability,

feel. There is extensive bridling and three metal pulleys on each

When the wind gusts up the Passion quickly feels very powered,

bridle. Most manufacturers seem to be trying to reduce their use of

but if you’ve got the board skills and leg power to handle it this is a

pulleys - for two reasons: wear and weight. However, we reckon

certain type of kiteboarding that many intermediates are looking for,

its horses for courses as we felt at home on the Passion straight

giving you lots of low down power to get you going and then plenty

KW WOULD CHANGE: The line-untwister facility below the bar for

away with its very straight forward handling and power delivery –

of lift overhead. RRD freeride kites have a characteristic of providing

example is difficult to grip and get enough purchase on, and although

jumping quickly into gear and flying forward with purpose and a

a strong load and performance in the lift zone. The performance on

still generally clean throughout and with a good above-the-bar

good, clean air speed.

the Passion is now much closer to the Obsession, perhaps signalling

trimming cleat, it’s probably time for an upgrade after several seasons

the joining of the two models in the future given the Passion’s more

for the Global bar.

This is no pussy cat and isn’t as soft as some other freeride kites.

It pulls harder and more abruptly. When the gusts come through you

especially in lighter winds.

inherent ease-of-use for all levels, too.

SIZES: 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3m

feel them through the centre line, but we enjoyed that connection.

The Passion has an usual ability to perform really well in moderate

Some inexperienced riders, especially lighter ones, might not be

conditions, particularly in terms of jumping and going upwind.

so comfortable. The Passion has a bark and will work your quad

The trademark low-wind performance is still very evidently at the

muscles in the gusts, but the steering has a really nice mix of

fore in this design. Although there is considerable bridling on the

intuitive turn initiation and predictability. You can control the bar with

Passion, you still get a direct feel. As riders we personally like being

your fingertips, but it takes some deliberate action to steer. The pull

able to dive the kite and feel the power from it at the bar. If you’re

PASSION BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8 / Full package: 7.5 / Low

is very clean and always very predictable. When you initiate the turn

stepping up to the Passion from a very soft kite you’ll really notice

end: 9 / Top end: 7 / Steering speed: 7.5 / Turning circle: 4.5 / Power

the Passion responds quickly but without surging. Flowing nicely

the difference, but we enjoyed that increased feel mixed with the

through the turn: 4.5 / Bar pressure: 5.5 / Water relaunch: 9 / Drift:

and without too much of a drop in power though the turn, it’s not

considerable power available. We also think that, although slower,

DT / Boost: 8.5 / Hang-time: 7.5 / Unhooked: 5 / Cross-over: 6 /

therefore on-off in its delivery and feels natural.

the kite loops are better than the Obsession. There’s no hiccupping

Ease-of-use: 8.5

www.robertoriccidesigns.com

Call us on 02392 422570 www.cbk-haylingisland.com

108

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KITES

O Z O N E / e dg e / 6 M The Edge boosts PHOTO – Graeme Murray / Ozone (New Zealand)

Mid-size diameter / Abovebar cleat is very smooth and clean / Centre line coated in plastic for longevity and smooth against fingers / Excellent line untwister / Functional and quality / Would be nice to see a stopper introduced.

TEST TEAM NOTES: Fantastic presentation from

The wind would blow the skin off your legs if you stood on the

and it doesn’t specialise in kite loops, but if you want to go boom and

Ozone once again with a rock solid canopy, great

beach too long that day and the six was jumping really high, the

enjoy the feeling of hang-time in kitesurfing, there are few kites that

stitching and handiwork throughout. Ozone shine in

difference between this tiny size and the bigger sizes in the range

can do that as well as the Edge. And on top of that it’s easy to ride as

their detail through producing kites in their own factory. They use the

was the speed of descent. You could still feel its aeroplane like

it’s impeccably well behaved. We are 100% confident in the design of

inflation system that requires the mid-size nozzle and untwists at

performance in transitions when you get noticeably more seconds in

this kite for the type of kitesurfing it’s meant for. It would have been

the base unit for rapid deflation. The Edge is a relatively high aspect

the air for your manoeuvre. However, even as much of a ‘sky hook’ as

great to have the seven metre on that day, but we still had a great time

kite by today’s freeride standards and when you unroll it the kite

the Edge is, it struggled to hold us up as long as we know the bigger

on the six, got comments from the beach at how high we were going,

looks very sporty and much like a very long, thin wing. To many new

sizes can when boosting huge – the canopy just isn’t big enough.

and Bully’s stats from his Suunto watch (he can’t get enough of his

riders used to more square shapes, this is especially so.

But, and it’s a big but – the performance in this is still way better

gadgets) confirmed so:

than most six metre jumping kites you’ll come across.

24th February / Max speed: 47.5km/h / Total hang-time: 40 minutes.

Let’s set the scene a bit. We were coming towards the end of our testing sessions in Cape Town and had scored one of the windiest

We went into this review with incredible expectations for this

days of the season to test this Edge. Bully was in the middle of his

Edge, but although it really got us up there, it didn’t quite perform

Woo addiction for recording his highest jumps and hang-time and

in terms of hang-time as we thought, but what it did do was enable

we thought this the ideal kite for breaking a new record. If only the

us to go out in really borderline mental winds and still throw big

KW WOULD CHANGE: The Edge is ideally designed for hooked-in, big

seven metre had been available! We’ve tested that before in previous

jumps with ease and to ride around in relative comfort - and that

air boosts and racing. Instead, we’d probably like to see an inflation

years and, although only a one square metre difference, there is

says a lot. Most sixes are just so fast and whippy that they’re very

system that doesn’t require the specific mid-size pump nozzle that

usually a bigger performance step between a six and a seven than

hard to get any sort of performance out of, other than for just

not everyone has on their pumps if you need to borrow one (many

the size would suggest.

freeriding around.

do, of course). This is just a general consistency we’d like to see

KW LIKED: Ultimate hang-time in an easy-to-use design.

across the industry.

The six metre certainly has a good low end. Each session we had

The six does have the Edge DNA, you can feel it. We’ve already

it out we always had enough power and this is a super easy kite to

mentioned that it’s there in the transitions, but if you can get on a

use. In all the sizes we’ve ever tried the Edge, it seems to work so

seven or especially the nine metre and above with plenty of power,

well because of its ability to pull you along quickly, even in lighter

edge upwind, nudge the kite to 12 as you hit a ramp and then pull

wind. You’ve automatically got more energy, but at the same time,

in on the bar it’s really, really good fun. The air speed and ground

on one of the windiest and gustiest days in Cape Town this year, the

speed that the Edge produces is incredible. You can really tear

six metre just ate it all up without a flinch. Not once did we think

your home spot to bits – you’ll be noticeably faster than before.

we were about to get pulled off our edge and, thankfully, one of the

You don’t ride along looking downwind at the kite, you’re looking

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 9 / Full package: 9.5 / Low end: 8.5

best things about this kite is that there is no secret combination to

upwind at it as it’s leading you forward with an immense sense of

/ Top end: 8.5 / Steering speed: 5 / Turning circle: 3 / Power through

unlock its potential. Although high-aspect kites have a reputation

control and meaning.

the turn: 3 / Bar pressure: 5 / Water relaunch: 8 / Drift: DT / Boost: 8

www.flyozone.com

/ Hang-time: 9.5 / Unhooked: 5 / Cross-over: 5 (Hooked-in freeride

for needing some good handling technique, this is very plug and play for an intermediate.

SIZES: 19, 17, 15, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5m

SUMMARY: The Edge is a classic for sure. It’s not for unhooked riding

and race) / Ease-of-use: 9

SPECTRE

T-STICKS

AIRFRAME

Harness support adjustable to the personal preference with a brand new batten system

Weight optimized construction that ensures nearly no water absorption

PRO_PAD

SLINGBELT

Lightweight and comfortable protection for your belly

Keeps the harness in its place

SURFING ELEMENTS ion-products.com

110

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TESTS

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BOARDS

CABRIN HA / ACE / 137

AXIS / DIVISION / 138 The Axis Division is

name Division comes from the fact that the

The blend of feeling make this a good

last year’s New Skool

New Skool split opinion? Who knows? We

freestyle board that’s also very good for

re-dressed. We’re 99%

don’t really care as we’re happy that the

freeride. We have used bindings on this a

Division came to life!

lot throughout last year and although it’s

sure that apart from the top and bottom sheet, this board hasn’t changed much at

As good as it is for new school, this

light in weight there’s still little sign of

all, which is great as we bloody loved it last

isn’t a really stiff rocker board, but has

wear. The lamination bond is excellent, the

year, and we do this year, too!

very all-round kitesurfing characteristics,

rails are strong and haven’t hooked up on

so from head to toe, in the way the board

shingle and this board should really appeal

relatively basic compared to some of the

sells itself, it makes much more sense.

to an array of riders of different weights

more extravagant designs. We had the

This board suits so many kiteboarders who

and abilities across its size range. As board

more broad straps this time that are an

are certainly not ‘new school’ riders, but

specialists with a huge heritage in their

upgrade – in truth we preferred the more

is for those who are looking for comfort as

team, Axis really know how to make good

snug fit of the more simple straps last time.

well as performance. The Division has a

products and the Division sits perfectly in

This is always a difficult point because

feel-good factor when you pick it up. On

its own skin, having graduated as a truly

straps are quite personal, but for us there

the water the flex profile is very well tuned

recognisable player for real riders.

is supportive grip all round the foot, but last

to allow for good development of speed and

SIZES: 138 x 42, 135 x 41, 133 x 40 and

year’s were more comfortable.

loads of edging bite. The stiffness in the

128 x 38cm

Why do we like it? The pads are

Axis obviously realised that they had a

middle of the board is just right for rapid www.axiskiteboarding.com

great board last year in the New Skool, but

pick up in performance and lots of easy

that was quite garish in its graphic design

pop without being a hard workout on the

for many potential buyers, and perhaps

legs. The tips are flexible, responding and

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 /

didn’t look grown up enough. ‘Grown up’ –

reacting really well to balance the stiffness

Fixtures and fittings: 7.5 / Speed: 8 / Pop: 8

what a terrible phrase for us to associate

in the middle with added comfort and grip.

/ Drive: 8 / Flex: 7 / Comfort: 7 / Looseness:

with, however the board now looks clean

There isn’t too much detailing in the

7 / Grip: 8 / Upwind: 7 / Slider proof: No

and smart in its new lay-up and also has a

bottom that would stiffen the board up

/ Boots applicable: Yes / Freeriding: 8 /

new, more appropriate name. Perhaps the

and the Division won’t destroy your knees.

Freestyle: 8 / Ease-of-use: 7.5

1 1 1

The Ace has an industrial feel - a little

SHINN / ADHD / 137

more pop out than some of the other boards this issue. It’s beefy with thicker parabolic rails and there’s more detailing on the bottom with a quad concave to quad V bottom. The Ace is quite stiff in the centre, so carries lots of energy but it has good comfort and handles chop and overpowered conditions very well. Fast and easy to ride, the Cabrinha pads and straps are first class – we had the most basic H1s superbly engineered for a snug and tight but comfortable fit. All Cabrinha’s boards have been given a very similar look this season – grey on top and red on the bottom – a bit like wearing a suit, but whatever is under the exterior makes the Ace a lot of fun.

We expected the ride to be a bit stiffer than it actually was when we picked the board up – there’s something robust and perhaps the heavy grey colour gives the impression of it having a heavier feel - whereas actually the Ace is a very usable toy for riders of all levels and we know it’s well designed with the new basalt technology that we will surely be seeing more of. The speed, grip and ability to load the board up make it great for freestyle, but the standout element is that it allows you to perform so well in less than perfect conditions.

Edging powerfully, the Ace still feels loose enough to slash around on. A highlight is the way that the thick, grippy parabolic rails are stiff in the centre and more flexible and responsive towards the tips which allow you to hold a beautiful carve by twin-tip standards - and we had lots of fun smashing around in the waves on this in Cape Town. There’s loads of feel on your back foot when you carve and because there’s enough curve in the rails towards the tips you can weight your front foot nicely to

We were huge fans of

not so turned up in the tips and generally

edge. Riding in a straight line it still feels

keep you planing all the way through a turn rather than

last year’s ADHD and

a little flatter. There is still lots of rocker,

like an ADHD – perhaps not as absolutely

having to concentrate hard on not catching the nose of

liked it so much that

but the 2015 model just looks a little more

comfortable, but there’s a lovely connected

sporty in its rockerline.

feeling with the water nonetheless. When

your board in the water.

Sitting mid-way in the Cabrinha range as a real all-

we added it to the Kiteworld stable of team sticks. For a wakestyle board it had

The board now feels stiffer in the tips

edging the centre of the board gives you

rounder you can have confidence in the strength of the Ace

lots of flexibility and helped soften the

and quicker too, thanks to the reduced

just enough softness to be a pleasure in

and, although it feels robust and solid, it doesn’t feel heavy

impacts for our old knees but still had

curve in the rocker. The DNA of the ADHD

chop but the stiffer tips give you a really

underfoot at all – it gives you loads to play with and is strong

lots of performance. All that lovely rocker

remains in terms of feel, comfort and

good dynamic pop. There’s still plenty of

and assured. Landings inspire confidence in their stability and

made the rough Cape Town conditions

enjoyment. There’s nothing harsh about

rocker for grip and bite when carving, but

in how they absorb a lot of shock. The Ace takes a moment to

much more dreamy. In boots it felt more

its performance and although stiffer

now you can stomp your foot down on it

steady itself and then propels you forward and back onto the

like a kitesurfing board than a wakestyle

under your back foot, it still has the

and you’ll get much more back in terms of

plane as it rebounds from its flex.

board, and if you’ve got experience of

‘kiteboard’ feel that we liked so much.

freestyle performance.

the two board styles – you’ll know what

Last year we said that a rider who was

of ease-of-use – although perhaps it’s not as absolutely

we mean. It was quick, yet controlled,

used to a stiff centred board in boots

ADHD is now a better board. It’s still very

refined in ultra silky performance as some of the lighter

loaded with performance, yet comfy.

might miss the speed in the ADHD. Now

comfortable as a performance board and

models here in the tips, but this is a superb twin-tip

There have been plenty of occasions

there’s more stiffness in the tips and

relatively silky in the way it handles chop,

that’s very capable of handling whatever you can throw

where we’ve looked down and seen that

more speed. However the ADHD is still

making it a very relevant freestyle board for

at it, will last for years and seems to be ideally positioned

board physically bend into a wave as

very different to what we expect to see

the motivated rider of a good intermediate

as a one-board-does it all for a great many kiteboarders

we’ve smashed a carve out on it. The flex

in a boots-specific board that usually

level who wants to push themselves, but

of all sizes and abilities in a range of conditions. The Ace

in the tips provided a splendid feeling on

has lots of channels that make it stiff and

also values a comfortable ride.

takes the decision making out of your twin-tip purchase if

your back foot.

heavy thanks to all the reinforcements.

SIZES: 140 x 43 and 137 x 41cm

There’s lots of performance in the Ace but also stacks

you’re unsure what you should be riding.

In terms of wakestyle performance, the

The ADHD is more than just a wakestyle

The ADHD is still light and the bottom of

board and this year, apart from the obvious

the board is very clean, with just a slight

graphics changes, it essentially looks the

concave and the very small channels in

same at first glance. We tested the same

the tips, so it works well for both boots

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 /

size and it’s only on close inspection that

and straps. The ADHD retains a subtle

Fixtures and fittings: 7.5 /

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 / Fixtures and fittings: 8

you’ll notice the slightly different tip and

feeling, even in boots.

Speed: 7 / Pop: 8 / Drive: 7.5 / Flex: 6

/ Speed: 7 / Pop: 7 / Drive: 7.5 / Flex: 8 / Comfort: 7.5 /

tail shape. The small hyrdro-flo channels

Looseness: 7 / Grip: 8 / Upwind: 8 / Slider proof: No / Boots

remain in the tips between the fins but

way a board feels – when you’re mowing

/ Upwind: 7 / Slider proof: No / Boots

applicable: Possibly / Freeriding: 8 / Freestyle: 7 /

it’s the rocker change that we were more

the lawn, when you’re edging or carving

applicable: Yes / Freeriding: 8 / Freestyle: 8

Ease-of-use: 8

interested in. It’s not as extreme as it was,

and when your swapping from edge to

/ Ease-of-use: 8

SIZES: 139 x 42, 137 x 41, 135 x 40 and 133 x 39cm www.cabrinhakites.com

There are a few ways to talk about the

www.shinnworld.com

/ Comfort: 8 / Looseness: 8 / Grip: 8

112

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TESTS

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BOARDS

AI R U S H / L I V E W I R E / 1 3 8

F-ONE / TRAX / 135

everything.

The Livewire is for the

base, well-sized with wide tips and a

rider that is looking to

parallel outline. It’s a performance board

take their freestyle and

made for proper kitesurfing conditions

foot straps this year are like trainers and a

wakestyle seriously, but who are looking

and as such produces real quality as a

one-piece unit. On the cold days we were

for a good, strong all-round tool that won’t

freestyle cross-over board. What we’re

wearing wetsuit boots and actually had to

be too uncomfortable in bad conditions.

seeing now are board makers that have

loosen the straps like trainers, put the boot

Slower than some in the test, but it’s very

really worked out how to give good riders

in and then tighten them up, but they gave

comfortable and like the boards on the

all the pop and responsiveness that they

a very nice feeling.

previous spread it’s about what you’ve got

need while not making a board that is

SIZES: 140 x 42, 138 x 41, 135 x 40 and

going on behind your back foot. The step-

just so solid that it becomes too much

132 x 39cm

up construction looks a little heavy-duty

like hard work for regular riding in and

than some of the super sleek boards, but

around chop. Although stiff, the Livewire

the Livewire gives you that lovely carving

has a soft feel underfoot and gives you

quality when you edge off the water and is

loads of feeling of control. The way it

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8 /

what makes your riding so smooth.

edges into pop is very progressive – it’s

Fixtures and fittings: 8 / Speed: 7.5

The Livewire has been doing its thing

like you’re going from 0 to maximum in

/ Pop: 8.5 / Drive: 7.5 / Flex: 7.5 / Comfort:

for a while, there’s no need to change it,

very small incremental increases; from

7.5 / Looseness: 7.5 / Grip: 8 /

it’s smart and once again a great tool for

0 – 50 instead of 0 – 10. It allows you

Upwind: 8 / Slider proof: Yes /

people who are into freestyle. It’s not the

to hold on until the last moment and

Boots applicable: Yes / Freeriding: 7.5 /

lightest, but is super strong with the grind

winds up rather than suddenly gives you

Freestyle: 8.5 / Ease-of-use: 8

Working well with boots or straps, the

www.airush.com

1 1 3

We have been testing the Trax for years and it’s always a board that we look forward to as it offers an uncomplicated ride, and whatever the conditions and wherever we’re testing, the Trax has managed to cope very well. It’s the definition of all-round.

In the last couple of seasons we’ve tested the non-carbon model and have enjoyed the progressive feel, but this time we have the all-out carbon model and it has changed.

Further reinforcements have been added along the rail as lots of riders chose to ride their carbon Trax with boots, which puts unique pressures on carbon twin-tip design, but has clearly been embraced by F-One. The Trax is now meatier in the rail and surely also underfoot, but at its heart it’s still a dynamic ride for freeriders looking for energetic, lively performance. The outline has a great mix of freestyle and freeride about it and it’s really good looking. The central section has a mid-to-higher stiffness while the tip and tail

VANHU NKS / BUCCA FLEX / 135

sections are flexible for a progressive ride. Fairly wide in the tips there is serious freestyle intent in the Trax and in that way it has stepped up, but this is still a board that can be ridden all day long without being fatiguing. It’s bang in the middle – great

Nice to see a board

you feel positive about the ride, but it’s

naturally in your stance is excellent in

freeride comfort but with lots of speed and lively feel.

that stands out, not just

the positive contact that you have with

even the most challenging chop and

trying to be different in

the board that is the overriding quality in

waves. The board feels really balanced

The Trax could be a bit more of an acquired taste as it has a progressive feel and, although there is carbon in

its looks, but that is actually making a

this board. It’s designed in Cape Town –

and light on your feet and is very easy to

the Trax, it has been used really well as the Trax doesn’t

difference through its design. We don’t

a place we choose to test because of the

manipulate and manoeuvre.

feel like it’s too stiff and knife-like for the performance

see that sort of a shape in the tips very

very challenging conditions.

category it’s aimed at. Stiffness in the centre with strength

often at all, but the scallops definitely

and lightness from the carbon is combined with other glass

give the Bucca Flex a personality and a

board, there are the wide tips you’d

up freeriding on. You can ride it all day, do

construction that has resulted in an excellent board choice

rawness that is further reinforced by the

expect and the board certainly looks

what you want on it, is strong enough to

for riders who are looking for a certain high level of freeride

wood shining through the veneer. There’s

square enough but the ride is light and

ride up the beach and it has most things

and energised freestyle. This isn’t a wakestyle chugger,

a stamp that tells you proudly that these

easy. We like to be able to feel what the

licked when it comes to the relationship

it’s quick and sharp and likes to be ridden fast. Just be

boards are handmade in South Africa

board is doing underneath our feet and

between performance and comfort. That

aware if you’re a big lad and riding hard, you might stretch

and they have that earthy, wild, untamed

you get loads of that with the Vanhunks.

feeling through the middle of the board

past where it’s meant to go. Ideally we’d have opted for

look to them. In the hands the board is

We couldn’t help but smash turns out on

leaves you realising very quickly: ‘Hello, this

something more like the 136 or 137 for a rider around 80

exciting, it’s smooth and to the eye and

waves and throw rainbows all over the

is actually trying to help me out!’.

kilos, but this is a lovely board for riders who don’t want to

hands seems incredibly well-built. Very

place – the feel behind your back foot is

SIZES: 140 x 42 and 135 x 41cm

be limited to just freeriding or freestyling.

strong, yet light and all the fixtures and

as good as we’ve had. There’s feeling all

SIZES: 140 x 45, 137 x 42, 136 x 40.5, 135 x 39cm

fittings are top-notch. The pads and

the way round the turn rather than just

straps are standouts for us on this review.

gashing its way round. It’s not just off/on

They’re not trying to be Nike Air trainers,

on the back foot at all.

www.f-onekites.com

but they are soft, comfortable, supportive

Billed as a wakestyle performance

In terms of performance there’s

This is a sporty looking wakestyle board that’s actually a joy to go powered

www.vanhunksboarding.com BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8 / Fixtures and fittings: 8 / Speed: 8 / Pop: 7

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8 / Fixtures and fittings:

and snugly wrap all the contact points on

enough get up and go and the board

/ Drive: 7 / Flex: 7.5 / Comfort: 8.5 /

7 / Speed: 8.5 / Pop: 8 / Drive: 8.5 / Flex: 7 / Comfort: 7 /

your foot. There’s plenty of adjustment in

feels wider than it is. The nose feels

Looseness: 8.5 / Grip: 7 / Upwind: 8

Looseness: 7 / Grip: 8.5 / Upwind: 8.5 / Slider proof: No /

fit and also in stance. Really top job.

fairly short in front of your feet, but

/ Slider proof: No / Boots applicable:

there’s enough kick in the tips to never

Perhaps / Freeriding: 8.5 / Freestyle: 7 /

catch. In fact the balance you feel

Ease-of-use: 8.5

Boots applicable: No / Freeriding: 8 / Freestyle: 8 / Ease-of-use: 7.5

There’s no doubt the comfort and feel you get from your pads and straps help

116

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TESTS

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BOARDS

N OM A D / P R O T O T Y P E U L T R A - CARBON / 136 According to the

demanding. The feel is quite unique, in that

ridges, but the straps sit quite wide over

product description,

you can step on the rail and the stiffness

the foot and we thought could have been a

the Nomad Ultra

in the carbon gets you going quickly in

more snug fit, but these are easily replaced

Prototype uses carbon / kevlar 12k/3k

first gear. On edge it’s nice but when

if you find they’re not right for your foot – it

with ten layers of carbon in this ‘Ultra’

flattened off feels stiff. The stiffness of the

is a very personal thing.

model - usually found in the aerospace

Nomad isn’t ideally designed for carving,

industry and is clearly a super high-end

but commit to the turn and the Prototype

board from a carbon specialist custom

product. Extremely light, the rockerline

will turn tightly, however the standout

manufacturer then this Nomad has good

is in-between freeride and freestyle,

element is the quick response you get from

light wind performance, quick speed,

providing a comfortable ride that’s not

the board when you edge. It all happens

great upwind tracking and easy straight

very technical to enjoy. Going beyond the

quickly, which is great for riders that don’t

line performance. Simon has been making

usual light weight benefits of carbon, the

have such good and progressive edge, load

carbon kiteboards for longer than we’ve

Prototype is relatively stiff which makes

and pop technique. A lot of intermediates

been riding. Give him a shout, tell him

it quick and it gets up and going well.

don’t commit to the rail enough and this

your needs and you’ll get a board tuned

It’s not as flat and stiff as the CrazyFly,

Nomad seems to take that into account and

exactly to your weight and requirements.

but also has a fine balance between the

provides good pop from just a quick, short,

RECOMMENDED SIZES: 139 x 43, 136 x

point of grip and release which happens

sharp pop when you’re looking to throw

42, 134 x 41, 132 x 41, 130 x 40

quickly and can help with switching heel

a few grabs – also helped because the

and 125 x 39cm

to toe while also having enough grip.

swing-weight is so light.

The Nomad’s rockerline helps mix the

The stance was on the widest setting,

If you’re looking for a sexy, light weight

www.nomadkiteboarding.com

stiff performance with the light weight

and for us wasn’t wide enough – it felt

ease-of-use to encourage you through

like a very intermediate setting – but at

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 /

your manoeuvres. Feeling playful, you’ll

the same time each board is handmade,

Fixtures and fittings: 7 / Speed: 8 / Pop:

find yourself going for wrapped or blind

so you’ll be able to order a wider setting.

7.5 / Drive: 8.5 / Flex: 7 / Comfort: 8 /

landings before you know it, or you’ll simply

Having more options in one board of course

Looseness: 8 / Grip: 8 / Upwind: 7.5 / Slider

get more help popping to toeside as the

adds weight. The pads used by Nomad

proof: No / Boots applicable: No / Freeriding:

board is full of energy and less physically

are super comfy, nice and soft with good

8.5 / Freestyle: 7 / Ease-of-use: 8

NORTH / SELECT / 138

1 1 7

For a company that create some of the most distinctive and colourful kiteboard designs out there, the Select is quite a departure from North’s usual style. Incredibly understated, the Select is anything but when it hits the water. A very generic kitesurfing twin-tip shape, the Select is the twin-tip in North’s range made from their best materials but aimed at the widest section of the market, from a relative beginner / early intermediate to someone ready to throw some freestyle shapes. This is a completely safe design, graphically, materially and in terms of the ride – though North state that it’s the quickest, lightest and most responsive in their range.

The outline, with good hips in the middle, fairly pulled in and flexible tips and a stiffer section in the centre, is a tried and tested formula that works whatever the conditions. They have not tried to do anything fancy in the tips and there are no strange design quirks in the base – North just know that this works how they want it to and so are willing to invest in quality materials throughout. It’s the Golf GTI of the twin-tip world. Or perhaps the Turbo Diesel with the top of the range interior. It’s not the absolute highest performing, but it’s got great miles per gallon, handles beautifully and will not wear you out so you can ride for hours.

The North Entity pad and strap combo is immensely tunable to your foot, with lots of adjustability, and sits as one unit in its own clever skeleton frame. Three different

CRAZYFLY / ELITE / 136

cushion options are included to offer different levels of padding under you heel and there’s lots of grip under

First, a word of warning.

the niche market this is aimed at, the

subtleties in the core on so many other

your toes, too. The Entity sits on North’s track system, so

Don’t try weighing

performance positives in the ride are

boards. We understand that CrazyFly have

you can tune your stance width perfectly.

your kite down with

matched well to improving riders. The

worked a special wood core in the Elite,

this kiteboard! It’s so light – let go

super-light weight mixed with the relative

but seasoned freestylers would want a

not stiff enough. Normal people will choose it and it will

of it on a strong wind day and you’ll

stiffness is unusual. The weight difference

more progressive pop that winds up and

take you very happily from fast, energetic freeride into a

never see it again! The Elite comes

is so apparent that it takes you a while

builds rather than gives you all or nothing.

range of advanced freestyle manoeuvres.

with a special board bag - a case with

to recalibrate your riding for the board’s

Intermediate riders will probably enjoy the

141 x 42, 138 x 41, 135 x 40 and 132 x 39cm

custom-shaped foam inner to cradle

character. The Elite cuts very sharply

sharper pop on the other hand as their

your prized possession and protect it

into the water and provides an extremely

progressive pop technique isn’t as good.

from the everyday bumps and scrapes

fast ride. Although very sharp in its edge,

that might occur in transport. You also

the Elite also has quite a skatey feel

has gone into the Elite – it is a creation of

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 / Fixtures and

get a certificate of authenticity stating

and is easy to switch edge to edge. The

beauty. If you don’t get as many sessions

fittings: 9 / Speed: 7.5 / Pop: 7 / Drive: 7 / Flex: 7 /

that you own a board produced in only

most noticeable stand out element of

as you’d like, want the finest carbon

Comfort: 7.5 / Looseness: 7 / Grip: 7.5 / Upwind: 8 /

very limited numbers. Coming with three

performance is in the swing weight though.

materials, enjoy getting up to speed very

Slider proof: No / Boots applicable: No / Freeriding: 8.5 /

sets of fins and custom made foot straps,

As soon as you leave the water on a jump,

quickly and would appreciate the benefits

Freestyle: 7 / Ease-of-use: 8

you are correct in assuming that it must

it’s very easy to manipulate the board in

of having a super light board on your feet

be expensive: selling at a considerable

the air to bring it into grabbing positions or

for jumping, then the Elite makes sense

£1,000+ / US$1450.

to manoeuvre back into position for landing.

to slip into the back of your Porsche.

Radical freestylers wouldn’t choose the Select – it’s

www.northkites.com

The stripped down appearance of the

The Elite is very flat though and,

We cannot fault the craftsmanship that

However, rather than the framed certificate

Elite without the added weight of a top-

although not rock-solid stiff like an out-

of ownership, we’d probably rather see a

sheet gives the Elite a very unique look and

and-out wakeboard, there is a relatively

screwdriver included in the board bag as

weight. Just 1.9 kilos naked and 2.8 kilos

high-stiffness for a freeride board and

we still had to borrow one from the builder

with straps and fins on, the hype behind

the lumps and bumps in heavy chop are

who had one in his Transit van.

the carbon manufacturing process leads

apparent. Carving isn’t the Elite’s natural

SIZES: 140 x 42, 136 x 41 and 132 x 41cm

us to believe that this is a next level, ultra-

strength and when riding hard with your

technical carbon application and the texture

kite low you’re going to feel more underfoot

is relatively matt to the touch. That stripped

than on a more regularly constructed board.

down workshop/racing car similarity is very

However, that stiffness and flat rocker will

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 /

apparent and all intricacies in shape such

make the Elite an exceptional lighter wind

Fixtures and fittings: 7.5 / Speed: 8 /

as the deep concaves on the bottom stand

flat-water charger. If you’re looking for

Pop: 6.5 / Drive: 8 / Flex: 6 / Comfort:

out like the detailed fairings on an F-1 car,

something to smoke your mates, the Elite

7.5 / Looseness: 7 / Grip: 7.5 / Upwind:

begging the question of just how much

won’t disappoint. The dynamic freestyle

8 / Slider proof: No / Boots applicable:

performance the Elite produces?

performance in terms of pop seems to

No / Freeriding: 8 / Freestyle: 7 /

come from the lightness rather than the

Ease-of-use: 7.5

Thankfully, and sensibly looking at

www.crazyflykites.com

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BOARDS

S H I N N / MO N K 1 3 5 / L O V E R EDITION

The Monk! What a

punch when you load it up. Freestylers

precedent this board

will want something that growls back

set for the freeride

at them whereas the Monk just purrs

category when it first came out making

all the time. For 80% of kitesurfers,

crappy conditions feel like powder for

this is where it excels. One day we will

intermediate riders and beyond. It was

all have bad knees and have a Monk

a game changer and for the last few

in the quiver as we’ll need something

years it has been the definitive easy-

creamy. It’s just the staple diet of a lot

riding freeride board. Incredibly usable,

of freeriders.

it was hard not to recommend it to

This year the Monk is just a little

anyone who was still not really pushing

more grippy, but essentially it ticks

their freestyle boundaries hard.

all the same boxes – it’s a knee and

Perhaps we’ve just got too used to

back saver that makes truly average

it now – and Shinn shouldn’t change

conditions feel like fresh powder. A

the recipe too much – but we kind of

totally uncomplicated and comfortable,

feel like there’s not much more we

quick, smooth ride. If you’re ready to

can say about this board after a few

step up a level, Shinn offer a range of

seasons of reviewing and revering it.

twin-tips that are flavoured for all sorts

In previous years the Monk has done

of twin-tip tastes. Dive in!

such a good job of giving you that

SIZES: 137 x 44, 135 x 42, 133 x 41,

extra layer of comfort; as if you’re

131 x 40 and 129 x 39cm

riding on a pocket of air, without feeling slow and sluggish at all. As

www.shinnworld.com

your first or second board, the Monk makes your kitesurfing energetic

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8.5 /

but, most of all, easy. This year it still

Fixtures and fittings: 7.5 / Speed: 7 /

does that but feels a bit more grippy,

Pop: 7 / Drive: 5 / Flex: 7.5 / Comfort:

there’s a bit more feeling and that

8.5 / Looseness: 8 / Grip: 7.5 / Upwind:

pocket of air is just a bit smaller.

8 / Slider proof: No / Boots applicable:

In terms of freestyle performance the Monk lacks a bit of recoil and

What do you want in your

easy to control your speed on, responding

first board? Ease-of-use.

well to back foot pressure and really

Durability. Comfort. Grip.

takes care of all the basics for early

Release for turning transitions. The Misfit

intermediates really well. Load it up and

massively ticks all those boxes and goes way

there’s lots of pop too. Although this is

beyond. Slingshot have had their own board

great as your first board, it’s also insanely

factory at their HQ in the USA for the last

good as a general freeride board. Pads

few seasons and it really shows. Using as

and straps are seriously good quality too;

environmentally sound materials as possible

firm yet comfortable, supportive and with

and monitoring wastage, they are also able

a huge range of movement on Slingshot’s

to experiment with the intricacies in their

track system.

bottom shape. Utilising the latest techniques

Perhaps as you get better you may want

on a daily basis, they can also make sure that

a bit more finesse in the ride and once

their boards are as long lasting as possible.

you start heading into deep chop you’ll

The laser cut DUCT channels in the base are

appreciate a bit more rocker, but the Misfit

quite unusual in an intermediate freeride

really ticks the boxes and is a seriously well

board like this and signal just how well made

made bit of kit.

the Misfit is. In fact it will probably still be

SIZES: 146 x 43.5, 142 x 42, 136 x 40.5

going strong through an apocalypse.

and 132 x 40cm

In terms of ride the Misfit is fairly stiff, but not overly so. Giving you a solid

www.slingshotsports.com

platform to get up and going, the ride quality makes sense. It’s easy to get

BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 9 / Fixtures

your edge in and find balance between

and fittings: 8.5 / Speed: 8.5 / Pop: 7.5 /

your front and back foot. The rocker is

Drive: 8 / Flex: 7 / Comfort: 7.5 / Looseness:

fairly flat, so in heavy chop it’s a bit of

7.5 / Grip: 8.5 / Upwind: 8.5 / Slider proof:

a handful, but for regular conditions the

Yes, but it’s not for that! / Boots applicable:

Misfit is just incredibly easy with good

No / Freeriding: 8.5 / Freestyle: 6 / Ease-

drive. Quickly up to speed, the Misfit is

of-use: 8

SLINGSHOT / MISFIT / 136

No / Freeriding: 8.5 / Freestyle: 7 / Ease-of-use: 8.5

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120

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BOARDS

L I Q U I D F O R C E / E C H O / 1 41

Brandon demonstrating on his pro model PHOTO – Lance Koudele

The Echo is an absolutely superb looking board.

at the cable or in the park. The base is grind tough and the channels

day. Take this to the cable and you’ll be happy all day long without

Billed as LF’s defining wakestyle board, they’ve

allow the use of smaller fins, or no fins at all, yet the special quality that

sacrificing anything in performance and then you can session it

managed to make it unusually light for a board

the Echo offers is that the channels don’t over-stiffen the board as can

with your kite on the same day and get exactly the same feeling,

in this category and designed it with a wood finish, super thin tips

so often be the case. It’s not at the cable that this is such an issue as

which is what we’re all looking for to help develop consistent

and incredible details in the curves and features. Created through

the water surface quality is always so much better, but with a kite the

cross-over skills much more quickly without constantly switching

collaboration with team rider Brandon Scheid and legendary

feel throughout is very good compared to some wakestyle boards that

between one board and another. What a great option as a one-

wakeboard and kiteboard shaper, Jimmy Redmon, this is the most

through being designed to ride finless can feel pretty dead underfoot.

board solution for your cable/kiting summer.

advanced shape and design in the line-up of Liquid Force’s profiled

You still shouldn’t expect this to be a rocket ship as there is still more

SIZES: 144 x 43, 141 x 42.5, 137 x 42 and 133 x 41cm

wood core boards.

rocker, channelling and a different flex to a more comfortable high-

The fun factor that this board has is the first stand out element –

performance freeride board. This is still an out-and-out wakestyle

the Echo just loves to be thrown around. Although it’s stiff (which is

board, but Liquid Force have managed to create a lovely flex profile that

necessary in a full-on wakestyle board) the Echo is beautifully set up for

has an overall feeling of being fun and relatively full of life.

bindings with a lovely flex throughout. The rockerline manages to work

Nose blunts and presses are much easier to control on this

www.liquidforcekites.com BALANCE POINTS: Build quality: 8 / Fixtures and fittings: 8 / Speed: 7 / Pop: 8.5 / Drive: 7.5 / Flex: 6.5 / Comfort: 8 / Looseness: 8.5 / Grip:

really well in the more challenging water states that we experience as

really fun board on which good riders will enjoy throwing around for

8 / Upwind: 7 / Slider proof: Yes / Boots applicable: Yes / Freeriding: 7

kiteboarders, but also provides all the performance necessary for riding

wakestyle and freestyle in whatever the conditions serve up on the

/ Freestyle: 8.5 - 9 / Ease-of-use: 8.5 (advanced riders)

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124

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ITALY

T H E S c i e n c e of Sunshine There are few more beautiful landscapes than the shores of Italy’s mountain lakes. Here, Cabrinha international team rider, Alberto Rondinha, explains the kiteboarding virtues of Lake Garda - Italy’s biggest lake - for the travelling kiteboarder looking for plenty of R&R (riding and relaxation!)

WORD S > Alberto Rondinha PHOTOS > Fabio Fiore

Malcesine, mouthwatering kitesurfing and cuisine

1 2 5

I

grew up living on the beach close to Rimini

the east and ‘Lombardy’ to the west. If you are not Italian

on the east coast of Italy. My dad windsurfed,

probably you wouldn’t notice the difference, but for us it’s

I started surfing and everything was pretty

crazy to imagine how close they are, yet how different they

sweet, except the fact that it wasn’t always

are! The slang / accent difference seems huge!

windy and there were rarely any waves. We

As a potential kiteboarding visitor though, it’s important

would travel to windy places in the school

to note that most of the kiteboarding on the lake happens

holidays to actually ride and get more water time, but that

with the aid of a boat. The ‘lift’ as they call it here, involves

was only for two weeks in the winter and about a month

you getting a ride out on a boat and launching your kite

in the summer.

from there. All the schools operate like that and it’s a

I always remember people saying, “You should go up to

safe, easy method that gets you straight to the best areas

Lake Garda. It’s physics: if it’s sunny, it’s windy!”. I guess

for wind. There are only three spots on the whole lake

my dad was never really attracted by lake sailing, so the

where you can launch kites on the beach, and these are:

first time I actually got to ride on any lake (and it was

Malcesine, Navene and Campione.

actually Lake Garda) was for my first ever Cabrinha Italy

The Malcesine launch works best from the beach at

Demo Tour in 2009, with Jesse Richman and a few other

Campagnola in the morning Peler wind when the direction

friends. I was shocked! I couldn’t believe that I was taking

is best. Navene is the famous tunnel launch! Basically you

some foreigners to this great spot in my home country...

have to go into the tunnel with your bar and lines (with the

that I had never been to!

street overhead) while someone holds your kite outside in

The area looks so unreal the first time you visit. The mountains are high and furnished with a bright, dense green

the wind. The Ora is best for this launch and it’s actually not as bad as it sounds.

colour in summer, while the water is strikingly blue and very

Campione, the only spot on the west coast of the lake,

clear. Some of the tallest and most beautiful mountains

has just enough beach to unwind your lines and launch from

in Italy are mixed incredibly together with a water sports

the beach. However, don’t go there with a racing set-up and

paradise. Other than Hood River and Lake Garda, there can’t

27+m lines; you aren’t gonna fit

be many places where you can legitimately ski/snowboard,

I’ve mostly ridden the east coast as I have a few friends

mountain bike, paraglide, then windsurf or kiteboard all in

there, I know the location and it’s closer to my house.

the same day!

Malcesine is the place to be - it’s a typical traditional

At 52 kilometres in length, Garda is the biggest lake in

Italian village with lots of little old houses packed in next

Italy and, typical of a lake in the mountains, it’s deep; over

to each other. You can get everywhere on foot, there are

340 metres at its maximum. Given its length, depth and

lots of family run bars and restaurants and a big castle

mountainous location, the pressure difference between the

sits above everything.

north and the south of the lake creates the famous thermal winds - Peler and Ora.

To get the most out of kiting in the Peler in the morning you have to be really focused and motivated. At that time

The morning Peler wind comes from the north end of the

of the morning, it’s often still cold, even in the summer, and

lake, usually gaining in strength around sunrise and lasting

you’ll need your 3/2 or even 4/3 suit. You’ll be launching

through until midday. This is generally the stronger of the two

almost in the dark as the sun comes up on the other side of

winds, so you’ll find that most windsurfers will go out in the

the lake. It’s beautiful.

morning. The conditions can be quite choppy and the wind can easily reach 25-30 knots.

Bizarrely, the wind completely stops just after lunchtime, sometimes only for a few minutes, until it starts blowing

The water temperature averages 12°C throughout the year, but can reach also 20 to 25°C in the summer, especially in the Ora afternoons when you can be riding in a shorty or just boardshorts.

again from the opposite direction. The Ora wind from the

I’ve been going back to Lake Garda every year since

south offers much more mellow conditions, averaging 15 - 20

2009 and I just love the atmosphere. The people are really

knots and the water is flatte . This is when most kiteboarders

open and welcoming and best of all they are really stoked on

go out, on both sides of the lake.

kiting. They also like chilling by the lake with music, having

Lake Garda is divided into three regions: the northern part of the lake lies in the Trentino Alto Adige of Italy, closest to

a beer and enjoying the amazing scenery – who doesn’t?

the Austrian and Swiss boarders, with Torbole and Riva del

Wi n d , We a t h e r a n d Wa t e r S u m m a r y

Garda being the biggest towns, but also look out for Limone.

The north (Peler) wind blows all year, but is strongest in April,

This is quite an upmarket area with heaps of nice restaurants

May, September and October, often up to 25 - 30 knots. The

and hotels right on the water’s edge and stunning walks on

Peler also blows on 75% of days for the remaining months.

offer along water line, too. Torbole is the main windsurfing

Stronger in the mornings, most use seven or nine metre

centre of the lake. The wind is usually stronger in that area

kites and then bigger in the afternoon as the wind switches

but by law it’s only possible to kite there really early in the

to a southerly direction to become the Ora wind. The Ora is

morning and late in the afternoon (basically when it’s not

strongest in May and September, but usually blows enough

windy). It’s also very common to find German people staying

for a good session for 70% of days each month. A day with

here, which is why 99% of the locals also speak German.

no wind at all is rare and in 2014 there weren’t two days in

The Lake is then divided into two regions: ‘Veneto’ in

a row without wind.

126

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TRAVEL

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ITALY

Energy is neither created nor destroyed. It just changes shape.

SHERI REYNOLDS

Mowing the mountain lawn Alby, right at home

Us e f u l C o n t a c t s

Ac c o m m o d at i o n

Wind Riders teach all levels from April to

From luxury lake-side hotels to B&Bs

October using Headzone helmets and

and serene campsites next to the kite

video coaching for advanced clinics.

spots. The kite hotel Villa Romantica has

Max ratio is 3:1 and private lessons

a sauna with lake view for a perfect ‘after

are available. Using North equipment,

kite’ chill out (especially in the colder

all lessons are run from boats and new

months). In the summer the beachbar

rental gear offerings include foilboards,

makes sublime Italian aperitifs.

raceboards, skimboards and wakeskates. Why not try something new?

Languages spoken by staff: English,

Alby recommends you also check out Kite Club Malcesine and Hotel Orchidea.

German, Italian, Dutch and French. www.windriders.eu / info@windriders.eu +39 348 897 5467

Want to research another Italian lake?

Check out Lake Como to the west. It’s also fantastic for kitesurfing, just an hour from Milan and also has a cable

LIMONE WATERSPORTS (north of Limone) offers kitesurfing, sailing and Expansive performance possibilities in the middle of the lake

SUP. www.limonewatersports.com

park! Find it at: www.kiteworldmag. com/travel/lake-como-italy

and via KTS 40: www.kts40.com

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128

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HIGHER

EDUCATION

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R E A D Y

T O

R I D E

READY TO

CAPTION > Whatever you’re trying to learn, you can reap incredible progression from some well-placed advice from a high level instructor.

Pauline Valesa from New Caledonia, European Junior Cup Champion 2013 and runner up in 2014 PHOTO > F-One

RIDE?

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin

A regular column in which we collaborate with the IKO. This issue we look at a variety of lessons and approaches employed by different instructors to help you learn and progress, whatever your level

C

W OR DS > Eric Beaudonnat, IKO co-founder and head of training

hoosing the right instructor

those looking for a fun taster during their

or school isn’t always as

holidays, but if the lesson is to leave you

KITEBOARD CHAMPION VERSUS KITEBOARD INSTRUCTOR

will always be happy to spend time

easy as reading the offer

set-up as an independent kiter you need

Kiteboarding champions can be passionate

informing you about how they run their

on the advert. It’s easy

to be safe in the knowledge that you have

and often become coaches, but it’s not

lessons and the results you can expect,

to make promises and,

the right know-how to choose the correct

always the best riders who become the

with no promises until they will have

on the flip-side, som

equipment, and will run the least risk of

best coaches. High-level competitors have

been able to evaluate you on site. Don’t

of the best instructors

injury to yourself or others. You should

advantages in the knowledge of riding

hesitate to ask how they can adapt their

aren’t very good at their

always buy equipment and fly a kite unde

technique and often tend to be better at

lesson and offers to you.

own marketing. Here are some aspects

the supervision of a certified instructor t

providing higher-level clinics, but not all high

to consider when calling up an instructor,

begin with.

level riders are naturally good individual

whatever your level and however good you’re aiming to be.

PROGRESSION VERSUS ACQUISITION

LEARNING YOUR WAY

coaches. It’s important that they can adapt their lessons to you and appreciate how you

A good option is for longer lessons that

learn as an individual, rather than spending

come with no limit to your progression

all their time ‘showing’ you how it’s done.

per hour. A great instructor will assess

Whether you are a beginner or an

Some schools sell the promise of quick

your level and set a progression path that

advanced rider your coach should adjust

learning - and they may well be able to

is adapted to your needs, your personal

the difficulty of the lesson, not only to you

deliver that. Their customers will learn

goals and they will take into account your

physical level and acquired skills, but also to

things and they may also manage to

physical and mental state. A lesson should

your mental state and levels of motivation.

water-start within the guaranteed two

always start with the instructor getting

Pushing too hard may lead to physical and/

hours (though I’m not sure we should

to know you and your needs, whether

or mental tiredness. Equally, teaching too

be counting standing up and riding five

you are a beginner or looking for more

slowly may lead to you losing your ambition

metres as a complete success). There

advanced progression.

due to poorly challenged exercise.

is of course a trade-off between being

Remember, it’s always a good idea

to book an intermediate or advanced progression session with a good

instructor! Lessons shouldn’t just be

limited to beginners – you’ll be surprised how much quicker you can improve with some well advised tips.

Find much more information about the

International Kiteboarding Organization through their website: www.ikointl.com

To help you retain the most knowledge

too serious and too focused on fun – as

possible, a good instructor will be thinking

a sport we need the lessons to be fun

about several aspects that can influence

if we’re to attract new riders, though if

your progression: he/she will ask for

things are too relaxed then it’s likely

your point of view on what you just did

that the safety aspects will be poorly

in the lesson, they will congratulate you

covered. There should be strength and

as well as listen and look for signs of

empowerment in the learning process.

doubt, negativity or tiredness. You’ll be

Too little safety information will leave you

reassured and inspired to practice again

overly dependent on your instructor.

until you are comfortable before jumping

Relaxed, fun learning can be good for

Good instructors and schools

to the next step.

Good instructors will take the time to analyse your needs, your learning pace and they will encourage and motivate you safely. Of course, finding incredible learning conditions like these at Corpus Christi in Texas, USA, can also help you rip quicker, too PHOTO > 361 Kite

KW

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W ORDS > Matt Pearce ALL P HOT OS > Axel Reese

Matt Pearce runs you through the first fundamental skills of successful surfboard sessions: two gybes and a tack alongside on-water demonstrations from Cape Verde strapless wizard, Matchu Lopes

S

trapless surfboard riding has reached

turn. Don’t stop pulling when the kite reaches halfway

lot of people don’t carry enough speed into their

new levels of bonkers in recent years.

through the window or you will lose power, slow down,

gybes, meaning that they don’t have enough forward

Watching someone boost big strapless

stall and sink.

momentum to complete the turn and end up sinking

airs is amazing, but when the basics are

Halfway through the gybe you should be looking

midway through the move. This is especially true in

done well, they still always look good.

beyond your turn towards where you’ll be heading

lighter winds. Go fast, turn the kite across the window

Tacking allows us to turn into the wind

in your new direction. This makes you focus on

hard and commit weight to your toes and carve with

completing the move with good, consistent pace.

commitment and plenty of weight on your front foot to

in a small turning circle, while gybing is a little bit easier, taking you with the wind so you can maintain

As you begin to exit the gybe, dive the kite back

keep the board planing.

constant power, requires slightly easier footwork

into the power zone to stop yourself from sinking. As

Secondly, a common error is that people try

movements and there’s less of a make-or-break

you start to gather speed move your feet round from

to make the gybe without turning the kite. This is

moment in your kite handling. Let’s crack them all,

toeside into the heelside riding position.

impossible! The kite’s power dictates where you

starting with two types of gybe...

As you switch your feet over speed is very much of

go and you need the power it generates to pull you

the essence! If you spend too long doing it you’ll slow

through the gybe. Imagine it like the pull of a cable

down and lose momentum and balance. Try to walk

tow. Following that consistent pull is what you should

your feet round rather than jump them round. Once

be aiming for in a gybe. Turn the kite a fraction earlier

This is the most popular method of changing direction

you’ve exited the turn bring your front foot back to

than when you turn the board yourself, that way you

on a surfboard and has similarities to performing a

roughly the middle of the board, then move your back

initiate the turn with plenty of tension in the lines so

bottom turn on a wave, so it’s a key one to get under

foot forward so that it becomes your front foot. Then

that the kite starts its turn very positively. Turning

your belt. There are two different versions – switching

move your new back foot back to its regular heelside

towards the kite too much too early means that

your feet before the turn or after the turn.

position. There’s often a bit of a shuffle involved. Try

there’s slack in the lines and the kite drops power and

The foot switch after the gybe works particularly

to stay very light on your feet by taking some weight

responsiveness.

well in lighter winds as you don’t need to lose forward

in your harness as you switch feet and try to do the

momentum and can delay the tricky foot switch until

switch quickly otherwise you’ll put too much weight on

kites through the wind window quickly enough while

after the turn when you’ve regained your speed and

the back of the board, the nose will lift up and you’ll

trying to execute a tight gybe. This will cause your

are back on the plane.

fall in and get your hair wet! Just stick at it, remember

kite to luff up as you’ll end up carving underneath it,

to only switch your feet once you’re planing and

you’ll lose power and start to sink. Instead, try to make

move your weight onto your toes while starting to bear

feeling stable and with the kite fairly high to support

sure you’re carving your board in tandem with the

off downwind.

you. It will soon click into place.

movement of your kite. Ensure that your kite is further

MOVE #01: GYBING BEFORE THE FOOT SWITCH

Go into the gybe with plenty of speed and then

As you do this start moving your kite up towards 12

Once you’ve completed the gybe get that kite moving

The third key mistake is that people don’t turn their

through the turn than you are so that you will have

and get back up on the plane and into the waves!

consistent power throughout the move.

COMMON MISTAKES

needs to be a smooth movement done as quickly as

weight over your toes while you let the kite lead you

Gybing is quite straight forward but this is likely to

possible. Think of it as simply taking one step backward

through the move. Keep the bar pressure on and

be the first manoeuvre you’ll have ever made in

with your front foot and then one step forward with your

the kite moving progressively through the window to

kiteboarding that involves you moving your feet.

back foot to take you from the toeside riding position

keep you powered and carving nicely throughout the

There are some very common mistakes. Firstly, a

back to the normal heelside stance.

o’clock. This will pull you off your current direction and help start the turn.

Carve into the turn, bending your knees and placing

Also, when switching your feet after the gybe, it

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MOVE #02: GYBING AFTER THE FOOT SWITCH

end up in a toeside riding position and ready for your

COMMON MISTAKES

toe to heel turn. Remember to walk the feet into position

Like the post gybe foot switch, this move isn’t too

This type of gybe is just the same as the other one

rather than jump as you’ll lose control of the board when

hard to execute but there are a few things that can go

we’ve featured this issue except that you switch your

your feet leave the board for too long. It’s important at

wrong. You need to carry as much speed as possible

feet before you go into the turn. Lots of people are

this point to put pressure on your front foot with your

into the gybe to maintain your momentum throughout

more comfortable doing one type of gybe one way

weight over your toes so that you don’t bear downwind

the turn and avoid sinking while making sure you

and another type of gybe going the other way. This

too quickly and start to lose power.

don’t actually start the turn before you’ve got your feet

foot switch method also comes in really handy when

Now start bearing off downwind and turning your kite.

properly settled in the toeside riding position.

switching feet before attacking a wave on your backside.

Bend your legs to properly start the turn, putting weight on

Here’s how it works..

your heels and opening your body up into the direction of

position. The quicker you do it the more stable you’ll

the turn. Put a bit more weight on your back heel.

be going into the turn as you’ll have regained balance

Approach the gybe at a decent speed with your kite high in the window.

As you begin to move into the turn start bringing

Be careful not to overshoot your kite and initiate your turn after the kite itself begins to turn.

Also, try not to spend too long moving your feet into

quicker and will be less likely to fall off with your feet set in place.

As you exit the turn, dive your kite back into the

Additionally, be sure to keep your kite as powered

this in one fluid motion rather than creeping it slowl

power zone to regain forward momentum. This will

as possible throughout the gybe to keep you moving

backwards. At the same time you should be moving the

keep your speed up and will stop you from getting that

forward and don’t be tempted to slow down more

kite towards 12 o’clock.

‘sinking feeling’.

than you have to. The longer you spend executing

your front foot towards the rear of the board. Try to do

This is when you go for the foot switch. Make sure

As soon as you’ve complete the gybe try to get the

you’re planing comfortably, but not too quickly. Bring

power back in your kite and get back on the plane. Try

your front foot back so that it’s just in front of your back

not to fall in at this point as you’ve done the difficult bit

foot and then move your back foot forward so that you

of the move and it will be really embarrassing.

the turn the more likely you are to fall in as you’ll lose your balance.

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W W W. P R O G R E S S I O N . M E

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MOVE #03: THE TACK

as long as possible so you can control the shuvit

Tacking looks cool. It’s an unavoidable fact. When

movement more effectively.

you see someone come charging into the beach and

As the board completes its 180 degree turn, keep

neatly execute one it looks awesome and, on top

the bar pulled in to retain bar pressure and lift and

of that, it allows you to make turns with a very tight

get your feet back into the normal riding position. Get

turning circle. There’s no bearing-off and losing the

your weight back over the heelside edge and push

precious ground you’ve been battling to gain upwind.

the nose of the board downwind with your front foot.

Also, if you can nail the tack consistently then

Regain your balance and prepare to head in

you’ve set yourself up nicely to start doing shuvits on

the opposite direction by keeping the kite moving

smaller waves (or even in the air) and will be ready

through 12 o’clock in the new direction.

to open the door to even more trickery to come!

Here’s how to nail one:

Dive the kite to start powering it up and stop you from sinking, which will happen if you don’t regain forward momentum as soon as you’re balanced.

Come into the tack at a decreased but decent speed while moving your kite up to 12 o’clock. Moving your

COMMON MISTAKES

kite up towards 12 o’clock will slow your forward

Tacking isn’t hard to get right but it’s also easy to get

momentum and you will start to come to a halt.

things wrong. One common mistake people make is

As you do this carve the nose of your board into

carrying too much speed into the move. If you do that

the wind and shift your weight backwards as if you

when you initiate the ‘shuvit’ part of the manoeuvre you

were slamming onto your heel edge to slow down on

will end up overshooting your board and crashing.

a snowboard.

At this point you’ll come to a halt so push your

Another problem people sometimes have is trying to do a big jump after they’ve initiated the shuvit.

back foot away from you while pulling your front foot

Doing this will lead to you being carried downwind

back towards you and underneath your bum. This

away from your board or putting too much power into

will pull the board round the 180 degrees required to

the shuvit which leads to your board doing a full 360

complete the tack.

rather than a 180. Remember, if you can, try to ‘walk’

The key thing with switching your feet during the tack is to do it quickly but don’t put too much force

the board round rather than spin it.

Also, be sure to keep the bar pressure on and try

into it. If you do that you’ll over rotate the board or

to get the kite back into the power zone as soon as

push it away from you entirely. Just think of it as

possible or you’ll end up sinking. And sinking isn’t cool.

turning the lower part of your body 180 degrees

This move (along with the other manoeuvres in

while your torso stays straight and then moving your

this article) looks infinitely cooler when complete

feet back into a normal riding position once your

with dreadlocks as Matchu has highlighted. They are

board is pointing in the right direction.

still fun moves without them though, so get out there

At the point of the foot switch you need some

and learn to turn!

lift from the kite to help you be really light on your feet, but try to avoid using the kite’s lift to jump too high so that you come a long way off your board as you will overshoot it. The key is to keep the kite moving steadily beyond 12 o’clock and into the new

Matchu Lopes is sponsored by North Kiteboarding

and ION wetsuits and apparel. He hails from Cape Verde and is absolutely at the forefront of modern strapless waveriding.

direction so it has just a nice amount of lift in your harness while you try to walk your feet round. If you prefer a jumping foot switch, just do a small one.

Your feet should be in contact with the board for

Matt Pearce is the assistant editor of Kiteworld, a

kitesurfing instructor and also rides for Liquid Force in the UK.

KW

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DIGGING IN Downwinders are one of the most pleasurable experiences in kitesurfing. They can also be challenging. This feature highlights a group of Australians who have embarked on some immense downwind adventures for fun and fund raising. We then give you the rundown on ‘The Iron Man’ a 600 kilometre epic in Brazil that’s not exclusive and you can sign yourself up for. Finally, Matt Pearce is back in Let’s Get Pearced with some specific exercises to get you fit for all these screaming downwind runs. Who’s up for it, then?

There’s a wide open world of downwinders out there!

PHOTO > John Bilderback

1 3 7

K

I T I N G F O R C AU S E

upwind angle and start to question whether you will make

Australian kiters Rich Hatherall, Dr. Nick

it. You see a speck on the horizon, which gradually gets

Cole, Alex Unsworth and Jason Rogers

bigger, you realise it’s the next island and tell yourself there

crossed The Torres Straight, raising over

is no way that you are not going to make it. The adrenaline

$80,000 for the McGrath Foundation

rush carries you through. It was so remote that we all felt

in 2013. They have another adventure

like we had kited to the ‘end of the world’.

lined up for August, called Kite The Reef, involving, among

Legendary kite adventurer Geoff Wilson (who has since

others, Susi Mai, Jesse Richman, KW photographer John

kited solo across Antarctica) led the expedition alongside Alex

Bilderback and, hopefully, Sir Richard Branson. Richard

Unsworth, who pulled the team together. Sixteen of us started

Hatherall explains the background story:

the trip, 11 of whom (eight men and three women) completed

TORRES CROSSING – JUNE 2013

every leg. Nobody has done this before. It should one day be recognised as a World Record, but Guinness do not yet

We were part of the Torres Crossing group in June 2013

consider this to be ‘iconic’ (like crossing the English Channel,

and became the first kiters to successfully cross the Torres

the equivalent of our warm up each day before breakfast!).

Strait from the tip of Australia to Papua New Guinea,

We stayed overnight on the tiny islands of the Torres Strait.

entirely by kiteboard, for a total of 400 kilometres. We

Two were uninhabited, so we pitched tents on the beach

kited 40 -110 kilometres each day for five days, sleeping

(which in constant 25 knot winds felt like sleeping in a crisp

on remote islands overnight, and certainly got the kiting

packet), or we stayed in local town halls. We spent time with

expedition bug from that.

the local community on the islands, running kite flying clinics

The route comprised three hard upwind tacks and two

giving advice on health issues or just generally exchanging

downwind tacks over five legs, which were dictated by

stories. On one island, called Masig, it felt like the entire

the islands that we had permission to land on along the

community came out to welcome us and the next day the

way. Support comprised Torres Island fishermen in four 20

local school presented us with a hand-written book entitled,

foot tinnies (carrying tents, food and kite gear). Setting off

‘When the Kitesurfers Came to Masig’. Given our entry point

from the tip of Cape York after an aborted first day when

to each island was a little unconventional, everybody knew

some kiters did not make it through the gap before the tide

who we were. On one island we met some folks in the street

changed, we then had five straight days of kiting.

who turned out to be the local police chief and Australian

It was hard yards, both mentally and physically.

We trained for months, particularly doing squat holds

customs official. They said they had been expecting us!

We raised $80k for the McGrath Foundation, a not-

(simulating the thigh burn when doing 80 kilometres on one

for-profit charity set-up by Jane McGrath (wife of former

tack). There is something really nerve-wracking when you’re

Australian cricket captain, Glenn McGrath) prior to her

absolutely knackered, out in the open ocean; you’ve been

death from breast cancer. This disease affects one in eight

going for hours and can’t see anything in front or behind

women in Australia and the Foundation’s focus is on early

you. Through tiredness you feel like you’re losing your

detection through teaching younger women to be ‘breast

You see a speck on the horizon, which gradually gets bigger, you realise it’s the next island and the adrenaline rush carries you through. It was so remote that we all felt like we had kited to the ‘end of the world’.

Dr. Nicholas Cole chewing over the Kite The Reef project with Sir Richard Branson when they were invited to join the MaiTai event PHOTO > John Bilderback

Alex and Nick at the MaiTai with Necker watersports manager and Cabrinha rider, Charlie Smith PHOTO > John Bilderback

Straya day team

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“Carrots are not the most obvious downwinder sustenance, and as I discovered, turn black in the seawater, but can still be a good comfort food when 1km offshore.”

JASON

“The kiting around Green island is totally sick! And there were amazing offshore waves. Bright blue patches of water going around the Ulladulla Lighthouse. Absolutely loved it. Count me in for the next trip.”

JONO

Playground discovery just beyond Green Island PHOTO > Jennie Milton

aware’, as well as providing critical support to those diagnosed with the disease.

There were about 12 people interested at various times, but gradually they all pulled out when they realised the effort involved, not to

Find more information at:

mention the shark stories in the newspapers. So

www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au Find more on

it was the ‘hardcore’ that turned up – Nicholas

the crossing, including their TV interviews, at:

Cole, Jason Rogers, Jono Woodhouse, Alex

www.torrescrossing.com

Unsworth and myself.

S T R AYA DAY D O W N W I N D E R – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 5

Wales is made up of beautiful, deserted beaches,

This one was just for fun! The plan was to kite,

rugged rocky headlands. Friday’s forecast looked

hopefully on the nor’easter, for as far as we could

good with a northeast wind of over 20 knots to

go, from Berrara down the coast; to kite ‘til we

come in at midday. There was the chance of a

dropped! With a four day event window for the

thunderstorm further down the coast to keep an

Australia day long weekend we hoped for a good

eye on, though.

wind forecast.

This area on the south coast of New South tropical looking clear waters, surfy waves and

Jono said, “There were some things that I

Tinnie support, Torres Crossing Straya day downwinder route

Green Island, New South Wales on Straya Day downwinder PHOTO > Jennie Milton

1 3 9

was aware of for this downwinder: sea monsters - the kind

stuck out there when the storm ended up killing the wind

with either large teeth or painful stingers; the wind dying or

(not to mention the lightning!).

getting a lot stronger; the importance of choosing the right

anywhere in the world (by a male) • The longest unbroken kiteboarding journey anywhere in the world (by a female)

kite size and gear failure; running out of food and drink;

KITE THE REEF

rocks and large cliffs. However, kiting around Green Island

A world first expedition, the aim is to kite 1,000 kilometre

Susi Mai and Jesse Richman are committed and on the

has made it into the list of top moments in life list. The

along the iconic World Heritage area, the Great Barrier

team. Sir Richard Branson is looking over our proposal

water was crystal clear, the wind was constant and it was

Reef coast, from Cairns to Cape York in August 2015.

as we write this after we sparked his interest last year:

uncrowded perfection. It really made me feel alive!”

We have three goals: firstly to raise awareness – The

Alex and Nick were invited to the MaiTai on Necker Island

So as you can see, it was a beautiful but dicey trip.

Great Barrier Reef is still beautiful but is under threat; to

(maitai.org) to tell the story of the Torres expedition, to

“Kites pumped, bum in the water and the rush of the

raise funds – there is no cure or effective treatment as

share Nick’s MND research approach and to talk about this

waterstart, in an instant all thoughts and fears washed

yet for Motor Neurone Disease (ALS) – team member Dr.

next upcoming mission. There will be a total of eight kiters

away as the aqua marine dreamy blue supported me as

Nick is a research scientist who is working on the cure;

on the boat (The Aroona) with a mission support crew of 5.

the golden sand, rocks and lime green and purples of the

and finally we aim to break records.

seaweed flashed by underneath me. Pure ecstasy - I was

ourselves to the limits of physical and mental endurance,

working life is dedicated to finding a cure for MND at the MN

in the zone!” resonated Nick.

but we have an experienced team with the leaders of the

Research Centre at Macquarie University, Sydney and all of us

first ever Torres Straight crossing, with support boats and

know someone who has been affected by Neurodegenerative

safety a high priority.

disease. Team photographer John Bilderback’s father

Unfortunately, when we got to Dolphin Point, with the giant mushroom cloud of the storm front ahead of us, the

e are challenging

In terms of the personal stories and motivation, Nick’s

died of MND and Jesse Richman’s dad has Parkinsons

wind dropped. We would have loved to have done the 107

We aim to cover the thousand kilometres as quickly

kilometres, but we had to be content with about 70. It was

as we can as we have the boat support for ten days. The

(neurodegeneration of a specific part of brain) and is still a

still a fantastic and memorable day’s kiting.

World Records we are looking to break are:

avid kiter. In terms of Great Barrier Reef conservation, it’s simple – we want to preserve the beauty and extraordinary

Special thanks to Marine Rescue NSW Ulladulla unit for backing us up with radio checks and for making the extra effort to let us know about the massive storm

• The longest unbroken traverse by kitesurf of the

coming from Bateman’s Bay. That was a saviour - we

• The fastest traverse of the Great Barrier Reef

dropped our kites at Dolphin Point and avoided getting

• The longest unbroken kiteboarding journey

Straya day team

Overnight camp at Kirkadie Reef during the Torres Crossing

Masig Island welcoming committee

Tricky navigation round Ulladulla headland PHOTO > Jennie Milton

ecosystem up there for generations to come.

Great Barrier Reef Find out more about Kite The Reef and donate directly to MND research at: www.kitethereef.org Torres Straight Crossing team

KW

Rich, Nick, Alex and Jason ALL TORRES PHOTOS: www.torrescrossing.com

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Journey brief

he ‘Iron Man’ is a 600+

caipirinha or fresh juice on each arrival.

If you want something more relaxed

kilometre kitesurfing

The package is fully inclusive, including

that is also focused on fun and luxury

experience, taking you

a dinner of delicious and healthy local

accommodation, then check out

from Taiba to Atins where

foods and a restful night’s sleep in

KiteWorldWide’s range of regular

you’ll discover the dreamlike flat-water

charming beachfront hotels. For six

downwinders along the northeast Brazil

lagoons (search ‘Red Bull Rally Dos

days, if kiting for hours is your thing,

coastline, that mix flat water and wave

Ventos’ for an idea). Once a year in

you’ll be living the dream!”

experiences with the safe support of

November, and only for experienced

It’s important to spend some time

multi-lingual instructors and guides on

riders, you have six challenging days

training for a downwinder like this – Matt

land and water. Staged over anything

to complete this exhilarating journey

Pearce suggests some key exercises on

from just a few days up to a huge 21-

as you wind your way along the hidden

the next page. Your level will rocket on a

day combo-safari. More at:

dunes, unspoilt beaches and through

trip like this, especially with the pro advice

www.kiteworldwide.com

the lush, flat water deltas. You’ll rip from

en-route. Whatever your level, there’s

Taiba to Jericoacoara in three days and

always a way to develop your technique.

winds on the planet, high-level athletes

recommend:

Beach highway support

you offering clinical tips along the way.

Your accommodation is sorted each night with no need to check in, all you need is to be confident enough in your riding and be able to demonstrate

The Land Rover team

And of course if you want to be part

such as Mitu Monteiro will accompany • Navigating between two bases (toe-side) • Downlooping and kitelooping while riding downwind • Transitioning toe-side (to relieve

of an incredible mass movement of kitesurfers then sign up for the Virgin Kitesurfing Armadas happening on CBK beach at Hayling Island in the UK and Tarifa this year and also in Cape Town

that you have enough experience to

your stance while still riding in the

at the start of 2016. The aim is to set a

face unexpected events. This is a real

same direction)

new mass downwinder world record, but the emphasis is on bringing hundreds

‘adventure’, comparable to skiing offpiste with a professional guide. You’ll

The ‘Iron Man’ is a unique challenge,

(possibly thousands!) of kitesurfers

launch from the beach in front of your

but don’t worry – there are other

together for a brilliant weekend festival.

chalet / room each morning and land on

options throughout the season that

You must sign up though, so get on the

Mitu Monteiro, elite pro level coach

the beachfront of your next pousada.

will invigorate your senses if you’re

case! See you there.

Daily glow of accomplishment

Don’t worry though, there is a Land

looking for something less strenuous

More information at:

Rover following for support.

but equally enjoyable. Surfin Sem

www.kitesurfingarmada.org.uk

Surfin Sem Fim sa , “It will feel

Fim’s ‘Classic’ route takes you 260

strange to walk on the sand after riding

kilometres from Taiba to Prea while the

the ocean for so long, but everyone

‘Delta’ option takes you 340 kilometres

is always so proud to share their

downwind from Prea to Atins. Find

emotions with their new friends on the

more information at:

trip as they’re greeted with a welcome

www.surfinsemfim.com.

KW

Fortaleza

Taíba

Pecém

Guajiru

Lagoinha

Apiques

Baleia

Mundaú

Flecheiras

Almofala

Moitas

Icaraí

Caetano

Arpoeiras

Ilha do Guajiru

Preá

Aranaú

Jericoacoara

Camocim

ROUTES ≈ Classic: Taíba / Preá: 270 km ≈ Delta: Preá / Atins: 330 km ≈ Iron Man: Taíba / Atins: 600 km

Surfin Sem Fim o fer a training scheme for long downwinders. They

65 Km

Cumbuco

≈ Taíba - Guajirú: 65 km ≈ Guajirú - Icaraí: 70 km ≈ Icaraí - Arpoeiras: 60 km ≈ Arpoeiras - Preá: 70 km ≈ Preá - Camocim: 75 km ≈ Camocim - Vila Itaqui: 80 km ≈ Vila Itaqui- Poldros: 55 km ≈ Poldros - Atins: 120 km

WOR DS > Kiteworld PHOTO S > Surfin Sem Fim

Riding some of the most consistent

70 Km

Ceará

Piauí

DISTANCES

several joyous days in a row! Unlike most downwinders of such epic proportions, these downwinders

then from Jeri to Atins in another three.

65 Km

Paracuru

Guilly Brandao joins the ride

Surfin Sem Fim offer incredible sailing experiences along the immense northern Brazil coastline for

T

Maceio

80 Km

Itaqui

Ilhas dos Poldros

70 Km

Maranhão

BRAZIL

aren’t just for an elite pack of pros, you can sign yourself up!

Atlantico

75 Km 55 Km

Barra Grande

THE IRON MAN,

120 Km

Pedra do Sal

Atins

Ironman, Classic and Delta routes Oceano

Percurso carro Car route

Percuso lancha Boat route

Hoteis Hotels

Pedras Stones

Currais

Farol lighthouse

Barco de Pescadores Boat Fishermen

Sem Vento No Wind

THE BEST AFTERSurf on the planet

TUMBAO

VALDEVAQUEROS BEACH ENJOY THE SUMMER,SURF & MOJITOS! El Tumbao Tarifa Valdevaqueros @ TUMBAOTARIFA

142

/

FITNESS

/

LET’S

G E T

P E A R C E D

C A P TION > G et tr aining to ma k e su re yo u d o n’t ti re a nd ca n d o m i na te the s ur f like Ma tt th ro u gho ut yo u r do wnwi nde r!

LET’S GET PEARCED Matt Pearce, Kiteworld’s resident kite-specific fitness expert is back with a downwind specific training programme that’s ideal for anyone looking to clock up some big distances

W

SESSION #07:

probably the answer, but a bit of training

PLANK

This isn’t the answer you’re supposed

on the lead up to such an epic undertaking

to give when asked, ‘How many pull

will make a world of difference. This

ups can you do?’. Negatives are great

e kiters are active and

training will help with any downwinder.

in that they train the lowering part of the

(reasonably)

by

Work through these exercises and build

pull-up movement - when the muscles

standards,

quads of steel that will help you tackle

contract and work hard to lower your

DOWNWINDER SPECIAL

modern

fit

but you don’t catch

whichever herculean feat of kitesurfin

many of us running up

endurance you embark upon and you’ll

When it comes to muscular endurance, your

need to be able to do a pull-up to do

and down hills in lycra

also recover more quickly afterwards.

core strength and stability are absolutely

a negative pull-up, so anyone can do

key. All of your body’s strength and co-

them and they build fantastic upper

ordination is centered around a strong core.

body strength.

and it’s fair to say that

the only time we end up doing a long

THE EXERCISES: WALL SLIDES

body weight under control. You don’t

The stronger your core is the longer you’ll

Find a pull-up bar or something

gone a little bit pear-shaped out on the

be able to kite before your body starts to tire

similar and pull yourself up so that your

water. Once we’ve reached a base level of

and you begin to struggle. The plank is the

chin is over the bar. If you can’t do a

kite fitness, our regular sessions generally

classic and, perhaps most effective, core

pull-up, jump while holding the bar to

aren’t like an iron man, thankfully.

exercise out there.

get to the top rather than using your

swimming session is when things have

and

arms to pull yourself up there. Lower

does involve some pretty lengthy periods

hold yourself still, resting only on your

yourself down as slowly as possible

of exertion is the downwinder. In a normal

elbows and toes. Keep your body

until your arms are fully extended.

session you’ll change tack, go back to

straight and don’t raise your hips or let

DO: As many as you can for one set.

the beach, chat to your friends or change

your knees drop. Hold it until your form

Then do four more sets but do two

However, one area of our sport that

Just

‘assume

the

position’

kites, depending on the conditions. Your

Wall slides are a squat with your

deteriorates and you can no longer

fewer reps each time. Rest for two

body gets a break from straining against

back against a wall. They force your

keep your body straight. Rest for two

minutes in between.

the kite and you can head back out

quadriceps (the muscles on the front of

minutes and go again.

refreshed and ready to tear it up again.

your thighs) into an isometric contraction

DO: Repeat this three times.

However, regular rest ‘n’ chill breaks

for a long period of time. This helps build

aren’t necessarily a luxury that you’ll be

muscular endurance which is very useful

afforded on a downwinder.

when maintaining course on a kiteboard

The Iron Man downwinder previously

V-SIT HOLD

NEGATIVE PULL-UPS

for hours at a time.

mentioned this issue averages 93 ‘clicks’

Put your back against the wall and

a day! Sound like your cup of tea? If so

lower yourself down slowly until your legs

you’ll no doubt be quietly wondering just

are bent at a 90 degree angle. Hold it until

The V-sit hold is another brilliant

how bad the ‘back-leg burn’ could be

you end up slumped on the floo . Stand up,

exercise for building core strength

after around 60 miles a day of relentless

walk it off for 90 seconds and do it again.

which is very useful when doing

kitesurfing in one direction. ‘Pretty bad’ is

DO: Repeat this three times.

anything physically tiring or strenuous

long periods of time. These can be

up to a big downwinder, or just as part

performed with or without a weight.

of your regular (or irregular) training

Holding

regimen. You’ll be far better prepared

something

heavy

in

your

hands, like a dumbbell, medicine ball

for

or even a rock is useful as it adds

Columbus-esque epic and you’ll be

extra difficulty to the exercise, but also

setting kitesurfing distance records

counterbalances the weight of your legs

before you know it! Just make sure you

and helps you stay in position.

have a crew with you and are a very

Sit on the ground with your legs

good swimmer before you set off on

outstretched. Extend your arms forward

your downwinder though…

the

rigours

of

a

Christopher

(with or without your chosen weighty object) and raise your feet off the ground while leaning back slightly. You will feel your abs strain as your core muscles work to hold your position and keep your body stable. Hold it until your form deteriorates and your feet end up

Matt Pearce is a personal trainer from

the northeast of England who focuses on outdoor fitness and sports specific

training. For fun he spends as much time running up and down mountains as

he can, competing in ultra-marathons,

fell races and all manner of unpleasant

back on the ground.

DO: Repeat five times with one

endurance events. He is also a reserve

Royal Marine, a team rider for Liquid

minute’s rest.

Force and head instructor at KA Do these four exercises as prescribed three or four times a week on the lead

Kitesurfing

in

knows the drill...

Northumberland.

He

KW

A The International Kiteboarding Highschool

pp l Sc

ho

yN

lar sh

ow

ips

!

Av ail

ab

ACADEMICS. ATHLETICS. Fall Semester 2015: The Columbia Gorge / Maui / Brazil

Spring Semester 2016: South Africa / South Padre Island Hatteras North Carolina

(+1) 541-908-5937

www.worldclasskiteboardacademy.com

CHARACTER. RE-THINK EDUCATION

le

75 listings_Layout 1 04/05/2015 17:32 Page 1

KITEWORLD

WORLDWIDE SCHOOLS & SHOPS

DIRECTORY

EVEN MORE LISTINGS AT WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

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THE AMERICAS

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1 Aqua Sports Maui Wailukui, Hawaii kiteboardingmaui@mac.com + 1 808 242 8015 www.mauikiteboardinglessons.com 2 Captain Kirks Kiteboarding San Pedro, CA & LaVentana, Baja info@captainkirks.com +1 310 833 3397 www.captainkirks.com 3 Exotikite Kiteboarding School Baja, Sur Mexico

info@exotikite.com +521 624 165 2612 www.exotikite.com 4 Good Breeze Kiteboarding Cocoa Beach, Florida info@kiteboardingcloseouts.com +1 321-252-5483 www.goodbreezekiteboarding.com www.kiteboardingcloseouts.com 5 Hatteras Island Surf & Sailing Waves, NC +1 252 987 2292 www.hatterasislandsurfshop.com 6 Kite Club Punta Cana Punta Cana, Dominican Republic +1 829 576 6399 info@kiteclubpuntacana.com www.kiteclubpuntacana.com 7 Kiteboarding School of Maui Kahului, Maui, Hawaii mschale@ksmaui.com +1 808 873 0015 www.ksmaui.com 8 Kitty Hawk Kites Nag's Head, Hatteras mail@kittyhawk.com +1 252 441 0265 www.kittyhawk.com www.khkiteboarding.com 9 KGB Kiteboarding Baja Mexico & California info@kgbswag.com +1 510 967 8014 www.kgbswag.com 10 Kiteforce Montreal, Quebec info@kite-force.com + 1 514 691 3314 www.kite-force.com 11 Kitestrophik Jericoacoara, Brazil kitestrophik@hotmail.com +55 88 9929 9339 www.kitestrophik.com

12 Laura Kite & Windsurf IKO Center, Uruguay +598 9442 0704 laumonino@hotmail.com www.kiteywindsurflaura.com www.halelau.com 13 NY Kite Center New York, USA info@nykitecenter.com +1 631 691 0793 www.nykitecenter.com

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12

6

16 Sandy Point Progessive Sports Daytona Beach, FL mike@progressivesports.com + 1 386-756-7564 www.daytonabeachkite boarding.com 17 Seven Kiteboarding Islamorada, Florida kite@sevensports.com + 1 305 853 5483 www.sevensports.com 18 TKS Miami Miami Florida sales@tksmiami.com + 1 305-361-0168 www.tksmiami.com 19 Ocean Freaks Manta, Ecuador info@oceanfreaks.com +1 321 292 7154 www.oceanfreaks.com 20 361 Kite Corpus Christi, TX info@361kite.com +1 361 742 7966 www.361kite.com 21 Windance Hood River, Oregon windance@windance.com +1 800 574 4020 www.windance.com

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14 Playa Del Carmen Kiteboarding School Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico + 52 984 134 2673 pdckiteboarding@gmail.com www.pdckiteboarding.com 15 Prokite South Padre South Padre Island TX & Hood River +1 541-490-6872 +1 855-774-5483 info@prokitesouthpadre.com www.prokitesouthpadre.com

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SHOPS

THE AMERICAS 22 321 Kiteboarding Cocoa Beach Florida info@321kiteboarding.com + 1 321-302-5663 www.321kiteboarding.com

28 Jupiter Kiteboarding Jupiter Florida Jeremy@jupiterkiteboarding.com +1 561 427 0240 www.jupiterkiteboarding.com

34 Wind Spirit, QuĂŠbec Canada +1 450 796 3142 / 1 866 666 9463 info@windspirit.ca www.windspirit-direct.com

23 2nd Wind Sports Hood River, Oregon 2ndwind@gorge.net +1 541 386 4464 www.2ndwind-sports.com

29 KGB Kiteboarding Baja Mexico & California info@kgbswag.com +1 510 967 8014 www.kgbswag.com

35 Ron Jon Kiteboarding Cocoa Beach, Florida + 1 321-252-5483 www.ronjonkiteboarding.com www.kiteboardingcloseouts.com

24 Air Kiteboarding Mount Pleasant, South Carolina info@catchsomeair.us +1 843 388 9300 www.catchsomeair.us

30 Kiteforce Montreal, Quebec info@kite-force.com + 1 514 691 3314 www.kite-force.com

36 Seven Kiteboarding Islamorada, Florida kite@sevensports.com + 1 305 853 5483 www.sevensports.com

25 Amped BoardSports Solana Beach, CA jckites@gmail.com +1 858 481 9283 www.ampedboardsports.com

31 Kite Naked, Northern California naked@kitenaked.com +1 209 304 2200 www.kitenaked.com

37 Solstice Sports Tampa Bay, Florida nick@solsticesports.com +1 352 454 6604 www.solsticesports.com

26 ProKite South Padre South Padre Island TX & Hood River +1 541-490-6872 +1 855-774-5483 info@prokitesouthpadre.com www.prokitesouthpadre.com

32 Motor City Kiteboarding School Great Lakes, USA sales@motorcitykiteboarding.com +1 586 943 5172 www.motorcitykiteboarding.com

38 Silent Sports Ontario, Canada info@silentsports.com +1 905 889 3772 www.silentsports.com

27 Hawaiian Watersports Kailua, Oahu Hawaii info@hawaiianwatersports.com +1 808 262 5483 www.hawaiianwatersports.com

33 NY Kite Center New York, USA info@nykitecenter.com +1631 691 0793 www.nykitecenter.com

39 TKS Miami Miami Florida sales@tksmiami.com + 1 305-361-0168 www.tksmiami.com

75 listings_Layout 1 04/05/2015 17:33 Page 2

1 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Risco del Paso, Fuerteventura company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

4 Extreme Algarve Algarve, Portugal bookings@extremealgarve.com 00351 918 674 079 www.extremealgarve.com

7 Hang Loose Beach Calabria, Italy lucahlb@gmail.com +39 3389511693 www.hangloosebeach.it

2 Andy's Kite Shop Goldau, Switzerland bestellung@kite.li +41 79 341 78 88 www.kite-shop.ch

5 Flag Beach Kitesurf Centre, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands info@flagbeach.com +34 928 866 389 / +44 (0) 871 711 5036 www.flagbeach.com

8 Kanela Sailing School Andalusia, Spain kanela@kanela.net +34 661 72 69 93 www.kanela.net

3 Costa Noroeste Kitesurf School Famara, Lanzarote, Canary Islands info@costanoroeste.com +34 928 528 597 www.costanoroeste.com

9 Kite Loop Ada Bojana, Montenegro contact@kiteloop.net +382 69 629 864 / +381 64 172 9033 www.kiteloop.net

6 Griffes KiteFlex Cyprus info@kitesurfingcyprus.com +357 99 618 448 www.kitesurfingcyprus.com

10 KTS40 Wind Revolution Kite School Lake Como, Italy comolake@kts40.com +39 320 462 7996 www.kts40.com Cable Park: +39 334 586 7697 kts40@cablecrew.com

12 Surf Club keros Keros Beach, Kalliopi info@surfclubkeros.gr +30 694 298 2102 www.surfclubkeros.gr 13 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Golf de Roses, Spain company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

11 Rene Egli Playa Sotavento, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands info@rene-egli.com +34 928 547 483 www.rene-egli.com

14 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Tarifa, Spain company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

EUROPE

7

1 De Silva Windresort Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka office@surfschool-srilanka.com +94 77 676 4899 www.surfschool-srilanka.com

4 Kitesports / SNOWKITE NZ Christchurch, New Zealand +64 3 3884783 / +64 21542770 tim@kitesports.co.nz www.kitesports.co.nz

7 Les Ailes Co Ltd, Fukui-Ken Sakai-Shi Mikuni-Machi, Japan lesailes@hyper.ocn.ne.jp + 81 (0) 776 82 0971 www.lesailes.jp

2 Elements Watersports & Nature Resort Kappalady Sri Lanka manager@elements-resort.com +94 (0)777 377 387 www.elements-resort.com

5 Kiteboarding China Sanya, Hainan Island, China. www.kiteboardingchina.com +86-898-66603322 info@kiteboardingchina.com

8 Ocean Republic Bulabog Beach Boracay Island, Philippines info@ocean-republic.com www.ocean-republic.com

6 Kitesurfing Lanka Puttalam, Sri Lanka info@kitesurfinglanka.com +94 77 3686235 www.kitesurfinglanka.com

9 Surf Connect Wind & Kitesurfing Brisbane, Queensland, Australia info@surfconnect.com +61 731 370500 www.surfconnect.com

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3

2

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3 Kitesurfnam Mui Ne. Vietnam info@kitesurfnam.com +84 122 691 0538 www.vietnamkitesurfing holidays.com 10

10 WindSwell Kitesurfing Port Douglas Four Mile Beach Far North Queensland Australia info@windswell.com.au +61 427 498 042 windswell.com.au

ASIA & AUSTRALASIA

9

4

1 Airborne Kite Centres Zanzibar island, Tanzania Mombasa, Kenya info@airbornekitecentre.com (Tz)+255 (0)776 687 357 (Ke)+254 731 212 410 www.airbornekitecentre.com

6 Endless Summer Beachhouse Bloubergstrand, Cape Town fun@endlesssummerbeach house.co.za +27 (0) 845 543 262 www.endlesssummerbeach house.co.za

2 Best Kiteboarding Africa Kiteboarding Shop & School Cape Town, Tableview info@windfever.co.za +27 (21) 556 2765 www.bestkiteboardingafrica.com

7 Explora Morocco Essaouira & Dakhla, Morocco adventure@exploramorocco.com +212 611475188 / +44 7738 563883 www.exploramorocco.com

3 Cabrinha South Africa Big Bay, Cape Town grant@cabrinha.co.za donovan@cabrinha.co.za +27 21 554 1729 www.cabrinha.co.za 4 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Dahab, Egypt company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com 5 Cape Sports Center Langebaan, South Africa info@capesport.co.za +27 22 77 21 114 www.capesport.co.za

8 GP Kite School Dahab Dahab, Egypt info@gpkite.com +20 122 592 2505 www.gpkite.com 9 Harry Nass Kiteboarding Dahab, Egypt info@harry-nass.com +20 69 364 0559 www.harry-nass.com 10 High Five, Kitesurfschool Bloubergstrand, Cape Town jj@high-five.co.za + 27 (0) 729 027 899 www.high-five.co.za

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

1 Aruba Kitesurfing School Palm Beach, Noord info@arubakitesurf.com +297 731 4398 www.arubakitesurfingschool.com

3 Coche Kite Sports Isla de Coche, Venezuela cochekitesports@hotmail.com +58 (0) 414 794 2133 www.cochekitesports.com

2 Bonaire Kiteboarding Bonaire info@kiteboardingbonaire.com +599 701 5483 +599 701 5482 www.kiteboardingbonaire.com

4 Kitesurfing Aruba Fisherman's Hut, Aruba kitesurfingaruba@hotmail.com +297 733 1515 www.kitesurfingaruba.com

5 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Cabarete, Dominican Republic company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

CARIBBEAN

11 Kiteboarding Club El Gouna Buzzha Beach, El Gouna, Egypt elgouna@kiteboarding-club.com +49 201 4263 5528 +20 122 661 0878 www.elgouna.kiteboarding-club.com

17 Skate Shack Kingdom of Bahrain info@skate-shack.com +973 17697176 www.skate-shack.com

23 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Safaga, Egypt company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

12 Kite Junkies Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt info@kitejunkies.com +20 122 010 6831 www.kitejunkies.com

18 Skate Shack Doha, Qatar info@skate-shack.com +974 44692532 www.skate-shack.com

24 Rihfly Dakhla Sport Center Dakhla, Morocco rihflydakhla@dakhla-attitude.ma +212 (0) 672 285 009 www.dakhla-attitude.ma

13 Kite Kahunas Table View, Cape Town info@kitekahunas.com +27 83 463 2652 www.kitekahunas.com

19 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Sal, Cape Verde company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

25 Surfers Kite and Surf Shop Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa info@kitesurfers.co.za +2732 946 0018 www.kitesurfers.co.za

14 Liquid Force SA Blouberg, Cape Town jarrod@liquidforce.co.za +27 (0) 21 556 8172 www.liquidforcect.co.za

20 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Essaouira, Morocco company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

15 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Anse La Raie, Mauritius company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

21 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Mauritius, Le Morne, Indian Ocean company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

26 Watersports Warehouse Sunset Beach, Cape Town sales@watersportswarehouse. co.za +27 21 802 3934 www.watersportswarehouse. co.za

16 Paje by Kite Zanzibar - Tanzania info@pajebykite.net + 255 (0)777 460710 www.pajebykite.net

22 Club Mistral Kitesurfing Dakhla, Morocco company@club-mistral.com +49 (0)881 92 54 960 www.club-mistral.com

27 Windchasers Cape Town & Langebaan info@windchaserssa.com +27 (0) 82 079 0500 www.windchaserssa.com

75 listings_Layout 1 04/05/2015 17:38 Page 3

KITEWORLD

DIRECTORY

UK SCHOOLS & SHOPS

EVEN MORE LISTINGS AT WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

SCHOOLS 1 Atlantic Riders Newquay, Cornwall info@atlanticriders.co.uk +44 (0) 7791 937 207 www.atlanticriders.co.uk 2 Blast Kiteboarding Porthcawl, Sourh Wales blastkiteboarding@live.co.uk +44 (0) 7712 831 951 www.blastkiteboarding.co.uk 3 Big Blue Kitesurfing Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales info@bigbluekitesurfing.com +44 (0) 7816 169 359 www.bigbluekitesurfing.com 4 Camber Kitesurfing Camber, East Sussex kitesurfinginstructor@yahoo.co.uk +44 (0) 7960 587 482 www.camberkitesurfing.com 5 Extreme Academy Watergate Bay, Cornwall sports@watergatebay.co.uk +44 (0) 1637 860 840 www.extremeacademy.co.uk 6 Edge Watersports, Exmouth, Devon info@edgewatersports.com +44 (0) 1395 222 551 www.egdewatersports.com 7 Easyriders Kiteboarding Whitecliffe, Poole, Dorset info@easyriderskiteboarding.com +44 (0) 1202 744 055 www.easyriderskiteboarding.com 8 Essex Kitesurf School Southend-On-Sea, Essex lessons@essexkitesurfschool.co.uk +44 (0) 775 170 5558 www.essexkitesurfschool.co.uk 9 Evolution Boardsports Lancing, Sussex info@evolutionboardsports.com + 44 (0)1903 764790 www.evolutionboardsports.com 10 Gower Kite Riders Francis Street, Swansea mail@gowerkiteriders.com +44 (0)1792 446511 www.gowerkiteriders.com 11 CBK The Kitesurf School Hayling Island, Hants rosemary@cbk-haylingisland.com +44 (0) 2392 422570 www.cbk-haylingisland.com

SHOPS 13 L2K Shoreham Beach, Sussex tim@learn2kitesurf.biz +44 (0) 1273 25 29 51 +44 (0) 7799 897 190 www.learn2kitesurf.biz 14 Mobius Kite School Perranporth, Marazion Hayle and Pentewan, Cornwall info@mobiusonline.co.uk +44 (0) 1637 831 383 www.mobiusonline.co.uk 15 Pasty Adventures Gwithian & Marazion,Cornwall info@pastyadventures.co.uk 07814 501 920 www.pastyadventures.co.uk 16 Pure Magic Kitesurfing Dublin, Ireland francois@puremagic.ie +353 (0) 18054912 www.puremagic.ie 17 Rye Watersports Kitesurfing Centre Rye, East Sussex team@ryewatersports.co.uk +44 (0) 1797 225238 www.ryewatersports.co.uk

1 ATBShop Swindon, Wiltshire info@atbshop.co.uk +44 (0) 1793 523255 www.atbshop.co.uk

5 Ocean Leisure London info@oceanleisure.co.uk 0207 930 5050 www.oceanleisure.co.uk

2 Bracklesham Boardriders Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex

6 Powerkiteshop Oldbury, West Midlands info@powerkiteshop.com +44 (0) 121 544 9514 www.powerkiteshop.com

info@brackleshamboardriders.co.uk

+ 44 (0) 1243 671777 www.brackleshamboardriders.co.uk

3 Evolution Boardsports Lancing, Sussex info@evolutionboardsports.com + 44 (0)1903 764790 www.evolutionboardsports.com

7 Robin Hood Watersports Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire sales@roho.co.uk +44 (0) 1924 444888 www.roho.co.uk

King Of Watersports Online Store info@kingofwatersports.com + 44 (0) 1202 763 675 www.kingofwatersports.com

8 Wet n Dry Boardsports London Road, Basildon +44 (0) 1268 569988 info@wetndryboardsports.com www.wetndryboardsports.com

4 CBK The Kitesurf Shop Hayling Island, Hants rosemary@cbk-haylingisland.com +44 (0) 7507 315105 www.cbk-haylingisland.com

2XS Online Store sales@2xs.co.uk +44 (0) 1243 512552 www.2xs.co.uk

19

18 Hampshire Kitesurfing Centre Southampton Info@hampshirekitesurfing.com +44 (0) 7863 811 644 www.hampshirekitesurfing.com 19 Wild Diamond Watersports Isle of Tiree, Scotland info@wilddiamond.co.uk + 44 (0)1879 220399 www.wilddiamond.co.uk 20 Windstalker Island Kite Sports Isle Of Wight info@windstalkerislandkitesports.com +44 (0) 1983 613358 www.windstalkerislandkitesports.com 21 X-Train West Wittering, West Sussex info@x-train.co.uk +44 (0) 1243 513077 www.x-train.co.uk 22 514Elemental Westward Ho! North Devon info@514elemental.com +44 (0) 7565 621 446 www.514elemental.com

7

16

6

12 Kitesurfkings Shoreham Beach, Sussex info@kitesurfkings.com +44 (0) 1273 88 88 33 +44 (0) 7878 399 419 www.kitesurfkings.com

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KITEWORLD

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ACCOMODATION

DIRECTORY THE AMERICAS 1

2

3

4

MOLOKAI BEACH HOUSE Hawaii, USA +1 808-878-2683 axisdeer2@wawaii.rr.com SEVEN KITEBOARDING Islamorada, Florida kite@sevensports.com 305 853 5483 www.sevensports.com KGB KITEBOARDING Baja Mexico & California USA info@kgbswag.com +1 510 967 8014 www.kgbswag.com EXOTIKITE BAJA Baja, Mexico Beach Vacation Rentals info@exotikite.com +521 624 165 2612 www.exotikite.com

5

BLUE HAVEN Turks and Caicos Islands +1 203 655 1600 ireckhorn@wihl.com www.bluehaventci.com

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

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EVEN MORE LISTINGS AT WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

AFRICA

ASIA

1

KITEWORLDWIDE CAPE TOWN Sunset Beach +44 2036 085 777 www.kiteworldwide.com

1

DE SILVA WINDRESORT Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka office@surfschool-srilanka.com +94 77 676 4899 www.surfschool-srilanka.com

2

SURF THE CAPE Cape Town, South Africa mail@surfthecape.de +27 21 55 70 09 2 www.surfthecape.de

2

KITE BEACH VILLAS Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka info@kitebeachvillaskalpitiya.com + 94 77 5566485 www.kitebeachvillaskalpitiya.com

3

KITESURFNAM Mui Ne, Vietnam Villas & Beach Hotels, Lessons & Rentals info@kitesurfnam.com +84 122 691 0538 www.vietnamkitesurfingholidays.com

4

REEF RETREAT RESORT Bulabog Beach Boracay Island, Philippines info@reefretreatboracay.com +63 9173 493 060 www.reefretreatboracay.com

3

4

KITE KAHUNAS Table View, Cape Town info@kitekahunas.com +27 83 463 2652 www.kitekahunas.com CAPETOWNGURU.COM Guest Houses & rentals sheree@capetownguru.com +27 (0) 845 543 262 www.capetownguru.com

5

THE MYSTIC HOUSE Bloubergstrand, Cape Town Guest House info@themystichouse.com + 27 (0) 731 435 902 www.themystichouse.com

FUN TRIPS DR olivier@funtrips-dr.com +1 849 244 4334 www.funtrips-dr.com

6

KITE BEACH HOTEL Cabarete Dominican Republic kitebeachhotel@gmail.com + 1 809-571-0878 www.kitebeachhotel.com

ENDLESS SUMMER BEACHHOUSE Table View, Cape Town fun@endlesssummerbeachhouse.co.za +27 (0) 845 543 262 www.endlesssummerbeachhouse.co.za

7

SEALANE CONDOS Cabarete, DR Rentals info@oceandreamcabarete.com + 1 305 600 0849 www.sealanecabarete.com

SANDYSHORES (Liquid Force) Blouberg, Cape Town info@sandyshores.co.za +27 (0) 21 557 3348 www.sandyshores.co.za

8

WINDCHASERS Cape Town & Langebaan info@windchaserssa.com +27 (0) 82 079 0500 www.windchaserssa.com

BARRA GRANDE KITE CAMP Barra Grande, Piauí , Brazil contato@barragrandekitecamp.com.br +55 (86) 3369 8019 www.barragrandekitecamp.com.br KITEWORLDWIDE BRAZIL Tatajuba +44 2036 085 777 www.kiteworldwide.com

7

9

1

HANG LOOSE BEACH Calabria, Italy lucahlb@gmail.com +39 3389511693 www.hangloosebeach.it

KITEWORLDWIDE ZANZIBAR Jambiani +44 2036 085 777 www.kiteworldwide.com

2

PAJE BY KITE Zanzibar Hotel & Kite school info@pajebykite.com + 255 (0)777460710 www.pajebykite.com

TARIFA DIRECT Tarifa, Spain rentals@tarifadirect.com +34 693 703 378 www.tarifadirect.com

3

HOTEL HURRICANE Tarifa, Spain info@hotelhurricane.com +34 956 68 49 19 www.hotelhurricane.com

4

SURF CLUB KEROS Keros Beach, Kalliopi info@surfclubkeros.gr +30 694 298 2102 www.surfclubkeros.gr

5

LA BALLENA ALEGRE Sant Pere Pescador Girona, Spain info@ballena-alegre.com +34 972 520 302 www.ballena-alegre.com

HURRICANE JERI Jericoacoara reservas@hotel-hurricane-jericoacoara.com +55 (88) 9766 5968 www.hotel-hurricane-jericoacoara.com

10

TREMEMBÉ KITE MANSION Praia de Tremembé Icapuí CE, Brazil info@tremembebeach.com +55 88 9291 3511 www.tremembebeach.com

11

VILLAMANGO BEACH BUNGALOWS / MANGO KITE CLUB Icaraizinho, Ceara, Brazil herkk@terra.com.br +55 88 3636 3089 www.villamango.com.br

12

KITEWORLDWIDE KENYA Mwazaro Beach / Shimoni +44 2036 085 777 www.kiteworldwide.com

13

OUTRIGGER MAURITIUS BEACH RESORT Bel Ombre, Mauritius resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com +230 623 5000 www.outrigger.com

14

VILAREJO Barra Grande, Piauí , Brazil vilarejobarragrande@gmail.com www.vilarejobarragrande.com

15

DUNAS DE PUPUYA Navidad, Chile info@dunasdepupuya.cl +56 9 8809 6667 www.dunasdepupuya.cl

EUROPE

DAKHLA ATTITUDE HOTEL Dakhla, Morocco booking@dakhla-attitude.ma +212 (0) 672 285 009 www.dakhla-attitude.ma EXPLORA MOROCCO Essaouira & Dakhla, Morocco adventure@exploramorocco.com +212 611475188 +44 7738 563883 www.exploramorocco.com

TO GET YOUR TRAVEL SERVICES LISTED HERE EMAIL:

TRAVEL@KITEWORLDMAG.COM

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Happy Island, Union, The Grenadines PHOTO - Ben Findlay

VIBES

1 4 9

PERFORMANCE

&

COCKTAILS

From downwinders to downing beers this issue! We’ve asked some of the most widely travelled and sociable pro riders and KW contributors to fill us in on some of their all-time favourite spots for sinking a few cold ones after another momentous kite session. Bottoms up, buddy!

Caribbean HA P PY I S L A N D B A R – U N I O N I S L A N D, T H E G R E NA D I N E S

nothing more than a shack, flanked b

and laugh at damn near anything you’re

Rainbow Bridge over the Anahulu Stream,

moto-concho taxi ranks, with no stools and

not doing at the moment in the outside

‘Joe’s’ brings locals and tourists together

almost zero decoration. The draw is that

world. (Sadly, it’s so nice that even a pro

for outstanding seafood and wickedly

they serve the strongest Cuba Libres known to man at a cost of about $1.50 a pop. Some

with documentary dedication of JB was

having too much of a special time to whip

the lens out. Some things are best left to the

good cocktails. Clark behind the bar has a MaiTai without equal and you can keep

TIP-OFF BY: COLLEEN CARROLL

absolutely ludicrous nights out have started

At the best kite spot on Union Island in the

(and possibly ended) in Blue Bar.

imagination. - Ed)

there’s a little beach inside.

kite-out bar serving up refreshments without

A B R AC A D A B R A – A N T I G UA

T H E S A N D B A R – P R OV O, TURKS AND CAICOS

CAFE DES AMIS – M AU I , HAWA I I

you even having to land your kite. Hit it at

TIP-OFF BY: JAKE KELSICK

TIP-OFF BY: SAM MEDYSKY

TIP-OFF BY: JALOU LANGEREE

sunset when the tunes are pumping and

On the south side of Antigua you’ll find

Provo is a small island and the Sand Bar is

Every year I travel back to Maui for the

the rum punch is flowing. It’s important t

good mix of travelling sailors, kiters and

the spot to go for a good night out. Most of

Naish product shoot and after a long day

remember to drink and kite responsibly here!

party-goers all sipping on some rum and

the locals will be out and there are plenty of

of shooting we grab a drink during happy

busting a wine to some good reggae tunes.

tourists to hit on or chat up.

hour at Cafe Des Amis. It has the best

Grenadines you’ll find a bar that is boun to make any kiteboarder smile. It’s a kite-in

TIP-OFF #02 BY: TOM COURT without ‘Happy Island’ on Union. Ride all day

C OW W R E C K – A N E G A D A ( BV I ’ S )

at Jeremie Tronet’s centre and sail out to

TIP-OFF BY: JAKE KELSICK

Happy Island as the sun starts to fade. You

One of the sweetest after-session chill

can tie your kite to the downwind edge of the

the glass, if you can remember. And

atmosphere in Paia, they do great MaiTais,

USA

the lentil crepes are awesome and on

and drink spots. You can literally kite in

WAT E R M E N ’ S B A R A N D G R I L L – C A P E HAT T E R AS

bar (or not - as you wish). Grab a drink, listen

front of the bar and restaurant - most

TIP-OFF BY: JAKE KELSICK

Brazil

to tunes, take in the amazing Caribbean

people usually do a downwinder and

The home of Triple-S. The Watermen’s Bar

atmosphere and party with the people from

finish at Cow

and Grill seems to drain my bank account

AMARELA – TA I B A , B R A Z I L

the boats. Don’t drink too many rums though,

it out there, order a ‘Pain Killer’ - a

every time I visit the Outer Banks. Good food

TIP-OFF BY: SAM MEDYSKY

or you’ll struggle to kite back to shore!

well known BVI special, which perhaps

and ice cold beers on the tap, it’s the ideal

I was a bartender at Amarela one season

unsurprisingly involves quite a bit of rum!

place to chill before and after a session.

and I can tell you it’s a fun spot. Their

TIP-OFF #02: SAM MEDYSKY

favourites. Good tunes, good capi’s and

TIP-OFF BY: TOM COURT

NECKER ISLAND (ROOF-TOP PERCH)

All the Kona brews on tap plus Real has

lots of dancing on the bar and tables.

Cabarete has a great selection of beach bars

TIP-OFF BY: JOHN BILDERBACK

brewed their own Triple-S lager. Finish a

that line the one-street town. It is possible

I shan’t debate my qualifications for th

session in the slick, land in the back yard

to end your kite session right out front, land

dubious honour of making it onto this elite

and head straight to the bar, dripping wet

your kite, walk up the beach, select your bar

selection panel - however, my first selectio

craving a crisp cold beer! Not to mention

of choice, get an ice cold beer and settle into

isn’t about the booze. An optimum location

live music several nights of the week.

some aprés session beer yoga.

to relax and laugh at how good you have it

No shortlist of bars would be complete

CABARETE BEACH FRONT – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

reck. If you ever make

Fridays there’s live music.

Halloween party is one of my personal

Europe B A R T U M B AO – VA L D E VAQ U E R O S , TA R I FA , S PA I N

building at Necker Island. There’s only room

HA L E I WA J O E ’ S – O A H U, HAWA I I

TIP-OFF BY: MATT PEARCE

for about eight people on five or six gian

TIP-OFF BY: JOHN BILDERBACK

Epic kite scene and, although a little

No shortage of party venues, some are

pillows, there are no facilities, you have to

My favourite place to go after a kite session

crowded in mid-summer, the aprés kite

more reputable than others, but for me the

climb a ladder, and yet somehow it’s the

is, without question, Haleiwa Joe’s on the

scene definitely benefits from this There

stand out option is Blue Bar. It’s literally

most luxurious spot I can think of to sit, look

North Shore of Oahu. Situated next to the

are always lots of good riders and fun

B LU E B A R – C A B A R E T E

is the little rooftop perch on the watersports

TIP-OFF BY: TOM COURT

150

/

FEATURE

/

VIBES Sensi Graves demonstrated the delicious riding opportunities around Happy Island on Union Island PHOTO – Vincent Bergeron

CAPTION - Jeremie Tronet, Craig Cunningham and Colleen Carroll, Happy Island. Can’t think where the name came from!

PHOTO - Zoe S-J “This ones for you!” Sam Medysky is reliable when it comes to parties

Alex Fox and Brandon Scheid couldn’t conceal their excitement for Happy Island PHOTO – Vincent Bergeron

Bar Tumbao, Tarifa. Epic aprés session action. You’ll also find a Club Mistral centre here and good DJs spinning tunes each late afternoon / evening in the summer. Perfect!

PHOTO – Kiteworld

Nostrovia! Bee Camp, Russia PHOTO – Ann Shahova

Waterwomen Colleen Carroll, Claire Lutz, Paula Rosales and LuLu Vroman

KW

people to hang with and in summer it can get pretty

Scarborough, and then drive a short distance to the

loose, rolling on for as late as you like!

Sunday Session. It’s an all-day party that happens

B O S S A – TA R I FA , S PA I N TIP-OFF BY: MATT PEARCE

all along the sea front, consisting of all-day drinking, good music and fun vibes. Perth in general has a good scene in the right season.

Tarifa’s a legendary party town but my favourite haunt has always been Bossa. It’s just inside the archway at the top of the Old Town and is one of those places that you just stop in at early in the evening and end up

S o u t h Af r i c a

staying all night. Incredible mojitos, an awesome posse

C A R LU C C I ’ S – C A P E T OW N

of regulars and fantastic coffee during the day if you’ve

TIP-OFF BY: MATT PEARCE

hit it too hard the night before.

It’s not actually a bar, but I’d argue it’s one of the

F L AS H P O I N T – E L M E D A N O, TENERIFE

world’s busiest kiteboarder hangouts. They do incredible coffee, amazing breakfasts, lunch and snacks and it’s great for jumping on the wifi, checkin

TIP-OFF BY: MATT PEARCE

the forecast and shooting the breeze with your fellow

A really cool, laid back beach bar. They do good

kiters. They sell beer too, so it surely qualifies

food, it’s a great place to watch the sun go down and the perfect post-session venue for a couple of

TIP-OFF #02 BY: JALOU LANGEREE

(usually more) beers. Flashpoint breakfasts are also

The place where plans are hatched every morning,

the stuff of legend and there’s always a fun, relaxed,

located right on the Kite Beach boulevard, overlook-

international vibe.

ing the ocean and Table Mountain. The staff are super-friendly, they know your favourite drink and

TIP-OFF #02: MARK SHINN

make you feel very welcome. Lots of people and lots

Any bar on your local spot is a good one! Flashpoint

of talking when you’re straight out of bed – a good

offers hope to a great number of windsurfers and

way to wake-up (so I guess it’s good for after a ses-

kiters - you can pretty much go there alone at any

sion the night before!).

time and meet friends. The beer of choice has to be Dorada Especial - what else would you expect?!

SU R F C LU B K S N – H O L L A N D

D O O D L E S – B L O U B E R G S T R A N D, C A P E T OW N TIP-OFF BY: SAM MEDYSKY

TIP-OFF BY: JALOU LANGEREE

Cape town is fairly inexpensive compared to Canada

We spend so much time here when we are at home.

and the USA to start with, but if you hit Doodles on

The whole family comes together for after-kite beers

Thursday nights during happy hour you can get a beer

and BBQs. Kiteboarding started for Kevin and I at KSN,

for 50 cents – incredible! Finish a downwinder from

it’s right on the beach and has a great hangout and bar.

Sunset to Doodles and reward yourself with one or

R B S C S A I L I N G C LU B – DUINBERGEN, BELGIUM

several cold ones.

My absolute favourite bar is the sailing club in

PA KO L O L O S A N D D O O D L E S – B L O U B E R G S T R A N D, C A P E T OW N

Belgium. Fifty metres from the shore-line, great

TIP-OFFS BY: TOM COURT

characters and all kinds of Belgian beery goodness.

Cape Town is a yearly event for the kite industry, not

There’s an open fire to sit next to while you watch th

only thanks to consistently strong wind, but also the

action on the water, too.

lifestyle. Both these bars are just metres from the

TIP-OFF BY: MARK SHINN

B E E C A M P B E AC H B A R – RU S S IA TIP-OFF BY: JAKE KELSICK

water’s edge and watching the sunset over Table Mountain has to be the best way to start the year!

but I enjoyed the full-on Russian experience at the

S H I M M Y B E AC H C LU B – C A P E T OW N

Rail Masters event late last year. To one side there’s a

TIP-OFF BY: MATT PEARCE

full-on kite park, then a short walk across the sand bar

Sunday seems to be the definitive party day in Cap

there’s Beeline’s killer beach bar set-up: drinks, food,

Town and Shimmy Beach Club was a go-to destination

and pretty Russian girls everywhere!

last season. The place is massive with a huge open

Making it to and from Russia is an experience in itself,

air dance floo , incredible views of the harbour and

Au s t r a l i a

there are always awesome local and international DJs

SU N D AY S E S S I O N – C OT T E S L O E , P E RT H

You’re not supposed to jump in it and the bouncers will

TIP-OFF BY: TOM COURT

playing that draw a large and diverse crowd. There’s also a swimming pool in the middle of the dance floo . throw you out if you do, but you can probably guess what happens...

So although this isn’t strictly on the kite spot, on a Sunday during the summer season in Perth you can kite the world-class flat water spots aroun Freemantle, or hit the cross-onshore waves of

Some brain cells were harmed in the making of this

feature, so this is by no means a definitive list. Several classic aprés-sessions may have been forgotten.

KW

152

/

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PHOTO - Toby Bromwich

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“Hey girl, wanna hang?” While Sensi Graves looks on, Brandon Scheid does a little trash talking of his own. VINCENT BERGERON © 2015 Patagonia, Inc.

Talking Trash.

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154

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TRAVEL

ESSENTIALS

TRAVEL E S S E N T I A L S : JAKE KE L S I C K

Jake Kelsick from Antigua gives us the benefits of his experience after a few years of continuous travel to help you have great journeys

V

and happy shredding

irgin Airlines, a Kiteboarder’s Favourite Airline:

Embrace strange airport experiences:

Best travel selfie ever :

I travelled to Russia last year for the Rail Masters event

This was shot in Anegada

This is the only airline that I have come

and was greeted at baggage claim with a sign warning

(BVI’s) at the well-known

across that allows you to carry sporting

about fraudulent taxi drivers - and to take them at your

Conch Shell Mound. Literally

gear, including kite gear, completely

own risk. As soon as I exited I was literally swarmed by

thousands of conch shells

free. It doesn’t even count as a bag, so

an overwhelming amount of taxi drivers. Let’s just say I

have been collected over

you can travel with two bags for free.

was stoked I didn’t have to take a taxi!

a few generations by local fishermen and is one of th

Pack only what you need:

most unique things I have ever seen. Snapping loads of

As a travelling kiteboarder, your bare essentials can

Traveling solo Vs having a travel buddy:

really add up, but if you are smart about it you can

Both have their benefits, but it’s usually better to travel wit

Pack a tool kit:

spread the load nicely. I usually travel with three

a friend, especially when you have a bunch of bags, or a

Having a tool kit, including a few extra screws, can

kites, two boards, a harness, a few bars, a pair of

pretty long flight. It’s easier to pass time and everythin

help make sure you get to shred as soon as possible.

boots and a tool kit. If I were to throw that all into

is more fun with your homies. On the other hand, you

Having a screwdriver or that funky pump nozzle can

one bag it would definitely be overweight. Instead,

become much more approachable when travelling alone,

help another rider get out riding and will make their day.

I split it between a ‘golf bag’ and a 100L Dakine

things become more interesting when talking to other solo

Another friend made.

split roller. One kite, two boards, boots, bars and a

travellers and you may make a new friend!

harness in the golf bag and then the other two kites

photos helps remember all the magical moments like this.

Travel More:

and whatever other things I need for the trip go in the

Must-Have Travel Tunes:

Dakine luggage bag.

G-Eazy - Almost Famous. Drake - Days in the East.

kiteboarding destinations to hit. Talk to your fellow

C’Danger - Not a Ting Changed. The Fugees - Fu Gee La.

shred heads wherever you go, ask where they have

Chance the Rapper - 14,400 Minutes.

been and find out where they really enjoyed. Whil

Campers are the new golfers: Most airlines will charge you anywhere from $100 - 200

Travelling is amazing and thankfully there are endless

you’re at it, buy a life-sized map, stick it on your wall

if you show up with a standard boardbag. For golfers,

Talk to the locals:

it’s much more acceptable to travel with a big bag, but

The best way to learn about anywhere is to interact with

the ones still on your bucket list. I would recommend

campers also get away with it. Every now and again they

the locals. The local kite school is probably the best place

checking out Lake Garda in Italy. It was one of the

may ask you to open your bag, which is why I have been

to go and introduce yourself and most locals are friendly.

most breathtaking places I got to see this year; great

traveling with ‘camping’ gear all year as my kite easily

I must warn you: it may lead to special sessions, BBQ’s,

food, good people and tons of wind. (Whaddya know?

passes as a tent.

crazy nights out and a bunch of new friends.

Jake brings a little Caribbean riding flavour to Europe PHOTO > Martin Reiter

and pinpoint all the places you have been and mark

It’s featured this issue! - Ed)

KW