retail buyer’s guide
RETAIL BUYER’S GUIDE
K I T E B OA R D I N G 2022
CABRINHA
Innovations keep pushing kiteboarding forward. The only limitation is the availability of raw materials to bring these innovations to the marketplace. By Rocio Enriquez.
Big Air continues to drive growth. Its popularity, boosted by big competitions, relies on the spectacular nature of the discipline. Viewers are as excited watching the jumps as riders are to boost them. New measuring devices and dedicated gear have enabled riders to push their limits. The level has exploded. “We’ve seen effortless double kite loops on a twelve meter, previously unheard of!”, says Cai Wagget from Ocean Rodeo. This trend is driving the development of lighter yet strong materials for kites and boards. Foiling keeps growing 32
‘‘It’s important to find the material mix that makes the kite lighter but also dynamic” Robert Bratz, Eleveight
as well. The ability to take advantage of any wind conditions is too good to pass on. The Olympic status of the modality has sealed the deal. There is an added appeal in the crossover capabilities of this discipline into winging or foil surfing. Big Air and kite foiling are where most brands expect their growth. They are the areas getting bigger chunks of the R&D budgets.
