TheKiteMag #41 Free Digital by Water Born Media

#41

E TOP KIT S IP R T 21 for 20

IS S U E #41

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Rider Steven Akkersdijk / Photo Thomas Burblies

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TRAX HRD LITE TECH The TRAX has a long heritage and is one of the most popular twin tips on the market. It is the ultimate freeride and freestyle board with a unique feeling on the water, offering both speed and comfort with fantastic glide. The Lite Tech is an exclusive to F-ONE. • Ultimate freeride/freestyle board • HRD Rail Technology • Easy to ride – perfect for beginners and experts alike • Smooth and forgiving

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COVER

Camdyn Kellett navigating a less well known spot in Cape Town during lockdown… Jenna de Vries – logging the video clips – enjoys her front row seat. Photo: Andrew Kellett

CONTENTS THE FEATURES 120 // Salt of the Earth When it comes to lucking-out, being ‘trapped’ on Cape Verde is pretty high on the list. We catch up with a couple of the unfortunates, Matchu and cousin Hendrick Lopes who scored some all-time sessions…

130 // Frozen to the CORE If you can’t travel and the slopes are closed what are you going to do? Head for the hills with the wind rather than lifts, and snow rather than water. Job done. Alina Kornelli hits it up in Switzerland.

138 // The Great Escape What would you do if you had to balance the heaven of kiting perfect uncrowded beaches, with the hell of having to quarantine for 14 days and watch from your balcony as other people kited all day long? Yup, us too. Louka Pitot sucked it up.

144 // Fly Fishing Luke McGillewie and friends think a loooooong way outside of the box to get their kicks in Cape Town. Is this the most contrived kite session ever undertaken? Quite possibly… Was it worth it? 100%...

150 // Costa del Kite With the traveling hordes kept at bay and the water quieter, Abel Lago gets to enjoy some of his local spots that are usually reserved for paddle surfers. The few remaining locals get treated to a Galician masterclass.

THE REGULARS

HERE

Brian Daigneault caught more than he bargained for in this shot. He talked us through how it went down: “My friends and I were on a trip chasing the wind in La Ventana, southern Baja. We awoke to an unfavorable forecast in town but a spike of wind forecasted on the Pacific side. The boys loaded up the minivan for a full day’s mission of kiting across the peninsula, and I packed my drone not knowing what we were going to stumble upon. As we came around the corner and got our first glimpse of the ocean we saw the white caps, but on closer inspection also spotted the spouts of whales migrating along the coast. We ripped the minivan down the first road we could find and ended up on an empty beach. The boys jumped out with gear in hand running towards the ocean to pump up the kites. I launched my drone as we saw the spouts getting closer to shore, and this shot with Rick Meese was the first and best photo I was able to capture. All in all we were stoked with our last-minute decision to drive across the peninsula, and we loved the interaction we had with some of the most beautiful animals of the sea.”

35 // Tangled Lines Legends… Mike Raper 44 // On The List… Jericoacoara, Brazil 46 // I’m On It… Fred Hope 48 // My Beach… Juan Rodriguez, Columbia 56 // The Mission… Olivia Jenkins | Roderick Pijls 68 // The Creators… Ralf Grösel, Duotone 82 // Under the Hood… Ocean Rodeo 92 // Gallery… Pros in Lockdown 154 // The Big Picture… Cabrinha | CrazyFly 166 // Tech and Materials… ION Select wetsuits 168 // Technique… Mobe 5 with Maxime Chabloz | Chucking Buckets with Keahi de Aboitiz

172 // Tell Me About It…

Levitaz R5 Race Series | North Pulse |

RRD Global bar Y26 | CORE SLC

180 // Tested… Slingshot | Goodboards | F-ONE | Cabrinha | Eleveight 184 // The Committed… MACkite with Tucker Vantol 186 // Reflections… Sensi Graves

AND... 189 // TOP KITE TRIPS 2021 11

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Welcome Adapt to survive Flicking through the latest issue of TheKiteMag that we are – as ever – very stoked to bring you, it’s hard to believe that the content has been accrued in the midst of this (SURELY nearly done) global pandemic... As ever we have arrived at the point a couple of days before it is time to send it over to the printers and find ourselves with too many pages of content, and are faced with the usual decision of “do we cut down the content, or do we suck up the extra printing and posting costs that come with publishing EVERYTHING?!” And, as ever, we have gone for the second option. I think I could probably be driving around in a nice top of the range kite/ surf wagon if I had stuck to my allotted page counts over the last 7+ years… But everyone who works here loves good kite content, you love good kite content, and life is too short to worry about a little bit of unnecessary expenditure… So we’re stoked to bring you another slightly-too-long edition of TheKiteMag. But, back to the content. We have been overwhelmed with the amount of good stuff that we have this time around. We have run some “pre-Covid” content in the last couple of issues and worried a little that once that had dried up we might struggle with finding fresh stuff but – oh no – it turns out that kiters, like cockroaches, will adapt and survive. So this issue sees some great content from parts of the world that have been blessed with low levels of the virus as well as high levels of incredible kiting conditions (Cape Verde or Maui anyone?), as well as content from parts of the world where the lockdown rules have been ‘open to interpretation’, such as Cape Town where Luke McGillewie and pals went as far as buying fishing gear and launching four kites from a small RIB in 35 knots and accompanying swell, to legitimize their jaunt along the iconic Big Bay backdrops! And what have the rest of the pro kitesurfing community been up to? Well, we asked them, and it turns out they have pretty much all been getting on the water somewhere, somehow, as you can find out in our Gallery slot this issue… And I think this mirrors what the rest of the kiting population have been up to. We talk to people from all over the planet and the attitude seems to be: respect (or bend) the rules, don’t kite beyond your limits, and enjoy the freedom wherever you can get it. Let’s call it kite therapy: it works. Enjoy the issue.

Enjoy the issue,

HE R E

Nowadays you’ve got to pick your moment for a session and it’s not necessarily the wind that dictates… Here’s Carl Ferreira opting for the just-before-sundown option to keep things under the radar. Photo: John Carter

Alex

(and Sarah)

A L L

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LEARN MORE AT SLINGSHOTSPORTS.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/SLINGSHOTKITEOFFICIAL | INSTAGRAM: @SLINGSHOTKITE

Rider: Stijn Mul Photo: Sam Light

REERIDE

EDITOR Sarah Sylvester EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Alex Hapgood

ART DIRECTOR Nikki Hall

TECHNICAL EDITOR Richard Boughton ONLINE MEDIA MANAGER Gemma Hamaini D I G I TA L M A R K E T I N G To m W e y e r s

CONTRIBUTORS A d r i a n G e i s l i n g e r, A l e x D o R o s a r i o , A n d r e w K e l l e t t , A n d y Tr o y , B r i a n D a i g n e a u l t , C h u c k H a r l a n , C r a i g Ko l e s k y, Daniel Rasmussen, Eduardo Angarita, E r i c D u r a n , E r i k A e d e r, F i s h B o w l D i a ries, Fninga, Georgia Schofield, Jaime M a r t i n e z , J a y W a l l a c e , J o h n C a r t e r, Josh Hillman, Julien Leleu, Julieta P e r e y r a , K a d e n S p o n h a u e r, K o k o F o t o g r a f i a , L a c i K o b u l s k y , L u c c a s To z z i , L u k a s P i t s c h , L u k a s S t i l l e r, M a r c Hoeksema, Michael Gilbert, Miriam J o a n n a , M i r i a m Ty m i e c , R o m é o P i t o t , S a m u e l C a r d e n a s , S a m u e l To m é , S v e t lana Romantsova, Thomas Burblies, Tu c k e r V a n t o l , W a k e U p S t o k e d

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HERE

Annelous Lammerts chilling on autopilot. Photo: Andy Troy

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FOCUS

RI DE R T H E O DE RAME COU RT P H OTO MIRIAM JOANNA LOC AT I ON C AP E TOWN

TR: I was out on my 7m Flysurfer Stoke. It was actually super moody at the beginning of this session, almost raining and grey, but all of a sudden the clouds got blown away and this unbelievably beautiful sunset appeared.

FOCUS

RIDER JU L IAN ME IST E R PHOTO LUKAS P ITS C H /P ROIMAGE H U B .C H LOCATION SILVAP L ANA, SWITZ E RL AND

LP: The sun was shining with lots of warmth, and as we hadn’t had any fresh snow for a while, instead of starting new backcountry tours, we used the day to play on the frozen lake of Silvaplana where Julian demonstrated some air-style. Not a bad alternative to riding on the water at all, is it?

FOCUS

RI DE R PAT RI M C LAU G H LI N P H OTO MIC H A E L G I LB E R T LOC AT I ON JAWS , M AU I

PM: There is something special about a photo taken from a helicopter. Drones do a pretty good job, but as an athlete it is not the same. It is an unforgettable experience dropping in on a wave at Jaws and having a giant machine whirring over your head…

FOCUS

RI DE R JE SS E RIC H MAN P H OTO F IS H B OWL DIARIE S LOC AT I ON JAWS , MAU I

TKM: This was back in December before Jesse’s injury and subsequent surgery. No doubt he has plenty of memories such as this etched into his memory to keep him ‘Jesse stoked’, and he will be back riding even harder before too long…

FOCUS

RIDER JE ROME C LOE T E NS PHOTO JU L IE N L E L E U LO C AT I ON DAK H L A

JC: Most years I go to Dakhla for two to four weeks, and by the end I’ve had my fill and am excited to get back to Tarifa. I normally just practice freestyle at the speed spot, which means waiting for the right tide and praying for the right amount of wind, and I’ll be in the water for only two to three hours a day. But this year was different – I brought all the toys I had for wingsurfing, wave riding, Big Air, freestyle and surfing, and spent six hours a day in the water. I could watch the forecast the night before and be totally psyched no matter the conditions! If the wind was strong I would go for Big Air, if it was choppy I would wing, if there was swell I’d wave ride, or surf at West Point if there was no wind. And when the tide was too low to surf I would drive through the desert with my bros and ride the magic speed spot. My body was sore 24/7 but my stoke levels were as high as they have ever been! 26

FOCUS

P HOTO DA N IE L R ASMUSSEN LO C ATI O N CO P E N HAGEN

TKM: Well, what can we say. That, right there, is true dedication to kiting.

R ID E R M ATC HU LO P E S PHOTO LUCC AS TOZZI LOC AT IO N TA R IFA

ML: It was a lazy Sunday afternoon in Tarifa. I was chilling on the beach with Luccas, not only a great mate and surf companion, but also one of my favorite sport photographers. We had always wanted to create a special picture together, but the opportunity had never arisen. Suddenly a sharp breeze from Poniente awakened us and whispered that today would be the day. We grabbed our equipment, and with few words but just a look, the challenge was set. I saw a nice wave peeling close to shore that looked perfect for double grabbed aerials; in the meantime Luccas quickly found the right angle to frame those aerials with a great background. At once we felt like an orchestra led by the elements of nature. The music that we played speaks for itself in this shot.

FOCUS

RI DE R K E AH I DE AB OIT IZ LOC AT I ON TAH IT I

KA: I’ve always loved playing around with GoPros due to some of the truly unique perspectives they can create. From POV shots to show what it’s like to get barreled from my perspective and now with the 360 cams like the GoPro MAX, it’s taking it to a whole new level. This is an angle photographers have dreamed about capturing for a long time and to be able to do it with such a small camera mounted in my lines is pretty amazing. I had a feeling this angle could be pretty insane before trying it, but checking some of the shots after the session was pretty mind-blowing. I think this is just scratching the surface and I can’t wait to play around with this a little more to see what is possible!

FOCUS

RID E R PAU GIS B E RT PH OTO SAMU E L C ARDE NAS LOC AT I ON TARIFA

PG: There was incredible light in Tarifa this day. Samu tried to capture these perfect conditions and I was very happy with this Eleveight shoot. The spot was providing a great combination of waves and flat sections. The kickers were pumping and the Levante was blowing nicely to send some of my favorite freestyle moves on my 10m FS.

FOCUS

RI DE R SAM L IGH T P H OTO C RAIG KOL E S KY LOC AT I ON C AP E TOWN

SL: This was my first session in Cape Town on the RPX. It is so much faster and more direct than the RPM which enabled me to loop a kite lower than I ever had before. I landed at 9am in the morning and this was around 3pm that same day; riding in 25-30 knots, fully powered on a 9m, this was the ultimate way to start the Slingshot photoshoot!

FOCUS

RI DE R PAB LO AMOR E S P H OTO F NIN G A LOC AT I ON SAL , C AP E V E R D E

PA: I didn’t expect to catch a wave like this one in Cape Verde. We just went to explore the island and I found this beauty of a double lip wave on the north shore of Sal. It was kind of tricky finding the best wave of the set to get barreled, because it was choppy and side on, but once I got a good one, I was covered in goosebumps!

FOCUS

RID E R L E WIS DE AV E S PH OTO L AC I KOB U L S KY LOC AT I ON DU B AI

LK: The wind is not the greatest in Dubai so you really have to have patience, and in the water you can expect the usual sideshore chop, so foiling is for sure the best option. The main kite beach is pretty small and is the only place where you are allowed to launch kites. If you’re feeling adventurous you can kite out to ‘The World’ man-made islands, but be aware of security and coast guards. The main attraction for me was the great view of skyscrapers in downtown Dubai while kiting, especially Burj Khalifa, which dwarfs the surrounding buildings – a true masterpiece of human engineering. Apart from kiting, Dubai is a great place for all kinds of sports and activities: wakeboarding, skydiving, snowboarding, golf… the only limit is the size of your wallet!

FOCUS

Mike Raper

T A N G L E D L E G E N D S

L I N E S:

With an illustrious career in the watersports industry, Mike Raper has been kiting longer than most of us, and is now the Brand Director at North Kiteboarding. We compiled some questions from North team riders, and from product designers, engineers and marketing managers at North and Mystic, to put to him.

Mike Raper TKM

Can you take us through when you began watersports, did you start surfing or kiting, and how has your ‘watersports life’ evolved?! I started bodyboarding in shore dumps when I was about five. At eight I had my first surf trip to Bali, where I caught my first stand-up waves at Kuta beach; the feeling was amazing and I was hooked from then on. I picked up windsurfing in my early teens and was lucky enough to grow up in Hong Kong where the Gaastra and Neil Pryde businesses were based. This passion led me to live on Maui and chase the windsurfing dream. I started kiting in 1996 and hydrofoiling in 2002 and have not looked back since.

Tom Bridge

If you could change one thing from when you were starting the brand, or one thing you would change now about the brand (other than signing me, haha!), what would that be? Damn Tom, that’s a tough one to answer mate. In retrospect, building a half pipe in the office was probably a bad idea. We have definitely had a lot of downtime with damaged wrists and elbows. But on a serious note, I think everything we did influenced where we are going. We’ve learned powerful lessons from all our mistakes, which has only made us stronger. All these little mistakes have been very constructive to help us improve season on season.

Uli Sommerlatt (Product Manager)

What makes North so different from other brands in the market? Good question, Uli. I think it comes down to North’s heritage with North Technology group and North Sails. We carry so much in-depth knowledge and experience within the group, and we are lucky to be able to leverage off this. At North’s heart and soul, I think more than any other brand, is that we really chase that feeling and celebrate it. The ‘It calls’ campaign is a reflection of this feeling. I would argue the design aesthetic and consistent design language also stand us apart from other brands. We know who we are and try not to deviate from this. It is also the culture and the people. I am fortunate to be surrounded by an incredibly passionate group of friends, riders and colleagues. Collectively we live and breathe the sports that we do. I think that comes through in the attention to detail in our product. We are always looking for high performance that is not overly complicated or difficult to use. We always come back to our philosophy of ‘less is more’. And that’s the heart of what we do. 36 36

TANGLED LINES LEGENDS

Marc Jacobs

What are the advantages you feel having the North office based in Auckland, New Zealand? Our Brand Design Center is based 15 minutes from the west coast and 25 minutes from the east coast, in the middle of the South Pacific with the Roaring Forties just south of us. There is never a flat day; there is always wind. It doesn’t get too cold in winter, and we have based our office close to the ocean, so we can take advantage of everything Mother Nature has to offer.

TKM

How was the development process for the latest products you’ve just released, and what have you learnt from the first generation of kites that you’ve taken into the new releases? Our latest development process focused on the refinement of shape and design, parallel to a better understanding of the material characteristics and how they work together. We’ve spent a lot of time analyzing the materials to better understand how they work in a really dynamic environment and translate into a kite that can perform better in various conditions. It may sound a bit technical, but we are all about design

Mike Raper

evolution and refinement. And that comes from multiple iterations and testing on the water, looping back in our feedback. Tom

Crosse (Product Designer)

What North product are you most proud of? We’ve got some incredible products but if I had to pick one… it would probably be the Orbit. When we dropped it, it was the right product at the right time. As a team, we prioritized Big Air kites. We may not have sold as many units as the Reach, as an all-round performance freeride kite, but we think the Orbit outperformed anything else in the market. To have designed that kite from scratch in a single year is a massive credit to Pat Goodman. The podium performance in King of the Air proves how great the Orbit is.

TKM

I guess you knew it would be hard work building a kite line up from scratch, but foiling has become exponentially more popular in the last 18 months and is evolving so quickly – how did you approach this?

foil designer George Hradil on the Sonar range, and the 1500R Reflexed Wing was something that came out of George experimenting on riding a hydrofoil without a rear stabilizer. The reflexed camber line creates a localized downforce on the trailing edge of the wing, which acts like a built-in mini stabilizer. The resulting effect is a wing with incredible pitch stability and a phenomenal range. The Sonar foil lifts off at really low speeds and stays controllable at extremely high speeds. It is also a true all-round crossover wing, brilliant for kitefoiling, wingfoiling and prone foiling. I also love the new foilboard collection. You can really see a true heritage of North design aesthetic coming through. We created the brief around the highest technology possible – balancing the technological experience of America’s Cup naval architect Uli Sommerlatt with the craftsmanship of multi-discipline surf shaper Jaimie Scott. There are no gimmicks – just pure, clean design, with maximum simplicity – an elegant, beautiful balance of technology and craftsmanship.

Annabel van Westerop

What’s the best part of being the brand director of an international kite brand? Probably making the final call. The responsibility can be overwhelming sometimes, and I just have to take a deep breath and trust in my gut, trust in my instinct and trust in my experience. I basically have to trust myself. I’ve genuinely enjoyed taking everything I’ve learnt over the past 30 years and giving it my twist, my personal input. Having the final say is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. Every day I try to listen to all of the different points of view, but at the end of the day, I feel fortunate to make the final call. Sometimes that can be the difference between the right direction and the wrong direction. I think we are going in the right direction currently due to the recent massive increase in market share – we are struggling to keep up with the back orders.

H E RE

Blurring the lines between work and play.

It was a challenge for sure, but I have a huge amount of pride in our new Sonar foil collection – especially the new carbon pre-preg reflexed wings. We collaborated with legendary race MIKE RAPER

Max Blom

How was it to live and work in Hong Kong for so many years? And how was it to wrap up that period and move back to New Zealand? In Hong Kong, I felt like a fish out of water, although I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything. Working for Neil Pryde within the Pryde Group organization held invaluable lessons; I was commercially responsible for the profitability of the business. I gained so much experience in managing the old kite brand, learning about the manufacturing process, design, product development and branding. I really value bring-

TANGLED LINES LEGENDS

ing that knowledge back to the country I love and being able to spend more time in the water. The move has personally allowed me so much time for testing and riding. The passion of my fellow riders has rubbed off on me and being able to ride every day helps to fuel me. It allows me to think outside the box about what is possible, allows for more time in the flow state – that time when you’re thinking about nothing other than the ride and the lines you draw on the water. This gives me the space to think about how it could be done differently, how to improve the product and make it the best it can be. Moving back home has also been great for my family and having them spending more time with me on the water is irreplaceable.

Mike Raper

Hugh Pinfold (Director of Design and Engineering)

Between late night European meetings, early US meetings and dropping your kids at 5am swimming lessons, how much sleep do you manage to average per night?! Hah! I am lucky I have the support of my wife, Lindsey, who shares almost all of the early morning swim training sessions. Having a daughter who is a competitive swimmer is time consuming, and I am lucky Lindsey has been able to drive and run most of the training. That really frees me up to spend more time thinking about the brand and the product. On average I get seven or eight hours sleep and am an early riser. Most mornings, I spend a lot of time half-awake and half-asleep, in that in-between state, where my subconscious can quite often pull up small details that I hadn’t thought of. I feel that is one of my most creative times. Sometimes the best ideas come when my eyes are closed and my mind is not yet full.

TKM

Which athletes and/or business people have most inspired you over the years? Mr Neil Pryde was massively influential over my ability to juggle a lot at once. He taught me where to focus my time and energy. He has an incredible ability to tune in on what is important and disregard what isn’t. His moral and ethical compass is solid. I think that’s done me well because I know what’s right and what’s wrong from a business perspective.

From an R&D perspective, Neil was always really passionate about pushing the boundaries, and he supported great ideas. He has given me the confidence to do what we are doing with North. We definitely bit off more than we could chew, but I think we have chewed through most of it. As for athletes, man, every athlete is different; every athlete has something unique and special about them. But out of all of them over the years, Jesse Richman is definitely up there with the best of them. His work ethic, communication skills, and dedication to being better are inspiring to me and the entire team. I think we will all get a little bit of Jesse. But you can’t stop with him; every time I ride with, film or document any of our top riders, they amaze me with their ability to push the limits and share the stoke. They really chase the unknown.

Nick Jacobsen

After so many years in the industry, what motivates you to keep pushing and re-inventing? I think I am an eternally optimistic person. Deep down, I always know it can be better; everything can be improved. We had a unique opportunity with the reset of North to start with a clean slate, to reimagine and rethink how much better it

LEFT

It’s fair to say Mike loves his job. AB OV E

Marc Jacobs with his finger on the pulse.

MIKE RAPER

Jorn Thoes (Marketing Manager, Mystic)

What are you excited about most right now?

Research and Development, R&D! I am excited about really pushing the boundaries in performance. I guess from a branding and marketing perspective, sharing the stoke is up there as well. How can we introduce more people into the sport we love? So many people are unaware of what kiting is and the feeling it can provide. We are on a mission to try and share that with as many people as we can.

Jalou Langeree

What dreams are you are chasing now, both personally and from a business perspective? It may sound arrogant, but I truly feel like I am living the dream. I feel really fulfilled in my life and I know I am lucky to feel that way. But then there are mornings when I wake up, and selfishly I yearn for more time on the water. I am probably not in the ocean as much as I would like to be, but I am on the water more than I should be. It is always an internal battle, or balance depending on what way you look at it. My dreams at the moment seem to be more fluid; they are not dreams of aspiration. But I am really enjoying pushing my foiling and consequently I am experiencing dreams of foiling. It is probably a little obsessive or nerdy; I just want to put so much of my energy and effort into it now. I keep getting so many small rewards each session as I progress, and that really drives me forward. It’s that quest for something more, something new, a slightly different feeling from an altered perspective. From a business perspective, I dream of introducing more people to the sport we love. At North we still want to be number one, in all categories within the sport. We are on a mission and I am on the journey of a lifetime to fulfill that mission.

Jesse Richman

How do you see the future of North Kiteboarding being different from that of other kite brands? We have so much potential within the group, collectively, to do so much more. If you ask any of our crew, staff or riders, everyone can see the opportunity and potential. I think we are all in a pursuit to chase that. How do I see the North brand being different? Well, it’s always about the people. We have such an eclectic mix of different personalities, with an incredible amount of experience in so many different areas. Their professionalism and knowledge comes through in the product, in the brand, in the language we use and our tone of voice. The brand is growing in authenticity and confidence; I see that voice being amplified over time as we gain a bigger following. I really hope we can have a positive impact on the industry, on the environment and on people’s lives. It sounds clichéd, but it genuinely is the stoke you see with people who use our products. The community is where I see North being

40 40

TANGLED LINES LEGENDS

Mike Raper

could be. We saw many broken parts within the industry that we, maybe optimistically, saw that we could improve. And we are not even a fraction of the way there. I look at the opportunities within the wider team at North Technology Group and the material development we are doing now, and I am really, really excited about what’s coming. I know we can improve the performance of the products, kites especially, and I’m excited about that process. I also can’t wait to introduce it to my friends, the people I ride with and our customers. With this new equipment, we can’t wait to see what our riders are truly capable of, to see what new tricks they can do. We don’t know what they will be able to achieve by having a product that’s lighter, more responsive and faster.

different. I really want to form a strong connection with our customers over time. I want to be the brand that gives them more than they expected.

Pat Goodman (Product Designer)

I see you personally getting more and more involved in wingfoiling. We can all agree this is a fun, new challenge and is very addictive. How do you think this new sport will impact the kiting market in general? Do you think it is here to stay… or just a fad? As a waterman, I have always believed in riding to the conditions, to all the different water sports on the day. It is not always on for perfect kiting, whereas wingfoiling and prone foiling offer you a unique way to experience the energy the ocean creates. I just got my first three-for-one connect on a surf foil, and now I am on a mission to connect more and more waves. Winging gives you two sources of power: the wing and the ability to pump the foil. This can get you through some gusty locations that wouldn’t be suitable for kiting. It allows

you to launch in deeper water and to ride a swell without thinking about the kite. I think it is going to cause the kite market to plateau for a while, and the wing market will definitely grow. I hope wingfoiling will introduce more people to the water and eventually to kiting. The jury is out on whether it will ever be bigger than kiting. But it’s definitely a lot of fun and worth trying. At the end of the day it is just a different way to experience the ocean’s energy.

TKM

Have you been getting down to watch much of the America’s Cup, and how does that relate to your experiences at North Kiteboarding? Wow, it’s exciting! To have our parent company be involved with three out of four of the America’s Cup syndicates means that we get inside knowledge on the development process. The America’s Cup seems to be all about rapid prototyping and development and there are many lessons that we can learn from them. From a business perspective, it is incredibly exciting. It is pretty insane to see a sail-craft heading towards you at 50 knots, slap in a foiling tack and power off again with speed and efficiency. There is so much power and so much energy. To see this energy transferred in real life just blows you away, and I wish that more people could be here to see it.

Alex Vliege (Athlete Manager)

If you could switch lives with one of the North team riders for a day, which one would that be and why? Haha, that’s an easy one! I would swap with our newly-signed rider Marley because he’s 12 and has a lifetime ahead of him! And most importantly, he lives in Maui. Next to New Zealand, Maui’s got such a diverse range of conditions and is almost always ‘on’. It’s one of the few other places I would want to live… ■

AB OV E

Camille Delannoy, Marley Franco, Bruna Kajiya and Jesse Richman pushing the envelope.

MIKE RAPER

41 41

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T H

S T

Jericoacoara, northern Brazil

Photo: Wake Up Stoked

WORDS MIRIAM TYMIEC

We don’t ‘dare to hope’ at the moment, but if we did then we would expect to be able to get away and travel this autumn. That would coincide with Brazil’s windy season and if you are dreaming of a ‘kiteeat-sleep-repeat’ kind of holiday in warm weather, then this Brazilian getaway, Jericoacoara or Jeri for short, is as good as it gets. While the whole coast north from Fortaleza has one kite spot after another, Jeri, a former fishing and hippie village, is one of a kind for its vibe and atmosphere. It is all built on sand and sits in between dunes in a national park. During the bumpy ride through these dunes and desert scenery, you wouldn’t expect to find what awaits you at the end of the ride – you’ll watch the surfers or a spontaneous capoeira show, see the sun sink into the ocean from the main dune, then wander barefoot on unpaved sandy roads and buy the famous Brazilian cocktail caipirinha on Caipi Street, and maybe catch some live music. There is wind all day every day during the season, and compared to the more southerly spots the wind is stronger and the windy season lasts all the way into January. From August until December or January you can expect 20 to 30 knots of side onshore wind on a daily basis, with the wind picking up slowly during the day and reaching its peak around 2 or 3pm until 5pm, when it gets a bit lighter towards sunset. There are multiple downwind options, and in fact Jeri is not a classic kite-straight-from-your-door spot, as it is more a starting or ending point for your downwinders. In the bay of Jeri itself you are

ON THE LIST

not allowed to kite, only windsurfing and surfing are allowed, so you will have to go downwind of the main dune to start your downwinder. This can get quite gusty so is more ideal for intermediate riders. For beginners there are plenty of kite schools in Jeri as well as Preá, a village upwind from Jeri. Condition-wise you can mostly expect choppy water that is flatter in the morning, getting choppier as the wind picks up in the afternoon. You can also find small wind-waves and flat-water lagoons along your downwinders. One downwinder highlight is from Jeri to the lagoon of Guriú, a tide-dependent lagoon, which has a few beach shacks to refuel yourself with a coconut or soft drink. If you still have energy you can make your way back out to the ocean and continue your downwinder to Tatajuba lagoon. But make sure you do this with an experienced guide who knows the tides, as it gets tricky getting back to Jeri at high tide. A cost you will need to factor in is the beach buggies or 4x4s for your daily downwinders. The drivers all charge pretty much the same price and it is hard to bargain, so if you are on a tighter budget it makes sense to share a buggy or 4x4 to split the cost.

Photo: Josh Hillman

Getting There

Photo: Josh Hillman

Fly into Fortaleza then take a private transfer by 4x4 (4.5 hrs) or the bus (7 hrs). If you are feeling adventurous you can rent a car, however, for the last 45 minutes you’ll need a local guide to drive your car through the dunes and you’ll have to park it outside the village, so it’s only worth it if you want to explore various spots.

Staying There

Photo: Josh Hillman

If you want to stay in Jeri to enjoy the nightlife and restaurants there are many options from budget to luxury. If you would prefer to stay at Preá check out Rancho do Peixe, one of the most atmospheric hotels and chill-out areas, although you can also find various options for all budgets in Preá.

In the Bag

Photo: Josh Hillman

If you come during the windy season you will most likely need a 6 to 9m. The wind gets stronger in the afternoon.

Rubber It is boardshorts-only kind of weather but bring along a rashguard as the sun is intense.

Beer A beer is around 2 USD but I would recommend going for one of the gazillion caipi options, starting at 3 USD, with various fruits you have probably never tasted before.

Most Likely to Hear Wanna join us for a downwinder?

Least Likely To Hear I should have brought my 15m.

There are also many organized downwinder tours by passionate kiters who know the best spots and do daily kite trips. Driving with your own rental car, even if it is a 4x4, is quite risky, and you see tourists getting stuck in the sand with an incoming tide on an almost daily basis during high season! Another beautiful downwinder is Barrinha to Preá, or Preá to Placa, or even all the way to Jeri for the more advanced riders, which has some beautiful stretches of flat water in between the waves and is one of my personal highlights and my favorite sunset ride. Expect to be almost alone on your downwinders, while in the lagoons or at Preá it is a bit more crowded, though nothing like other spots around the world. If you are not into downwinders and prefer to stay at one spot and kite outside your hotel, or if you prefer a quieter vibe, then Preá is the place to go. You can still get to Jeri by taxi for dinner and parties and come back at night. Plus you can drive to Preá with your own rental car

as most of the village has proper roads. Accommodation-wise you have loads of options in Jeri, from fancy hotels to small pousadas (the Brazilian version of bed and breakfast). For restaurants you have a wide variety for all budgets, from street stands to top-end restaurants, serving local and foreign food. A few highlights are Casa da Pedra for tapiocas, a crêpe made from cassava root, the lunch buffet at Club Ventos where you can watch the windsurfers and surfers, açai in Naturalmente, dinner in the fairytale Na Casa Dela, delicious fish and seafood at Peixe Brasileiro or sushi at Kaze. There are also a few supermarkets if you want to cook yourself. Jeri is a nice place to meet new people as a solo traveler and you will also find many non-kiters, usually Brazilians from southern Brazil, coming to mix along with the watersport-addicts. The only time of the year I would avoid Jeri is around New Year when it gets flooded with people, prices skyrocket and the whole vibe changes! ■ JERICOACOARA, NORTHERN BRAZIL

SLINGSHOT DWARF CRAFT PH OTOS KAD E N S P ONH AU E R OTOS T H OMAS BURBLIES

BOARD DIMENSIONS: 100cm // RIDER WEIGHT: 70kg // RIDER HEIGHT: 188cm 46

I’M ON IT

At the first ever GKA Hydrofoil Freestyle event in Brazil a few months ago, foiling ninja Fred Hope wowed the judges with the high scoring ‘Around the World’ trick and took home first place. He talks us through the kit he uses to keep him spinning into the sunset...

I won the GKA event on the Dwarf Craft 100cm, 657 Phantasm foil and UFO kites. I had two set ups: strapped and strapless. The strapped was just in case I felt I needed to show another side of foiling in addition to the strapless. The event was really fun, and very well executed considering all things Covid. It was the first time I had met all these guys that have been progressing the sport of foiling across different disciplines for years. I got the first Dwarf Craft prototype in 2016 and they came out in 2017. The earlier models were much thicker but as time went on we found that lower volume was better for foiling. It is a balance between the weight of the foil and the volume causing the board as a whole to lay flat on the water. With a lower volume board, the board sits lower in the water and gives the rider more time to get up while strapless before the board falls back flat. I consider length, thickness, and stiffness in a board. If the board is too long, there is too much swing weight, if too short, the foil often overpowers the board. If the board is too thick there can be a disconnect in feeling from the foil and unnecessary buoyancy. If the board is not stiff enough, there is a lag in reaction time of the foil when adjusting your weight. Ideally you want a fast reactive board that responds instantly to weight placement. I also find that if a board is too light, it won’t quite lock in. A super light board can sometimes feel squirrely if not properly balanced. The 100cm Dwarf Craft pairs well with the 730 and 657 Phantasm foils, the 110cm model pairs well with the 633 Phantasm foil, and the 120cm model pairs well with the 633 and FKite foils. But in reality, all the foils work well with all the boards! It depends on how much surface area you want below your feet and how much touchdown ability you want. For example, foot switches on the 120cm are going to be much easier than on the 100cm when starting out. The high volume and surface area of the 120cm allows you to touch down for longer without nose-diving. No matter the conditions, I always ride the same kite, foil, and bar in competition. The only variants would be the kite size. I don’t change my gear between competition and just having fun. I get very dialed on my set up so there’s really no reason to ride something else during competition. My go to board for foiling is the 100cm Dwarf Craft. When wave riding, I favor the 5’4 SciFly. For the rare times that I twintip, I use the Super Natural. Kite-wise, I use the UFO for foiling, the RPM for twintipping, and the SST for wave riding. The versatility of the Dwarf Craft is what has me sold on it. You can kite on it and go mach 10, or tow into waves in the ocean. In addition, you can ride it behind a boat and have the best time. You can even wing on it if it is windy enough. I am currently in La Ventana where I have been riding the Dwarf Craft exclusively. Before that, I was at university in Seattle using it behind a boat. Before that, I used it all summer in Hood River.

My best sessions have been those with friends. Riding with Charles Brodell in competition at the GKA event or in La Ventana with Reed Brady and Robby Murrillo are examples of that. I’m not sure what’s next for me – with Covid everything has changed. I’ve found a new appreciation of kiting in my home spots and don’t feel as much of a desire to travel to other spots to progress. I’m currently in university and have a year and a half left, but after that it would be fun to travel the world a bit with kiting, making the most of my competition standing, before going into marine biology, the field I’m studying. ■ SLINGSHOT DWARF CRAFT

MY BEA C H

Lake Calima Columbia Lake Calima was created when a hydroelectric dam was built in the 1960’s, and it has since become a mecca for water sports and leisure activities. GKA competitor Juan Rodriguez was lucky enough to grow up nearby, which meant he could hit the water daily after school…

PH OTOS E DUARDO ANGARITA

MY BEACH

It is like arriving in another world, like a small adventure away from my everyday life and it is still such a special experience for me.

MY BEACH

W H AT A R E Y O U R F I R S T R E C O L L E C T I O N S O F L A K E C A L I M A ?

When I was 8 years old I lived close to Lake Calima and came to the shore to watch people practice this incredible sport. At that time I was able to windsurf and developed my potential enough to become junior national champion in that. When I was 13 years old I started working in a kite school. I liked to see people flying through the air but for me it was very difficult to get equipment to learn with – my parents worked in farming and it is not easy to get money for gear. I worked in the kite school so I could go kiting. C A N YO U R E M E M B E R YO U R F I R ST S E S S I O N S ?

I remember after school I would get home and look across the fields of our ‘finca’ towards the lake. I would be checking to see if there were white caps. Then I would cross the fields and head to the kite school. It was always like arriving in another world, like a small adventure away from my everyday life, and it is still such a special experience for me. There are beautiful sunsets, and the kite schools have an amazing atmosphere which helps make Calima a magical place. W H O E LS E D I D YO U R I D E T H E R E W I T H ?

I always went to the kite school and met friends after school to practice maneuvers and kiting skills. In Lake Calima at the time, not many people even knew what kiting was exactly, and no one was doing freestyle. My friends were kiting for fun. The only way to progress was to watch videos of the legends of kiting. C A N Y O U TA L K U S T H R O U G H T H E T Y P I C A L C O N D I T I O N S ?

Lake Calima has very strong winds to practice this sport and also has good conditions 365 days of the year. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and the best conditions to create a good thermal wind is blue sky in the morning. If it is super sunny and warm, there will probably be a good thermal wind from 1pm. The water state does not change much; sometimes the tide rises or drops a bit when the hydroelectric plant is producing energy. H A S T H E S E T U P AT T H E B E A C H C H A N G E D O V E R T H E Y E A R S ?

A little – the sport is growing, and so has the community, especially the hydrofoil community. The whole area changed when they built the dam and created the lake, and it became a popular tourist destination, but that was before I was born of course!

LAKE CALIMA, COLUMBIA

W H AT W O U L D B E Y O U R P E R F E C T D AY T H E R E ?

Probably waking up on a sunny day at my house, having a nice quiet morning doing gym, then after lunch going down to the lake to catch the thermal in the afternoon, and then in the evening cooking dinner by the mountains while enjoying the atmosphere of the night with other kiters. I S T H E R E O N E S E S S I O N T H AT S TA N D S O U T F O R Y O U THERE?

For me, every session is super special and unique! You are surrounded by pure nature – mountains, green grass, and dense cloud coming down from the mountain. But an exceptional day is to get the best weather conditions – sunny and warm – along with constant wind, that is extra special… W H E R E ’ S Y O U R F AV O R I T E P L A C E T O E AT O R W H AT I S Y O U R F AV O R I T E M E A L A F T E R A S E S S I O N T H E R E ?

I usually eat at home after the session – a great salad with good chicken! D O Y O U T H I N K Y O U W O U L D H AV E G O T T O W H E R E Y O U A R E T O D AY I F T H AT H A D N ’ T B E E N S U C H A F A M I L I A R S P O T ?

I am super lucky to have this lake nearby, otherwise I would not have been able to kite after school. Thanks to living here I became junior national champion at 15 and came fourth at the GKA Freestyle Super Grand Slam in Brazil last year. I must also thank go2kite.team for supporting me and giving me a unique opportunity to be a professional athlete. They have taken me to several incredible spots to train and develop my performance. Thanks also to my coach Tommaso Vigano. I F Y O U H A D T O C H O O S E A N O T H E R S P O T T H AT Y O U L O V E B U T T H AT I S C O M P L E T E LY D I F F E R E N T, W H E R E W O U L D I T BE?

Probably the opposite of my home is Brazil. There is no place I know that is so consistent and clean when it comes to the wind. There the wind blows from the same direction every day and you know exactly what you are going to get, unlike at home where you can’t quite predict what will happen each day. Consistent wind means I can focus on learning new tricks, which is important for pro riders. ■

MY BEACH

Featuring

Rider:

Rylan

d Bla

keny -

THE A-SERIES

Photo

: Aloy sius P arker

THE REVIEWS ARE IN…

"ALUULA... It's just so awesome." Jake Mitchell, MAC Kiteboarding "Holy cow. This kite is exceptional..." Matt Nuzzo, REAL Watersports "This is definitely the highest performance kite I have ever flown." John Bryja, Kitesurfing Magazine "This is a seriously cheeky kite. Pure gold." Richard Boughton, TheKiteMag "It’s the only kite I want to ride now..." Ollie Jacobs, Freedom Magazine

FLITE A-SERIES

ROAM A-SERIES

sizes: 12, 14.5, 17m

sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14m

NEW SHAPES NEW CONSTRUCTIONS,

NEXT LEVEL PERFORMANCE Fish Bowl Diaries . Robby Naish: Global Carbon Surfboard

With a wide range of performance features and all new shapes, it’s easy to find the perfect surfboard in the new Naish lineup. Whether you’re riding reef breaks or low wind days at your home spot, the Naish Surfboards were designed by Robby Naish and tested by our global team to excel in all conditions. In addition to our expanded board range, we offer a variety of construction options to choose from - including our brand new carbon construction. Along with the Global, Go-To and Skater, Naish is also introducing the Gecko and Strapless Wonder - two all new shapes dedicated to strapless riding. Designed and built to perform no matter what the conditions, Naish surfboards are made to give you absolute confidence on the water.

FIND THE ENTIRE SURFBOARD LINEUP INCLUDING THE GLOBAL, SKATER, GO-TO, GECKO & STRAPLESS WONDER AT YOUR NAISH DEALER TODAY OR AT NAISH.COM

NaishKiteboarding

Naish_Kiteboarding

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Kubus Sports BV • info@kubus-sports.nl • +31 (0)35 695 4 695

Photo: Patri McLaughlin

INTO THE J AW S O L IV IA

J EN K IN S

P H OTOS E RIK AE DE R, F IS H B OWL DIARIE S AND PAT RI M C LAU G H LI N

Big wave surfing and kiting has seen more women riding at the highest levels recently, and when Jaws started firing this season, Maui-based Olivia Jenkins got involved. This had us reaching for the Point Break DVD and reliving our favorite quotes: “It’s not tragic to die doing what you love.” Luckily Olivia lived to tell the tale. One day at the end of November I looked on Surfline and noticed a big purple blob heading in our direction, towards Hawaii. This meant a swell was incoming and it was highly likely Jaws would break. I kept checking Windguru in advance of the expected arrival. Every day the wind strength forecast would change – five knots one day, 15 knots the next. It was difficult to tell if we would be given the option to kite Jaws on this date. On the 1st of December I looked at buoy station 51101, which is located northwest of Oahu, and provides swell readings approximately 12 hours away. There was an 18-foot reading – this meant the next morning would be huge! Still unsure if it would be windy, I prepared my boards, kites, inflation vest and jet ski, in anticipation that I would be kiting Jaws the next day. 57

Photo: Patri McLaughlin

Photo: FishBowlDiaries

THE MISSION

Photo: Erik Aeder

I awoke early the next morning. I live about a five-minute walk from the beach, so throughout the night I could hear the crashing waves and I knew the swell had arrived. I looked at my phone and read a text message from my friend who had woken up at 5am to tow-surf Jaws. She said it was still glassy and people were paddling it, and that there were some huge sets, but it was slow. We waited a couple of hours before getting out onto the water. We launched the ski from Maliko Gulch and proceeded up to Jaws. The wind still felt light, but it seemed as though a breeze was picking up. I went with a group of five on two jet skis: Patri McLaughlin, Jesse Richman, Zach Perry, and Niccolo Porcella. When we approached Jaws, it became evident that everyone else had had the same idea as us. There were probably 15 boats and 20 jet skis, 10 people paddling and 10 groups tow-surfing – it was a zoo! At first there was definitely not enough wind. We watched for quite a while and then Jesse decided to give it a go. He pumped up a 7m. The wind picked up a little bit but not much. About 10 more windsurfers also rigged up and added to the crowded lineup. I initially did not feel comfortable with the light

wind, so I decided to wait and watch for around two hours. At around 3pm, the paddlers had all gone in, so I decided to give it a shot. I pumped up a 7m Duotone Neo SLS on the jet ski. With the light wind, it took me around 30 minutes to tack back upwind to get into the lineup. Throughout the session I had quite a difficult time staying upwind and wished I had been on an 8m or 9m. It was a very packed lineup with many tow teams and windsurfers. On the big sets, there would be about 10 tow teams, and even a tow-windsurfer trying to catch them. However, I was stoked to manage to catch a couple of smaller waves in between the big sets. I was very grateful for my team on the jet skis looking out for me. Patri had dislocated his shoulder so he was running safety for me. He has also picked up photography during his recovery and managed to snap some photos of me out there. He’s now back on the water and we have since had a few more sessions at Jaws with more wind. It has been firing so far this season, long may it continue… ■

INTO THE JAWS

EYES ON THE PRIZE ROD E R IC K

P IJ LS

PHOTOS KOKO F OTOGRAF IA

With their eyes set firmly on the 2024 Olympic Games, Roderick Pijls and Sam Aben have been training hard with their Dutch team mates, and recently headed to Tarifa for a kitefoiling training camp. This might be all about competition, but they had fun in the process, and even threw some surfing and winging in the mix. After a successful kitefoiling training camp in Valencia in the autumn of 2020, it was clear that we wanted to continue this progression. We consider ourselves to be spontaneous, and as often happens, the decision was made only a week in advance to train for two weeks in Tarifa. We trained, along with the rest of Kite Foil Team Nederland, for Olympic kitefoiling. In short, we race as fast as possible over the ocean with the most advanced hydrofoils and foil kites towards an upwind mark, round it and then race downwind towards the finish line.

THE MISSION

After several PCR tests, checks and interrogations from border control, we arrived in Tarifa, drove to the supermarket to buy some food for the night and checked in at our accommodation. We couldn’t wait for the sun to rise, as the conditions were looking promising for the next couple of days. Over the course of the two weeks we usually started the day with some work and school time (Sam is currently in his final year at high school), but on the days with good forecasts we were itching to get on the water at 9am and therefore skipped school and work! On average we had a racing session of two or three hours, and if the wind was still good we added a wave or wing session afterwards. Unfortunately Tarifa is not like Brazil with its guaranteed wind, and we had some days without wind, not even six knots which would have been enough to race with. On these days we grabbed our surfboard and surf foil board and hit the waves. We were actually quite surprised how much fun Tarifa can be for surfing – everybody knows that this place has some amazing kiting conditions, but it is also highly recommended for prone surfing. We had a variety of conditions over the two weeks – everything from six to 30 knots, with the ocean as flat as a lake, to proper swell days. To excel in all these different conditions a lot of training is needed – the 10,000 hours theory comes into play here. Before we started racing we were already real all-round riders in Big Air, wave riding and freestyle,

and lately both addicted to wingsurfing. This is without a doubt where our strength lies compared to others. Perhaps the most important thing in racing is that you know how to adapt yourself well to the conditions. Due to our experience in waves, we can read the swell well and thus find the fastest and most efficient way between the peaks and troughs of the swell – if the wave height is more than a meter you can’t just race straight ahead. There are certain aspects from winging that can be used in racing – winging in light wind is super physical; it is one large cardio machine. But there is another big similarity between winging, windsurfing and racing, which is how to read the gusts in the wind and to make sure you are able to catch and make use of all these gusts as efficiently as possible. Thanks to the Big Air discipline you learn to kite overpowered and this is also an advantage for kitefoiling. In short, we try to bring all our skills from the different disciplines together in kitefoiling and thus have an advantage over our competitors. Looking back, we are both very satisfied with the progress we made in racing on the trip. Furthermore, we had an awesome time and our stomach muscles ached from laughter. We think there is strength in a good team, both on and off the water. If you can train together and have great fun in the process, it becomes easy to improve and push each other. Roll on 2024. ■

EYES ON THE PRIZE

4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 17.0

CIT MODES / WAVE - ALLROUND - FREESTYLE 3 STRUT LIGHT FRAME FUTURE-C SHAPE RADICAL REACTION TIPS CORETEX® TRIPLE RIPSTOP CANOPY 6 YEAR WORLDWIDE PARTS & SERVICE AVAILABILITY

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THE MISSION

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PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED Rush hour. Tick. Unreliable wind forecast. Tick. And unsure what you'll find at your new spot? No problem. Your Nexus 2 has your back with incredible versatility on your favorite surfboard, twintip, or foil. With new ExoTex Light struts, wider tips, and fully customizable handling, the Nexus 2 will light up your session. So, find the time, set the Nexus 2's CIT Modes to match your beach conditions, and #gokiting! Nexus 2. Always prepared. 

CORE Kiteboarding / +49(0)4371-88934-0 / info@corekites.com / Fehmarn, Germany

T H E

CREATORS. RALF GRÖSEL We last interviewed Ralf Grösel, one of the most eminent designers in the industry, two years ago, just after Duotone rebranded. Here we catch up with him to find out about his labor of love, the Evo SLS, and about his recent testing trip to Namibia and South Africa with Aaron Hadlow and Marian Hund. Looks like they were pretty busy!

P H O T O S C RA I G KO L E S KY ( U N L E S S S TAT E D )

THE CREATORS

Photos: Courtesy Ralf Grosel F O R T H O S E T H AT H AV E N ’ T R E A D Y O U R P R E V I O U S I N T E R V I E W W I T H U S , C A N Y O U B R I E F LY TA K E U S T H R O U G H Y O U R J O U R N E Y I N T H E I N D U ST RY?

I started flying paragliders at the age of 14. Prior to this I built radio-controlled planes, and have always been motivated with every aspect of flying and aerodynamics. Being quite pedantic, I wanted to know everything about paragliders and therefore started sewing my first scaled down models using my mum’s sewing machine, to really understand every detail of flexible wings. I decided to progress with my wing designs and scraped together all my money to buy a computer and CAD software, which allowed me to design all essential parts of the gliders digitally. At the age of 16, the designs reached a point where I decided to showcase my drawings and a scale model at a trade show, where I got my first job as a test pilot within the industry. In 2000 a colleague showed me the kite video ‘High’ by Tronelone Productions, and literally that same evening we decided to found our own kite brand, which would later become Flysurfer, as we felt that kiting was the future. From there we had a very intense journey; I developed the entire product portfolio at Flysurfer and we grew very fast. We merged into a bigger company called Skywalk and I was in charge of developing the soft kites, paragliders and special spinnaker designs for boats. It was a very interesting time and I learnt a lot, but after some major differences in opinion I decided it was time for me to split from the company. I moved on to work with Don Montague at Naish for a couple of months on some hybrid projects, combining soft kites with tube kites. This was back in 2003 and there was so much to discover, we went wild with ideas! After trying some pretty radical ones, we came to the conclusion that the classic tube kite offered the best solution. I then founded a company producing spinnakers, integrating paraglider technology, and while building up this company one of my new colleagues introduced me to Till Eberle from Boards and More. We had a chat as he wanted to explore the soft kite market. I was still developing soft kites and paragliders at the time, so after a few meetings I began to work on soft kites, and for two years worked closely with Fabio Ingrosso who was the snowkite world champion at the time. Till then asked me if I was interested in designing tube kites and this was the beginning of the Evo. I developed this kite working closely with Jaime Herraiz, and since that point I have moved on to develop the Dice, the Vegas, the Neo and the trainer kite, so overall quite a large portfolio. Alongside the kite design and development I was in charge of Progression Q, a quality control program that we implemented in our production facility in Sri Lanka together with Hannes Knolz, the production manager for the facility. This was one of the most interesting times, redefining the construction methods and quality control, and evaluating everything related to production. In 2010 I started Adventure Design, with two companies under its umbrella: Gybe Design which is now the leader in inflatable tents, and Oxley Sails which is dedicated to producing downwind sails. H O W H A S Y O U R I N V O LV E M E N T I N P A R A G L I D I N G I N F L U E N C E D YO U R K I T E D E S I G N ?

Paragliding has influenced me a lot. Over the past few years paragliding has become focused on having the lightest equipment possible for hiking up a mountain with everything on your back. The downside of going lighter is typically this means the materials will be weaker. Within paragliding every wing needs to be certified to be able to perform and handle the same loads as heavier versions, so you need to come up with smart solutions to understand how to save weight without decreasing structural integrity. This is something I really took into consideration when I was designing the ultra-light wind kite a few years ago. I used many of the same techniques from paragliding and was able to produce a 13m kite weighing in at just 1.9 kilos! So yes, paragliding has definitely influenced the lightweight development process within the Juice range and also for the SLS kites.

A N D W H AT A B O U T Y O U R I N V O LV E M E N T I N C A R R A C I N G ?

Car racing is all about competition and I love competition! In car racing you have to fight for every detail and every tenth of a second. It is a team effort as you can’t do it all alone and then there is the competitive environment of a teammate who you are trying to beat – it’s fun, it’s intense and the greatest thing about car racing is you end up with a time, so objectively you have the chance to see how you stack up. This is something I bring with me into my kite designs – I always want to look at my designs as objectively as possible and question if this is the best result I could have achieved with each product. Whether designing kites, sails or paragliders, it’s always a competition for me to push myself to get the best out of each product.

RALF GRÖSEL

S O H O W WA S I T I M P L E M E N T I N G T H E N E W M AT E R I A L I N T O THE SLS KITES TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THEM?

It was extremely complicated to implement; I would say it has been the biggest challenge of my career. I had to learn how to use the material and find the best way of abstracting the most potential out of it to create this new era of kite design. For example, prototyping a new model would usually require three prototypes per size, but with the Evo SLS I ended up having nine prototypes per size! It was an intense amount of work, but it was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed the challenge of bringing out the best in these new materials. T E L L U S M O R E A B O U T T H E N E W M AT E R I A L .

The SLS kites feature the all-new Penta TX material, which we have developed exclusively in cooperation with Challenger sails. It is a very good relationship between us and Challenger – they are super motivated and keen to develop new products. They come from the sailing world which has been using established materials for decades. Together we have found something totally new that is lighter than Dacron but also durable. The Penta TX is also stiffer and this stiffness changes the flight characteristics of the kites. Penta TX is exclusive to Duotone for the next two years and we continue to work on new developments with Challenger. I think this is a partnership that will continue for many years to come. H AV E Y O U H A D T O A LT E R A N Y M A N U F A C T U R I N G M E T H O D S T O S U I T T H E N E W M AT E R I A L ?

Yes, we had to change the manufacturing methods quite a bit. Being stiffer and harder, manufacturing techniques had to be taken into consideration to ensure the durability. That process took us over a year to perfect. T H E R E I S A B I G B U Z Z C U R R E N T LY A B O U T T H E E V O S L S . H O W D O E S T H E M AT E R I A L C H A N G E I T A N D H O W I S S O M E O N E W H O H A S O N LY F L O W N A N O L D E R E V O G O I N G T O F I N D I T ?

The Evo SLS and the Neo SLS are the new generation of kites based on the Penta TX material. The Evo has been established as a top performing allrounder with sales numbers matching our most popular kite, the Neo. The Evo SLS is still an allrounder, but due to the material, a sportive version. You can still do your usual riding with it, but specifically the way it generates power is different. Just on launching the kite you will feel the kite is faster and has less delay. It goes into the turn quicker and it feels fast, so your riding has to adapt to these changes. A word we often use to describe the feeling is that it feels slippery through the air. The upwind ability definitely stands out – the kite sits further forward in the wind window, and the way it jumps is different. It takes you high and the airtime is floaty, feeling almost similar to a paraglider. With the ability to fly further forward in the window you are able to get vertical lift unlike anything you will have previously experienced, so it provides a totally new sensation and will require some adaptation to your riding technique to get the most out of the kite. With regular jumping technique, you will feel the kite has great lift and incredible hang time, and is very predictable. H OW H A S I T B E E N FO R YO U A S A D E S I G N E R TO S E E T H E E VO SLS IN THE HANDS OF THE DUOTONE PRO RIDERS?

This is actually what we’ve been waiting for! When we developed the Evo SLS the entire test team became fascinated with the flight possibilities and it has been really nice to see highly skilled team riders such as Edgar Ulrich pushing it to the max! There are already decent videos with the guys going really big with the kite.

THE CREATORS

RALF GRÖSEL

wow

Nope, no kites, but Namibia is pretty stunning hey!

THE CREATORS

RALF GRÖSEL

THE CREATORS

A S YO U S U G G E ST E D W H E N W E I N T E RV I E W E D YO U T WO Y E A R S A G O , T H E L I G H T K I T E R E V O L U T I O N I S N O W T R U LY U P O N U S A C R O S S T H E W H O L E M A R K E T. C A N Y O U G I V E U S A N O T H E R F U T U R E P R E D I CT I O N FO R K I T E D E V E LO P M E N T ? !

We are at the starting point of a new era and this journey will continue. We are working on new models based on new materials, which will have a massive impact into the understanding of kiting as we know it. Kiting is such a versatile sport; we are creating niche products, but this niche will become much more popular. I think it is a great opportunity to widen the spectrum to allow more people to access the water in conditions previously thought impossible. W H I C H I N N O VAT I O N S A N D P R O D U C T S H AV E Y O U B E E N P RO U D E ST O F OV E R T H E Y E A R S, A N D A R E YO U H A P PY W I T H YO U R C U R R E N T P RO D U CT L I N E U P ?

I would say I am most proud of the same details I’ve been working on for so many years, the things that perhaps go unseen on the production side, developing these materials and then creating a product from these materials. So I wouldn’t choose any one specific product, but the overall range of products is something I am definitely proud of. I think Duotone’s line-up is quite unique when compared with the industry; we have very specialized products and we have two designers. Ken is focusing on the wave aspect of kiting and I am more focused on the light wind, all-rounder and freestyle aspect of it. I think having two designers has allowed us to develop a very wide portfolio. H OW H A S D U OTO N E D E V E LO P E D S I N C E W E S P O K E TO YO U LAST?

Duotone has developed in many ways; we are still market leader and still growing. Everyone who works at the company continues to look for ways to improve upon the work they are doing and this philosophy carries across all departments within the company. Wing foiling has become a large aspect of the company within the last few years and has opened up new possibilities and markets. Overall Duotone is doing well and even with the challenges brought on by the pandemic we have managed to bring new products and innovation to the market. Y O U H AV E A A R O N H A D L O W O N T H E T R I P A N D H AV E B E E N W O R K I N G C L O S E LY W I T H H I M . W H AT D O E S H E B R I N G T O T H E TA B L E ?

Aaron has been part of the team for a number of years now; we first worked together on the development of the Vegas kite. He has since become an integral part of the test team alongside German national champion, Marian Hund. We work great as a team and I feel three people is the perfect number to work together, give feedback and validate the models. Aaron is five times World Champion; he is definitely the most skilled and talented rider available and he pushes the development as hard as I do. Together we really try to achieve the best we can out of each model. T E L L U S A B O U T YO U R T R I P T E ST I N G I N N A M I B I A A N D S O U T H AFRICA?

Namibia was a fantastic experience. We had to go to there, because on the day I arrived in Cape Town to begin testing they shut down all the beaches in South Africa. We had a huge amount of prototypes to test so we decided to go to Luderitz, and it was a blast! It was my first time there; we had incredible conditions and were able to kite all day and test every size of the prototypes we brought with us. We had 2022 Dice prototypes and several new projects and materials that we are currently working on to validate. With the productive environment and conditions we experienced in Namibia, and now that we are back in South Africa and the beaches have reopened, I would say it’s the best place in the world to be for testing right now. We have been able to test every single day because we have such a variety of different models, from light wind kites to the Dice. ■

RALF GRÖSEL

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featherweight control. With its single strut, this kite is lighter and more nimble, allowing the use of much smaller sizes to maximise foilboarding’s true potential. 79

O u r m i s s i o n i s q u a l i t y, s i m p l i c i t y a n d f u n c t i o n a l i t y ; r e m o v i n g a l l u n n e c e s s a r y c o m p o n e n t s a l o n g t h e w a y.

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GLOBAL BAR Polished and CNC-milled aluminium core bar features oversized oval recess e s w h i c h i m p r o v e t h e b a r, a l l o w i n g f o r smooth de-power movement even through tighter turns.

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de o o R n a e Oc

PHOTOS SAMUEL CARDENAS A N D J AY WA L L A C E

2021 marks Ocean Rodeo’s 20th year in business. Over that time they have contributed some pioneering technology to the kite industry, from quick release systems to their super light ALUULA material. We talked to founder Richard Myerscough about the last 20 years, their proudest moments and what they foresee for the future.

TA K E U S T H R O U G H W H AT L E D Y O U T O M O V E I N T O T H E W O R L D O F K I T E S U R F I N G , A N D W H AT Y O U R F I R S T P R O D U C T S W E R E ?

Like many that ended up in the kite industry, I had a competitive windsurfing background which introduced me to the sports industry at a young age. When photos of kiting started showing up in the late nineties, it looked amazing to me, a windsurfer. It was appealing as it needed less wind, and the jumps were huge – I just had to have a go! At the time I was heavily committed to my first business venture in wetsuits and drysuit manufacturing. From 1991 to 2010, I was the co-owner of Whites Manufacturing, which ultimately became one of the world’s leading manufacturers of drysuits. Our main markets were diving and military, however when I started to kite I was spending a lot of time in cold water – that led to the birth of the Ocean Rodeo brand, and the Pyro drysuit. This was in 2001. Kites came along a year later and was all down to Ross Harrington, a famous windsurf sail and now guru kite designer. Ross was making very nice inflatable kites in his garage between 1998 and 2001, and at the time there was virtually nothing to buy locally. So we went for it and added kites to Ocean Rodeo in 2002. Our first kite was the Bronco: pure C kite power and built to take a beating! H O W H A S T H E K I T E I N D U S T R Y C H A N G E D I N T H AT T I M E ?

The business side has changed considerably. We now have some very large players, including the largest sporting goods company in the world, Decathlon, selling kites, then we still have a cross section of direct selling discount brands, and then the premium brands that seem to use a blended distribution model of online and retail shops. These retailers offer both great online and brick-and-mortar service, plus

lessons. The sport has certainly matured and stabilized, and the brands that have done it right are becoming more dominant and established. It seems in the last year we’re seeing fewer new brands looking to jump in. In kiting itself, perhaps one of the most exciting changes is the new ISO standard for control bar release systems. A solid sign that kiting is maturing, and the brands and national sailing federations are working together to improve safety, which is all very good for the end user. YO U R T E A M I N C A N A D A I S K N OW N FO R B E I N G K I N D O F A B I G K I T I N G F A M I LY, W H O A R E H A P P Y T O D I S P E N S E A D V I C E . H O W I M P O R TA N T T O Y O U I S I T T H AT I T R E M A I N S A C O R E K I T E BRAND, OWNED AND RUN BY REAL KITERS?

The majority of top brands are run and owned, at least partly, by passionate wind sport lovers. I feel that to be a leader in any business, the boss should be an expert and be really tuned into the sport. It helps to be able to ride so you can come to your own conclusions on what the future might be, and ultimately drive the future direction of the business. For Ocean Rodeo, I still test and work on each and every product in the line-up with our design team. And of course, as the boss, the buck stops with me. We still have much more in the innovation pipeline to offer our kiting customers, and we will always remain true to kiting... with one notable exception: we are also now hooked on wing foiling, which is a great business fit for us. We are working with the same materials and process, and we know how to make wings, plus the distribution network is identical. All our dealers also sell wing foiling equipment and are asking us to develop this product line, in particular wings using ALUULA. Wing foiling will be a big part of Ocean Rodeo in the future.

OCEAN RODEO HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME PRETTY K E Y D E V E L O P M E N T S D U R I N G T H AT T I M E . C A N Y O U T E L L U S A B O U T T W O O R T H R E E O F Y O U R P R O U D E S T C R E AT I O N S ?

This is a tough question as we have over 50 patents at Ocean Rodeo. From drysuits to zipper designs to control bars to new material, there are so many to choose from. One would be our first kiting patent in 2001 – the hand-activated push away release for trim loops, and the bar activated ‘punchout’ trim loop release. This patent went on to become a key one in the sport of kiting as it set the foundation for today’s safety systems. It was involved in several legal battles and taught us all about the importance of patents and how to use them! Another proud moment was the Surf Drysuit in 2007. For cold water surfing it was found to be a touch too expensive, however it found its ultimate home as a high-performance diving drysuit with a unique performance delivered by a dual layering system. This patent was ultimately acquired by the Aqualung Group in 2010. Today the Aqualung suits are a game changing product in the dive market. The latest proud moment would be the development of the super light ALUULA material, introduced into our new A-Series kite range in 2020. This has transformed our business and become our raison d’être. It is most certainly the boldest move of my business career, attempting to make a completely new type of material, and then launching a new business from it. ALUULA was totally spawned from the Ocean Rodeo design and ownership team. You’ll have to check back in a few years for an update on this one because we are sure having a lot of fun making kites and wings right now!

“We will shortly be releasing our HL Series which stands for Hybrid Light. These hybrid kites and wings are crazy light and strong.” S O W O U L D Y O U S AY T H I S H A S B E E N A R E A L B R E A K O U T M O MENT?

100% yes. Everything that flies generally benefits greatly from being lighter. For about six years we’ve been tinkering in the background on this project, however the market was able to see the results of the work in one year. We have cut the weight of SLE kites in half and designed new technologies to work with this new composite material. This type of innovation is disruptive... and hard not to notice. Right now we are really stoked to have the lightest SLE kites on the market, and the gap will only continue to grow in the coming years between regular Dacron/ripstop kites and ALUULA/composite built kites. CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ALUULA ACROSS THE WHOLE OCEAN RODEO LINE UP? TOP

The ALUULA Composites engineering and chemistry team. MIDDLE AND BOTTOM

ALUULA mechanical testing. 84

Yes, we are moving to use ALUULA composite at least in some parts with all our kites and wings. This has already begun, and we are very passionate to see how far we can push down the weights and maintain durability. We will shortly be releasing our HL Series which stands for Hybrid Light. These hybrid kites and wings are crazy light and strong and make use of ALUULA around the primarily Dacron airframe.

“WE ARE AT THE START OF THE MATERIALS RENAISSANCE. USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN MATERIALS WE SHOULD SEE NEW THRESHOLDS IN LIGHT WIND PERFORMANCE.” W E ’ V E S E E N T H AT Y O U ’ R E A L S O N O W D E V E L O P I N G A N A L U U L A W I N G , T H E G L I D E . T H I S N E W S P O R T H A S S E E N T R U LY B A L L I S T I C U P TA K E … W H AT I S A L U U L A G O I N G T O B R I N G T O T H E PA RT Y H E R E ?

We, like most brands joining the wing party, are having a ton of fun learning and designing gear for this new sport. For sure having a stiff airframe is key, and this is where we have focused our efforts on our gen 1 ALUULA series wing. What we really like about ALUULA is using it for the boom – it is so light and stiff. For one-handed drifting the wing stays flying as you accelerate with the wave. Keeping the weight down on the boom end is key to great drifting. The lighter the wing, the easier the transitions, plus it is highly responsive, has great pumping power and is stable in the gusts. So we have the Glide HL with ALUULA boom and Dacron leading edge coming out in April, and then the Glide A-Series (all ALUULA frame) coming in May. I T ’ S B E E N A N O D D T I M E F O R G K A R I D E R S . W H AT H AV E Y O U R T E A M R I D E R S B E E N U P T O T H RO U G H O U T T H E PA N D E M I C ?

Our World Champion waverider Carla Herreira has been working hard training in Tarifa and getting organized for the OR signature store opening in Tarifa. Also, Carla and Rodri (of Kite Fun Tarifa) have been testing a lot for us this year as we have some exciting new kites in development. Reece has also been training hard. He lives in Tofino, Vancouver Island, a surfing paradise and is on the water almost every day. I think he is enjoying traveling less as the conditions are so good at his front door! As a Mechanical Engineer and a key designer at Ocean Rodeo, he is also working full time on the design and testing. T E L L U S M O R E A B O U T T H E N E W S T O R E I N TA R I F A ?

We’ve never had our own brand shop in Europe, so this is our starting point. All of us at OR love Tarifa, such a great spot! We’re excited to be working closely with Carla and Rodri and the location is amazing, right on the main strip, lined up with the other brand shops as you head into Tarifa. We’ll have all the latest gear including demos of the A-Series kites and ALUULA wings. S O , W H AT D O T H E N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S H O L D F O R O C E A N R O DEO..?

ALUULA has given us a breath of fresh air and I feel that there is 20 years of exciting design opportunity ahead for the entire wind industry. We are at the start of the materials renaissance. Using the latest technology in materials we should see new thresholds in light wind performance. Perhaps two or three knots of wind will become a riding option, ripping on glass smooth water with easy-to-use foil boards, riding surf breaks that could never be ridden before due to wind turbulence, or getting glass smooth wave faces. Beginners will be able to go out in lighter wind, which is less intimidating than strong wind. And I hope new levels of Big Air, wave riding and speed all come from these materials improvements as they are worked into exciting new products that let us ride more. Wouldn’t it be nice if every day could be a kite day? That’s our goal and we’re almost there… ■

TOP

Mechanical Engineer Liam getting to grips with the 3D printer. BOTTOM

Reece Myerscough admiring the new material. 87

ALU/CARBON HYBRID FOIL RANGE

MODULAR SYSTEM 88

Cruz 690

Cruz 1000

Cruz 1200

Injected carbon front wing Alu mast & fuselage 2.9 kg

Full carbon front wing Alu mast & fuselage 2.9 kg

Full carbon front wing Alu mast & fuselage 3.2 kg

Weight shown is for a complete foil set with 50 cm mast.

CRAZYFLYKITES.COM 89

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#SHOWOFF Photographer: Alex Schwarz, Miriam Joanna, Rider: Alex Rohl, Lukas Vogeltanz, Theo de Ramecourt

SONIC

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AAR ON H AD LOW

PROS IN LOCKDOWN

~ Gallery ~

Photos: Miriam Joanna 92

GALLERY

AL INA S HA LIN

A LINA S H ALIN

PROS I N LO CKD OWN

AARO N HAD LOW

The list of competitors would have included the top three finishers from last year: Jesse Richman, Nick Jacobsen and Aaron Hadlow, plus Kevin Langeree, the winner of the Cold Hawaii Games last September, as well as video entrants chosen, from the biggest number of entries ever received, for their display of height, power, extremity, technicality and innovation. On the list were some of the regulars, plus a few talented newbies, and for the only female, Angely Bouillot, it would have been her second event (come on KOTA, bring us a women’s event!). We asked the competitors, and other GKA athletes what they have been up to recently while waiting for events to resume. Some have stayed at home while some of the plucky ones have been able to travel, including to Cape Town once beaches reopened. A few riders participated in a one-day event there, the Big Air Kite League, with Ross-Dillon Player, Aaron Hadlow and Steven Akkersdijk taking the top three places. Fair to say everyone is itching to get back on the competition circuit.

PROS I N LO CKDOW N

In any normal year the Red Bull King of the Air would have taken place recently in Cape Town. But South Africa shut their beaches due to Covid, and sadly the event had to be cancelled.

Photos: Craig Kolesky

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Alina Shalin is spending the whole European winter in Cape Town, her second home for many years now. She has been working on improving her wave skills and training for the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup. She has also participated in the Flysurfer photoshoot for their new freeride range, which will launch this spring.

AA RO N H ADLOW

Aaron Hadlow, currently in Cape Town, feels very lucky to be out there and is making the most of the Big Air conditions of strong wind and waves. He is testing and developing new kites with Duotone, and collecting pictures and video for their latest products, shooting with Craig Kolesky, with whom Aaron said getting the perfect shots has never been easier after shooting together for almost 15 years.

GALLERY

ANNE LOUS LAMME R TS 03

P R OS I N LOCK D OW N ANNELO US LAM M ERTS 03 04

ANGELY B O UI LLOT

Photos: Andy Troy

After spending last January and February in Asia, Annelous Lammerts was a little scared about spending a cold winter in Europe and putting on a wetsuit in freezing temperatures. But luckily northern Europe is kite-able year round with ever-changing conditions, and she ended up having a way better time than expected with some amazing kite sessions. She even went surfing and snowkiting on the same day… These photos were taken at Domburg, not far from where she lives, where she put her CBL grind base to work on a sea defense groin.

AN GE LY BOUIL LOT

PROS IN LOCK DOWN

Angely Bouillot spent some time recently discovering the beautiful island of Guadeloupe and making friends with hermit crabs. She is now back in France taking advantage of the remaining snow and then plans to devote herself “violently, assiduously, actively and intensively” to training for Big Air. We look forward to her going this large at the next KOTA.

Photos: Thomas Burblies

GALLERY

If you’re more into wave-riding or freestyling the Majestic will definitely be worth your while. The Majestic Wild Rose is developed with Oswald Smith.

MAJESTIC WILD ROSE B R E A K B O U N D A R I E S MORE

MYSTICBOARDING.COM

GALLERY

B R UNA KAJI YA 05

Hopefully the competition season will start in June as Bruna Kajiya is counting the days till she can be back in a comp jersey again. So used to always going to Cape Town at this time of year, she changed plans and headed to Cape Verde. While at first it didn’t sound like an inviting freestyle location, she actually found it an amazing trip for exploring, and has been using her time to work on her trick repertoire.

P R OS I N LOCK D OW N

After concentrating on strapless freestyle in Brazil for months, siblings Camille and Capucine Delannoy wanted to ride some waves. So (via a mammoth 48 hour journey) they headed to Cape Verde, where conditions have been epic with some really good waves. In between swells, while waiting for the next one to pick up, they have been scoring freestyle sessions in strong winds. It doesn’t seem like the awesome conditions are going to stop anytime soon, which is a good thing, considering the fact that – at the time of writing – there were no flights leaving the island for a while.

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Although technical freestyle is Arthur Guillebert’s usual discipline, he trained a lot last year to improve his performance in Big Air, and the hard work paid off when he was selected for the KOTA. Even though the event was cancelled he still went to Cape Town to train with his new Big Air gear, the Eleveight XS V2. He kited hard for a week in Cape Town’s notoriously strong winds, despite rib pain caused by a bad fall on the first day. The session in this photo was one of his last outings there before he broke a rib and couldn’t ride. No pain no gain!

Photo: Raynald Delannoy

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Photo: Davide Bertoli

Photo: Zara Hoogenraad

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This would have been Giel Vlugt’s first time competing in the KOTA. But he hasn’t let the pandemic stop him training and has been fully focused on progressing. Last year he bought and converted a van into a little home on wheels, allowing him to live cheaply and have more time on the water. He is currently in Tarifa training for the Full Power Kite Fest which is due to take place there soon.

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Photo: Emotion CV

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Charlotte Carpentier is enjoying the epic conditions and big swells at Ponta Preta in Sal, Cape Verde. She is training for the next GKA competitions that will hopefully take place later this year.

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Kevin Langeree is another kiter who made it to Cape Town. He is he only rider to win the KOTA three times (the last time, proudly on his own brand Reedin), and we look forward to seeing what he can do once the competition is allowed to take place. Careful with those kiteloop board offs though, we don’t want any more broken ankles please Kevin!

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Photos: Justyna Słodyczk

Helena Brochocka and Christophe Tack have been hanging out at home in Portugal, surfing and kiting, taking advantage of the great wind and waves that winter brings. They have exciting plans for filming and training trips and are hopeful that 2021 events will take place, although many restrictions continue to be in place throughout Europe. For now they are just happy to live in a place where they can continue to practice their sport, and maintain their health and fitness, ready for whatever comes their way.

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Photo: Ydwer van der Heide

Photos:Jan Peter van Popta

Jalou Langeree has spent the last few months at home. It had been a while since she had experienced a real Dutch winter but said, “To be honest it ain’t too bad!” These photos were taken at Wijk aan Zee, her favorite wave spot at home, on a beautiful, sunny but cold day. Riding her smallest North Carve, a 4m, she had a session of appreciating what home has to offer. She has realized that every session should start off with a positive mindset and that stoke is just as important as the conditions.

Photo: Craig Kolesky

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After spending most of the European winter in her new home town Noordwijk, Johanna-Catharina Edin is currently in Cape Town shooting with Flysurfer and getting back into training mode for the upcoming season. She cannot wait to be back competing in the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup.

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Injuries are always challenging, but Jesse Richman finds them incredibly exciting and inspiring! A couple of months ago, he broke a large chunk of bone off his tibia plateau and had to get it surgically repaired with a titanium plate and screws. When he first got home, he was in a tremendous amount of pain and couldn’t fathom even moving his leg. Today, he is already putting weight on it and is pushing hard and seeing fantastic progress with his physical therapy. To feel the rapid progression of the human body coming back from a traumatic injury is wild, he said. He loves the Photo: Frankiebees process and can’t wait to come back stronger than before.

Rider: Arthur Guillebert Picture: Charles Tiger Location: Los Roques, Venezuela

• Four line bar with single front line safety • Innovative Quick-Matic II release system with top swivel • Ultra-durable single depower line with TPU cover for less friction • Adjustable bar width thanks to integrated variable bar ends • Thermo-coated high-precision lines made in Germany BAR SIZES:

Eleveightkites.com

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Photo: Arnaud Plas

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It turns out kiting isn’t the only thing GKA Champion Maxime Chabloz excels at. Skiing since the age of two, he pretty much grew up on skis, and relishes the diversity it provides. It has always been a winter occupation and a great alternative and complement to kiting for him. This winter he headed out into the Swiss backcountry and has been hitting jumps off-piste, either natural hits, or ones he builds with friends. We’re glad the landings are softer and have less consequences than park jumps, so he can continue to push the envelope at the next GKA events.

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Lasse Walker was in Cape Town in December where, thanks to Covid, he enjoyed sessions with almost no other kiters on the water and great Big Air conditions. But he left when the beaches closed, stayed at home for quarantine then hit up the beautiful turquoise waters of Bonaire which, because it is technically a Dutch state, was relatively easy and safe to get to. He’s now back home making the most of the winter storms.

fEEL ThE FUtUrE

SEEK SELECT N O W WIT H N O B EL P R IZE WIN N IN G G R A P H EN E

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Ydwer van der Heide

Australians at home have been lucky enough to travel relatively freely, so resident Peri Roberts has been enjoying her vast country, road tripping to new locations, planning projects, filming and kiting with “a rad bunch of Aussies”! She also grabbed first place at state and national events recently, which reignited her flame for competition, and she has everything crossed that the GKA events will happen this year.

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Paul Serin usually spends most of the European winter in Australia or South Africa, but this year has been making the most of conditions at home. He has realized how beautiful the south of France can be and that home isn’t that bad after all. With this amazing winter light at sunset, captured by Aurelien, it’s hard to disagree.

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Nick Jacobsen is another rider who has enjoyed being back home during these times. While he misses Cape Town and the KOTA he is trying to make the most of the situation and keep a positive mindset. February saw freezing temperatures and snow in northern Europe, which transformed Denmark to a winter wonderland, so Nick made the most of it and got out kite ice-skating…

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Photos: Aurelien Desmiers

Mitu Monteiro is at home in Cape Verde, where he is grateful for the extra time he has had to spend with his family, particularly with eight year old Michael. He never thought he would be towing his son into waves like this so early, and is loving watching Michael progress so quickly and join in in any conditions. It makes Mitu laugh though that Michael is happy to drop into a wall of water four meter high, but then at home is still afraid of the dark! GALLERY

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Photo: Manel Arpa

Tom Bridge is at home in England embracing the strong winter storms, either surfing or kiting. He says he is actually feeling pretty tired after being out almost every day! But as it looks like conditions aren’t about to stop anytime soon, he just has to keep going. With a recent run of freezing temperatures, this day of 7 degrees, doing freestyle on his 9m, seemed relatively toasty!

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After two months in Brazil last year, training and competing at the GKA Freestyle World Cup where she came second, Rita Arnaus returned home to Barcelona and took some time off the water to recover from all the impacts and crashes, and to work on her strength, mobility, and balance. While her planned trips for this year were cancelled or postponed, she finally has a flight booked to Dakhla, where she can’t wait to be back in her element.

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Pippa Iersel is training in Bonaire where there has been around 25 knots of wind almost every day. This makes her usual freestyle training with boots harder, so she’s been using straps on her Jaime SLS board, training board offs, new rotations and kite loops. She has also got into free diving out there and had a workshop with Carlos Coste, a Guinness World Record holder. The reduced heart rate and relaxed mind that free diving induces helps her during rest days…

With everything going on in the world Steven Akkersdijk is finding it a nice change to take some time to self-reflect. Over the past few years KOTA has been a massive part of his planning and training, has pulled him towards the twintip, and has given him the push to go out there and try new things. This year was different and with the competition cancelled it allowed him to focus on other disciplines that he loves. Riding the foil is one of these – combining speed, agility and pure silence it provides for an unmatched experience, particularly now he’s got CORE’s new SLC foil board and foil to ride.

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Val Garat was training hard in Brazil when he found out he had qualified for the KOTA. He returned home and made plans to go to Cape Town in January, but beaches there closed just as he was about to book his tickets. Stuck at home feeling really disappointed at first, he has actually had fun enjoying the winter conditions in France, winging, surfing and kiting. When beaches in South Africa opened again, he headed to Cape Town and is training, learning new tricks, and getting used to the insane conditions for Big Air there, in preparation for the KOTA event next season.

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Therese Taabbel unfortunately broke her ACL and meniscus at the GKA Freestyle World Cup in Brazil last year. She has been focusing on her rehab for the past few months in her home base of Copenhagen, and has been using cold water swimming as a tool to recover and challenge herself.

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Stig Hoefnagel managed to escape grey Europe and is currently in Cape Town training Big Air and trying to land new tricks and push himself to the next level. He participated in the Big Air Kite League which went really well for him up until the semifinals where he lost against fellow KOTA competitors Aaron Hadlow and Janek Grzegorzewski. Nevertheless he enjoyed getting more Big Air competition experience in the bag.

YDWER’S RECOVERY Ydwer van der Heide, one of the most talented, hard-working and creative photographers in the kiteboarding industry – and a regular contributor to these pages – has suffered a spinal injury that truly could have happened to anyone who spends time in surf. Still without movement in his hands and legs, this brave Dutchman has a long, uncertain journey ahead. The next six months are crucial in terms of how Ydwer’s long term recovery will look. Although Ydwer and his girlfriend Marije are a responsible couple with suitable insurance for Ydwer’s career, an injury as serious as this and the lengthy, specialized recovery process to follow will entail challenging costs that go beyond any policy cover. The pair are already facing a loss of earnings as they’re both self-employed. Along with the wider kiteboarding community, we’re helping wherever we can to encourage donations to the Ydwer Recovery fund, to make the couple’s hard road ahead a little easier to travel. Please head here to donate: https://gofund.me/3c39c0cf You can also find details of the fundraiser via our Instagram bio @thekitemag. Our very best wishes go out to Ydwer and Marije. Enjoy more of Ydwer’s work at: ydwer.com and instagram.com/ydwer

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NOTHING BEATS THE FEEL

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1 // Naish Pivot Our test team loved sending it with Naish’s flagship kite, and this year sees new bridle tuning points which equal improved wind range at the top end so you can really push the limits... If you aspire to be a King of the Air podium winner then it could be the kite for you. If not, you’re probably still going to love it…

2 // Slingshot Formula

The Formula is the lightest twintip Slingshot have ever made, built entirely of high modulus carbon fiber producing explosive pop, combined with a full-length double concave hull for smooth, buttery landings. It is packed full of performance that excels in whatever you’ve got planned for your session, from freeriding to extreme Big Air…

3 // Goodboards Deep The Deep is the most popular snowkite board in Goodboard’s collection. It is a medium-hard all-mountain board that feels at home in the park, on the slopes or in the backcountry. The new twintip shape with a harmonious curve of the nose and tail ensures great versatility and fun, and hooked up to your kite there really are no limits…

4 4 // North Reach The all-new 2021 Reach performance freeride kite is ready to do it all. Boost, loop, foil, surf: it’s the epitome of an all-rounder. Tweaks for 2021 include new low-profile, low-elongation bridle lines for a more direct response, and a retuned short bridle for quick, exponential depower, so you can fly faster and more efficiently whatever greets you when you get to the beach…

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FLY OVER WATER

INNOVATION EFFICIENCY DESIGN LEVITAZ.COM Made in Austria

SUP

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5 // Cabrinha Switchblade Perhaps the most iconic kite on the planet, Cabrinha’s five-strut bestseller has been ticking all the right boxes for a significant portion of the kitesurfing planet for many moons now… Now with a new Fusion wing tip shape, Nano Ripstop Canopy and High Tenacity Dacron, this is the pinnacle of performance and versatility…

6 // Brunotti Pro X A true weapon of choice for many World Champions in the past: for 2021 the Pro X is back in the Brunotti line up. It’s proven itself in previous years across hardcore freestyle devotees with the power and speed it offers, which has made it one of the most successful boards among pro and advanced riders. Maybe now the time is right for you to take it on…

7 // F-ONE Shadow The all-new Shadow from F-ONE is a wave board designed to excel in all sizes and types of waves, with outstanding fluidity and top-of-class responsiveness. Fast and precise on the wave, it encourages powerful riding and vertical turns, but the generous plan shape ensures that you can maintain speed and keep it rolling through less powerful sections…

8 // AK Synth Harness A high support waist harness with medium hardness lumbar support, the Synth has low profile pressed aluminum webbing buckles to reduce hard points and thick material bunching, and has the option of an integrated seat harness connection. The shape of the buckles allows for a strong hold on the webbing, guaranteeing a reliable lock, and snug fit that can take you from your first few runs through to your first handlepasses….

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I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

A PODCAST FOR KITESURFERS

THE BEST RIDERS

THE LATEST NEWS THE INSIDE LINE...

Jesse Richman Stig Hoefnagal Nick Jacobsen Sensi Graves Sam Light Jason Van Der Spuy

Antonin Rangin

Peri Roberts Oswald Smith

Alexander Lewis-Hughes

Simon Bruhn

Tom Bridge

Willow-River Tonkin Pete Cabrinha

COLIN Tom Seager Tom Hartmann Max tullett Carl Ferreira Martin Vari Alex Vliege

Graham Howes Christophe Tack

Maarten Haeger

Mostafa Abbas Robby James

Gijs Wassenaar

Marc Jacobs Laci Kobulsky Damien Leroy Toby Braeuer

Rob Claisse

Ruben Lenten Annabel Van Westerop Aaron Hadlow Jake Kelsick Joshua Emanuel

Youri Zoon

Daniela Moroz

Alex Maes

Francesca Bagnoli

Mitu Andre Penna

Luke McGillewie

Lou Wainman

Julien Leleu

Jack RiederClement Hout

Levinson Steven Akkersdijk Ryan Willem Hooft

Kevin Langeree Shaun Bennett Jo Ciastula

Camille Delannoy Alex Maes Kiko Roig Torres

Liam Whaley

Tom Court Bruna KajiyaMegan Grant Maxime Chabloz Angely Bouillot

Janek Grzegorzewski

Paula Novotna

Michael Mac Donald

Annelous Lammerts

Noè Font Ross Dillon Player Girardin Lasse Walker Damien Carla Herrera Oria

Aaron Hadlow Sam Medysky

Hannah Whiteley Craig Cunningham

Ben Wilson

Noè Font Michael Mac Donald kitesurf365.com

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9 // Duotone Evo SLS Incorporating Penta TX material, the Evo SLS is the ‘sporty’ version of Duotone’s most versatile kite model. The Penta TX delivers a weight saving but also a crisper feeling and more responsive kite. You can find out a whole lot more where kite design ninja Ralf Grösel talks us through it a little earlier in the mag…

10 // Eleveight Master The Master is Eleveight’s high performance freeride to freestyle twintip for riders who like to ride with POWER. There are plenty of eye-catching features, including the new 3D top mold, beveled rails optimizing flex pattern, aerospace-grade Spread Tow Carbon reinforcements and tucked-under-rails which run through chop more comfortably. It’s a no compromise pure freestyle machine…

11 // CORE SLC CORE are the kings of ‘keeping it on the downlow’, so we pretty much fell off our chairs when the press release dropped about their new foil… As ever this has been a while in the planning and refining, and – as ever – we are expecting an impressive final product that has been through A LOT of testing and prototyping, because that is how CORE roll…

12 // Flysurfer SONIC Flysurfer have singlehandedly redefined what was possible with a foil kite… The SOUL was the gateway drug, and now the world has realised that kites like the SONIC can open up possibilities that were previously thought unattainable. Twintip in 5 knots; boost an extra five metres and stay up for days… There’s a whole other world out there.

13 // Ocean Rodeo Pilot The new Pilot bar for Ocean Rodeo brings their front line trim bar option right up to date with a host of allnew features and a super clean new look. Highlights for us are the slightly thinner diameter bar for more precise control and Ocean Rodeo’s new Gen 9 Punch Out QR which is a mechanical marvel. 118

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Sal, Cape Verde, with its world class waves, has been pumping recently. We spoke to two riders who call it home and have been making the most of the conditions there in an exceptionally quiet season – Duotone rider Matchu Lopes and his cousin, young talent Hendrick Lopes, who recently joined the F-ONE family.

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Hendrick I grew up in Cape Verde and kited for the first time when I was around seven years old, but I didn’t get into it straight away. I came back to it two years later and then got hooked. I was taught by many people but most importantly my mom and dad – they have always been there for me. I remember when I was learning, before I could go upwind, they would always walk down the beach to get me and bring me back upwind. As soon I could kite by myself, we all started riding together. It was one of the best moments of my life! When I was around 10 years old my parents and I decided to move to Switzerland to focus on my studying and finish high school there. Over the holidays we would travel to kite destinations around Europe and have a great time. But Christmas holidays were always special to me because we would head back home to Cape Verde to see my family and kite my favorite wave Ponta Preta. Now that I have finished school in Switzerland I once again have the chance to spend more time here and I am loving it. I wouldn’t dream of being born anywhere else. This place gives us all conditions from pumping waves to strong wind, just perfect for all the water sports I like to do: strapless freestyle, surf foil, wingfoil, surf and windsurf. Luckily my first season back at home has been the best season ever. There has been action every single day with non-stop wind and waves. I think there couldn’t be a better place to be at the moment as we are able to live quite normally, and people are still hugging and having fun. The main rule we have to follow is to wear a mask when we go into a shop but everything else is normal. We are a really blessed island! Kiting-wise I am very happy with my progression this year and am feeling 122

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really comfortable on the water in Ponta Preta. I have been training hard and the best part is to hear the legend Mitu Monteiro or my uncle Airton Cozzolino cheering for me when I do a perfect turn or get barreled. I really look up to my uncle Airton – his riding has so much control and he does everything with power and perfection. I also really look up to Mitu – he is an inspiration to so many people and I am really grateful to be riding by his side. His riding is just unspeakable; he’s got so much flow and power. We recently headed to some different spots for a photo shoot. It was a really fun experience but also super scary – it was my first time riding such big and powerful waves and my first time at some of those spots. Seeing how Mitu was ripping I had to put my fears aside and turn my game up! As soon as I did that I had a blast. We had the spot all to ourselves, and photographers on the beach to capture every moment – it was back-to-back action. It was great to get some training in on big waves, as I would like to compete alongside Airton and Mitu at the GKA competitions and do some GWA competitions too. I went to the first ever GWA world tour in Brazil last year which was amazing! It was my first time traveling somewhere far without my parents and also my first ever competition, and I really had a blast. I learned so much about competition; everyone was pushing each other and I am really looking forward to going back. So I’m hoping the world gets back to normal as soon as possible. And in the meantime I have some projects in my head that I want to accomplish and most importantly I want to have fun in the sea!

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Matchu Like everywhere in the world Covid has changed our daily lives a lot, and just when we thought things were getting better, countries went back into lockdown and travel restrictions became rigid again. For people like us that thrive on being on the road, these times are particularly hard. On the other hand, in Sal there is no shortage of swell and wind this season – we have been enjoying conditions as good as it gets. The island has been blessed with non-stop swell for weeks, and the lack of tourism has meant deserted kite spots with just a few lucky locals making the most of conditions. But as perfect as it might be, I am always looking for something else: some new challenge, a different feeling, something that keeps me driven. I had in mind a remote spot, a place I had been once in a past winter, that I held in my memory as a really special day. The forecast was looking promising but not perfect. Unlike my home breaks, this wave requires a special set of conditions for it to work at its best, which happens maybe a handful of times per year. Leaving the comfort of home and the certainty of good conditions to pursue a fickle spot wasn’t perhaps the smartest option, but even if it didn’t match my expectations, just the rush of going to a different location was enough motivation to pull the trigger. Luckily I scored! Looking back at it, it was a good decision, even if the conditions were not the same as the previous session I had had there. It was all worth the effort and hard work to get to somewhere different during this particularly hard time. And maybe it is good that it didn’t quite match my expectations so I remain motivated to go back there again, because variety and new challenges are what keep me driven… ■

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“in Sal there is no shortage of swell and wind this season – we have been enjoying conditions as good as it gets.”

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While most of us can only dream of hitting the slopes this year, CORE rider Alina Kornelli took matters into her own hands and, taking photographer Lukas Stiller with her, headed to some snowkiting spots in Switzerland earlier this winter, rendering the ski lifts obsolete and the fresh snow all hers…

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The months of October to December are normally the time of year when the whole kite family meet up at windy Brazilian lagoons. The freestylers amongst us will shred at Taiba lagoon until the sun goes down, striving for the money shot – a sick flashlight shot by photographers like Lukas. However, the worldwide pandemic meant it was risky to travel to Brazil as normal, and for this reason I decided to stay in chilly Europe. But watching social media and seeing those freestylers who had made it to Brazil having great sessions at the lagoons, made me kind of jealous. After a calm summer season at home one thing was certain – both Lukas and I wanted to get away, to find an alternative to the dream destination of Brazil and to dive into a new adventure. Europe offers a huge variety of kite and travel destinations, and an easy option for getting away is packing up the VW camper and going on a roadtrip. However, we couldn’t forget that this was winter in Europe, and the usual kite spots are not exactly the warmest at this time of year. Therefore, we opted for a snowkite trip. At the end of

November we were on hold, waiting for the perfect conditions to get our winter trip started. The news painted a picture of snow chaos all round Switzerland, so we waited for two weeks of no fresh snow before we headed off. Leaving Germany behind we headed south, driving up small winding roads through an amazing and white Swiss mountain scenery until we arrived in Davos. We arrived just as all the snow chaos had disappeared, and the snow-covered mountains were shining in the sun – a true winter wonderland. For this time of year we had packed our vans with snowshoes, sledges, snowboards, skis, walkie talkies, gloves and of course kite gear – this was primarily a kiting adventure after all. We drove up Flüelapass, a mountain pass 2383 meters above sea level, located near the ski town of Davos. The temperature was minus ten degrees and everything was completely covered in snow as far as the eye could see. The sun was shining and luckily the wind kicked in as we arrived. It was unfamiliar to me to inflate my kite on snow with ski boots and gloves on, and FROZEN TO THE CORE

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felt weird to Lukas to get his camera gear ready in the heated van, put on snowshoes and place his flashlight on the snow to shoot our first snowkite session. After a while we realized that this would not be an easy Taiba shooting – instead it would entail a week full of new challenges like trudging through deep snow, kiting in shifty, gusty and cold wind conditions, driving up icy roads, getting stuck in the snow, camping in temperatures of minus ten degrees and communicating only with walkie talkies. It was a new experience for both of us, but to be honest that is exactly what we were looking for after a quiet time at home in Germany. We got to know three different locations during our week on the road. After the first stop at Flüelapass, we headed on to the second and probably most famous snowkite location in Switzerland: the Berninapass. Bernina offered up epic conditions – powder snow, sun and perfect wind for my CORE GTS6 15m, but unfortunately the wind died after two powered hours. Hungry for more, we drove on to another snowkite spot called Lunghin. This spot was probably the most exhausting one. I had to put all my gear, including my snowboard and snowboard boots, on my back and Lukas had to carry two fully packed backpacks and his flashlight in his hands, and we walked a long way up an icy slope to reach the spot. It was super gusty but in the end we were successful with some nice flashlight shots. After this we found out that another lockdown was just around the corner, so we only had one more day of our trip. For the last day we left the kite and photo gear in the car and hit up Davos for a crazy snowboard session. All in all, it was a great trip, and I would say we were lucky to have chosen probably the best week of the early Swiss winter season. ■

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The archipelago of Saint Brandon is a group of over 50 islands, coral ridges and expansive sand flats, north east of Mauritius. Accessible only by a chartered or private boat, with a short window of time for ideal kiting conditions, this destination can be challenging to explore even without Covid restrictions. But Louka Pitot managed to get there and regaled us with this story of his journey.

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“

Those two weeks in isolation were long to say the least. I spent most days on my balcony watching my brother kite and desperately wishing I were down there with him.

f I had left France just a few days later, I am not sure I would have made it to Saint Brandon. We were wary of the flight schedule changing due to the second lockdown in France, and with December’s cyclone season on its way, we knew there was a high chance this trip would fail. By the skin of our teeth, we were able to squeeze it in and make it happen in the last week of November. I flew into Mauritius from Montpellier, France. Flying during the pandemic can be really stressful, and I found myself thinking about the ‘what ifs’ — what if I forgot my paperwork, what if the rules changed without me knowing, what if they closed the border — the list goes on and on. My worries subsided once I was in my seat, and since everyone is now used to wearing a mask in public anyway, the flight was not actually too bad. I arrived in Mauritius on the 1st of November and kicked off my trip with 14 days alone in my room at a quarantine hotel, following the island’s strict protocol. Those two weeks in isolation were long to say the least. I spent most days on my balcony watching my brother kite and desperately wishing I were down there with him. In fact, the hotel I quarantined at was just 300m from my family’s home, and I felt lucky that I could get deliveries of food and necessities from them during that time. As the days passed, I was able to create a routine of keeping up with my university classes, working out, and stretching, to avoid going too stir crazy. It was difficult to be patient, but I had been looking forward to this trip for so long that I could have remained in quarantine for much longer if the situation had called for it — there is simply no price I would not pay to be in a place so beautiful.

THE GREAT ESCAPE

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Fast forward to day one at sea – we got underway just before sunset on a 40-foot catamaran known as La Tarantine. My dad has always had a deep love for sailing, so he took his place at the helm as captain. We had a very calm first two nights at sea before arriving at the southernmost island in the archipelago on a Saturday morning. The first day there was completely windless and we had to motor in the morning, but we didn’t mind because we were surrounded by the most breathtaking water any of us has ever seen. We cleaned the boat, had lunch, and went fishing for our dinner. We came back with a Babaonne, which is one of the best fish you can eat here. After cleaning and preparing our catch, it was finally time to have a proper meal. The abundance of seafood here meant we were well fed all week.

“

I was able to kite in one of the world’s best spots with just a few close friends.

The beauty of the place was so incredible that I spent most of the week soaking in the views as we cruised around the different islands and saw everything that this archipelago had to offer. It was a bit sad because it is a spot made for freestyle, but the wind was only good enough for that on one day. But the views made up for it, and luckily there was some wind during the week, which was amazing because I was able to kite in one of the world’s best spots with just a few close friends. On the first windy day, it was quite light and allowed for some kite foiling with my new 810 kite foil. The following few days were made for some cruising, with the one freestyle day and some wingsurfing. The latter was especially fun because I was riding at the back of the boat and cruising around, which my dad and his friend enjoyed watching as they wondered what this crazy new sport was. After a week it was time to set sail towards the south and head home, in order to be back in time for my university exam a couple of days later. On the way back, the sea was really rough, with winds up to 29 knots. We maintained a solid pace with the trade winds pushing the boat, cruising at around eight or nine knots. After two nights at sea, we arrived back in the harbor with three freshly caught tuna, which we prepared for the last sashimi of the journey. On the Monday morning we returned to civilization. After such an incredible week away from the real world, from stress, negative thoughts and all the other facets of civilization, we were back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life with internet, phone calls, emails and online classes. It was that nostalgic moment, where you realize life was so much nicer on no man’s land, while still feeling relieved to be back where you can take a proper warm shower… ■ THE GREAT ESCAPE

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Different countries around the world imposed a bewildering variety of regulations when it came to Covid lockdowns, and those that closed beaches have had kiters scratching their heads to make sense of the rules. The Flysurfer team in Cape Town found an ingenious way to ensure that their photoshoot could go ahead legally despite closed beaches there.

WORDS LUKE MCGI LLEWI E PH OTOS MI RI AM J OANNA

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t was a flawless plan. It had to be, or we would have ended up crammed into the back of a police truck, playing rock paper scissors to decide who would be the one to call our Team Manager Ines to break the bad news. With the Flysurfer team having just landed in Cape Town intending to do a product shoot, not being allowed to use the beach posed a bit of a problem… South Africa’s Level 3 lockdown and the beach closure that came along with it had some unusual stipulations. Creativity became the name of the game. It wasn’t that we disagreed with lockdown measures; it was the disproportionate application of the rules that had us scratching our heads. If people could pack into a gym or yoga class, play 18 holes at the golf course, or sit down at a restaurant for dinner with their friends, surely we should have been allowed to go kiting? It didn’t make a whole lot of sense, and the waiting game was a hard one. The thing is, people were kiting every day. They would sneak out over the sand dunes at sunset when the police would clock off and head home. They were getting away with it, for the most part. Even with a few dramatic arrests and fines levied against the illegal kiters, it wasn’t enough to deter the wind-obsessed masses. We didn’t want to break the law, we just wanted to kite. So we waited patiently for news from above, assuming they would relax the beach closure after the holidays and let us back on the water. Unfortunately, the opposite happened. They redefined the beach to include the first 100 meters of land and sea, starting at the high tide mark. Rocks, sidewalks, slipways, and any surface adjacent to the ocean also counted as a beach. The loopholes were closing. The fishermen were the new kings of the beach. We must have spoken to the police every day for the two weeks before our strike mission, not because we had been caught breaking the rules, but because we wanted to get some clarity on what we could and couldn’t do. Some officers were friendly, while others were very much over having to chase kiters up and down the beach in 30 knots of wind. It seemed as if every officer we spoke to had a different interpretation on the beach closure and what the rules meant. Regardless, we stayed respectful and kept the conversations going, even getting a couple of cops to agree on a little challenge – if we could jump from the parking lot to the water without touching the beach, they let us kite – if not, they take us to the station! A risky proposition, but luckily the wind was onshore that day, so we went home to pore over the written restrictions and hatch a plan. Our crew consisted of myself, Theo de Ramecourt, Alina Shalin, and Crystal Veness. Photographer Miriam Joanna and videographer Adam Sims would be there to document the mission. After collecting our fishing permits and flimsy fishing rods that likely wouldn’t have even pulled a tadpole, we called up our friends Emil and Matt – they had a rubber duck with just enough room for our little adventure. With so much gear and limited space, Matt would drive the boat, and Emil was on pickup and drop off duty. The wind was already blowing over 25 knots, so we prepped our smallest STOKE kites for the boat. We unrolled them in the yard, ran our lines, attached them, and rolled them back up. They were ready to pump and go. After double and triple-checking that everyone had a board, harness, wetsuit, sunscreen, water, mask, and fishing permit, we loaded up the boat and set off. We even brought along a printed copy of the lockdown rules, just in case we found ourselves in a position where we would need to prove the legitimacy of our claims.

HERE

Keeping it Reel.

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STOKE, lines and sinker.

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We arrived at the Woodbridge Island slipway only to find it too damaged from a recent storm swell to get the boat trailer down. Continuing upwind to the next slipway at Lagoon Beach, we found a suitable entry point. Emil drove onto the beach with the boat and the guys released it from the trailer into the shore break. Even though what we were doing was perfectly legal – and we had the paperwork to prove it – we couldn’t help glancing over our shoulder to check if there were any blue lights in the parking lot. As it turns out, nobody asks you questions if you have a boat and a bit of confidence. With all hands on deck, the team pushed the boat out into the water before piling on. Matt fired up the motor and we were off. We motored downwind to Sunset Beach where the wind was starting to clean up, and began the rigging debacle. Launching from a boat is always tricky, but launching in 30 knots and ocean swell is another thing entirely. Luckily, Theo had buckets of boat launch experience and was so amped to get on the water for his first South African session, that he dove straight into pumping everyone’s kites. Alina hadn’t done a boat launch before, so I jumped in the water with the bar while Theo kept a hold of the kite on the boat. I unwound it while bobbing around in the swell until I was far enough away to launch her 5m. Alina jumped in with her surfboard and I went to pass the kite over, only to realize she was on a rope spreader! With a bit of fumbling, we managed to complete the handover and she was off. Crystal was up next and hopped in with a twintip, also taking a 5m kite to combat the heavy wind. I went for the 6m and Theo was on the 8m, both of us on surfboards. With only a moderate amount of chaos, we managed to get on the water and get the session going. After weeks of waiting for a session, the stoke levels were at an absolute maximum. We didn’t have a worry in the world, because we knew we were keeping it legal. We cruised downwind past some of the rebellious kiters that had entered the water from the beach, and found a section of the sea where we were alone. The main goal of this session was to get wet and have fun. Trust me when I say that we took our assignment very seriously! With the swell picking up as we carried on downwind, we dipped in and out of the waves, doing some hacks and throwing some strapless freestyle moves. This was the first time I had met Theo and I saw a side of him I didn’t expect that day! He’s the European Champion in kite foil racing and unstoppable on the VMG. I knew the man was fast, but I only realized he had some serious tricks up his sleeve when I looked up to see him doing a strapless kiteloop higher than mine had been! When we passed the police trailer stationed at Kite Beach, they didn’t even give us a second glance. Emboldened by our success, we sent it even harder. It was great to have the boat by our side as we rode. We could swap boards if we wanted to mix things up, and pop over to check on Miriam and Adam to see if they needed us to be riding anywhere in particular. They were as stoked as we were to finally be out on the water and filling up some SD cards. We see a lot of the same content and angles coming from Cape Town, but with the boat we were able to get into spots that offered some completely fresh perspectives. We tucked into Small Bay to explore the rocky, kelp covered ocean scenery and caught a few waves as we cruised down into Big Bay. There’s a small island on the downwind part of Big Bay where Matt dropped anchor. We rode in that spot for a while, chasing seals and trading high fives as the sun dropped in the sky. When Miriam and Adam were ready with their water housings, Matt dropped them off in the waves which were now arriving in clean, overhead sets. We settled into a rotation around them, hitting waves and doing tricks over the cameras. The day was slipping away as we enjoyed our last hour of freedom out in the ocean. We had to get the boat out of the water and get home before the 9pm curfew, but we wanted to take advantage of every moment that we had. We rode until the sun had set and we couldn’t feel our toes anymore. Then, we rode some more. Who knew when we would have another opportunity like this? ■ 149

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Galicia in northwest Spain may not be one of the country’s better known kite spots, but in a year when travel is currently restricted, RRD rider Abel Lago feels lucky to call it home, and has been making the most of the waves that hit the perfectly lined up coastline there.

PHOTOS JAIME MARTINE Z

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ormally at this time of the year I would be traveling to Cape Town for testing and shooting with RRD International, but because of the Covid situation we stayed at home and have had to ride with whatever conditions the weather gods throw at us. Luckily for me my home spot Galicia is one of the best spots in the world throughout the whole year – in spring and summer it gets a lot of wind and nice waves, while in winter it has big waves and strong wind almost every day, though unfortunately, winter also brings a lot of rain and grey days! We have many good kite spots in Galicia. In the winter with low pressures, almost every single spot works, and in the spring and summer with predominantly northwest and northeast winds, spots like San Xurxo, Doniños or Traba have conditions like Hawaii, with clean waves and side off winds! The kite scene here is still very small – because we have so many surf spots, and surfing is easier and cheaper, people start surfing and don’t tend to move on to kiting. Kiting is growing but it will take time. To give you an idea, I own a kite and surf school, and on a typical summer day we might teach 100 surf lessons but only four kite lessons!

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On this particular day the wind was coming from the north, and there were downpours of rain throughout the day. However between the downpours we got a few hours of sun, and so I headed to a surf spot near my home that is normally really crowded with surfers. But because of the Covid restrictions in my area, there were only a few friends on the water and I was able to stay a bit deeper in the right pointbreak. The wind there is really offshore and gusty, and the waves are powerful and fast, but I was able to surf some good ones. I was on my 7m Passion kite, overpowered most of the time but underpowered on the inside. But it was really fun to ride with a kite at a spot that normally we only surf. After a long session there I hit up a big plate of pasta (I’m sure most kiters would do the same!) and fruit. I stopped eating sugar a long time ago so I tend to crave fruit. I love all types of food but I like to eat healthily and here in Galicia it is easy; we have a lot of vegetables, fish and good meat. Over my meal, I mulled over what this year would bring. Part of the RRD team have flown out to Cape Town to do some testing and shooting, but as I am not allowed to fly out of Spain, I will wait until the designer is back, then do some final testing of 2022 gear here in Europe, maybe in the Canaries, or at home in Galicia or in Tarifa, depending on the conditions and forecast around April. It may have been a different winter to normal, but hopefully there is some travel for me on the horizon, and in the meantime, I will keep enjoying what home has to offer… ■ 153

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Cabrinha have just released the new Moto and Contra, and the Xcal twintip. The Moto will continue to please its loyal fans while the Contra now comes in smaller sizes for foiling. The Xcal will have you jumping higher and popping harder, or if foiling is your thing the Fusion foil system has also just landed. Cabrinha have also released a new wing, the Mantis, to entice you over to the sport of wingsurfing. So plenty to catch up about…

WO R DS A N D P HOTO JAMES BOULDI NG

W H AT R E S P E C T I V E R I D I N G S T Y L E A R E T H E M O T O A N D C O N TRA EACH DESIGNED FOR?

and surfboards, and the smaller sized Contras to take over when you need a smaller size for foiling.

The Moto is a do-it-all, easy-to-ride freeride kite. It is the ideal kite for someone to learn on but also performs seamlessly across all areas of kiting from surf through freeride to foil. The Contra is a light wind weapon that remains in sizes 13, 15 and 17m, but this year we have added smaller sizes – 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11m – that take on the legendary efficient Contra design but have changed to a lightweight one-strut design. This is a real performance foiling kite.

W H AT H A S E V O LV E D W I T H T H E M O T O A N D W H AT C H A R A C T E R I ST I CS C A R RY OV E R I N TO T H E N E W M O D E L?

W H Y H AV E Y O U I M P L E M E N T E D T H E O N E S T R U T O N T H E S M A L L E R S I Z E S O N LY ?

When foiling, there is usually much less pressure on the kite structure and you can get away with a more slimline platform. This helps with the weight and agility and it has enabled the Contra 1 Strut to perform in the lighter winds that foiling often occurs in. With so many advancements in foil technology we have seen riders using much smaller kites in light winds, so we wanted a foil-specific kite in the smaller sizes. Sizes 13 to 17m tend to be used for light wind with twintips and surfboards, and in very marginal conditions for foiling. When used with a twintip the three-strut platform benefits riders by maintaining stability. So we have the three-strut bigger sizes to ride with twintips

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From the off the Moto has garnered a loyal fanbase. Riders love its ease of use and friendly flying characteristics. It is a Jack-of-all-trades kite and we wanted to keep this feeling but add some characteristics that would benefit riders in the freeride arena. The arc has been modified to add forward drive and a more direct feeling. The kite now climbs through the window faster, which helps with boosting and when performing kite loops. This increases the kite’s versatility and forgivingness, something kiters love about the Moto. From foiling to surfing, to all round freeride, it is an incredibly easy kite to enjoy and progress with, and straight away you will notice the upgrade both on the bar and in the performance. TELL US ABOUT CABRINHA’S CHOICE OF RIPSTOP FOR THE KITES.

Cabrinha’s Nano Ripstop was introduced last year and is now being used across our whole kite and wing range, giving a performance, strength and durability boost to each kite and wing. We are using a

much smaller ripstop pattern (hence Nano Ripstop) that doubles the amount of cells. Instead of just dipping the cloth into the coating, the new canopy gets treated in a process called plasma treatment, which enables our new exclusive coating to bond much better. This threestep process has helped us increase tear strength, gives the canopy a noticeably more rigid feeling in the sky, and makes the canopy longer lasting. T H E N E W X C A L T W I N T I P S E E M S T O H AV E H A D Q U I T E A R E W O R K I N G . W H AT H A S C H A N G E D A N D H O W D O E S T H I S A F FECT PERFORMANCE?

Both the Xcal and Xcal Carbon have had refinements to their shape, while adding more aggressive quad tip and rail channels. This leads to more backfoot control and improved control when popping. For Big Air, release off the water is the key component. The more resistance that can be held before release converts to higher jumps, while for freestyle it leads to more pop and slack. Whether you choose to ride boots or straps, both boards are lively under foot with the right amount of stiffness to perform at the top level. C A N Y O U TA L K U S T H R O U G H T H E N E W F U S I O N F O I L S Y S T E M ?

We wanted a modular system where owners can interchange wings, masts and fuselage sections to tailor their equipment to whatever sport they want to perform. We are seeing people use bigger wings for surf foiling and big boards for winging, so there are some huge torsional forces involved. It was clear early on that we needed to futureproof the Fusion system so that whichever direction the sports take the equipment platform can cater for this. We negated the issues of directly connecting wings to the fuselage with screws, by seamlessly integrating the wing sleekly and efficiently to the front part of the fuselage where a huge amount of torsional stress goes through. It also became very important that playing around with the length of the fuselage was key to customizing your ride for the different sports and is a trend seen happening out in Maui. The Fusion system allows you to easily change the rear section of the fuselage (without too much expense) without needing to buy a whole new fuselage. For winging we have seen riders choosing longer fuselage options, whereas for kiting slightly shorter rear sections are better for a more agile and carvey characteristic. This modularity extends to the mast options too with carbon and alloy offerings. Whichever direction foil wings go in, the system is ready to take on this change without people needing to buy new parts for the rest of the system. All of this combines into the futureproof principle that is at the heart of this system.

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FUSION CARBON

MANTIS WITH WINDOW

FUSION HYBRID

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A N D W H AT A R E T H E M A I N A D VA N TA G E S O F T H E N E W F U S I O N SYSTEM?

The key advantages of the system are stiffness, modularity and efficiency. Every connection has been redesigned to maximize stiffness. This is where you really notice the difference with other options on the market. The integrated carbon front wing and fuselage connection means that when you lean into a turn you get an incredible response with no give in the system. The new mast construction and deep fuselage-to-mast connection add to this for an ultra-stiff setup. It is all about performance and something that is very noticeable the first time you jump on it. Winging, surf foiling and kite foiling are exploding at the moment and it has got everyone amped putting this product together to ensure riders aren’t worried about the durability of the product when trying new things. W I T H W I N G I N G B E C O M I N G E V E R M O R E P O P U L A R Y O U H AV E INTRODUCED A NEW WING, THE MANTIS. HOW DOES THE EXP E R I E N C E A N D F E AT U R E S F R O M K I T E D E S I G N C A R R Y O V E R INTO IT?

This is where having the knowledge of 20 years of kite manufacturing really benefits the wing program. We have been able to use all the technology and manufacturing processes we use for our kites in the wings. With winging being relatively young there is a lot of design work going into the wings, and I think it shows how serious we are that we have just released the Mantis, our third wing, to go alongside the already popular Crosswing X2. With the release of the X2 we intro-

duced some unique design concepts like the double strut and widespan handles. It has amazing low-end power, which helps riders get up and riding fast, and with its tight canopy it is an incredibly efficient high performance wing. We’ve complimented this now with the Mantis, our lightest wing, which comes in a window or windowless option. It has its DNA in surfing but this is really an exceptionally versatile freeride wing. Although lightweight, it is incredibly rigid, and with its ease of use, predictability and performance, it is a good choice for all ability levels. In the Mantis you can see how working closely with our factory over kites has allowed us to come up with some leading edge stitching technology that supports the leading edge when it is pumped to high inflation pressures. H O W M U C H W E R E Y O U R T E A M R I D E R S I N V O LV E D I N T H E P RO D U CT D E V E LO P M E N T O F YO U R N E W RA N G E ?

We have a wide collaborative approach to the entire design program, and this is where having very experienced, knowledgeable team riders certainly adds weight to the process. But the majority of the work is done by our test and design team headed up by Lars Moltrup on Maui. It is easy to think the input of just a few people is responsible for a product, but at Cabrinha the roots spread very wide including input right through our distribution partners and sales reps. Each product goes through many iterations, and one benefit of doing the majority of this on Maui is the fact the island is a wind machine. With around 330 windy days a year, the island offers wind and waves most days as well as conditions that benefit the testing process. ■ CABRINHA

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CrazyFly have released two all-new arrivals, proudly made in Europe: the Infinity, a twostrut, lightweight kite, and the Cruz 1200, an easy to use freeride foil. The combination will have you up and riding in the lightest of winds, ‘to Infinity and Beyond!’ as team rider and photographer Laci Kobulsky found out when he headed to Dubai for the CrazyFly photoshoot. We caught up with Marketing Manager Juraj Bukovcak to find out more…

PHOTOS LACI KOBULSKY

W H AT D O E S T H E I N F I N I T Y B R I N G T O T H E P A R T Y A N D W H Y S H O U L D W E WA N T T O R I D E I T ?

With this exciting addition to our kite range, CrazyFly is back to offering three different kite models: the Hyper is for Big Air, the Sculp is our performance all-rounder and great for kiteloops, and now we add the new Infinity kite. It is a two-strut lightweight kite for foiling, surf and light wind freeriding. It is designed for and works really well in underpowered conditions, with incredible low end, stability and drift. It is very easy to fly with light bar pressure and lots of on-the-bar depower. If you are looking to spend more time on the water in marginal wind conditions on a foil, twintip or surfboard, the new Infinity kite is the right choice. F O I L F R E E S T Y L E I S G R O W I N G I N P O P U L A R I T Y. I S T H E I N F I N ITY GOOD FOR THIS DISCIPLINE?

Yes, it looks like we hit the nail on the head with this! The Infinity shape was developed from the Hyper platform, so the Infinity has the Hyper’s Big Air DNA. For a two-strut kite, the Infinity exceeded our boosting expectations and we think this is a big plus for it. There is plenty of boost on tap with lofty hangtime, making it ideal for foil freestyle. The Infinity is mainly a light wind kite, but does not disappoint when the wind picks up.

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TELL US ABOUT THE INFINITY’S SHAPE AND DESIGN.

It falls in the delta bow category and these kites are known for maximum low end, lofty jumps and easy relaunch. Delta bow kites also fly further forward in the wind window and are great for going upwind, and they therefore have amazing efficiency in low wind. With a mid to high aspect ratio and lower profile, the Infinity shares characteristics of a race kite. This makes the Infinity a great light wind kite. W H Y H AV E Y O U U S E D T W O - S T R U T S I N S T E A D O F O N E L I K E A LOT O F OT H E R L I G H T W I N D K I T E S ?

Our goal was to create the best light wind foil-specific kite. The number of struts was not a given. We tested no strut, one-strut and two-strut prototypes, and given the test results and what we think will benefit the end user most, the final choice was a two-strut kite. Our two-strut prototype achieved the weight of most one-strut kites on the market, so we didn’t feel the need to drop a strut. Flying a two-strut kite was much nicer than the one-strut option – with more struts, the kite is always more stable and holds the shape better. Adding struts also helps with relaunch as the canopy does not stick to the water surface. I think the development team did a great job of achieving the best of both worlds: the weight of one-strut kites with the performance of a two-strut kite.

W H AT M AT E R I A L S A R E Y O U U S I N G F O R T H E I N F I N I T Y T O KEEP THINGS LIGHT?

W H I C H B OA R D WO U L D B E T H E I N F I N I T Y ’ S P E R F EC T PA RTNER?

The canopy is made out of Triplex triple ripstop. This is heavier than traditional D2 double ripstop fabrics, but Triplex is 30% more airtight thanks to a different coating. It helps the kite pull more and this outperforms the slightly added weight. On the other hand, compared to our other kites, the Infinity has almost no Dacron on the canopy. Dacron is only used on the leading edge, struts and a small stripe on the wingtips. As the Infinity is mainly for light wind, it does not take as much abuse as kites used in strong wind. We were able to narrow down the leading edge and struts resulting in further weight saving, and reinforced the shape with a new bridle structure to balance out the weight savings.

To stay on the water as long as possible when the wind is dropping, the Cruz 1200 foil and Pure foil board are the perfect set up to use with the Infinity kite. The full carbon Slicer light wind twintip also works very well with the Infinity kite. I always suggest using a bigger board instead of a bigger kite if possible. Big kites are harder to relaunch and slower to fly.

W H AT T Y P E O F B R I D L E H AV E Y O U I M P L E M E N T E D ?

The bridle supports the leading edge on eight points. We use a fixed bridle without any pulleys, which saves weight and results in faster reactions of the kite. When tuning the bridle, relaunch was an important factor and this has been tweaked to perfection. To further enhance relaunch we pack an optional fifth line for the two biggest Infinity kite sizes. The rule here is if you can fly the Infinity kite in the air, you should always be able to relaunch it if it drops.

T E L L U S A B O U T T H E C R U Z 1 2 0 0 . W H O W I L L WA N T T O R I D E IT AND WHY?

The Cruz 1200 is a long awaited set up in our foil range and we are excited it is finally here! It is a very versatile wing design covering a broad spectrum of foilers who will undoubtedly enjoy it. It is a lower aspect wing with a lot of surface area, making it easy to ride on and ideal for beginners. It has high lift at low speed and gradual predictable acceleration – definitely a great option for your first foil and for progression. But the wing design offers much more – advanced riders will appreciate its great stability in moderate and higher speeds, while in lower speeds it is playful and easy to maneuver. It is at home in small waves and prone, with a true surf feel.

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“Our goal was to create the best light wind foilspecific kite. The number of struts was not a given. We tested no strut, one-strut and two-strut prototypes, and given the test results and what we think will benefit the end user most, the final choice was a two-strut kite.”

H OW D O E S I T F I T W I T H YO U R OT H E R C RU Z M O D E LS ; A R E T H E Y C O M P AT I B L E ?

The Cruz foil range now consists of three models: 690, 1000 and 1200. The 690 is a do-it-all foil with medium top speed, a nimble fun-to-ride set up that works well for shallow water sports thanks to its robust injected carbon wings. The 1000 has the biggest wingspan of the three and is therefore easy to ride on and the most stable. If you like to step on the gas pedal, it likes to get going – its wing design is focused on speed with a mid to high aspect ratio. The 1200 completes the range for this year as the most beginner friendly, low wind, and surf feel option. All parts are compatible and interchangeable within the Cruz foil range; all three models work with the same fuselage and rear wing. This makes it really convenient as you can quickly swap between the front wings without worrying about anything else. We also offer three mast lengths: 50, 70 and 90 centimeters, which covers beginners, shallow water spots and advanced foilers as well. C A N Y O U TA L K U S T H R O U G H T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N O F T H E WINGS?

The Cruz foil range combines the latest in wing construction methods: injected carbon compound and carbon composite. All Cruz rear wings, plus the 690 front wing, are made using the injected carbon compound. Injected carbon is an innovative polymer mixed with carbon fibers spread in multiple directions. It is very light and extremely strong. These wings are pretty much indestructible. Injected carbon technology allows for very efficient hydrodynamic shapes, reduces drag and increases speed. The carbon composite method used for the two larger front wings, the 1000 and 1200, I cannot reveal exactly! But I can say that we produce 164

THE BIG PICTURE

these wings flawlessly within a few minutes, without any extra coating or spray painting needed after they are taken out of the mold. The surface has a beautiful shiny carbon finish, but more importantly, the wings are stiff and extremely strong. This is achieved by multiple layers of uni-directional carbon, triaxial carbon and 45-degree carbon, all strategically placed on top of a stiff core. The results are ultra-light, yet very strong and dynamic wings for the best possible foil experience. A N D W H AT A B O U T T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N O F T H E M A S T ?

The Cruz foil masts are aircraft quality, high strength aluminum alloy with a hard-anodized surface treatment – this technology is second to none. Because we only offer twintip-construction low-volume foil boards, we had to consider this aspect when making aluminum masts. The Cruz foil masts are completely water sealed on both the top and bottom, and the trapped air inside the mast increases its buoyancy. This makes all CrazyFly foil kits float with our low volume foil boards, so you can stay focused on foiling instead of worrying about losing your precious foil kit. T E L L U S A B O U T YO U R R E V I S E D TO P A N D B OT TO M M A ST CONNECTIONS.

Every foil needs to be stiff and have strong connections for all parts, for the best possible and responsive ride. The baseplate to mast connection, and fuselage to mast connection use a very simple and innovative solution. Our engineers eliminated the traditional pocket connections and opted for a clean flat surface to flat surface bond. The wings to fuselage use flat-to-flat surface connection too. There are absolutely no vibrations or movement as production tolerances are completely out of the equation here. The strength and rigidity of this clean connection creates a feeling of a one-piece foil construction.

W E P R E S U M E T H E I N F I N I T Y A N D C R U Z 1 2 0 0 W E R E B U I LT I N Y O U R F A C T O R Y C L O S E T O H O M E - H O W H A S T H I S E V O LV E D OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?

not exactly laminated. Unfortunately, as I wrote above, I cannot reveal this production method, as I believe we are ahead of our competitors in this particular area of production.

Yes, the Infinity kites and Cruz 1200 foils are made in our own CrazyFly factory in Slovakia. The factory has evolved very nicely and is running at a historically high capacity. We are really pleased to see our made-in-Europe and three-years-warranty strategy materialize in sales growth. It is great to see customers appreciate all the details and improvements we have made on our products over the last couple of years. With Covid complicating things and some brands closing down, we could not be prouder of CrazyFly’s growth and adding more products like the Infinity and Cruz 1200 into our range.

W H E R E H AV E Y O U B E E N T E S T I N G T H E I N F I N I T Y A N D C R U Z 1 2 0 0 A N D W H I C H O F Y O U R R I D E R S H AV E B E E N I N V O LV E D ?

A R E YO U I N T RO D U C I N G A N Y N E W B U I L D I N G T EC H N I Q U E S A S YO U D E V E LO P YO U R K I T E A N D FO I L B U I L D I N G P RO C E S S ?

Looking back at the 2017 kites when we started our own kite production, we have definitely introduced a lot of new techniques. Even the techniques from those kites seem old now. As far as I know, we were the first kite factory to use a laser cutter, which was essential for producing in Europe. We also boldly started uniting multiple kite panels into one piece. So, instead of three or four panels on the canopy or leading edge we made just one panel. This year, we have a new reinforced cross leading edge seam that is stronger than ever. Such changes may seem small individually, but making four or five changes like this every year makes a big difference. Looking at the latest 2021 kites, with their higher strength and reduced weight, there is a huge difference compared to the kites from 2017. With the new Infinity kite, you can definitely stay on the water longer than for example with any other inflatable kite from 2017. And we were able to get there thanks to the small improvements done each year. We have been working for over four years on foil production. It took three years of hard work to get the Cruz 690 launched in January 2020 with the innovative injected carbon wings technology. The 690 at that time was also the lightest aluminum foil on the market, so a great achievement for our team. The birth of the Cruz 1000 and the 1200 foils with ‘laminated’ full carbon wings took another year, as they are

The Infinity was mainly tested in the Philippines and Egypt, but also Aruba, Italy, Germany, France and even our home in Slovakia. Apart from these countries, the Cruz testing also took place in the UK and in Hungary. The Infinity and Cruz 1200 testing was a bit easier than usual, as with them you can get going in virtually no wind. The main tester behind all CrazyFly kites is Kihwan Kwon. He has been kiting every windy day since the birth of the sport and has incredible experience and talent for kite development. Petr Piche Pechacek, an experienced foiler and strapless master based in Aruba also had a lot to say about the Cruz 1200 and the Infinity. Then the kite continued to our team riders Posito Martinez, and Liloo Fourré who completed the Infinity development stage. This was followed by a test market where we sent the finished kite and foil to a selected group of customers for feedback, before launching the products on the market. LACI ALSO FILLED US IN ON HOW HE FOUND THE NEW GEAR IN DUBAI:

“I was super keen to test out the new CrazyFly gear. I really enjoy foiling in spots like Dubai where the conditions are not perfect for freestyle and I can just cruise and explore. I was concerned that a two-stut kite would be unstable in the air, but I needn’t have worried – it was just as stable as my usual five-strut Hyper, and kitelooped as fast as any other kite. The main difference was that while my pals around me were on 15m or larger kites, I was cruising on a 9m. It comes with an additional fifth line so relaunch is easy and possible in any conditions. Personally, I love the fifth line option because I feel safe knowing that even if the wind drops, I can relaunch the kite with ease. I am used to riding the Cruz 690 so I was keen to test out the 1200. If you want an easy and chilled cruisy foil, 1200 is the perfect option; it is really easy to start and super stable in the ride.” ■ C R A Z Y F LY

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ION SELECT WETSUITS

Wetsuit and soft goods specialist ION are setting a new standard in wetsuit technology with the use of the wonder material ‘graphene’ as their cutting-edge inner lining. We quizzed them to find out more about this futuristic material and its significance for their wetsuits.

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W H Y A R E YO U U S I N G Y O U R W E T S U I T S ? !

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GRAPHENE

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Graphene Plush is an innovative and brandnew inner lining that means our wetsuits are now 20 percent warmer than other ION models. A lot of effort has gone into improving the thermal insulation of wetsuits in recent years, and achieving 20 percent more warmth than any previous model is without a doubt a significant milestone. If your winters involve kiting in temperatures of five degrees, you can now confidently venture out for a session in colder air and water temperatures than you had previously been comfortable in, meaning more opportunities for time on the water while you wait for the milder temperatures of spring to arrive. “A 20 percent increase in warmth represents a quantum leap in thermal insulation and wetsuit technology,” explains Kerstin Geier, Product Manager.

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W I L L YO U B E U S I N G G RA P H E N E P LU S H I N A L L YO U R W E T S U I T S ?

It will be used in the models in our 2021 premium ‘SELECT’ line — SEEK SELECT (men) and AMAZE SELECT (women). Our AMP, CORE and ELEMENT wetsuits still make their mark with ION’s classic, high-quality inner linings ‘Plasma-Plush 2.0’ and ‘Hot-Stuff 2.0’, covering other ranges of use and budgets. FOR THE NON-SCIENTISTS AMONG U S , C A N Y O U E X P L A I N W H AT E X A C T LY G R A P H E N E I S ?

Sure! Two Russian émigré scientists, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov at the University of Manchester, first discovered graphene by pressing sticky tape onto a block of graphite. In their experiment, they found a thin layer of the graphite had stuck to the tape. With additional strips of tape, they then peeled off further layers, continuing to

thin the material down until it was only one atom thick, as investigations under the microscope showed. In 2010 they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for ground-breaking experiments on the two-dimensional material.

A N D W H AT WA S T H E S I G N I F I C A N C E O F T H E I R D I S COV E RY?

Graphene has been considered a miracle material since its discovery and sounds more like science fiction than reality. Made up of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern like honeycomb, it is not only the thinnest material in the world, but also one of the strongest. Compared to steel, for example, graphene is two hundred times stronger; it is also harder than diamond. One square meter of graphene weighs less than a milligram and is a million times thinner than a sheet of paper. Its exceptional properties make this material extremely interesting for many different industries including the automotive and aircraft sectors, medical applications, and the semiconductor industry. AND HOW IS IT USEFUL FOR WETSUITS?

Due to its physical structure, graphene has unique properties that exceed anything previously used in wetsuit technology. Graphene heats up faster and stores this heat much longer than other inner linings, offering optimal thermal properties. Furthermore, the wetsuit models with our Graphene Plush lining dry even faster. To be precise, the drying time has been reduced by one third. That means one of the new ‘SELECT’ wetsuits only

takes 40 minutes to dry where another wetsuit would take 60... Another advantage of the two-dimensional construction is its high flexibility and stretch. Plus, the extremely strong carbon bonds make the material extremely robust and hard-wearing — the perfect protection against unwanted collisions with reef, rocks and/or your own equipment. HOW DOES THE GRAPHENE INTO ION’S GRAPHENE PLUSH?

GET

The polyester yarn is dipped into a graphene solution and coated with it. It is important to note that ION’s Graphene Plush consists of 100% graphene-coated polyester, as opposed to the graphene wetsuits of most competitor brands who only use partly graphene-coated polyester yarn. W H AT E L S E I S C O O K I N G W I T H I O N ?

We have just launched the Riot Curv 18, an Aaron Hadlow Signature harness which is now the stiffest, lightest and most durable harness in our range, offering great freedom of movement. It features our revolutionary thermal composite Curv material and EVA cushioning to prevent the harness from riding up. ■

ION SELECT WETSUITS

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Mobe 5 nose to seatbelt RIDER MAXIME CHABLOZ P H O T O S V E T L A N A R O M A N T S O VA

This is one of my favorite tricks at the moment. It actually came about thanks to Craig Cunningham who showed me a video of a wakeboarder doing the same trick, though not to 5 but a normal mobe. Craig was convinced I could do it. So after trying it out and landing one or two in light conditions, I started taking this trick more seriously and injecting it with more power. I first landed it to 5 in Greece while I was filming for the distance battle. I ended up pulling it off in almost all my heats at the GKA SuperKite in Brazil, and the highest score I got was an 8.5 – not bad for a single pass. Although it is not really a big trick and only has one handlepass, I would say that it is really hard and takes practice to master.

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STEP 1

STEP 5

STEP 2

TIP 1

You want to build up a decent amount of speed and place your kite at the lowest possible position, while still getting enough height and hang time. You will need to have your lines as slack as possible. Extend your pop as long as you can and put a lot of pressure on your back leg, so that your whole backmobe rotation comes around without having to pull on the bar again after the backroll. Make sure your arms are extended during the pop. STEP 3

Grab your nose. It is important that you steer your kite down during the backroll, as you are only going to have your front hand on the bar for a while. The timing of the grabs is super important. Make sure that on every grab, your leg on the side of the grab is bent and the other one extended, as otherwise you won’t reach it. STEP 4

After letting go of your tail, pass the bar as quickly as possible, and bring your other hand back to the bar as fast as possible to close the 540 rotation. This will demand a lot of strength, so you might want to work on those biceps! Really try to extend your pop as long as possible for extra slack, and make sure to commit to your backmobe rotation before letting go of your hand for the grabs. TIP 2

Work your way up to this trick by perfecting your backmobes and backmobe 5’s, then try to do a backroll to toeside, adding the two grabs separately at first, and then both in one jump. TIP 3

In any trick with grabs, it is always the board that comes to your hand, and not your hand that goes to your board! If you get that, then you will be able to do whatever grab you want and as many as you want.

Grab your tail with the same hand you just grabbed your nose, by keeping your bar super close to your body. If you don’t have the strength to hold the bar close you won’t be able to finish the rotation and you will need more slack. Always hold your grabs as long as possible for extra style… MOBE 5 NOSE TO SEATBELT

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Chucking Buckets

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RIDER KEAHI DE ABOITIZ PHOTO CHUCK HARLAN

Growing up as a surfer, I’ve taken a lot of my kitesurfing inspiration from surfing. I’ve always loved watching guys like John John Florence, and I try to implement some of his techniques into kiting. For me his power carve game is one of the best in the business and something you see a lot of surfers now trying to imitate. Although kiting comes with limitations in the angles you can turn, having the extra power a kite gives you has advantages so it’s always fun to blend the different aspects. With most modern kites having a huge amount of depower, the game has really opened up in terms of what is possible in offshore conditions and more drawn out carves. Over the last few years I’ve made a point to incorporate more of these style turns into my riding – I don’t think you see enough of it in kiting. Although it takes a little bit of practice and technique to get right, it’s a very functional maneuver for a certain type of section, which gives you a unique feeling of speed and power that’s really hard to beat. You will enjoy the feeling once you get it dialed. I’ve always loved the way this type of turn looks in photos and the way the water flies off the rail STEP 1

First, it’s all about finding the right wave and section. Ideally you want a nice smooth face; if it’s too bumpy, it can be hard to engage the rail and easy to get bumped off by chop. (Tips for a smooth face are finding a spot with low land or reef upwind to keep it smooth, maybe sticking to the inside where lots of waves are breaking to smooth the water out, or waiting for the second or third wave of a set which tend to be smoother.) Although more offshore conditions will mean smoother conditions, it can also make it more difficult to flow through the end of the carve as your kite will naturally want to pull you off the back of the wave. Ideal conditions for me would be straight sideshore wind as this allows you to extend the turn harder back towards to the wave compared to more offshore conditions. If you have good kite control, it’s also a great turn for side-on conditions as you can really extend the turn back into the whitewash at this point.

STEP 4

Speed is your friend and the faster you come at it while staying in control the better. One of the biggest keys to a good carve is a nice drawn-out bottom turn; if you push too hard, you’ll end up sending the kite forward too early which will kill your speed before you get to your top turn. STEP 5

In fatter sections keep as much weight on your front foot as possible as this helps get more drive out of the board without relying on your kite power as much. I sometimes even shift my back foot between my bottom and top turn. This is because having it further forward draws out my bottom turn and gives me more drive through the board, then when I want to stomp on the top turn, I shift it back. STEP 6

Kite positioning is an important factor – you want your kite to be slightly in front of the swell line just as you go into your top turn. That generally means a figure eight with the kite or a loop as I set up my turn. The amount you need to move your kite will depend on the wind angle but you always want to get it to that same position for the turn.

Next think about your body and hand positioning. I very rarely have two hands on the bar as this locks up your body movement and makes it hard to turn. A good practice is to bottom turn with your front hand on the bar as this allows you to lead with your front hand, then as you shift into the carve switch over to your back hand. This allows you to really open up the carve and extend it back into the wave as much as possible by twisting your shoulders where you want to go.

STEP 3

STEP 7

STEP 2

Ideally I’m looking for a nice smooth bowl with a decent amount of wall so I have enough space to fit in the turn. Although you generally don’t want a super steep section, it does need to be steep enough that you won’t bog when you stomp on the tail and engage the rail.

I like to pull in on the bar for extra power just as I lean into my top turn, then as I rotate around I shift to the power of the wave and depower the kite to extend the carve back as far as possible. Then it’s all about pulling back in for power, resetting the kite and getting ready for the next section… CHUCKING BUCKETS

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T EL L Photo: Adrian Geislinger

A B O UT

Levitaz R5 Race Series Foil

If you have your sights firmly set on Olympic success, then this high-spec no compromises racing-specific foil could be for you. Three years in the making, Levitaz have produced a thing of both elegance and technical wizardry.

YO U H AV E D E S I G N E D A N D B U I LT T H E R 5 T O M E E T T H E H I G H E S T D E M A N D S O F P R O F E S S I O N A L K I T E F O I L R A C E R S . W H AT A R E T H E C H A L L E N G E S O F B U I L D I N G T H E FA S T E S T F O I L YO U C A N ?

The R5 Race Series is the result of passion for performance and excellence by our craftsmen, designers, engineers and riders. We tested the prototype in every imaginable condition, did more redesign rounds than ever before, and have never worked closer with our team riders. It took us almost three years to develop a foil that comprises all our ideas and requirements. For example, with the mast we aimed for high stiffness, low drag, and no ventilation – it is always a delicate balance between these interests. There are a variety of tools available to change characteristics like profile section, length, layup, type of fibres and many more. We made as many attempts as we felt necessary and finally produced a new Prepreg technique to have the maximum performance. The result is the R5 Race Series consisting of an intelligent mix of materials and therefore characterized by an ideal balance, instant response, and maximum speed potential. C A N Y O U TA L K U S T H R O U G H T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N A N D D E SIGN OF THE MAST?

We offer two masts, the R5 V1 and V2. The design layup for both models displays the best possible combination between torsional and bend172

TELL ME ABOUT IT

ing stiffness. We achieved a very high level for this, which gave us the possibility to make the longest masts in the whole fleet. The R5V1 mast is designed with three different profile sections. The top part towards the board interface is manufactured for maximum stiffness to guarantee the best possible power transmission with the smallest possible diameter. The middle section is designed with a profile with low ventilation tendency, and the bottom part shows a low drag profile. The R5V1 mast is the design made for everyday conditions to offer maximum possible performance. The R5V2 mast has a slightly thicker middle profile section which offers even more stiffness. It is made for very tough conditions in strong winds where extra stiffness is more important than lower drag. W H Y H AV E Y O U U S E D A S TA I N L E S S - S T E E L B O X I N T H E F U SELAGE?

Our stainless-steel box is unique in the industry and is the heart of the foil. Interfaces between components that can be disassembled are potential vulnerabilities in terms of stiffness, accuracy of fit, and durability. We are proud to say that we have set a new benchmark for these technical characteristics with the R5 Race Series. With our parent company Geislinger GmbH, we can use the best materials from the worlds of both metal and fiber composite manufacturing. In order to minimize the weaknesses of this mast-to-glider-interface it was the logical step towards hitting the products’ development targets.

Pivot point in the yaw axis:

By turning the upper threaded pin inward, it pushes against the fuselage (red line) and changes the rear wing angle downward (-)

This is the fixed point of the Fuselage and Rear wing.

For final fixation of angle use bottom threaded pin to counter and secure the adjustment.

By turning the bottom threaded pin inward, it pushes against the fuselage (green line) and changes the rear wing angle upward (+).

T E L L U S A B O U T T H E T R I M S Y S T E M F O R T H E S TA B I L I Z E R . W H AT M A D E Y O U I M P L E M E N T T H I S ?

The R5 must be built to win – that was our development approach. Various parameters play a role in winning. All the different conditions the hydrofoil is exposed to, like the type of water, be it fresh or salt, cold or warm, with all its combinations, strongly affect the performance of the foil. We investigated riders’ requirements and understood that it would be a gamechanger to enable the adjustment of the angle of incident (AOI) to the rider’s personal preferences and the particular conditions. Due to our innovative mechanism the desired AOI can be set without disassembling any part. Therefore, the R5 can be adapted to every detail like the rider´s weight, the board model with its scoop-rocker-line, foot strap and box position, as well as different riding conditions. The adjustment is that easy that this is possible even on the water between races. T H E R 5 -S V E R S I O N O F T H E F RO N T W I N G LO O K S A N E V E N M O R E A G G R E S S I V E S H A P E . W H AT U S E I S I T D E S I G N E D F O R ?

At first glance it might seem more aggressive but actually it is easier to control. The aspect ratio and wingspan are reduced for more control and less lift. Moreover, we gave the wing a bit of twist on the tip for more stability in the yaw axis. All that makes it a great wing for lighter riders and tough conditions. H OW D O E S T H E R 5 CO M PA R E T O YO U R B I O N I C FO I L ?

It is hard to compare because we made such a big step forward with the R5. Performance-wise the increase is indescribable as we went all out and designed from scratch. We did not want to limit ourselves to the connection system and therefore it is not compatible to our other hydrofoils. It is one of a kind!

W H I C H B OA R D I N YO U R L I N E U P D O YO U R ECO M M E N D PA I RING THE R5 WITH?

We recommend our new RAZE4 which we will release this spring. It is designed with the perfect angle and fit of the tuttle box for the R5. But we do not want our customers to be limited by that. Therefore, we are circulating all necessary information to shape a perfect fitting board to the R5 Race Series. W H I C H O F Y O U R T E A M R I D E R S H AV E Y O U U S E D F O R F E E D BACK?

We mainly tested with Theo de Ramecourt, Florian Gruber and Jannis Maus. But we also gave early prototypes to other riders for a diverse feedback. In the early stages Guy and Steph Bridge were involved on some testing trips. But a big shout out goes to our team riders who provided us with an insane amount of valuable feedback. The close cooperation with them and our R&D team was definitely one of the key success factors for the R5 Race Series. ■ LEVITAZ R5 RACE SERIES FOIL

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A B O UT

North Pulse North have just released the second iteration of their dynamic freestyle kite, the Pulse, which Bruna Kajiya will be using to catapult her to success when competitions resume.

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H OW D O E S T H E P U LS E F I T I N W I T H T H E R E ST O F YO U R L I N E U P ; W H AT S O R T O F R I D E R I S I T A I M E D AT ?

The Pulse is a freestyle bridled hybrid-C kite, which is the ultimate in performance freestyle,but will also boost and loop with ease. It is best aimed for riders who want to get into unhooked riding, but also riders who want to get into kite loops as well. H O W H A S I T E V O LV E D F R O M T H E P R E V I O U S M O D E L ?

The Pulse has a new and improved lightweight canopy and reinforcement material, making it lighter and smoother this year. It is faster turning and there is also an improvement in the pop and slack. It has a better catch after kite loops, making its overall performance a lot smoother and faster compared with the 2020 Pulse. This will also help speed up the progression for any rider. W H I C H B OA R D F RO M YO U R RA N G E WO U L D B E I T S P E R F ECT PA RT N E R ?

The Focus board with its explosive pop and incredible control on take offs and landings would definitely be the board of choice to complement the Pulse best. H O W WA S T H E P U L S E R E C E I V E D B Y T H E P R O T E A M ? W I L L A N Y O F YO U R T E A M R I D E R S B E U S I N G I T I N CO M P E T I T I O N S O N C E T H E S E S TA R T B A C K U P ?

Marc Jacobs has put in a great number of hours testing in all conditions making sure it is ready for market, and the feedback from the pro team has been amazing. And yes, Bruna will definitely be pushing the Pulse to the max on the tour! W H AT E L S E I S N E W F O R N O R T H W I T H T H E L AT E S T L A U N C H ?

Within the Freestyle collection, the new Fix boots feature a newly extended neoprene flex zone for a greater range of movement, and new streamlined buckles for easier one-handed adjustment. North Director of Engineering Hugh Pinfold said, “Most of our competitors are just using wakeboard boots – but ours are lower cut so you can get into a solid kite stance for going upwind. This, combined with improved flexibility in the mid-section of the boot, allows you to lean back more and drive upwind or engage a rail.” We have also a larger range of foils, foil boards and wings that has been added to the 2021 range, along with the Nova wing. So we’re pretty busy! ■ NORTH PULSE

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T ELL Photo: Samuel Tomé

A B O UT

RRD Global Bar Y26

RRD have just released their updated Global bar in this, their 26th year. They gave us the lowdown on this luxurious and minimal kite interface.

Photo: Samuel Tomé

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T H E G L O B A L B A R H A S A F O C U S O N S I M P L I C I T Y. H O W H AV E YO U AC H I E V E D T H I S ?

We have done 26 years of testing, making mistakes, and studying new materials, in conjunction with our accomplished designers, engineers and athletes. We have a team of athletes consolidated over the years and they all send us product feedback that we try to apply to modify the products. We have also always tested the products of our competitors and understood what is liable to break, what was essential and what could be removed. H O W H AV E Y O U I M P R O V E D T H E G L O B A L B A R F O R Y 2 6 ?

The bar has a new CNC polished aluminum middle bar connector. We’ve also improved the stainless steel depower rope cleat. And for this year we’ve color coded the lines – the back lines are black and the front lines are white. And don’t forget the art of the graphic team that adds cool stuff to the product to satisfy the eye’s need for beauty! H O W H AV E Y O U M I N I M I Z E D F R I C T I O N P O I N T S I N T H E B A R SYSTEM?

All the components of the bar must flow as well as possible to ensure excellent operation over the years, otherwise it would be like a bearing that doesn’t work well. And all the components must slide in the best possible way to last as long as possible. TELL US ABOUT THE QUICK RELEASE AND FLAGGING SYSTEM ON THE BAR.

The chicken loop safety release system has an oversized handle and increased sliding potential of all components to secure an effective functionality over the years. This safety release system has the least amount of steel components on the market, meaning a longer lifetime and less maintenance. YO U ’ V E B E E N U S I N G T H E R I G I D T H R E A D L I N E S FO R A W H I L E N O W. T E L L U S A B O U T T H E I R B E N E F I T S .

‘RIGID THREAD LINES’ have been used exclusively on the RRD bars with great success for over seven years. They ensure you don’t end up with stretched lines, so the trim of the kite doesn’t change. All our lines are produced and developed in Italy, with a worldwide patent granted only to RRD. The color coding makes clear which lines are directional or power lines and help beginners to always connect the lines correctly. W H AT W I D T H S D O E S T H E B A R C O M E I N , A N D D O Y O U O F F E R DIFFERENT LINE LENGTHS OR EXTENSIONS?

The bar will come in two sizes: 48cm for small kites and freestylers, and 52cm for bigger kites. All our kites are tested with the same length of lines – 23m. We only offer this size because we know it is the right one and where our kites perform the best. W H E R E H AV E Y O U B E E N T E S T I N G T H E G L O B A L Y 2 6 ?

We did the testing in different places like South Africa, Italy, Spain and Brazil, both on water and on snow. We tested it for almost one year before it came into production for our testers and team riders. W H AT E L S E D O E S R R D H AV E I N T H E P I P E L I N E ?

We are planning new kite designs and new materials… But these are top secret and I can only give you one hint: ‘super light and super stiff’! ■

RRD GLOBAL BAR Y26

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T EL L Photos here: Thomas Burblies.

A B O UT

CORE SLC CORE have just released their first ever hydrofoil and foil board, the SLC, and we’re very excited to get our hands on it.

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Photo: Julieta Pereyra W H Y D I D Y O U D E C I D E T H E T I M E WA S R I G H T T O I N T R O D U C E A FO I L A N D FO I L B OA R D TO YO U R L I N E U P ?

As you know we have extremely high performance and quality standards for our products, and we wanted to ensure we met these standards in a CORE foil. We put a lot of accuracy into the development process, to offer our customers the best product possible. The product that we have worked for and aimed towards is now ready. W H AT S O R T O F R I D I N G A R E Y O U P I T C H I N G I T F O R ?

The concept behind the SLC is to offer an intuitive foil that handles any conditions with stability, confidence, and precision. New foilers and intermediates will appreciate the SLC’s stability and gentle rise. Freestylers and wave foilers will value its trick-friendly light weight and predictable wing performance. I would say the SLC Series simplifies your search with a setup for 95% of foilers. YO U R M A S T E RY O F C O M P O S I T E S I S W E L L K N OW N W I T H T H E C A RV E D B R A N D. W H AT E L E M E N T S O F YO U R T W I N T I P M A N U FA C T U R I N G E X P E R I E N C E H AV E H E L P E D W I T H B U I L D I N G T H E F O I L ?

Yes, the Imperator reflects Carved’s decade-long carbon fiber experience. But looking at several generations of CORE twintip models, carbon fiber is in CORE’s DNA too – and it shows in the 1000 and 1250cm wings of the SLC. C A N YO U T E L L U S M O R E A B O U T T H E W I N G S ?

Both wings feature predictable handling in unpredictable underwater conditions with steady pitch and yaw stability. Much of the wing’s performance is due to the extensive wing development program, PU core, and unique lamination process that builds good flex into the wingtips. WH AT M AT E R I AL H AVE YOU USED FOR THE STABIL IZER A N D MA ST?

We continued with the more expensive PU and carbon build for the stabilizer to further reduce foil weight. However, carbon’s anisotropic properties make aluminum a better all-round choice for the mast. The mast weighs a little more than carbon would but it better resists bending and twisting. We use the more corrosion resistant 6063 aluminum for the fuselage and mast. And our extrusion process achieves more rigidity than most carbon masts, with very little weight difference. New foilers and wave riders should consider the 71cm mast whereas the 92cm mast is our allrounder. C A N YO U TA L K U S T H RO U G H T H E CO N ST R U C T I O N O F T H E B OA R D ?

The board’s responsiveness stems from its carbon and PVC sandwich construction that reduces its swing weight and provides superior stiffness. Standard, unidirectional, and biaxial carbon laminations that reinforce critical stress areas improve longevity and durability. The hull and deck shape is tuned to accelerate rider progression. The deck’s perpendicular orientation to the foil and the slightly concave surface provides a balanced and comfortable foil platform. Beveled rails and a double concave hull help you get back on track after touchdowns. W H AT S I Z E S D O E S T H E B O A R D C O M E I N A N D W H AT D I D Y O U R T E A M R I D E R S H AV E T O S AY A B O U T I T ?

While the smallest board (115cm) is aimed at experts, the longer 125 and 135cm boards have much broader use. Expert foiler Steven Akkersdijk keeps saying the SLC makes experienced foilers even better… D O Y O U H AV E P L A N S T O E X P A N D Y O U R F O I L R A N G E ?

You know how much we love these questions about our future program. Let’s put it this way – if we come to the conclusion that a broader foil range is needed and demanded, then we will certainly consider offering it to our customers. ■ CORE SLC

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Eleveight XS A L L- R OUN DE R TE ST

RANGE

BOOSTING

TURNING SPEED

FREESTYLE

ACCESSIBILITY

There has been some serious buzz around the Eleveight brand recently, with Nuno ‘Stru’ Figueiredo towing bravely into a ridiculous Nazaré and more recently, and relevantly, some impressive viral videos circulating the internet featuring the all new XS model, with some impressively high boost and loop antics on flat water somewhere secret in Europe. We were eager to get our hands on an XS during the depths of a brutal UK winter storm period and see what the all the fuss was about. So the XS is a five-strut affair with a full arc and medium amount of wingtip sweep; it probably sits among the higher aspect kites on the market today, and has a subtle delta to the leading edge tube. All the usual trimmings of a well-conceived build are there – the canopy comprising of Technoforce X4 cloth from Teijin, a short bridle system with a single slider, and a smattering of soft battens adorning the trailing edge to keep things nice and taut. The inflation system is of a sensible diameter, and the tried and tested bayonet fitting for the inflate gets you up to pressure quickly. Tucked neatly in the wingtips, lurks a single rigid batten per side, which improves the steering response. There’s a generous presence of bump stops between the leading edge segments. It’s not a build focused on weight saving perhaps, but it’s certainly a sturdy one. As soon as you fly the XS, you can feel the ground pull. This kite pulls sternly through the front lines and adamantly refuses to be forced into the dead zone at the edge of the wind window. Edging hard against the XS, it almost feels like a wake boat. You can load your board until it’s visibly bending, and the air frame seems to handle really heavy loading at all angles of attack with little deformation. It just sits there and pulls consistently. The steering response from the XS is swift enough for a five-strut kite with such a rigid and grunty bar presence. There’s enough agility there to throw the kite around, but keep in mind it will respond with force, particularly when powered. The XS will pivot around its wingtip without much persuasion so initiating airtime is very simple, which is a critical

WAVE

element of the kite’s character. The turning speed and travel across the window as you load up seems to be pre-set for exceptionally consistent and lofty jumps. It’s certainly not on the twitchy end of kite handling, but feels like it’s pre-set for big boosting with confidence and predictable results. The hang time is long, and the steering is set to give you no overcorrection and unwanted results. Looping the XS requires commitment, as the forward pull leaves your breakfast about thirty meters behind you, but the climb and recovery is again very predictable and confidence inspiring. With all that boost and loft potential, it is critical that a kite like this goes well upwind as well as down, which luckily is the case with the XS. The XS is far from a blunt instrument; it meets its boost brief bang on target, and is honed extremely well for Big Air focused performance riding. There’s an air of nostalgia about the kite that is hard to pinpoint; perhaps it harks from the now almost extinct big boosting grunty C-shapes of yesteryear, but the XS seems to bring all the engaging, positive aspects of that style of kite with some welcome modern refinement. There’s a real pleasure in using a kite that necessitates holding a decent edge with your board, pulling on your back hand and enjoying that raw torque, lift and response.

Slingshot RPX A L L- R OUN DE R TE ST

BOOSTING

RANGE

TURNING SPEED

FREESTYLE

ACCESSIBILITY

One of Slingshot’s longest running models, the RPM, has been around for over a decade and has stood as a formidable World Championship winning freestyle platform. It kicked off the future C-shape concept, mimicked widely across the industry in various forms. This year, the slightly renamed RPX represents the most significant rework the kite has had in its recent history. The timeless three-strut platform remains, with the aggressively squared off wingtips, and it still retains that trademark RPM look and shape. So what’s changed? From a build perspective there’s been some serious attention to detail focused on weight saving. The Dacron in the wingtips and trailing edge from previous models has been minimized, and instead the RPX sports a robust 4x4 ripstop from Teijin, which forms the canopy that has had a significant simplification in the panel layout. The leading-edge diameter is much leaner than previously, as are the struts which retain the canopy integrated split strut design from previous generations. The trailing

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edge has been completely reworked and is now formed from a narrow band of mark cloth with a sewn-in leech line. The bridling has also had a serious makeover with drag-minimizing, low-diameter Kevlar utilized with some neat, anodized sliders. The one-pump system is completely redesigned with updated 90 degree valves and high diameter pipes for easier deflation. All this weight saving has equated to a 9m kite coming in at 2.77kg on the scales, which is impressive for a three-strut freestyle focused kite with such full wingtips. From a performance perspective, the RPX manages to retain a significant portion of its previous character, but feels instantly sharper. In audio visual terms, it’s gone from standard HD to 4K. Power delivery through the bar is more direct on sheeting, and you get far more power increase for less sheet. The RPX also flies significantly further forward in the wind window, and clambers upwind far better than previously, which is particularly noticeable in the low end. The newfound crispness translates

T E S T E D

Cabrinha Contra S I NG L E STR UT K ITE

RELAUNCH

FOILING

TURNING SPEED

FREERIDE

LOW END

The Contra has been in the Cabrinha range since the dawn of time. I remember vividly a friend’s 16.5m high aspect C-shape with a huge crossover bridle and many struts, in the early noughties, that was the forefront of light wind technology at the time, and that has been the model’s modus operandi ever since. Throughout its history, you’d usually find the Contra in larger sizes, however, with changing market trends, particularly the popularization of freeride hydrofoil riding both at home on Maui and globally, riders have been requiring more nimble light weight smaller sized kites for early flying, compact packing and ease of use. It makes perfect sense for Cabrinha to extend the range downwards, into smaller sized mono struts to meet this consumer demand, and they have not been shy in producing six sizes from 3m through to 11m. Out of the bag, we’re presented with a mid-aspect, swept leading edge mono strut weighing in at a competitive 2.44kg. All the usual high-end trimmings of a Cabrinha kite are present with their Nano Ripstop canopy and High tenacity Dacron making up the frame. The leading edge is relatively narrow in diameter for a 9m, and once inflated to the specified 8 PSI it makes for a solid little airframe. There’s a simple pulley-less and short low-diameter bridle present, and the canopy is segmented frequently across the Contra’s span to maintain an accurate and smooth profile. The build is fairly minimal, as all good lightweight kites should be, and comprises of quality materials and detailed components, like the neat silicon covers for the one-pump hoses for instance. There is still a respectable amount of scuff protection present on the leading edge considering the low overall weight. It flies early, as any decent mono strut should, and like all Cabrinha kites recently it is smooth, notably smooth. Power delivery seems to build gently on sheet, and rear line tension remains through the entire depower range. Bar pressure is probably best described as light to moderate and not too remote. Around the corners, it continues with the theme

TOP END

of fluid power delivery and isn’t going to pull you off the foil as the kite flies across the window on a transition. It is really simple to feather out the bar and make your turns at the speed you want to with a reassuringly creamy pulse of power available on demand. What it has inherited from the existing Contra DNA is an air of efficiency. It creeps upwind well, even without a hydrofoil and its straight-line speed you can generate is impressive. You might want to put it on shorter lines for freeride foiling as it punches upwind so well. Extra drift is generally a positive attribute of the mono strut platform due to their light weight, and the Contra is no exception. This drift capability will transfer well for lighter or more efficient riders in wave scenarios. It never really seems to overfly and balances well between its front and back lines. As a first venture into the now competitive realm of mono strut kites, Cabrinha’s design nouse and lineage shines through in the Contra immediately. It is a platform that is well optimized for light wind with effortless and gentle flying characteristics that transfer well across freeride disciplines and makes it a practical and sportive choice.

well when it comes to getting the kite round the corners. The turning is far more snappy and can be fairly pivotal if required for freeride. For the purist, it’s easy to tune down on the rear pigtails for less reactive parkand-pop style riding. Unhooked, the steady pull and downwind travel remain, which will please competent freestylers, and in this context it seems to remain as composed as ever. The new materials and weight loss seem to equate to a noticeable Big Air performance boost. It’s a kite that now jumps fairly high very consistently, and allows you to really choose how much pull you want through the loop, in both its turning radius and feathering the sheet on the bar. The bar pressure has been lightened a little perhaps, but the presence through the steering lines and fun, intuitive nature of the handling still shine. The RPX is a great update of a kite with a formidable lineage. Most of all it significantly modernizes the established platform, making it very competitive with its European neighbors. Our cherished American unit has been off to boot camp to shed some pounds and it’s come back leaner and meaner, but thankfully maintains the identity that made it so successful in the first place. It is chiseled and more focused and the ideal kite for those more dedicated to a twintip who want some range and practicality with no compromises on park-and-pop unhooked performance.

TESTED

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T E S T E D

F-ONE Bandit S2 WAV E K ITE

LOW END

DEPOWER

TURNING SPEED

DRIFT

ACCESSIBILITY

F-ONE made a great decision when they split their long-established Bandit range by discipline and developed last year’s surf-specific Bandit S. It produced a more focused product that has been well received by wave purists and strapless freestylers alike. F-ONE have never been a brand to stand still with regards to their product development; the next generation Bandit S2 has received the usual subtle but numerous tweaks which aggregate into quite a dramatically improved kite. Technically speaking, we are presented with a completely revised panel layout and intelligent canopy seaming to distribute the loading in the most stable direction of the ripstop. It is a technique F-ONE have employed in this year’s Bandit 21 and their new Strike wing with great effect. This relatively subtle change in cloth alignment keeps the canopy tighter, less stretchy, and results in improved response from the kite. The trailing edge has also had a major makeover, and they have utilized an intermediate 135g material that feels halfway between ripstop and Dacron. This controls the trailing edge more effectively and drops a few grams from the overall weight. In the air, what is most noticeable is a slight drop in bar pressure, which perks up the handling without losing that all-important instinctive ability to know where the kite is without having to look at it. The bar feeling is firm enough not to be too remote and twitchy, but at the same time isn’t going to give you raging tennis elbow. The other impressive improvement is how far up the depower travel you can push the bar and still retain a good response from the turning. You can winch in all the depower the cleat has to offer, and it still turns with no vibration. Overall the kite

RELAUNCH

feels very taut, smooth and solid. Its agile performance in onshore conditions is a testament to its good design, and there isn’t a ridiculous power spike or vibration if you throw the kite across the window depowered. It is a smooth controlled experience with power on tap as and when you require it. This obviously translates well into hydrofoil use where the drifty nimble nature makes for a playful light wind experience. The revised model retains all the positive points of the existing Bandit S and makes it even more composed, particularly at each end of the wind range, easily squeezing a few more knots of usability at both ends. A good measure of success of a wave kite is how much you don’t have to think about it. Particularly in bigger and more critical conditions a wave kite should be as passive as possible. You want to be concentrating on your position on the wave, rather than worrying about where the kite is. If you can ignore the kite almost completely and concentrate on your turns, then you’ve found a successful design, and that’s certainly where the Bandit S2 is pitched. It makes for a very free and easy experience, and its passive and instinctive nature is a virtue.

Goodboards Amnesia Pro TWINTIP

LANDING

POP

COMFORT

EDGING

ACCESSIBILITY

Established for a decade now, Goodboards is a German brand with crossover into wake and snow products as well as kite gear. They are a proudly European operation with two production facilities in the Czech Republic, which brings an artisanal feel to the product. When you’re first presented with the outlandish wavy outline of Amnesia Pro, you are not sure what to make of it. Ride it and prepare to cast your initial assumptions about the beautifully crafted rails firmly aside, and enjoy the massive performance benefits. ‘This board cuts through chop like a hot knife through butter’ is a quote you will hear in many a marketing blurb from kite brands, but in this case we can assure you the claim is absolutely justified. The wavy rail grips spectacularly through even quite dense chop, and genuinely minimizes fatigue. Pop and release is very clean, and the rails seem to herald little change in directional stability. In a way it makes perfect sense. You only need to open your cutlery drawer and wield a bread knife to find examples of serration being more effective. Lib Tech have used Magne-Traction edges in their snowboards for years with decent performance gains, particularly on mixed surfaces, so why shouldn’t this apply to water? Anyway, I digress. Rails aside, the bottom shape is also very refined, with a total of eight differing channels doing a great job of further smoothing out chop and holding water before you load up and pop. They take the sting out of hard landings, where the board recovers well tracking downwind with speed. It perhaps has more of a fun and freeride application than out and out wakestyle handlepass suitability, but that only means it will suit 95% of the kiting population. It has some reinforcement built into the

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inserts to give the option to bolt a couple of wake boots on without worry of stressing the board too much, and in this scenario, if your spot is notoriously choppy this could well avoid a trip to the knee surgeon. The Amnesia Pro is not a board you’re going to forget in a hurry. It is light, forgiving, easy to load for Big Air, and is produced in Europe, which should be celebrated. If you’ve perhaps fallen out of love with twintips of late and found yourself in a cycle of hydrofoil and surfboard use and abuse, this unusual looking German stick may well revitalize your love of the more traditional kite craft. It has produced nothing but big grins all round from us, and there is nothing more satisfying when that comes from a less mainstream brand and a uniquely designed product. Good is an understatement.

DRIVING BRITISH KITESPORTS SINCE 1999 • PROTECTING BEACHES • PROVIDING INSURANCE • SETTING WORLDWIDE TRAINING STANDARDS • SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CLUBS • DELIVERING THE BEST EVENTS SUPPORT YOUR SPORT, BE INSURED Visit BritishKitesports.org

J O IN NOW

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the committed

At TheKiteMag HQ we kite year-round, but temperatures rarely drop towards freezing for us. So we are in awe of the team at MACkiteboarding, Michigan USA, who kite amongst icebergs! We spoke to manager Tucker Vantol about the commitment to kiting that the team at their shop and school show. PHOTOS MARC H OE KS E MA

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Y O U G U Y S K I T E I N S O M E E X T R E M E T E M P E R AT U R E S – Y O U R PA RT O F T H E WO R L D G E T S P R E T T Y CO L D W I N T E R S H E Y ? !

Yes, we kite year-round in Michigan. Last year we kited every week except two, when the ice flow came out the rivers. More commonly, we lose one or two months of kiting on the water due to icebergs. Needless to say, we value high-quality neoprene. It is much easier now with wetsuit technology than when I was growing up surfing in a junky old dive suit. I had some serious issues with opening car doors and nausea back in those days! I should probably mention the importance of a functional kite safety release. In those temperatures, a frozen safety release is a real consideration, so we change to wingsurfing or surfing in negative windchills. It is a bit of a learned skill really and another element to consider when riding. W H AT D O Y O U G E T U P T O W H E N Y O U C A N ’ T K I T E O N T H E WAT E R ?

We snowkite and teach snowkiting in the winter. It is a great way to teach since so many people here already know how to ski and snowboard. They can ride while they learn since they do not need to worry about riding fast enough to plane. They practice over the winter and generally hit the water and go in the spring with relative ease. I would say it is the easiest way to learn to kite. Luckily we have lots of great spots just a stone’s throw from our shop – loads of large inland lakes, large dune areas, and the Lake Michigan shoreline as well. It is a growing scene in our area and lots of midwesterners travel to our area to ride too so it is always fun to see fresh faces. Y O U G U Y S S E E M T O H AV E A G R E AT S E T U P T H E R E . G I V E U S S O M E B A C KG R O U N D T O T H E S C H O O L A N D S H O P.

Steve Negen started MACkite 40 years ago in Mackinaw City (hence the name). He opened a second location in Grand Haven, our current headquarters, years later. We had beginnings as a sport kite shop, and as Steve learned to kite in the nineties with the first two-line Wipika kites he began to sell them too. As Naish, Cabrinha and others came on the scene we started selling those as well. We have always been very much a bricks-and-mortar shop with a lesson program from the start. Nowadays, a lot more is done online so we are stoked to bring that same energy and experience to riders globally. Our MACkiteboarding YouTube channel and accompanying blog on our website have been a big part of that recently, in an effort to inform and educate riders as if they were standing in the shop with us. Being a foiling addict, I work mostly on the ‘Foil Fridays’ and ‘Wing Wednesday’ series. Y O U M U S T H AV E O N E O F T H E B I G G E S T T E A M S W E ’ V E H E A R D O F F O R A K I T E S C H O O L A N D S H O P.

Our boardsports team ranges from 12-20 employees throughout the year depending on what we have going on. Most are full-time, year-round employees but we also have some seasonal instructors (mostly schoolteachers) who help meet the needs of students in the spring-summer season. I think one of our greatest assets is picking the right team. We are all passionate and invested in the sport, so I think that is a key to our success – nobody here is simply punching the clock for a paycheck. Honestly, most of our staff members are incredibly overqualified but find themselves working here because of their love for the sport and the good people we work with. The massive demo inventory is a nice perk too! We also work with a few brand ambassadors locally and globally to test gear, produce useful content, and help share the MACkite stoke everywhere they go.

long time and is now in his dream position of working remotely in the MACkiteboarding RV. He makes his way around North America making videos and sharing his love for the sport. You will find him at the best spots in their season for the next few years. When travel opens up again, he’ll be hitting some global adventures as well. He is a regular in Portugal and Brazil in their kite seasons.

TELL US MORE ABOUT A COUPLE OF THEM AND HOW THEY SHOW TRUE COMMITMENT TO KITING.

A N D H O W D O Y O U P E R S O N A L LY S H O W T R U E C O M M I T M E N T TO KITING?

Blake Olsen is a bit of a globetrotter and he also charters custom kiting trips and lessons worldwide, so he is a great resource for pretty imagery, new locations, and the best instructor commentary you can find. His smile and attitude are even more infectious than his riding style; it is impossible to find a more upbeat person. Ryan has been with us a

I’m generally first on the water in the morning because I have a wife, five homeschooled kids, and a bunch of homestead animals! With that responsibility, it pays to wake up early and get on the water so I can be sure to get a session in. There’s no better way to start the day than sipping a coffee and pumping up in the dark. ■ 185

Life Lessons WO R D S S E N S I G R AV E S P H OTO S E R I C D U R A N

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in business it’s that you never really know what’s going to happen. The best plans can be waylaid by an unseen competitor, the best-developed products surpassed by a new technology, or the best intentions thwarted by changing circumstances. Last March proved to be one such turning point in the world.

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Like most, my initial response to Covid was worry. I had just finished up my biggest production cycle of the year in my swimwear business, Sensi Graves Swim, and therefore had a lot of money on my credit cards, my current source of production funding. With the global shutdown and so many industries immediately crashing to a halt, I felt a squeeze and a panic that I hadn’t experienced before, one of uncertainty and worry about what might happen next. I didn’t think that anyone would be buying swimwear. It is a luxury item, certainly not a necessity, and with people’s livelihoods on the line, why would they purchase from my brand?

But during the shutdown, I realized that no matter how hard we try at something, we can’t control the result. The only true thing we can control is our effort and our intention. Therefore, my energy shifted and instead of rewarding myself when I achieved the specific result, I acknowledged that it was only through trying things that I would make progress. Because you never really know what’s going to work. In creating a new standard for success, one in which showing up and trying was rewarded, I subsequently allowed myself to have more fun. Making mistakes don’t matter when just trying is your marker for success. CUSTOMERS COME FIRST

In addition to the initial dread of not being able to pay off my credit cards and not being able to make ends meet, I also couldn’t travel to kite, which left me feeling quite anxious. Like most brands, kite companies were also feeling the pressure and my kite sponsorships got cut in half, which added to the general feeling of worry. One response to not knowing what’s going to happen is to freeze and not do anything. But the other response is to say, “I don’t know what’s going to happen or work, so let’s just try some stuff”. In navigating the global shutdown and through taking charge in my business and trusting in my kite career, I learned a few key lessons to navigating hardship. S H OW I N G U P S H O U L D B E YO U R B A RO M E T E R FO R S U CC E S S

Throughout my kite career and while running my swimwear company, I’ve felt immense pressure to get to a certain level and to perform. If I didn’t do as well as I wanted to in a competition, I would beat myself up. If I didn’t meet my sales goal for the year, I would feel really bad and take it personally. And then the pandemic hit and uncertainty ran rampant, and I was hit with a realization: your results don’t reflect anything about you, but come down to whether or not you show up and try. I realized that I had been leading my company and my kite career purely in a results-oriented way. If I hit the goal or got the result, I would be stoked. But if I didn’t, doom and gloom prevailed.

The second thing I learned while running my business in a pandemic was that customers always come first. People can see right through sales tactics and sleazy pitches. Authenticity has been a word that’s been thrown around over the last few years, but throughout the pandemic I felt what it really meant to be an authentic business owner and human. Despite my panic and worry for what would happen to both my kite career and my business, I also developed a deep concern for those around me, those that were suffering much more than I was. I started thinking less about myself and more about how I could uplift and inspire those in my sphere of influence. Once I removed myself from the equation and made it about my customers instead of myself, I could focus on giving and serving. When you show up from a place of serving, you are naturally magnetic because people want to be seen, heard and supported. Additionally, when I thought about serving our customers instead of selling to them, it got me fired up about the work I was doing. Supporting, inspiring and empowering women to feel good about themselves is important work. Knowing that this needs to be out in the world gave me a natural authenticity and stoke that really resonated with our customers. As a result, they felt empowered and supported and naturally wanted to buy from us. I feel the same about leading LIFE LESSONS

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“ As we continue to navigate challenging times and periods of unknown, I invite you to embrace change, embrace the challenge and continue to believe in and trust yourself, both on and off the water.” women’s kite retreats through my brand in partnership with Colleen Carroll of Strut Kiteboarding. Our intention with creating the company was to empower women on the water, create more community for female kiters, and help them learn the proper skills to kite confidently anywhere in the world. Every time we put on a kite camp, we see how impactful it is for the women that show up. Because we come from a place of truly wanting to serve our customers and of seeing how helpful and inspiring it is for these women, we are able to sell easily. We know that our product is worth it and needed. When you place your customer first and develop products and content that serve and inspire, you create a petri dish for cult-brand status to grow, even if there’s a global virus growing alongside it. TRUST AND KEEP GOING

One of the things I teach in my business workshops and when I lead women’s kite retreats is that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. As humans, it’s easy to get caught up in comparison and keeping up with the Joneses. As kiters we’re always looking at what others can do on the water and thinking that we should be able to do the same. But the simple fact that we are not there can be utilized as a strength. When we let it be ok that we are where we are, and accept that we’re just learning to stay upwind or that we are still working for that promotion, we open ourselves up for more play and wonder and growth. In 188

REFLECTIONS

this pandemic I learned that my business is right where it’s supposed to be and that it will all work out, and that the same is true for my kite career. I learned to trust and keep going. I lost my kite sponsor in July last year when Liquid Force Kiteboarding abruptly shut their doors and I was left with another blow to my income. But I had already been through the panic of not knowing what would happen and learned that trusting it would all work out is more beneficial than scrambling and panicking. And so, I didn’t panic and instead slowly started reaching out to kite brands. I fluffed up my kite resume and sent it round to only the brands that I wanted to work with. I was clear on what kind of partnership I wanted and I set up interviews with those brands. Because I wasn’t stressed and I believed that it would all work out, I enjoyed the process. I had fun being picky and having conversations with various brand managers. I ended up signing with Slingshot Kites based here in Hood River and it just felt right. As we continue to navigate challenging times and periods of unknown, I invite you to embrace change, embrace the challenge and continue to believe in and trust yourself, both on and off the water. We never know what’s going to work; we can make educated and informed guesses but we never truly can know what will happen. When we strap on our seat belts and embrace the ups and downs, we can enjoy the ride a heck of a lot more. So: get after it, you got this… ■

TOP KITE TRIPS 2021 Is there a year when people have ever wanted to get away on a kite trip more?! As travel becomes a reality again, we've got some A1 options for you to head to to unleash the frustrations of the last 12 months...

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GREECE LIMNOS 5/5

5/5

2/5

3/5

GETTING THERE

Limnos airport code is LXS. Most flights fly in through Athens (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) KITE OPTIONS?

9m kites are the most used, so 11m and 8m or 12m and 9m depending on your weight, or 9m and 7m for the ladies. WHICH WETSUIT?

Boardshorts and bikinis from June to beginning of September. a shorty might come in handy at the beginning of June and in September. BEER

3-3.5 euros TYPICAL DINNER

15-25 euros LATE NIGHT…

Limnos does not have a great party scene, so entertainment involves many long nights eating and drinking at tavernas, or chilling somewhere over some cold beers, but occasionally there are some beach parties and live music options here and there…

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THE LOWDOWN

Located within a protected ecosystem and surrounded by sand dunes, salt lakes and more, you will find a spectacular 4km super safe bay, blessed by Meltemi winds. The water is clear and shallow, the wind is cross shore, and the bay offers a variety of conditions for all levels. The best part of all of the above, is that you can observe it from your Luxury Safari tent a bit further up on the hill, have breakfast, and enjoy the fun, just a few minutes away. Apart from that, Limnos is an island that has stayed away from mass tourism, with original and friendly people, unique landscapes and amazing cuisine.

KITING SET UP

Almost at the middle of Keros bay, you will find Surf Club Keros, an IKO Affiliated center with a variety of brand new RRD kites and boards for you to use. The conditions are flat in front of the station, with small chop forming as you ride further out. More upwind you can enjoy complete flat conditions, whereas a few minutes ride downwind, the conditions transform into an easy but fun wave piste, with 2-3ft nicely spaced out waves, in knee to waist deep water.

The Meltemi wind usually blows between 14-25 knots, but there are about 10-15 days during the season that are stronger. The wind pattern is best for kiting in the morning until 2:30-4pm, depending on the day. After that, the wind swings offshore and drops down a bit, turning it into a hydrofoil paradise.

WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Limnos gets wind throughout the year, but winter is cold. Hence, Surf Club Keros operates between the end of May and 1st of October. In June, July and August you get the typical Meltemi day, with clear skies and north east winds. At the start and the end of the season you can also get southerly winds which also work great for Keros beach.

NO WIND?

Limnos is a great island to explore. Lots of archaeological sites, isolated beaches, original villages that look like Greece did, 40 years ago. Surf Club Keros also organizes amazing trips, such as a sandboarding experience, local wine and tsipouro tasting, moring hikes, and fun stuff for all the family to do.

All the amenities of a luxury resort, in the heart of nature. Endless safe 3km bay - Meltemti wind - IKO Aﬃliated center - Brand new equipment

www.surfclubkeros.com

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GREECE

THEOLOGOS 5/5

5/5

2/5

3/5

GETTING THERE

You can reach Rhodes airport (RHO) from nearly every European destination, with average flight time about 3-4 hours. There are also planes from Athens Airport, which takes you only 45 minutes to reach the island. Shuttle services for you and your gear are easy to arrange. KITE OPTIONS?

9m and 12m. WHICH WETSUIT?

Board shorts and bikini all summer long! Though don’t forget your sun protection too. BEER

A big beer is only €2 at the beach. TYPICAL DINNER

Definitely go for Meze! €15 buys you many small plates of the kitchens’ daily specialties. LATE NIGHT…

There’s a selection of restaurants, bars and clubs all around the island. BBQ’s and live music plays weekly at the Theologos beach.

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THE LOWDOWN

The 300 days of sunshine a year, consistent crosson-shore Meltemi winds, 220km of accessible shoreline, and a whole lot of culture make Rhodes a perfect option for a kiteboarding holiday. The prevailing conditions combine flat, clear and sometimes choppy water – so a great spot for both beginners and advanced riders who want to improve their skills. There’s plenty of island fun to be had out of the water too, as well as renowned Greek dinners and live music. A great destination for water sports enthusiasts, culture-lovers, families and singles.

KITING SET UP

Located on the west coast, just 5km south of the airport, you’ll find Surf and Kite Theologos, with ample space for launching and landing right outside the center. The shingle beach is safe, with no rock hazards. The area for windsurfers is upwind, the kiters ride downwind, so there is enough space on the water for all of them. Even in the busy summer months of July and August there will be enough space on the beach and water. Winds tend to kick in first thing in the morning, and pick up after lunchtime, ranging during the season from 15 to 25 knots coming from west/south west. Theologos offers perfect condi-

tions and set-up for all levels of rider, including rescue service. The average temperature of the water is 27C, mostly flat with some choppy days.

WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

The Greek season is from May until the end of October. Early in the season the winds are light and pick up after lunch. In high summer, wind is pretty much guaranteed, with Rhodes benefitting from the reliable Meltemi winds, giving an ample 20-25 knots. In autumn there can be some strong side-onshore winds, which can give rise to some fun wave action!

NO WIND?

There’s a lot to discover on the island – beautiful sand beaches, little picturesque villages, and plenty to see in the culturally rich city of Rhodes, not least the medieval castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rental car, scooters or ATVs are easily available. Alternatively you can join an organized adventure to enjoy climbing, diving, or even a safari. If you’re sportive through and through, Surf and Kite Theologos has plenty of kite tutorial videos that you can kick back to, crossfit trainings, yoga hours and more activities!

surfandkitetheologos.com Our THEOLOGOS spot offers families, singles and couples the most perfect and varied conditions for kitesurfing. Beginners are just as welcome as free-riders and freestylers. Between April and October, the Meltemi wind blows a constant side shore every midday from the south west. The kite station offers 2021 core and Carved Equipment to try out, a large launch and landing zone, storage boxes, three pump stations, cool music, free Wi-Fi, comfortable shady seating areas to chill out in and communal beach BBQs. Hang loose and see you on the water!

Get set for boutique-style “glamping” right by the sea! A total of 12 lodges and 4 studios provide a wonderful view of the kitesurfing spot, a pool on the terrace, a beach bar and many other amenities for pure relaxation and the best in casual living! Want to find out more? Visit our website: 193

logosbeachvillage.com

ITALY 5/5

5/5

3/5

5/5

GETTING THERE

Hang Loose Beach is only three kilometers from Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) which has direct connections with Rome and Milan. KITE OPTIONS?

A 12 and 9m should cover most conditions. Something smaller if you are foiling, and be sure to check the forecast before you travel. WHICH WETSUIT?

Spring/summer a shortie, in summer a rashie is plenty. BEER

€2.5. TYPICAL DINNER

As you’d expect, delicious and colorful Italian fare, with fresh fish a specialty. LATE NIGHT…

Drink cocktails or beer listening to some chilled tunes on the beach. Don’t miss the big beach parties on Fridays and Sundays…

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WHY CALABRIA

Famously known as the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, the Calabria region, in the extreme southwest, is fantastic yet one of Italy’s least visited regions. It’s an ideal spot for kitesurfing, with perfect wind every day from April until August. As well as the fantastic kiting conditions you can also expect fantastic Italian food and an exceptionally vibrant night life.

KITING SET UP

At Hang Loose there is a sandy beach with a clear launch. If you head off the front or downwind from there, then you’ll find many kilometers of completely empty beach. At Hang Loose Beach there is a kite school, test center and surf shop, beach club, kids area, restaurant, bar, and disco as well as basketball and beach volleyball areas. Then there is also a camping area and a Volkswagen Village where you can pitch up right next to the beach.

THE SEASON

April-August: This is the best season for kiting with around 17 knots each day from around midday until 7pm. The air temperature is warm, around 20 degrees in April and May, 25 degrees in June, and 30 degrees in July and August. September to October can be great, but with less predictable wind. Sometimes the Sirocco winds blow, and sometimes it’s the Mistrals…

NO WIND?

If you fancy exploring you can visit the Aeolian Islands by boat, check out the Sila Mountain, or visit Pizzo and Tropea towns. Staying on the water, SUPing, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling and fishing are all possible. Or stay put and practice basketball, skateboarding or beach volleyball at Hang Loose.

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PORTUGAL 4/5

5/5

3/5

GETTING THERE

Fly to Porto (66 km) or Vigo (90 km). There’s also access via train, car rental, or FeelViana can arrange an airport transfer from Porto or Vigo airports. KITE OPTIONS?

Anything from a 5m for wave riding in the Nortada afternoons, up to a 12m for morning sessions. WHICH WETSUIT?

A 3/2 or shorty is usually perfect in the summer! BEER

There is always time for a Super Bock (Portuguese Beer) after your session! TYPICAL DINNER

At FeelViana you have several options: Restaurante Dovento, the Tavern, the Beach Bar and the Wake Park Bar, all enjoying different menus. AFTER YOUR SESSION

Viana do Castelo is a town full of culture, with many small and traditional restaurants. After dinner, you can go for a walk or for a drink at the bars… Then, if the weather allows, everyone gathers on the street for some drinks!

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THE LOWDOWN

FeelViana is located at Cabedelo Beach (Viana do Castelo). It is the most popular spot in Northern Portugal, with a worldwide reputation and regularly host to international kite and wingsurf events. It enjoys a side-shore wind, which often starts in the morning and blows until sunset. The Nortada wind regularly increases the strength, giving it a thermal turbo-boost.

help all our guests.

THE SEASON

The best season is from May until the end of October. Early in the season the winds are light and pick up after lunch. In high summer (June till September) wind is pretty much guaranteed, with Cabedelo Beach benefitting from the Nortada winds that regularly increases its forecasted With exceptional conditions to practice kitesurfing strength, giving it healthy 20-25 knots average. and with its beautiful, vast sandy beach, Cabedelo is a safe and easily accessible spot and is only a couple NO WIND? of hours flight time away from most European coun- Portugal is a dream spot for those looking for adtries. venture holidays in Europe. FeelViana is a sus-

KITING SET UP

In the FeelViana Water Center we have everything a kitesurfer needs to have the holiday of a lifetime, with a variety of equipment that suits any level of kiter. Our spot is ideal for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels, and enjoys all the conditions any kitesurfer dreams of, from perfect flat water to world-class waves. Most importantly, we have an extremely experienced international team on hand to

tainable four-star superior hotel, all built in wood and perfectly framed in a setting that welcomes you. The kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, SUP, wakeboard and cycling are part of our daily lives in FeelViana! The outdoor experiences are the heart of this hotel, but FeelViana Sport Hotel is also designed for those who just want to relax. In our Spa and our Yoga and Pilates studio you can enjoy moments of well-being in time that is truly yours…

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

BOOK YOUR K I T E S U R F D R E A M H O L I DAYS

CHECK OUR SPECIAL PACKAGES

FEELVIANA.COM

@FEELVIANA #FEELVIANA

197

FUERTEVENTURA 5/5

2/5

5/5

4/5

GETTING THERE

Fuerte is a 4-5 hour flight from mainland Europe, landing at the airport near Puerto del Rosario. KITE OPTIONS?

In the summer, bring a 5 and 8m. Any other time, bring a 9 and a 12m. WHICH WETSUIT?

3/2 Shorty will do the trick BEER

Local beer costs around €2. TYPICAL DINNER

Canarians love their food. Go get some papas arrugadas, seafood, or goat’s cheese and delicious meats. AFTER YOUR SESSION

The Fuerte Action Bar in Costa Calma is where it’s at. Bands, burgers, cocktails and delicious ice-creams.

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THE LOWDOWN

The Canary Island archipelago, in which Fuerteventura sits, is a volcanic formation of islands just off the northwest coast of Africa, with each island having its own characteristics. In comparison to some of its more tourist-loaded neighbors, “Fuerte” retains a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also blessed with year-round wind, waves and sunshine (approximately 3000 hours a year) and is a short hop from most European airports. The predominantly dry and desert landscape can at first seem harsh, but its charms ring through, and the lush beaches and beautiful turquoise waters are extremely beguiling indeed…

KITING SET UP

The northern part of the island sees the trade winds blow in from the north during the high season. The main center up here is Flag Beach Watersports Center, who have the exclusive rights to all the beach front facilities, and provide rescue cover for kitesurfers. Lessons from world-class instructors are available for those starting out, while the consistent sideshore winds and flat waters offer up epic conditions for those who really know what they’re doing. In winter, the winds can vary but the weather remains sweet, while the northwesterly swells offer plenty in the way of waves…

THE SEASON

The wind in Fuerteventura is as dependable as it gets, with consistent conditions and good weather year round. Down south, Fuerteventura gets the Sotavento wind funnel effect, where optimal geographic conditions allow the prevailing northeast trade wind to accelerate between two ridges. In addition to this, the air on the island is heated by the sun and rises upwards, compressing the slightly cooler trade wind as it pushes itself beneath the warm air. Basically… it’s a year-round destination.

NO WIND?

For those highly rare times when the wind isn’t playing ball, you can take your pick of a range of activities to be found on this island in the sun. Surfing is popular here, with a handful of worldclass breaks to be found in the north. You can also SUP, kayak, snorkel, or – if you’re in the north of the island – you can take dune buggy excursions, or take a ferry trip to one of the outer islands to look at some pretty crazy landscapes… Failing that, you could hit the party towns in Lanzarote, just a 30-minute ferry ride away.

since 1988

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DAKHLA 5/5

5/5

2/5

GETTING THERE

Head to Dakhla airport either directly from Paris, or with a connecting flight from Casablanca, Agadir or Marrakech. Transfer is a 15-minute drive, and is included in your stay KITE OPTIONS?

Summer a 7 and 9m, winter an 8 and a 12m. WHICH WETSUIT?

Bring a 3/2 full wetsuit. BEER

In the resort, a beer is about €4. TYPICAL DINNER

Camel Couscous every Friday in Lassarga! AFTER YOUR SESSION

An excursion to Ocean Vagabond Lagoon for live music!

200

THE LOWDOWN

Dakhla has been the kitesurf Mecca for years now because of its consistent wind and daily sunshine. Easy access from Europe is also part of the destination’s popularity, but most of all, Ocean Vagabond became the top name for watersports activity in Morocco with its perfect combination of high-quality equipment, eco-luxury resorts and positive vibes.

located a five-minute-drive away on a private, shallow lagoon. Perfect for learning!

THE SEASON

If you are a waverider and you want to surf AND kite, it’s better to come in the winter. From the end of October to March, Lassarga has the best conditions for waveriding but the wind is a little less consistent than it is in the summer. If kiting is your top priority and you don’t just want to ride KITING SET UP waves, then it’s better to come some time from In Ocean Vagabond Lassarga, you’ll have a large April to the end of October, when the wind blows variety of kiting conditions on completely private daily from dawn to dusk… spots. The place is different than other resorts in the area because in Lassarga there are no other schools or camps nearby, and you can enjoy riding flat conditions all year, with top-class waveriding in win- NO WIND? ter. The camp faces the ocean with a cross-offshore No wind, no problem at Lassarga! We offer many wind offering amazing waveriding conditions to- alternative activities. Dakhla is also a great fishward the point, but also perfect flat conditions in the ing spot and we have our own fishing boat with back of the bay and open water conditions beyond our guide Momo, who will organize a perfect day the point. Riding in front of your bungalow requires out sea fishing and scouting dolphins on the Lathe minimum level of being able to ride upwind, and goon. A no-wind day is also an opportunity to visit if you are not confident enough to ride upwind con- the city and its colorful market, the desert, or the sistently then you can train in our satellite center, unique lagoon biosphere.

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EASYRIDERS

PROVIDER

W W W. E A S Y R I D E R S . C O M

CAN YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DO? We are a kitesurf and SUP center in the UK. We have a beautiful teaching area in Poole harbor giving perfect flat water for kiting at all levels and amazing SUP tours. We teach all levels from beginner to expert including foiling, racing and instructor training. We do a bunch of clinics each year to teach and coach kite-surfing and SUP worldwide. Our courses are geared towards all levels: beginner, intermediate, expert and instructor levels.

the first to all our destinations where we have great setups and know the locations like a second home. We have more experience than anyone else, we care about all our clients who are all our friends, and we love what we do, so that makes it pretty easy! WHY SHOULD OUR READERS CHOOSE TO SPEND THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY WITH YOU?! We’re the best at what we do… We love doing it… And all our customers love coming back!

WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND WHEN WERE YOU ESTABLISHED? We have been going since 2004 and we are based at Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset. We have taught on every continent and run more coaching holidays than any other UK business. This year is our 15th consecutive year to Brazil. We have added a couple of foiling clinics this year which are fab. WHERE ARE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS FROM? UK and Europe, USA and Canada. HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM BEEN KITING? As a team we have over 100 years’ experience! Head honcho Andy Gratwick has been kiting since 1998. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER KITING BUSINESSES? Andy has worked within kitesurfing for 20 years. He went on the first instructor course, then set up the first school in Poole. We were first to run clinics and

COME FLY WITH US AND NEVER LOOK BACK.

Grenadines, Barbados, Brazil, Peru, Ireland, Lanzarote and more. The best coaching, the best conditions, the best time. 202

01202 744055 | www.easy-riders.co.uk | making watersports easy

ION CLUB

PROVIDER

W W W. I O N - C L U B . N E T

CAN YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DO? Windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoiling, surfing, stand-up-paddling and mountain biking are the sources of our total commitment! The extraordinary and inspiring places where our ION CLUB centers are located promise to be the backdrop for the most exciting days of your year. Our professional and specialized skills motivate and bring our guests to the next level. These qualities are underpinned by the fact that we use only the very latest equipment and only operate at the very best spots on the planet… Our guests can always find the latest equipment for rental and qualified instructors for lessons – no matter your level: beginner, intermediate or advanced.

AND CAN YOU ARRANGE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION AS WELL? Yes, our network of more than 30 travel agencies in Europe can arrange the full package for you. Their service includes: flights from all destinations, accommodation, transfers, rental car and travel service, as well as the special service of kitesurf luggage reservation for the flights and the destination transfers. So you don’t have to worry about anything… WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND WHEN WERE YOU ESTABLISHED?

We were established in 1985. We have a base in Germany and then we have centers in Fuerteventura, Tarifa, Golf de Roses, Safaga, Mauritius, Cabarete, HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM BEEN RUN- Cape Verde, Essaouira, Dakhla, Karpathos, Alacati NING KITE HOLIDAYS? and we are opening a new center on the beautiful Greek island of Limnos this spring. Our company was one of the first to offer kitesurfing as an option back in 2001. WHERE ARE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS FROM? WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL Most of our clients come from Germany, France, COMPARED TO OTHER KITING BUSINESSES? England, Spain and Switzerland. However, we also have a lot of clients from Austria, Eastern Europe The story of ION CLUB is about people who have and Russia. At ION CLUB you will meet like-minded turned their passion for windsurfing and kitesurf- people from all over the world and our company has ing into a career. So we trust our international team always given top priority to customer orientation, who make sure that our guests can live every second team spirit, innovation and professionalism. of every kind of their holiday – no matter whether on the land or on the water. Their enthusiasm is the WHY SHOULD OUR READERS CHOOSE TO SPEND THEIR guarantee that you get the moments you are search- HARD-EARNED MONEY WITH YOU?! ing for. In 2020, we launched a brand new website, where you can directly book online your next They can share their thrilling sports sessions with kitesurfing experience in one of our 17 ION CLUB other like-minded people at ION CLUB. There is no worldwide centers. limit to magic on the water and the swells to ride, so make ION CLUB your home of surfing elements!

WORLDWIDE DESTINATIONS FUERTEVENTURA I GOLF DE ROSES I TARIFA MAURITIUS I CABARETE I SAL I ESSAOUIRA DAKHLA I SAFAGA I LIMNOS

T + 4 9 8 81 9254 960 co m p a n y @i o n -cl u b.203 de

SICILY 5/5

5/5

1/5

5/5

GETTING THERE

The closest airport to Lo Stagnone at just 5 minutes drive is the Trapani Birgi airport, accessible from many European cities. Alternatively, Palermo International airport is only 94 km away, and an easy drive. If you’re heading in by car from Europe, the Genova to Palermo ferry runs daily. KITE OPTIONS?

Opt for the 9 and 12. WHICH WETSUIT?

Summertime: Boardies, bikinis and sunscreen. Winter: a full wettie to keep off the wind chill. BEER

€2 | $2.30 | £1.80 TYPICAL DINNER

You’re in Sicily, so there’s a couple of staples to try… A good local Pizza will set you back about €7, and then the local specialty is the popular seafood dish Couscous Alla Trapanese, which is, frankly, delicious. All of this can be washed down with a good and authentic Marsala wine, and perhaps followed up with a Sicilian pastry, made with ricotta cream. LATE NIGHT...

When the sun goes down the Peahi Beach Club is the place to be for an amazing appetizer followed by live music and dinner under the stars. Beyond that in the buzzing center of Marsala, you can enjoy a range of live music or discos while sipping a good cocktail.

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THE LOWDOWN

THE SEASON

KITING SET UP

NO WIND?

The winds are steady all year on the western most part of Sicily and the air and water temperatures are generally pretty high. The resort of Prokite Alby Rondina is perfectly positioned on the shores of a large, sandy and shallow flat-water lagoon, part of a very picturesque nature reserve, Lo Stagnone. It’s ideal for learners and advanced riders too, with a multitude of little islands on the farther reaches of the lagoon, and plenty of scope for exploring the salt pans and salina walls.

ProKite Alby Rondina is the main kite school in Lo Stagnone, which is situated halfway between the cities of Marsala and Trapani (the latter having the closest airport). Sitting right on the huge lagoon, It really delivers all that you need: accommodation with spacious Villas and Rooms, the new Peahi Beach Club that is open from breakfast to late night, delivering amazing food and vibes all day long and an ample grass space to launch, land kites and enjoy the view.

Lo Stagnone happens to be one of the windiest kitesurfing locations in the whole of Italy, getting a solid 300 days of wind per year, with a summer average thermal wind of 16-18 knots, and an air temperature of 25-30 Celsius. Through the rest of the year, the winds are variable and coming from different directions, but also a little stronger, creating unique and fun new spots across the lagoon. In winter, the strength tends to increase again, and wetsuits are advised.

Sicily is rich in culture and history, so you’ll never get bored when the wind drops. Favignana island, near Lo Stagnone, has an abundance of beautiful beaches to laze around on, or you can take a cable car up to the historical mountain village of Erice, not far from Trapani, which itself is also worth visiting. Staying close to base, take in the vast saltpans and windmills that are dotted around the lagoon, or just take out an SUP or a bike and keep it nice and simple!

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TURKS AND CAICOS 5/5

4/5

3/5

GETTING THERE

Fly to Providenciales (PLS) - super easy from anywhere in the US, and most of the major European airports too. Take a shuttle or taxi to your resort of choice, or book ahead for a rental car from the airport. KITE OPTIONS?

10 and 12m, or 12 and 14m, depending on body weight and skill levels! WHICH WETSUIT?

The sun here is no shrinking violet, so do dress for it. Long sleeve rashies, sun hat and plenty of sunscreen. In winter, a thin wettie top or maybe a shortie. BEER

€4.30 / $5 / £3.80 TYPICAL DINNER

Keep it local... Fish, lobster, conch, jerk chicken, rice and peas. There are many restaurants with great chefs here if you fancy something special. LATE NIGHT…

Good weekend vibe spots are the Sand Bar, Danny Buoys, and Grace Bay’s Infinity.

THE LOWDOWN

The Turks & Caicos Islands (TCIs) should definitely be high on your travel bucket list – this is a high end destination for kiters and non kiters alike. The island of Providenciales has become one of the most desired kiteboarding destinations on the planet, with two world-renowned beaches – Grace Bay and Long Bay – offering cross onshore winds, almost no crowds, and plenty of square miles of perfect, shallow, crystal clear waters. All this just over a one hour flight from Miami and easily accessible from all over the US.

KITING SET UP

Long Bay is the big go-to spot, a three-mile white sand beach on the south side of Providenciales. This beach is made for kiteboarding, and the main kite schools have all set up here, so it’s ideal for the learners amongst you. You’ll find shore or side onshore winds, warm shallow waters, and fairly flat water with little chop, no rocks or rip currents. Grace Bay is generally for the more advanced rider, with deep water launches, strong northerlies, and there are waves to be had on the reef or the sandbars. Two more nearby spots to check out depending on conditions are Leeward and Five Kays.

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kite@bigbluecollective.com 207

WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Summer is from mid-June until the end of August, and these months can be some of the absolute best. There are consistent trade winds almost all year except September, when there’s no wind at all... The winter season from late November through to April brings stronger winds, and more surf… bigger weather, but bigger rewards!

NO WIND?

It’s a water sports paradise with options to snorkel, SUP, kayak, fish, sail – and scuba diving here is about as good as it gets anywhere in the world. Alternatively jump on a horse, take an ecotour to see places you never probably would otherwise, or just wind down and recharge in the natural environment.

Villa Esencia Long Bay Beach Turks and Caicos Islands Caribean

gentle shallow warm safe steady great for learning & the whole family

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www.villaesencia.com

Egypt with

Youri Zoon & Victor Hays

Learn from the very best

riders and coaches in the very best

kitesurfing locations on the planet

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TheKiteMag #41 Free Digital

Articles inside

Reflections… Sensi Graves

The Committed… MACkite with Tucker Vantol

Tested… Slingshot | Goodboards | F-ONE | Cabrinha | Eleveight

Technique… Mobe 5 with Maxime Chabloz | Chucking Buckets

The Big Picture… Cabrinha | CrazyFly

Tech and Materials… ION Select wetsuits

Costa del Kite

Fly Fishing

Salt of the Earth

Gallery… Pros in Lockdown

The Great Escape

Under the Hood… Ocean Rodeo

On The List… Jericoacoara, Brazil

I’m On It… Fred Hope

My Beach… Juan Rodriguez, Columbia