Rider: Damien Girardin | Location: Maui | Photo: Jon Malmberg

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Featured this issue:Bill Tai: The Kite Guy ................................................Pg 30Exploring La Ventana and Beyond ............................Pg 38Discover Soana Island ...............................................Pg 462010 Kite Preview Guide Kiting ................................Pg 58

PLus:Launch: Kiteboarding in the Digital Age .........................Pg 12Close Up: Litewave’s Noah Simon and F.One’s Paula Sonneberg ................................................Pg 34Instructional: How to Self Launch and Land your Kite ....Pg 82Instructional: The Exception – Surfing with a Leash .......Pg 86Workbench: The Ultimate Air Compressor Pump ............Pg 92

See whaT OTher riDerS haVe TO Say On FOruMS arOunD The wOrlD

TIPS FOR VIEWING

Rider: Jason Slezak | Photo: Stephen Whitesell

CLICK BOX BELOW

FEaturEd VIdEO:dEdICatION

By: Thomas Alsbirk

Liquid Force Europe Headquarters offered up the UNIT slider this month in Denmark to all LF team riders. Once the guys managed to get it in the water, looks like they had a lot of fun. See the newest LF

videos, promotions and news at www.liquidforcekites.com

Live interviews with designers, pro-riders, industry Leaders and

kite personaLities.

podcast: kristin BoeseModeling, new dVds, coMps,

causes and More.

tech out with the r&d team is they roLL out new gear.

ask questions reaL-time during the show or post them on your LocaL forum.

podcast: Best odyssey 2010new discoVeries and places

yet to be found.

got a suggestion for a podcast? we’d Love to hear from you!

email info@theringmedia.com

videocasts: 2010 geartKb teaM puMps out oVer 30 Videos

froM the awsi industry trade show.

Rider: Alex Fox | Location: Slingstock/BOG | Photo: Enrique and Eduardo Abreu

The latest DVD’s, cool apparel and more at the TKB online store!TKB t-shirt with or without the slogan, “whitecaps make me horny.”

$24.99 including shipping US/Canada$39.99 with Annual Subscription!

DVD’s: Just $15 with SubscriptionBen Wilson’s The Unknown RoadBen Wilson’s Surf InstructionalSnowkitefilm.com DimensionsTronolone PKRA Tarifa/MexicoLeading Edge Productions My Sessions: Instructional DVDIntro to SUP from C4 WatermenIntermediate to Advanced SUP from C4 Watermen

$39.99 DVD with annual subscription:

See www.thekiteboarder.com/catalog for complete selection. Offers good in the US/Canada only. See International Subscriptions for offers outside North America or email marina@thekiteboarder.com.

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Thanks to our sponsors:Kitaddict/Envy Kiteboarding

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THEKITEBOARDER.COM

SUP: Why Volume Matters

Kite Guy of Silicon Valley

TKB Gear PreviewGuide2

010

The excepTion: Kiting with a LeaSh

the

2 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 3

ENVY AND CPR

a new standard in safety

2010 ENVY KITE3 strut, 4 line Delta Hybrid SLE, i.e. Pure FunThe Liquid Force ENVY is the Ultimate all around / freeride kite. The ENVY is hands down the most stable kite ever made! It is perfect for your average, just want to go out and ride and have a blast kiteboarder. Our team finds it perfect for all things from sliders to wakestyle to waves due to its incredible stability!

Delta Hybrid Design -3 Strut Ultra Light Structure -

Diamond Wingtip Design -USB 2.0 Bridle -

Nuke Proof Construction -

- Plastic Molded Chicken Loop- On the Fly Stopper Piece- Below the Bar Depower Cleat- 100% Depower Flag Line Leash Attachment - Left and Right Release Handles- Color Coded Molded EVA Bar Grip- Indexed Self Correcting Chicken Loop- 1 Piece Polished Aluminum Mainline Bar Insert

The world’s safest, easiest, and most reliable kite safety system

Mauricio Abreu... On the new 2010 ENVY KITE and C.P.R. CONTROL SYSTEM

WWW.LIQUIDFORCEKITES.COM

LIQUID FORCE

PH

OT

OS

- BIL

DE

RB

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2 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 3

FUEL_THE_KITEBOARDER_802.indd 1 7/14/09 9:23:13 AMFUEL_THE_KITEBOARDER_802.indd 1 7/14/09 9:23:13 AM

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D e pa r t m e n t sF e a t u r e s

58 2010 Gear Preview Guide. What’s coming and designer’s sneak peek.

12 LaunchKiteboarding in the digital age.

34 Close UpLitewave’s Noah Simon and F.One’s Paula Sonnenberg profiled.

46 BackwoodsIsla Soana, Dominican Republic.

82 InstructionHow to self launch and land yourself.

92 WorkbenchThe ultimate air compressor e-pump.

58 thekiteboarder.com

advancewww.advance-kites.com

Since 1996, the continuity of our products’ philosophy underlines Advance’s consistency. From the beginning, we have pursued our own paths and concept in development and production. Evolved 5th lines, variable TE technology and our delta lambda profile are just a few characteristic examples. Advance Kites products are well engineered and carefully thought out down to the last details. Their looks and unmistakable character are made from first class materials of the highest quality. The Advance Kites team works with dedication and persistence to achieve perfection, drawing inspiration from each other

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

Kaiman 3 5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 15m

Delta/Lamda

All Around BEg To ADv SEPT

09Kondor 3 6, 8, 10 & 12m C-Kite Wakestyle BEg To ADv noW

airUshwww.airushkiteboarding.com

After extensive research into the performance characteristics most appreciated by the majority of kiteboarders today, we set out with a no compromise dedication to develop kites that embody these features while redefining them and establishing new levels of benchmark performance. Point blank: If you like to kiteboard, you will love our kites!

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

Lithium 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12m Delta All Around BEg To ADv noW

VariaL 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 & 14m SLE All Around BEg To ADv noW

Vapor iii 5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 14m Hybrid All Around InT/ADv noW

Generator 5.5, 7.5, 9.5, 11.5, 13.5 & 15m C-Kite All Around InT/ADv noW

Lithium LW 13 & 15m Bow All Around BEg To ADv noW

bestwww.bestkiteboarding.com

The 2010 line-up is effectively an entirely new range of kites from Best. The Kahoona was a late season 09 release and was our first Delta kite which has stormed the beginner/intermediate market segment. The Waroo is a completely new design that integrates Delta kite design components into its SLE backbone to deliver the ultimate blend of ‘Do anything Ride Anywhere’ usability. The nemesis nXg is a completely new kite design that takes the handling and unhooked riding ability of the Yarga and blends it with the pure aerodynamic performance, upwind, depower and hangtime of the nemesis HP.

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

Kahoona 7.5, 9.5, 11.5 & 13.5m Delta Surf InT/ADv noW

Waroo 5,7, 9, 11, 13, 15 & 17m

SLE/Delta All Around BEg To ADv SEPT

09nemesis

nXG5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 14m

Hybrid/C-Kite

FreestyleWakestyle InT/ADv Aug

09

bLade Kiteswww.bladekites.com

This season Blade’s main focus was to increase user friendliness and safety features in its new models. The 2010 Blade kites are straightforward and easy to use with an exceptionally comfortable feel. Riders are able to naturally control the speed and power of the kite through very direct bar control, unprecedented stability, and an impressive wind range. The new Blade kite line is based on characteristics that are effortless and uncomplicated – from achieving maximum power to the innovative Reflex Relaunch System, Blade kites are simply undemanding.

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

VertiGo 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m

HybridDelta Surf BEg To

ADvoCT09

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

SLE/Delta

AllAround BEg/InT oCT

09

prime 7, 9 & 11m SLE/C-Kite

FreestyleWakestyle InT/ADv nov

09

cabrinhawww.cabrinhakites.com

The new Powerdrive IDS with optional Pro Bar upgrade kit instantly enhances all of our kites for 2010. With a clean single line through the bar, re-designed overslide stopper system, and ultra secure IDS ability, all Cabrinha kites reap the benefits of these improvements. The kites themselves continue to evolve to bring more performance, better handling and relaunch, and improved durability while continuing to be easy to fly and ultra stable even in light gusty winds. The addition of the nomad kite gives dedicated freestyle or wave riders a new weapon for top level performance while maintaining the security of full depower and IDS.

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

nomad 4, 5.5, 7, 9, 11, & 13m SLE Freestyle

Surf InT/ADv noW

CrossboW 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, & 16m Bow Wake

Style BEg To ADv noW

sWitChbLade 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, & 14m Bow All

Around BEg To ADv SEPT09

ConVert 3.5, 5, 7, 9, 12, & 15m SLE All

Around BEg/InT nov/DEC09

caUtionwww.cautionkites.com

oK, this is where Caution gets to pimp, stroke, pat itself... for all the world changing innovations we have come up with. not only in 2010, but since Caution was first conceived in the late 90’s. But we will spare you all that! In an effort not to sound like most companies PR personnel, i.e. “optimum performance, quick pivotal steering, great stability, beginner to expert, wake style to wave, great wind range, durable yet light, “ although our kites do all of the above of course (!), we have a simple message: We have been here from day one and are committed to making the best kites and gear possible.

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

mayhem X 7, 9, 11, 14, & 18m Hybrid All Around InT/ADv Aug

09

Zombie 4, 6, 9, & 12m SLE All Around BEg To ADv

Aug 09

ecLipsewww.eclipsekites.com

For 2010 Eclipse continues to develop ultra-high performance kites with value-oriented pricing built for the riders. Every Eclipse model has been designed to suit a specific market segment so there is no confusion as to which kite one should purchase. The Thruster continues as a fast high performance freestyle kite for riders that like to boost. The Kima continues as our wave-specific kite. The Surge is our new high performance C-kite, and finalyy the vector is our first all terrain kite suitable for all styles of riding. All Eclipse kites are backed by the industry’s only no questions asked warranty, which covers any and all damages to your kite for one year.

Kite name sizes shape type best for avaiLabLe

surGe V.1 5, 7, 9 & 11m C-Kite All Around InT/ADv oCT09

VeCtor V.1 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m Delta All Around BEg To

ADvoCT09

thruster V.3

6, 8, 10, 12, 14 & 15m Hybrid Freestyle InT/ADv noW

Kima V.2 4, 6, 9 & 12m SLE Surf BEg To ADv tba

thekiteboarder.com 59

that you, the average rider, would ask. in your search for the gear that’s perfect for you, we hope you take the information here as a starting point. every rider is different, so one rider may hate a kite that another loves. testing a kite yourself is the only way to find out how you’ll like a new kite, no matter what people on internet forums and magazines tell you. most shops offer gear demos and the kiteboarding reps seem to always be on the go, hauling gear from beach to beach to get the new products into as many people’s hands as possible. before you buy, get out there and try as many new products as you can. you are the only one that can decide if a new product is right for you.

The Kiteboarder partners with manufacturers to bring you two demo events every year with over 20 brands to test: The La Ventana Classic and Kitexpo in La Ventana, Mexico with co-sponsor Palapas Ventana (January 17 -23, 2010), and the Pismo Beach KiteXpo (March 19-23, 2010), founded by Xtreme Big Air in Pismo Beach, California.

EvEry yEar, aftEr months of tEsting and rEfining, thE kitEboarding manufacturErs roll out thEir latEst and grEatEst products. For more than ten years now, each year’s new products have been undeniably better than the last and the continual innovation that has made our sport easier to learn, safer to do, and less frustrating has allowed kiteboarding to grow from a niche sport consisting of a few former windsurfers to a legitimate sport practiced all over the world. When the new products hit, every kiteboarder has one important question: What am i going to get this year? We know that not everyone buys a new quiver every year, but most of us find some way to upgrade at least one piece of equipment to stay caught in the kiteboarding arms race. When looking, the choices can be overwhelming. this year, we counted over 63 kites being offered from 21 manufacturers and we know we missed some – or they’re rolling out their gear in the new year. if that wasn’t enough, even when you decide what kite you like, you still have to decide what size you should buy so you can get the most possible use from it. here at the Kiteboarder magazine, we compiled a list of the latest kite offerings for the 2010 product year to help everyone figure out what is available out there. We also sat down and talked with many designers about their latest products, and we tried to ask the questions

Greg Drexler gives us sneak peek of the Naish 2010 collection. Photo Jon Malmberg

TKB Gear

Preview

Guide

2010

by tKb staff

78 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 79

What do Professional Shapers had to say?In my interviews with many SUP and surfboard shapers, I discovered that the majority of them don’t really think about it or use volume as a tool. Most of the shapers I spoke to look at volume as just another number, one the computer will give you, but not a good reference tool. It is a number the computer spits out after they have done numerous prototypes and have scanned the final version they will use.

How board dimensions relate to volume?

Many variables are involved in a SUP design. Length, width, and thickness are the most common and these numbers are usually put on the bottom of the board on the stringer. Rocker or the bottom curve from nose to tail is also very important and affects speed, maneuverability, and stability. A good board combines all the elements. As you improve, board choice will become more of a

personal choice, depending on your discipline or style. For instance if you are paddling for distance, riding swells, or surfing you need different designs to best suit those specific disciplines. It is my opinion that one board can do all of these things but not all of them perfectly. Unfortunately, unless you have boatloads of money you probably can only afford one board. If you take just one number like thickness or the thickest part of the board, you must also consider how the rocker tapers to the nose and tail. Volume is an important comparison number if most other dimensions are the same, length and width being the two most important. Rail shape and bottom contour are next and difficult to measure.

Brands that currently post volumes:

How is volume measured?1. The CAD program calculates volume after the shaper’s plug

has been scanned.

2. By using a volume tank.

The tank is a few feet longer than your longest board and is filled with a predetermined measurement (in liters) of water. With two or three people, depending on the size of the board, you submerge it to the stringer or centerline of the board. Note how much the water has risen on a scale. Double that number and you have the actual board volume number of that board. Please refer to the photos of the tank built by Whitney Guild that was used at Legends Surf in Carlsbad, CA, to determine volume of many boards ranging from 100 to 140 liters.

What other riders have said:“Volume tells you how much a board will float. It is a great tool in comparing boards of different sizes within a model line. If you can stand up on it and paddle it back out, then you can rip on it. The smallest volume that you can achieve this on will allow your board to rip harder.”

– Whitney Guild – waterman, designer ofvolume tank shown in this article.

Why is this important? The only thing volume tells you is how buoyant a board is. Everyone will have a different number depending on his or her weight and ability. Once you have the same shape or specific line of boards being made in multiple sizes, your personal volume number becomes more useful. You should establish a mid-volume point and use that as your beginning reference number, down to the lowest number you are comfortable with. These numbers will go down some, as you become a more experienced SUP’er.

HistoryMost of the talk about volume seems to have its roots form windsurfers. Windsurfing companies have posted volumes on their boards for years. Windsurfers learned early on what board would float them for the specific discipline they were riding; waves, bump and jump, or racing.

SUP - Stand Up Paddle Board Volume 101

Board volume is just another number that should help you, not confuse you when looking for a Stand Up Paddle Board that will meet your needs. It is my goal to help you understand the basics of board volume.

Why understanding board volume can help you. For beginners and intermediates it can be used as a point of reference, but not the Holy Grail. Remember it only gives you a reference number on how buoyant a board is. Volume is important because it can help you determine what the smallest board you can stand on in flat water is. For instance, for SUP surfing, this could be your high performance board but not your long distance board.

78 thekiteboarder.com

Paddle Surf HawaiiJimmy Lewis

NaishStarboardSurftech

thekiteboarder.com 79

By Gary Martin, TKB Technical Editor

Flexifoil pro rider Peter Trow has helped expose his SUP sponsor, Paddle Surf Hawaii (PSH), to many kitesurfers.

PSH founder and shaper Blane Chambers

The volume tank helps you determine the shortest board you can float on.

The volume spread in SUP board is huge for same length boards.

Legends runs a volume test on a Naish SUP.

The volume tank at Legends Surf Shop in Carlsbad, CA, was made by Naish rep Whitney Guild.

78 SUP: Volume 101What volume means and why it matters.

SMOKER

38 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 39

very winter, hoards of windsurfers and kiteboarders make the trek to La Ventana, Mexico, located towards the bottom of the Baja Peninsula on the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Whether flying in to La Paz or Cabo San Lucas, or

by driving for days through the Baja desert, most visitors stay put in the main bay for the duration of their trip.

La Ventana is a great place to take a kiteboarding vacation, but it’s also much more than that. It’s a great home base from which you can explore all that Southern Baja has to offer, just a short drive away.

E

GettinG off the Beaten Path

La Ventana: ExploringBy Paul Lang | Photos Dallas McMahon

Isla Cerralvo across the bay can only be accessed by boat and is the starting point of the La Ventana Classic Race in Janauary.

KiteMasters prepares for a day trip to the secluded flat water of Isla Cerralvo.

30 thekiteboarder.com

Bill Tai ike many kiteboarders out there, Bill Tai is passionate about the sport. He was one of the early regulars at

Third Avenue in San Francisco Bay, a spot famous for its proximity to Silicon Valley. His enthusiasm for the sport has attracted many of his friends and colleagues to kiteboarding and he has introduced hundreds of kiteboarders to the sport through his annual kite camps in Maui that he organizes with Susi Mai. All in all, Bill is just like the rest of us addicts, kiting every possible opportunity and talking about the sport enough that some know him as the “Kite Guy” in Silicon Valley, but what separates Bill from most of the rest of us kite bums is what he does for a living.

Bill is a partner at Charles River Ventures. He is a VC, which stands for Venture Capitalist. This means that Bill looks for people with great ideas and helps them build those ideas into companies that make lots of money. Many of the people that he has introduced to the sport are executives or founders of Silicon Valley companies. Mai Tai kite camps are not only about kiteboarding, but they are also about networking for the aspiring kiteboarders, many of whom also work in the high-tech industry. His story is a great example of one of the reasons kiteboarding is so great: The interesting mix of people doing the sport. On any given day at Third Avenue, you might be sharing a session with someone who lives in his van and someone like Bill who has been involved in 16 startups that have gone on to become publicly listed companies. It goes to show that a sport like kiteboarding can bring together a wide range of people who become friends because they all have one thing in common: Their love for the sport.

By Paul Lang and Ryan Riccitelli

L

The “Kite Guy” of Silicon Valley

thekiteboarder.com 3130 thekiteboarder.com

30 High Tech Kiteboarding. Bill Tai, “the kite guy”.

38 Exploring La Ventana.Other riding spots you’ll want to check out.

When you think of dune buggies, flat water and 20-30 mph hour wind, Brazil is the first place that comes to mind. South Coast Kiteboarding based in Corpus Christi, Texas just purchased a fleet of all terrain vehicles and are now offering trips into the back country for intermediate to advanced kiters. They may blindfold you on the drive out, but I guarantee once you get a taste of the Corpus slicks, you won’t want to go home. Photo Tony Brady

When a pro rider tells you they have a self portrait they want to show you, the last thing that comes to mind is a photo like this. Brendan “Hollywood” Richards sent four shots over that he took with his camera while charging Waddell Creek, in Santa Cruz, California. Little did he know that he would make history as the first kiteboarder in the world to ever shoot their own cover.Photo Brendan Richards

THEKITEBOARDER.COM

SUP: Why Volume Matters

Kite Guy of Silicon Valley

TKB Gear PreviewGuide2

010

The excepTion: Kiting with a LeaSh

the

8 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 9

student came by the South Coast house and was hanging out with some of our coaches in the hot tub after a long day of kiting. She is a really

awesome girl and full of enthusiasm. She was telling us about this video that she found on YouTube where this guy is giving kite lessons that she had found on a kite school’s website.

I really did not think much of it. The next day Jon Rock pulled me aside and said, “you have to see this video.” He had a serious tone, so I did not know if he was joking or if it was some dumb prank. He proceeded to show me a YouTube page and told me to sit down and watch.

For the next 15 minutes, I watched one of the scariest videos I have ever seen. I am still scratching my head wondering if the guy was serious or if this was a comedy bit. Either way, our student took him seriously. The information that he gave out was marginally good. He preempted the video clip with, “If you are too cheap to buy lessons, then you can watch this video.” He claimed to be an IKO-certified instructor. I was seriously in a cold sweat watching him gloss over important points and make a mockery of credible lessons.

After watching the clip, I was crawling inside with anger. The thing had over 44,000 downloads, and to the average person, they would probably take this as a true alternative to taking lessons.

The next day I saw our student again and asked her a few questions about this clip. She said she knew it was not legit and this is why she came and took lessons. I told her I was going to write my editorial about this. There is no greater time than now for every kiteboarder in this sport to band together and accept nothing less that any new kiteboarder must take lessons from a qualified school. When I say qualified, I mean an insured school that has a business license and operates legitimately.

All it takes is one bozo or uniformed kiteboarder who is trying to save a few bucks to wrap himself around a house or pole, and all of us will suffer the consequences. To the idiot out there who is posting half-ass instructional videos, please realize you are liable for what you put out there. I hope that no one dies because they listened to your 15 minutes of fame on YouTube. I hope you have the integrity to please remove this stuff. More importantly, if you know someone who is getting into our sport, please make sure to point them in the right direction.

If you do come across this clip, please make sure to tell the guy what an idiot he is.

ENJOY!

THINK

Untitled-1 1 8/19/09 7:52:32 AM

Acrazy story

Phot

o Jo

n M

alm

berg

10 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 11

seNIOr WrItersMarina Chang, Paul Lang, James Brown, Gary Martin

eDItOrIaL CONsuLtaNtsNeil Hutchinson, Joe Bidawid, Paul Menta, Kevin “Top Hat” Senn, Henry

Dupont IV, Bill Lee, Paul Lang, Stefan Ruether, Ruca Chang, Mira Kwon, Rick Iossi,Toby Brauer, Jeff Howard, Dave Loop

CONtrIButOrsGary Reed, Audrey Meyer, Blane Chambers, Todd Bradley, Jimmy Lewis,

Whitney Guild, Jeff Warner, Phil Rainey, Bill Babcock, Stand Up Zone, Peter Stiewe, Brendan Richards, Bill Hansen, Raphael Salles, Mat Pendle, Jimmy

Lewis, Terrence Wang, Julien Fillion, Damien Girardin, Tony Logosz, Werther Castelletti, Daryl Drown, Tony Bolstad, Kelly Strachan, Felix Pivec, Randy Hernan, Augustin Garcia, Jeremy Green, Damien Leroy, Pepi Gerald, David Comp, Steve

Gates, Jeff Howard, Shawn Richman, Rick Iossi, Kinsley ThomasWong

seNIOr pHOtOGrapHersPaul Lang, Dallas McMahon, Kim Kern, Carol Bolstad, Nikki Riccitelli

pHOtOGrapHYJon Malmberg, ikitesurf, Going Aps, H20Audio, Josh Anon, Colby Otero,

mauitoast.com, benwilsonsurf.com, kitecod.com, Kiteaddict.com, H-wood, Carlos Delicado, Roberto Foresti, Chuck Domenie, Stephen Whitesell, Ed

Holden, Gary Rhodes, Linn Svendson, Nikki Riccitelli, Christopher Michael, Susi Mai, Austin Stewart, Elea Faucheron, Noah Simon, samperry.com, Jens

Bauer, Chris Tronolone, Erik Aeder, Jim Stringfellow, Gavin Butler, David DeVries, Jeff Pfeffer, Gilles Calvert, Clark Merritt/solosports.net, Tracy Kraft, John Bilderback, Tony Brady, Lance Koudele, Richard Hallman, RRD, Jiim

Brewer, Blane Chambers, Gary Martin, Naish, Rick Iossi, Kinsley ThomasWong, Steve Berry, Carol Bolstad, Tonia Farman, Janet Lightbody, Blane Chambers

Thanks to all editorial and photography contributors for supporting this magazine!

Visit us on:www.thekiteboarder.com

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eDItOrIaL OFFICeThe Kiteboarder Compound

14610 Villa Maria IsabelCorpus Christi, Texas 78418

EDITORRYAN RICCITELLI

ryan@thekiteboarder.com

CONTENT EDITOR/PUBLISHERMARINA CHANG marina@ thekiteboarder.com

ASSISTANT EDITORPAuL LANG

ART DIRECTOR SHANA GORONDY

TECHNICAL EDITORGARY MARTIN

EDITOR AT LARGE ALEXIS ROVIRA

DIRECTOR WEB STRATEGy PETER GRENDLER

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHy DALLAS McMAHON

The story continues.......................................

WHEN THE NEXT BATTLE BEGINS,THERE IS NEED FOR NEW WARRIORS

WWWMYSTICBOARDINGCOM

that you choose to monitor. You can set thresholds for wind speed and direction and once those are exceeded, you get a little pop-up (like an instant message) telling you it’s time to go kite.

“The Desktop Wind application and the Wind Alert iPhone app are the first products to use the new WeatherFlow Weather Engine,” said Matt Corey at ikitesurf. “This engine is designed to enable rapid development and implementation of new weather features as well as expands our service beyond North America. One of the driving forces behind these applications is to do more ‘neat-o’ stuff that a web page can’t do such as GPS locating, onsite reports, wind alert pop-ups, and application portability. The list of things we can do with these and other applications is endless and we encourage feedback and ideas.”

Turn your iPhone inTo a Wind MeTerHow do you pick out the guy at your beach that is new to

kiting? It’s probably the guy holding up his wind meter while trying to decide which kite to put up. While more seasoned kiters like to make fun of wind meters and the people who use them openly, most of us own one and use it from time to time, we just wait until nobody’s looking. Now, thanks to an iPhone app from a family company based in Soquel, Caliifornia, you can check the wind speed without the dorky wind meter. To use the Wind Meter app, you hold the bottom of the phone up into the wind, and the noise the wind makes over the microphone tells the phone how windy it is. “My son is the developer, but the whole family worked on it, which took four months,” said Robert Diller, whose son Jon, a kiteboarder, came up with the idea. We had a chance to test the Wind Meter app, and found it to be accurate enough, as long as you hold it up for at least 15-20 seconds. Now you can discretely pull your phone out of your pocket and use it to confirm your internal wind meter without anyone noticing. You can buy the Wind Meter app through iTunes for $.99.

Take Calls While kiTingThe crew at H2O Audio (http://h2oaudio.com) has been making waterproof cases for mp3 players for awhile now, but their latest products might provide the ultimate in connectivity for kiteboarders. What do you do if the wind comes up, but you are stuck at the office waiting for an important phone call? Now, you can go kiting, and take the

call when it comes. Our Editor at Large, Alexis Rovira, has been testing the latest case and set of headphones with a built in microphone with his iPhone, and you can not only

listen to music while you ride, but you can talk on the phone.

By Marina Chang

Densely populated areas seem to be experiencing the majority of multi-use challenges. Photo Katina Arnott

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Find WindMany kiteboarders know about ikitesurf.com and use their service to get real-time wind reports on their computers and phones. To make it even easier to find out where it’s blowing, ikitesurf just released an iPhone app and a desktop application. The iPhone app, which you can download for free in the iTunes store, provides a lot of the same information that you can find on the website, plus a few additional tricks. Using the phone’s built-in GPS, the ikitesurf app will automatically find the closest wind stations to your location. The desktop application runs on your computer and automatically tracks the wind stations

Zach Kleppe entertains the crowd with a particularly good wipeout.

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kiTeboarding in The

digiTal aget used to be that the best way to find out if it was windy enough to ride was to drive down to the beach and take a look with your own eyes. Back then, it seemed like I did more driving around

trying to find wind than I did actually riding. Of course this was before every 16-year-old and their mom had phones able to access the internet with them at all times. We are living in a time where we have near-instant access to an entire world of information on our computers or phones. This information can be used for all kinds of practical uses, but the most important use for all of us is how we can use the new technologies out there to get more time on the water.

FolloW Tkb onNot only can you use the internet to find out where the wind is blowing, but you can also use it to waste countless hours when it’s not. Instead of wasting hours reading about what your favorite celebrity ate for breakfast, see what’s going on in the kiteboarding

world at http://twitter.com/The_Kiteboarder

Most of our staff here is also on Twitter and you’ll see us drop hints and give sneak peeks about what we’re working on.

Ryan Riccitelli, Editor: http://twitter.com/scrapper101

Marina Chang, Publisher: http://twitter.com/flygirl93402

Paul Lang, Assistant Editor: http://twitter.com/paullangphoto

Alexis Rovira, Editor at Large: http://twitter.com/alexisrovira

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If you have an iPhone, you can ditch the wind meter and let your phone tell you how windy it is. Photo Paul Lang

With the iPhone app from ikitesurf, you can automatically find the closest windy beach thanks to the phone’s GPS. Courtesy ikitesurf.com

The ikitesurf desktop application will quietly monitor the wind for you while you work, letting you know when it’s time to bail the office for the beach. Courtesy ikitesurf.com

With the Wind Meter App, you can turn your iPhone’s microphone into a wind meter. Courtesy: Going Apps

Not only can you rock out to your tunes on the water, but now you can take phone calls in the middle of your session. Courtesy H2O Audio

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San Francisco, CA, home of the longest running kite race series in North America, hosted the inaugural Kite Course Racing World Championship in August. Sponsored by the St. Francis Yacht Club, riders from around the world converged at Crissy Field hoping to win the first World Championship title. Many riders like North pro Sean Farley (Mexico) got into town up to a month early to train and fine tune their custom race boards. During the course of the five-day competition, it became apparent that gear and experience mixed with a little bit of luck was the magic combination to place in the top ten. On the last day, racers going into the Medal Heat were anxious as winning points were doubled towards final scores. Frenchman Bruno Sroka had a commanding lead with the rest of the fleet almost a quarter mile behind him as he rounded the last mark before the finish line. The crowd’s excitement for his win quickly turned to shock when Bruno went outside the finish line markers and started heading for another lap around the course – a prime example of how one little mistake or choice in racing can change the whole complexion of the game. Bruno had thought the final round was four laps, not three. Almost a minute later, Bjoern Jensen came across the line followed by Sean Farley, Jesse Richman, Chip Wasson, Sky Solbach, Johnny Heineken, Dirk Hanel, Bruno Sroka, Mike Gebhardt and Damien Leroy. Final tallies resulted in Sean Farley taking first, followed by local bay area rider Chip Wasson and newcomer Johnny Heineken taking third. For the women, it was Britain’s Steph Bridges, 2008 PKRA Women’s Racing Champion, finishing strong in every race including the final. For the Medal Heat, Kristin Boese was well behind her but also had a huge lead over Cabrinha team rider and Floridian Melissa Gil. In the end, Steph adds another championship winning to her resume, followed by Kristin, then Melissa in third.

Shawn Richman is excited and proud to announce that he is now working with RRD and Mystic as an International pro rider and representative of the brands. Shawn will be working to promote the brands and to stimulate sales in North America.

Kiteaddict is very pleased to announce the arrival of Dimitri Maramenides, professional kitesurfer and Eclipse Kites co-founder, to their team. Through its

sustainable development program “Ethical Kitewear,” Kiteaddict offers apparel including boardshorts, t-shirts, rashguards and hoodies, made of eco-friendly material such as bamboo, recycled polyester and organic cotton. www.kiteaddict.com

Air Support Kiteboarding, based in West Dennis, MA, has been operating in New England for the past 6 years. With five IKO instructors and Waverunner supported lessons, the school has been very popular for those seeking lessons in the Cape Cod area. Owners Jay and Karen Horn are pleased to announce that they now have a real, brick and mortar shop and have teamed up with Slingshot Sports to support their kiteboarding and wakeboarding lessons. They invite you to experience a MASSdownwinder and a kicker/slider jam this September when they officially kick off their grand opening. www.kitecod.com

Most of us have been touched by someone who has dealt with cancer. Last year, Irv Stein competed in Kiteboarding for Cancer (KB4C) and finished second overall, almost immediately after recovering from just winning a battle with cancer. This year, Irv is battling again, but was determined to participate and completed four laps. Irv’s story, along with countless others, is the reason why KB4C has grown into one of the Northwest’s largest kiteboarding events, attracting close to a thousand spectators and participants all supporting the fundraiser’s cause: To help find a cure for cancer by supporting cancer research and awareness. On the day of the event, riders pumped up their kites as 125 participants and about 20 standup paddlers took to the waters of the Columbia River for endurance racing. On land, spectators were treated to live bands, great food and lots of stuff for families with kids to do. Conditions were challenging with riders dealing with gusty conditions as they battled upwind for six hours. It was all smiles though for this feel-good cause. Through athlete fundraising, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and beer and food sales, participants raised over $58,000 for cancer programs. For winners and the complete story, see www.kb4c.org

SmackSmackAuthor Mark Ribkoff now has something to smile about.

The SpiRiT of KB4CBy TKB Staff | Photo Colby Otero

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Ben shows us why we’d want to check out his new DVD.

We don’t normally put video reviews in the news section but have been so starved for a cool new DVD, we just had to spread the love. Coming Together – A Ben Wilson Movie, starts out like a slow motion dream with kitesurfers drawing perfect lines down the faces of some the most epic waves in the world. If you don’t speak Australian, you might need a translator to get through some of the heavily accented, yet pleasantly minimal narrative. Seriously, these top riders get into some heavy waves and make it look easy. The crash footage gives you a tiny glimpse into the power of waves and how it can turn a rider into a rag doll, spreading your gear into a yard sale. There is a good bit of lifestyle footage thrown in to make you wish you were there for the side adventures outside of kiting and some amazing bikini shots are sure to wake you out of this beautiful kitesurfing dream. In the bonus section, you also get additional action footage, a stunning slide show, more sick crashes, the Coming Together movie trailer, a Ben Wilson riding montage, and a bit about Acceleration Wave Camps so you can learn how to slash waves too. The new DVD is available at www.thekiteboarder.com, www.benwilsonsurf.com or your local retailer.

CoMiNg TogeTheRBy James Brown | Photo benwilsonsurf.com

KiTe RACiNg ChAMpioNShip

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By Marina Chang | Photos Josh Anon

Final tallies resulted in Sean Farley taking first, followed by local bay area rider Chip Wasson (Ozone) and newcomer Johnny Heineken taking third.

The winner of KB4C with 24 laps, local grom gormley.

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Riders skim a turning buoy to lose as little time as possible.

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Due to the last few years of “breakthrough hybrid kites and high quality board line,” at Caution Kites, the once touted “grass roots, niche company” says it is rapidly growing in popularity. Due to this growth, Caution is looking for an East Coast distributor. Poul Schiebel, co-owner said they are looking for someone or people who fit in with the crew and style. They don’t have to be the best rider, just a good ambassador for the sport. If interested, email sales@cautionkites.com

Eclipse Kites is pleased to announce that industry veteran Bill Hansen has joined the company. Bill has been designing kites and sails for windsurfing and yachting for many years. Prior to entering the windsports industry, Bill was an applied physicist at UC Berkeley, a private pilot, aircraft owner and champion yachtsman. Bill’s windsurf sail designs have won countless championships at the top levels of international competition and he competed as a pro sailor in WSSRC speed sailing events. He has been professionally designing kites of all kinds since 1990 and many of his designs have been commercially produced by a variety of companies for the kiteboarding, traction kiting and stunt kite markets.

Caution Kites has partnered with www.kitecycle.org to introduce Caution’s recycling discount program. In exchange for a used kite, Caution will give you $300 off a Zombie kite, and 20% off MSRP on a Trespass Directional board. www.cautionkites.com/green/

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www.globekites.comwww.litewavedesigns.com

Message to all GlobeKites & Litewave owners

Patent-Pending Design

Sometimes you really need to rely on your gear.

How would you describe your position at Liquid Force? What are your job responsibilities? I would describe my position with LF as unique and perfectly fitting to what I need in my life that also keeps things fresh and exciting. We all wear many hats at LF and mine include LF kite sales rep for the NW/SW, LF Team Manager, and various marketing and janitorial duties.

How did you end up working in the kiteboarding industry? I saw kiting at the Gorge Games in 2000 when I was competing in and working in the whitewater industry. Kiting at the time caught my attention like no other. Kiting was in its infancy and the skills and work that I had been doing in kayaking easily transferred to kiteboarding. I met Trip Forman and Matt Nuzzo in Cape Hatteras in the fall of 2001. September 11 had dried up the kayak sales business and I burned what I had left on my credit card to go get serious about kiting. By spring of 2002 I had moved to Hatteras full time and worked as a retail manager at REAL Kiteboarding. My life has been intertwined within the kite industry ever since. I settled in to my position within the LF Family in early 2007.

What is your typical day at the office like? The typical day always begins with coffee, before I can even think. Whether at home, on the road, or in California at the LF office, my day always begins on my laptop with emails, news, etc. I try to get a jump on the day by catching up with the east coast and Europe right when I wake up because I am often on the phone for 200-300 minutes a day while going full speed on Skype and emails. I try to get out to the beach by late afternoon with the after-work crowd, but often don’t get very far from the van, either talking kiting or sending people out on LF demos.

How did you get the nickname Tekko? It was in the early Hatteras days, while building the first REAL shop and involves my last name of Gnecco and being quite technical

at the time. I just ran with it and have kind of had it as an identity within the kiting world ever since.

Is working in the kiteboarding industry all it’s cracked up to be? I don’t know what it’s cracked up to be, but I do love my life and my work. I wake up excited every day to do the work we do at Liquid Force, constantly working to improve kiteboarding gear and the overall riding experience for riders worldwide. For me, it’s as much about the people and places. The environment created by kiteboarding and the people we share the beaches with when it’s windy and the amount of pure adrenaline fueled STOKE are a big part of why I do what I do.

What do you see as the biggest challenge to the kiteboarding industry as a whole? Kiteboarding like any industry has many challenges, especially during difficult economic times worldwide. It’s important to remember the riders and that servicing them and staying positive and excited even when things are tight is the key. I have heard lots of grumbling from within the industry this year about sales being down and expensive shipping, but on the water it seems as if more riders are happier than they’ve ever been, even if they don’t feel the need to buy a new quiver every year.

What advice do you have for someone that wants to work for a kiteboarding manufacturer? It’s not who you know, but who knows you. If you are a quality person with a good attitude and are helpful on the beach, you will become known in your local riding circles and maybe get noticed by a shop. From there, as you travel to kite and meet people, you will start to realize you’re seeing the same people in lots of places. The relationships you form and the memories others have of you will be the basis of who you are and what your references will say when you do start talking with someone about a position in the industry.

Company: Liquid Force Kiteboarding Job Title: Liquid TekkoYears in Industry: 8 Words of Wisdom: Make sure you are in it for the right reasons. If all you want to do is kite a lot then you probably don’t want to work in kiting. Years Kiteboarding: 8 Kite: I ride all of the LF kites, but since I’ve ridden the new 2010 LF Envy, that’s what I’m reaching for the most. It’s just pure fun! Board: Influence 138, Concept Grind 139, LF Rawson surfboards 6’3 Skate, 6’2 Quad, 6’1 6er

Greg Gnecco

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PKRA GERMANy WORLD CUPBy TKB Staff | Photo Roberto Foresti

Poor weather hit on the last day of the PKRA tour at the Palmolive for Men Kitesurf World Cup in St. Peter-Ording, Germany. However, the weather did not dampen the moods as spectators gathered to watch the awards ceremony and draw a conclusion to the 10-day event. It was an especially memorable competition for Youri Zoon (Slingshot) who defeated five time world champion Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil) in a 4-1 decision. Zoon forged his way into the finals against fellow Dutchman Kevin Langeree (Naish), however it was a final 5-0 decision in favor of Langeree due to better execution of tricks and variety. The women’s finals were exciting as they went all out pulling move after move for the win. Joanna Litwin (Nobile) took her spot at the podium yet again defeating Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil) with more power and better execution of tricks. In racing, Frenchman Bruno Sroka (Cabrinha) claimed the win again along with 2008 PKRA race champion Steph Bridge, continuing their domination on the racing circuit.

KPWT PORTUGAL, WAVE MASTERSBy TKB Staff | Photo Carlos Delicado

The third stop of the KPWT brought competitors to Santa Cruz, Portugal and conditions did not disappoint the riders or spectators. On the final day of the 10-day event, The wind arrived as promised in the 14 knot range and waves peaked at around five feet, averaging six waves per set. The semi finals and finals were 15-minute heats with judges scoring on rider’s best three waves. Jan Marcos Riveras (Star Kites) progressed into the final to face Jesse Richman (HAW, Cabrinha), after strong competition from Abel Lago (RRD) in the semi. In the women’s heats, Ainhoa Garcia (Airush) gave Kari Schibevaag (Ozone) a very hard time in the semi final, with a good selection of waves and strong riding. But in the end Kari progressed once again into the final to face Kirsty Jones for the Wave Masters title. unfortunately the two finals could not be completed as the wind had dropped below KPWT standards and Jan Marcos and Kari had no chance to try and beat Kevin and Kirsty for the top spots.

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North rider Kirsty Jones has dominated the pro wave tour for the last few years.

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PKRA STANDINGS:Men: 1. Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED) 2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) 3. Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil, GBR)Women: 1. Joanna Litwin (Nobile, POL) 2. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) 3. Karolina Winkowska (Naish, POL)

COURSE RACING RESULTSMen: 1. Bruno Sroka (Cabrinha, FRA) 2. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA) 3. Dirk Hanel (North, GER) Women: 1. Steph Bridge (North, GRB) 2. Kristin Boese (Best, GER) 3. Fabienne D’Ortoli (Cabrinha, FRA)

KPWT STANDINGS:

Overall Jesse Richman (Cabrinha, uSA); Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, uK)

Freestyle: Peter Tyukjevick (Flexi, RuS); Gisela Pulido (Flexi, SP)

Waves: Kirsty Jones (North, uK); Jan Marcos Rivera (Star, RD)

Racing Bruno Sroka (Cabrinha, FR); Ainhoa Garcia (Airush, SP)

Slingshot’s Youri Zoon, back from an injury, is on fire.

ime flows as fast as the wind in the Columbia River Gorge. The year 2000 was when we first gathered in Stevenson, WA, for the initial Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival. This was before kite loops, handle passes or even twin tips. There were only a

few Gorge locals kiteboarding at the time. Most of us were only slightly converted windsurfers who had bought kites for the ‘light wind days.’ We didn’t yet realize where this addiction would lead. We were intrigued with the amount of air that kiting delivered and Floyd Wilkes conceived the first Bridge of the Gods Kiteboard Festival. The vibes were good, the winds were ideal and we had no idea that this event would become the longest running kiteboarding competition in existence in North America.

HISTORYAs would be expected, the Gorge was producing a lot of quality riders and The Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival became a launching pad for local amateurs who progressed to the pro scene. Pro riders such as Adam Koch, Sky Solbach, Dave Tyburski, Mark Doyle and Bri Chmel all launched their professional kiteboarding careers from our local event. But that’s just a small part of the story. More important than any contest results or tweaked out maneuver is sharing good times with friends. “Attitude is Everything” reads the classic Gorge bumper sticker and that was the festival motto. Whining is not permitted and having fun is mandatory.

When Floyd left the Gorge, Renee Hanks took over organizing the event. She was committed to keeping this a festival and not a contest. She even competed while wearing a fake butt that made her appear half naked on the water. It became a tradition that has been followed by many female contestants who continue to kite in costumes. Floyd and Renee also made this event about giving back to the community. Renee started a non-profit that funded a local youth kiteboarding program as well providing scholarships for local kids. Britney Todd, winner of this years’ event, was one of Renee’s students. While Floyd and Renee are now living off the grid, we plan to keep the festival as a fundraiser. Proceeds from this year were donated to the Skamania County Parks and Recreation Fund as well as the Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department.

EVOLUTIONSeeing the success of last years Festival, Jeff Logosz of Slingshot Sports had a vision to expand the fun. While the Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival remains the same amateur kiteboard competition, Slingstock is an added bonus. We rented The Skamania County Fairgrounds where the entertainment could continue after the kiteboarding was over. The Rock Creek Rail Jam was a great success as a mixture of wakeboarders and kiters were

pulled by a winch and wave runners. The Slider Project’s Fun Box coupled with some rail slides led to a great time for all both Friday and Saturday evening. There was also music and food at the Fairgrounds. Local band Wrestling Sturgeon opened for the Quick and Easy Boys on Friday

while The Russian Brides opened up for The John Bunzow Trio on Saturday. With the gorgeous views and activities at the campground, the inaugural Slingstock addition to the festival was a great success that we plan to build upon.

WRAP UPThe wind forecast wasn’t overly optimistic for the event day so we were all surprised to wake up to a solid westerly breeze. Contestants enjoyed a pancake breakfast at the campground before heading to the waterfront. The winds were a steady 20-25 mph all day that allowed the contest to run smoothly. The level of kiting gets better every year and this year was no different. We started a new division of mini-groms who were 13 and under and weren’t disappointed by the Cohn brothers, Tony and Charlie. The Masters division had some of the closest contests as Steve Sibborn’s handlepasses narrowly defeated Wally the Gator’s titanic air and Ken Ishida’s smooth riding. Britney Todd was the technical expert of the women’s division as she defeated Jaz and Rachel Callahan in the finals. The juniors heats were also filled with handlepasses and kite loops as Matt Collins won out over Brandon Bowe and Matt Elsasser. The men’s final heat was stacked as the four contestants knew that a trip to Cabarete donated by Dare 2 Fly was on the line. Alex Fox narrowly held off locals Grom, Nate Appel and Nick Stuart and is now trying to decide who he’s taking to Cabarete with him!

The Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival and the addition of Slingstock was a great success this year. We learned a lot with the addition of the fairgrounds and next year should be even better. We were very fortunate to get the sponsorship we received in tough economic times. Companies like Slingshot, Dakine, Dare 2 Fly, Providence Hood River, ProMotion, Gorge.net and 2nd Wind all made it possible to hold this event. The Kiteboarder Magazine with the help of Saw.net broadcast a live feed bringing our local festival to the world. Our goal is to keep the festival a fundraiser, an affordable good time for everyone who comes out and to keep offering a venue for amateur talent to showcase their stuff and maybe pick up a sponsorship or two.

What a great Weekend in StevenSon, a day of hot, Sunny Weather With live muSic and the Wake/Winch rail jam, folloWed by an even better day of 8m kiteboarding and a cloSing party With Some amazing people. WiSh i could have Stayed another day for the 40 knotS at rufuS! — Ed HOLdEN

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the bridge of the godS event once again delivered the goodS. each year iS getting bigger and better With the Stoke meter pegged! really enjoyed the croWd energy aS We threW doWn for the judgeS. go big or go home! See ya next year! — WALLY GATOR

the bog repreSentS everything about kiting that i love – it’S an amazing event. all the more amazing When Some of the hardeSt ripperS take time to retrieve other’S boardS, or juSt hand-off their kiteS altogether. — ERIc cOHN

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SlingStockSTOkE

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BOG winner Alex Fox passes the handle as boys get the Grinch Winch ready for action.

By Gary Reed | Photos Dallas McMahon

Organizers and locals get their second wind at the Slingstock parties.

SS’s pro wake team lit up the rail jam.

BOG is the longest running event in North America.

A competitor during the men’s heat.

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What kind of insurance do you have and how do you handle lessons if there is no wind/a student can’t complete their lesson package? We carry top-rated liability insurance. For lesson cancellations, we’ll either reschedule or provide a refund, depending on the situation. Customer service and satisfaction is our number one concern behind safety.

What is your idea of a perfect day? Kite, eat, kite, kite, kite, eat, sex, rock ‘n roll, kite, kite, eat, sex, kite…….

How does your shop support the kiteboarding community? Are you involved in helping the local community in general? this spring we got wind sensors installed on the beach. We always try to promote awareness for kiteboarding safety and help anyone out when we can. We also have goals to get the local colleges involved in starting collegiate kiteboarding clubs/teams and events.

What tips can you offer kiteboarders who want to learn your area? What is the best time of the year to learn and what kind of conditions do you teach in? Our conditions are excellent during low tide – we have shallow flats and sand bars that go for miles. the conditions become challenging while the tides are changing as the currents can reach whitewater rapid speed! We have a really simple beach launch which is relatively empty during the week. It can be challenging on summer weekends when we have a lot of tourists.

Where do you draw riders from? What tips can you offer experienced kiters who want to come kite your area? We get inquiries from everywhere as savannah is a very popular tourist destination. Wind averages around 15-20 mph year round but be sure to bring a couple different sized kites for varying conditions. In the summer, bring a light wind kite.

What tips can you offer visiting kiteboarders who want to hook up with local riders and kite in your area? Just call us and we can show you around. It isn’t hard to find where the locals kite since the island is only about three miles long.

What is the best way for people to check the forecast and current conditions in your area? iKitesurf. We have two wind sensors on each end of the island and can get great readings for all directions of wind.

What is your biggest challenge as a kiteboarding retailer? Finding a decent graphic designer!

Any words of wisdom you want to share with our readers? We’d highly recommend starting your own company in anything you do. Just know you can’t do anything by yourself. It helps to have good friends!

OWNERS: Mike Campanaro & John MapelNICKNAME: The GuysAGE: 24LOCATION: Tybee Island/Savannah, GARIDING FOR HOW LONG: 3 yearsFAVORITE CONDITIONS: Flat water or big waves in 20-25 mph

When did you first get exposed to kiteboarding and when/where did you learn/start? We both earned sound Design degrees with minors in music Performance at savannah College of Art and Design. We took a couple of lessons in college and in our last year, we entered a national song writing competition and won! With the prize money we bought our own kiteboarding gear and taught ourselves from there. Once college was over it became an obsession.

What motivated you to get into the kiteboarding retail business and lessons? We used to spend hours in dark mixing studios without seeing the light of day. the opportunity of having an incredibly fun and rewarding job on the beach was our biggest motivation to drop everything and get into the kiteboarding industry.

you guys are pretty young. What did it take to get your business started and what was your biggest challenge? It didn’t take much really. We started out small and we’re looking to grow slow and steady. We’re faced with constant challenges but the biggest one in these beginning stages is to stay alive!

What is the kiteboarding scene like in your area? What makes it special in your view? the scene is small but growing and has a lot of potential. Our riding spots are spacious and beautiful for miles during low tide, with backdrops of the tybee lighthouse, marshes, and deserted islands.

Do you teach year round or seasonally? We teach year round. the summer is definitely our busiest season, but even in the winter months the wind is still blowing and people still want to learn.

What brands do you represent and why? We represent eH Kiteboarding. We can’t say enough about the kites! We think they are on the cutting of performance and design and are also excellent to teach with. We also use Liquid Force/Dakine harnesses and vests, and Pro tec helmets for our students. We feel it’s important to use good quality gear.

Do you require your instructors to have certification? Why and what kind, or why not? Yes, we are a PAsA certified school and we require our instructors to be PAsA certified. We feel the teaching methods of PAsA stress safety in kiteboarding, which is our main concern.

All Out KitebOArding

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The bird situation is getting better on Hatteras Island. Many closures on the beaches prevented kiting in certain locations this spring and early summer. The

“piping plover” is the culprit. With the park service protecting the nesting areas, some hot spots were shut down temporarily. With this in mind, it is a great idea when traveling to the island to ask locals or the crew at www.outerbankskiting.com for safe spots to launch and land. Tickets can be upwards of $150+ if a kite is landed in these closed locations.

Captain Kirk’s in La Ventana is running an early bird booking special. Normal room rates have been reduced from $125 to $95 per night and for a limited time through September 30, 2009, for every two nights you book, you get one night free! This works out to about $32/pp per day, double occupancy for every three days reserved. www.captainkirks.com

How does a free stay in Maui sound? Now through December 31, 2009, every purchase from

www.kitelauncher.com is eligible to win a free one-week stay in an amenity-filled two bedroom house in Paia. If you haven’t seen the new Line Manager tool, check it out. It’ll save you time rigging, stows your lines nice and clean and is also a handy tool if launching from a boat or constricting launching areas.

Smack

Mike Campanaro (l) and John Mapel (r) operate out of Savannah, Georgia.

Photos Chuck Domenie

Co-founder Mike Campanaro shows some style at Tybee Island.

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What Our readers Have To Say

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PuMPeDHey guys! I’m pumped for this year’s La Ventana Classic, KiteXpo, and Cerralvo SUP Challenge. I just got the new mag and saw the cheers shot in the THINK section. Very cool pic! It’s always a pleasure working with you guys – I’m looking forward to 2010 and a great event for the kids. I’m stoked to create a top notch event with you guys. Thanks for your support!!

Tim Hatler, Palapas Ventana

Tim, thanks for your encouragement. We’ll see you down in Baja this winter for the next round of events that keep getting better every year. If you’ve never been to La Ventana, it’s a great excuse to head south for warm weather, great people, and amazing kiteboarding, Ed.

Got somthing on your mind? Submit your letter and you could win a killer t-shirt

from Windcult Kiteboarding! EMAIL RyAN@THEKITEBOARDER.COM

ANOTHeR YeARI am a big fan of the magazine, so I want to renew my subscription for another year. There is so much usable material, instruction, pics, etc. in there. Maybe someday I will meet some of the people who work for the magazine.

Thanks, Jan Schwartz

Jan, thanks for renewing for another year. Your support keeps The Kiteboarder Magazine completely Kiteboarder owned and operated. The whole crew here is just like every other enthusiastic kiter out there. Come out to any major event in the US and chances are that you’ll get to meet one of us. See you at the beach, Ed.

lEttEr Of thE mOnth

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NOT WORTH WATCHINGI love your mag, but I have one suggestion: Have someone commentate on the online kite reviews like you used to, otherwise they’re not really worth watching.

Thanks,Brandon

Brandon, thanks for the feedback. For the videos, we are going to do even better than just add commentary. We are working on something that is more consumer based. Stay tuned, we think you’ll like what we have coming, Ed.

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on-location message center at this year’s BOG/Slingstock in Stevenson, WA. Photo Dallas McMahon

16. Tony Logosz, like father like son. Photo Dallas McMahon

17. Grom Gormley does some last minute stitch work before heading to BOG/Slingstock in Stevenson, WA. Photo Dallas McMahon

18. The Kiteboarder Staff loves Linn. Photo Jeremie Tronet

1. John Bellacera shows off his handmade boards at Windance Boardshop in Hood River, OR. Photo Dallas McMahon

2. Steve Gunn in rare form shows off his disco skills. Many people do not know he was a disco legend in his younger years. Photo Paul Lang

3. Gary Rhodes goes all-in during the SPI Kite Roundup at South Padre Island, TX. Photo Ed Holden

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4. Ed Holden gets locked up while in Texas. Photo Gary Rhodes

5. Matt Sexton interviews Billy Parker at this year’s BOG/Slingstock event in Stevenson, WA. Photo Dallas McMahon

6. Zach Kleppe fills in as a test subject during a photoshoot at Windance Boardshop in Hood River, OR. Photo Dallas McMahon

7. Paul Hastie at BOG/Slingstock in Stevenson, WA. Photo Dallas McMahon

12. Gary Rhodes reported his board stolen while road tripping through Arizona. Photo Ed Holden

13. Gary Rhodes proudly displays his souvenir from his Texas kite adventure. Photo Dallas McMahon

14. Amery Bernard, Eric Yeung, and Chris Schey at Slingstock/BOG in Stevenson, WA. Photo Dallas McMahon

15. Gary Rhodes takes full advantage of the

8. CHEERS from Slingstock/BOG ‘09 in Stevenson, WA. Photo Dallas McMahon

9. Jeremie Tronet and John Zimmerman chillin at the OR dealers meeting in Tarifa. Photo Linn Severson

10. Matt Sexton shows Mira Kwon his latest disco moves at the Slingshot HQ in Hood River, OR. Photo Dallas McMahon

11. Babyjesus and the Social Concepts crew make Scrapper drink his first boot at

fubar.com headquarters. Photo Nikki Riccitelli

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19. Patrick Rebstock always wears a smile, even after battling the currents of the Columbia River in Stevenson,WA.

Photo Dallas McMahon20. Sam Medesky testing out his new Best

Kites. Sam has found a new home with Best Kiteboarding. This kid is blowing up!

Photo Stacy FonasIf you have a photo that you would like featured

in The Kiteboarder Magazine, please email ryan@thekiteboarder.com

30 thekiteboarder.com

Bill Tai ike many kiteboarders out there, Bill Tai is passionate about the sport. He was one of the early regulars at

Third Avenue in San Francisco Bay, a spot famous for its proximity to Silicon Valley. His enthusiasm for the sport has attracted many of his friends and colleagues to kiteboarding and he has introduced hundreds of kiteboarders to the sport through his annual kite camps in Maui that he organizes with Susi Mai. All in all, Bill is just like the rest of us addicts, kiting every possible opportunity and talking about the sport enough that some know him as the “Kite Guy” in Silicon Valley, but what separates Bill from most of the rest of us kite bums is what he does for a living.

Bill is a partner at Charles River Ventures. He is a VC, which stands for Venture Capitalist. This means that Bill looks for people with great ideas and helps them build those ideas into companies that make lots of money. Many of the people that he has introduced to the sport are executives or founders of Silicon Valley companies. Mai Tai kite camps are not only about kiteboarding, but they are also about networking for the aspiring kiteboarders, many of whom also work in the high-tech industry. His story is a great example of one of the reasons kiteboarding is so great: The interesting mix of people doing the sport. On any given day at Third Avenue, you might be sharing a session with someone who lives in his van and someone like Bill who has been involved in 16 startups that have gone on to become publicly listed companies. It goes to show that a sport like kiteboarding can bring together a wide range of people who become friends because they all have one thing in common: Their love for the sport.

By Paul Lang and Ryan Riccitelli

L

The “Kite Guy” of Silicon Valley

thekiteboarder.com 3130 thekiteboarder.com

Bill Tai poses with Susi Mai at the 2009 Mai Tai Kite Camp in Maui. This camp has become the place to be seen for kiteboarders from Silicon Valley. Photo Christopher Michel

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Can you tell us a little bit about who Bill Tai was growing up? I was a typical tech-geek when I was young. I was taking apart TVs in fourth grade and by junior high I was stripping radio shack kits to build circuit boards to fool pay phones with signal tones to make free calls. I loved physics and chemistry and was captain of my high school Mathletes team. Somehow I also managed to be involved in sports year round and was always known as a good athlete even though I was a science geek. I ended up majoring in Electrical Engineering and graduated with honors from the University of Illinois before going on to Harvard for a Masters in Business.

What led you to get into kiteboarding and how has your life changed since? Other water activities led me to kiteboarding. I started sailing in the mid 80s; Later on a visit to Maui I saw guys doing loops off waves on windsurfers and said to my friend, “Hey, how awesome is that! We can do that!” and converted to windsurfing on that trip. It took me another ten years to get good at it! I saw kites for the first time on a wave sailing trip in 2000 to Punta San Carlos, Baja. Aaron Gershenberg of Silicon Valley Bank got me to go on a trip where Sierra Emory and Ricker Alford (then owner of Extreme Sports Maui) brought two-line Wipika Kites. When I saw them ride I had the same reaction - “How awesome is that! We should be doing that!” That winter a kite found its way to me. It was a 9.5 Naish AR5, one of the first four-line kites on the market. It had belonged to Laird Hamilton, who passed it on to a friend in Los Angeles, who passed it on to a mutual friend in San Francisco named John Murray (an investment banker I windsurfed with), who passed it on to me. In April 2001 I was launching that kite on a field at Coyote Point to teach myself to kite. Since then, as the sport’s popularity has increased over time, kiteboarding has helped me stand out in the tech community in Silicon Valley. While I was definitely not the first kiter in the valley, I was lucky to have been in the early wave of folks to try kiting here.

Many people in kiteboarding only know your name because of the Mai Tai Kite Camps you organize. Can you briefly describe what you do for a living? While I started my career as a chip designer, I’ve been a venture capitalist for the past 18 years. What I do for a living today is quite fun. I work with creative, passionate people every day to help them start technology-based startup companies. I provide funding to help entrepreneurs start, launch, build, and scale their ideas into sustainable enterprises if there is a chance to build one. Sometimes they don’t work out, but I’ve been fortunate to have been doing this long enough that over a dozen startup projects I’ve touched have grown to a point that they could become publicly listed companies on Nasdaq.

If you find out that the head of a company you are looking at is also a kiteboarder, does that increase their chances of doing business with your firm? It definitely increases the probability of a first meeting. Thereafter the people and ideas have to stand on their own merits, but the fact that someone kites or is willing and interested to learn tells me something positive about that person’s personality. Anyone willing to kite is likely going to be high energy, confident about their ability to handle complex environments, and not afraid to take calculated risks. If they have been kiteboarding for a while, they are likely folks that are well balanced and have learned not to take stupid risks either, as we all know what happens when you do that!

Do you get many fellow kiteboarders pitching business ideas to you at the beach because they know you are a VC? Absolutely. Much of the networking that happens in the Valley occurs in informal venues. Open, continuous discussion and testing of ideas are seminal part of the culture of Silicon Valley. There are very few secrets here and as a result, ideas get vetted pretty well before, during, and after they are put to practice. There’s no way to put dozens of passionate tech people within 100 feet of each other and not have people constantly testing ideas out on one another. The continuous dialog, entrepreneur to entrepreneur, entrepreneur to VC, and vice versa is part of what keeps the Valley competitive, fresh, and leading edge.

How does kiteboarding fit into your schedule? Do you get to kite more or less because of your job? A super good week for me is probably two hours on the water – a

Friday afternoon hour session and an hour on either Saturday or Sunday during the windy season. It probably only adds up to around 30 hours a year on the water at Third Avenue. In addition to that, I almost always hit a warm, windy location during vacation and will snow kite a weekend or two in the winter.

Do the thrills you get in the business world rival the ones you get on the water? The thrill of victory

and the agony of defeat feel similar in many ways but they differ in timeframe and scope. The company building process is a super long cycle where feedback from the market is measured in months or years. In kiting you get instant feedback on whether or not you are making real progress. The thing that is common to both is that they are constantly evolving – nothing stays static in either world so they both keep you on your toes. You can never get too comfortable or cocky in either or you will get something handed to you for sure.

You are based in the San Francisco Bay area. What was it like learning to kiteboard there? How does the kiting there compare to other places you have traveled? I suppose if I had not been windsurfing in the cold currents of the Bay Area first, it would have been more difficult in the sport’s earlier years when the gear was not as conducive to easy relaunching and staying upwind. Now that the gear is so user friendly, kiting in the Bay Area is not that different than warm water places so long as you own a comfy wetsuit. If there are key differences, I’d say that the variety here is tremendous compared to most places. Within a reasonable drive are flattish areas to jump and practice tricks like Third Avenue, wave riding at Waddell, and super interesting and variable conditions at Crissy Field and Ocean Beach among other spots. I’d also say that the while kiting communities are fun and interesting everywhere I have been, the Bay Area kiting community is unusual in its composition. It’s very reflective of the population base in the Silicon Valley – full of people from all over the world that have dropped everything in life to move to a place where they can most easily pursue their passion and vision around innovation and technology-based businesses. People who pursue startups or kiteboard are usually interesting people that are full of passion and persistence, and who have a willingness to step forward into the unknown and unproven with vigor. Kiting and startups appeal to a distinct personality type.

Third Ave. is unique because there is an interesting mix of people who ride there, from the average kite-bum living in his car to the wealthy founders of Silicon Valley tech companies. Does this mix create any tension, or does everyone get along because of their passion for the sport? Silicon Valley is too expensive a place for true kite bums to live out of a car for very long! But seriously, this question highlights another similarity between kiting and the culture of Silicon Valley. They are both very egalitarian, probably for different reasons, but they share an ethos. The opportunity set the Valley presents can turn any regular tech geek into a financial success overnight, so class lines, if they exist, are very blurred. People here are not necessarily judged by the size of their savings. Rather, they are judged by their thought processes and their ability to lead or contribute to a group’s success. Kiting fits this ethos very well because it is so community driven. Kiting builds community because kiters are dependent on one another in a way that participants in other sports are

not. Three years ago, it was not uncommon for me to have to speed dial a dozen people on my way to Third, hoping to convince a single person to kite at the same time so that we could both have someone else there to launch and land. That need at Third is high because it is a narrow spot surrounded by rocks. Compared to other ‘extreme’ sports, there is no other activity that requires you to befriend as many people. If you kite, you need as many friends as possible to get that twelve seconds of help when you launch or land. Without that, the experience is more difficult and much more dangerous as we all know. With help, and with the bonding that occurs in getting to know people that help each other out, life is just richer.

Is it true that you are responsible for getting a number of high-ranking Silicon Valley executives into kiting? I have definitely become a facilitator for many people that have wanted to learn, including founders and executives from high profile tech companies. I have always been super enthusiastic about the sport and in my earlier years would get dozens of people to give it a try every season. Over time that energy institutionalized itself in my annual camp with Susi Mai. There have probably been several hundred folks from around the world that have come to experience kiting and learn to kiteboard with Susi and me.

Where did the idea come from to start the Mai Tai camp on Maui? Mai Tai evolved very organically. It grew out of an annual windsurfing trip I did on Maui with a number of tech execs. A group of us would windsurf out of Ken Goldman’s place at Sugar Cove. Once I converted to kiting with Aaron Gershenberg, one by one I got the whole crew to try kiting. Over several years, others from the Valley would come because the trip became known as “the trip” to give kiting a try and to network with interesting folks from Silicon Valley. In 2002 or so, I had introduced a very successful tech startup founder to kiting named Bill Lee, who went on to set up Extreme Hotels in the Dominican Republic as a side hobby. When my Maui trip became too large for me to handle on my own he connected me with instructors and professional riders like Susi, and Mai Tai as we know it was born. He had always wanted me to meet Susi because our names really are “Mai” and “Tai.”

The Mai Tai Kite Camps have been featured on CNN, MSNBC, and Forbes.com. Why do you think the media is so curious about what you are doing?

Kiteboarding is an insanely interesting sport with great visual appeal. Lots of folks that see kiting are drawn to it immediately and can imagine themselves doing it. Similarly, successful tech startups have universal appeal to the business press. Almost everyone has the dream of being in the role of a super successful entrepreneur who has beaten conventional wisdom with the power of innovative thinking to launch a successful breakaway company. They are similar in that respect and massively appealing to the overlap of those communities as a result. I think that because of the subject matter and the types of people that come on our trip, many of whom come from high profile startups, that the business press sees an appealing story that needs to be told.

Describe your dream session on your dream set-up. Winds in the mid 20’s with a Cabrinha Switchblade or Naish Cult and my 130 cm twin tip from Cabarete Kiteboards. Solid, steady, boosty wind and warm, clear water in a lagoon or river mouth opening up to an ocean with waves.

Anyone that hangs out with you can’t help but feel your genuine excitement or “stoke” for kiteboarding. What is it about this sport that really flicks your switch? I believe that people feel the most alive when

they are learning something new and pushing themselves forward mentally, physically, and emotionally. Kiteboarding is a sport that constantly gives you a sense of growth if you want to stay on that curve. In addition to that, variety is the spice of life. Kiting never gets boring because every day is different, even if you kite in the same spot from day to day. There are so many variables it never really gets routine and it’s forever stimulating. It’s hard to find any sport that can make you feel as alive on a consistent basis.

What is the best advice you can give anyone who is thinking about getting into this sport? Stop thinking about it and give it a shot, NOW! It’s an amazing sport filled with really interesting people. There’s a great sense of community around the sport as well. The shared sets of experiences you will feel with others who kite will bring out parts of your personality that are good for you. Your empathy for others will increase, as will your selflessness whenever you see someone who needs help. Also, it’s not as hard as it looks, but definitely take lessons from a qualified instructor because you will save yourself a lot of time and avoid a lot of mistakes.

What do you think the kiteboarding industry could learn from looking at Silicon Valley businesses? I don’t know that there is much to learn there, but the pace of innovation in the kiteboarding industry at this point mirrors the Valley for sure. Silicon Valley businesses are primarily known for their ability to move ahead rapidly to disrupt older businesses with new technology. There is a huge amount of innovation that occurs constantly and some of it works and some of it doesn’t. People are not afraid to experiment. The kiteboarding industry is similar – constant innovation and lots of excitement. I hope it lasts!

Would you ever consider investing in a kiteboarding business? Historically I have invested in technology from the ‘ground up’ so to speak. Computer chips, leading to systems level hardware, to the software that runs on hardware, to internet infrastructure, and lately consumer web. If there has been a constant, it’s been technology based businesses that are horizontal in nature – meaning applications of technology that might become super high volume in usage. If any segments that touch kiteboarding can fit that model, it’s not out of the range of possibilities.

thekiteboarder.com 33

Bill loves kiteboarding so much that

even pumping up a kite makes him

smile. Photo Susi Mai

Pete Cabrinha and Bill at

the 2009 Mai Tai Kite Camp.

Photo Christopher Michel

Bill took this self-portrait on a wave in Tarifa. Photo Janet Lightbody

You can sometimes find Bill kiting at Third

Avenue in San Francisco Bay, the closest kite

spot to Silicon Valley. Photo Austin Stewart

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Noah currently has the record in Charleston for breaking the most number of kiteboards. Nicknamed

“Air Grounded’ by his employer the Air Company in South Carolina, his desire to perfect the latest moves often ends up “grounding” him as his body recovers from the beatings. Known for busting out a sick new move or an equally impressive crash, Noah grew up on the Isle of Palms, an eight mile long by one mile wide island in a chain of barrier islands that line the Charleston coast. Once on a path toward a serious baseball career, he sometimes reflects and wonders what might have happened if he had continued down that path but has no regrets. Kiteboarding has captivated every bit of his attention taking him to many beautiful and amazing places around the world.

When, where and why did you start kiteboarding?I started in 2004 when I was 16 years old. Kiteboarding was everything I loved all bundled in one.

Have any other sports or disciplines helped influence your kiteboarding? Wakeboarding has helped me become the kiter I am today and vice versa. They are perfect compliments.

What riders influence you the most/inspire you?Davey Blair, also a “Chucktown” resident and local Air Company pro, has always been a hero to me with his balls to the wall riding style. When I started kiting I took that style and fully incorporated it into my own and vowed to never hold back.

How did you get sponsored? Working at the Air Company has opened up many doors for me. My relationship with Litewave boards and Globe Kites began when I was on an Air Retreat down in Cozumel, Mexico in 2007.

What standout features do you most appreciate about your current gear? I can’t say enough about the Litewave boards. The 2009 Vision is everything I want out of a freestyle board. It has ridiculous pop and is a little wider so I can throw my boots on there too. Did I mention that it’s bombproof?

What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I make staying healthy and in shape a top priority. When I get really motivated I’ll get back on the trampoline and work on perfecting some spins and invert passes.

Noah with his toys. Photo Elea Faucheron

By Marina Chang

AGE: 21 HEIGHT: 5’ 9” WEIGHT: 165 pounds yEARS KITING: 5 FAVORITE SPOTS: Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina; One Eye, Mauritius; La Ventana, Mexico FAVORITE CONDITIONS: 20 knots flat water and kickers, hollowed out overhead swell FAVORITE MOVES: Front mobe, back mobes 5’s and 7’s, flat spins off the kickers, sliders SPONSORS: Air Company (www.catchsomeair.us), Litewave Designs, Globe Kites and Smith Optics

Gear set-up BOARDS: 2009 Litewave Vision, 5’11 JS surfboard BINDINGS: Litewave Straps, Liquid Force Bindings KITES: Globe Kites, Trix LINES: 21m HARNESS: 2009 Mystic Firestarter clOSE-up

What trick or style are you currently working on and what is the challenge? I like to stay well rounded as a rider, but I’m working hard at sticking all my tricks in boots, especially trying to get bigger flat spins and make them look good.

How do you think the current gear on the market can be improved in general? I think that the gear has reached a bit of a plateau and the industry is waiting on new technology before it takes the next leap forward. I would like to see companies not lose interest in C-Kites and work on perfecting or at least just continuing to manufacture them.

What is your favorite style of riding and why?Coming from a wakeboard background I really appreciate a rider who can throw down some of the more difficult moves with power and style. Of course I have mad love for wave riding too.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the kiteboarding industry? Local shops and riders need to be as proactive as possible with their own communities to establish and maintain access. What is something about you that you do outside of kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t know? I really enjoy a well prepared meal especially if I’m the one who gets to prepare it. Cooking and food appreciation is a big part of who I am.

What is your worst wipe out/scariest kiteboarding experience? I’ve been fortunate to have only been

blown out to sea a couple of times. I had to cut my gear loose both times and swim back nearly a mile. Other than those experiences, nothing too crazy.

Where is your favorite place to kite and why?Chucktown, South Carolina. Sullivan’s Island station 28, flat water, waves and kickers with 20 knots side shore please!

What is your most memorable kiteboarding experience? When I first became sponsored by Globe/Litewave, they flew me to the island of Mauritius. I absolutely love to travel and the experience was amazing, not to mention the island itself was out of this world with the sickest waves I have ever seen or ridden.

What are your must have’s that you can’t live without? I used to travel with a little battery powered fan – I know Prima Donna, right? I couldn’t sleep without it. I’m so hot natured plus I hate sleeping in absolute silence.

What are the top five songs on your ipod? 50 Cent – Many Men; Jay- Z – A week ago; Bob Marley – Jammin; Citizen Cope – Let The Drummer Kick; Rolling Stones – Beast of Burden

Any words of wisdom you want to share with our readers? Ride because you love it. If you don’t, shove it to the side and find something else. If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up space.

Noah is known for his spectacular moves and equally impressive crashes. Photo courtesy Noah Simon

1. I enjoy talking to anybody I can and recommend that all beginners take the same approach. If you don’t like meeting new people or making new friends at least talk to them for the local advice.

2. Stretch before you ride. I spend at least 5 to 10 minutes getting loose. When I’m charging some of the more difficult tricks, I can really feel a difference with my improved flexibility. Stretching has built up my guard and made me less vulnerable to injury which allows me to ride 100%.

3. Have a good time. The last thing that needs to happen to kiteboarding is the addition of the cut-throat attitude found in some of the other sports out there. Don’t’ bring the attitude out to the beach — there is enough wind for everybody. Also, remember that you were a beginner at one point too.

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clOSE-up

By Marina Chang | Photos www.samperry.com

New quote

France. It went up fine but I had a twist in my lines. I decided to go out on the water before dealing with the problem since I was wearing a wrist leash — that’s how long ago it was. I reached down to grab my board to head out when my kite did a 180 straight down. I was dragged up the beach, feet first towards a metal staircase that led up to a sidewalk which bordered a four-lane busy highway. Fortunately a line caught the bumper of a parked car and my ride terminated at the top of the stairs with me inches from the tailpipe of a car that saved me. Luckily my pride was the only thing damaged that day.

Where is your favorite place to kite and why? I really love kiting the Outer Banks. The waves can be really good and there’s a venue for every level, every style and in all wind directions. It’s a fantastic community of riders.

What is your most memorable kiteboarding experience? The first time I went upwind, the first time I landed a new trick, the first downwinder in the ocean, and my first race. It’s all good and memorable.

What are your must haves that you can’t live without? My family and friends, my boyfriend Scott, my dog Tucker, my kite gear and the freedom to enjoy them all.

What are the top five songs on your ipod? OPM’s “Heaven is a Halfpipe” ~ Fun Lovin’ Criminals’s “Scooby Snacks” ~ ugly Kid Joe’s “Everything About You” ~ MGF’s “Rollercoaster” ~ Magic Dirt’s

“Dirty Jeans”

Any words of wisdom you want to share with ourreaders? Don’t forget to smile at the cameraman.

I first met Paula at the La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo in 2008. She claimed the crossing for the women and while extremely competitive, she is also one of the most good-natured, friendly and funny woman that I have had the pleasure to meet. The following year, she got second in the crossing but was taken out in two heats in the buoy races

– she still managed to place in the top three. She could’ve made a big deal out of it but it was a charity event, there was some confusion about the protest process, and while disappointed, she put on a happy face and continued to compete without one grumble. That’s Paula. A boat captain by trade, she has been freelancing on private yachts for the last four years to focus on her kiting skills. While racing is her game due to her extensive sailing experience, she pushes herself hard in freestyle and her newest passion, in the surf.

When, where and why did you start kiteboarding? I windsurfed for 20 years and was at a point where I would only go out in 20+ knots and in waves. I was working on private yachts and was getting tired of lugging around all that gear. I saw kiteboarding in the windsurf magazines and immediately knew this was going to work for me and took my first lesson in 1999. The rest is history.

Have any other sports or disciplines helped influence your kiteboarding? My wakeboarding and snowboarding ability comes in handy for freestyle moves.

What riders influence you the most/inspire you? I have to say Robby Naish was my first — same for windsurfing. Then in 2002, the first girl I saw was Cindy Mosey in Fuertaventura in a competition. She really inspired me to move forward.

How did you get sponsored? In the fall of 2007 I was at a local venue near my home and I happened to be sitting next to the owner of a new kite company. He didn’t know me but I overheard him mention to a friend that he was in a bind with two events he

AGE: Depends on the time of day — most of the time I feel like I’m 25. HEIGHT: I try to jump as high as I can. I won’t brag about how high. WEIGHT: Wet or dry? Clothed or naked? Morning or night? yEARS KITING: Since the beginning. FAVORITE SPOTS: OBX and La Ventana FAVORITE CONDITIONS: Strong side-off winds on a surf break. FAVORITE MOVES: Back rolls from toeside to toeside on a directional. I love the way they feel. SPONSORS: F.one Kites, H20 Audio, GoPro, Freestyle Watch, SMX, NPX and Spy Optics

Gear set-upBOARDS: 5’6” F-One directional and 133 TX twin tip BINDINGS: F-one stock straps KITES: F-One Bandit Dos 5, 7 and 9m LINES: 23m HARNESS: Currently trying out Mystic and DaKine’s waist harnesses

committed to appear in but was short on riders. I piped up that I would go for him. A few days later I was driving to Mexico with a trailer full of his gear. I took first place flying Scott Polera’s Freak Dog kites. He was my first kite sponsor and I’ll never forget that

— thank you Scott for believing in me.

What standout features do you most appreciate about your current gear? The speed, power and lift of the F.one kites, the sweet feel of the Bamboo directional on waves, and the pop on jumps and foot pads and straps on the F.one twin tip boards.

What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I watch and learn.

What trick or style are you currently working on and what is the challenge? I love riding in the waves. I want to be able to ride strapless and unhooked in any condition. My dream is to win the Wave Nationals someday.

What is your favorite style of riding and why?Waves, waves and more waves –there’s a new challenge around every turn.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the kiteboarding industry? Beach access.

What is something about you that you do outside of kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t know?I love fishing, cooking and making sushi. I like to mountain bike, play tennis, build stuff and fix things that are broken.

What is your worst wipe out/scariest kiteboarding experience? I self-launched a 16m C-kite on a busy beach that was covered in rocks in the South of

Paula loves old school big air.

1. When traveling by air with a directional board, try tipping the curb side guy and get him to walk you in to avoid the cost of excess luggage — worked for me!

2. When riding at a new venue, always ask a local what the rules and hazards are.

3. Don’t jump over or spray surfers or windsurfers. They don’t like it and can cause some bad vibes that are felt for future riders down the line.

4. Try to ride with someone who is much better than you whenever you can. It will improve your skills tremendously.

5. Don’t waste your time on friends that don’t make you feel good about yourself.

SEND TO: Kitecycle 607 Columbia Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060

No kite too torn! Reclaim you attic space! A shredded kite is a tax deduction!

The Outer Banks is Paula’s favorite place to ride.

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very winter, hordes of windsurfers and kiteboarders make the trek to La Ventana, Mexico, located towards the bottom of the Baja Peninsula on the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Whether flying in to La Paz or Cabo San Lucas, or

by driving for days through the Baja desert, most visitors stay put in the main bay for the duration of their trip.

La Ventana is a great place to take a kiteboarding vacation, but it’s also much more than that. It’s a great home base from which you can explore all that Southern Baja has to offer, just a short drive away.

E

GettinG off the Beaten Path

La Ventana: ExploringBy Paul Lang | Photos Dallas McMahon

Isla Cerralvo across the bay can only be accessed by boat and is the starting point of the La Ventana Classic Race in Janauary.

KiteMasters prepares for a day trip to the secluded flat water of Isla Cerralvo.

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Conejo:For many people who visit La Ventana, especially those from the West Coast of California, the one glaring problem here is the lack of real waves. If waves are what you are after, don’t fret, as Baja is not very wide and the Pacific Ocean is closer than you may think. At Conejo, a two and a half hour drive north of La Paz (one hour being on dirt roads), you can find wave riding that rivals many of the more well-known spots on the Pacific side of Baja. Leave early and you can grab a surf session before the wind picks up for a full day of wave riding. Conejo has a very primitive campground and no facilities nearby.

Aguas Calientes:Spanish for Hot Springs, Aguas Calientes is just a short drive up the road north past La Ventana. The site gets its name from the hot springs just under the sands of the beach. If you want to enjoy a natural hot tub, bring a shovel and dig a hole, which will fill in with warm water. Some people even bring plastic sheeting to line their self-made hot tub. Here, you can expect conditions similar to those in La Ventana, but without the crowds. Whales are often seen here as well and it’s the perfect place to take off for a downwinder all the way back to the main launch sites in La Ventana. The wind often fills in here first, sometimes up to an hour or more before filling in on the rest of the bay, so don’t leave too early as you could find yourself swimming.

La Bufadora:South of La Ventana is La Bufadora, a reef that forms a left-breaking wave when the chop driven by the El Norte winds comes ashore. If the El Norte has been blowing especially hard for a few days, the waves can get overhead, but are usually smaller. The waves, being driven by wind chop, don’t compare (except on very rare days) to the waves of the Pacific, but they are still very fun and are a welcome change from the typical chop of La Ventana. The wind often blows onshore here and there are rocks, so use caution when kiting at this spot.

Isla Cerralvo:Isla Cerralvo is the island that dominates the horizon in La Ventana, and is located ten miles across the bay. You can arrange to be taken over to the island in a panga (a local fishing boat) where you can kite on your own private beach with no one around except the people you came with. There are also a few sandbars at Isla Cerralvo that cut down the chop and leave areas of butter-flat water perfect for working on unhooked moves. When you are tired of riding surrounded by amazing scenery and your closest friends, you can pile back in the boat for the trip back or simply kite across the bay back to La Ventana.

Mark your calendars for the annual La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo January 17 through 24. Plans are in the works to add clinics and day trips early in the week with the main event of competitions, kite and SUP demos, beach parties and more planned for January 20-24. See the Dec 09 issue of The Kiteboarder for the details or check out www.thekiteboarder.com or www.palapasventana.com for the latest news on the event.

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You can reach La Bufadora through the power of your kite or drive; just ask locals which cardon to take the turn at and be sure to use care in the onshore conditions.

F.one pro Etienne Lhote. Road tripping in search of waves. The F.One crew teamed up with KiteMasters for a Pacific getaway.

Etienne slashes the lip at Conejo.

Navigator Henri Camou discovers it’s a big world out there – explore it!

Don’t miss Etienne’s Baja freestyle clinic in January after the La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo.

42 thekiteboarder.com

www.velawindsurf.comwww.velawindsurf.com

GREAT GEAR

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PRO INSTRUCTION

Powered by Cabrinha’s latest Crossbow and SwitchbladePowered by Cabrinha’s latest Crossbow and Switchbladeemail: info@velawindsurf.comemail: info@velawindsurf.comwww.dare2fly.comwww.dare2fly.com

CALL NOW! 1-800-223-5443LEARN IN PARADISECALL NOW! 1-800-223-5443LEARN IN PARADISE

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VentanaWindsports

“...It’s a few notches above the rest interms of the meals, the accommodationsand the whole casual but deluxe vibe.”

“For beginners, this is the ultimatelearning spot. And the hot tub rules.”

“At Ventana Windsports, we stayedright ON the beach, and wow is the foodgood. What a relaxing and windytrip! We’ll be back to kiters’ paradise!”

www.VentanaWindsports.com

AWESOME KITING

ON THE BEACH

COZY CASITAS

INCREDIBLE FOOD

“The Best of Baja”

www.palapasventana.com

Also AvailableInternet, Massage, Fishing,

Restaurant and Bar, Kayaking,

SUP, Snorkeling, Spearfishing,

SCUBA Diving and Certification

For Reservations or Information

Call: 310-594-3483 (USA)

Skype: palapasventana

Email:contact@palapasventana.com

La Ventana • Mexico

PalaPas Ventana: Founders of the La Ventana Classic Race, a charity event which gives back to the local community, owners Tim and Jimena Hatler’s property is located upwind of the main riding area where waves often break when there’s swell or a strong El Norte. You’ll know you’re at the property when you see the palapa roofs of their quaint casitas with large porches, each overlooking the Sea of Cortez and Cerralvo Island. Lodging includes authentic, home-cooked meals (breakfast/lunch) served at the convenient restaurant/bar located just above the launch area. With a central location to riding, area markets and restaurants, Palapas Ventana’s warm atmosphere will make you feel like you have a home away from home. Sport fishing, diving excursions and day trips to the Island also available. www.palapasventana.com CaPtain KirKs:Captain Kirk’s founded La Ventana’s first resort and windsport school in 1993. “Above the Crowd” is their slogan as the property is literally located 1/4 mile upwind of the central action. With plenty of room and a nice break

out front when conditions are right, the wind is clean and the feel is low key, comfortable, and authentic Baja. Lodging is spread out over a large area so each guest gets a feeling of space and privacy, as well as a spectacular view of La Ventana Bay. Guests are free to make use of the large, community kitchen at their convenience equipped with everything a gourmet chef could want. Owners Kitty and Kirk Robinson invite you to hang out in your own space, or join other guests at the Clubhouse Casita, the Captain’s Deck, and of course the beach! www.captainkirks.com

Casa Verde:Centrally located in the main riding area of Ventana Bay, Casa Verde is just steps from the riding action. Offering bright, comfortable new rooms with private bathrooms and showers, mini fridges, ceiling fans and comfortable new beds, each comes with a TV and DVD/VCR player and the use of a great movie library. Guest rooms open to decks with great ocean views. Also available are casitas with kitchens and budget teepee camping with use of the two kitchens, communal Palapas and large bathroom with hot showers, as well as high-speed wireless for guests that need to stay connected. www.bajmajal.com

Ventana WindsPorts:In the middle of the action but seemingly a world apart, Ventana Windsports offers a casual, laid back atmosphere in an intimate setting with super comfortable rooms. With a large launch/land directly in front of the property and a 2,000 gallon hot tub for soaking after your session, you’ll also enjoy healthy, gourmet

meals (included in accommodations), thick futons, feather beds, and fine bedding and furnishings, along with plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs for your “Baja Deluxe” holiday. Lodging also includes wifi and use of sports gear (SUP boards, kayaks, bikes). www.ventanawindsports.com

Ventana Bay resort:Located halfway between the main town and the Hot Springs, Ventana Bay Resort is an upscale, eco-friendly property featuring unique, dome-roof casitas nestled in the desert or beachfront rooms, all decorated with authentic Mexican hand-carved furnishings and colorful woven materials. Lodging includes delicious gourmet food (breakfast/lunch) served in the open air clubhouse overlooking the beach, and the option of reserving dinner, a culinary experience that you must try at least once. Steps to a semi-private beach for convenient launching/landing, the wind often blows here up to an hour earlier before the bay fills in further downwind. High speed wifi in the clubhouse and a true getaway experience await you at www.ventanabay.com

la Ventana Builders:La Ventana Builders founder Mike Donahoe has been involved with land and real estate in the La Ventana/ El Sargento area since 1996. Mike’s many years of experience have provided him with a wealth of local, trustworthy contacts to assist people in locating, building, purchasing or selling their ideal piece of property or home in Baja. Whether building your dream home or retreat or representing your interests in real estate, La Ventana Builders’ 13 years of experience will provide you with a single point of contact and save you many potential headaches. www.laventanabuilders.com

Vela/dare2Fly:Vela/Dare2Fly has been creating and perfecting the windsports resort experience for nearly 25 years. Whether you are looking for long tropical beaches with reliable side-shore winds, perfect flat water or good surf breaks, Vela offers stand alone or packages with gear, lessons and lodging options at many locations around the world. Check out their website for their full offering of destinations with wind reports from their center managers, videos and feedback from other travelers to give you a sense of what to expect. www.dare2fly.com

Baja KiteBoarding:An IKO school based in Los Barrilles, just 45 minutes outside of Cabo San Lucas, Baja Kiteboarding offers radio helmet lessons in a private or group setting with boat support. Stocked with the latest gear from Cabrinha, Dante will also guide day trips to nearby riding spots and help you find the right place for your style and budget. www.kiteboardingbaja.com

exotiKite:Ian Sanders and Megan O’Leary are the founders of ExotiKite Kiteboarding School (EKS), the first school on the East Cape of Baja in Los Barriles. Together, Ian and Megan offer over 20 years of teaching experience. EKS features IKO trained, CPR and first aid certified, professional instructors using the latest techniques and equipment from North and DaKine. Jet-ski assistance is available and radio helmets are used providing the comfort of knowing your instructor is with you. Day trips and accommodation services also available. www.exotikite.comgu

ide

to Baja Businesses:

ituated on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is a pristine

tropical paradise that has been featured in many movies and commercials. Located

a short distance from the mainland, its beauty and bountiful wildlife are government

protected. Accessible only by boat, Saona is the largest Dominican offshore island

with an area of 42 square miles (110 sq km), and forms part of the National Park of the

East (Parque Nacional del Este). Legend has it that the island was baptized “Saona” by

Christopher Columbus who discovered it in May 1494 during his second voyage to the

Americas, in honor of the city of Savona, Italy, where Columbus lived at the time.

back

woodsKiting from a boat opens up a whole new world of exploration.

the boat directly. The hard thing about launching from a boat is setting up your lines and making sure that every connection is right, otherwise everything can easily become a nightmare. I didn’t know about the Kitelauncher or Line Manager at that time. I’ll have to check those out on the next trip!

What are some of the best places to eat nearby? The island is a nature preserve with not many people but you can find some local markets and a restaurant or two. We had just finished setting the anchor when some fisherman arrived on a boat full with their catch. We couldn’t resist and bought some fresh lobster, caught just one hour before.

Who are the local schools and shops? There are no kite shops or schools.

Nightlife: The nights are really quiet. If you like to party with people and music you will be disappointed! But you can experience the most amazing nights you could ever dream about. Lounging on the deck, comfy on the trampoline, there were plenty of shooting stars slashing overhead in the magnificent Caribbean sky. We got lucky and even saw the Milky Way girdling the clear night sky and a glimpse of a bright comet or asteroid. The Caribbean is much closer to the equator than the US or Europe, so you will see much more of the southern sky and less of the northern sky.

What else is there to do if I get skunked? There is a small lagoon of crystalline water that forms a natural swimming pool where you can observe birds like flamingos and, at the bottom, innumerable sea creatures such as starfish, manatees, manta rays, sea turtles and dolphins. There are some amazing coral formations that are ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and shellfish hunting. One of the most extraordinary attractions in the area are natural caves that contain ancient drawings from the original native Taíno Indians. The place is also an amazing place for stand up paddleboarding in flat water. You couldn’t find a nicer and more peaceful place in the world for working your core on a SUP!

What is the official site name? Soana Island or in Spanish, Isla Saona.

What is the best time of the year to hit this spot? Due to the venturi and thermic effect, it’s good all year round but the best months are July and August.

What is the best Internet site to check the wind/conditions? http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Forecast.aspx?location=DRXX0027http://www.windguru.cz/es/index.php?go=1&lang=eng&vs=1&sc=198504&wj=knots&tj=c&odh=4&doh=22&fhours=180

How do I get there? From Cabarete, it’s about a five hour drive to the La Romana/Bayahibe area, where the boats generally leave from. Consider staying at one of the La Romana hotels where you will be about a half hour boat trip away, instead of the almost three hours it will take to get there from Punta Cana. From Santo Domingo it’s about a one hour drive. We have a friend with a catamaran that was docked at the Casa de Campo Resort marina, one of the most complete and prestigious marinas in the Caribbean. The 7,000-acre Casa de Campo resort is not only the home of Pete Dye´s legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course, but one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the world where you can rent exclusive villas, rooms and suites. The sailing was pretty nice and smooth and took about two hours to get there, using only the power of the wind. Boat charters start at $1000 per day for the entire boat so get some people together to enjoy this once in a lifetime excursion. Remember to also budget in and organize for food and drinks as they are not included on charters.

What is the usual wind direction? The

wind blows side shore, reinforced by a venturi effect produced by both islands on each side. The wind starts to blow early in the morning so you can easily get in two sessions a day. The water is crystal clear, waist deep, full of starfish.

What gear should I be sure to pack? The wind typically blows from 15-25 knots so I used my 10m Torch and 130 Thorn board but could have definitely used my 9m on some days. The wind is normally strong in the morning and gets even stronger around noon with the heat. It slows down a bit in the afternoon but typically continues to blow until sunset.

What conditions should I avoid? Hurricane season is from September till November. There is a big chance you will get hit by rain showers and some strong wind during this time.

What is the launch/landing like? We could have motored to the island with the dingy and launched from there. The wind is straight side shore on the island, but I was a bit lazy and decided to launch from

Soana ISland RESoURCES:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saona_Island

http://www.sportfishermen.com/directory/international-charter-boats/

dominican-republic/

http://dominicanrepublic-guide.info/getting.there/sailing.and.yachting/

SOANA ISLAND

Audrey enjoying life on the open sea.

Words Audrey Meyer | Photos Jens Baur

Audrey Meyer is the manager of the Vela/Dare2Fly Center in Cabarete. For more info on kite/windsurf/surf/SUP trips in the Dominican Republic, feel free to contact her through www.audrey-meyer.com.

thekiteboarder.com 4746 thekiteboarder.com

Audrey cruises the butter flat water.

Landing a kite to a boat is easier than launching from it!

Audrey training for upcoming competitions.

S

Infected for LIfeI met Lou Wainman and Elliot Leboe in the early days of kite beach. This was before there were any organized kite schools and the equipment was trial and error – let me tell you there were LOTS of errors! As I look at this photo of Lou walking up on the grass that overlooks Ho’okipa and Lanes in Maui and the big pounding swell, nothing has changed. Lou is still sporting the biohazard logo that has been the symbol of his existence for over a decade. Funny thing is it all started from a tattoo on his back. I decided to look up the definition of biohazard. After all these years, I think the best way to describe Lou is in this definition. Lou infected me a decade ago and changed my life after I saw what he and Elliot were doing with a kite.

“Biohazard is an organism, or substance derived from an organism, that poses a threat to (primarily) human health. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can impact human health. It can also include substances harmful to animals. The term and its associated symbol is generally used as a warning, so that those potentially exposed to the substances will know to take precautions.” When you see that biohazard symbol in the sky on a Waiman kite, think about how you were infected by this sport. I have never found anything in my life like kiteboarding. I just want to personally thank Lou, Elliot, Jimmy Lewis, Chris Tronolone and all the old skool Maui crew for inspiring me and helping me get to this point almost a decade later where I can write this silly caption. Photo Ryan Riccitelli, Lens Enrique Abreu

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the chosen oneWe have watched this circus for long enough to know that everyone will have their day to shine. Train hard, ride every day and live healthy! I remember when Len10 came on the scene. The kid was too crazy for his own good. Then there is Aaron Hadlow who literally grew up riding the PKRA since he was barely out of diapers. A few years ago, a new name starting gaining attention. Kevin Langeree has ridden, trained and competed against Len10 and Hadlow for the last three years. If Langeree can stay focused this year, he will wear the king’s crown and the torch will be passed once again. I love Hadlow, but I am gunning for the underdog. This photo was shot in the last few months on the North Shore of Maui of Kevin busting a huge unhooked seatbelt grab while training to dominate the rest of the PKRA.Photo Ryan Riccitelli, Photo Erik Aeder

thekiteboarder.com 51

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da WInner!So we decided to have a contest for the best photo that came out of the SlingStock event this last July. There were a lot of great submissions, but this one captured everything. The look on Alex Fox’s face is true bliss. I asked the Abreu brothers to write up a caption that captures the energy of the moment this photo was shot. This is what they had to say, “We owe a huge shout out to the Hood that made us famous - and a thank you to Alex Fox and all the other talented riders. Hood River, Stevenson, the Spit have all been very good to us - we keep coming back for the wind and pics, but the people, the kite community in the Gorge, are an amazing loving bunch. Thanks to all for sharing your skills with us. Pray for wind! Peace , Enrique & Eduardo Abreu” The stoke and positive energy that emanates from these boys is infectuous and pumps me up to get out there. Positive energy is an amazing thing. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see more of your work in the near future. Ryan Riccitelli. Photo Eduardo and Enrique

54 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 5554 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 55

non-conformIstDimitri Maramenides has been around forever in this sport. If I think back to some of my favorite photographs over the years, I can name five off the top of my head that involve him jumping either a boat, tree or windsurfer and even a gazebo. Dimitri has taken heat over the years from some of the wannabe wakeboarders who kite because he has pushed his own crazy style of riding. Funny thing is, I have also seen him do the same unhooked moves better than his adversaries. Either way, Dimitri has never conformed to anyone’s style of riding and has inspired even myself to “try” and go big. Jim Stringfellow sent me this shot a few months ago from a photo shoot he did with Dmitri in OBX, Cape Hatteras. In perfect Dimitri-style, he hams is up for the camera with this…..well I don’t know what this move is called but it looks cool! Ryan Riccitelli.Photo Jim Stringfellow

CAUTION SPEEDWING FINSCaution is proud to introduce the new Speedwing

fins by Rainbow Fin Company. Designed to reduce fin drag by utilizing a winglet design on the thruster fins that reduces the vortex at the fin tip, the new fins were developed to make your board feel more responsive. With reduced drag and greater drive, Speedwing fins help create momentum through bottom turns and increased hold during powerful top turns. The new Speedwing fins come standard on all Caution’s 2010 directional surfboards.

SIZES: 4.5” COLORS: n/a MSRP: $79.95 (3 fin set) www.cautionkites.com

11NEW PrOduCTSTO CHECk OuT

FCS SUP DAYRUNNERProtect your no wind toy from the elements

with this ideal cover for day-to-day paddleboard mobility and protection. Includes an external paddle sling and handle integrated onto the bag.

SIZES: 9’6”, 10’6”, 11’6” and 12’0”COLORS: Alloy/Alloy MSRP: $176 to $218www.surffcs.com H20 AUDIO SURGE HEADPHONES/

AMPHIBX ARMBAND Sometimes good tunes help put you in the zone. The H2O Audio team has created a music experience that is hard to match with their sound-isolating, watertight earplugs that harness the full range audio experience provided by Surge’s waterproof 8mm neodymium drivers, good up to 12 feet underwater. Pair with the

AMPHIBX Waterproof Armband for a complete waterproof music solution with specialized materials designed to comfortably grip your arm while you’re going for a move or wiping out.

SIZES: SurGE: Comes with 5 sets of earplugs for a custom fitAMPHIBX S to L optimized for the size of your MP3 player or music enabled phone

COLORS: SurGE: Black speaker casing with blue earplugs and cord AMPHIBX: BlackMSRP: SurGE: $59.99 AMPHIBX: $59.99 to $79.99

www.h2oaudio.com

LIqUID FORCE KITEBOARDINg

KAOS FREESTYLE TWINTIP KITEBOARD Kaos is LF’s new hardcore freestyle board. Combining over 25 years of shaping experience in the wakeboarding and kiteboarding industries, shaper/designer Jimmy Redmon developed the Kaos with a double concave into a double channel bottom to promote softer landings and lift in the tips. It’s freestyle outline with full tail block shape gives LF’s new freestyle weapon massive pop.

SIZES: 133x41, 138x42 and 142x43 COLORS: Red and blackMSRP: $699 www.liquidforcekites.com

TRANSEND APPARELALEX FOX SIGNATURE TEE

The Alex Fox Signature shirt is printed on a newer softer material. The shirt is made from a high quality 3.5 ounce 100% combed ring-spun cotton that gives it a super soft feel. This is a premium fitted t-shirt that is very light and breathable and part of the new pro series of clothing offered by Transcend.

SIZES: S to 2XLColors: Black | WhiteMSRP: $24.95www.transcendapparel.com

SLINgSHOT SPORTS 2010 MISFITThe Misfit board is part of Slingshot’s Crossover Collection designed especially forfreestyle riders who push the limits of their riding skills. In its seventh generation,

the Misfit is built with SS’s proprietary FRT core construction delivering responsiveness, plenty of bite, and massive pop. New for 2010 are taper

wall sidewalls for increased absorption and dampening on landings and the new Vulcan tip and tail, for controlled drive performance

and cleaner water release when setting up for moves. One of Slingshot’s most popular boards with a near cult-like

following, the Misfit has proven itself to be a great freestyle board for riders to hone their skills.

SIZES: 132 x 40, 136 x 40.5, 142 x 42, and 146cm x 43.5cm

COLORS: n/a MSRP: $649www.slingshotsports.com

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product watch 09

CRAZY FLY RAPTOR PRO LIMITED EDITION

This enhanced version of the Raptor is an amazing ultralight full nano carbon board. To make it one pound lighter, Crazy Fly went through every detail from more carbon to leather straps to even the color of the printing. The Raptor Pro LE is printed with a special crystal 3D-effect transparent color which changes appearance of color, while keeping the carbon visible. Each board has a unique serial number and the designer’s authentic hand signature.

SIZES: 132 x 39cm and 132 x 41cmCOLORS: n/a MSRP: $765www.pksdistribution.com

DAKINE CLUB WAgONTravel incognito with the new, heavy duty wheeled Club Wagon combo

travel bag from Dakine. Keep it easy and low key with this bag designed to carry up to a 150cm length board, kites and gear. Protective 3/8” foam padding surrounds the bottom, front and back of bag, with a duffle style top. A full-length zipper with locking cars offers ease of use and security, while internal gear compression straps snug everything up. Heavy duty handles and urethane wheels make navigating airports a breeze.

SIZES: One size COLORS: Black, and black patches (a black on black print)MSRP: $180www.dakine.com

KITE NAKED INC.KITE NAKED T-SHIRT

Do you Kite Naked? If not, you can at least pretend with the new Kite Naked T’s made of 100% high quality cotton. The front of the T has a “Naked to the Bone” kiter while the back has the company website up near the collar.

SIZES: Women - S to M; Men - M to XXLCOLORS: Brown, blue, orange, stone and light brownMSRP: $20 www.kitenaked.com

RRD K-RACE 50 LTD RACE BOARDUnveiled by team rider Abel Lago at the KPWT Germany contest in June, the

new RRD production race board helped earned him second place overall. With only 200 boards available worldwide, now it’s it’s possible to go upwind like a racing windurf board, but starting to plane with literally only 8 knots of wind. Developed over eight months of testing and refining, the K-Race 50 Ltd is a the result of mixing all the racing knowledge gained over the years by Roberto Ricci, Abel Lago and Werther Castelletti. Featuring a 4 fin setup with a full mono-concave hull and a wide flexible squared -fish tail, the K-Race goes in no wind and gets faster and faster with no limits when the wind picks up.

SIZES: 180 x 50cm FINS: K-Race Fins 2 x 22 cms/35° and 2 x 15 cms /15° CNC G-10; Minituttle Box MSRP: $1599www.robertoriccidesigns.com

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MYSTIC BOARDINgCROSSFIRE 5/3 STEAMER

What can be improved when a wetsuit is already at the top of its game? The Mystic team pushed the envelope once again with the Crossfire 5/3 Steamer for upcoming winter season. With 100% flexible material, a new neck closure, shin bone protectors, integrated aquaflush system, electric key/GPS pocket, and aggressive styling, it’s no wonder that new RRD/Mystic team rider Shawn Richman has chosen for his cold water sessions!

COLORS Black/black; black/white and black/gold SIZES: S to XXLMSRP: TBDwww.mysticboarding.com

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adVanCewww.advance-kites.com

Since 1996, the continuity of our products’ philosophy underlines Advance’s consistency. From the beginning, we have pursued our own path and concept in development and production. Evolved 5th lines, variable TE technology and our delta lambda profile are just a few characteristic examples. Advance Kites products are well engineered and carefully thought out down to the last details. Their looks and unmistakable character are made from first class materials of the highest quality. The Advance Kites team works with dedication and persistence to achieve perfection, drawing inspiration from each other.

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kAIMAN 3 5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 15m

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After extensive research into the performance characteristics most appreciated by the majority of kiteboarders today, we set out with a no compromise dedication to develop kites that embody these features while redefining them and establishing new levels of benchmark performance. Point blank: If you like to kiteboard, you will love our kites! For the 2010 foil kite line, see the Airush website.

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LITHIuM 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12m Delta All Around BEG TO ADV noW

VArIAL 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 & 14m SLE All Around BEG TO ADV noW

VAPOr III 5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 14m Hybrid All Around INT/ADV noW

GENErATOr 5.5, 7.5, 9.5, 11.5, 13.5 & 15m C-Kite All Around INT/ADV noW

LITHIuM LW 13 & 15m Bow All Around BEG TO ADV noW

Bestwww.bestkiteboarding.com

The 2010 line-up is effectively an entirely new range of kites from Best. The Kahoona was a late season 09 release and was our first Delta kite which has stormed the beginner/intermediate market segment. The Waroo is a completely new design that integrates Delta kite design components into its SLE backbone to deliver the ultimate blend of ‘Do anything Ride Anywhere’ usability. The Nemesis NXG is a completely new kite design that takes the handling and unhooked riding ability of the Yarga and blends it with the pure aerodynamic performance, upwind, depower and hangtime of the Nemesis HP.

Kite name sizes shaPe tyPe Best For aVailaBle

kAHOONA 7.5, 9.5, 11.5 & 13.5m Delta Surf INT/ADV noW

WArOO 5,7, 9, 11, 13, 15 & 17m

SLE/Delta All Around BEG TO ADV SEPT

09NEMESIS

NXG5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 14m

Hybrid/C-Kite

FreestyleWakestyle INT/ADV AUG

09

Blade Kiteswww.bladekites.com

This season Blade’s main focus was to increase user friendliness and safety features in its new models. The 2010 Blade kites are straightforward and easy to use with an exceptionally comfortable feel. Riders are able to naturally control the speed and power of the kite through very direct bar control, unprecedented stability, and an impressive wind range. The new Blade kite line is based on characteristics that are effortless and uncomplicated – from achieving maximum power to the innovative Reflex Relaunch System, Blade kites are simply undemanding.

Kite name sizes shaPe tyPe Best For aVailaBle

VErTIGO 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m

HybridDelta Surf BEG TO

ADVOCT09

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

SLE/Delta

AllAround BEG/INT OCT

09

PrIME 7, 9 & 11m SLE/C-Kite

FreestyleWakestyle INT/ADV NOV

09

CaBrinhawww.cabrinhakites.com

The new Powerdrive IDS with optional Pro Bar upgrade kit instantly enhances all of our kites for 2010. With a clean single line through the bar, re-designed Overslide stopper system, and ultra secure IDS ability, all Cabrinha kites reap the benefits of these improvements. The kites themselves continue to evolve to bring more performance, better handling and relaunch, and improved durability while continuing to be easy to fly and ultra stable even in light gusty winds. The addition of the Nomad kite gives dedicated freestyle or wave riders a new weapon for top level performance while maintaining the security of full depower and IDS.

Kite name sizes shaPe tyPe Best For aVailaBle

NOMAd 4, 5.5, 7, 9, 11, & 13m SLE Freestyle

Surf INT/ADV noW

CrOSSBOW 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, & 16m Bow Wake

Style BEG TO ADV noW

SWITCHBLAdE 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, & 14m Bow All

Around BEG TO ADV SEPT09

CONVErT 3.5, 5, 7, 9, 12, & 15m SLE All

Around BEG/INT NOV/DEC09

Cautionwww.cautionkites.com

OK, this is where Caution gets to pimp, stroke, pat itself... for all the world changing innovations we have come up with. Not only in 2010, but since Caution was first conceived in the late 90’s. But we will spare you all that! In an effort not to sound like most companies PR personnel, i.e. “optimum performance, quick pivotal steering, great stability, beginner to expert, wake style to wave, great wind range, durable yet light, “ although our kites do all of the above of course (!), we have a simple message: We have been here from day one and are committed to making the best kites and gear possible.

Kite name sizes shaPe tyPe Best For aVailaBle

MAYHEM X 7, 9, 11, 14, & 18m Hybrid All Around INT/ADV AUG

09

ZOMBIE 4, 6, 9, & 12m SLE All Around BEG TO ADV

AUG 09

eCliPsewww.eclipsekites.com

For 2010 Eclipse continues to develop ultra-high performance kites with value-oriented pricing built for the riders. Every Eclipse model has been designed to suit a specific market segment so there is no confusion as to which kite one should purchase. The Thruster continues as a fast high performance freestyle kite for riders that like to boost. The Kima continues as our wave-specific kite. The Surge is our new high performance C-kite, and finally the Vector is our first all terrain kite suitable for all styles of riding. All Eclipse kites are backed by the industry’s only no questions asked warranty, which covers any and all damages to your kite for one year.

Kite name sizes shaPe tyPe Best For aVailaBle

SurGE V.1 5, 7, 9 & 11m C-Kite All Around INT/ADV OCT09

VECTOr V.1 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m Delta All Around BEG TO

ADVOCT09

THruSTEr V.3

6, 8, 10, 12, 14 & 15m Hybrid Freestyle INT/ADV noW

kIMA V.2 4, 6, 9 & 12m SLE Surf BEG TO ADV tBa

thekiteboarder.com 59

that you, the average rider, would ask. In your search for the gear that’s perfect for you, we hope you take the information here as a starting point. Every rider is different, so one rider may hate a kite that another loves. Testing a kite yourself is the only way to find out how you’ll like a new kite, no matter what people on internet forums and magazines tell you. Most shops offer gear demos and the kiteboarding reps seem to always be on the go, hauling gear from beach to beach to get the new products into as many people’s hands as possible. Before you buy, get out there and try as many new products as you can. You are the only one that can decide if a new product is right for you.

The Kiteboarder partners with manufacturers to bring you two demo events every year with over 20 brands to test: The La Ventana Classic and Kitexpo in La Ventana, Mexico with co-sponsor Palapas Ventana (January 17 -23, 2010), and the Pismo Beach KiteXpo (March 19-23, 2010), founded by Xtreme Big Air in Pismo Beach, California.

EvEry yEar, aftEr months of tEsting and rEfining, thE kitEboarding manufacturErs roll out thEir latEst and grEatEst products. For more than ten years now, each year’s new products have been undeniably better than the last and the continual innovation that has made our sport easier to learn, safer to do, and less frustrating has allowed kiteboarding to grow from a niche sport consisting of a few former windsurfers to a legitimate sport practiced all over the world. When the new products hit, every kiteboarder has one important question: What am I going to get this year? We know that not everyone buys a new quiver every year, but most of us find some way to upgrade at least one piece of equipment to stay caught in the kiteboarding arms race. When looking, the choices can be overwhelming. This year, we counted over 63 kites being offered from 21 manufacturers and we know we missed some – or they’re rolling out their gear in the New Year. If that wasn’t enough, even when you decide what kite you like, you still have to decide what size you should buy so you can get the most possible use from it. Here at The kiteboarder Magazine, we compiled a list of the latest kite offerings for the 2010 product year to help everyone figure out what is available out there. We also sat down and talked with many designers about their latest products, and we tried to ask the questions

greg Drexler gives us sneak peek of the Naish 2010 collection. Photo Jon Malmberg

tkb Gear

preview

Guide

2010

By TkB Staff

thekiteboarder.com 61

EH KITEBOARDINGwww.ehkiteboarding.com

Our goal for our 2010 products was a complete overhaul of the Beast and the Ripper and to introduce a completely new concept, the Ovando. The Beast defines user friendly and now has more size offerings. The Ripper, our 15+ knot high wind kite, was redesigned to have an open top end. The Ovando is a specialty kite that allows most riders to ride with smaller kites. The Ovando is very fast, predictable and fun to ride. The Ripper and Ovando feature our double Dacron laminated LE construction which makes the LE indestructible.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

OvandO 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 13m Arrow All Around inT/ADv Aug

09

Beast v3 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12m

ultra-flat bow All Around BEg/inT Aug

09

RippeR v6 6, 7, 8 & 9m ultra-flat bow

FreestyleSurf inT/ADv jAn

10

f.ONEwww.f-onekites.com

Starting with the Bandit and now with the Bandit iii, it’s the first time we can do everything with one kite; we see no reason to offer anything else. in our first year, it was very risky. now, we know we chose the right direction. The delta shape seems to be the most copied kite today from the bow. We really feel that we can do more with the delta-C and have many more ideas to try with it. i also think it’s good for the sport and consumers as there is no confusion over options. (The Revolt iii is a detuned Bandit for schools).

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

Bandit iii 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 & 15m Delta All

Around BEg TO ADv NOW

RevOlt iii 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, & 13m Delta All

Around BEg/inT MAR10

GIN KITEBOARINGwww.ginkites.com

After our first steps with gin Paragliding, the Swiss gin Kiteboarding company broke offin january 2007 to fully concentrate on kite development. gin Kiteboarding is above alla riders’ company. For us, kiteboarding is a priority and a style of life. The members ofour development team work and ride hard throughout the year to ensure you can enjoythe best experiences possible with our products. gin’s development is straightforward.We focus our attention on what is essential to the performance of our kites rather thaninvesting in marketing features, which in reality does not enhance a product.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

nazca ii 7, 8, 10, 12 & 15m C-Kite All Around BEg TO

ADv NOW

eskimO iv 5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12 & 14m

Foil Snow

FreestyleAll Around

BEg TO ADv

OCT09

zulu ii 5, 7, 9, 11& 13m SLE All Around BEg TO

ADvMAR10

GLOBE KITEswww.globekites.com

The Trix and vSonic were redesigned for 2010 for increased stability and performance. The Trix kept its C-shape, but is more swept back giving more projected area for the same size, increased performance, less drag and better auto relaunch. The vSonic 2010 was redesigned to give more control to how the kite, reacts. The bridle changed slightly to give it increased rigidity in difficult wind conditions to make it faster, with better pop and upwind ability. i have put a lot of energy into my globespirit.com community website. i invite all gK riders to join. This website gives you direct communication to me, my team, and other gK riders.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

tRix 5, 7, 9, 12 & 15m v-Shape C All

AroundBEg TO

ADvOCT09

vsOnic 6, 8, 11, 14 & 17m

v-Shape SLE

SurfWakestyle

BEg TO ADv

OCT09

GRIffIN KITEBOARDINGwww.griffinkiteboarding.com

griffin 2010 has been refined through applying feedback from our riders to include more adjustability to accommodate all sizes and styles of riders. There is power adjustment for depower or grunty feel, and bar pressure adjustment to suit the rider from light to moderate for more feel and fast/slow turning settings. Kites are constructed with high performance Teijin canopy, and detailed with dacron reinforced trailing edges and clean new graphics. The kites offers a very responsive feel, wide wind range and smooth turning for an excellent rider experience.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

GRiffin 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12, 14, 16 & 18m SLE All

AroundBEg TO

ADv NOWGRiffin HydRa 4, 7, 9, 11 & 13.5 SLE All

Around BEg/inT NOW

LIQUID fORCEwww.liquidforce.com

For 2010, LF put significant effort into refining and improving the flagship Havoc Performance SLE, and also the freestyle-specific 5-line hybrid, the HiFi Comp. new for the line is a completely new platform in kiteboarding- the 3 strut, pure fun delta-hybrid Envy kite. For the Envy, LF wanted to create ‘Beyond Delta’ technology, feel and performance, integrating the benefits of a delta kite with the proven features of LF’s SLE kites. The result is the lightest, easiest to fly, re-launch and user-friendly, all around fun kite. For 2010 LF has a kite for everyone!

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

HavOc 4 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 & 16m SLE All Around BEg TO

ADvSEPT09

envy 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 15m

Delta/SLE Wakestyle BEg TO

ADvSEPT09

Hifi cOmp ii

5, 7, 9, 11,13 & 15m Hybrid Wakestyle

Freestyle inT/ADv SEPT09

NAIsHwww.naishkites.com

The 2010 Kite Line continues to offer naish’s legacy of quality products. For 2010, each kite model was refined to the point that we believe they offer the best performing kites for each category of riding. There is a kite that will fully meet the performance needs of every style of rider in the 2010 line up.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

2010 tORcH

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 & 14m C-Kite All

Around inT/ADv Aug09

2010 Helix 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12 & 14m

Sigma C-Shape

All Around inT/ADv SEPT

09

2010 cult 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 14 & 16m Sigma All

AroundBEg TO

ADvnOv09

2010 cHaRGeR 4, 6, 9 & 12m SLE All

Around BEg/inT FALL09

OCEAN RODEOwww.oceanrodeo.com

OR will be continuing to produce our Rise SLE and Diablo dedicated C-kites with venturi technology. The Diablo’s characteristics remain mostly unchanged but we will introduce a concept we have been working on since 2007, Exponential Panel Design (XPD). XPD on the LE of the kite means that large LE sections are used to make up the wingtips and progressively smaller panels are used as the LE curves into the middle of the kite. This allows the turning area of the kite to be tighter and straighter producing a snappy, direct feel. XPD also helps the kite perform better at low angles of attack.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

Rise ventuRi xpd

4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 & 16m SLE Surf inT/ADv Aug

09diaBlO

pRO ventuRi6, 8, 10, 12

& 14m Delta FreestyleWakestyle BEg/inT Aug

09

NORTHwww.northkites.com

For 2010, north Kites has employed two design teams in order to deliver kites for all sectors of the market. The Rebel is a loaded 5-line kite for freeride, wave, and race. The vegas is a 5-line kite for freestyle so we have 5-line kites for all uses. Then we have kites which can be flown on 4-lines, if the rider desires: The Evo is a crossover kite for freeride, wave, and freestyle. The Fuse is a completely new 4-line freeride and wave kite from Ken Winner. Both of these kites can also be flown on the 5th Element bar, for those who want the utmost in safety.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

ReBel 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 14 & 16m Hybrid All

Around EvERy OnE SEPT09

veGas 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m C-Kite Wakestyle

Freestyle inT/ADv SEPT09

evO 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, & 14m

C-Kite Delta

AllAround

BEg TOADv

jAn10

fuse 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 & 16m Hybrid All

AroundBEg TO

ADvjAn10

OzONEwww.flyozone.com

Ozone has created entirely new designs that stand out in their categories, and refined our respected line of kites that have garnered their own cult status. We have pioneered new sewing techniques and design features that enhance the lifespan of our line, and improve the overall quality that is already well known for its strength and durability. Ozone created a gliding snowkite in the Manta iii that flies and climbs into the sky like no other, and pioneereda C-style kite with complete depower allowing for easy freestyle progression. (see Ozone for their complete line of foil snowkites).

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

zepHyR 17m only, light wind only SLE All

AroundBEg TO

ADvSEPT09

c4 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 & 15m C-Kite Freestyle

Wakestyle inT/ADv DEC09

edGe Race 8, 10, 12 and 15m SLE Race Freestyle inT/ADv MAR

10

pETER LyNNwww.peterlynnkiteboarding.com

We worked taking the concept of the twinskin kite to push the performance envelope to new heights. By tightening the canopy and increasing the internal pressure, we achieved a faster and smoother flying kite. We also developed a new Wing Tip Support System, which increases the turning speed and makes the power up more progressive.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

peteR lynn cHaRGeR

8, 10, 12, 15 & 19m

Twinskin foil

AllAround

BEg TO ADv

FALL09

RRDwww.robertoriccidesigns.com

For 2010, RRD introduces the Passion (freeride), Obsession (freestyle), Addiction (racing), and Religion (wave). The whole collection has rock-solid stability and increased performance in a larger range of conditions. Add to this the our global Bar with its new quick release, integrated chicken loop and rigid thread flying lines exclusive to RRD (see Designer’s Corner for more detail), as soon as you touch one of our kites it’ll be evident how they are different.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

passiOn 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 13m Delta All Around BEg/inT MiD Aug

09

OBsessiOn 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 & 13.5m SLE Freestyle BEg TO ADv SPRing

09

addictiOn 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 & 14m

HybridDelta

AllAround inT/ADv SPRing

09

ReliGiOn 5, 6, 7, 8.5, 9.5, 10 & 12m Hybrid Surf BEg TO ADv FALL

09

sLINGsHOTwww.slingshotsports.com

Slingshot Sports is proud to present our strongest line to date. Featuring LEi kites such as the legendary Fuel co-designed and developed by Ruben Lenten, the all new Octane, excelling at everything from surf riding to boosting huge on flat water making it the ideal Crossover kite, and the RPM rounding out the collection with youri Zoon as its maverick style pilot. We at Slingshot Sports constantly push the envelope towards unparalleled innovation, including our 2010 board lineup which offers something for every rider’s style in any condition. There’s a lot of excitement at Slingshot Sports this year – come check us out!

Slingshot has more B-series traction kites, popularly used for trainers, landboarding and snowkiting. See Slingshot for more info).

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

Octane 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 & 15m HyBRiD All Around

Surf BEg TO ADv Aug09

fuel 5, 7, 9, 11 & 13m C-Kite Freestyle inT/ADv Aug09

Rpm 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14m Hybrid All

Around inT/ADv SPRing10

B-seRies 2, 3, & 4m Foil Trainer All Around BEg/inT NOW

VARI KITEswww.varikites.com

vari Kites will offer two kites for 2010. The Condor One was designed for free-ride/freestyle and wave riding. Right away you will feel the speed and power you want to do tricks and the sensitivity and stability you need to ride the waves. The vulcan is brand new. We created this stable and obedient kite for all of the riders that are looking for an ez-ride and ez-relaunch, without sacrificing any performance. With a mission to make minimal environmental impact, vari’s bags are made from recycled plastic bottles.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

vulcan 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12, 14, 16 & 18m

DeltaSLE

AllAround BEg/inT OCT

09cOndOR One 2010 TBD Hybrid Freestyle

wavesBEg TO

ADvMAR10

WAINmAN HIwww.wainmanhawaii.com

The 2010 lineup of Wainman Hawaii Rabbit series kites remain unchanged from the first generation Rabbits apart from a few minor improvements. The Rabbit series has two more players added to the gang, namely the 15m Big Mama and the 5m Bunny. As always, these were individually engineered to perfection. The 6.5m gypsy has been transformed into a 7m, which, along with the sizes, covers the full range for light to strong winds for all riders. The Rabbit lineup will consist of the 5m Bunny, 7m gypsy, 9m Smoke, 12m Boss and the 15m Big Mama. Additionally, the 7, 9 and 12m kites will be available in a white and a black color option. The Rabbit kites come standard with 17m lines+ 7m extensions and have a new comfortable grip and beefy construction.

KITE NAmE sIzEs sHApE TypE BEsT fOR AVAILABLE

RaBBit seRies

5, 7, 9, 12 & 15m Hybrid Surf

All Around BEg TO ADv NOW

thekiteboarder.com 6160 thekiteboarder.com

TKB Gear

Preview

Guide

2010

thekiteboarder.com 63

joined to each other at the edge, rather than lapped together. This seam gives a much better load transference across each segment of the LE and because of that I was able to integrate the Twister Tech. There a few tweaks to the load-flex seam as well that helps further stiffen the LE, especially in the swept part of the wingtips where the Waroo turns delta.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? It’s safe, simple and offers a variety of depower and leashing options. Flexibility is important — it’s nice to be able to offer a safety set-up that is going to appeal to almost everyone.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? With a completely new wingtip shape and canopy sweep, because of the extra curve in the wingtips when you leash the kite it has a much reduced tendency to spiral on the way down. Nine times out of ten it will come down sideways and land on its wingtip waiting for you to relaunch.. For self-landing you can sand the kite on a wingtip or lay the lines out at 90 O to the wind and launch by flipping it up and into the wind by dragging a wingtip.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? We put a little bit of the aero-package from the HP into the Waroo this year. With the Nemesis changes, the Waroo is now the kite with the most hang time and has also become the best race kite in the line up. If your riding covers a bit of everything, then go to the Waroo.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? I know this is a cliché, but it’s also the truth anyone can ride the Waroo, and most riders will love it. It’s a true freeride kite.

What is your warranty policy on this product? We offer the same warranty on all our kites and boards and don’t set a minimum warranty duration or charge you for offering extended service above and beyond 12 months. We judge each request on its merits. If it is fair and reasonable that we should replace your gear, then that’s what we do.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? Our customers — they let us know how different what we make is to what else out there in the market. You know what they say, “Once you go Best, you can’t go back to the rest.”

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? It’s a next generation with some major changes.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it? The Waroo is a known commodity — riders know what to expect from it. To keep moving the kite forward we had to make significant changes to its shape. We wanted the Waroo to provide better

performance in the air like the HP and to be much easier to relaunch, like the Kahoona. We couldn’t make those changes by just modifying the standard Waroo design.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? Trying to keep the new kite ‘Waroo’ enough so we did not upset any loyal riders, while pushing it forward to broaden its rider appeal to everyone else was a tough balancing act.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? That has to be the new LE construction. We added Twister Tech to the Waroo this year. To make that work I had to redesign the LE to better handle steering input load with the dacron and cuben fiber materials. To accomplish this, I completely redesigned the LE seams. The barrel seams use a new flat-pack pattern where the segment of the LE are

best

The 2010 Waroo has a completely new shape and integrates Best’s Twister Tech with delta wingtips for increased hang time, better relaunch and more upwind ability. Photo gavin Butler

desiGner’s

corner

Need

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? The 2010 Waroo is a significant update to the existing design.

How has the 2010 design changed? I had taken the Nemesis HP design as far as it would go. I simply couldn’t make it jump higher, ride faster or deliver more power, so we had to look at other ways of improving it. The goals with the NXG was to keep as much of the performance of the HP as possible, but at the same time deliver a new kite with better handling, zero back stall and a much broader usable range when riding unhooked. We had so many requests last year to make the HP handle better unhooked, from strapless surfers, freestyle riders and competitors. People loved the power delivery and handling, they just wanted that with better unhooked performance.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? The NXG is a completely different kite to the HP. The HP was pure SLE while the NXG is almost C-kite in shape. Trying to make a C-kite deliver power and stability like the HP was not an easy task; it took a lot of prototypes to transition

the HP flying feel to the NXG. C-shapes just handle better unhooked, it’s a basic trait of the shape of the kite. What they don’t do is have the huge depower and that limitless stability feel that SLE kites provide. I think we managed to get the mix right in the end.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? It has to be how the NXG handles unhooked. That’s the single biggest difference between this new Nemesis and all previous versions. Because of the way the center of effort is positioned in the canopy in relation to the bridle tow points, it doesn’t matter how far into the depower you are when unhooked, the feel remains the same. It has light bar pressure when unhooked and will fly unhooked happily in any trim state. The strapless guys who tested the NXG in big waves also felt that the turning feel when unhooked remained really consistent, with good turn in speed and little pull over the nose. Nearly all my time on the water is spent on a surfboard so getting the handling feel just right was the highest priority.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? The NXG is pretty much C-kite so for launching; just fold and sand a wingtip and you are good to go. For self-landing, it comes down with very little rotation, so you can safely drop it onto the back line leash using the OSR handles.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? We’ve kept Twister Tech on the new Nemesis, so turning is as fast and tight as ever, in fact if anything it exceeds the HP’s handling due to the new LE profile. The LE has completely new barrel seams, which help to make the kite more stable tip to tip by increasing the LE stiffness.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and how does this kite differ from the Waroo? It’s a little more edgy than the old HP. We traded a tiny bit of hangtime and upwind ability for a whole bunch of pop and unhooked performance. It will still pull you off the water and lay you out horizontally better than any other kite in the 2010 line up, but if you want the best race kite we make then the Waroo is the kite for you in 2010. The NXG is for aggressive freestyle riders and the unhooked surf crowd.

Nemesis NXG

Product name: Nemesis NXGProduct category: SLE (Delta wingtips)SizeS available: 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 & 14m

releaSe date: Sept 09

I rode the 2010 Nemesis NXg on a gnarly, gusty, super windy day in Hood River. Raw power and C-type grunt hooked to an SLE bridle worked remarkably well in challenging conditions. The Twister Tech that was introduced last year helps the kite respond quickly to rider input but the deeper canopy shape and slightly revised back line bridle provide steadiness and

predictability for unhooked tricks. While it may not be quite as floaty as

the ’09 when jumping, this kite definitely has more yank off the water and

will get you high in a hurry. Kite loops result in superman style layouts and

major adrenaline rushes. I wouldn’t recommend this kite for beginners but

for the intermediate to advanced rider who is looking for quick handling,

tune-ability, and a C-type feel with an SLE’s range, the new Nemesis NXg

is your e-ticket ride.

testedTony Bolstad, Consumer:

62 thekiteboarder.com

deSigner Profile:name: Peter Stiewe age: Timelesslocation: Traveling, Europe currentlyJob title: Kite designerdesigning: Coming on 10 years Kiteboarding: Since the beginning

The 2010 Waroo is not a carry over but a complete redesign. It has little in

common with your old Waroo, but it’s a real evolution in terms of built quality,

performance, handling and graphics. It still has all the great features of the

2009 kite, but for 2010 it has even better lift, and hang time. With the new shape,

I noticed it also had better upwind ability and relaunched every quickver. You

can only say so much. If you get a chance to try one, do it – I think you will be blown away!

testedDaryl Drown, Ocean Extreme Sports:

Best worked on significantly improving the Nemesis’s unhooked performance for the 2010 model. Photo gavin Butler.

Product name: Waroo 2010Product category: SLE (Delta wingtips)SizeS available: 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 & 17mreleaSe date: August 09

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Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? The Surge is a completely new design within a traditional C-kite geometry.

As a new design, where does it fit in your product mix and what were you main goals in developing it? The Surge is an addition to the product line and fills a void for a traditional C-kite. The primary goal was to create a kite with exceptional performance and stability which has a wide wind range and eagerly flies to the edge with smooth power delivery and non-pivotal turning. This criteria was developed jointly with Felix Pivec who was instrumental in the Surge product development.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? The design problem is an indeterminate system and there is no unique solution but rather a range of solutions which may or may not adequately solve the problem. As such, there are trade-offs in parametric features such as structure, profile, planform, size and wind range. Felix is a very demanding rider in his definition of a good C-kite and what others may find acceptable for general riding is not acceptable to him. Thus our goals were very specific with regard to efficiency. Weight, form drag and structure were critical to the end result and controlling them can often be contradictory to other aspects, so blending them properly was a challenge.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The Surge readily flies far to the edge and stays there in a stable, controllable way which opens up a much wider wind window for the rider to generate power with smooth, sweeping, non-pivotal turns.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? The Surge will fly with any 4 or 5 line bar in either fixed or chicken loop configurations so the bar design is non-critical.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? It handles conventionally like any contemporary C-kite with wide wingtips.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? The Surge has a continuous

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The new Surge is super stable, user-friendly and everything I want out

of a C-kite but people really need to try it and form their own opinion. I

have been I have been riding it for the past 3 months and just love the

simplicity of it.

Felix Pivec, Pro Rider:tested

performance and well built kites on the market today. What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? After developing one of the most lightweight, functional and maintenance-free control bars in the industry, we went back to the drawing board, taking a cue from our core customers. We added an adjustable on the fly stopper ball, a cleaner OS handle release, spring-tensioned quick release, under-the-bar spinning capability, new high grade flying lines, and new bar ends that allow a rider to use one bar for any size kite with length adjustability from 45cm-55cm. Ultimately, my favorite feature of this bar/kite is the limited throw, allowing the rider to accomplish full depower at a comfortable arm’s length range, while keeping the power strap within range for easy adjustment.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? The canopy flips into a take-off position really well for launch, and the MX’s short bridles minimize potential tangles. The MX’s canopy is ideal for self landing because it easily shifts into a controlled drop and will stay pinned to the beach. Check out our website for our self landing tutorial at www.cautionkites.com. What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? The MX is a C-style hybrid designed for quick flying and swift turning performance. The one pump inflation system uses new bombproof hardware, utilizing thicker dual walled inflation tubes and PVC valve collars. Our new LE material offers increased durability. We put a lot of effort into fine tuning the airframe, and as a result there are no battens to compensate for poor shaping, making the MX more durable and easier to fold up for travel.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? The MX is stable enough for all levels of riders, but intermediate and advanced riders will really appreciate the MX’s high performance characteristics in all riding conditions. What is your warranty policy on this product? We warranty our kites against manufacturing defects and run our own repair center which allows up to keep a tab on any failures and potential improvements.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? We build functional, high-performance, industrial strength products backed by a team of solid riders, with the expectation that what we do speaks for itself, without all the hype.

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? This is a new design that has been in the pipeline for awhile, different from the Mayhem X 2009 release. We kept the name the same for the 2010 model, but made significant changes to the profile and wingtips, making some serious gains in efficiency and control.

As a new design, where does it fit in your product mix and what were you main goals in developing it? The Mayhem X (MX) replaces the Mayhem with a faster and more efficient, high performance air frame. In addition to increased performance, we made some materials changes and completely redesigned the control bar from the ground up.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? The first two phases of prototyping were very positive; everyone liked the MXs across the window speed, precision steering and balanced bar pressure. The following rounds were focused on detailing each size for bar pressure, stall characteristics, and turning speed.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? Between the new LE material, rebuilt control bar, and the MX’s efficient and decisive handling characteristics, it’s really all these things that make it stand out as one of the highest

I rode Mayhem’s all last year and was really stoked with the performance,

but when Peter loaned me a 9m and 11m Mayhem X, I was really impressed

with the new kites. With our wind direction in Santa Cruz, I spend a lot of

time riding toeside and the Mayhem X flies upwind really well. The Mayhem

X has a zippy turning feel, just the perfect amount of bar pressure, and the

bar is always close, making it super comfortable. I give the Mayhem X two thumbs up!

tested

Product name: Mayhem XProduct category: SLE SizeS available: 5, 7, 9, 11, 14 & 18mreleaSe date: Fall 2009

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curve leading edge which is aerodynamically smooth and clean and also structurally uniform relative to segmented constructs. Performance-wise, it is surprisingly powerful for it’s size because of it’s ability to generate apparent wind and keep it through the turns.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? Any rider who wishes to push his skill and performance level in terms of freestyle tricks or wave riding will enjoy the Surge. This includes moderately-skilled riders making the transition from bows or deltas. In particular, those who wish to explore the fixed bar and unhooked riding style of Felix Pivec will find the Surge particularly well-adapted.

What is your warranty policy on this product? Eclipse offers the Bullet Proof Warranty on all kites.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? We believe the Surge is an extraordinary C-kite and the differences will become obvious to those who try it. We’ll let the kite do the “talking.”

Product name: Surge

Product category: C-Kite

SizeS available: 5, 7, 9 & 11m

releaSe date: September 2009

deSigner Profile:name: Bill Hansenage: Legal Adultlocation: San Francisco and Pacific NWJob title: Head of Product Developmentdesigning: over 25 years

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deSigner Profile:name: Peter Schiebel age: 33location: Santa Cruz, CAJob title: Part Owner/Head of Kite Designdesigning: 20 + yearsKiteboarding: Since the beginning

Kelly Strachan, Team Rider:

The Mayhem X replaces Caution’s Mayhem with a faster and more efficient air frame and a completely new bar. Photo David DeVries

Pro rider Felix Pivec and designer Bill Hansen worked closely to produce the Surge, Eclipse’s new performance C-kite for freestyle and waves. Photo Jeff Pfeffer

Globe

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? The Trix 2010 is a next generation product but has been totally redesigned.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it? The flying feeling and performance can be adjusted to react like the Trix 09, but can also be adjusted like a totally new kite with low bar pressure, very stable, perfect for cruising.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? The most difficult is to get the profile and center of balance right and I am lucky to have so many years of design experience. I have flown a lot of kites over the years, but to understand what is going on you absolutely need the original files to see what profile the kite has, and compare it exactly. I have files since the beginning of kiteboarding, and it sure helps. Some minor differences in the profile shape can make a good or bad kite. The problem with inflatable kites is that once the kite is made we cannot adjust the profile, like on any boat or windsurf sail. You need to choose the best compromise, plus you need to get a good profile per size in the same kite range. It’s the same for the aspect ratio — that will change for each size.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? I would say that for 2010, the improved options to adjust the feeling of the Trix, and the better ability for automatic relaunch is what stands out. What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? In 2010 I will keep going with the bar used in 2009. I got a lot of positive feedback for the push up Quick Release, based on an improved pin system I came up with. It’s very safe with no danger of a stainless steel pin flying at you, and is super easy and fast to reengage. The depower strap and line is very simple. Without undoing any knot, you can change the distance of the depower strap from the bar in a few seconds. The stopper ball is also super light and easy to use.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? The new shape of the kite makes relaunch even easier. Just let go of the bar and the kite will drift gently to the edge of the window, waiting for take off when you grab the bar again.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? The profile has been refined with less drag on the tips, giving the Trix more performance and higher turning speed. The leading edge has been swifted back for a higher projected

The kite I know the most is the 7 m2 gK Trix – I use it 90% of the time in

Réunion Island in very hard conditions with strong wind and big waves.

Before I buy a kite, I always try minimum five different kinds from different

brands. I selected the gK Trix as this kite is very precise on the bar (very

important on the waves) and it have a good depower so it works excellent in

strong wind but also has great low end when the wind becomes light.

Augustin garcia, gK Consumer:tested

strength. This added a small amount of weight with a bit of loss on the low end, but it is still excellent. We know that was a feature that Bandit Dos riders liked.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? We have kept our Evo life line 5th line safety system except now it runs through the center of the chicken loop and bar instead of at the side. The biggest change is that the bridle system is now significantly shorter and the lines are now all the same length. We kept our Evo fifth line safety system which allows you to instantly eliminate the power of the kite yet remain connected to it with the leash.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? The Bandit III self launches easily and readily when walking the bar from the downwind to the launch position with tension on the lines. For self landing, the Evo life line system is the same as last year except now it runs through the chicken loop and the center of the bar. See the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym36th-_1IY

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? The redesigned Bandit III sits more forward in the wind window, especially in overpowered conditions which allows better performance and a more comfortable body position. Also, all kites throughout the entire range have super good stability. If you mistime a jump, instead of your kite falling out of the sky it will come back in position. Turning is a bit different as well, especially during kite loops as you know more where the kite is and it goes back to zenith better. The improved stability additionally helps for softer landings and more confidence when riding, especially when trying new moves. The trim strap is closer and easier to reach, with a shortened depower length but bigger wind range and the unhooked performance is now spot on.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? We believe in the delta shape and Bandit design strongly as its super easy and safe for beginners but also offers the performance that experienced need in flat water to chop to waves.

What is your warranty policy on this product? One year for any manufacturing defects.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? We are so confident in this kite design we only offer this kite. The Revolt is really for schools and beginners. The Bandit III for everyone else. After three years, our customers also say that Bandit holds up its value very well on the used market too.

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? This is the third generation of the original, patent-pending delta design introduced by F.one in 2007 but it is really a new kite with a new profile, outline, aspect ratio, bridle, bar and graphics.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it?To keep the good low end and improve

the high end as much as possible, and improve the bar pressure and feeling for more direct feedback.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? To achieve an increased wind range while still keeping low end grunt, improve turning speed and better stability across all sizes in the range so they all felt the same.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? We finally added one pump! Seriously, I have to say the solid stability across the entire range and smoother, lighter bar feel, especially when depowering. As far as construction, we are in our third year with forced frame construction but for 2010, we have overall much more Dacron than other companies. Both the trailing edge and each strut are now fully Dacron for increased

The first thing you’ll notice when standing on the beach is the stability of the

new Bandit III (B3). When you take it to the water in gusty conditions, this will

be even more apparent. When trying new moves, especially unhooked, the kite

simply does not fall out of the sky. Even when mistiming moves and my lines

go slack, the kite slowly floats back into the wind window and stays in the air.

Another big difference is turning and power. The B3 turns in an arch with much smoother power

versus the Dos, which had more pivot-like turning.

testedRandy Herman, International Team Rider:

Product name: Bandit IIIProduct category: Delta-CSizeS available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 & 15mreleaSe date: September 2009

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area, but the kite still keep its C-shape. The more swift back design also allowed for more adjustments for the A-KPO bridle so you really can fit the kite feeling according to the way you ride. I know some say it is complicated, but this is the future and only takes a few seconds. Many brands are slowly going the same way. What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? This is a safe fun riding kite, radical for freestyle and wave riding.

What is your warranty policy on this product? We will cover all manufacturing defects and I follow up personally. I manage them as claims are getting low, and quality is higher every year. All GK riders should sign up to globespirit.com, our community website, where they can contact other GK riders for help and reach me and the globespirit staff directly.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? I don’t really look at other brands. I have been designing kites since the beginning starting with Wipika, the first LEI brand. I came up with VARC (variable aspect ratio concept) which was then used industry wide and have patents for both the KPO and A-KPO bridle systems, which is being used is some shape or form on many kites today. I’m proud of my design contributions and certainly have many more concepts in mind!

F.one worked on increasing the Bandit’s stability, wind range and smoothening out the bar pressure for better unhooked performance and ease of riding. Photo gilles Calvert

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deSigner Profile:name: Raphael Sallesage: 46location: Montpellier, FranceJob title: Boss – R&D Managerdesigning: 32 years kite and windsurfKiteboarding: 12 years

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Mat’s goals for the 2010 Trix was to increase its stability, relaunch and to add even more adjustability so rider’s can fine tune their kites for a more customized feel. Photo Marco Lefebvre

deSigner Profile:name: Mat Pendleage: 41location: MauritiusJob title: Designerdesigning: Kite design for 10 yearsKiteboarding: 11 years

Product name: GK TrixProduct category: Hybrid / Surf

SizeS available: 5, 7, 9, 12 & 15m releaSe date: October 2009

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npX

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? Next generation of the popular Zealot wetsuit.

If this is next generation design, what did you work on changing or improving? The goal was to incorporate some of the newest neoprene technologies to make the Zealot even warmer, lighter, and stretchier than last year.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? Working with new materials is always challenging. Fortunately, we had months to test and tweak the new Matrix Mesh before finalizing the Zealot so we have it dialed now.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? It would have to be the warmth that our “Matrix Mesh” neoprene generates. On the chest and back we use a three layer sandwich constructed neoprene or what we call the “Matrix Mesh”. The neoprene has a matrix of air capsules that traps heat radiated from your body and releases to your body over time. Therefore, as long as you are continuously active, the suit will keep on generating the needed warmth.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? One other new feature we have is the bamboo charcoal lining on the inside. The bamboo charcoal inner lining has been proven for its antibacterial and anti-odor properties. With it you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher smelling suit for a longer time. Also, we’ve extended our hydrophobic polypropylene insulation from the inside chest and back all the way down through the upper legs for added warmth. Other existing features include the aqua vents on the ankles to flush out water built around the calves. The entire suit is glued and blind-stitched with P skin tape on the stress areas so no water will penetrate through the seams.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? Anyone in cold climates that appreciates a warm and stretchy suit will love the Zealot.

There is no question. Hands down, my favorite suit is

the 2010 Zealot 4/3. I have worn this suit in the coldest

places and it’s always kept me warm. Everyone says

“Damien you need to take the 5/4, a 4/3 isn’t enough,”

but the 4/3 Zealot is all I ever need. All my surfer buddies

are buying the Zealot because it’s more flexible than the top surf suits — that’s got to

tell you something. If you live somewhere cold, get the 2010 Zealot. You will thank me

the next time I run into you!

Damien Leroy: Team Ridertested

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? This board is completely hand shaped and hand painted with automotive quality urethane paint. The new colors are inspired by some of the most famous colors in the automotive history including red, yellow, blue, green, ocean cammo and desert cammo.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? The Chamber KT can be enjoyed by all levels of riders. With the removable straps in place, beginners can find their footing, and advanced riders can tackle the biggest, fastest surf. With the straps removed, this board will really shine. Once you can move around, you can really push the limits of control. Tight carves and strapless airs will come naturally. The average rider will instantly feel a difference from other directionals in that the Chamber KT becomes an automatic extension of your body. Many other boards feel clumsy and floaty under foot. This one will make you smile and try new tricks.

What is your warranty policy on this product? Warranty covers any manufacturer defects.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? People have always referred to my boards as having some sort of “Jimmy Magic.” When choosing a factory to produce my boards years ago, I wanted to keep the feel and quality of my custom boards. This is especially important when producing a surf shape. All of my boards are shaped by hand so the “magic” is intact and and the attention to detail is phenomenal.

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? The Chamber KT is an evolution of the Jimmy Lewis Chamber Thruster surfboard.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it? The main goal was to capture the highest performance wave characteristics of my top surfboard and make it suitable for kiting.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? The biggest challenge was to keep the

weight down and maintain proper flex while still making it durable enough for

kiter abuse.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? While the larger sizes are great for light wind and racing, the primary characteristic I wanted to achieve was a fast and snappy board that feels just like a thruster surfboard. To achieve this the width and other dimensions are the exact dimensions that a lay down paddle surfboard would be at each respective length.

I noticed is the incredible range and versatility of the board. It excels in any condition from light wind to fast

heavy waves down the line riding, typical of the conditions we get in Florida. The board works great with or

without straps and the width is just perfect to make strapless transitions effortless. The high floatation and low

drag allows the board to plane quickly making it a great ride for larger riders.

tested

Product name: Chamber KTProduct category: Directional Surf Style KiteboardSizeS available: 5’5”, 5’9”, 6’1”, and 6’5”releaSe date: August 2009

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What is your warranty policy on this product? One year on the material and workmanship.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? The core of our product is our research and development team that focuses on bringing more innovative technology to further improve our wetsuits for improved warmth, performance and functionality. We have a team of riders and international testers from all over the world that vigorously test our suits in various conditions from extreme cold weather in Canada to big waves in Northern California to 50+ knot winds in Namibia. The Zealot kept our riders toasty in these conditions, so we know it will keep you warm at your local spot.

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deSigner Profile:name: Jimmy Lewislocation: Maui, HawaiiJob title: Shaper/ownerdesigning: Boards for 40 yearsKiteboarding: Since the beginning

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deSigner Profile:name: Terence Wang age: 34 location: CaliforniaJob title: NPX Product Managerdesigning: Watersports apparel for over 8 yearsKiteboarding: 4 years

Product name: Zealot 2010Product category: WetsuitSizeS available: S to XXLreleaSe date: September 09

Jeremy green: Jupiter Kiteboarding

Jimmy took the backbone from highest performing surfboard to create the Chamber KT for kitesurfing. Photo Clark Merritt/Solosports.net Team rider Damien Leroy says the new 2010 Zealot 4/3 keeps his plenty warm in cold water conditions. Photo courtesy NPX

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If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The 3-strut, high performance lightweight design. We came out with a 3-strut design without compromising the kite’s shape, performance and reliability. The 12m Envy is one pound lighter then our normal 12m SLE kite. This is a big deal, and you feel how light it is instantly when you launch the kite and fly it for the first time.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? The biggest advantage of the new LF CPR control bar is the Center Push Release and 100% depower flag line option.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? The self launch and landing is effortless! As long as you have flying line length clearance downwind, you can launch and land the kite alone with no assistance at anytime.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? Other than being one of the lightest and strongest kites on market, the Envy features all of LF’s proven kite tech such as ultimate reliability, a simple and proven bridle system, our signature Diamond wingtips and overall quality construction that we are renowned for.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? Everybody! We created this kite for pure fun riding which is what kiteboarding is all about for us. It’s fun in waves, fun for freestyle, easy and fun for beginners, and it’s surpassing all the other kites we have seen for overall freeriding!! The Envy is the most stable kite we have ever produced and excels in difficult conditions.

What is your warranty policy on this product? Liquid Force stands behind all of our products 100% and kites are covered for one year against any manufacturing defects.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? At Liquid Force we refused to simply copy existing delta designs like other kiteboarding companies. Instead, we took the best features of a delta, as well as the best features of our proven LF kites to create what should come after: Beyond the delta design. This is not a delta — it’s the Envy of all the delta riders!

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? It’s a completely new design with a 3-strut platform.

As a new design, where does it fit in your product mix and what were you main goals in developing it? The idea with the Envy was to create an easy to fly, all around pure fun kite! The Envy is a delta-hybrid, or as we like

to say, “beyond delta.” The delta Hybrid incorporates the popular benefits

of a delta kite, such as ease of flying, wind range and instant

relaunchability, with the proven LF SLE technologies,

such as our Diamond Wingtip and USB 2.0 Bridle configuration.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? To

make the Envy the lightest and strongest kite

LF ever produced.

Our dream kite has finally arrived! 3 Strut, high-end quality, low-end price,

and packaged with a new easy to use push-out quick release. First time

out, we immediately noticed an improved quickness in the kite’s upstroke,

transitions and relaunch from last year’s SLE’s. The HR Sandbar regularly

delivers conditions from 10 to 30mph, exactly what we were given on our

test day, but the Envy’s light weight kept us powered through the lulls and

the tuned canopy kept us in control during the heavy gusts. I rode strapless for most of the

session, so can’t vouch for boosting power, but when cutting back and forth on the river

swell, the immediate and direct responsiveness of the kite made me think that the Envy

would not disappoint in the airtime department. The new safety on the quick release was

very easy, even under loaded, and very easy to snap back together.

testedPepi gerald, 2nd Wind Sports:

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Liquid Force has designed a completely new safety and control system to go with its 2010 lines of kites. We spoke to LF kite designer and pro rider Julien Fillion to find out about the company’s new CPR control system.

What were your goals in creating the new CPR Control System? To create the safest, most compact and easy to use kite control system ever. The challenge was to make a bar with industry leading QR safety that worked with either hand from the front or back of the bar, and to do this without clunky parts or disrupting the simple, clean feel that LF bars are known for. The CPR is a significant step up for safety systems in kiteboarding.

What do you think is the biggest advantage or innovation on your new control system? The CenterLine Push Release (CPR) and the 100% flag line safety. This is the biggest innovation and the central safety technology. There are no mechanical or metal parts in the quick release and chicken loop. None of the parts on the LF CPR can rust or fail. This is a completely moulded chicken loop with multiple moulded pieces. The CPR incorporates a flag line safety option to connect the leash, which allows 100% depower by flagging the kite to one front line when the kite is released.The LF CPR solves the needs for advanced safety, without a bunch of crap all over the place to make it function. This bar straight out of the bag will appeal to a beginner rider

due to the multiple safety features as well as a smooth clean feel and simplicity that even pro riders appreciate without modification. We have spent hundreds of hours to make it happen and are really excited and proud with the final result!

What are the safety features on the control bar? Most important- the CPR- Center-Line Push Release. CPR allows for 100% depower leash attachment to the flagging line, as well as the standard LF connection option to the mainline, providing 90% depower. There are Oh Shizzle handles on each outside line and all of the lines are color coded and have kook-proof pigtails.

How does self launch and self landing work with this bar? Self landing is easier (and safer!) than ever with the new CPR control system. With the leash connected to the flag line, simply release the bar to depower and flag the kite on to one line, connected with the leash.

Anything else you want to add about the bar in terms of feel, performance or customization? New 3D moulded chicken loop, the EVA grip covers a thinner diameter bar, the mainline is a thinner diameter, while the bar insert is a wider, super polished aluminum, allowing the bar to sheet in and out effortlessly without any drag or resistance. This also reduces wear points, meaning your mainline won’t fray and will last longer. The chicken loop and bar insert are indexed to align the CL with the bar when hooking in and out.

How does your new bar differ from what’s currently available on the market? The CPR is the only push QR to use with 100% moulded parts. It has no metal to rust, corrode or fail, or clunky parts bolted together to make it work. Just a super slick, push away quick release that works every time, while preserving the simplicity and clean style that have characterized LF’s previous bar designs.

CPR CoNtRol system

Product name: CPR Control System Product category:Kite Control and Safety SystemSizeS available: 45, 50 & 55cmreleaSe date: Late August 09

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deSigner Profile:name: Julien Fillion age: 27location: US east and west coastsJob title: Kite Designer/Pro Rider designing: Almost 7 yearsKiteboarding: 5 years

Product name: EnvyProduct category: 3-Srut

Delta-Hybrid SLESizeS available: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 15m

releaSe date: August 09

The Envy is an all new kite to the LF line taking the best features of a delta and combining them with the best features of LF’s SLE kites to produce a super easy, pure fun kite that will be enjoyed in all types of conditions. Photo Stephen Whitesell

For 2010, LF introduces the all new CPR Control System featuring their CenterLine Push Safety System (CPR), 100% flag line safety, and no metal or mechanical parts. Photo Stephen Whitesell

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What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? We had to live up to the hype from the previous edition as many customer were telling us that we should not mess with it. However, we did introduce a new foil profile on this kite that has proven itself to increase turning speed and overall efficiency. Finding that perfect foil was a great challenge. We had to adjust this foil through several samples in order to obtain exactly what we were looking for. Theory is not always enough and on the water testing is always the only way! But at the end we accomplished our goals and Helix fans that helped us with testing are super stoked with the new edition. If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? Clearly, the overall mix of performance and easiness of use is the first thing that you will feel on the 2010 Helix. It has more pop and goes upwind, better than ever, while keeping a friendly and stable attitude.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? (kites only) The biggest advantage of our control system is that is extremely simple and streamlined while being what we and many of our customer believe to be the most advanced in the market.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? We do not recommend self landing or launching your kite, you should always get help from a friend. However, self launching works like on most bridled kites; put your kite sideways to the wind, walk upwind with you bar, then pull one back line. For self landing, put your kite on the edge of the window and pull strongly on the leash line.

What are some of the other key product features and performance

characteristics? This year all the kites come with 20m lines on the bar control system, Then we have extension lines; the 9, 10.5 and 12 come with 4 meter extensions, and the 14 comes with a 7 meter extension line.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? The more advanced kiter will definitely get the most out of the 2010 Helix as it turns really fast and has a lot of pop. Regarding conditions, there are really no limits. From gusty to steady winds, this kite will handle it for waves, freeriding, freestyle and racing.

What is your warranty policy on this product? Naish warrants its product to be free from major defects in material or workmanship to the original purchaser for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? The main difference between the Helix and any of our competitor’s is that the Helix has the Sigma outline, which we have found provided unmatched stability, especially at the low angle of attack.

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? It is a next generation of an existing design, but as always at Naish, a lot of R&D time went into this kite, making it very new. The foil profile is new, the amount of sigma outline has been decreased and the overall outline of the kite is now all rounded. What remains constant is the design goals, making it the kite that bridges C-kite performances with the easiness of the bridled kites.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it? The main goal was to increase the power and punch and overall performance of the kite while maintaining it’s ease of use.

deSigner Profile:name: Damien Girardinage: 30 location: Maui Job title: Product Manager/ Kite Designerdesigning: 6 years, Masters in Mechanical Design Kiteboarding: Started 1997 but really got into it in early 2002

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Due to the success of the 2009 Helix and the new 2010 Helix, essentially a brand new kite, Naish combined the best of last year’s Helix and Cult to product the 2010 Cult. The direct feel and turning speed of last year’s Helix was very successful for both advanced and beginner riders. Due to this feedback, Naish used the direct steering with no rear bridle in addition to wingtips from the 2009 Helix to provide a more direct feel and a higher performing kite for the new Cult. The canopy is similar to previous Cult’s with a more exaggerated sigma shape making it the most stable kite Naish has produced to date. We spoke with kite designer Damien girardin to find out more about the 2010 Cult and how this kite differs from the 2010 Helix.

What did you work on changing or improving on the 2010 Cult and what were your challenges? Our goal for 2010 was to create an even higher performing and more stable kite for all levels of riders so we worked on improving relaunch, increasing the speed of the bigger kites, giving the kite a more direct bar feel, and simplifying the bridles to produce a more compact kite for even better handling. The biggest challenge was to not make the smaller kites too fast

and to make the bigger kites faster while ensuring that the entire range had a very similar feel from one size to another. In order to do that we made adjustments to the LE diameter, the amount of direct steering (pre-loaded wingtips that allow the kite to immediate react to rider input) and the foil profile. Each kite size has different values for these parameters allowing us to have the ideal speed for each size while maintaining a consistent feel throughout the entire range. Most other companies scale their profiles up and down to accommodate sizes. We actually changed profiles which was not an easy task

Is there any particular new feature on the 2010 Cult that you want to point out to riders? The stand out feature of the 2010 Cult is the new direct connections and wingtips that create a more direct feel and faster turning speeds while actually increasing the stability in the kite.

Why would a rider choose the Cult over the Helix? Due to Geo-Tech canopy construction and other modifications we made to the new Cult, the stability and user friendliness of this kite fits any kiter from the beginner taking lessons to the advanced level rider throwing mega loops. This kite is extremely easy to learn on whether you are learning to get upwind, learning your first big jumps, or learning your first technical unhooked maneuvers. Personally,

I even ride sliders on the new 2010 Cult. This kite will push your limits no matter what they might be. Riders looking for a super high performance, more aggressive kite should try the Helix. Among many other changes, we took Geo-Tech out of the 2010 Helix so its profile could expand more, allowing it to offer bigger jumps, more pop, quicker turning and more pull through the turns.

How do you feel the new Cult differs from other kites going after the all-terrain market? The main difference between the Cult and any of our competitor’s kite is that it has the Sigma outline and Geo-Tech construction. These two features provide unmatched stability, especially at low angles of attack, incredible smoothness and superior control in the high end of the wind range.

Cult

I had the pleasure of testing the 9m Cult 2010. The

conditions varied from puffy underpowered when I

went out to strong gusty 15-25+ knots by the time I

finished. The striking characteristic for the new Cult

was the super responsive and direct feel of the kite.

With the new direct connect for the rear lines, the kite’s response to bar

input was almost instant. The 2009 Cult was a quick-turning kite, but

the 2010 definitely feels significantly quicker turning than the previous

generations. The low end power also felt increased, well-tested when

I first went out in the light, flukey wind, and was able to make it work

when most guys were on 12’s. All in all, a good solid, quick kite with a

ton of range!

testedSteve gates, Big Winds:

thekiteboarder.com 73

Product name: Helix 2010Product category: SigmaSizeS available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12 & 14mreleaSe date: September 09

The new Helix has been modified to be more aggressive than ever. The kite flies with a stronger pull, faster

flying speed, faster turning speed and an easier relaunch. On my first day out with the Helix, it was hard to

believe I was riding the 9m as it felt more like a 7m. I think that most intermediate/advanced riders want to

ride a c-kite for freestyle and big kiteloops for reasons like bar feel, pull, and flying speed, but also want the

stability and depower of an SLE for wave riding or gusty days. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, the

2010 Helix is the solution!

testedDavid Comp, Team Rider:

Naish took the best features from the 2009 Helix and Cult kites to produce the 2010 Cult. Its new direct connections and wingtips helped them achieve more stability, easier relaunch, a more direct feel and faster turning speeds. Photo Jon Malmbergspeeds

Naish changed the Helix’s profile for 2010 to increase its C-kite performance while also blending in bridled kite characteristics resulting in a kite with in-creased power, punch, smoothness and safety features. Photo Stephen Whitesell

Product name: 2010 CultProduct category: Sigma

SizeS available: 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5,

9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, & 15mreleaSe date: Aug 2009

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For 2010, Slingshot introduces their new Comp Stick and Control Bar which completely replaces all their bars from 2009. A collaborative design effort from the Kite Design Team of Tony Logosz and Amery Bernard, along with Product Manager Mat gustafsen and Board Designer John Doyle, the new bar incorporates many key features from past designs with noticeable changes to the chicken loop, safety mechanisms and trim system.

As a new design, how does the new Comp Stick Control Bar differ from previous Slingshot bars? Our main goals during development were to include many key features into the function of the bar. This included: below the bar trim, our 4-line Center Safety System (CSS), an active safety system, change from a pull to a push safety activation, 100% spinnable system with no line twists or leash wraps, an indexing chicken loop for easy unhooking/hooking, a

streamlined chicken loop for comfortable grip anywhere on the bar and minimal tools needed to change the chicken loop rope.

What was the biggest challenge in developing the new control bar? The biggest challenge was trying to get all of the features we wanted to incorporate into the bar to work together in a streamlined design, without compromise. It took a lot of effort to integrate all of the features so that independently they worked as needed, and collectively they didn’t get in each others way.

Where does the Comp Stick really shine? I think where this bar stands out the most is when it is unhooked. The chicken loop now indexes into the bar, so when unhooking, the chicken loop remains in a locked position so that you can hook back in very easily. Also, the mechanism that does this is very small, so that your hands can get comfortably close to the center of the bar for good unhooked control.

What are the safety features on the new control bar? The safety system on our control bar has switched from a pull-release to a push-release. Push systems are becoming more of a standard in the industry. The leash-release is also now a push system as well. Our safety system neutralizes the power of our kites off of one center line. The convenience of the CSS system is that it will depower the kite, much like a 5th line would, but without actually having an inconvenient 5th line.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? The biggest advantage of our control bar is that incorporates a lot of function, while still being very simple. I’ts hard to notice how much the control bar actually does because the design is streamlined and doesn’t have any bulky or overbuilt parts.

Are there any other key product features you want to point out? The trimming action has been significantly improved from previous years and requires a lot less effort to adjust it. This is due to a better cleat, smaller chicken loop rope, and the use of a pulley for the rope to run over.

What style/level of rider will most benefit from the new control bar? This bar is meant for everyone, but it is specifically designed to satisfy the needs of the advanced rider. Safety is a big issue and bar design has focused primarily on that, as it should. However, during that process many of the bar designs have become clunky and unappealing to freestyle riders. The Comp Stick Control Bar was designed to be excellent with both safety and freestyle functionality.

What differentiates the new Comp Stick from what’s already available today? The Comp Stick Control Bar is the only control bar that combines so many features into one streamlined package. Other bars may have different combinations of these features but the Comp Stick is the only one that incorporate them all together.

we chose to go with a design that is proven and has very good all around performance.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The thing that stands out the most about the 2010 Octane is the boost and the turning speed. The smooth steering favors good timing for high, lofty jumps.

How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? Self launching works well like the rest of our kites and is typical of most modern SLEs. The kite is placed on the ground, LE down, near the side of the window. The rider then walks back, tensioning the lines. As the kite catches the wind, the rider turns it upward to get it in the sky. Self landing is simpler with our Center Line Safety System. When engaged, the kite will flag off of one center and kill downwind of you.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics? The Octane has excellent construction with reinforcements in all the right places, but is still light without being overbuilt. This kite has fast, but smooth turning speed with a power band that gives it good height and loft on jumps.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? The Octane is meant for an intermediate to advanced rider wanting a quick kite with big jumps. Its quick turning speed lends it to be a good kite in the waves as well. The Octane also has excellent relaunch and depower, which make it suitable for someone learning. Whether it be your first time out on the water or you’re progressing further

into unhooking and wave riding, the Octane is a good all around kite that you won’t outgrow.

What is your warranty policy on this product? A lifetime Rider Serive Hotline Membership. See http://www.slingshotsports.com/warranty -request for our full policy and customer support.

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? The 2010 Octane our is the next generation of one our most successful designs, the 2009 Rev, but also incorporates the DNA from our original Octane which people loved, making it the next evolution of that style kite.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it? With this kite, we wanted to add more structure to it and make the handling

smoother.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? The biggest challenge was planning for where the market is going. There are a lot of different style kites, all with different shapes and performance attributes. In the end,

Since the Rev has been our shop favorite for the past few years, I couldn’t wait to put the 2010 Octane 11m

through its passes. The overall feel is very similar to the Rev, with a nice progressive power curve with

relation to bar position. Turning and riding speed was smooth, with quick reaction to bar movement.

We like a little more back line pressure than was the standard setup, but this was easily obtained by

removing a quick link on the back connection point. The new Compstick bar (4-Line) has many changes

from past years, with a killer center line upper swivel that I see lasting much longer then anything on

the market. Overall, I believe SS did a great job on the Octane 2010 and can’t wait to get my hands on the 9m!

testedJeff Howard, Kiteboarding.com:

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Product name: 2010 Comp Stick Control Bar SizeS available: 17”, 20” & 23” releaSe date: August 2009

deSigner Profile:name: Matt Gustafsen, Product Manager Tony Logosz, Co-founder/Kite Designer; Amery Bernard, Kite Designer;John Doyle, Board Designer location: Columbia Gorge Job title: Slingshot Kite Design Team designing: 59 years combined Kiteboarding: 39 years combined

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The Rev goes high OCTANE: The 2010 Octane took the best characteristics from the Rev like its compact bridle and hybrid canopy for stability, turning speed, relaunch, depower and range, and the original Octane which had excellent overall efficiency with solid stability and flutter control, making it a “high Octane Rev.”. Photo Lance Koudele

Slingshot’s all new Comp Stick bar is featured packed and changed from a pull to push safety system on both the chicken loop and leash line. Photo Richard Hallman

Product name: 2010 Slingshot Octane Product category: SLE SizeS available: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 & 15m releaSe date: August 2009

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session! Stability is the key when you go out with a small kite in 50 knots of wind.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The standout performance of the new Obsession is still its excellent maneuverability and unbeatable turning speed, but now with its new shape, the result is an even more stable kite, faster in the big sizes and slower in the small ones, with an incredible amount of power and easiness to ride unhooked. This new kite will be a trendsetter in speed and progressive smooth power in all areas of the flying window.

What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? The new Global bar presents many innovations. The chicken loop is now moulded and ergonomically designed. Compact, clean and precise, it has a very reliable release which can be put back together with one hand on the water. But the most important feature of the bar is the new rigid thread flying lines, an exclusive product developed and manufactured in Italy only for RRD. These new revolutionary lines are made with inner uninterrupted unidirectional pure dyneema fibers, covered by pure dyneema 30° woven fabric. The combination of these two styles of weaving accounts for unmatched low stretch factor of the lines; 85% less on average compared to classic flying lines. The Rigid Thread lines also allow the kite to be faster in the turns and a quicker transfer of the power of the kite to the board, resulting in more response and better handling of the kite in any conditions. The difference in performance is remarkable!

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions? The Obsession is a great overall performer capable of suiting the needs of World Cup freestyle riders like Seb Garat, to waveriders and racers like Abel Lago to the average freerider at any beach. We have many kite instructors using it during their lessons who also enjoy it themselves after their lesson are finished.

What is your warranty policy on this product? 12 months for any defect of manufacturing issue under regular, non-commercial use.

What differentiates your product from your competitors? Our Obsession in developing the best kites in the world!

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design? The new Obsession is the second generation of the first very successful kite.

If this is next generation design, what were the main goals in developing it?The Obsession was already a great kite, so we focused on small details to improve its overall performance. We shortened the leading edge length in all the sizes about 20% compared to last year’s design. Tips are10% wider to improve the kite’s maneuverability and we worked a lot on the kite shape to improve its stability, especially in gusty conditions like those we have in Tarifa, which is the spot we chose for our test session this year. To achieve better stability, we moved backward the maximum draft in the middle section of the kite.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? To reach a final design that performed great in challenging conditions. We tested the kites in Tarifa during our winter testing, with very strong and gusty wind shifting from 15 to 50 knots during the same

I was totally amazed when I first flew the RRD Obsession. It was not only

super stable and safe, but it was equally responsive and quick. It has the

best combination of characteristics of any kite that I have flown. I would

not hesitate giving my own personal kite to a brand new beginner to fly.

I feel confident in the kites safety while at the same time I know it will

perform up to my standards. It is extremely responsive, very powerful, and has an awesome

kite loop. I am so excited to get these kites in people’s hands so that they can experience

what I ride everyday!

tested

Product name: Obsession 2010Product category: SLE SizeS available:5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 & 13.5releaSe date: Late August 09

rrd

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deSigner Profile:name: Werther Castellettiage: 42location: Caserta, ItalyJob title: Geometristdesigning: 6 yearsKiteboarding: 8 years

Shawn Richman, Intl. Team Rider/Rep:

Colorado

Charlie MaC

maldives BriaN KeaUlaNa

HAWAII TODD BraDleY

Phot

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odd

Patr

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PADDLE

STAN

DUP

ADVENTUREAND STARTAN

C4WATERMAN.COMsurf toPhot

o: A

llen

Moz

o

C4WATERMAN has

roots in Pure Hawaiian tradition

and is the leader in SUP technology,

performance, and innovation. From

our home surf on Oahu, we design

and produce the finest STAND UP

PADDLE boards, paddles, equipment

and accessories for wave-riding

and flatwater fitness touring and

training. Visit us for more at

www.C4Waterman.com.The shape of the 2010 Obsession was modified resulting in even more stability, faster in the big sizes and slower in the small ones. Improved unhooked performance combined with a new control bar round out the new package. Photo courtesy RRD

78 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 79

What do Professional Shapers had to say?In my interviews with many SUP and surfboard shapers, I discovered that the majority of them don’t really think about it or use volume as a tool. Most of the shapers I spoke to look at volume as just another number, one the computer will give you, but not a good reference tool. It is a number the computer spits out after they have done numerous prototypes and have scanned the final version they will use.

How board dimensions relate to volume?

Many variables are involved in a SUP design. Length, width, and thickness are the most common and these numbers are usually put on the bottom of the board on the stringer. Rocker or the bottom curve from nose to tail is also very important and affects speed, maneuverability, and stability. A good board combines all the elements. As your skills improve, board choice will become more of

a personal choice, depending on your discipline or style. For instance if you are paddling for distance, riding swells, or surfing you need different designs to best suit those specific disciplines. It is my opinion that one board can do all of these things but not all of them perfectly. Unfortunately, unless you have boatloads of money you probably can only afford one board. If you take just one number like thickness or the thickest part of the board, you must also consider how the rocker tapers to the nose and tail. Volume is an important comparison number if most other dimensions are the same, length and width being the two most important. Rail shape and bottom contour are next and difficult to measure.

Brands that currently post volumes:

How is volume measured?1. The CAD program calculates volume after the shaper’s plug

has been scanned.

2. By using a volume tank.

The tank is a few feet longer than your longest board and is filled with a predetermined measurement (in liters) of water. With two or three people, depending on the size of the board, you submerge it to the stringer or centerline of the board. Note how much the water has risen on a scale. Double that number and you have the actual board volume number of that board. Please refer to the photos of the tank built by Whitney Guild that was used at Legends Surf in Carlsbad, CA, to determine volume of many boards ranging from 100 to 140 liters.

What other riders have said:“Volume tells you how much a board will float. It is a great tool in comparing boards of different sizes within a model line. If you can stand up on it and paddle it back out, then you can rip on it. The smallest volume that you can achieve this on will allow your board to rip harder.”

– Whitney Guild – waterman, designer ofvolume tank shown in this article.

Why is this important? The only thing volume tells you is how buoyant a board is. Everyone will have a different number depending on his or her weight and ability. Once you have the same shape or specific line of boards being made in multiple sizes, your personal volume number becomes more useful. You should establish a mid-volume point and use that as your beginning reference number, down to the lowest number you are comfortable with. These numbers will go down some, as you become a more experienced SUP’er.

HistoryMost of the talk about volume seems to have its roots from windsurfers. Windsurfing companies have posted volumes on their boards for years. Windsurfers learned early on what board would float them for the specific discipline they were riding; waves, bump and jump, or racing.

SUP - Stand Up Paddle Board Volume 101

Board volume is just another number that should help you, not confuse you when looking for a Stand Up Paddle Board that will meet your needs. It is my goal to help you understand the basics of board volume.

Why understanding board volume can help you. For beginners and intermediates it can be used as a point of reference, but not the Holy Grail. Remember it only gives you a reference number on how buoyant a board is. Volume is important because it can help you determine what the smallest board you can stand on in flat water is. For instance, for SUP surfing, this could be your high performance board but not your long distance board.

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Paddle Surf HawaiiJimmy Lewis

NaishStarboardSurftech

thekiteboarder.com 79

By Gary Martin, TKB Technical Editor

Brian Keaulana of C4. Photo: Allen Mozo. PSH founder and shaper Blane Chambers. Courtesy Blane Chambers

The volume tank helps you determine the shortest board you can float on. Photo Gary Martin

The volume spread in SUP board is huge for same length

boards. Photo Gary Martin

Legends runs a volume test on a Naish SUP. Photo Gary Martin

The volume tank at Legends Surf Shop in Carlsbad, CA. Photo Gary Martin

“The value in volume is not a gauge of overall performance but a starting point in determining if a board has the correct floatability for you. Right now, you hear people saying I have a 10’ that I am comfortable standing on, so I am thinking of dropping to a 9’-4” or so. Worth a chuckle right? The volume spread in our sport is huge right now for same length boards. Some 9 footers are actually pretty huge boards while some 10’s are actually pretty small.”

-Randy, Administrator for Stand Up Zone

“For SUP I think it can be useful in telling you what a board will be like for your weight. If you had sophisticated testing methods for a volume to weight ratio and a volume to length ratio, this could give you performance indications. But for the most part it’s floatation — nothing beats a demo for that. For me the rule is kind of simple – if I can see the deck it’s cool.”

- Bill Babcock, Waterman, frequent poster on Stand Up Zone Forum

Thanks for the following Contributors

Blane Chambers – Paddle Surf HawaiiTodd Bradley – C4 Waterman

Jimmy Lewis – Jimmy Lewis PaddleWhitney Guild – Naish HawaiiJeff Warner – Legends SurfPhil Rainey – Boardworks

Naish shaper Harold Iggy. Courtesy Naish

instruc-

tional

While it’s always best to launch and land your kite with the help of a fellow kiteboarder, there are many times when you need help with nobody around to assist you. With a little practice, self launching and landing your kite is very easy and, if done correctly, can be just as safe as launching or landing with the help of another person. You’ll want to practice this in light winds, on a beach with plenty of room. Remember that every kite is different, and you may have to slightly modify these steps to work with your particular kite. If you have any questions, you should contact the manufacturer of your kite or your local retailer to ask them the proper self launching and landing techniques.

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1 . Place your kite in the normal down position and then slightly rotate the kite on the ground away from your bar until the downwind wingtip just begins to catch air. Don’t turn it too far or it could blow away before you get to your bar.

2. Before leaving the kite, check your lines and bridle lines to make sure everything is clear. Quickly go to your bar and pick it up. Be careful to keep the lines loose until you are ready to launch the kite.

3. Position yourself so the kite is just slightly downwind of a normal launch position. Look up your lines to make sure there are no tangles and that your lines do not get caught on anything on the ground.

4. Once you are ready, back away from the kite to tension the lines. At the same time, pull on the right outside line (if you are launching on the left side of the window as in these photos). The kite should rotate and begin to take off.

5. As the kite takes off it will have more power than in a normal launch, so ease the bar out or even let it go until the kite reaches the edge of the window.

Launch & Land by yourseLf Words and Photos by Paul Lang

seLf Launching: To self launch your kite, you need a beach with plenty of room as the kite will move on the sand a little as you launch it.

• never wrap the lines around your hand when you grab them. This is a horrible idea that will lead to cuts and lost fingers.• Most kites are easier to launch if you ease the bar out while you are trying to rotate the kite into the launch position.

Tips:

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* THIS edITorIAL IS MeANT AS A GUIde ANd SHoULd NoT rePLACe ProFeSSIoNAL INSTrUCTIoN. USe THeSe TIPS AT yoUr oWN rISk.

Always self launch and land with plenty of room around you

As you position yourself in the launch position, do one last check to ensure your lines and bridle are clear.

With the kite on the left side of the window, pull on the right outside line to rotate the kite into the launch position.

Continue pulling on the outside line and wait for the kite to launch.

ease the bar out as the kite starts to come up.

don’t over steer the kite as it takes off. It should just surge forward to the edge of the window.

Get on the water!

1 . Move your kite to about 30° above the land on the edge of the window.

2. Grab your chicken loop above your bar and pull. This will cause your kite to shoot further upwind out of the window, which causes it to stall. If you have a 5th line type safety system, grab that instead.

3. As the kite begins to fall, let go of your bar while you continue to hold onto the chicken loop. If you have a 5th line safety system, let go of the bar and continue to pull that line in

4. As the kite approaches the ground, pull on the top front line. This will turn the kite slightly so it lands on its leading edge.

5. When the kite lands, it should stay put if you do it right. Immediately go to the kite, rotate it to the correct beach position, and put some sand on it to secure it.

seLf Landing: Self landing your kite is an important safety skill in case you end up away from other kiters and need to get your kite out of the sky.

• never never ever wrap the lines around

your hand when you pull on them. if

the kite powers up, you will probably no

longer be able to count to ten without

taking your socks off. don’t do it!

• if the kite does not stay put when it

lands, pull more on the one front line

or 5th line and hold on. The kite cannot

power up if you hang onto just one front

line or have pulled enough of the 5th

line in.

• practice this in light and medium winds

until you have it down solid. overpowered

on a small kite in high winds is not the

time to learn how to do this.

Tips:

instruc-tional

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* THIS edITorIAL IS MeANT AS A GUIde ANd SHoULd NoT rePLACe ProFeSSIoNAL INSTrUCTIoN. USe THeSe TIPS AT yoUr oWN rISk.

Grab your lines above the chicken loop or your 5th line to start the process.

As the kite begins to fall, let go of your bar, but hold on to the front lines.

As the kite approaches the ground, pull on the top front line so the kite will land flat on the beach into the wind.

keep pulling!

As long as you pull enough on one line and hang on, the kite cannot power up, even if it doesn’t land smoothly.

every kite requires a slightly different technique, so practice with yours in light wind to get it dialed.

once your kite is on the beach, quickly secure it with sand.

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THE EXCEPTION: ’ve heard “the surf leash is what ruined surfing.” even if that were true, it would be hard to say the same for kitesurfing. one of the greatest developments in kitesurfing in the last five years has been the discovery and evolution of riding strapless surfboards in the waves. regardless of whether you

start riding surfboards because of light wind or for entertainment on small wave days, one thing is clear; riding strapless surfboards is fun and challenging and has only just begun. The problem is that once you start riding strapless in head-high waves or larger, the risk of losing your board causes you to ride more conservatively or spend a good part of your session body dragging after your board.

The leash debate in kitesurfing is contentious. Threads on the forums criticize the leash’s potential to cause injury, but from my experience, the board leash has become an essential piece of equipment when packing for any kitesurfing trip. In Santa Cruz, California, some of the best reef breaks are not kite-friendly with variable wind shadows and waves smashing directly onto rock cliffs, often with no beach in sight. In these spots, separation from your board is not an option or it’s pretty much guaranteed to end your session. With wave etiquette becoming a major issue at crowded kitesurfing breaks, routinely body dragging for your board is bound to ruin someone else’s wave. The occasional mistake is typically forgiven, but repeated fishing expeditions in the line-up for a strapless board is a surefire recipe to sour friendships, and may even create some enemies. After a couple of years of riding with a leash, my biggest concern is getting taken down in turbulent white water; the leash keeps your board in close proximity and the wave’s powerful chaos can thrust the board back at you when you least expect it. This risk is one of many, but risk is a fundamental aspect of our sport and we deal with it every time we launch a kite. Ultimately, surf leashes should only be used by advanced riders, those already committed to charging challenging conditions. If you want to experiment with leashes, make sure you invest in appropriate protective gear and check out my tips to help you get started.

SUrFING WITH A LeASH

Try experimenting with a calf leash. Its velcro strap is large enough to attach just below your knee, elevating a good portion of the leash out

of the water and reducing drag.

Wear a helmet or chest protector because unless you have a surgeon for a friend or in the family, stitches can be expensive.

WITH AWAreNeSS For ProPer BoArd ANd kITe HANdLING SkILLS, A SUrF LeASH IS HeLPFUL TooL IN STrAPLeSS rIdING. So Here Are My TIPS:

Use a medium length leash: a 6-foot leash will put the board in your face and a 9 to 10 foot leash will cause too much drag. An 8-foot leash seems to work the best.

Use a cord thickness commensurate with the size of your waves - thin leashes snap in double overhead waves, thick leashes cause excessive drag.

The moment you are separated from your board, depower your kite by pushing the bar away from you; this prevents the kite from loading up the board leash.

When in the water separated from your board, bring your kite up to neutral, keeping it depowered as much as possible to prevent the board from becoming a tombstone.

When you are retrieving the board, use the leash – it often helps if the kite is brought to the same side of the wind window as your board.

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By Brendan Richards | Photo Chris Tronolone

PROS OF WEARING A LEASH• In big surf you can go for anything and know that

your board is always within arm’s reach.• You won’t spend half your session on a fishing

expedition.• Your friends will no longer hate you for the

countless times you body dragged through their set while looking for your board.

• If you’re headed out and the lip throws right in front of you, you can jump off your board and duck dive into the wave, collecting your board quickly on the other side.

• You have a better chance of getting back on your board before the next set wave rolls you.

CONS OF WEARING A LEASH• Bad technique can lead to endless tombstones

and whizzing boards.• Leashes inevitably add drag while going upwind

or dropping in on light wind days.• Since your board stays in your vicinity you have a

better chance of getting whacked in the head.• If both you and your kite go down in turbulent

white water, the board and leash can end up threaded through your flying lines making things much worse.

Lou Wainman on a Maui bomber.

88 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 89

Ed Holden in Cozumel, Mexico. Photo unknown

LoCaL homies Submit your photos of “local homies” riding at your home spot and you could win a killer t-shirt from Transcend Kiteboarding! Email ryan@thekiteboarder.com

winning PHoto

Local Homies is all about everyday, local riders sharing the stoke at their home kiting spots.

88 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 89

Shane Gromley stoked in La Ventana, Baja Surf. Photo dallas McMahon Brad Gordon of Windance Boardshop in Hood river, or during BoG in Stevenson,WA. Photo dallas McMahon

Gary rhodes PoV of the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi,TX.Photo Gary rhodes

Carol Bolstad sessioning at home in Stevenson, WA before BoG 09. Photo dallas McMahon

Baja sushi master Aaron Mack goes big during this year’s La Ventana Classic. Photo dallas McMahon

Wally Gator takes the scenic route during BoG/Slingstock in Stevenson,WA. Photo dallas McMahon

LeSSoNS LearNed 1. Understand weather in your area, what to look for and what to

avoid. If you are traveling, seek out good local advice in advance of riding.

2. Learn what to expect for that day’s session through proper weather planning (marine & hazard forecasts, color radar and satellite imagery and real time wind up weather from where you are riding). If a weather change is on the way, know what to look for and keep your eyes open. Always be aware of changing weather and act early to come in and secure well before the hazardous conditions arrive.

3. Some are convinced that their flat kites will depower through most gusts and so just ride in about anything. The trouble is they may fail to emergency depower in time for a variety of reasons. The time to act is well before the weather hazard arrives; the outcome is uncertain after. Don’t rig to be overpowered. Target winds in the low to mid range for your kite, per manufacturer specs.

4. Kiters are a community, with similar interests and drives. Not everyone reads information like this in “The Kiteboarder Magazine” or follows related threads on the Internet. Like it or not, we really have an obligation to share information with fellow kiters that may spare them from harm and to preserve your access. Knowledge is power so share the wealth. If you see someone who may be a threat to themselves in the future, speak to them with genuine interest and concern in a non-threatening way and don’t make them feel like an idiot. If the threat seems to be imminent, grab as many of your kiter friends as you can and talk with the guy as effectively as you can in a group.

5. If you are fortunate to receive some good advice, think about it very carefully. No one session should be worth an extended time off work and the water, rehab or the rest of your life.

SceNario #1A well experienced kiteboarder was riding light 10 to 14 mph winds with a 16m flat kite. The wind died as a squall moves in. Most riders landed in the “lull before the storm” but the experienced kiter did not. Other riders see white caps racing before the squall and yell at him, “don’t go out” as the temperature plunges. The rider stood in the shallows with his kite near zenith and made no attempt to emergency depower or prepare for the squall. The wind suddenly boosted from near nothing to about 30 mph, faster than he could react at that point. He gets lofted, flying fast towards shore. People on land are yelling and running all over as the kiter seems to fly almost straight up. He was estimated to rise to about 80 to 100 feet above the land. As he was lofted, he pushed the bar out to depower the kite but as the motion was primarily vertical, not much happened in response. The wind shifted in the squall and drove him in the opposite direction. He pushed the bar out again and this time dropped precipitously while racing towards a narrow section of water with a fence beyond at high speed. He struck and landed in 1.5 feet of water and was very lucky; normally it is exposed land at low tide. He released his kite which was caught by an obliging tree, suffering no real injury. He covered about 1200 feet over land in only a 30 mph squall gust.

SceNario #2A bunch of kiters were out on a summer day enjoying small waves and moderate wind. A cold front with squalls and strong winds was forecast to come through and a cloud line moved ashore with heavy rain at one end. The rest of the cloud looked like a regular cumulus cloud e.g. not real threatening but a water spout also formed at the base of the cloud and steadily grew in diameter and length as it moved shoreward. As the water spout moved closer to shore and grew more threatening in appearance, kiters kept riding, indifferent or perhaps oblivious. This continued until several riders were lofted, yanked off the water and blown inland, apparently by the waterspout! One guy managed an emergency depower landing safely on the beach while another was lofted into a car, destroying its front end and messing himself up pretty seriously in the process.

accident

report

WeatHer to ride... or Not?Kiteboarding gear is safer than ever yet incidents continue to happen, many times to seasoned riders. Experienced kiteboarders are all too often indifferent to weather hazards. They may not bother to think about it or assume they have the skill level to deal with whatever comes their way. As a result, many kiteboarders are needlessly injured each year.

90 thekiteboarder.com

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Delta Windsurf Company (831) 429-6051 CAHelm Sports (650 )344-2711 CAInflight Surf and Sail (562) 493-3661 CAKite Country (619) 226-4421 CAKitesurfari (562) 596-6451 CAKiteWindSurf (510) 522-WIND CALive2Kite (415) 722-7884 CALong Beach Windsurf Center (562) 433-1014 CAMako Surf Skate Snow (949) 367-1300 CAMalibu Kitesurfing (310) 430-KITE CAManta Wind & Water Sports (858) 270-7222 CAMonkey Air (310) 457-6896 CAMurrays (800) 786-7245 x23 CA

Offshore Surf Co (760) 729-4934 CAKite School (650) 960-1721 CASolutions(805) 773-5991 CASoul Performance (310) 370-1428 CASky Kitesurfing School (925) 455-4008 CAVELA (800) 223-5443 CAWind over Water Kiteboarding (650) 218-6023 CAWindsport (619) 488-4642 CAKite Island (925) 212-2915 CAXdream Sportz (858) 481-9283 CAXstreamline Sports (310) 518-1972 CAXtreme Big Air (805) 773-9200 CA

CoLorAdoColorado Kite Force(970) 485-3300 COGAYLAN’S (720) 887-0900 CO

have tried many different types of electric pumps including the Coleman rechargeable pump and countless 12-volt air pumps. after wasting hundreds of dollars with minimal satisfaction, i finally found the ultimate E-Pump. nothing

delivers the volume and pressure in comparison to the Chevrolet Racing 12v air Compressor. installation is a simple and easy 15-minute project with the addition of a few easy-to-find accessory parts.

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TKB CErTIFIED INSurANCE

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HOW SAFE IS YOUR INSTRUCTOR? Is your instructor or school

insured? Have they been through an internationally recognized, certified instruction program?

While insurance and certification don’t guarantee you quality,

safe instruction, they can help you better qualify your choices. Introducing the TkB Certified

Schools program. Look for the symbols by the listings!

For complete info or to be recognized as a TKB Certified School, see

www.thekiteboarder.com and click on the TKB Certified

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THE KITEBOARdER CERTIFIEd SCHOOlS

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CALIForNIAAction Watersports (318) 827-2233 CAAirtime Kiteboarding (818) 554-7573 CAAquan Watersport (650)593-6060 CAAustralian Kitesurf Academy(714) 955-7832 CABay Area Kitesurf (415) 573-2619 CABoard Sports (510) THE-WAVE CABoard Sports (415) 929-SurF CACaliKites (619) 522-9575 CACaptain Kirk’s (310) 833-3397 CA

GG Wind Kiteboarding (970) 389-0683 COInto the Wind (303) 449-5906 COLarson’s Ski and Sport (303) 423-0654 COFuze Kiteboarding (303) 683-5033 COPKS (970) 376-3159 COSnowkite Steamboat (970) 819-2997 CO

CoNNeCTICUTOrbit Marine Sports (203) 333-3483 CTTri State Kites (800) 510-0865 CT

FLorIdA7 Kiteboarding (305) 664-4055 FLAce Performer (239) 489-3513 FLBloodline Boardshop(321) 254-4668 FLBig Kite Miami (305) 303-4107 FLEast Coast Kiteboarding (954) 295-5778 FLEmerald Coast Kiteboarding (850) 235-2444 FLExtreme Kites (904) 461-9415 FLExtreme Sports (321) 779-4228 FLJupiter Kiteboarding (561) 373-4445 FLKey West Kiteboarding(305) 407-6748 FLKiteboarding Tampa Bay (813) 389-3683 FLFt. Lauderdale Kitesurfing Co. (954) 410-5419 FLIsland Style Wind & Watersports (941) 954-1009 FLIsland Surf and Sail (954) 927-7002 FLKiteboarding Tampa Bay (813) 389-3683 FLKite Surf the Earth (888) 819-5483 FLKite World (321) 725-8336 FLKGB Kiteboarding(904) 434-8987 FL

1st Coast Kiting(904) 424-2721 FLLearn 2 Fly(386) 986-9637 FLLiquid Surf & Sail (850) 664-5731 FLKiteMare(877) 829-0015 FLMiami Kiteboarding Inc.(305) 345-9974 FLOtherside Boardsports(305) 853-9728 FLThe Kite Shop(305) 361-0168 FLSandy Point Progressive Sports (386) 756-7564 FLSki rixen (954) 429-0215 FLTampa Bay Kiteboarding (727) 798-2484 FLTriton Kiteboarding(727) 453-9577 FLWatersports West (888) 401-5080 FLXL Kites(866) 955-4837 FLXrated Kiteboarding (888) 401-5080 FL

GeorGIAAll Out Kiteboarding(912) 234-8260 GAHigh Tide Surf Shop (912) 786-6556 GALocus Kiteboarding (404) 509-4229 GAHanag20 Kiteboarding (912) 223-7856 GA

HAWAIIAction Sports Maui (808) 242-8015 HIAloha Kiteboarding Academy (808) 637-5483 HICaveman Kitesurfing (808) 389-4004 HIExtreme Sports Maui (808) 871-7954 HIHawaiian Island Surf & Sport (808) 871-4981 HIHawaiian Watersports (808) 262-KITE HIHawaiian Surf & Sail (808) 637-5373 HIKailua Sailboards (808) 262-2555 HI

Kite High (808) 637-5483 HIKiteboard Maui (808) 870-2554 HIHawaiian Ocean Sports (866) 488-5483 HIKitesurf Maui (808) 873-0015 HIMaui Kiteboarding Lessons (808) 242-8015 HINaish Maui Pro Center (808) 871-1500 HINaish Hawaii (808) 262-6068 HIOff Da Lip (808) 255-6255 HISecond Wind (808) 877-7467 HIVela Maui (800) 223-5443 HI

IdAHoGroud Zero (208) 265-6714 IDFly Sun Valley (208) 726-3332 ID

ILLINoISWindward Sports(773) 472-6868 ILChicago Kiteboarder (312) 804-5482 IL

MASSACHUSeTTSAir Support Kiteboarding (866) Kite-Cod MAKitesite.net (508) 398-1333 MASkyhigh Kiteboarding School (508) 259-2728 MA

MAryLANdH2AIr Productions (302) 227-1105 MD

1. Connect your air hose and inflator kit to the air compressor, place it where you want it in the back of your car or truck, and secure it.

2. Run each of the lengths of 8-gauge wire directly from your car battery to the back of your car/truck. Connect the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. Install the in-line fuse holder and fuse on the red wire. Hide the wires underneath the carpet along the side of your car and into the trunk. If you have a truck, just route the wires underneath your truck and use tie-downs to keep them in place. Install one end of the quick connect to the ends of these wires.

3. The air compressor has a black and a red wire to connect to the battery. Install the other quick-connect on these wires. Make sure the red and black wires will all line up when you put the quick-connect together.

4. Turn on your car and your air compressor and you are ready to fill up your kite! Make sure you turn both off when not in use so you don’t drain your battery.

MatERiaLS:

1

2-3

4

4Chevrolet Racing 12v air Compressor ($249 on amazon or Ebay)

4 two 20’ lengths of 8 gauge electrical wire: Black (for ground) and Red (for positive) are the standard colors for 12-volt wiring ($60 Home Depot or any auto or boating store).

4 12-volt DC quick-connects, one male and one female and an in-line fuse holder with a 50-amp fuse. You can find these at auto parts or boating stores ($15). Make sure both the quick-connects and the fuse holder are rated for at least 50-amps 12v DC.

4in-line fuse holder and 50-amp fuse. 4 air hose and inflator kit ($45 wal-Mart)

totaL CoSt: $369 (not including tax or shipping)

TIP

S • Do not use smaller wire like 10 to 16 gauge as the current draw from the air compressor will melt the wire and could catch your car on fire!

• Installthe50-amp12vfusesomewhereeasily accessible in case you have to change it.

• Onceamonth,drainthewateroutoftheairtank by unscrewing the air relief valve on the bottom of the tank.

94 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 95

Yard

sale

G ot a G r e at w i p e o u t s h ot ? email:ryan@thekiteboarder.com

TOP

TH

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C R A S H E SI N F R O N T O F T H E

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michiGanBroneah Kiteboarding (231) 392-2212 MIDetroit Kiteboarding (248) 245-5016 MI Grand Bay Kite Co (231) 929-0607 MIGreat Lakes Kiteboarding (586) 822-6511 MIMacInaw Kite Co. (800) 622-4655 MITawas Board Riders(989) 362-9906 MIMotor City Kiteboarding(586) 943-5172 MISharkless Kiteboarding (269) 639-SURF MIUncle Doug’s Kiteboarding (810) 985-3732 MI

minnesotaScuba Center Wind/Kite (612) 925-4818 MNUS Snowkite School (612) 940-6639 MNMidwest Mountaineering(612) 339-3433 MNLAKAWA Kiteboarding (651) 428-4121 MN

mississippiGet Air (228) 209-1204 MSGulfport Boardsports(228) 596-1936 MS

montanaUnderground Kitesports (406) 546-2709 MT

north carolinaBlowing in the Wind (910) 763-1730 NCCape Fear Kiteboarding (910) 201-4002 NCKiteboarding Hatteras (252) 995-5000 NCKitty Hawk Kiteboarding Centers (877) FLY-THIS NCOuter Banks Kiting(252) 305-6839 NCReal Kiteboarding (866) 732-5548 NCWind Toys USA (910) 328-5483 NCWind Toys II(252) 393-1300 NC

Cleanline Surf (888) 546-6176 ORFloras Lake Windsurfing (541) 348-9912 ORGorge Surf Shop (800) 957-4978 ORHood River Waterplay (541) 386-WIND ORKite-Line (888) 714-9849 ORKite the Gorge(541) 490-4926 ORLincoln City Surf Shop (541) 996-7433 ORNew Wind (541) 387-2440 ORPacific Wave (503) 861-0866 ORStorm Warning(800) 492-6309 OR

puerto ricoKitesurfing Puerto Rico (787) 728-8716 PRKitesurfing (787) 374-5329 PR

rhode islandNorthwind Sports (401) 254-4295 RI

south carolinaHalf Moon Outfitters (843) 881-9472 SCCatch Some Air (843) 388-9300 SC

south dakotaPro Peak Sports (605) 341-5445 SD

texasAir Padre Kiteboarding (956) 299-WIND TX Pro Kitesurf (361) 883-1473 TXSouth Coast Kiteboarding (361) 949-3278 TXS. Padre Island Kiteboarding (956) 245-8343 TXS. Padre Kiteboarding (956) 761-1434 TXWarming Hut Ski & Board (972) 234-6088 TXXL Kites, Dallas (817) 676-7842 TXXLKites, Houston

new hampshirePowerline Sports (888) 987-WIND NH

new JerseyExtreme Windsurfing (610) 807-9493 NJGreen Hat Kiteboarding (718) 577-1256 NJHeritage Surf & Sport (609) 263-3033 NJIsland Surf and Sail (609) 494-5553 NJ

nevadaKitesurf Vegas (702) 493-9245 NVWindsports (702) 220-4340 NV

new yorkBest Kiteboarding Center(631) 691-0793 NYCurtis Sport Connection (716) 627-2247 NYIsland Riders (631) 583-3019 NYMain Beach Surf & Sports (631) 537-2716 NYMyers (716) 751-6511 NYSkywalk Kiteboarding (631) 324-4450 NYWindsurfing Hamptons(613) 283-9463 NYRick’s Surf Shop (631 )581-9424 NY

ohioRed Sky Surf & Snow (419) 536-3204 OHRiver Sports (440) 333-8138 OH

oklahomaThomasons Sports Kites (580) 796-2359 OK

oreGon2nd Wind Sports (541) 386-4464 ORAir-Time (541) 387-3910 ORAlll Surf Industries (503) 239-8973 ORBig Winds (888) 509-4210 ORBrian’s Windsurfing/Kitesurfing (541) 386-1423 OR

(877) 955-4837 TXXL Kites, Padre Island (866) 957-2373 TXZero Gravity Kiteboarding (361) 949-0266 TX

utahCloud 9 Soaring Center (801) 576-6460 UT

virGiniaSoutheast Expeditions (877) 943-8548 VA

washinGtonNorth by Northwest Surf Co. (360) 452-5144 WASeattle Kiteboarding Center (206) 779-3272 WAUrban Surf (206) 545-9463 WAWiley’s Water Ski Shop (206) 762-1300 WAWind Flow (877) 211-3524 WAEvo (206) 973-4470 WABellingham Kiteboarding (360) 441-7577 WA

wisconsinAdventure Kiteboarding WI(414) 760-1493

thekiteboarder.com 95

Certified

Grom somehow sneaks into yardsale every month. believe it or not, Grom makes crashing an art! photo carol bolstad

wally Gator keeps the boG crowd stoked from the water after crashing during boG in stevenson, wa. photo dallas mcmahon

billy parker falls from the sky and hits hard after an unsuccessfulkite loop in 60-knot conditions in the Gorge. photo dallas mcmahon

alex Fox does the splits while charging the mens final of boG/slingstock 09 in stevenson, wa. photo dallas mcmahon

brar goes bruce lee on his board at the shack. photo steve berry

matt sexton displays his best product placement after hitting the kicker during slingstock wake jam in stevenson, wa. photo dallas mcmahon

Coontail Watersports (715) 385-0250 WIKite-Riders (608) 273-1817 WISouthport Rigging Company (262) 652-5434 WIThe Board Shop (262) 248-1703 WI

wyominGHoback Sports (307) 733-5335 WY

thekiteboarder.com 97

Sigma

Photos: S. W

hitesell & J. M

almberg

2010

thorn ccPower to win128, 130, 132, 134, 136

CUSTOMglobalSnappy versatility5’0”, 5’4”, 5’7”, 6’0”, 6’2”

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CUSTOMgunincredible speed5’10”, 6’2”

hazebalanced versatility128, 132, 136, 141, 147,XL 135, XL 144

Soltransforms choppywater into smooth fun128, 131, 134, 137, 140

momentumland tricks younever imagined130, 132, 134

Sizes: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 14helix the evolution of cutting edge Performance

The Helix has been radically redesigned with C-shaped performance and feel, while maintaining the incredible depower you expect from a bridled kite.

The Helix now bridges the gap between bridled and C-shaped kites with fast turning, punchy power and an engaging feel. With speed, versatility, huge jumps, kite loops, and precision handling in mind, this kite allows riders to push their limits to new heights.

Proven all-terrain PerformanceSizes: 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15cultThe test winning Cult is the ideal user friendly all-terrain kite. This year, it features an increased Sigma profile and a Geo-Tech Generated C-shape, which gives the Cult a larger sweet spot, ideal pull through the turns, and enhanced smoothness.

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