News from the world of kiteboarding. Gear, events, travel, schwag, and special deals.
If you've got anything to add, send me a mail at cbuss "@" butterflystorm.com.
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The new Delta C-Shape is an innovative F-One patented design resulting from extensive research on kite aerodynamics and de-power capabilities. The Delta brings unmatched stability in fully de-power position and allows the front-line attachment to be positionned higher up the leading edge. Click the thumbnails to check out all the design details and bridle system...
F-One is adding a brand new kite to its collection: The BANDIT. It bears a brand new shape, called the Delta C-Shape. F-One has a patent pending on this new concept. Come back on July 9th to check out the Delta C-shape technical video that will explain the concept.
Just released today - Takoon's first 2008 offerring - The Furia - the Ultimate SLE
The Furia is a new kite introduced to complement the already proven and popular Nova2 and eNova kites - aimed at the more advanced rider with freestyle and waveriding in mind. From what we understand speed and performance are the 2 defining characteristics that will set this kite apart - with excellent unhooked and direct response from the kite.
Kiters who have cut their teeth on the Nova / Nova2 brand will easily take to this kite ...
For full info check out www.ocean2air.co.za - or call us on in the shop on 031 301 1110.
The Furia will be available in South Africa in July and we will have our first samples early in July.
For those of you waiting for the new Nova release the Nova 3 will still be released later in the year ...
For the latest installment, Day 7, Wednesday June 13th: A deeper understanding Click here For Day 6: Tuesday June 12th: My new hero click here For Day 5: Monday June 11th: Who's Laughing Now? click here For Day 4: Sunday June 10th, Blessed by Wind click here For Day 3: Saturday June 9th: More light wind and mucho testing click here For Day 2: Friday June 8th: Night-time visitors and promised wind click here For Day 1, Thursday June 7th: Go to Spain, they said, click here
Yes! This incredible kite is in stock and ready to ship right now, sizes 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16m available immediatly!
Don't just trust us, read what SBC Kiteboard magazine has to say about the 2007 Rise:
The new Rise answers the call for performance. The Rise is a four-line SLE packed with power and manoeuvrability. Designed for demanding riders.
Setup, Safety & Features The Rise starts up with a single-point inflation system. Ocean Rodeo's new SLE bar has lots of travel available and is worth adjusting the stopper ball to your own comfort zone. Relaunching is on the easy side. On Water The Rise makes it to several individual testers' all-round top-pick lists. Lots of range, power and pull go along with balanced steering that pushes testers into some of the session's more powerful moves. The 12 m2 Rise has more than enough energy to pull our lightweights in less than 10 knots, and enough control to be one of the last 12s on the water. The Rise flies steadily and remains stable in gusts, making for a solid wind range. It's the type of kite that loves being ridden with the board edging hard. The smooth power rolls through fast turns and kite spins, making the Rise easy to jump for intermediates. The Rise has big boosting power and will work for freestyle.
Best Suited Our bigger testers got the most from a 12 m2 session on the Rise from its abundant horsepower. Still, our medium-sized testers discovered its well-rounded handling and energetic performance, making this a perfect freeride-freestyle kite.
For the first time ever, the international teamriders of North Kiteboarding are competing against each other. The battle takes place on the World Wide Web, where you can cast your vote on www.northkites.com in the categories “Best Clip” and “Best Performance”.
Just surf through our selection of clips and decide who are the hottest riders. Are you more impressed by the performance of our toughest contest riders the likes of Cesar Portas or Mallory dela Villemarqué, or do you succumb to the charms of Angela Peral or Ania Grzelinska? If you like waveriding, you will probably vote for Jaime Herraiz or Sky Solbach or support our French Connection Charles Deleau or Jérémie Eloy.
But not only the riders can win, North has a whole shelf of great prizes waiting for the voters as well!
1. Prize: a kite of your choice 2.-5. Prize: a pro model of your choice 6.-10. Prize: a pro rider T-shirt of your choice
Blade Kiteboarding is excited to announce its’ first US demo tour, set to begin at the end of the month. Blade’s International Team rider Will James will be on hand to show off the new Vertigo Hybrid and Beast flat kites, as well as the 2007 board range.
Says Will, “The tour will begin in Northern California Monday the 28th, hitting the best spots around the bay area before working down the PCH over the course of the week- all the way to Los Angeles. Then it’s over to Florida on the 5th where we’ll be road tripping all the way up to New Jersey until the 13th of June.”
“This is a great opportunity to allow shop owners and the public to try out the 2007 line of kites and boards, Blade’s products are virtually unknown here in the US,” adds Will, “But that’s all about to change. We know once people are able to get the gear in their hands and experience the performance and see the quality of the Blade Product line they’ll be really excited with the brand.”
The Özi Hubert (approx. 90kg/190cm) made it for us forwards. The wind schwächelte this day to the Kitestation Peter Müller in the Soma Bay. There also the largest Kites (21 m/2) did not help to slip over reasonably into to come. Thus he tinkered himself a mega+ Kite monster together. To its bar with 25m linen length it hung its Slingshot Fuel 17m/2. With 6m linen extensions it attached behind it its Airrush 21 m/2. 38m/2 at the Trapetzhacken! Afterwards it instructed two aids like the Kite to start and lands would be. I boat it my Door (there approx. 5-6kn and 38°C hot air have as well known no pressure), but he took its board on to 145 he, since the smaller board would be sufficient. Actually it had powerful course and was approx. one hour on the open sea kiten!!!!
As it back was boat it on the other present Kitern to fly the monster also times. None dared however (with Wässerung 100%tig not restartable! ). It was probably already repeatedly on Austrias lakes with the monster on the way. COURAGEOUSLY COURAGEOUSLY Hubert! A p r i l 2 0 0 7 Century weather in April gives many sun and summer temperatures to us and K E I N E N W I N D! With us 8 was announced it kn and ballerte then nevertheless only with 4-5 kn. Geierkiter could do only phasenweise with the 17er versus and the door in slips to come, without being able to hold the height. If nothing more goes, then must be gone more radical ways, Thus inflated I mean 16 CB and the 12CB and hung both Kites to my 9 it omega bar. The linen have after 20m a tying possibility.
To the original extension of 5m the CB16 was hung, among them the 12CB. Geierkiter made itself available as a test driver without however for any damage to be responsible to want, loosely baumeln persisted nevertheless on the starting attempt. Highly with the bird! The 28 m/2 Bowkonstruktion with the klassichen Russian start started. Courageously, courageously Geierkiter! But a baking LINE of the 16erCB unfortunately did not impose itself to 12 CB and the kit construction in was correctly controllable therefore. Thus again down. By the short linen construction the 12 CB and the 16CB linen was unfortunately somewhat too broad could impose itself in the ears. Thus, then evenly changes on 25 m/2 Bowminimonster. Instead of the 12CB I hung then the 9CB purely. Starting attempt and ......? It functions! The Monsterkite is controllable, depowerbar and has more pressure than the 17 it versus! Thus in the future kiten starting from 4kn! Hubert, hereby I provoke you to the ultimative low wind race duel. Mega C Monsterkite against mega Bow Monsterkit
CFT REINFORCED TRAILING EDGE:Like all kites in our 07 range the new Yarga benefits from out exclusive CFT reinforced trailing edge, which provides razor sharp responsiveness and unmatched durability, even if you leave your Yarga lying on the beach for days or months on end. HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS: The 2007 Yarga Hybrid SLE uses only the best available materials and construction, when we can’t find what we need to make the best kites in the world then we design and manufacture it ourselves, like our new EZ-pump total inflation system
SURF TOUGH CONSTRUCTION: Our unique Canopy Framing Technology, LE Load Flex seam, fully taped canopy and Solid Airframe Construction come together to deliver the most proven and trusted kite construction package in the industry.
LOAD FLEX LE SEAM: Unique triple stitched webbing taped LE seam guarantees the strongest LE on any inflatable kite, there is simply no stronger seam construction.
RONSTAN HIGH LOAD PULLEYS: Used in SLE mode low friction high load pulleys help deliver maximum depower and precision handling in all conditions.
WOVEN SPECTRA SERVICEABLE PULLEY LINES: 4mm braided abrasion resistant pulley lines, easily replaceable for minimum down time. Pulley lines include depower stopper knots which limit bridle travel to enhance stability in all wind conditions.
DACRON WING TIP PANELS: Multi layer Dacron wingtip panel distribute turning forces for unmatched responsiveness and enable self launching without risk of damage.
TEIJIN RIP-STOP CANOPY: If you want to cut corners, you can buy cheaper fabric, but you certainly can’t use anything better. We only use Teijen Rip-Stop for our canopy material, as there’s no better Rip-Stop cloth available.
SOLID AIRFRAME CONSTRUCTIONThere’s no better way to connect the leading edge to the struts, our construction gives the stiffest and lightest structure available, yielding a kite with exceptional performance and easy handling for riders of all abilities.
TRAILING EDGE BATTENS: Strategically placed wingtip battens increase turning response, improve aerodynamics by controlling air flow over the control surfaces and eliminate canopy flutter
PROFILE SHAPER BATTENS: Glass fiber reinforced Profile Shapes reduce upper canopy deformation at low angles of attack. Profile Shapers ensure that your Yarga Hybrid SLE is the smoothest flying kite even at the absolute limits of depower. A clear and tough outer casing on each batten ensures that should you ever need to replace one it’s a ten second job, never a trip to the repair shop.
CANOPY FRAMING TECHNOLOGY: Crashing your kite is a fact of life. The Yarga Hybrid SLE is the only hybrid SLE kite designed with Canopy Framing Technology, the ultimate reinforcement system. The entire perimeter of each canopy panel on the Yarga Hybrid SLE is supported with a continuous reinforcement zone, isolating the canopy from impact loads and delivering protection that you can believe in.
EZ-PUMP TOTAL INFLATION SYSTEM: Our new EZ-pump total inflation system with integrated silicone stopper valves allows easy one-shot inflation of the entire airframe of the kite. Already proven in the Bularoo design this feature is a must have for riders who want to get out on the water fast.
HYBRID ATTACHMENTDESIGN: Choose between 4 line, 5th line, SLE and SLE+5th-line modes for handling performance and depower. Unique micro bridle design packs down behind the LE for ultra fast switching between styles. Maximum versatility and proven simplicity with no lines to detach.
Once again BestKiteboarding delivers revolution in kiteboarding design. Hot on the heels of the performance redefining Waroo 07 and Bularoo comes the new Yarga Hybrid SLE. The new Yarga is the ultimate high performance, extended depower C-kite, that gives all riders 4-line, 5th line and SLE style micro-bridle set up and performance options.
With four different rigging, relaunch and depower set-ups available, and all of them perfectly tuned straight from the bag, no other Hybrid kite delivers more of the promise of maximum performance, increased depower, improved safety and truly versatile handling. In four line mode the new Yarga Hybrid SLE is a high performance mid aspect ratio C-kite. An exceptional, competition ready package, it offers the perfect blend of turning and flying speed, stability and ease of use.
The 5th line option extends the relaunch and depower available to the rider even further, simplifying relaunch whether in flat water or caught out in overhead surf. A quick pull on the optional 5th line kit flips the Yarga straight onto it’s back ready for launching. SLE Micro-bridle mode hugely increases available depower and upwind ability, turning the Yarga from 4-line kite into a high performance SLE in seconds. Switching between rigging set-ups couldn’t be easier, the micro-bridle stows on the back of the LE, meaning there’s nothing to detach, and nothing to forget.
SLE+5th-line mode offers riders the ultimate combination of depower, performance, easy handling and instant relaunch.
For 07 we’ve redesigned the Yarga from the wingtips up, literally, to deliver an unmatched package of precision, power, ease of use and hugely extended wind range. The Yarga Hybrid SLE is the perfect kite for riders who want the flexibility of multiple kite styles, the industry’s leading construction package, hardcore competition tuned handling, and unmatched ease of use.
Marketing Babble: Windwing is pleased to announce the launch of one bat-ass-kite. Coming out of a secret and obscure R&D cave, the Batwing is one of our most innovative Windwing flying machines ever built. Boasting major changes, the Batwing delivers not one...two, or three, but four breakthrough innovations. Each innovation delivers unique form and a measurable function. Each innovation enhances your kiting experience...each innovation, defines the Batwing's exceptional virtuosity. 1) Foremost on the Batwing is the use of Windwing's new ABS Kevlar and carbon Aramid fiber scrim material that scallops the trailing edges of the kite and its wingtips. The shape of these scallops provided the look and the look was the result of a specific functional innovation. The Batwing name came naturally at the end. The functional innovation of the scalloped Batwing material was a simple conclusion that different materials have different frequencies of vibration. In theory, as the kite moves through the air, the difference between the soft spinnaker cloth and the stiffer laminate material acts like dimples against a polished golf ball. The strategically placed and shaped trailing edge on the Batwing, dampens flutter to provide a stable surface to recapture the laminar airflow for smoother wake release. The result is a livelier "slippery" kite that flies faster, goes up wind better, generate more lift in less wind and holds shape where it counts. 2) Swallow Tail: The cutout notch at the center strut is designed to give the Batwing a high aspect feel with low aspect power. The swallow tail separate the kite in half and changes the load point away from the trailing edge. This stabilizes the kite as the notch creates unique dynamic aileron-like protrusions that allows flow and twist at the center of the kite and gives the Batwing a self-adjusting reflex capability in all conditions. 3) Windwing unique wingtip found on the larger Batwing sizes. We call this the "Bob" batten, (inspired by Boardingbob's idea of having a Venetian blind like substrates to serve as built in battens). This added rigidity not only helps prevent deformation for heavier riders, it give the wingtip a direct-drive leverage to turn the kite. In larger kites and in lighter winds, this efficiency is highly critical. 4) Multi-Inflation-System with a Clamp (MISC), will greatly improve the quality and safety of your kiting experience. These optional inflation systems can be quickly installed or removed from the Batwing. The new clamp allows the tube to be pinched and isolate each bladder preventing total deflation of the kite. These four key innovations makes the Batwing the safest, most technically advanced, performance driven kite in the world. Call: 541-386-3905 for more information or email: info@windwing.com Batwing Photo Diary To order the Batwing click here
www.liquidforce.com he Liquid Force 2007 19m Assault is the most dominant lightwind kite in the world!!!!! This kite will get you out on the water when everyone else is sitting on the beach; even the guys with their 17m kites. Due to its profile and arch, the Assault never falls out of the sky like other kites on the market.
Re-launching this 19 in the water or on the beach is just as easy as your 9m. To re-launch your 19 Assault, simply pull on one of the back lines and it's airborne.
The elbow wingtip and bridal configuration we incorporate on this kite also makes it very responsive. The 19m Assault has the same turning speed and bar responsiveness as other company's 16 and 12-meter kites.
The Assault 19 is the kite of choice for the rider who wants to get on the water when no one else can, or for the larger rider that needs that extra amount of kite when other companies can only provide up to a 16m kite. Go out and get yours today.
For 2007, we increased the stiffness of the assault’s structure which added to its stability and increased its quickness and sustained power through the turns.
Relaunch system: This specially designed system makes kite relaunching effortless. The line and bridle setup are designed to automatically put the kite into the correct launching position. This proven relaunch system works every time on water as well as on land and snow.
Extreme Wind Range: By adding the bridle system on a slightly flatter kite, combined with a two to one depower control system; a single kite size such as a 12m Assault, can now cover the wind range of a standard 9m to a 16m kite.
Depower System: Offers a total kite de-power option that is safe enough for the beginner, yet performance oriented enough for the accomplished rider. No complications or hassles of an additional fifth line are required.
Union single point inflation system: The Assault utilizes the new Liquid Force's Union single point inflation system. This single-stage inflation system inflates the entire kite structure in one easy step. Once you go union single point, you will never go back.
Anti Stretch panels layout: The new canopy panel layout was developed in order to reduce the panel distortion caused by multiple panel assembly. The side to side arc panels equalize the Canopy tension helping to keep a clean profile throughout the structure of the kite.
Reduced LE Diameter: The 2007 19m Assault now features a reduced LE diameter. This super small LE diameter increases the kites overall flying and turning speed without sacrificing stability. You can now inflate your largest kite in the same amount of time that you would to inflate you 12m.
Previously been a subdivision of GIN Gliders, GIN KITEBOARDING is now an independent Switzerland based Kiteboarding Company, owned and run by Robert Graham, Fabienne Kaufmann and Marc Ramseier.
Robert is a pioneer paraglide designer with extensive experience in kite design. Fabienne and Marc are both devoting themselves to the business, Fabienne being an ex snowkite world champion, while Marc has been present in the sport for more than eight years, still being active as a rider and out there putting the kites to test in heavy surf.
Our goal is to create kite products that don’t just follow what others do, but to evaluate what truly works best and to go our own way! We are committed to design and build a range of high quality tube and foil kites that are technically advanced but simple to use – so that you can concentrate on your riding while relying on the safety and performance of our products.
Our ESKIMO snowkite has been highly esteemed within the snowkiting community for its stability, performance and excellent turning.
Our new hybrid style tube kite is combining handling, low-end performance and depower abilities in such a balanced manner that you would be more than stoked. The NAZCA will be introducing an innovative 5th line system and have features such as its single inflation system or union strut connections.
"Simone Vannucci has been International Team Rider for RRD since the very beginning in 1999. In 2003 he became head designer for the kite division developing every model all the way to latest and very appreciated HyperType and Type 8. "
Who knew that the Japanese were thinking of us while designing their cars. Unfortunately this one looks like it has come out on the losing end of a nasty fight with a hyena. Some highlights: hidden center-tunnel with room for kiteboard, integrated digital camera for taking beach shots, rubber boot (trunk) for transporting wet items without that moldy funk creeping in, sand-and -water-proof switches. Even the cheese-grater marks are apparently attuned to a kite lifestyle: "Natural flow lines are all around us _wind blowing shapes in sand, wave forms seen from above _and are literally symbolic of movement itself."
Even kitesurfers need an assist from the barrel-chested hasselhof warriors every once in a while
"Two kite-boarders were rescued after being swept out to sea by strong rip-currents at Port Alfred at the weekend and, in separate incidents, a man nearly drowned and a search was conducted for a boat in distress at False Bay.The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was alerted early on Sunday following reports of a kite-boarder being swept out to sea at West Beach, Port Alfred. A second man, who had swum out to assist the kite-boarder, had also struggled in the surf."
In 2007 Kite-Line.Com is going the extra mile for it's customers...
Do you get more confused year after year with all of the kiteboarding gear choices? It seems that every three months a new design is released that is soooo much better than the previous one. New innovations are created and hyped, every kite is incredible, the wind range is huge, but without trying the gear before you buy the customer is left guessing and trusting the "hype." Well, no more...as Kite-Line.Com is bringing the demo directly to the customer!
Kite-Line.Com has implemented a demo program for the latest 2007 kitesurfing gear including kites and in the future will be offering demos of boards from all major manufacturers. The customer can select the appropriate kite model and size for a fee of $199 which includes a 2-week demo. Kite-Line.Com ships the kite free of charge via FedEX ground. If the customer decides to purchase the kite then the entire $199 will be refunded back to the customer! It doesn't get any better than that.
So go ahead and try any kite you would like and don't get burned any longer by getting the wrong gear. Visit us at www.kite-line.com or call 541-815-3209.
BINGHAM TOWNSHIP — For Julian Hills, there's no comparison between snowboarding and kiteboarding. "You don't have to buy lift tickets and stuff,” the 14-year-old Benzie student said Saturday, gesturing at the open expanse of a frozen Lake Leelanau. He was getting instruction in the art of snow-kiteboarding at the Kite Derby, held on the 8-inch thick ice.
Now this is dedication. Makes me wonder about my hesitation hopping in the drink at Alameda during a winter storm. I'm pretty sure this isn't a day for a 3/2 though. especially impressed with the rail-slides on the ice.
Monkeykites is searching for a new design for our Newschool kite TRIBE The Monkeykites TRIBE is a Intermediate / Wakestyle kite and features
-Steady Pull -Easy handling -Fast turning -Rock steady stability in the air -Predictability in the air -Huge depower range -Unique riding comfort from monkeykite´s FLEXSTRUTS -Responsive bar allows you to locate the kite and feel where it is no matter what you are doing -Super Strong Construction to absorb the moves you are learning
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN, What would be the perfect graphic for this kite? Your task: Design a new look for the new Monkeykites TRIBE 2007 Which reflects its POWER, RELIABILITY and FREESTYLE ADVANTAGES!
Your Graphics have to include the monkeykites name and logo!
All competing designs should be posted here on this monkeykiteforum!!
THE WINNER is gonna get : A Monkeykites quiver (includes 2 new 2007 Monkeykites TRIBE, a MONKEYBAR and a MONKEYHARNESS) But this isnt all! You will also enjoy seeing your design in the air , all arround the world.
The Beast Very gentle flyer compared to the more high aspect EH Rippehr. This kite has insane lift! More of the forgiver lower aspect version of the Rippehr.
Here is what Eric the designer himself has to say RippEHr has come to proven it self to be the kite for the extreme riders, its speed and power can be dangerous for the uninitiated, but for the experts, advanced riders and especially for the unhooked riders,(video), a dream come true, the easy and precise handling of its power combined with the vastly increased hang time plus huge range make even the most difficult trick look easy. But the not so experienced complained that it is to fast and my distributors asked me to start working on a mellower all round bow kite that is easy to use for all.
Rippehr versus Beast Aspect Ratio difference
So Cabarete's windy spring and summer brought us a new kite, I mellowed out the Ripper by giving it a lower aspect ratio and a deeper profile. This gives "The Beast" better low wind pull while the advanced alignment allows a huge wind range. The low AR and the extra profile make the kite a powerhouse. For some reason, and this caught me by surprise, this combination gives the kite an incredible lift resulting in increased hangtime and inrcedibly soft landings.
The Beast is a low AR Bow kite has good low end grunt that will forgive most common pilot errors, it has a huge range plus smooth gradual depower and gives you the feeling you are riding I a comfortable Mercedes Benz. The perfect kite to learn how catch big air and to cruise around on the weekends.
The Beast is build to outlast its competition, the kite is cut with the EH panel cut, for profile stability and long life. All fabrics and materials used are the best value for your money and used in a manner to get the most performance out of them. All EH kite are extensively tested in Cabarete waters by some of the most demanding riders and inflated at the factory to top of quality control.
Video Check the video: http://www.cabareteairforce.com/Video/Beast10M604x480.m
We're in the board game now and we’re backing it up with light weight, solid performers. As the leader in kitesurfing technologies and manufacturing, we are committed to providing the same high level of design and quality for our boards as our kite customers have enjoyed for years. This season we have completely revamped our board program. Using a state of the art manufacturing facility, the highest quality materials, and proven technologies, we present 3 new board models.
The Prodigy is the easiest way to get yourself up and riding with the least amount of effort. The Prodigy 48 and 58 is designed to provide a stable platform with fantastic edging capabilities. Built with an ABS sidewall and polyurethane core construction, it is made to withstand the type of abuse that a first time board usually is given. Prodigy comes with our custom cut, moderate density footpad and widebody adjustable footstraps, four G10 fins (50mm), and a handle.
The Cabrinha Imperial is a board that likes to be ridden hard and fast. The outline, which is narrower than our Custom model, is made to handle high speeds through rough or choppy water. For freestyle or freeriding, you’ll have the confidence to take off or land your trick anywhere... in control. With a size range of 123cm all the way up to 138cm, there is a board in the range to fit riders of all sizes. The imperial is also built with an ABS sidewall construction and PVC core. A biax/quadrax glass lay-up provides a forgiving flex and comfortable ride. The Imperial comes standard with multi-density footpads, Wide-body adjustable footstraps, handle, and four G-10 fins (50mm).
The Custom model retains its dedicated Wakestyle/Freeride design elements. The Custom is a performance model with excellent pop. It is the board of choice for riders like Andre Phillip. Its wider plan-form and progressive rocker give the board a solid feel for Wakestyle riding. This entirely new construction technique features an ABS sidewall, a PVC core, and mixed weight quadraxial glass to keep the durability high and the weights low. The new Custom comes standard with multi-density footpads, Wide-body adjustable footstraps, handle, and four G-10 fins (50mm).
