Kiteboarding News

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated this year.

The contest is now over and we would like to say a really big thank you to Peter Lynn, Ozone, Dakine, Himaya and Ultra Nectar for their support of the contest - excellent prizes have flown out all over the world to the lucky weekly winners since last December.

Nice work to the speedsters on White Bear Lake in Minnesota who took the top 3 spots overall: Mark Kedrowski (63.4mph), John Zietlow (63.1) and Joe Levins (62.3) and to Chris Krug from North Conway, NH for being the speediest on a Peter Lynn kite and winning a new Scorpion (58.4).

This was also a speedy year for women with our top speeds for the girls in the 3 years of this contest: Ylva Timner of Sweden (43.8) and Molly Savard of NH (43.1). A shout out to Seth Merriam as well for coming in with the second fastest snowboard speed we have seen in this contest (46.4).

See the whole and final list at: www.stormboarding.com/speedranking0607.html We hope to see all of you and more back for the fun for the 2007-2008 winter and wish you lots of sun and breeze until then.

Think spring, rzm www.stormboarding.com

Labels: Competition, Speed

Place your bets, see who can make it to 50kts first. I'm going for the boys in the Deutschland, keeping it real, on ze germany engineering tip.

Labels: Speed

Cheesy Techno Version



Techno-free Version

Labels: Kite-related, Speed

This new advanced steering system has been designed to propel the worldwide water-craft industry into the 21st Century and beyond, by means of a quick fitting system, enhanced speed and sleek performance for surfboards. This concept is an alternative to today’s tedious and time consuming process of board manufacturing. Shredda Advanced Steering Systems inspiration was to come up with a better and easier way of finishing off surfboards and to strive in making the surfing industry safer for all surfers while staying focused on the environment’s needs.While developing the Shredda we drew upon the specifications of Jet fighters, the speed they travel at, and their sleek performance cutting through the air. We applied that criteria to then trying to eliminate the drag that surfboard fins produce. Shredda have been working on this new design for 3 years to produce a dynamic product and to enhance the performance of surfboards.By designing our own fitting system for the Shredda, we have now advanced the way we finish off our surfboards and have eliminated the excessive attention required in attaching conventional fin systems in surfboard manufacturing today. This Engineer Designed product can be fitted to any old surfboard with a removable fin system, or new surfboards. Our system results in a substantially lighter surfboard. By following the fitting instructions and using the template supplied, you will ensure that your Shredda is fitted to your board for optimum performance.Being environmentally conscious and wanting to reduce environmental waste we then inquired about using recycled materials in our product. With further research, development and technology, we now use Polypropylene (100% recycled material) in the manufacturing of our Shredda Pro 1 & Pro 2. We have manufactured this product to be affordable to all surfers by keeping the price under $100 Retail and making it available at all surf shops and board manufacturers. For all surf shop owners and board manufacturers please Email us at sales@shredda.comShredda Advanced Steering Systems Pty Ltd, have an Innovation Patent and International Patents (PCT Application lodged). The trademark office has also accepted our Trademark Application No. 909211 in relation to our logo. This will ensure a quality product being manufactured and produced in Australia, by Australians. We have assembled a professional team of Lawyers and Attorneys to protect Shredda Advanced Steering System, IP rights and Trade mark from unauthorized use and production of inferior products.With continual research and development, our focus is to enhance the performance in all water sports and activities while staying focused on the surfing way of life. Shredda’s future plans are to design and build the ultimate wave pool for surfers to shred 24hrs / 7days on perfect waves.SHREDDA THE ULTIMATE IN SPEED AND PERFORMANCE!

Labels: board, Speed

EH Cabarete's new bowkite 'The Beast'.

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

Labels: Competition, Kites, Speed, Video

PSYCHO 3 AVAILABLE – NOW IN 4.0 m²

Right form the start of the PSYCHO 3 sales we felt confident that this kite will be a must have among lots of kiters. The preorder volume was more than 20% higher than it was with the PULSE. However, the demand on the PULSE is still high! It seems like the kite community waited for our new freestyler, the PSYCHO 3 , that advanced to our “most wanted kite”. In order to be prepared fort he autumn storms, we started to produce a PSYCHO 3 in 4 m².

Kite overview
PULSE – freerider – the intermediate kite
PSYCHO 3 – freestyler – the kite for advanced riders and pro’s
SPEED – racer – Our Speed-kite and the best kite for getting upwind on water


NEW LOGO / WEBSITE

New Flysurfer Logo

New website features:
* Kite designer (select your own colors for your kite)
* Dealer locator (new Google Map interface)
* Line service (order a line replacement)


FULL-DEPOWER-SAFETYLINE (FDS) FOR THE SPEED
For those of you who own a SPEED and what to have the same safety (5th line) as on the PSYCHO 3 and PULSE we can now offer the FDS as an upgrade kit for all sizes.

With the FDS it is possible to flag out the kite with almost zero pull. The FDS already showed its efficiency on the PSYCHO 3 and the PULSE.

The upgrade kit can be ordered at your local dealer or directly at the Flysurfer online shop. It consists of:

* 4 gallery lines incl. the LCL’s
* 1x 21m FDS-line (3 m + 6 m + 12 m)
* 1x Easy-Line-Connector
* 1x FDS-Weakpointline
* 1x FDS-Endline
* 1x Steel ring
* 1x Safety-Standard-Leash

Price: 99,00 Euro + shipping costs.

Check the whole system after you installed it in light winds in order to be sure that you did everything correctly!

Labels: Kites, Speed

Analysis of GPS data shows that this guy broke the 500m world record, 80.429 km/hr. Force 8-9 winds in a Caution Answer 9m 85.9 km/hr max speed.

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/a...33331393764.jpg

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/a...16330373665.jpg

GPSResults V3.10
filename: direct download
altitude(s) not considered
projected (straight) speeds
linear interpolation, one run per leg,
total time: 74min, total length: 25.442km

max:
12:46:23 47.7m 85.900km/h 46.382knots
13:07:01 47.3m 85.148km/h 45.976knots
13:30:33 46.2m 83.167km/h 44.906knots
12:56:27 44.4m 79.994km/h 43.193knots
13:16:59 43.6m 78.552km/h 42.415knots
12:38:03 42.7m 76.811km/h 41.474knots
13:42:27 42.7m 76.810km/h 41.474knots
13:21:59 32.0m 57.588km/h 31.095knots
12:37:11 23.7m 42.574km/h 22.988knots
12:53:13 22.2m 39.974km/h 21.584knots
average[2]: 85.524km/h 46.179knots
average[5]: 82.552km/h 44.575knots

100m:
12:46:25 4.2s 84.731km/h 45.751knots
13:07:03 4.4s 82.667km/h 44.636knots
13:30:33 4.4s 82.172km/h 44.369knots
12:56:29 4.5s 79.807km/h 43.092knots
13:17:03 4.6s 77.619km/h 41.911knots
12:38:05 4.8s 75.590km/h 40.816knots
13:42:29 4.8s 75.590km/h 40.815knots
13:21:59 6.8s 52.840km/h 28.531knots
12:53:13 9.2s 39.173km/h 21.152knots
12:37:15 9.4s 38.169km/h 20.609knots
average[2]: 83.699km/h 45.194knots
average[5]: 81.399km/h 43.952knots

250m:
12:46:29 10.9s 82.236km/h 44.404knots
13:30:37 11.1s 80.802km/h 43.629knots
13:07:05 11.3s 79.579km/h 42.969knots
13:17:05 11.7s 77.161km/h 41.664knots
12:56:35 11.7s 76.890km/h 41.517knots
12:38:25 12.2s 73.575km/h 39.727knots
13:42:35 12.5s 71.784km/h 38.760knots
13:22:01 21.3s 42.207km/h 22.790knots
12:53:17 23.5s 38.376km/h 20.721knots
12:44:29 26.3s 34.242km/h 18.489knots
average[2]: 81.519km/h 44.017knots
average[5]: 79.333km/h 42.837knots

500m:
12:46:29 22.4s 80.429km/h 43.428knots
13:30:41 23.1s 77.860km/h 42.041knots
13:07:03 23.3s 77.321km/h 41.750knots
12:56:47 24.1s 74.819km/h 40.399knots
13:17:15 24.2s 74.356km/h 40.149knots
12:38:25 24.7s 72.866km/h 39.344knots
13:42:45 27.4s 65.654km/h 35.450knots
12:53:29 48.9s 36.819km/h 19.881knots
12:44:51 58.0s 31.014km/h 16.746knots
12:43:11 59.9s 30.057km/h 16.229knots
average[2]: 79.144km/h 42.735knots
average[5]: 76.957km/h 41.553knots

10s:
12:46:27 229.2m 82.498km/h 44.545knots
13:30:37 225.2m 81.061km/h 43.769knots
13:07:03 223.3m 80.393km/h 43.409knots
13:17:07 215.2m 77.463km/h 41.827knots
12:56:33 215.1m 77.438km/h 41.813knots
12:38:21 205.1m 73.834km/h 39.867knots
13:42:31 202.6m 72.936km/h 39.382knots
13:22:01 134.2m 48.321km/h 26.091knots
12:53:13 108.8m 39.160km/h 21.144knots
12:37:15 104.5m 37.618km/h 20.312knots
average[2]: 81.779km/h 44.157knots
average[5]: 79.771km/h 43.073knots

Labels: Speed

September 11th, 2006

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites, Speed, Video

"These pics come from the island of Zanzibar. The sand is the whitest finest sand I have ever seen. Water temp about 89. The wind blew for 3 days. Average wind speed 24 mph. There was an outer barrier reef about 1 mile from shore. The inner reef was waist deep."

More pics after the jump

sunset with a dhow going by.	IMG_4092.jpg

Labels: Speed

irush Hammer '07

The Hammer is a very unusual board - for this reason it was not a big seller in the UK until Kiteworld got their hands on it early summer. After that article you couldn't find one in the UK -

Really popular in the OZ the original board came from the French Airush rider Julian Sudrat who used this shape as his stock twin tip. It's a Wave riding twin that has one main difference - it's really allround and is increadibly comfortable in really rough chppy conditions.

The board has thick mid rails much like a surfboard; plenty of carving grip.. Flip tips to stop you going over the front when you come back down the wave.. thin tips and fairly large centrally placed fins for carving stability and maintain a surfing outline, flex in the tip sections of the board for control and qhite a reasonable volume considering the ultra flat TT's we are used to seeing today.

Don't be put off by the shape of these boards - they are very good - conventional is not always right!





Product Overview
• Developed from a traditional twintip and worked to enhance the wave riding capabilities radically without loosing the ease of use.
• Originally conceived to be a dedicated wave riding twintip the Hammer also proved to be a huge stand out in very choppy conditions.
• Due to the popularity of this board a new 144 size has been introduced for heavier riders and lighter winds.

Code; Model; Sizes;
AB07HA138 Hammer 138 138cm x 38.5cm
AB07HA144 Hammer 144 144cm x 42cm

Target User
Rider who still wants twin tip versatility but rides in waves.
Rider who kites in extremely choppy and rough conditions, or prefers a
slightly longer board.

Rails
Tucked Surf Rails through the center of the board to allow a positive driving bottom turn. A hard edge through the last 1⁄4 of the board to keep speed and bite when coming off the top.

Rocker
Three stage “Wave” rocker with slightly increased rocker in the tip area for clearance and increased turning.

Tip Shape and Flex
A narrower tail with more curve in the rear section of the outline, combined with reduced thickness and increased flfl ex in the tail. The result is maximum snap when coming off the top.

Bottom shape
Double V Concave into spiral V – This bottom shape was developed with
two outcomes in mind. Firstly to enhance the directional stability of the board without the need for massive fifi ns and secondly to give a positive drive when rolling the board over from the heel edge to the toe edge when initiating a turn.

Overall Planform
Compared to a medium size freestyle board the Hammer has increased
water line length and a slightly narrower width to enhance stability on the
wave

Fins
The Code fin provides maximum grip for waveriding and is designed to limit the front catching.

Construction



X-link LT Construction
Our premium construction illustrating perfect flfl ex and a bombproof
construction with our X-Link PVC core. Boards featuring our X-Link Lt
construction use a combination of the high density core with unidirectional
and biaxial cloth, together with wood reinforcing in the high impact heel
areas. A full top and bottom rail wrap allows for a soft hand shaped rail
ensuring the board is more forgiving and stable to ride. A top sheet layer on the bottom deck enhances the durability without limiting the flex characteristics.

Labels: Airush, board, Speed

Discovery Channel: StuntJunkies. Big Media continues to make us all look like testosterone fueled idiots

:: SEPT. 6, 2006 PREMIERES ::

KITEBOARD ISLAND LEAP
Jason Slezak would like to execute the largest land gap ever attempted, ramp to ramp, on a kiteboard. He will approach the takeoff ramp at a high rate of speed in order to achieve the required height (approx. 30-40 feet) and distance necessary to clear an entire island, complete with trees and animals, all while flying over a camera to document this incredible feat. Jason will then have to land on a down ramp on the opposite side of the island. Adding to the difficulty of this stunt, Jason will have to estimate his landing as he will not be able to view the other side of the island from the takeoff ramp. Many factors such as wind speed and direction, wave size, his speed and position must work in unison for this stunt to be a success. The stunt requires the extraordinary ability to combine skills from a variety of disciplines, such as wakeboarding, surfing, sailing and flying, into one spectacular, unique act.
Premiere: Sept. 6, 2006

Labels: Kite-related, Speed

Fuerteventura Kiteboard World Cup

Double victory for France: Guenon & Consorti win the 2006 PKRA Kiteboarding Speed Grand Prix

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 August, 2006 : - - Today the island Fuerteventura saw one of the most successful events in the history of speedkiting. During the last 5 days, 11 races have been started, a number that hasn't been seen before at a speed event ever.

With a windforce up to 8 Beaufort (35-40 knots) the World Record of Olaf Marting (41, 79 knots) has been missed only with a blink of an eye. French Christophe Prin Guenon raced 40, 75 knots and ended the contests on 1st place in both valuations: top speed ranking and with his seven 1st places also in overall ranking.

Having high speed in the last two runs, next frenchman Alexandre Caizergues (Top Speed: 40,14) jumped on second places in overall ranking. Having the same amount of points but with less top speed (39,03) Sebastian Catellan, also France, ended up third.

German Dirk Hanel used the last races to improve in the final ranking. With one fourth and one second place today he finished this worldcup at 5th position. Jochen Bock ended 10th as second best German.

In womens races the French girl Charlotte Consorti stayed in front also on the last day of competition. She led a French womens triumvirate to success: Aurelia Herpin finished 2nd, Fabienne d´Ortoli 3rd.

Mens Speed Results:
1.Christophe Prin (FRA)
2. Alexandre Caizergues (FRA)
3. Sebastian Catellan (FRA)

Women's Speed Results
1. Charlotte Consorti (FRA)
2. Aurelia Herpin (FRA)
3. Fabienne d'Ortoli (FRA)

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Speed

"The thing you can always say about airush is that they never try and shoehorn the sport of kitesurfing into one product. It makes my life hell trying to guess what everyone will want, but at least they cover all the bases!! This year Airush are going with three bow kites, two hybrids and one pure bow.....more after the jump.









Product Overview
• Combines the incredible wind range and sheeting ability of a BOW kite with the direct steering and bar simplicity of a 4 line kite.
• Excellent for all level of riding from dedicated wave riding to dedicated freestyle.
• Perfect for hooked in and unhooked riding.
• Radically reduced bar pressure compared to 2006
• Completely re engineered new generation Hybrid/SLE.
• Radically increased wind range and safety
• Increased low wind performance

Control Bar overview; dedicated Flow control bar featuring:
• Functional pulley free control bar.
• Modular control bar design to allow for multi functional leash, depower and line configuration.
• On the fly stopper ball, for easy bar adjustments

Compared to the DNA
• The flow has a faster turning speed.
• The flow has more of a flatter profile for improved upwind ability and high wind performance

Compared to the Lift
• The Flow has increased wind range due to the Hybrid/SLE design.

Buy this kite if you want:
• A new generation all round performance kite

Target customer
• Advanced beginner to Pro riders.
• Suitable for wave, freeride and freestyle

Key Selling points
• New generation design
• Large windrange
• Easy handling
• Extremely predictable
• Simple to re launch
• Aluminium shaft pump on all sizes
• Auto deflators on ball valves
• Heavy-duty bag with extendable section
• Excellent for all standards of rider

Sizes and spec
Product Code Model Bar Length
AK07FL05 Flow SLE 05 45cm
AK07FL07 Flow SLE 07 45cm
AK07FL10 Flow SLE 10 45cm
AK07FL12 Flow SLE 12 55cm
AK07FL14 Flow SLE 14 55cm
AK07FL16 Flow SLE 16 65cm

Labels: Airush, Kites, Speed

August 3rd, 2006

2006 Fuerteventura World Cup – Day 2

Fuerteventura PKRA Kiteboarding Grand Prix 2006

Competitors and spectators were greeted to more incredible wind and clear skies in Fuerteventura for the second day of the PKRA Grand Prix 2006. The riders rigged up their smaller kites to handle the gusty 25 to 30 knots of wind and PKRA officials continued to run two man heats instead of four for safety reasons as well as ease of judging. The first riders took to the water around 11 am for the continuation of the single elimination tournament, which was successfully completed by 4 pm. Conditions were challenging for the competitors as the waves continued to grow in size throughout the afternoon, nonetheless they persevered, striving for the goal of close to $50,000 USD in prize money.

In the first heat of the day, Mallory De la Villemarqué (North, France) landed a technical frontside 3 against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, Netherlands), however, he did not exhibit enough variety and power to secure a spot in the next round. Best team members, Alvaro Onieva (Spain) and Bas Koole (Netherlands) ripped up the water next. Alvaro displayed his usual bag full of tricks including a blind judge, a back to blind, a raley to blind, a hasselhoff, a double front to blind, and a mobe to advance against his teammate, Bas. Cesar Portas (North, Spain) and Philipp Brückmann (Carved, Germany) followed, with Cesar nailing a powerful mobe to downloop and a blind judge to stay in the tournament before meeting up with Kevin Langeree (Naish, Netherlands) in the third round.

In arguably the best seven minutes of kiteboarding for the day, Ruben Lenten (Slingshot, Netherlands) and cousin, Kevin Langeree were on fire, shooting off trick after trick, getting the crowd cheering. Kevin nailed a sweet frontside 3, a handlepass, an amazing mobe 5, a KGB, and a hasselhoff, while Ruben answered back by going big with an F16 grab and a kung fu. Ultimately, in a close judge’s decision, Kevin secured the win, advancing to the next round. Following the pair of Dutch cousins were Cabrinha team members Alberto Rondina (Italy) and Petr Tyushkevich (Russian Federation) in yet another exceptionally close heat. Alberto pulled off a nice slim, front to blind, and a backside 3, but it wasn’t enough to defeat Petr’s arsenal of tricks such as a fat chance, 3-1-3, raley to blind, slim, and a frontside 3.

Rui Meira (Naish, Portugal) and Randy Hereman (F-One, Netherlands) battled it out in another close match, but Randy was on a mission, sticking a blind judge, a powerful mobe 5, and a kiteloop to move ahead into the next round of the single elimination tournament where he would meet up with PKRA points leader, Aaron Hadlow. Finishing up round two, Mikael Blomvall (JN Kites, Sweden) landed a nice blind judge, mobe, and slim to take out Lorenzo Giovanneli (Slingshot, Italy), while Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil, UK) moved past Erik Volpe (Italy) with an aerial back to blind and a sick kiteloop handlepass

Third round action pitted Youri Zoon against Alvaro Onieva in a close heat, however, Youri was unstoppable, displaying tons of power and energy to earn his place in the semifinals. Kevin Langeree faced Cesar Portas in a heat where variety ended up being the key for success. Although Cesar nailed a strong mobe, blind judge and an aerial back to blind, Kevin was on like crazy glue, sticking an F16, a 3-1-3, a frontside 3, mobe to wrapped, KGB, and a hasselhoff to move on to meet fellow Nethlerlander, Zoon in the next round. Petr Tyushkevich, also showed off a variety of powerful tricks, blasting a sick fat chance, slim chance, and blind judge to advance against Mikael Blomvall, who rallied valiantly with an aerial back to blind and double S bend. Next out of the gate were Randy Hereman and Aaron Hadlow, both going for it and giving the beach plenty to cheer about. Randy landed a powerful raley to blind and super powered kiteloop, however, Aaron continued to impress the judges with his variety and clean, technical moves giving him the edge over Hereman.

The beach was in a frenzy for the semifinals with the intense action on the water. Aaron Hadlow and Petr Tyushkevich both were charging, using the waves and trying to outdo each other. Aaron ended up the victor based on variety and power of his tricks, even giving the crowd a show with a huge, high kiteloop close to the beach. Also in the semifinals, fellow Dutchmen, Kevin Langeree and Youri Zoon put on an amazing display of moves, each rider wanting a spot in the finals versus Hadlow. Youri stuck a mega kiteloop, a kung fu 3, and a technical front mobe, but it wasn’t enough to stop the energy-filled Kevin from advancing with a powerful frontside 3, KGB, and difficult mobe 5.

The close competition continued in the loser’s final where Youri squared off against Petr. Youri banged out a huge F16, front mobe, handlepass with a 360, and a quality blind judge 3 to secure him third place overall. The men’s single elimination finals once again paired rivals Kevin Langeree and Aaron Hadlow in a nailbiting showdown. Kevin, eager for another win, was ripping, landing a frontside 3, a sick hasselhoff, and an aerial back to blind, but it was not quite enough to edge out Aaron, who was determined to take first, nailing an F16, an aerial back to blind, and a massive kiteloop. Kevin will have a chance to seize the top spot in the tournament during the double eliminations, which begin tomorrow.

First up for the women were Angela Peral (North, Spain) and Karolina Winkowska (Naish, Poland). Karolina dominated the heat with lots of variety, such as a kung fu, big air jumps with grabs, and riding to blind. The next heat featured Ania Grzelinska (North, Poland) versus Wiktoria Boszko (North, Poland) in an incredibly close bout. Ania blasted off a kiteloop, a front, a back, and a raley, but North teammate, Wiktoria, edged past her with a nice back roll, krypt, and a very technical raley to blind with surface handlepass. Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) then faced off against Pauline Boussard (Wipika, France). Jo tore up the water, getting lots of air with grabs and showing off a variety of powered tricks, meanwhile, Pauline landed front and back rolls, and a one foot jump, but it wasn’t enough to prevail against the determined Brit.

In one of the most exciting heats of the day, World Champion Kristin Boese (Best, Germany) faced Gisela Pulido (Airush, Spain). Both nailed technical handlepasses, though Kristin pulled out the victory with more unhooked tricks, like the back to wrapped and the raley to blind, to move on to the semifinals. In the women’s semifinals, Wiktoria Boszko was overpowered in the strong winds, which allowed Karolina Winkowska to advance with a front to blind, a krypt, a surface pass, and a kung fu. The superstar performer of the day, Jo Wilson, continued her charge, landing a front spin with a grab, a sick raley, an indy, a krypt, and a front to toeside, for the upset over Kristin Boese, to advance to the finals.

The loser’s final featured Kristin versus Wiktoria Boszko. Kristin was charging with a perfectly executed front roll with a grab, a raley, an unhooked double front, and a krypt, securing third place in the women’s single elimination tournament. The women’s final between Jo Wilson and Karolina Winkowska was action packed. Karolina stuck a variety of tricks, including a kung fu and a krypt, but it wasn’t enough to stop Jo Wilson from taking first place with her big air grabs and powered moves. Kristin, Wiktoria and Karolina will have a second chance in the double elimination tournament starting tomorrow to continue their quest for the top position overall.

The Speed Grand Prix event has been extremely challenging so far with sideshore winds and large waves to contend against. The morning runs, when the water is a bit flatter, have proven better for results, with speeds hitting the 40 knot mark. Currently Christophe Prin-Guenon (Naish, France) is in first place for the men with 1.4 total points and a top speed of 40.75 knots - only .04 knots away from the world record! Charlotte Consorti (France, F-One) is in the number one position for the women with 2.7 points overall and a top speed of 29.55 knots. Many riders have been experiencing extreme crashes and suffering broken bones as a result. Yesterday, speed rider John Grimm (Best, US) was taken to the hospital after a wipe out left him with two broken ribs, but today he was seen walking around the event site encouraging fellow riders, although disappointed to be out of the competition. Tomorrow promises more excitement on the speed course as past world record holder Manu Taub (Wipika, France), along with last year’s winner Sebastien Cattalan (France), continue their pursuit of the new world record.

The skipper’s meeting is at 10 am tomorrow with a first possible start at 11 am. Riders will try to move ahead in the competition rankings during the double elimination tournament, which begins tomorrow. A DJ will be in the event tent starting at 11 pm tonight and every night this week.

Be sure to check out www.caribbeanwinds.com for a live tournament ladder, updated statistics, great photos, and videos of the event!

For live results and contest ladders log on to:
Caribbeanwinds.com

Labels: Airush, Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha, Competition, Contest, Naish, North, Pulido, Ruben Lenten, Speed

Airush 2007 kites; technical info
Airush have been busy since the release of the Halo back in late Decmber, and now it's time for the new model year. What follows after this is their own rundown of the range and how it all fits together as part of a well thought out range.

To summarise it all for you their 5 kite model range from '06 (4 C kites, one bow) has been redesigned to the same number of models (5) but 3 Bow kites and Two C's. There will be individual writeups on all the three bow kites further into the trade expo section.

all new kite; DNA bow
Three strut Hybrid Bow, 4 line, for beginners and waveriders. A well hyped kite on the net already it's simple and very effective. Available early Sept.

all new kite; FLOW SLE bow
All new hybrid performance bow kite - depowers like a pure bow, feels just like a C kite. Available 3 weeks (mid/late August).

all new kite; HALO '07 bow
Refinement of this years 4 line pure bow (pullys on the bar - Available mid to late Sept)

all new kite; LIFT '07 C kite
A refinement on the 2006 Freeride 4 or 5 line C kite. Special order only.

all new kite; REACTOR '07 C kite
The superfast 5 ine C for waveriding, freestyle and general lunacy! Special order only.

I have had early prototypes of the Lift, DNA and Flow SLE to try so far and will post up more realworld explanations to them on their individual posts in trade expo.

This is how Airush explain the 2007 lineup;
Kite Technology
2007 has seen a breakthrough in development of the geometry of each specific model to meet each rider’s performance requirement. We have focused on the unique demands of each level and rider group and enhanced each model to exceed their expectations.

Planform
With the introduction of swept wingtip designs, supported leading edges and increased depower, planform is critical in determining a kites performance. The figure below illustrates the huge differentiation between the curvature of the leading edges, positioning of the wingtips in relation to the center of effort and trailing edge shape.
Comparisons of the Lift and Reactor show the slightly more traditional shape of the Lift when compared to the wider wingtips and reduced Span to chord ratio of the Reactor.
With the Supported Leading edge kites (DNA, Flow & Halo) a more curved leading edge allows easier relaunch, and works together with the swept wingtip enhancing the depower.




Wingtip Configuration
A closer look at wingtip configuration and the positioning of the front tow point on each design allows you to understand the effect on sheeting, steering and depower.
On Hybrid Kites, the reduced sweep of the wingtip on the DNA and Flow means a pulley system is not required to achieve a given amount of de power. By avoiding the pulleys the steering is more direct with more feedback from the kite, allowing you to “feel” where the kite is in the window. Limiting the curvature of the leading edge reduces the relaunch slightly (although still significantly easier than a C-Kite).
The larger sweep on the Halo’s (which offers the best rollover relaunch) requires a 2/1 pulley ratio to ensure the bar remains within the riders reach while allowing maximum sheeting. A defining factor on the performance difference between the Reactor and Lift is the difference in wingtip size. The wider wingtips on the Reactor allow the kite to turn positively even at extreme angles of attack.

Airush 2007 kites; technical info

Airush have been busy since the release of the Halo back in late Decmber, and now it's time for the new model year. What follows after this is their own rundown of the range and how it all fits together as part of a well thought out range.

To summarise it all for you their 5 kite model range from '06 (4 C kites, one bow) has been redesigned to the same number of models (5) but 3 Bow kites and Two C's. There will be individual writeups on all the three bow kites further into the trade expo section.

all new kite; DNA bow
Three strut Hybrid Bow, 4 line, for beginners and waveriders. A well hyped kite on the net already it's simple and very effective. Available early Sept.

all new kite; FLOW SLE bow
All new hybrid performance bow kite - depowers like a pure bow, feels just like a C kite. Available 3 weeks (mid/late August).

all new kite; HALO '07 bow
Refinement of this years 4 line pure bow (pullys on the bar - Available mid to late Sept)

all new kite; LIFT '07 C kite
A refinement on the 2006 Freeride 4 or 5 line C kite. Special order only.

all new kite; REACTOR '07 C kite
The superfast 5 ine C for waveriding, freestyle and general lunacy! Special order only.

I have had early prototypes of the Lift, DNA and Flow SLE to try so far and will post up more realworld explanations to them on their individual posts in trade expo.

This is how Airush explain the 2007 lineup;

Kite Technology
2007 has seen a breakthrough in development of the geometry of each specific model to meet each rider’s performance requirement. We have focused on the unique demands of each level and rider group and enhanced each model to exceed their expectations.

Planform
With the introduction of swept wingtip designs, supported leading edges and increased depower, planform is critical in determining a kites performance. The figure below illustrates the huge differentiation between the curvature of the leading edges, positioning of the wingtips in relation to the center of effort and trailing edge shape.
Comparisons of the Lift and Reactor show the slightly more traditional shape of the Lift when compared to the wider wingtips and reduced Span to chord ratio of the Reactor.
With the Supported Leading edge kites (DNA, Flow & Halo) a more curved leading edge allows easier relaunch, and works together with the swept wingtip enhancing the depower.


Wingtip Configuration
A closer look at wingtip configuration and the positioning of the front tow point on each design allows you to understand the effect on sheeting, steering and depower.
On Hybrid Kites, the reduced sweep of the wingtip on the DNA and Flow means a pulley system is not required to achieve a given amount of de power. By avoiding the pulleys the steering is more direct with more feedback from the kite, allowing you to “feel” where the kite is in the window. Limiting the curvature of the leading edge reduces the relaunch slightly (although still significantly easier than a C-Kite).
The larger sweep on the Halo’s (which offers the best rollover relaunch) requires a 2/1 pulley ratio to ensure the bar remains within the riders reach while allowing maximum sheeting. A defining factor on the performance difference between the Reactor and Lift is the difference in wingtip size. The wider wingtips on the Reactor allow the kite to turn positively even at extreme angles of attack.


Foil shapes
Foil shapes on each model have been optimized to offer the best
compromise of speed and stability based on the rider requirements.
The finer the entry and shallower the draft, the faster the kite is through the air, the easier it goes upwind and the less drag you have from the canopy. By using a deeper draft and placing the C/E further forward (Less fine entry) the kite becomes more stable and generates more low-end power with less rider input. This can be viewed below as a progression from the DNA as absolute ease of use, to the Reactor on the other extreme for absolute performance.


Canopy Curve
A large amount of development has been put into varying the shape of the arc on the canopy through a combination of bridling, Structural LE shaping and canopy shaping.
Kites featuring a flatter Arc provide more power for a given kite size but can be more prone to inversion especially when used with bridles. This should be viewed in conjunction with the amount of sweep in the wingtips. In addition flatter canopies allow more depower from the kite, as this increases the kites ability to be sheeted out. Canopies with a more traditional C shape have less drift and more positive steering due to the increased vertical component in the wingtip, which enhances directional stability.
By testing and optimizing each model of kite, and at the same time each size of kite, we have ensured the best balance of performance and stability for each user group.

Labels: Airush, Kites, Speed

Via TreeHugger

I got all excited to learn that a German fellow named Dirk Gion has gathered up a mountain board and some kitesurfing gear and taken to windskating across Austraila. I’ve always thought that the wind was an underutilized source of power. I’ve raced sailboats since high school, and I’m aware of certain iceboats exceeding 75mph and more than 10X wind speed, but I have to admit to being surprised that Dirk has managed to exceed 30mph powered only by a kite.

Aparently he has been pulled over by the police a couple of times, but had no real problems with them. I’m sure this has just been out of curiosity for the most part. I mean, I would pull him over if I was a cop just to pick his brain. I can only imagine, however, that if he was doing this in the US, the oil lobby would have had their neo-conservative buddies pass some kind of law against it, and poor Dirk would be sitting in prison now.

Anti-authroity mentality aside, however, you just have to admire a guy who tackles a 3000 + kilometer journey with only a skateboard and a kite, and it’s not like this is his only ambitious journey. At 19 he crossed Germany and France on horseback, and he has managed some pretty impressive rock climbing accomplishments as well.

Labels: board, Kites, Speed

North's 3 new boards (Cesar Pro 07, Sky Pro 07, Phantom 07) and footgear below:

CESAR PRO 07
New School Board
Size: 132cm x 40cm
Weight. 2,3kg

New school, good upwind performance, easy landing for powerful tricks, excellent tailgrip and good pop, hard flex.

After the long awaited arrival of The Cesar Pro Model, it’s finally here! The Cesar emerges as a new school competition board designed to push the limits of freestyle performance and accommodate Cesar’s powerful riding style. The flat rocker and straight outline deliver maximum speed, grip and upwind performance. Stiff flex and wide tips create explosive pop for fast, precise take-offs and hot bounce-free landings for the most powered tricks. The tip wingers make the Cesar easy to control even in the strongest wind conditions. The Cesar is truly a no-compromise, total-performance freestyle board aimed at powerful, aggressive riders.





SKY PRO 07
New School Board
Size: 136cm x 41cm
Weight: 2,5kg

Excellent upwind performance, good tailgrip and easy landings, performance for the heavier ones, hard flex.

Introducing the Sky Pro Model for 2007. Already two years in the making, the Sky Pro raises the bar of performance, comfort and style. “I use my board in almost every condition with anything from a 5M kite all the way up to 20M! It’s an awesome board for bigger riders, light wind or any rider wanting more surface area for hard fast landings. It flies upwind and has insane pop for powered tricks. The whole secret to this board’s wide range is in the tip design. The tip allows the tail of the board to sit deep in the water giving it excellent upwind drive while at the same time reducing splash on the riderfrom the opposite tip and creating a super smooth ride. The wide stance setting lowers the riders center of gravity for hard, fast landings.”





PHANTOM 07
Lightwind Board
Speed Crossing Board
Sizes:
Lightwind Cruiser 149cm x 43cm
Speed Crossing Board 138cm x 37cm

Incredible Upwind performance (inverted outline), early planing even in the lightest winds, reduced toeside area for best control, hard flex.

PHANTOM M
The Phantom M is the benchmark for early planing, rapid acceleration and perfect upwind performance. Due to its gentle sidecut, this early planing machine is able to sail upwind at a windspeed of only 9 knots. With a width of 43 cm, the board starts planing in the slightest breeze, yet remains very controllable at higher wind speeds due to the wide stance that was shifted closer to the edge. If you live in a light wind area, the Phantom is the perfect second board in your quiver that allows you to have fun when others are beached and bored.

PAHNTOM LW
Here we are with a completely new board concept. Effortless planing, easy upwind, incredible speed and best control, all comes together in one new and exciting board design. You can call it the Ferrari of the Kiteboards. This might be the most efficient board shape you have ever tried to kitesuf with. The parabolic and long outline on the heel side will give you the longest possible rail in the water, perfect for going upwind. The specially designed bottom shape will increase that lift. The rounded outline on you toe side will reduce wetted surface and provide better control in conjunction with the cut outs on the tips. You have never experienced going upwind so efficient than on this board. You hardly have to use your body weight to keep the rail under control. Upwind like on Autopilot. Fast and furious but a lot of fun.





MULTI ADJUSTABLE FOOTSTRAP 07
FOOTPADPLATE 07

Variable strap positions and widths with just one strap
Plug and screw, fast setup
Easy to adjust for different sizes

The new Multi Adjustable Footstrap developed by North Kiteboarding has many new features and advantages over last year’s model:
This footstrap adds a whole new dimension. It not only permits adjusting size and asymmetry but also width. Once fitted to the width and shape of the foot it can be adjusted as usual in size (with or without a shoe). The newly developed base permits mounting the strap to the North Kiteboarding Footpadplate on the board without any effort – simply “plug and screw”!

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, board, Competition, Kites, North, Speed

Fuerteventura Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 July, 2006 : - - Fuerteventura, 11.7.2005 - Fuerteventura will be the center of the boarder's universe for the 21th year in a row in summer 2006. Windsurfers and Kiteboarders are going to hold a series of five events from July 21th to August 5th, all of them are rated world championship events.

When Fuerteventura beckons with its crystal clear waters and guaranteed wind, the world's windsurfing and kiteboarding elite cannot resist. Which is why the list of competitors reads much like a "Who's Who" of windsurfing and kiteboarding. These riders on the wind can bank on ideal conditions on the island. As can spectators and the media.

For them, Fuerteventura is also the perfect venue, since the wind blows from just the right direction to allow contests to be held very close to the beach.

Windsurfers and kiteboarders will be competing in Freestyle world championship events. Judges will award points for the craziest jumps, coolest moves and best wave rides. "In windsurfing & kiteboarding, the level of the young shooting stars became incredibly high, so watch out for this year's hottest new moves." says René Egli - organizer & funding sponsor.

Besides the brand new Windsurfing Discipline Slalom42, that is the natural progression in windsurf racing, Speed Surfing will be held. Both - windsurfers and kiters will be present on Fuerteventuras legendary Speed strip. René Egli:

"The discipline 'Speed' will not only be a chase for records but also a battle between David against Goliath. The best amateurs can enter professional competition, and they will for sure try everything to have the show. "

And to ensure they can treat themselves in style, the by now legendary party tent on Sotavento beach will once again attract thousands of tourists and islanders to party the night away.

Windsurfing - ISA Speedsurfing Grand Prix
The ISA Speedsurfing Grand Prix is held parallel to the PWA Slalom42 World Championships. The world elite of speedsurfers will compete alongside amateurs for the best times over a 500 meter course. A WSSRC commissioner will monitor the course and ratify any world records. A prize of 25,000 € is awarded for the speed event. 21.07.-29.07.2006 Price money: 25.000€ Bonus for world record: 2.000€

Windsurfing - PWA Freestyle Grand Slam
The entire freestyle world elite will perform at Sotavento. It will be really exciting to watch the wild young challengers take over the lead in the battle for the 45,000€ prize money. Freestyle was held for the first time during the 1997 World Cup in Fuerteventura. This discipline is the windsurfers' free program.

Judges awards points for the craziest maneuvers, jumps and wave rides in a knock-out competition. The windsurfers will start in groups of four. The two best advance to the next round. 26.07.-31.07.2006 prize money: 45.000€

Kiteboarding - PKRA Freestyle Grand Prix
The tops stars of the kitesurfing scene use wind power to make jumps up to 15 m high and 70 m long. Just as in windsurfing, the craziest moves, jumps and wave rides are judged. Groups of four kitesurfers compete in a knockout competition. The best two advance to the next round. 31.07.-05.08.2006 prize money: 32.120€

If the freestyle is finished in time we will see "hangtime". The goal of the discipline hangtime is to stay as long in the air as possible. prize money: 1.835 € bonus for world record: 920 €

Kiteboarding - PKRA Speed Grand Prix
In 2005, there will be a prize of 8.250€ to attract speed kiters to the legendary speed course. The current record is hold by Olaf Marting who achieved a speed of 41,79 knots. The chase for this record is open for pros and amateurs. Each day Amateurs can go through qualifications and enter the pros competition. A WSSRC commissioner will monitor the course and ratify any world records.

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Speed

Liquid Force Kiteboarding Releases The Mission
Slezak and Redmond Collaborate on Design
by Kevin Kline, Liquid Force
June 28th, 2006

Liquidforcekites.com - New to the solid LF board line for 2006 is the Mission. Jason Slezak and Jimmy Redmond have collaborated on a new shape that has Jason's skate style of riding in mind. The main focus of this design was to build a board that would be quick to get up to speed and also offer massive pop and edge control. This continuous rocker design features a clean single concave in the middle to a double concave out the ends with subtle channels on the rails.

Construction:

Compression molded - Milled PVC foam core - PBT top and bottom

Design Features:

Exclusive LF PVC Supercore:

This LF exclusive material has the highest strength to weight ratio available in foam. This milled PVC foam will not take on water like some cheaper foams or balsa cores.

Blunted bat wing diamond tail:

Gives the board extra lift through the tail that promotes early planning and un-paralleled pop off the water.

Rounded variable rails:

The Mission has a softer more forgiving rail profile in the middle of the board that becomes progressively thinner and harder toward the ends.

Single to Double concave:

This feature gives this board the fastest water flow available allowing the board to keep moving in the lulls and have much softer landings.

Continuous rocker hull:

Makes this board fast and forgiving with smooth pop.

The 4th hole:

An added insert has been place to the outside insert pack to give the rider the option of the widest stance with Union bindings.

Available sizes:

138 x 16 1/2

Fins: 1.5 Surf

144 x 16 3/4

Fins: 1.5 Surf

MSRP: $549.99

For more information on LF Kiteboarding products check out the LF website: www.liquidforcekites.com

Dealer inquiries welcome, please email us at info@liquidforcekites.com or call toll free 1-800-820-7781 ext: 323

Labels: board, Speed

Sail Brooklyn: Plumb Beach: Brooklyn's Windsurfing & Kiteboarding Paradise: "Plumb Beach is to Brooklyn what Essaouira is to Morocco: an internationally recognized windsurfing spot. But let's not forget that we're in Brooklyn, where our beloved Plumb Beach has been referred to as 'that parking lot on the Belt Parkway, just east of Exit 9 Knapp Street.'

Once you cross the other side of that parking lot, you'll find a small, , clean khaki-color sand beach with grasses and flowers peaking through the sand. Plumb Beach is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Its also ground zero for an armada of windsurfers and kiteboarders, who take advantage of the strong breezes in the Rockaway Inlet, not to mention the easy launch access (easily accessible off the Belt Pkway, parking, short walk to the beach). When winds are between 11 and 16 knots, experienced windsurfers and kiteboarders fly on the waters at incredible speed. We don't windsurf of kiteboard, but we love watching them, particularly the kiteboarders."

Labels: Speed

San Francisco Speed Event is an independent event, not subject to nor sanctioned by, the jurisdiction of other speed sailing organizations. Due to the unique challenges of sailing on San Francisco Bay, the Event will test the prowess of sailors both local and international, and their abilities to achieve new speed sailing records specific to San Francisco Bay.


The speed course under consideration for the Event will be set inside a virtual five hundred meter ‘box’ defined by inflatable markers on four corners on the Bay, east of the Golden Gate Bridge, and directly in front of Crissy Field and the Golden Gate and St Francis Yacht Clubs. The late afternoons will be prime time for recording speed runs as the wind and current combine to make the ideal conditions to set for the first time speed sailing records on the Bay.

*Due to possible timing discrepancies results are being verified
and official results will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Awards*

Fastest Overall


TIE: Bill Weir & Mike Percey


37.27 mph

Fastest Kite


Nils Stolzlechner


32.88 mph

Fastest Windsurfer


TIE: Bill Weir & Mike Percey


37.27 mph

Fastest Multihull


Greg Ketterman


31.06 mph

Most Runs Completed


Tuki


16 runs

Labels: Speed

Kiteboard Pro World Tour 2006 >/>

The beautiful spot of Burc Beach, Istanbul, is set to host – for the 5th consecutive year – the Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup, an event co-organized with our partner Playmakert, and sponsored by Jim Beam.
Following the first stages in Italy, the Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup is the 2nd leg of this year KPWT circuit and sure to be one of the highlights of the 2006 kiteboard world cup season. Indeed, the 4 previous editions of the event proved very successfull, so this is with great pleasure that we’ll come back to Turkey and the spot of Burc Beach, which, besides offering all the infrastructures and hospitality, gathers the required riding conditions for a pro-level competition.
The opportunity for the top pro kiteboarders to gain points and fight for the world champion title.
The men and women competition boards will indeed gather the big “sizes” of international kiteboard, which promises a high quality show during the freestyle event, with a 30 000$ prize money at stake.
- Freestyle World Cup : 25 000USD
- Speed Crossing World Cup 5 000USD
- Hang Time, Best Tricks
Moreover, this event will propose various aside activities especially set up for the event and the public to enjoy : initiation to kiteboarding, skate ramp, beach soccer, volley ball...and of course parties and concerts that will complete the event programme to be further detailed.
In the meantime, we invite the riders to pre-register on www.kiteboardpro.com.

Hope to see you all in Turkey next june!...
KPWT Team
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Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Speed

Kitesurf, PKRA, Coupe des Îles, Rendez-Vous Aventure 2006

NEW ELEMENTS IN RENDEZ-VOUS AVENTURE 2006

The Iles de la Madeleine, Canada’s undisputed kiteboarding and windsurfing paradise, will host in 2006 the first Canadian Kiteboarding Challenge. Kitesurfers from every Canadian provinces will be able, for the first time, to participate in different competitions in order to access to the titles of best canadian riders.

Opened to amateurs and professionals, male and female, the Canadian Kiteboarding Challenge will be held from August 23 to 25 2006, just before the beginning of the second PKRA Kiteboarding World Cup which will bring together the World’s best kitesurfers. The Canadian Challenge will then be a unique opportunity for the winners to gain access to the professional circuit since Wild Cards will be distributed by the Rendez-Vous Aventure organization to the best Canadian and American kitesurfers. In fact, one of the four wildcards will be given to an american because the Challenge is open for Canadians and Americans as well[/B].

Add to the schedule awesome night activities that confirm the festive side of Iles de la Madeleine.

The Rendez-Vous Aventure 2006 will also host the Coupe des Iles, Fou-Raid !, dedicated to long distance races in kiteboard or in windsurf, from September 1st to September 8. On the program, you find the traditional Raid du Bout du Banc, the all new Raid du Cap-Vert, the Master of Speed and finally, the Olympic Triangle.

Hoping see you guys here in the canadian biggest wind event

Details concerning the event will be available at www.rendezvousaventure.com
For accomodation, consult www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Speed