December 2009 - The Kiteboarder Magazine

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Featured this issue:
Shoot Yourself: Getting the Most from your GoPro............................ Pg 12
Caught on Tape: The Man Behind Kiteboarding’s First VideosPg 28
The Amazing Archipelago of Los Roques............................................ Pg 36
Great Conditions, Good Times in San Quintin.................................... Pg 44
PLUS:
Close Up Profiles: Slingshot’s Alex Fox and Naish’s Britney Todd.............Pg 32
Analyze This: Best Nemi NXG, Caution Mayhem X, LF Envy, RRD Obsession,
Naish Cult, Naish Helix, Slingshot Octane, Jimmy Lewis Chamber KT,
F.one Fish and Wainman HI Blunt Tested by TKB team.............................Pg 60
Designer’s Corner: Designers introduce new products or tell you what has
changed on Balance Boards, Eclipse Kima Wave Custom, Globe V-Sonic, LF
Havoc, OR Rise and Slingshot Celerita!......................................................Pg 72
Workbench: Kite Economics 101, DIY or Pro Kite Repair?.........................Pg 84
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Rider: Ben Wilson | Photo: BenWilsonsurf.com

Rider: Alvaro Oneiva | Photo: Gavin Butler
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Chris Cousins from Eclipse on
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http://tinyurl.com/ygz9hzj
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Los Roques

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FEATURES:
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SIZES: 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16
2 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 3
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2 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 3

Consisting of over 300 islands, Los Roques offers endless opportunities for exploration. Photo Jeremie Tronet
36 thekiteboarder.com
Birds and sea life are both plentiful
throughout Los Roques.
Photo Jeremie Tronet
Linn strolls through the birds on Crasqui.
Photo Jeremie Tronet
These children are all set to go play after a day of
school on Gran Roque. Photo Jeremie Tronet
Jeremie blasts between the white sand of the beach and the luxury
yachts anchored just offshore at Francisqui Arriba. Photo Linn Svendsen
By Marina Chang
The Surf Hero Package includes the Hero Wide
camera and everything you need to quickly
mount it to any board. Photo Paul Lang
12 thekiteboarder.com
By Paul Lang
Zach Jim Stringfellow Kleppe entertains switches the crowd on his with line-mounted a particularly GoPro good Camera. wipeout.
Photo Jim Stringfellow
Densely populated areas seem to be experiencing the majority of
multi-use challenges. Photo Katina Arnott
thekiteboarder.com 37
Photos and video from the GoPro Hero Wide give
the viewer a peak at what kiteboarding is really
like. Photo Jim Stringfellow
thekiteboarder.com 13
Rider: Bill Kraft | Photos by Gavin Butler | Words by Paul Lang
Waddell Creek, Santa Cruz, California ripper Pete Mungai took out a
GoPro and scored an incredible self portrait. Photo Pete Mungai
MOKER
6 thekiteboarder.com
F e a tCaught
on
r e s
The cover of the last issue of
The Kiteboarder Magazine
featured a unique picture taken
by Brendan Richards from
Caution Kites that made you
feel as if you were right there
riding that Northern California
wave with him. Believe it or
not, that killer point-of-view
image was shot by a $159
waterproof digital camera.
The camera Brendan used
tape:
was the GoPro Hero Wide,
a 5-megapixel camera that
comes with a water housing
Chris and an assortment tronolone
of different
mounts to secure the camera By Paul Lang and Ryan Riccitelli
to any number of surfaces.
“They are great because of the
fisheye, which allows you to
can remember take the photos first of yourself, time Gary even Martin, the Technical Editor
hand held,” said Brendan. “Of all the cameras I have worked Fifth Element bars.” This allows you to mount the camera in a unique place, just a few feet
here at The Kiteboarder with, has the best Magazine, wide-angle out came of the box, home and this from makes the first away from the rider. Check out Stringfellow’s website (www.jimstringfellow.com) for more
Surf Expo trade it the show. only camera He that managed is ideal for the to average get a promo kiter who tape from sample photos and videos showing how to use the Kite Hero mount.
wants to capture themselves kiting.”
i Airush with some of the very first footage of Lou and Elliot The and old saying “You get what you pay for” definitely applies to photography equipment, so
GoPro Cameras (www.goprocamera.com) currently
the rest of the Maui crew throwing it down wakestyle. The video if you are getting a camera, housing, and mounts for less than $200, then you have to be
manufactures two cameras they market as “wearable
giving up something compared with more professional equipment. With the GoPro, you are
had it all, and Lou sports Wainman cameras.” and They are Elliot essentially Leboe the same made 5-megapixel jumping 30 giving feet up a screen to easily review images on and also having to settle for image quality
camera that can either shoot stills or video, but with different
on two line kites look easy as pie. Within a few months, that that very is only average. Without an LCD screen to review images, it’s impossible to see what
lenses. The standard lens offers a 54° angle view, while the the images will look like until you plug the camera into a computer. This isn’t really a big
first footage progressed wide version into serves the up video an amazing that 170° changed angle of view. my Both life. I deal, have but it does create a challenge when you are testing out a new angle and you cannot
capture either still images or video and can be mounted
spoke to many people over the years and many will say that High immediately see the results. The
virtually anywhere, but we’ve found that the Hero Wide is images and video that the GoPro
is the video that grabbed suited very well them to capture by the unique balls point-of-view and made images them and want creates are great for online use,
video of kiteboarding. I am 6’ tall, and the extremely wide
to learn to kiteboard. There are always unsung heroes hiding but out they are not ideal for print,
angle of view on the Hero Wide allowed me to mount the even though we have used images
behind the lens, and camera Chris to the nose Tronolone of my 6’2” surfboard and his and crew easily at fit my
n Trononlone
Photos taken with the sun behind the camera will
captured by the GoPro in this
whole body into the frame. Mounted on a helmet, the video
look much better than with the camera looking
Productions have been there every step of the way. It gives me magazine. With that said, at a price into the sun.
footage gives an incredibly realistic view of what kiteboarding of $159, the GoPro gets you the
n Look into the camera when doing a trick, no one
great pleasure to looks tell and this feels story like. about a crew of regular dudes most bang for the buck compared cares what the top of your head looks like!
who helped put kiteboarding on the map. Led by Chris Tronolone, to any other options for taking a
n Even though GoPro makes and sells mounts to mount the
When you press the shutter button to start taking
By: Linn Svendsen
camera out on the water while
pictures or recording video, look at the display on
GoPro in almost any situation they could come up with, they
the kiteboarding movies made by Tronolone Productions have kiteboarding. The unique shots that the camera to make sure you actually started it.
do not sell any products to easily attach the camera to your
been instrumental inspiring people to learn kiteboard and you can capture with this camera n Brendan Richards captured last issue’s cover
flying lines. Pacific Northwest kiter and photographer Jim
by placing it in unique places that shot by simply holding the camera in his hand
Stingfellow has developed a GoPro mount specifically
in exposing kiteboarding to a much wider audience than would you would not even attempt with
and pushing the shutter button at the opportune
for kiteboarding. He calls it the Kite Hero (available at
time. This method is for advanced riders only,
ArchipelAgo of los otherwise roques
know about the sport. – Ryan Riccitelli
other cameras more than makes up
www.kitehero.com) and it quickly attaches the camera
but can allow you to take a photo at just the right
for its average performance.
to your kite’s center lines. “I have designed this mount to
moment instead of it possibly being missed by the
12 Shoot Yourself. he best way to travel between Caribbean Islands is by boat. Having spent one be used month any in front Isla line Coche, system,” said Stringfellow. “It
camera’s two- or five-second interval timer. Use a
By the time this issue is printed,
T Venezuela, Jeremie Tronet and I had an opportunity to sail to Los Roques. The
utilizes
boat,
each
named
front
the
line
Houat,
for positioning and security, while still
camera leash if you try this!
GoPro will have release an
n Pull your shorts down once you start riding.
providing the safety of a front line flagging safety system. This
is a comfortable 51-foot sailboat with room for nine guests. The Houat also has a two-person crew, Raoul
upgraded model, the GoPro HD
None of your friends want to see 400 photos of
mount works on many four-line systems including Best, Liquid
How to get the most out Hero. The Kiteboarder was given a
the gourmet-cooking of your Captain, GoPro and Mar, the Rasta-Mate. camera.
your white thighs.
During the trip from Isla Force, Coche Slingshot The to Los CSS, Roques Naish man Smart Loop, and Eclipse behind bars. I
sneak peak at kiteboarding’s some preproduction n When you are working your way first upwind, stop videos.
we saw a whale playing, jumping, and blowing water, a pod of dolphins swam have alongside also used the this boat, on the and Naish Shift system and the North
test footage from the new camera,
taking photos or recording video if the camera
is easily accessible. Many short video clips are
Jeremie caught a large barracuda. After about 20 hours of sailing, we entered the calm turquoise waters
and we were absolutely blown
much easier to edit into something cool to look at
away by the quality. The HD
of Los Roques. First, we headed to an island called Carenero and although Jeremie had been sailing in Los
than one really long clip.
Hero will retail for $299, and you
n
Roques before, we didn’t know Have anything you ever about tried to it. explain We were the
Whatever mount you use, make sure the camera is
not disappointed by what we found.
will be able to use this camera
rock solid, as the GoPro does not float!
feeling of blasting across flat water,
to record professional-looking
flying through the air, or riding waves
video of yourself out on the water.
to someone who has never experienced
If you have friends that don’t
kiteboarding? The things that put week-long
really understand what it is about www.goprocamera.com
smiles on our faces are difficult to articulate
kiteboarding that is so exciting, www.kitehero.com
to others, but with the help of a small digital
put together a little video or a few
Sample GoPro Wide Video Footage shot by
camera that more and more kiters are using, you
photos with a GoPro camera. It will
The Kiteboarder Magazine:
don’t have to explain yourself to others. You can
make them understand why you get www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KJfnW-BEcY
show them.
nutty every time the wind blows.
launch
The Amazing
28 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 29
36 Endless Opportunites.
The Amazing Archipelago of Los Roques.
28 Caught on Tape: Chris Tronolone.
Mount the camera to
the nose of your board
so you can prove to
a l of your friends just
how good that one
wave rea ly was.
Photo Paul Lang
78 Unstrapped Toeside Jibe.
Lose the twin tip and carve some real turns.
THEKITEBOARDER.COM
Amazing
Los Roques SEVEN New 2010 Products
to CheCk Out
Caught
on tape
the video that
started it all
D e p a r t m e n t s
32 Close Up
Slingshot’s Alex Fox and Naish’s Britney Todd profiled.
44 Travel
Great conditions, good times in San Quintin, Baja Mexico.
60 Analyze This
The TKB team puts nine new products to the test.
72 Designer Corner
Unstrapped toeside Jibe
Made easy
Many kiteboarders have discovered how much fun riding a surfboard-style directional board can be, but many of those who
haven’t are intimidated by having to learn how to jibe. Fear not! It’s really not as hard as you might think it is. After a little
practice, you’ll be able to ditch that twin tip and carve some real turns!
84 Workbench
Approach the turn with moderate speed and direct the kite up
to the top of the window. Don’t direct the kite too quickly or it
1 will just pull you off the board.
As the kite reaches the top of the window, dive it down in
• You’ll have more success learning to toeside
the new direction as you follow the kite with the nose of
jibe in flat water.
2 your board.
• Don’t pause in the middle of switching your
feet. You will fall. Switching your feet has to
3
Once stable on your toeside edge, hold the kite high (about
be done in one fluid motion.
60° above the water) and get ready to switch your feet.
• Wait until the turn is completed and you are
Moving your feet has to happen in one quick and fluid
stable riding on your toeside edge before
movement. Think about being light on your feet and just go for
switching your feet.
it. Move your back foot up next to your front foot, and move
• Carve a harder turn and throw more spray
4 your old front foot to the back of the board while turning your
by entering the turn with more speed and
body to face the kite.
by throwing more weight into your back foot
during the turn.
Dive the kite to ride away with speed.
5
What’s new and what changed for 2010.
Kite economics tips 101: DIY or pro kite repair?
Picking a cover is never an
easy process. No matter
what photo we choose,
someone will always hate
it. This photo of Shawn
Richman was shot at
Sherman Island during
a sunset soul session.
Shawn’s tweaked out big
air, the moody light and the
sailboat in the background
come together and capture
a perfect moment.
Photo Tanja Kopper
thekiteboarder.com 7
78 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 79

let go
W
THINK
hat I am about to tell you could save your life. A few days ago here
in Corpus Christi, the wind was cranking at 30-40 mph. Two of my
instructors and a female former student of ours were gearing up to go ride. Sara
weighs about 110 pounds and was trying to determine which kite size would be
best. I offered her a 5m, but we agreed that her 7m that she was familiar and
confident flying would be the better choice. With that said, I gave her a lecture
to release the kite and LET GO if she at any moment felt like she was in trouble.
Tony and Jon both chimed and gave her the “your body and life are worth more
than the cost of losing any kite” speech. In other words, do not sacrifice yourself
to save your kite. The crew ended up going out and having a blast and everyone
came home safe at sunset.
Photo Zach Kleppe
Two days later, another front
blew through Corpus Christi. The
South Coast team was down
on the water doing some last
minute testing for this issue. I
was up in my office working on
a feature when my wife popped
her head into my office and said
there was a black kite wrapped
around the electric lines.
Immediately, I thought Zach
Kleppe must have been doing
one of his unhooked moves
and lost his kite. Sure enough, I
looked out the window and there
was a kite pin-wheeling on top
of the electric pole.
I raced down to the garage and fired up the Comanche, our new 4x4 UTV, and
we rushed over to the park to see if they needed help. The kite was wrapped
and twisted around the electric wires and the kite lines were eerily laying
across Peter Nordby’s memorial cross marking the spot where he was killed in
a kiteboarding accident. Tony Brady walked up and told me that the guy was
launching his kite, lost control, and the kite went across the window. At the
moment of critical mass, instead of letting go, he held on and went for a ride.
Tony rushed to him, grabbed the quick release, and freed him up from what
could have been a very lethal situation. With the kite wrapped in the power lines,
electricity was conducting through the lines down to the bar, so Tony grabbed
a pump and carefully moved the bar into the dirt lot away from where the cars
were parked.
8/19/09 7:52:32 AM
I cruised over to the gentleman knowing he was both embarrassed and shaken
up. I asked him what happened and he explained that he lost control during the
launch. I told him to call the electric company as they are the only people who
could remove his kite safely. He was one step ahead and had already done so. As
I pulled away from the beach, I felt bad for the guy, as I have wrapped kites into
trees and places I shouldn’t have been anywhere near.
Later that night the TKB team went out for dinner and the incident came up as
a topic of discussion. We reviewed the day’s events and came to the conclusion
that the guy simply froze. Luckily Tony was there to release him, but had the guy
just let go, the kite would have depowered and dropped safely out of the sky. It’s
easy to sit here and rehash what he should have or could have done, but this
made me realize how important it is to remind myself as well as all of you to
let go and release the kite if things go wrong. I am guilty as charged for every
injury I have received by not doing this. Accidents happen, but I want to remind
everyone to know your safety system releases and to not be afraid to use them
when things go south. LET GO and live to kite another day.
ENJOY!
8 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 9

EDITOR
RYAN RICCITELLI
ryan@thekiteboarder.com
CONTENT EDITOR/PUBLISHER
MARINA CHANG
marina@ thekiteboarder.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Paul Lang
ART DIRECTOR
SHANA GORONDY
TECHNICAL EDITOR
GARY MARTIN
EDITOR AT LARGE
ALEXIS ROVIRA
Director Web Strategy
Peter Grendler
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY
DALLAS McMahon
SENIOR WRITERS
Marina Chang, Paul Lang, James Brown, Gary Martin
EDITORIAL CONSULtaNTS
Neil 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
CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Schenck, Matt Sexton, Jay Horn, Linn Svendsen, Gary Martin, Carlos Saez,
Mat Pendle, Julien Fillion, Ross Harrington, Ben Wilson, Tony Logosz, Amery
Bernard, Matt Gustafson, John Doyle, Drew Fargher, Alex Fox, Britney Todd
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Paul Lang, Dallas McMahon, Kim Kern, Carol Bolstad, Nikki Riccitelli
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pete Mungi, Zach Kleppe, Jim Stringfellow, Johnny Cousineau, Gus Schmiege,
kiteboarding.com, Jody MacDonald, Gregg Gnecco, Wainman Hawaii,
Genetrix, Carlos Delicado, Roberto Foresti/Canon, Jay Horn, Allen Mozo,
Gilles Calvert, Tony Brady, Nico Ostermann, Gavin Butler, Richard Boudia,
Chris Tronolone/Tronolone Productions, Dmitry Kraskovky, Erik Boomer,
Jeremie Tronet, Linn Svendsen, Bryan Harvey, Jason Rusnak, Hal Turner,
D. Wong, Ken Russell, Gary Martin, Eclipse Kites, Bryan Elkus,
Ocean Rodeo, BenWilsonSurf.com, Tahnee Pierog, Mike Higgins, Cheryle
Battrum, Mike Hitelman, Dennis Livesey, KiteFix.com, Lolita, Kirsty Moller,
Andre Escobar, Adam Von Ins, Bryan Elkus
Thanks to all editorial and photography contributors
for supporting this magazine!
Visit us on:
www.thekiteboarder.com
www.asnews.net
www.theringmedia.com
www.fubar.com/asnews
www.myspace.com/theringmedia
http://twitter.com/The_Kiteboarder
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The Kiteboarder Magazine is a subsidiary of The Ring Media Inc. Copyright
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10 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 11

launch
By Marina Chang
The Surf Hero Package includes the Hero Wide
camera and everything you need to quickly
mount it to any board. Photo Paul Lang
By Paul Lang
Zach Jim Stringfellow Kleppe entertains switches the crowd on his with line-mounted a particularly GoPro good Camera. wipeout.
Photo Jim Stringfellow
Densely populated areas seem to be experiencing the majority of
multi-use challenges. Photo Katina Arnott
Have you ever tried to explain the
feeling of blasting across flat water,
flying through the air, or riding waves
to someone who has never experienced
kiteboarding? The things that put week-long
smiles on our faces are difficult to articulate
to others, but with the help of a small digital
camera that more and more kiters are using, you
don’t have to explain yourself to others. You can
show them.
The cover of the last issue of
The Kiteboarder Magazine
featured a unique picture taken
by Brendan Richards from
Caution Kites that made you
feel as if you were right there
riding that Northern California
wave with him. Believe it or
not, that killer point-of-view
image was shot by a $159
waterproof digital camera.
The camera Brendan used
was the GoPro Hero Wide,
a 5-megapixel camera that
comes with a water housing
and an assortment of different
mounts to secure the camera
to any number of surfaces.
“They are great because of the
fisheye, which allows you to
take photos of yourself, even
hand held,” said Brendan. “Of all the cameras I have worked
with, it has the best wide-angle out of the box, and this makes
it the only camera that is ideal for the average kiter who
wants to capture themselves kiting.”
Photos and video from the GoPro Hero Wide give
the viewer a peak at what kiteboarding is really
like. Photo Jim Stringfellow
GoPro Cameras (www.goprocamera.com) currently
manufactures two cameras they market as “wearable
sports cameras.” They are essentially the same 5-megapixel
camera that can either shoot stills or video, but with different
lenses. The standard lens offers a 54° angle view, while the
wide version serves up an amazing 170° angle of view. Both
capture either still images or video and can be mounted
virtually anywhere, but we’ve found that the Hero Wide is
suited very well to capture unique point-of-view images and
video of kiteboarding. I am 6’ tall, and the extremely wide
angle of view on the Hero Wide allowed me to mount the
camera to the nose of my 6’2” surfboard and easily fit my
whole body into the frame. Mounted on a helmet, the video
footage gives an incredibly realistic view of what kiteboarding
looks and feels like.
Even though GoPro makes and sells mounts to mount the
GoPro in almost any situation they could come up with, they
do not sell any products to easily attach the camera to your
flying lines. Pacific Northwest kiter and photographer Jim
Stingfellow has developed a GoPro mount specifically
for kiteboarding. He calls it the Kite Hero (available at
www.kitehero.com) and it quickly attaches the camera
to your kite’s center lines. “I have designed this mount to
be used on any front line system,” said Stringfellow. “It
utilizes each front line for positioning and security, while still
providing the safety of a front line flagging safety system. This
mount works on many four-line systems including Best, Liquid
Force, Slingshot CSS, Naish Smart Loop, and Eclipse bars. I
have also used this on the Naish Shift system and the North
Mount the camera to
the nose of your board
so you can prove to
all of your friends just
how good that one
wave really was.
Photo Paul Lang
Fifth Element bars.” This allows you to mount the camera in a unique place, just a few feet
away from the rider. Check out Stringfellow’s website (www.jimstringfellow.com) for more
sample photos and videos showing how to use the Kite Hero mount.
The old saying “You get what you pay for” definitely applies to photography equipment, so
if you are getting a camera, housing, and mounts for less than $200, then you have to be
giving up something compared with more professional equipment. With the GoPro, you are
giving up a screen to easily review images on and also having to settle for image quality
that is only average. Without an LCD screen to review images, it’s impossible to see what
the images will look like until you plug the camera into a computer. This isn’t really a big
deal, but it does create a challenge when you are testing out a new angle and you cannot
immediately see the results. The
images and video that the GoPro
creates are great for online use,
but they are not ideal for print,
even though we have used images
captured by the GoPro in this
magazine. With that said, at a price
of $159, the GoPro gets you the
most bang for the buck compared
to any other options for taking a
camera out on the water while
kiteboarding. The unique shots that
you can capture with this camera
by placing it in unique places that
you would not even attempt with
other cameras more than makes up
for its average performance.
By the time this issue is printed,
GoPro will have release an
upgraded model, the GoPro HD
Hero. The Kiteboarder was given a
sneak peak at some preproduction
test footage from the new camera,
and we were absolutely blown
away by the quality. The HD
Hero will retail for $299, and you
will be able to use this camera
to record professional-looking
video of yourself out on the water.
If you have friends that don’t
really understand what it is about
kiteboarding that is so exciting,
put together a little video or a few
photos with a GoPro camera. It will
make them understand why you get
nutty every time the wind blows.
n Photos taken with the sun behind the camera will
look much better than with the camera looking
into the sun.
n Look into the camera when doing a trick, no one
cares what the top of your head looks like!
n When you press the shutter button to start taking
pictures or recording video, look at the display on
the camera to make sure you actually started it.
n Brendan Richards captured last issue’s cover
shot by simply holding the camera in his hand
and pushing the shutter button at the opportune
time. This method is for advanced riders only,
but can allow you to take a photo at just the right
moment instead of it possibly being missed by the
camera’s two- or five-second interval timer. Use a
camera leash if you try this!
n Pull your board shorts down once you start riding.
None of your friends want to see 400 photos of
your white thighs.
n When you are working your way upwind, stop
taking photos or recording video if the camera
is easily accessible. Many short video clips are
much easier to edit into something cool to look at
than one really long clip.
n Whatever mount you use, make sure the camera is
rock solid, as the GoPro does not float!
www.goprocamera.com
www.kitehero.com
Sample GoPro Wide Video Footage shot by
The Kiteboarder Magazine:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KJfnW-BEcY
12 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 13

Ian, Lakey Pipe/ Indo
helix the evolution of cutting edge Performance
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 14
“Whether you are too deep or trying to slow
down and stall for a barrel, the Helix has all the
stability and de-power/power you could ever
ask for. The Helix allows you to position yourself
anywhere on a wave in any given moment no
matter how windy it is. In this picture, I used
the Helix’s de-power ability to stall and position
myself in the spot I desire most.”
CUSTOM global Snappy versatility
5’0”, 5’4”, 5’7”, 6’0”, 6’2”
“The Naish Global Quad 6’0’’ has solid drive. It
delivers an unbelievable bottom turn and is very
fast. Most boards are unstable at high speeds in
the barrel, but this quad keeps its’ edge and just
drives through any section! It has the perfect
amount of rocker which allows you to do big top
turns and airs in the most critical part of
the wave.”
helix + global
“Equipment that sets you free”
naiShkiteS.com
Pacific boardsports llc info@pacificboardsports.com (509) 493 0043
14 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 15
Photo: S.Fournet
Ian alldredge

411
More than 25 kite, SUP and accessories companies are are expected at the
Need
2010 event. Photo Dallas McMahon
Utah boasts “the greatest snow on earth” and is
anticipating record snowfall for the upcoming season.
Smack
CLINICS,
DAY TRIPS ADDED
to La VENTANA CLASSIC
By Marina Chang
The Old School/Big Air competition always
draws a crowd. Photo Dallas McMahon
Now in its fifth year, the La Ventana Classic and
KiteXpo has expanded into a seven day event, running
from January 17 through the 24. Founded by Palapas
Ventana and supported by The Kiteboarder Magazine,
proceeds from the 2010 event will once again benefit
the local schools and community and will include
an 11-mile kiteboard/windsurf island crossing race,
course racing finals, an 11-mile island crossing SUP
race, a one and two-mile SUP race, SUP relay races, big air and old school trick
competitions, and a four-day free demo expo of kite and SUP gear.
From January 17-19, informal demos and day trips to the coast or island will be
offered. So far, Elevation Kiteboarding’s Marie Leclerc and the Gorge’s Laura
Maher have teamed up to offer a girls’ only day at the beach on Isla Ceralvo.
For all levels, the clinic will have North and Slingshot demo gear, offer tips from
the trainer kite to strapless riding, do a pre-run for the island race, and finish
with happy hour at Baja Joe’s. Mark “2dog” has also teamed up with Caution’s
Brendan Richards to offer a day trip and wave clinic at the coast. If the forecast
is not good for the coast, they will do a strapless (surf and/or skim) clinic in La
Ventana and will also have Caution and North gear available for demo. For the
most up to date information and to take advantage of the online registration early
bird special, see www.palapasventana.com
Special clinics and informal demos are running from January
17 – 19 before the main event starts. Photo Johnny Cousineau
Expanded SUP races have been added to next year’s schedule.
Photo Dallas McMahon
Get Ready
By Brian Schenck | Photo Gustav Schmeige
for the Snow!
Growing each year, there’s never been a better time to try snowkiting! The water kiters’ sister
sport is set to explode this winter. With locations dialed in, races scheduled and plenty of onsnow
educational camps, there has never been a better opportunity to try out the snowkiting
scene. Hot spots like Utah and Idaho continue to provide excellent venues for world class
events, and the “greatest snow on earth” welcomes kiters back for epic sessions throughout
its seven-month season. For the advanced kiteboarder or experienced snowkiter, there are
more races to attend and compete in across the Intermountain region, and the backcountry
potential guarantees a daily adventure. From the Tug Hill Plateau on the east coast to the
northern Sierras on the west side are thousands of miles of untapped snowkite potential.
Bring the gear you have, take a lesson, or just go explore the limitless world of snowkiting.
No matter what your ability or experience, snowkiting will provide the adventure of a lifetime.
See www.flyozoneusa.com or www.driftsnowkitemag.com for a complete listing of snowkite
events in the US.
CKA founder and president
Matt Sexton in action.
Collegiate
Kiteboarding Tour
Expands to West Coast
By Matt Sexton | Photo Dallas McMahon
Founded in 2005 by several college
students and key industry members
including Slingshot and Dakine, the
Collegiate Kiteboarding Association (CKA)
has grown into a viable organization
consisting of 21 universities with 12 events
annually. New for the 2009/2010 season is
the start of the West Coast Tour with four
stops on the California coast running from
October through April. The winners of the
West Coast and Southeast regional tours
will battle it out in the Collegiate Nationals
finals to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas, in
May. Interested in starting a club in your
area or participating in one of the regional
tours? For complete and updated info, see
www.collegiatekiteboarding.com
Photo Jody MacDonald
The
Kiteboarder’s
2010 calendar
will be available
for shipping
starting
November 15. A
perfect holiday
gift for family
and friends, the
13-month, 12”
x 12” calendar features the best riding and wishyou-were-here
shots from supporting sponsors.
For a preview of the calendar, check out
www.thekiteboarder.com/wordpress/2009/10/cal10
Skyline Yacht Club formed to host a Utah-based
snowkite race series this winter. While discussing
the future of kiteboard racing at the World
Championships in San Francisco this summer, Joe
Kool and Brian Schenck drafted a proclamation
forming the Skyline Yacht Club. The SYC will host
Snowkite Course Races that will lead snowkite
racing towards ISAF standards. The Skyline Yacht
Club will be based out of the infamous Triangle
Bar in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Courtesy kiteboarding.com
Kiteboarding.com owned by Jeff Howard in
Corpus Christi, TX, is pleased to announced a
kiteboarding sponsor deal with Pepsi Cola and
Mountain Dew! They will be providing fully logoed
Slingshot Octane 2010 kites along with custom
boards from Crazy Fly kiteboards for the 2010
season. Keep your eyes on the water for these
kites and riders hitting events all over the US for
a cross promotion deal. Got the skills to ride and
interested in helping out?? Send an e-mail to Jeff
at Pepsiteam@kiteboarding.com. Those who
help and prove their worth could become
something bigger!
Racing continues to grow and Seattle now has
a race series, thanks to Andrew and Adam
Koch. Starting in October, the races will be
held at Magnuson Park and supported by the
Seattle Yacht Club (SYC) with use of the SYC race
committee boats. The SYC is very excited about the
opportunity and if they see potential, the long term
goal is to get a Seattle kiteboard race series up
and running in 2010. Interesting that the race series
will have separate classes for twin tip, race and
directional boards with “experimental kiteboard
racing competition rules.” See www.pskite.org
for details.
16 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 17

INSIDE JOB
Drew Fargher
How would you describe your position
at Wainman Hawaii? What are your job
responsibilities? My job responsibilities include
sales, customer service, managing team riders,
and brand development/promotional activities for
Wainman Hawaii in North America.
How did you end up working in the kiteboarding
industry? I have been involved with kiteboarding
since I graduated from Syracuse, New York, in 2003
and moved to Jupiter, Florida. That is where I met
Jeremy Green from Jupiter Kiteboarding. In 2005, I
started working weekends at the shop and ended up
going full time in 2006.
What jobs did you have before working
for Wainman? I have been managing Jupiter
Kiteboarding in Florida for a few years. Before that I
worked in IT and Civil Engineering doing road design
in South Africa.
What is your typical day at the office like? My
typical day starts with a standup paddle out or in
(depending on the tide) the Jupiter Inlet to get the
blood flowing. I hang out with Sage, my six-month
old daughter and catch up on correspondence. This
usually involves following up on leads, problems,
and tasks that have arisen or been scheduled for
18 thekiteboarder.com
Drew at the recent AWSI Industry
Trade Show in Hood River, Oregon.
Photo courtesy Wainman Hawaii
Company: Wainman Hawaii
Job Title: North American Sales Manager
Years in Industry: 4
Words of Wisdom: Inactivity is death — always challenge yourself.
Years Kiteboarding: 5
Wainman Hawaii Rabbit Kites: 12m Boss, 9m Smoke, 7m Gypsy, 5m Bunny
Board: WH Blunt 125cm, 5’9” WH Surf, Eric Roush Skim
the day via e-mail and telephone. If it is windy, I
will go kiting for a few hours or go into the Jupiter
Kiteboarding store.
Is working in the kiteboarding industry all
it’s cracked up to be? I got into this industry for
the same reason that most people do: I love to
kite. Working for Wainman Hawaii affords me the
flexibility to kite more often than most traditional
jobs. But at the end of the day, it’s a job like any
other — still working for the man!
What do you see as the biggest challenge to the
kiteboarding industry as a whole? Kiteboarding
faces many challenges, which is typical of any new
sport that is trying to establish itself as a legitimate
presence in the sports industry. Kiteboarding is
widely perceived as a very dangerous sport which
negatively affects the growth of the industry. As an
industry, we must continuously focus on safety to
ensure that kiteboarding will prosper in the future.
What advice do you have for someone that wants
to work for a kiteboarding manufacturer? You
have to enter this profession with the understanding
that while the work atmosphere is relaxed, the
responsibilities to your clients and the company are
paramount. Work first, play after.
Photo Gregg Gnecco
Photo Genetrix
Smack
Tonia Farman of Cascade Kiteboarding and
The Women’s Kiteboarding Association has
once again teamed up with Kitemasters and
Palapas Ventana to put on a series of Women’s
Kiteboarding Camps in La Ventana, Mexico this
winter. Kicking off February 21 with the first camp,
the week-long Baja Boot Camp includes three
full days of 2-to-1 instruction, morning Pilates
sessions, downwinders, snorkeling, kayaking,
meals, accommodations, and more for just $1390
per person. Camps are limited to eight women
each, and from the success of last year’s camps,
spots will probably fill fast. Camp dates for 2010
are: 2/21 - 27, 2/28 – 3/6, and 3/7 - 13. For more
info, check www.CascadeKiteboarding.com or
www.PalapasVentana.com.
KiteUtah.com and Ozone kites are teaming up
with retailers worldwide to offer 09/10 Ultimate
Snowkite Camps. Providing everything you’ll
ever need from rooms, gear and professional
instructors, now it’s easier than ever for you
to learn or simply enjoy snowkiting in the most
pristine location, just south of Salt Lake City at
Skyline, Utah. If you’ve always wanted to learn in
a safe and controlled manner using the highest
quality snow kite gear on the market, then head to
the top rated snowkite location. The first retailer
in the program is kiteboarding.com. For more
information on travel and reservations, head to
www.kiteboarding.com or www.kiteutah.com
and get ready a great year on the snow.
Genetrix Kites is pleased
to announce that
ZoneXcess LLC headed
by Gérard Bourgeois
has been named the
exclusive U.S. Distributor
of Genetrix kites and
apparel. The first new
products to be distributed
in the market will be the Hydra v.4 and Origin kites,
both of which will make their North American
debut at the La Ventana KiteXpo in January. Both
kites represent the culmination of over a decade
of development in the extremely challenging
and gusty conditions of Leucate, France. In the
words of Gérard, “From my first session flying the
Genetrix Hydra, I knew it was a phenomenal kite.
At the time, the kites were only widely available
in Europe and Australia, so my dream became to
bring this exceptional product to the US market.
You’ve got to try it to become a believer!” For
inquiries or more information, call (888) 250-7962
or visit www.genetrixkitesurf.com
Rider: Sebastian Cattelan
Photo: Rachid Roussafi
Genetrix is proud to announce the North American
debut of two brand new kites: the 2010 Hydra V4
and the 2010 Origin to be unveiled at the La
Ventana KiteXpo from January 21-24, 2010.
The Hydra V4 is our flat kite concept
proven on the European market
since 2004, the next generation
of the same kite that powered
Sebastien Cattelan when he shattered
the 50 knot barrier in 2008. The Origin is Genetrix’s
latest creation -- guaranteed to take your freestyle
to the next level.
High performance | Freeride
Massive depower
High stability in strong wind
Single point inflation system
Widest wind range on the market
No middle strut, ultra flat and aerodynamic
Sensational upwind ability
Great low end power
High end construction
7m | 9m | 12m | 14m
Wave | Freestyle
Auto-relaunch
Single point inflation system
Wide wind range and depower
Optimized handling response
Quick turning responsiveness
Multi-point tuning
High end construction
5m | 7m | 9m | 11m | 13m | 15m
GENETRIXKITESURF.COM
US distributor ZoneXcess 916.961.1117 LLC (888) 250-7962
Enter the
charity raffle at
La Ventana for a
chance to win a
brand new 2010
Origin
thekiteboarder.com 19

Bruno Sroka leads the pack for the title of Kite Race
World Champion.
comps
ONE STOP TO GO ON
PKRA TOUR
Photo Roberto Foresti/Canon
Pounda, Paros, Greece, hosted the fifth stop on the PKRA tour.
The island of Paros is one of the most popular and touristy of
all the Greek Islands. It is located in the heart of the Cyclades,
in the Aegean Sea, attracting thousands of visitors every year
and the reasons are obvious: exquisite beaches in crystal clear,
smooth flat water, perfect for anyone who shares a passion
for any type of water sport, offering perfect wind conditions
nearly 365 days a year. On the final day, German rider Kristin
Boese took home the championship trophy for the women’s
division. Greek first time racer Felicia Constandopoulou proudly
walked away in second place followed by Maria Tampa in
third. As expected, French rider Bruno Sroka stole the show
for the men’s division, winning all 11 races followed by German
rider Dirk Hanel in second place. Julien Kerneur made a lot of
progress throughout the competition managing to take third
place in this event. The National Greek Freestyle competition
was a also great success. Local rider Mike Chatzilliadis
managed to take first place, Iannis Tamvakis took second place
followed by George Argiriadis in third. The first place winner
for the women’s freestyle competition went to Maria Kampa,
Afroditi Balasica takes home second place followed by second
place women’s racing winner Felicia Constandopoulou. The
final stop of the tour will be held in November in exotic New
Caledonia. www.pkra.info
Dakhla, Morocco was a new stop on the tour and did not disappoint.
DAKHLA HOSTS KPWT
FOR FIRST TIME
Photo Carlos Delicado
Dakhla, Morocco, served up great conditions for the 9th
stop of the KPWT tour with disciplines in kiteloop, freestyle,
wave, course race and new for this year, a slider competition.
One of the most exciting points of the competition came
during the Wavemasters semi-finals between Abel Lago and
reigning 2008 KPWT Wave Champion Mitu Monteiro when
the two went head to head with good wave selection, good
turns and sharp cut backs. In the end, Mitu edged out Abel
and went on to beat Jan Marcos Rivera in another exciting
round of heats, who is currently the overall wave leader
in points. The men’s slider competition final pitted Jesse
Richman, Cameron Dietrich, Stefan Permien and Leander
Vyvey against each other. Jesse was on fire pulling off a
smooth flat 3 on the slider and an indie glide on the kicker,
earning himself the slider championship title for the year and
also retaining his top position in the freestyle finals. As of
press time no other details were available on the finals heats
in freestyle, course racing or kiteloop events. It should be
noted that as of October 7, all future KPWT events are not
associated with the International Kiteboarding Association
(IKA) anymore and will not count toward any IKA world
rankings. All past 2009 season events still will count. For all
KPWT info and the remaining info on the last two stops, see
www.kiteboardpro.com
PKRA STANDINGS:
Freestyle:
Men
1. Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil)
2. Kevin Langeree (Naish)
3. Youri Zoon (Slingshot)
Women
1. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil)
2. Joanna Litwin (Nobile)
3. Angela Peral (North)
Race:
Men
1. Bruno Sroka (Cabrinha)
2. Sebastien Salerno (Gin)
3. Dirk Hanel (North)
Women
1. Steph Bridge (North)
2. Kristin Boese (Best)
3. Navara Licariao (Best)
KPWT Rankings
Overall:
Jesse Richman (Cabrinha)
Kari Schibevaag (Ozone)
Freestyle:
Peter Tyukjevich (Flexifoil)
Kari Schibevaag (Ozone)
Waves:
Jan Marcos Riveras (Star)
Kirsty Jones (North)
Race:
Abel Lago (RRD)
Kari Schibevaag (Ozone)
Freestyle:
Peter Tyukjevick (Flexifoil, RUS)
Gisela Pulido (Flexifoil, SP)
Waves: Kirsty Jones (North, UK)
Jan Marcos Rivera (Star, RD)
Racing:
Bruno Sroka (Cabrinha, FR)
Ainhoa Garcia (Airush, SP)
Are you tired of heavy stuff?
Try the new lighter feel of the CrazyFly 2010 lineup
We have brought down the weight to as little as 5.29 lbs
which is on average 15 % lighter than the competition.
New, improved and lighter accessories weigh all together under 1 kg
outrunning the competition by 20 % less weight.
Unbelievable, but true!
the lightest boards on the planet
www.crazyflyUSA.com
the lightest boards on the planet
North America - distributor: Prokitesurf, Corpus Christi, TX , info@prokitesurf.com

shop
talk
With miles of pristine coastline, Air Support has been organizing
downwinders to bring the community together. Photo AirSupport
Smack
Air Support
owners: Jay & Rebecca Horn
Ages: 27 and 22 Location: West Dennis, MA
Riding for how long: 7 years
FAVORITE Conditions: Sunny, windy and waves
When did you first get exposed to kiteboarding and
when/where did you learn/start? My wife and I both
learned to kite back in 2002, five years before we met.
Cabarete brought us together when I was teaching and
she was on vacation. On our wedding day we did
a downwinder into the ceremony and got married in
our wetsuits.
What motivated you to get into the kiteboarding
retail business and lessons? Being a kiteboarding
instructor is a labor of love. It takes a tremendous amount
of dedication and patience to deliver a great lesson. I relive
my first ride every time I get someone else going and that’s
what keeps me and my students coming back.
What did you do prior to entering the kiteboarding
business? I was a Service Manager at a local marina.
Although it was great, I generally only got to see the water
through my office window.
What is the kiteboarding scene like in your area?
What make it special in your view? The scene in
New England is still in its infancy. We have nuclear winds
spring and fall yet consistent summer thermals in July.
The Cape, like Hatteras, is whatever you want it to be;
flat water or overhead surf. If you are planning a vacation
here, bring your 8 and a 12 meter kites and whatever you
have in between.
Do you teach year round or seasonally? Our season
starts in April with our Polar Bear clinics and goes right
through November.
What brands do you represent and why? We only sell
two brands, Slingshot and Wainman Hawaii. We feel both
are trying to set the standards in bombproof construction.
We chose Slingshot because their company and riders best
represented our area and the local conditions. We wanted
a kite that could stand up to the harsh elements here in the
northeast and get us home safely in the winter. We choose
Wainman for parallel reasons and he was one of those
guys I always looked up to when I started riding. I still own
a Buzz for all of you who were around then.
Do you require your instructors to have certification?
Why and what kind, or why not? We are all IKO or
PASA certified. We also have two USCG licensed captains
on staff. Rebecca also offers private girls clinics and
instruction in four different languages. My mom is a Lt.
Colonel in the USAF so our program is based on discipline
and regiment, with slight overtones of dude.
Air Support’s new shop and local crew. Photo AirsSupport
please send a check!
What is your idea of a perfect day? Early morning wakeskate
session, afternoon thermal with some lessons, maybe a kite
sale, then coming home and finding a hot German covered in
sushi (without sand in her toes)!
Any issues or is everything all good? Access is good and
can only get better but we do have some restrictions in the
summer. As the community grows more access will open. Right
now our Waverunner support has been clutch in feeding the
flow by allowing students a chance to ride without violating
any swimming areas.
How does your shop support the kiteboarding
community? Are you involved in helping the local
community in general? We have been organizing downwinder
events to bring the community together. Next year we will be
working with Jeremy at MAsskiting.com organizing crossings
that raise money for local charities.
What tips can you offer kiteboarders who want to learn
in your area? Practice with a trainer kite all winter and get
your lessons in April. By the time summer rolls around, you will
have half a clue and be able to navigate around other beach
goers. Our teaching area is shallow and flat but also tidal.
Because Cape Cod is an island the areas you can go to practice
truly are endless.
What are the lodging options in your area and what other
things are there for people to do if there is no wind or
they are with non kiters? We have several B&B’s that we
work with that average about $100 per night. We also have
great campgrounds that offer hot showers and close proximity to
kiting for around $15 a night. No wind activities include but are
not limited to wakeboarding, SUP, surfing, drinking and Banshee
Bungee-ing. Cape Cod also has a famous bike trail that goes on
forever and ends up out at the National Seashore.
What is the nightlife like? You can have martinis with the
Kennedy’s or get your grind on at one of the local discos; some
nights you can do both.
What tips can you offer experienced kiters who want
to come kite your area? If you want guaranteed wind,
come in July. On average we get 20+ days of 15 to 30 mph
winds. August can be hit or miss but September also rocks.
Bring whatever you have, and remember; if you don’t like the
weather in New England, wait five minutes!
Rumor has it that Corpus Christi, TX, will host
the Texas Extreme Watersports Games 2010
toward the end of April 2010 with a course racing/
boardercross type format, sanctioned by the IKA.
The new concept is still being developed but the
format will be a course race course, set a little
more for broad reaches and an upwind leg along
with at least one barrier that needs to be cleared.
This event will be by invitation only and limited
to 24 competitors with only a men’s class and a
healthy purse. Stay tuned to www.thekiteboarder.
com for updates or subscribe to one our feeds for
the latest breaking news in the kiteboarding world.
Many of you know the
Nobile Kiteboarding
brand for their
high performance
boards but may not be so familiar with their
kites. MUVON, the new distributor for Nobile
Kiteboarding in the US, wants to change that
and show you that Nobile also makes some
of the best kites in the world and provides the
highest quality in service for any questions
or issues you might have. For dealer inquires,
contact Andrew at info@muvon.us
OCTOBER ’09 CORRECTIONS:
The opening photo for
the special feature,
“SUP – Stand Up
Paddle Board Volume
101” on page 78, was
mistakenly credited
as being Blane
Chambers of Paddle Surf Hawaii. This shot was
actually Brian Keaulana of C4, shot by Allen
Mozo. See the real Blane in action on page 71
this issue.
On page 18 featuring Gregg Gnecco of Liquid
Force in “Inside Job,” the action photo of “Liquid
Tekko” was credited to Richard Hallman. The
image was taken by northwest photographer
Henry Rico. For more eye candy of Henry’s image
of northwest talent, see www.nwkite.com
On page 60 in the TKB 2010 Kite Preview Guide,
the F.One Bandit III kite was listed as being best
for a beginner to intermediate rider. The Bandit
III is a true all around kite that beginners will
appreciate for its forgiveness, and that advanced
riders will be pleased with for its performance
and range. The F.one Bandit III is best for
beginner to advanced riders.
On page 61 in the Kite Preview Guide, the B2 is
only a 2m kite and is one of three foil kites offered
for land or snow from Slingshot Sports.
Last but not least, in 411 News on page 16, third
place finisher Johnny Heineken (San Francisco
Kite Racing Championship) was mistakenly
credited with using one of the few production
race boards in the competition. Johnny was
actually using a custom race board by shaper
Mike Z. It was Alex Smith who was riding the
RRD KRace production board and took second
What tips can you offer visiting kiteboarders who want
to hook up with local riders and kite in your area? Check
How do you handle lessons if there is no wind or a out www.neka.us (local association forum). If you are looking to
student can’t complete their lesson package? You party and drink Miller High Life, check out MAsskiting.com. Both
only pay after you play. For those of you who still owe us, are excellent resources as to where people are going.
in the younger rider category.
22 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 23

letters
What Our Readers
Have To Say
letter of
the month
You RoCK!
First of all, the magazine rocks. The crew at The
Kiteboarder does an amazing job and the photos
are always impressive. I am a kiter and love taking
photos of our kite adventures. On a recent trip to
the Magdalen Islands in Quebec I was victim to a
walking accident (on the second day) and spent the
rest of my week on crutches with a broken bone
and torn tendons. The only good thing that came out
of the trip was the collection of amazing pictures
as I parked myself on the beach with my telephoto
lens and took photos. I thought this might be a great
picture for your “Local Homies” section. She’s got
kiting coursing through her veins and rides as well
and as long as any of the boys.
Thanks,
Mike Hitelman
Mike, that’s a bummer that you hurt yourself on a
kite trip. You hurt yourself walking? There must be
a story behind that. Anyway, thanks for the photo,
which you’ll find on page 83 of this magazine.
Actually some of the top photographers and
videographers got their start playing with cameras
because they were on the injured list, so you never
know where an injury will lead. –Ed.
Got somthing on your mind? Submit your letter
and you could win a killer t-shirt
from Windcult Kiteboarding! E-mail
RYAN@thekiteboarder.com
THINK got us tHINKING
The editorial THINK piece in the last edition of The Kiteboarder is referencing
one of our local “stars.” He is part of our local Yahoo group of over 1000 people.
A HUGE number of people have come out and denounced this video and he
has not replied. I am one of the two moderators of the Yahoo group and the
administrator of our new local endeavor, www.NYKA.org
I want to set up a poll on NYKA.org about what people think should be
done about these videos. I plan on posting his e-mail address and opening
comments for people. I am hoping this drives the point home.
Thanks so much for your help,
Paul Glezer
Paul, we’re glad we could bring a little attention to something that is doing a
disservice to the sport. Good luck in your efforts. –Ed.
NICe Boat
I love the new issue! I wanted comment on the photo on pages 52-53 by
Mark Telep in the August 2009 issue. I am in the Coast Guard and I kite
whenever I can. It gave me goose bumps to see one of our 47-foot MLBs
(motor lifeboat) in the background. I am always reading articles on different
locations to kite for our port calls. I have been to places such as Grand
Cayman, Nassau, and Honduras. Seeing the boat in the shot was really
exciting. Keep doing what you’re doing.
DC2 Mark Higgins
USCGC Campbell (WMEC-909)
Portsmouth, NH
Mark, thanks for your words of encouragement, but thank you especially for
being a part of the US Coast Guard, an organization that exists to do things like
save our butts when we get in trouble out on the ocean! –Ed.
24 thekiteboarder.com

1
2
13
9
12 17
4 7
18
10 14
Send it
5
15
3 6 8
11 16
19
1. LF Kite Designer Julien Fillion and a member
of the Wind Patrol at the AWSI Liquid Force/
Monster Energy Party in Hood River.
Photo Paul Lang
2. The F.One team in Mauritius having a zen
moment. Photo Gilles Calvert
3. No, it’s not a new kite, it’s the Liquid Force
Beach Tent, but it was reported to have
great low-end power. Photo Paul Lang
4. You know things are getting out of hand
when the “Wind Patrol” shows up. Photo
Paul lan
5. Look for Gregg Gnecco’s new Liquid Force
RV hitting up snowkiting spots this winter.
Photo Paul Lang
6. Kevin Crikelair, the Gimp, and Brian Schwarz
take a break from kiting on the Calikites San
Quintin trip. Photo Paul Lang
7. Dallas McMahon’s other secret talent is
making gourmet sushi. Photo Zach Kleppe
8. Pack 50 kiteboarders into a bus and things
are bound to get a little crazy.
Photo Paul Lang
9. Gavin Butler has the toughest job in
kiteboarding. Shooting Best girls and staying
focused is not always an easy task.
Photo Gavin Butler
10. Ginette Buffone comes in after a session
south of the border in San Quintin.
Photo Paul Lang
11. Some of the best memories of a great kite
trip are not always on the water.
Photo Dallas McMahon
12. Raphael Salles and Mitu Monteiro take a
moment between sessions in Mauritius.
Photo Gilles Calvert
13. Kirsty Jones is all smiles after a hard day of
work on the water. Photo Richard Boudia.
14. Sometimes the only way to get to and from
the Hood River Sand Bar is to wade across
with your gear. Photo Paul Lang
15. “Amir with an A” and Paul Lang get a little
loco at the Cielito Lindo. Photo Paul Lang
16. Publisher Marina Chang enjoys the local
scenery after testing F.one’s 2010 new gear
in Mauritius. Photo Nico Ostermann
17. Zach Kleppe is the man behind most of the
video work being done here at TKB.
Photo Paul Lang
18. Alexis Rovira hard at work interviewing for
The Kiteboarder Magazine at AWSI in Hood
River. Photo Paul Lang
19. Scrapper in disguise. Photo Tony Brady
If you have a photo that you would like featured
in The Kiteboarder Magazine, please e-mail
ryan@thekiteboarder.com
26 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 27

Lou Waiman and Chis Tronolone’s friendship goes back more than a decade. Many people do not realize that it
was Chris Tronolone’s footage that inspired a revolution in kiteboarding. No one can debate that Lou and Elliot are
the original wakestyle riders, and it was Chris that exposed them to the world. Photo Tronolone Productions
Caught
on
Tape:
Chris Tronolone
By Paul Lang and Ryan Riccitelli
Ican remember the first time Gary Martin, the Technical Editor
here at The Kiteboarder Magazine, came home from the first
Surf Expo trade show. He managed to get a promo tape from
Airush with some of the very first footage of Lou and Elliot and
the rest of the Maui crew throwing it down wakestyle. The video
had it all, and Lou Wainman and Elliot Leboe made jumping 30
feet on two line kites look easy as pie. Within a few months, that
very first footage progressed into the video that changed my life. I
have spoken with many people over the years who say that High
is the video that grabbed them by the balls and made them want
to learn to kiteboard. There are always unsung heroes hiding out
behind the lens, and Chris Tronolone and his crew at Trononlone
Productions have been there every step of the way. It gives me
great pleasure to tell this story about a crew of regular dudes
who helped put kiteboarding on the map. Led by Chris Tronolone,
the kiteboarding movies made by Tronolone Productions have
been instrumental in inspiring people to learn to kiteboard and
in exposing kiteboarding to a much wider audience than would
otherwise know about the sport. – Ryan Riccitelli
28 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 29

Niccolo Porcella has grown up in front of Chris Tronolone’s lens,
having been made famous in the kiteboarding world by staring in
Awake at the age of 14. Photo Tronolone Productions
Gavin Butler, Jessie Richman, and Buster Tronolone at the 2006 Velocity Games.
Buster deserves just as much credit as Chris for logging countless hours behind
the lens. Photo Tronolone Productions
Most videographers have been around enough
photographers to learn how to shoot like a pro.
This water shot of Lou Wainman speaks for itself.
Photo Tronolone Productions
Lou Wainman became famous in the sport
of kiteboarding, in large part due to his
exposure in the Tronolone films. How far
ahead of everyone else was he in the early
days? Did anyone else even come close? Lou
was 100% ahead of everyone else. He was
always ahead of his time. I think that just now
some of the guys on the PKRA are catching
up to the ability that Lou had in the beginning.
It was amazing. He was light years ahead of
everyone else. Even Elliot was having a hell of
a time keeping up with Lou. Lou set the bar so
high, that only now, 10 years later, are other
riders starting to reach it.
Tronolone Productions is a family affair.
If Chris can’t make the shoot, Buster or
one of the boys will always show up.
Photo Tronolone Productions
Tronolone Productions has been hired to cover some of the biggest
events in kiteboarding. This shot is from the 2005 Velocity Games in
Corpus Christi, Texas. Photo Tronolone Productions
It’s been almost a decade. What is
the first thing that comes to mind
when you think about the last 10
years of kiteboarding? The first thing
that comes to mind is growth. It’s
amazing, the amount of growth that
we’ve experienced in kiteboarding
which was just a novelty, and it’s
really exploded into a worldwide
phenomena. We’ve got a world tour,
guys making free ride videos, and
people giving lessons all over the
world. It’s gone from a little backyard
thing right here on Maui and it’s
blossomed into a multinational
sport. I’m really proud to have been
a part of it.
How did you hook up with Lou
Wainman and Elliot Leboe and
what was it like putting together
some of the very first footage of
kiteboarding? When I first met Elliot,
I was shooting some windsurfing,
and I was working with him a lot
doing testing for a magazine. I first
met Lou shooting with Elliot down at
Camp One. They would go out, haul
ass, and do bump and jump stuff.
They would hit kickers and do huge
forward and back loops. One day,
Elliot called me and said, “Chris,
you’ve got to come down and check
this thing out, it’s this new thing Lou
and I are doing.” I met them down
at Sprecks and jumped in the water.
They were doing double and triple
This is one of the rare times you will see Chris actually
wearing pants. Photo Tronolone Productions
back rolls and front rolls over my head, and it was
amazing. Everything fell into place. We immediately
started filming everyday and they had a house right on
the beach where we would watch the footage. I knew
we were onto something big. Through my affiliation with
Lou and Elliot, since I was basically the first to be filming
the sport and they were the first radical-style riders,
most of the work that would come through would go to
us. I was really fortunate, and I owe those guys a lot.
What was your background and had you done anything
like this before? My background as a cinematographer
was in surfing and windsurfing. Surfing was a rush,
you would get someone doing five-foot airs over your
head and barrels were pretty exhilarating. Windsurfing
was very exhilarating because they would do really
huge airs, but kiteboarding was definitely the apex of
it. The stuff that people would do on a kite, even in the
beginning, was just mind blowing.
Did you think High, the first film you released, would
be as popular as it was? Were you surprised when
someone like Bertrand Fleury showed up in Maui
because of that film? I knew I was on to something
huge with High because I had distributors knocking on
my door before it was even done. As things progressed
during the production, filming, and editing of the movie,
I was surprised because it seemed like it was really
blossoming into something great. When I premiered it in
Leucate, France, I was invited to show it at the Cannes
Film Festival. Back filming at Kite Beach, I was shooting
Awake, and Bertrand showed up and he was speechless.
His English was terrible, but he was saying that Lou was
his hero and he was here to follow in Lou’s footsteps. This
made me feel really proud, and I know it made Lou really
proud too. To have people come seek you out because of
something you made is a really nice feeling.
How is kiteboarding on Maui different now
than in was back when you filmed High and
Awake? The main difference between now and
way back then is that we barely had a beach
when Awake was filmed. We were battling it
out with the windsurfers at Sprecks, and now
we have like three beaches. We went from
nothing, just a small faction of windsurfers, to
become our own sport with our own beaches
and our own crews.
What is the craziest story that you probably should not mention but you will that you
experienced in your filming career? At the end of High, when I needed to make some
money Lou and Elliot offered me $80 to run into Burger King naked, say I had to take a
crap, and drop a Whopper out of my ass. I ran outside, did three cartwheels, and ran
all the way to Starbucks.
Tronolone Productions has always been a family affair. Who are all the members of the
Tronolone Team? There’s myself; of course my Dad, Sebastian Sr.; Buster; and Sebastian
Jr.; and then we’ve got Shanti Berg; Nick; Elliot and Lou, the forefathers of course;
and there’s a bunch of other guys too. My wife is my partner, and I’m very lucky to be
surrounded by a lot of people who care about me, especially my wife. She’s the best.
What is your roll now with the PKRA? My job is to produce television shows with Shanti
and Buster and get them aired in North America and Europe. I work with Mauricio
Toscano and the whole team at PKRA to promote the tour on television and in video.
Are kiteboarding DVDs important anymore? Do they have as much impact and
influence as they used to since the evolution of YouTube and other video sites?
Kiteboarding DVDs will always be important because having a tangible movie that you
can carry around with yourself gives people pride in ownership and allows people to
collect them and riders to sign them. YouTube and internet streaming has definitely
changed things because it gives you the ability to release the media immediately, but
DVDs will always be important to the sport of kiteboarding.
What are some of the challenges to shooting and producing kiteboarding videos?
Getting the location, conditions, and the riders
together. Basically you have to be in the right place
at the right time, with the right riders. It also helps
to have really good equipment.
What other projects have you been involved
in outside of kiteboarding? I’m currently
working on an independent feature film that
I’ve written and I’m producing in conjunction
with Shanti Berg. I’m also working with a new
network called the Extreme Sports Network,
which is airing on the Dish Network.
Who have been your favorite riders to shoot with? If I had to list them, they
would be Lou and Elliot, the Space Monkeys Crew of Jaime Herraiz, Will James,
Martin Vari, and Jeff Tobias, and also Niccolo Porcella is really fun to work with.
He has a great style and a great attitude. Aaron Hadlow, Kevin Langaree, Ruben
Lenten, and everyone from the PKRA have also been great. It’s hard to name your
favorite rider. Everyone I’ve worked with has been amazing. I love all of you guys.
What type of equipment are you using to shoot now?
How does that compare with what you started with?
I’m using Panasonic P2 equipment right now. It varies
a lot. Back in the day I used a VX-1000, which was
DV and was recorded on tape. Now I shoot full-sized
uncompressed HD onto hard drives.
You have been hanging out with and filming Niccolo
Porcella since he was 13 or 14. What has it been
like watching him grow up in front of your lens? It’s
been amazing. I just edited a sort of nostalgia piece
for Wainman Hawaii going from his early days up to
the present. Niccolo is actually starring in one of my
independent films, so look for a lot more from Niccolo
Porcella. He’s an amazing athlete and an amazing person.
Are there any new projects on the way from Tronolone
Productions? We’re coming out with a really bad-ass
DVD. You’ll see the ads and the internet promo coming
soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Looking back over the last decade, what do you think is
next? We’ll be seeing more people pulling 720s than just
Andre Phillip and Aaron Hadlow. We’ll be seeing 1080s
and triple handlepass rotations, bigger wave riding,
more barrel rides, and bigger sliders. Basically, we’ll be
seeing more of the same, just times ten.
Chris Tronolone totally focused!
Photo Tronolone Productions
30 thekiteboarder.com

Photo: Dallas McMahon
Age: 20 Height: 5’ 9” Weight: 180 lbs. Years Kiting: 6.5
FAVORITE Spots: East Beach, Ft. Desoto; Lassing Park, St. Petersburg
FAVORITE Conditions: 20 knots flat water and kickers
FAVORITE Moves: Nose Glide, Switch KGB, S-Mobe Sponsors: Aggression
Kiteboards, Transcend, Dakine, Slingshot, Otherside, Abington
clOSE-up
GEAR SET-UP
Boards: Aggression Alex Fox signature, Slingshot Response 142 Bindings: Aggression Straps,
Slingshot D3s Kites: Slingshot RPM/Fuel Lines: 25m Harness: Dakine Renegade
By Matt Sexton
Foxy is someone you should really keep an eye on
this year. His style on the water is just as entertaining
as his personality on land. Every trick is executed
with a little tweak, poke, or grab that separates his
riding from the rest. With a first-place finish at the
Bridge of the Gods event earlier this year, it’s pretty
clear that he’s a podium contender at any event he
shows up to. Fox’s coolest trait though is that he’s an
artist. He thinks outside the box and his creativity is
constantly flowing. This year should be a landmark
for this kid and his plans are extensive enough that
you’re going to know about him whether you want to
or not. If you see him on a beach near you, walk right
up say, “What’s up” and give him a little slap on the
cheek. If you don’t, he’ll be sure to do it to you.
When, where and why did you start kiteboarding?
I’m from Saint Petersburg, FL and in 2004 the scene
was just starting to build here. My dad was really into
windsurfing and naturally wanted to step up his game.
I was into wakeboarding, but Orlando was too far of a
drive. We took lessons and never turned back. It was
quite the bonding experience.
Have any other sports or disciplines helped influence
your kiteboarding? I started riding the cable when I
was 12 and took a boat set whenever it was available,
so that definitely influences my riding a lot. Before
wakeboarding and kiting I just played basketball. I was
a little baller, so I bleed that style as well.
What riders influence you the most/inspire you?
Billy Parker shreds harder than anyone I know and
lives right down the road from me. He’s been raising
the bar for local talent and giving me pointers since
I was a young gun, so I’ve definitely received a lot of
inspiration from him.
How did you get sponsored? When I was 15 years
old I took a trip with my parents to Hatteras. When
we were there we caught wind of some underground
shaper in Buxton, so we went to check out his shop.
After a little tour, GS of Aggression Kiteboards offered
me a sponsorship. I was young and he saw potential.
Four years later I developed a strong bro-lationship
with Matt Sexton and Neil Hutchinson who play a
large role in Slingshot Sports in Florida. They saw a
kid who needed a shot, so I owe a huge part of my
success to them as well.
What standout features do you most appreciate about
your current gear? I ride the best boards on the market,
as well as the strongest and most stable kites.
1. Don’t concern yourself with
getting sponsored. If people tell
you how great it is, then they
are just lying to you. Ride the
way you want. Don’t let people
tell you whether a trick is cool
or not.
2. Be approachable and friendly on
the beach. I have the most fun
when everyone on the beach
is having a good time, and all of
your homies are on the water
too. Keep the stoke high.
3. Unhook and keep your kite
low. I promise there is no
better feeling than stomping
a technical trick with your
wingtip in the drink.
What do you do off the water to help you on the
water? I ride the cable three times a week and
that helps my riding a ton. Florida wind isn’t always
consistent so that keeps me in shape and helps my
style. I also try to eat healthy and I wail on my pecks
and abs when the wind is down.
What trick or style are you currently working on
and what is the challenge? Combining wakestyle
and freestyle and making kiting its own sport. After
riding at the cable so much I’ve realized that in order
to appeal to wakeboarders you have to offer them
something similar to what they know. I’m really trying
to push the idea that kiting is just another pull with a
lot more possibilities. Kiting is at a cool point right now.
How do you think the current gear on the market can
be improved in general? Kiting doesn’t need the next
greatest material that enables us to ride in nine knots
or boost 40 feet on every jump. That is just not realistic.
We need to make cheap and accessible gear that
is dependable and free of gimmicks. Bring back the
5-strut C-kite, and make it inexpensive. It’s time to let
some kids get into this sport and finally push it in the
right direction.
What is your favorite style of riding and why?
Wakestyle and freestyle. I’m a kiter and a
wakeboarder.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing
the kiteboarding industry? The outsider’s view of the
sport is that is a yacht owner’s weekend hobby. We
need to break down the barriers of entry to the sport
and help it grow. There also needs to be a U.S. Pro-
Am style tour. Right now, there is no platform for rider
development and that makes the sport look like more
of a hobby than a legitimate sport. The CKA is the only
Alex recently claimed his first competition win at the Bridge of the Gods
event in Stevenson, Washington. Photo: Dmitry Kraskovsky
thing pushing it right now in the U.S. and it’s sick, but
it’s confined to college kids.
What is something about you that you do outside of
kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t know?
I’m an artist. I attend UCF and should be graduating
with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts.
What is your worst wipe out/scariest kiteboarding
experience? I partially tore my MCL on a mobe in
the Gorge last summer, and a year before that I
broke my ankle getting ripped out of my boots in four
inches of water.
What is your most memorable kiteboarding
experience? Winning this year’s Bridge of the Gods
in Oregon with Matt, Neil, and Billy there to witness
it was awesome. I finally won a competition and got
some recognition that we all thought was way past
due. Oregon is such a sick place, so to go somewhere
awesome with your friends and do well in a contest
makes a large impact for sure.
What are your must have’s that you can’t live without?
Friends, family, wind, a camera, internet, and music.
Is there anybody you would like to thank? My Mom,
Dad, and Jordan, for being the best Family I could have
ever asked for and being a huge inspiration in my life.
Matty and Neil, for believing in me over the past year
more than anyone. Andy from Transcend and GS from
Aggression, you guys are awesome I owe both of you
a lot for all of your love and support. Thanks to Stefan
Cerf, TJ Smith, Tripp Hobbs, Pat, Sean, Justice, Justin,
Clay, and Davis (sorry for kicking your ass). Of course
thanks to Aggression, Slingshot, Dakine, Transcend,
and the Otherside for all the support, and thanks to
Dallas and Zach from The Kiteboarder.
WWW.OCEANEXTREMESPORTS.COM
1-866-790-SURF
32 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 33

ClOSE-up
ARUBA BAJA MAUI JERICOACOARA PUNTA SAN CARLOS
CABARETE COCHE LOS ROQUES MARGARITA ICARAIZINHO
AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 5’6” WEIGHT:120 lbs. YEARS KITING: 4.5 FAVORITE SPOTS: La Ventana, The Gorge
FAVORITE CONDITIONS: Big days in the Gorge when it is blowing 25-35 mph, 20-25 mph flat water
freestyle session and shoulder to overhead waves strapless on my surfboard FAVORITE MOVES: Raleys
to blind, mega loops, powered unhooked kite loops SPONSORS: Naish, Dakine, MLK
GEAR SET-UP
Boards: 130 Naish Momentum, 5’4” Naish Fish Surfboard Bindings: Naish straps, just picked up
a pair of boots from Slingshot, strapless or w/straps on surfboard Kites: Naish Torches and Helixes
Lines: Standard lines Harness: Dakine Wahine waist harness
NEW IN 2010 -HOOD RIVER
COOL PLACES
A holiday in La Ventana ignited Britney’s passion for kiteboarding.
Be sure to stop by Big Papas when in the Gorge!
1. Kite with people who are
at your level or better. It is
amazing how much you push
yourself when you see others
going for it.
2. Focus on your pop. Hooked in
or unhooked, without pop a
trick lacks style and grace.
FRIENDLY FACES
By Marina Chang | Photos Photos Erik Boomer
Britney’s family moved from Utah to Hood River,
Oregon, when she was four years old. Her mom tried
to get her into windsurfing, but she never took to it.
In the eighth grade, Britney learned to snowboard
which became her passion. She did a few big air
and slope-style competitions and decided that after
college she wanted to be a snowboard bum. In
2005, Britney graduated with a BS degree with an
emphasis in biology, anatomy and physiology. That
winter, she and her boyfriend Justin Menasco bought
a 1975 Toyota Chinook camper and headed down to
La Ventana. Since then they have changed their entire
lives to work around kiteboarding, with winters spent
in La Ventana where they both teach kiteboarding and
manage a small resort called Mokies. Their summers
are spent back in their hometown of Hood River,
where they are also kiteboard instructors and just
recently opened a small restaurant called Big Papas
at the kiteboard beach. Britney still intends on using
her degree and working with animals some day, but
while she is young and able, she is going to fully take
advantage of her current lifestyle.
When, where and why did you start kiteboarding? I
learned to kite in 2004 when my mom took me to La
Ventana over winter break. I traded a holiday gift of
scuba lessons for kiteboard lessons.
Have any other sports or disciplines helped
influence your kiteboarding? Living in the Gorge, I
get to wakeboard, snowboard, longboard, and cliff
jump. All help – well maybe not the cliff jumping!
What riders influence you the most/inspire you?
There are a lot of pro riders that are inspirational,
but I am mostly inspired by the people I ride with,
mainly my friends Marie Leclerc and Shannon
Gormley, who are both awesome riders. In the pro
world, John Van Malsen is smooth and fun to watch.
Also the Richman Brothers are such powerful and
energetic riders.
How did you get sponsored by Naish? Between
heats at the 2009 Bridge of the Gods competition, the
local Naish Rep Nick Stuart told me they were going
to start giving me gear on terms. I couldn’t complain
considering I was already riding the Torches at the
time and having a hard time funding them.
3. Relax! Fly your kite and know
how your safety systems work.
When you freak out your kite
freaks out.
What standout features do you most appreciate
about your current gear? I am stoked that Naish
has kept a C-kite. If you learned on a C-kite, there
is just something about them that is hard to beat in
freestyle. I am also happy with the Helix, because
out of all the SLE kites I have ridden it is the closest
feel to a C-kite, plus it has the range and depower
for waves that an SLE kite offers. Their new board,
the Momentum, also has good rocker and lots of
pop, making it a really fun board to ride.
What do you do off the water to help you on the
water? Yoga has always been something that has
helped with my kiting. Both practices help to develop
good core strength. Teaching kiting has also given me
a new perspective on my kiting. Teaching the basics
can relate to learning a more challenging trick. It is all
about kite placement and bar pressure.
What trick or style are you currently working on and
what is the challenge? I am currently working on
rotations to blind and the trick I really want to conquer
is a blind judge. I am always working on better pop
and getting inverted in my rotations. The challenge for
every trick is timing, kite placement and bar feel.
What is your favorite style of riding and why? I
love freestyle, because of the challenge. There is
always something new to learn, whether it is a new
trick or just trying to make a trick you know more
stylish. Kitesurfing is also another favorite. There is
something about getting turns on a peeling wave that
is exhilarating. Anytime I come off the water after a
good surf session I feel rejuvenated.
How was it to win the Bridge of the Gods contest
in your own backyard? It was a lot of fun! I had
so many friends and family there supporting and
rooting for me, it got me pumped up, which is
something I need to perform well.
What is something about you that you do outside of
kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t know? I own
a twice baked potato stand called Big Papas which
offers good and easy food for all of you hungry sport
junkies who need fuel to perform well. Our goal is to
have a Big Papas at all the big kiteboarding and surf
beaches around the US and possibly internationally.
What is your worst wipe out/scariest kiteboarding
experience? My worst wipeout was up in Nitinat,
Canada. It was blowing a steady 26-28 mph and my
friend Max had a camera. I went for a big mega
loop. My board started to come off and I landed
with my foot halfway out of the strap and sprained
my ankle.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing
the kiteboarding industry? The current economy —
there are so many companies on the scene these
days that kite companies are having to work extra
hard to push their gear.
Where is your favorite place to kite and why?
Currently, the east side of the Hood River sandbar —
when the wind is good it can be a freestyle paradise.
I still however feel as though I haven’t found my
favorite spot to kite and look forward to finding it in
the years to come.
What is your most memorable kiteboarding
experience? In La Bocana, Mexico, a dolphin
surfaced in front of me then continued to ride
underneath me like I was the bow of a boat. I felt
like I was one with the ocean.
What are your must haves that you can’t live without?
My family, my friends, my dogs and my kiteboard gear.
Any words of wisdom you want to share with our
readers? Live life the way you want to live it, not the
way you are told. Make your dreams your reality.
34 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 35
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Consisting of over 300 islands, Los Roques offers endless opportunities for exploration. Photo Jeremie Tronet
Jeremie blasts between the white sand of the beach and the luxury
yachts anchored just offshore at Francisqui Arriba. Photo Linn Svendsen
The Amazing
By: Linn Svendsen
Archipelago of Los Roques
T
he best way to travel between Caribbean Islands is by boat. Having spent one month in Isla Coche,
Venezuela, Jeremie Tronet and I had an opportunity to sail to Los Roques. The boat, named the Houat,
is a comfortable 51-foot sailboat with room for nine guests. The Houat also has a two-person crew, Raoul
the gourmet-cooking Captain, and Mar, the rasta-mate. During the trip from Isla Coche to Los Roques
we saw a whale playing, jumping, and blowing water, a pod of dolphins swam alongside the boat, and
Jeremie caught a large barracuda. After about 20 hours of sailing, we entered the calm turquoise waters
of Los Roques. First, we headed to an island called Carenero and although Jeremie had been sailing in Los
Roques before, we didn’t know anything about it. We were not disappointed by what we found.
Birds and sea life are both plentiful
throughout Los Roques.
Photo Jeremie Tronet
These children are all set to go play after a day of
school on Gran Roque. Photo Jeremie Tronet
Linn strolls through the birds on Crasqui.
Photo Jeremie Tronet
36 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 37

Jeremie was able to feed the birds
at Francisqui Arriba by hand.
Photo Linn Svendsen
No cars are allowed on Los Roques. The
colorful street signs add to the small island’s
charm. Photo Linn Svendsen
First sTop: Carenero
After anchoring the Houat in calm water behind lush green
mangroves, we went to explore the beach with the dingy
and found that Carenero has a very nice kite beach. A
reef surrounding the lagoon creates perfectly calm water,
even though the wind is onshore here. In the lagoon there
is a beautiful little island of white sand and the water is
quite shallow, knee deep in some places. The scenery is
breathtaking; natural coral reef formations, transparent blue
Caribbean water, and a beautiful beach. We had some great
sessions at this spot during the two days we stayed here to
play. Before we left, we were lucky enough to be invited by
The dog almost took a chunk out of Jeremie as he was doing handle
passes over him. Photo Linn Svendsen
38 thekiteboarder.com
Cayo Fabian is a beautiful and amazing place to kite, but if you
can’t get back to the beach, you’ll have a long drift until you
reach the next island. Photo Jeremie Tronet
the Houat crew for a barbecue on Carenero. A small family lives on the island and they have
a restaurant that specializes in seafood. They sell almost anything you could ask for including
lobsters, calamari, ray, barracuda, Spanish mackerels, and tuna. They catch everything
themselves in the rich ocean around Carenero. Raoul and Mar were cooking the food, trading
bottles of rum for fresh seafood and use of the barbecue. Luckily, we had come just before the
end of lobster season! After enjoying the food until we felt like we were about to burst, it was
time to head back to the boat and have a siesta before the boys went off to catch a few fish
for dinner.
Jeremie and Raoul went fishing together with a local fisherman. They were successful and
caught lobsters, a Spanish mackerel, and Jeremie impressed everyone by catching a 30 kg.
(65 lbs.) stingray. He said he almost felt like he was wakeboarding when the ray tried to swim
away, towing him and the boat! Later in the night after dark, Mar took the dingy to go to the
beach and do some fire juggling. We waved her off and watched the fire in the air from the
boat. Later, she came back with some Californian kids from the next boat. There had been a
small drama on the beach. She couldn’t find the dinghy after she finished juggling! The tide
had come in and the dinghy floated away, so Mar swam into the dark to try and find it. Luckily,
when she passed the American boat, the kids offered to help. They found the dinghy near the
opening of the lagoon, on its way out to sea. Jeremie and I were especially thankful because
all our kite gear was in it!
On to Crasqui
The next day we sailed to Crasqui. This is my favorite place to kite in all of Los Roques; the
water is blue, the white sand is soft both on the beach and in the sea, the water is as flat as
it can be, and the wind is steady. The beach is protected from the wind, so it’s a great place
to bring non-kiting friends to enjoy the sun and watch you kite while not getting sandblasted.
This day it was very windy, and we were both overpowered on our 6m kites. We had a lot of
fun in the strong wind, playing in the blue water until our bodies couldn’t handle any more.
Back on the boat, we stuffed ourselves with tuna sashimi. After a siesta and one more kite
session in a bit less wind, we sailed to Gran Roque. Our days on the Houat were numbered
and it was time to become landlubbers again.
Final DestinATion: Gran Roque
Gran Roque, a small island with approximately 1,500 inhabitants and 70,000 yearly visitors is
where most of the people live in Los Roques. There are many different guest houses on the
island and we ended up in a beautiful little Italian guest house called Albacora. The owner,
Mauro, is very friendly. He lives just around the corner and helps his guests with every
possible need. You can choose to eat delicious food in
the guest house, or you can also dine in one of several
restaurants. One of my best tips is to watch the sun set
behind the yachts from the bar/restaurant called Bora La
Mar, located on the waterfront while enjoying a sweet and
cold daiquiri. If you like sushi, you should give Aquarena a
try. There is no shortage of great seafood in Los Roques!
Gran Roque is an excellent base to explore the kite spots of
Los Roques. Every day you walk to the port and find a boat
to take you to whatever spot you want. You can also
arrange to have a boat driver come to your guest house
every morning to ask you where and when you want to go.
There are so many nice kite spots in Los Roques! To get to know them all it is a good idea to
spend the first day kiting on Francisqui Abajo, where the Vela/Dare2Fly windsurfing center
and kite school is located. The center managers, Lisolette and Elias, are very friendly and
helpful; they can tell you about all the other spots nearby. If you are a beginner Francisqui
Abajo is a good spot, as the wind is onshore on the upwind side and there are always many
kiters around. Experienced kiters can ride in the flat water lagoon in front of the kite school,
or if you are lucky enough to have a swell you can play in the waves just around the corner.
Endless Possibilities
We spent every day in a different spot. You can kite on almost all of the islands and sandbars
of Los Roques and the beautiful epic kite opportunities are endless! One of the best spots is
Cayo Fabian, a small sandy dot in the ocean with a lagoon of perfect flat water in front. We
had so much fun kiting in this spot. It is so beautiful here that the photos don’t do it justice.
It’s ten times more beautiful in real life! When you crash your kite in the lagoon you can very
easily stand up and relaunch as the water is only waist deep, but watch out, the wind is
offshore and if you can’t make it back to the beach you have a long drift before you reach the
next island.
One of the most beautiful spots is Francisqui, the “public” beach. It has a restaurant where
you can enjoy everything ranging from fresh lobsters to pasta, depending on your budget.
There is a large lagoon for kitesurfing, but sometimes the wind can be a bit gusty here. The
transition between the turquoise water in the lagoon and the white sand to the deep blue
water where the luxury yachts and catamarans are anchored is amazing! On Francisqui there
is also a great snorkeling spot called “La Piscinsa,” meaning “the Pool.”
We had such a great time in Los Roques. As usual, we ended up staying longer than we had
planned. There are so many things to do and so many islands and sandbars to explore. We
enjoyed our time until the last possible minute, taking in the panoramic view from the plane
flying out of the archipelago. This will not be our last visit to these beautiful islands – the
kiting possibilities are endless!
Jeremie and Linn had no idea what to expect at their first stop at Carenero. It
turned out to have near-perfect kiting conditions. Photo Linn Svendsen
Useful tips and hints for Los Roques:
When to go: From December/January until June. We went in
May/June.
Which kites to bring: People recommended that we bring
only big kites, as the wind is usually light. Luckily we brought
small kites too, as we only used 6m and 8m kites the whole
month we stayed there!
How to get there: Fly to Los Roques from Isla Margarita
(Porlamar) or Caracas, both of which you can reach from
major cities in the US. If flying to Los Roques from Caracas,
TAP (www.flytap.com) is my choice as they have kiter-friendly
luggage rules. We sailed to Los Roques and flew back with
Rainbow, buying the tickets directly in the airport in Los Roques.
You can also fly with Aerotuy from both Caracas and Porlamar
(www.tuy.com)
Where to stay: We stayed in Posada Albacora
(www.albacora.com.ve). We had hot water, air conditioning, a
soft bed, cable TV, and excellent food. An economical option is
Juanfel, a charming guesthouse with very good food. They don’t
have a website, so if you want to stay there just ask for Juanfel
on arrival. The island is so small that you will easily find it.
Want to stay on a boat? We sailed with the Houat
(www.roqueparaiso.com). It’s a great way to experience Los
Roques, and may be your best choice if you are a beginner.
Most of the spots of have offshore wind and the sailboat dingy
could prove to be very useful.
thekiteboarder.com 39

Experience the best of Baja California
Beachfront rooms at the heart of
La Ventana village
Free wireless hi-speed internet
Yoga & relaxation in our unique
TEMAZCAL (sauna)
Paddle boards, kayaks, bicycles for
getting around town
KITEBOARDING LESSONS
Transportation for downwinders

“The Best of Baja”
La Ventana • Mexico
AWESOME KITING
ON THE BEACH
COZY CASITAS
INCREDIBLE FOOD
Also Available
Internet, Massage, Fishing,
Restaurant and Bar, Kayaking,
SUP, Snorkeling, Spearfishing,
SCUBA Diving and Certification
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
Baja Joe’s:
The center of activity in La Ventana, owners Joe and Angie Cheek opened
Baja Joe’s in 1997. Featuring comfortable bungalows directly on the beach,
the property also has two large community kitchens, convenient gear storage
in their huge beachfront shed, demo and rental gear from North and Caution,
usage of kayak, SUP boards and bikes, and the largest retail store for all your
kiteboarding needs. A great espresso bar/internet, on-site masseuse, and IKO
affiliated school Elevation Kiteboarding, featured in the instructional video,
My Sessions, round out the list of services offered by the property. Baja Joe’s
beachfront is taken over every year in January by the La Ventana Classic and
KiteXpo as this area offers the largest rock-free, sandiest strip of beachfront
in the area. It is also the home of LV PAWS, which will pay for local animals to
be spayed/neutered, and help, if needed, with transportation costs when you
adopt a dog to take back home. www.bajajoe.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
Guide to
For Reservations or Information
Call: 310-594-3483 (USA)
Skype: palapasventana
Email:contact@palapasventana.com
www.palapasventana.com
Baja
Businesses:
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 Kirk’s:
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, domeroof
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
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.com
Kitemasters:
Kitemasters is an IKO affiliated center which provides a variety of services
including lessons, day trips to the coast or island, and lesson/lodging
packages. Conveniently located south of the main campground right at the
beginner’s kite launching area with a huge sandy beach, owner Arnaud
Vuillermet and his crew offer lessons in English, Spanish or French and
teach with state-of-the-art radio helmets, utilizing the latest gear from F.one
and Mystic. The school is also a demo center for F.one boards and kites so
be sure to stop by and try out the new gear! Arnaud is also a co-organizer
of the annual La Ventana Classic Kite and SUP Expo and founder of www.
thebestoflaventana.com, a great resource guide for everything you could
possibly want to know about La Ventana. www.kitemasters.com
“...It’s a few notches above the rest in
terms of the meals, the accommodations
and the whole casual but deluxe vibe.”
“For beginners, this is the ultimate
learning spot. And the hot tub rules.”
“At Ventana Windsports, we stayed
right ON the beach, and wow is the food
good. What a relaxing and windy
trip! We’ll be back to kiters’ paradise!”
Ventana
Windsports
www.VentanaWindsports.com
thekiteboarder.com 43

Brian Schwarz at the
helm of the trusty
Calikites truck.
With its long sandy beaches and consistent side-shore
wind, San Quintin is an ideal place for kiteboarding.
in South san of the quintin Border
Words and Photos by Paul Lang
Head 20 minutes south from San Diego on I-5 and you will find yourself in a wildly
different place. As soon as you cross under the large green, white, and red sign that
reads “MEXICO,” make sure you line up in one of the “Nothing to Declare” lanes and
hope for a green light. A red light means you must pull over and attempt to explain
yourself in broken Spanish, much to the amusement of the local authorities. A green
light means “Bienvenido a Mexico,” and you continue onward into a new country.
The change is shocking: In less than 10 feet, you go from being in an organized,
slow moving lane to a complete free-for-all in which everyone, especially the taxi
drivers, seems to completely ignore all rules of the road. Stay alert and keep your eyes
open for the sign that will lead you south out of town to the toll road for Ensenada.
Breathe another sigh of relief once on the toll road. This sigh is because you know
you are already through Tijuana, and you have heard the stories about what has been
happening there.
44 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 45

Baja is full of some of the nicest
people you will ever meet.
Kasey Campbell lines up on a San Quintin wave while the Calikites truck
takes a break from hauling kiters back upwind.
46 thekiteboarder.com
This crew of kiters filled up a bus and completely took
over a hotel 200 miles south of the border.
TRAVELING TO BAJA
Anyone who has been to Mexico knows the country is full of some of the warmest and friendliest
people on the planet, but unfortunately Mexico is also home to widespread poverty, corruption, drug
and human trafficking, and organized crime. Tourism in Mexico, especially in Baja, has plummeted
in recent years, due to the stories that are reported about the incidents that happen there. To
explore Baja, most people cross through Tijuana where hundreds of criminals, police officers, and
innocent bystanders died in 2008 due to the violence caused by organized crime. The fact that the
stories about violence in the border region are picked up and sensationalized by the media only
makes the problem worse and has caused some people I know who have been traveling to Baja for
more than 20 years to swear off heading south of the border completely. The saddest part of all of
this is that the rest of the country is not at all like Tijuana and the other border regions — there are
endless and incredible kiteboarding opportunities all over the more than
2,000 miles of Baja coastline.
THE REAL BAJA
To continue offering kiteboarding trips to San Quintin, a sleepy farming
town 200 miles south of the border, the crew at Calikites came up with
a bold idea: Instead of bringing kiters down in a 15-passenger van, they
would rent a 50-person charter bus and completely take over the Desert
Inn, a bunker-like beachfront hotel sitting in the middle of 12 miles of
pristine sandy beach. They would also drag down a rescue jet-ski, a van
full of demo gear from Liquid Force, Cabrinha, and North, and a pile of SUP
boards in case the wind didn’t show. Because of the recent troubles in Baja,
it was unclear how many kiteboarders would be willing to travel down, but
the buzz about how good the kiting is in San Quintin was enough to quickly
fill the bus to capacity. Early on a Friday morning, the bus was loaded up
behind the Calikites shop in Coronado with eager kiteboarders and tons of
gear for the five-hour drive down. We quickly passed through Tijuana and
were on our way to three days of kiteboarding in the real Baja California.
SAN QUINTIN
As soon as the bus was unloaded and everyone found their ocean-view
rooms (every room at this hotel has an ocean view), the quiet beach was
invaded by a hoard of kiteboarders eager to get on the water. San Quintin
is the perfect place for beginner-intermediate kiteboarders to ride, as the
wind blows anywhere from side-on to slightly side-off and there are no
obstacles, except for the cars parked on the beach. The waves are usually
very small and the wind is steady. This section of the Baja Coast is where
deep ocean water is pushed up near the surface, so the water can be cold,
typically 5-10° colder than San Diego. Kite sizes in San Quintin can range
from 6-16 meters, depending on the season, but after more than a dozen
trips here, I’ve ridden every single time. After a little water time, everyone
packed up their gear and headed back to their rooms for hot showers to
wash off the incredibly fine beach sand that manages to get everywhere
before heading a few miles down a dirt road to the Cielito Lindo for dinner,
drinks, and dancing. According to one rumor, John Wayne and Henry Fonda
once frequented the Cielito Lindo, but now it’s the spot for good food, cheap
drinks, good dancing with locals, and a chance to meet a few of the local
ex-pat American characters, most of whom look like there could have been
a Jimmy Buffett song written about them. Watch out for the margaritas
here, they’re strong enough that they may have to find the wheelbarrow
that’s always nearby (the locals call it the limo) to get you back to your bed.
kiteboarders san for beginner-intermediate quintin is to the ride, perfect as the place
blows slightly anywhere side-off from and side-on there are to wind
no parked obstacles, on the except beach. for the cars
thekiteboarder.com
On the way back to the hotel, most of the people
in the bus ended up riding back on the roof of the
bus, which, for some reason, is just the sort of
thing that always seems to happen down here.
DAY TWO
The next day, after sleeping off all of the excesses
of the night before, everyone found their way
to the beach and pumped up. The wind stayed
fairly light, but most were able to get out and
ride on 12-16 meter kites. Beginners worked on
riding upwind or learning to jump while more
experienced riders played in the small waves
or used the shorebreak as a kicker to throw
tricks. The amount of kiters on this trip was an
unbelievably large group for San Quintin, so locals
began showing up to watch the crazy gringos.
Downwinders were organized and groups would
take off and head the six or so miles downwind to
the end of the beach, then pile into the Calikites
truck to be brought back upwind. After a full
day on the beach, everyone jumped into the bus
to head to Jardines, a few miles up the road
towards town. Jardines is the type of place that
makes Baja special. To get there, you turn off
the main road and ramble down a washboard
dirt road through a field for about a mile and
then come to a beautify maintained garden full
of all kinds of exotic plants and one of the most
beautifully manicured lawns I’ve ever seen. In the
midst of this unexpected oasis is a restaurant that
serves great food and a small hotel with rooms
starting at $35 a night. After dinner and a few
(OK, many) drinks, a slideshow and raffle were
put on back at the Desert Inn, and a few intrepid
people found out that not only do ice chests keep
food and beer cold, but you can also fit two adults
in one and ride it down a set of stairs.
DAY THREE
Most people slept in on Sunday and then hit the
beach, but it seemed like the whole town had
heard of all of the kiteboarders riding in front
of the hotel and had come down to watch. This
created a bit of a traffic jam on the beach near
the hotel, but since the beach is 12 miles long,
there was still plenty of room for everyone to
Danny Schwarz shows his stuff on the dance
floor at the Cielito Lindo.
47

After an hour-long downwinder, riders could hop onto the
truck and be back at the starting point in 10 minutes.
spread out. The Calikites truck was working full time bringing people back upwind after hour-long
downwinders. While walking on the beach a local waved me over to join him and his family. They had
an awning tied up between an old car and older van, under which the women were at work preparing a
giant bowl of fresh ceviche. I was promptly given a heaping bowl and a few tortillas and they asked me
to stay and eat with them. As soon as I finished, one of the older women handed me a sandwich gently
wrapped in a paper towel. “Fresas,” she said, the jam on the sandwich being homemade strawberry
jam. I stayed with the family for a few minutes, took a few pictures, and said goodbye to them and
wandered off to get in some more water time before heading back up north on the bus. Shortly after
one more session, the bags were packed, the bus was loaded, and we were on the road, leaving the
real Baja behind in order to go back to our real jobs. Despite all of the bad news about violence in
Mexico, a bus load of 50 kiteboarders had made it down and back without incident, and everyone
involved had a blast doing it.
Fact fILe:
Getting to San Quintin: Drive South on I-5 and follow the signs for Road 1 once in Mexico. San
Quintin has a few landing strips, so it’s possible to fly down if you find an adventurous pilot with a
small plane. For an easy trip, travel with the guys from Calikites (www.calikites.com).
For info on upcoming tours email: info@calikites.com
For ridiculously awesome gear check out: calikites.com
619.522.9575
Some of the locals don’t quite know
what to think about kiteboarding.
48 thekiteboarder.com
With a beach that stretches
for over 12 miles, there are
no problems finding a deserted
place to launch.
Where to Stay: The largest hotel closest to the beach is the Desert Inn (www.desertinns.com),
$40-$80/night depending on if they’re offering a deal or not. Things may be changing soon, as
this hotel was supposedly just auctioned off to a new owner. There are other places to stay nearby,
including the Cielito Lindo (no website, just show up) and Jardines (near San Quintin Bay, www.
hotel-jardinesbaja.com).
Where to Ride: Ride in front of the Desert Inn, or anywhere else on the amazingly long beach. On
Sundays, local families flock to the beach, so you’ll have to go upwind or downwind to find a quiet
spot. If you are going to drive on the beach, a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a tow strap are highly
recommended. You can also ride in San Quintin Bay, where the water is warm, shallow, and flat, but
the bottom is very muddy.
Where to Eat: There’s plenty of good food around. For breakfast, the restaurant in the Desert Inn
is very good. The food at the Cielito Lindo and especially Jardines is excellent and very reasonably
priced. If you see a taco stand with a large crowd around it, you know it’s a good one.
About traveling in Mexico: Yes, there are problems in Mexico, but you can stay well clear of
them if you use your head. Mexico is not the lawless land that many Americans think it is and you
cannot do whatever you want here. Treat the locals with respect and act as you would at home. If
you drive your own car, get Mexican liability insurance (you can buy it online) and drive carefully. It’s
safest to only drive during daytime, especially outside of the cities where there may be cows and/or
horses in the road and where some locals have the habit of driving without their headlights on.
IKO Affiliated Center
Located in front of kiteboarding
beginners launching zone
Professional certified instructors
Top notch teaching equipment
Radio assisted lessons
with jetski & ATV support
Private lessons :
Beginner to Advanced levels
2010 kite & board demo
Clinics and kitesurfing camps
Lessons only
or all inclusive packages available
www.kitemasters.com
info@kitemasters.com
Tel: +1 888 800 8070
or +52 1 612 1566769
thekiteboarder.com 49

Going Deep
Mitu Monteiro is one of the nicest and most approachable pro riders out there. He may be chill on
land, but when he gets into the waves, watch out, because he’s about to cut loose. Here Mitu goes
deep in Mauritius. To see a sick video from this trip, check out http://www.bandit3.com
Photo Gilles Calvert
50 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 51

Moving On
If you pay any attention at all to the internet forums, then
you know that Dimitri Maramenides has started a new
kiteboarding company, Epic Kiteboarding. We think that no
matter what Dimitri rides, he always manages to find a way
to make it interesting. Photo Bryan Harvey
Half a Lifetime
It may be hard to believe, but kiteboarding is reaching the point where
some of the young up-and-coming stars have been kiteboarding for
a large portion of their lives. Over the past nine years, Sam Medesky
has gone from being a slightly awkward skinny kid from Canada to a
long-haired ripper that eats, sleeps, and breathes the sport. Sam is now
18 years old, meaning that he has been kiteboarding for half of his life.
Photo Jason Rusnak
52 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 53

Grom Goes Big
Grom Gormley is a nomad kiteboarder who makes his living scraping by and getting as much time
on the water as possible. Grom is always pushing himself to learn new moves and as a result he
makes very frequent appearances in the Yard Sale section of The Kiteboarder. We figured it’s time
for Grom to get a photo published that doesn’t involve an epic crash. One can only imagine what
the kids on the rock are thinking as they watch this bearded hippie flying 30 feet above them. We
are not sure how the landing went, but no one will deny that Grom is pushing the limits on this
perfect summer day in the Gorge. Photo Dallas McMahon
Psychedelic Glow Stick Rail Jam
When Matt Sexton came to Corpus Christi and stayed at the TKB compound, he, Zach Kleppe, and Dallas McMahon
came up with this crazy idea of building a really colorful rail and then pouring a bunch of glow stick juice on it for a
night shoot. The boys disappeared for most of the night trying to pull of this psychedelic glow stick rail jam. After fourwheeling
into a remote area and setting up the strobes, the crew broke open a pile of glow sticks and poured the liquid
all over the place. I’m still trying to imagine what the Texas fisherman thought they saw on the water that night.
Photo Dallas McMahon
54 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 55

Take a Picture, It’ll Last Longer
In another example of the unique pictures you can
create with the GoPro Hero camera featured in this
month’s Launch, Hal Turner captures this little
head dip off the Northern California Coast during a
summer south swell. A good wave like this can keep
a smile on your face for a week, but having a picture
of it to show other people will make that smile last
for months. Photo Hal Turner
56 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 57

LIQUID FORCE
KITEBOARDING
2010 COMP HARNESS
First introduced in 2009, the
COMP harness is LF’s complete 3D
thermoformed harness for ultimate support
and comfort. All new for 2010, the LF COMP harness is super lightweight,
and its superior flex and low profile outline make this one of the lightest and
tightest waist harnesses available. The COMP’s EVA ‘Body Wrap’ Liner helps
it conform to the body for that ‘like a glove’ fit.
SIZES: S to XL COLORS: Black
MSRP: $169.99
www.liquidforcekites.com
KITEHERO.COM
GOPRO HERO KITE LINE MOUNT
Want to get that shot but nobody’s around to take your
picture? Problem solved! After months of development and
real-world testing, the KITEHERO Line Mount offers quality
high-grade, lightweight nylon construction which works great
on the snow or the water. Designed for use with most 4 line
bars and the GoPro family of cameras, easy mounting
points make setup quick and provide optimal camera
positioning. Developed by Jim Stringfellow, as featured in
this month’s Launch.
SIZES: $45 including shipping within 48 continental US states
www.kitehero.com
KITADDICT Auxesia GIRL HOODIE
Incredibly soft, Auxesia hoodies not only keep you warm
after each session, but also help you to look your best off the water.
You can have the comfort of knowing that mainly bamboo and
organic cotton eco-friendly fabrics are used. Maybe
nature will one day return the favor to you? The
Auxesia hoodie is slim cut, made of finely
brushed French terry. The inside hood color
in lime green brings a fine touch
contrast with various names of
tricks imprinted in
on the inside.
SIZES: XS to Large
COLORS: White/red high quality screen
printing on front and side bodice with
contrasting lime green inside hood color.
MSRP: $63
www.kitaddict.com/shop
58 thekiteboarder.com
product watch 09
STICKY WHEEL stickywheel
The StickyWheel is a two-wheel transportation device
that easily sticks to the bottom of paddleboards and surfboards.
This device is small, sturdy, and easy to use. There is no assembly
needed, just stick it on with one quick snap (using a 4” diameter
suction cup). This device will get you in the water faster and will
protect your board. It
supports one or more
boards up to 31” wide
and has 10” pneumatic
wheels that glide thru
the deep sand.
SIZES: One Size
COLORS: Black/Orange
MSRP: $99.99
www.stickywheel.com
12 New
Products
to CHECK OUT
THULE LOAD OFF
The Thule 7039 Load Off foldable
chair makes it easy to change in and out of
your wetsuit with a convenient large changing
mat to keep your feet and rubber off the
pavement, sand or dirt. Also ideal for outdoor
events, at the beach, picnics, car camping
and more, the stool includes storage
compartments for wet and dry clothes and
convenient mesh pockets for smaller items
and easy access.
COLORS: Blue and Black MSRP: $62.95
Google Thule Load Off and find your deal!
GOPRO HD HELMET HERO
Developed for professional use, but at a consumer price, the GoPro HD
Helmet Hero is the world’s first true 1080p HD wearable sports camera offering
a full frame 960p 4:3 resolution and a massive 170° of wide angle perspective,
plus 720p 60 frames per second video. Battery life is approximately 2.5 hours
and the battery pack is specifically designed to stay warm in cold
conditions for optimal performance. The camera can also
shoot automatic 5MP photos at 2/5/10/30 and 60
second intervals. Press the shutter button at
the start of your session and record up to 2.5
hours of poster-print quality photos of you
and your friends ripping it up.
MSRP: $299 including helmet/gear/car/head
strap mounts
www.gopro.com
SHADOWBOX.COM
SHADOWBOX 3-D RECORDING DEVICE
Track your session with the new ShadowBox 3-D recording device, a tough,
fully-waterproof product no bigger than a deck of cards. The Shadowbox
attaches securely to the deck of your board and records data including
the height, distance, hang time, and speed of every jump; the rotation and
spin rate of every trick, as well as various other measurements. When your
session is over, you can check out your ride data directly on the unit, or
upload the data to your computer later and analyze every aspect of your
performance in 3-D detail. See the TKB interview with the designers at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxmY9f8QBso
SIZES: 3.6 x 2.3 x .75 inches, about .25 lbs
MSRP: $499 including leash, various
mounting options, mini-USB to USB cord, car
charger, and memory foam case
www.ShadowBoxLive.com
SOMA AIRBAG DESIGNS BOARD BAGS
Soma AirBag Designs has evolved board protection as never
before along with the convenience of compact
portability (rolls up into a 26”x7” pack). AIR-P
(Asymmetrical Interior Rocker Protection)
ensures your board from flexing and the
overall protection from air pressure keeps
your board safe from the most brutal
impacts as no other bag. Check out the
demo videos on their website of the bags
falling out of truck beds, being run over by
a motorcycle and more to show you the
protection that Soma AirBag Designs offer
as a picture speaks a thousand words!
SIZES: 6’6”, 7’0”, 7’6” and 9’6” in both
Single and Double Carriers
COLOR: Grey
MSRP: $150 to $200
www.airbagdesigns.com
npx 2010 ASSASSIN
For 2010, NPX added two huge features previously
only offered with their ultra-high-end Zealot suit. The
Assassin now has NPX’s infamous Aquavents, which
quickly drain out any water buildup or “balloon leg” in
your calves. The new suits are also available in two
closure options: Front-Zip or NPX’s E3 Pullover Back-Zip
for easy entry and no neck flush. The Assassin still has
super-stretchy Apex Flex material, Hotcell insulation,
glued and blindstitched PKU taped seams, Griplock wrists,
and an Anti-Choke neck closure.
SIZES: S to XXL including Tall and Short Sizes. Available in
Shorty, 3/2 Short Sleeves, 3/2 Full, 4/3, and 5/4/3, Back-Zip
pullover or Front Zip
MSRP: $165 to $300
www.NpxWetsuits.com
NSI Inno Board Locker
Lock any Board on Car Racks —NSI introduces the Inno
BoardLocker Roof Rack System. The BoardLocker mounts easily
on most car roof racks, offering protection and security from board
theft. The floating strap system opens the Locker up for easy,
no fuss loading; simply open up the ratcheting hood and crank
the straps down tight. Best of all, the rubber coated stainless
steel straps that ratchet down for secure tightening are lockable.
The universal attachment systems allows you to mount the
BoardLocker to Thule, Yakama and all other aftermarket roof rack
systems, plus 99% of all factory racks.
sizes: INNO444 holds up to 3 SUP boards or 3 long surf boards and
the INNO744 holds up to 2 long surfboards or 3 short surf boards
MSRP: INNO444: $229.99, INNO744: $199.99
www.NorthShoreInc.com
MYSTIC BOARDING PAMPERO BELT
Mystic’s winter apparel collection fits perfectly with the
lifestyle of kiteboarders and work on the snow, water and street.
From outerwear jackets to well insulated sweatshirts down to
accessories, all products are of the highest quality and styles. The
Pampero belt is a great stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays
and comes in two sizes with a big rectangular buckle, with the
Mystic logo and studs across.
COLORS: Black
SIZES: Small/Medium
and Large/Extra Large
MSRP: $44.95
www.mysticboarding.com
shadow HARNESS
Pushing the limits needs comfort. The Shadow Waist
Harness is the latest development from Mystic. How can you
create a better harness than the Warrior II or the Firestarter? The
Shadow is Mystic’s ultra light waist harness weighing in at 3
lbs, unitizing the Warrior II’s plate technology, creating amazing
support, comfort, and range of motion. Together with the plate
technology, the new Clicker bar, leash, swivel
and knife, the Mystic Shadow is the
harness of choice for pro riders
Shawn Richman and Youri Zoon
and makes an unbeatable package.
Available starting December 2009.
COLORS: White, Black
SIZES: XXS to XXL
MSRP: $197.95
www.mysticboarding.com
thekiteboarder.com 59

designer’s corner cont.
TeSTed: 9m Type OF KITe: Hybrid C-kite Sizes AVAILABLe: 8, 9, 10 and 12m
FROM THe MANuFACTurer
The all new Nemesis NXG sets the bar for performance riding, providing
the perfect balance between C-kite responsiveness and SLE performance.
Demanding riders will find it the unbeatable choice for big-air and high
powered freestyle riding styles. Combining Twister Tech with a radical new
wingtip layout and C-kite plan-shape delivers faster, more powerful turn
initiation with reduced bar pressure, maximizing handling responsiveness
in any wind conditions. Our Cuben Equipped LE construction reduces drag
and improves LE stiffness allowing you to ride the Nemesis NXG harder and
faster upwind so you can spend more time in the competition zone. A deeper,
more powerful central canopy profile delivers incredible low wind ability while
the VP3 bridle completely eliminates backstall, even when riding unhooked,
ensuring that the NXG remains ultra stable across its entire wind range. Add
in Canopy Framing, a 3D Kevlar airframe and Best’s legendary Surf Tough
construction and you have the number one kite choice for all performance
focused riders, in any wind, on any wave.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
Best sent us a 9m Nemesis NXG and the 24+ mph wind was perfect to test it
in. The Best NXG is their third generation of kites designed with Cuben Fiber
integrated into the construction. If you are not familiar with Cuben Fiber, it is often
used in high-end sailboat racing sails. The material is stiff and for Best, allowed
for a smaller diameter and a more rigid leading edge. Upon taking the NXG out
of the bag, the first thing we noticed was the increased production quality. Best
significantly improved the most common wear points from last year’s line by
beefing them up with reinforcements. After inflating the kite, it was interesting
how the Cuben Fiber was integrated into the LE and the battens in the TE. The
NXG ships with the Best bar with full carbon construction and a 3D molded grip.
The Best control bar also has an EVA Bar End bumper included to help protect
your hands. The fly lines are also 700 lb. rated to minimize breakage. When
hooking up the kite, we encountered the new VP3 bridle which was designed to
improve stability and depower. In laymen’s terms, Best added another pulley—
three all together. The first time we hooked up the kite we decided to ride the AA
settings, because they were stock out of the bag. Once on the water, you could
really feel the power of the NXG. The low end was grunty and upwind ability was
excellent. We thought the pulleys would make the bar pressure too light, but
surprisingly there was slightly more bar pressure than the Waroo, which is known
for its light feel. We actually liked the bar pressure better on the NXG as the input
had a more direct feeling. The turning was extremely smooth and felt more like
a C-kite than a traditional SLE style. Jumping the NXG was awesome — you
might want to pack a lunch for the trip as the kite has some serious boost and
hang time. The NXG depowered with no problem and relaunched effortlessly. The
second session we switched to the AB settings and noticed it increased the bar
pressure and changed the turning to be a little slower. The distinct characteristics
that stood out to all of us was the power stroke and grunt. If you felt like you
needed some power, you could dive the kite and it would be there. Overall, the
Nemesis NXG is a great package for the kiter who wants a high performance
kite design that boosts with multiple tuning options for bar pressure and turning
speed. Anyone planning to buy this kite should spend at least a month playing
around with the tuning and different settings. Yes, it does work out of the bag just
fine, but the NXG is the dream kite for those who like to tinker. People who prefer
a more simple kite might not care about so many options. If you are beginner
getting into the sport, you may want to stick with the Waroo for its simplicity.
Freestylers will love the boost and fast turning of the new NXG and wave riders
will like its stability and grunt.
analyze thisbest Nemesis NXG
Control
System
REPORT CARD
Inflation System: “EZ Pump” trademark easy and durable
Control bar: 3D Molded grip with EVA bar ends
Control bar accessories: New push away eject QR/above
bar depower strap
Safety system: Below the bar leash connection point along
with two other connection points
Bridle: Simple, easy to replace if needed and short
Stability: Super solid in steady and gusty conditions
Power: Plenty of low end with power to spare
Turning: Effortless with the Twister Tech LE
Pop: Impressed the test team
Bar pressure: Light to heavy, adjustments on wingtips
Depower: Above the bar depower strap
Relaunch: Simple and easy
Durability: One of a kind
Kitebag: The Limo of kite bags
Pump: Durable with metal shaft, pump leash, psi gauge
Tips:
8 The kite likes to be ridged so be sure to inflate the kite with plenty of pressure.
8 Be sure to keep the center line swivel clean of sand and debris.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: Kitebad, NSW/Australia:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=53748
Here is some feedback from Sydney south side today wind NE 17 -20
knots. This is one sweet kite. For a 10m it’s got balls and more grunt
(bottom end) than last year. Initial turning is quick but on AB setting, I found
myself having to be aggressive with the bar to get the response from the
kite that I’m used. Airtime is what I kite/live for — the NXG is sick! Really
easy to stick tricks with this one and kiteloops have more power through
the loop and awesome whip at the end. The NXG felt smoother in power
delivery, giving me more confidence to attack my moves and to break new
ground, and is one step closer to a one kite solution.
CANOPY FRAMING
TECHNOLOGY
3D MOLDED
ERGONOMIC
GRIP
Above Average
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Light-heavy
Excellent
excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
NXG Kite Bag
REPORT CARD
Tips:
Control
System
Inflation System: Single point inflation system
Control bar: Narrow diameter, light, and adjustable ends
Control bar accessories: Osh*t handles and below the bar QR
Safety system: Below bar push away QR with a center leash line
Bridle: Short length bridle
Stability: Rock solid and handles gust with ease
Power: Good power with low end
Turning: Quick and smooth turning with solid follow through of power
Pop: Good lofty jumps and float
Bar pressure: Light bar pressure - adjustable
Depower: Good depower with above the bar depower strap
Relaunch: Simple and quick to relaunch with no effort
Durability: Can handle a surf beat down
Kitebag: Light and simple, carry it on the plane w/bar inside
Pump: Large volume with metal shaft and kite leash
8 Move the center lines up one knot to get more depower.
8 Set the rear lines with little or no slack when the power strap is totally out.
8 If you get over powered, an inch or two is all the brake you will need.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK:
No consumer review available yet – product too new!
Mayhem X Canopy
Quick Release
Safety Leash
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Light-Moderate
Excellent
excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
caution mayhem X
TeSTed: 11m Type OF KITe: SLE Sizes AVAILABLe: 5, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 18
FROM THe MANuFACTurer
The Mayhem X (MX) is the latest in Caution’s line of high performance kites.
The design team’s goal for the Mayhem X was to refine the Mayhem line
by tuning up it’s high performance characteristics to meet the needs of
intermediate and advanced kiters. The 2010 MX offers unparalleled turning
speed with Caution’s precision turning dynamics and our clean 4-line short
bridle system. With an expanded “sweet spot” and ergonomically correct
limited throw, the MX offers lively response and the ultimate in upwind riding
ability. The Mayhem’s new 5- strut frame offers a reduction in canopy weight,
faster inflation and crisp reactive steering characteristics. Caution’s acclaimed
control system offers functional simplicity, and one of the industries few
maintenance free trim loops. The Mayhem X’s single inflation system uses
material and hardware upgrades for the ultimate in durability and longevity.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
We were able to test the new Mayhem X (MX) in 20+ mph winds. Upon
inflating the MX, we found it to be a stylish kite complete with Caution’s
trademark flame graphics across the top of the canopy. The Mayhem X is very
stable, rock solid in the gusts, and delivers a strong consistent power stroke.
The 2010 MX is lighter than the original Mayhem, while still maintaining the
bombproof construction that Caution is known for. Two struts were eliminated
from last year’s kite and the wing tips are much shorter and wider making
relaunching easy. The updated single point inflation system makes pumping
up easy and fast. The bridle system is simple and short, probably the shortest
on the market. The bridles give the MX a direct and responsive feel. The bar
pressure is slightly lighter than the original Mayhem, in the low to moderate
range depending on your bar settings. Both front and rear bridles can be
adjusted to change the turning speed of the kite. The kite we tested was set
up in the stock factory settings (faster); something more experienced riders
will want for wave riding or freestyle. The shorter bridles also improve the
MX’s chance of relaunching, even if the kite rolls over a few times. This can
be a key feature if you ride in shark-infested waters! The 2010 Control Bar
System has adjustable bar ends so you only need one bar to fly any kite in
their line. The safety system is clean and simple and the bar is tapered and
comes with all the safety bells and whistles including the newly designed
locking chicken loop and a centerline kill leash that you can connect under the
chicken loop. Some kites just like to jump, and the Mayhem X is one of them.
The pop, hang time, and stability were spot on. Each of us felt immediately
comfortable on the MX riding hooked and unhooked.
Adjustable
Bar Ends
60 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 61

designer’s corner cont.
analyze this
Liquid force envy
Tested: 12m Type of kite: Delta/SLE
Sizes available: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15m
FROM THe MANuFACTurer
The Envy has power on tap but is manageable, due to the Delta profile, it has
great low end but due to the design, great depower also. The Envy blends
the popular benefits of the Delta type kites but adds the proven *LF Diamond
Wingtips and USB- 2.0 Bridle system to improve them beyond anything
currently on the market. The Envy works with a 3 strut configuration and
inflatable wing tips, the reduction of the struts reduces the overall weight by
a whole pound (0.5kg) in the 12m size, this is really noticeable when flying
as the kite is far more reactive and quicker through the sky. The Liquid Force
Envy is around 20% lighter than the average SLE which provides a fun light
feel. The reduction of the struts reduces back stall to a minimum in light winds,
encourages better drifting and offers superior stability, it is also faster to inflate/
deflate. The reduction of weight is completed from removing the struts but has
meant the construction has not suffered from the ‘diet’.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
We had a chance to see Liquid Force’s new Envy at the AWSI Demo in Hood
River as there was a lot of curiosity about their new 3-strut delta/SLE kite. First
off, the bar is all new for 2010. The control system sports a new quick release
added to the chicken loop called the CPR System. It’s a push away release that
can be activated with either hand from the front or back of the chicken loop. The
new system also offers a flag line safety option giving you 100% depower when
engaged, or 90% when connected to the main line. The overall bar system is
simple yet comfortable and efficient and the thinner chicken loop line also helps
to offer a smoother range of travel with the bar. The Envy is a very easy and fast
kite to inflate due to the Union single point inflation system and the fact that
the Envy is only designed with 3-struts. By taking away the 5th and 4th struts,
Liquid Force was able to make a lighter kite. We’re not sure if this helped our
test team ride through lulls with ease but the new Envy did have good low-end
power. The Envy’s overall construction is solid and visually it has very cool
graphics. Upon close inspection, you will see that LF beefed up the high wear
and tear areas and incorporated Dacron along the LE to ensure the kite remains
stable and rigid after multiple smack downs. We tested the Envy in 20+ knot
conditions and definitely crashed it a lot. The Envy relaunched effortlessly every
time with little input. The Envy isn’t lightning fast but it has a really nice direct
feel and is quick and smooth, even though the bar pressure is extremely light.
The Envy’s long chicken loop throw also allows it to offer a huge wind range,
especially towards the top end. An upwind machine, we noticed it performed
better with back line tension, so make sure you tune it properly before your
session. The Envy jumped well, especially when powered up. Boosting wasn’t
as big as with the high performance Havoc, but still very nice and floaty with
solid lift and a very gentle feel when jumping. Overall, the Envy is a great kite for
riders progressing from the beginner to intermediate/advanced levels who just
want a super fun, easy kite that turns efficiently with good feedback through the
bar, boosts high, offers light bar pressure, has super reliable relaunch ability, and
provides a wide power range.
bar end floats
Control
System
Tips:
REPORT CARD
Inflation System: Union single point inflation
Control bar: Small diameter comfortable hold
Control bar accessories: Easy, below the bar depower
Safety system: New push away “CPR System”
Bridle: Medium length bridle, simple to rig
Stability: Performs best with some back line tension
Power: Smooth range of low end power
Turning: Efficient turning with good feedback through the bar
Pop: Strap on your seat belt, likes to launch high
Bar pressure: Easy to turn with good control
Depower: Excellent wind range, especially near top end
Relaunch: Nearly effortless!
Durability: Well built kite with reinforced LE
Kitebag: N/A
Pump: N/A
Tips:
8 Keep your hands close to the middle of the bar during jumps to
keep from over steering.
8 Trim the kite as needed before unhooking for tricks.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: tommyb
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=52940
I had a go of the Envy the other day at Wello, it was insane. So fast and
stable. It is great for unhooking and would be good for riding in the
waves. The graphics look awesome on it as well. The bar setup has
changed completely and it looks great. I would definitely recommend
this kite. I cannot wait to try the new Havoc and HifFi Comp as well. All
I need is some wind!!
diamond wingtip
design
Above Average
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Light
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
sheeting line pulley
Control
System
REPORT CARD
Inflation System: One pump SPS inflation system
Control bar: Great grip and comfortable to grab
Control bar accessories: Above the bar depower with a below
the bar leash and QR
Safety system: Two below the bar connection points for a leash with a QR
Bridle: Long bridle with attachments for replacing worn out parts
Stability: Very solid stability
Power: Really good low end power
Turning: Fast but pivots around the wingtips a bit
Pop: Great pop good for freestyle
Bar pressure: Medium with good feedback through the bar
Depower: Depower cleat above the bar with full depower in chicken loop
Relaunch: Simple and very quick to relaunch
Durability: Super solid build
Kitebag: Great bag with plenty of room for all of you needs and equipment
Pump: N/A
Tips:
8 Be sure to check the outside power adjustments under the bar float as they
are easy to miss.
8 To suit your riding style RRD incorporated two safety leash attachment
points below the bar.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: j1finnn1
www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2360060&p=617370
I’ve tried the 10.5 and 13.5. The 10.5 is a good bit faster, but just as stable. Also, it
generates more power even though it has a shorter leading edge this year. I think this
is because it flies faster. I definitely felt like I was going faster on the water. Jumping
is good, unhooked is great, kiteloops are punchy and predictable. The 13.5 is right on
the cusp of a big kite in terms of feel. It still gets the small guys upwind and has tons
of power. I have an instructor down here (Southern California) who won’t let go of
my demo! Bar pressure is lighter than last year, but bar feel is still excellent and the
kites have more of an axial turn than a pivot around the center kind of turn. This is
what lends them punch in a kite loop. Also, the people who try them are hanging on to
them, which is a great sign.
Tejin T9600 Canopy
2mm Ready to Use
Elastic Safety Line
Excellent
above Average
Above Average
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Medium
Excellent
excellent
Excellent
Excellent
RRD Obsession
TeSTed: 12m Type OF KITe: SLE Sizes AVAILABLe: 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 and 15m
FROM THe MANuFACTurer
The only SLE kite in our lineup, we consider the Obsession to be a freestyle kite
out of the “4-line C-shape box.” The KWPT world tour 2007 winner Seb Garat
from an initial scepticism on the type 9, has found the perfect tool to express
himself at the highest level of freedom and performance in freestyling. The
Obsession 2010 is based on the type 9 2009 with revised shape, tips width and
outline design. 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.” The new trendsetter in speed and progressive smooth power in all
areas of the flying window. Perfect for kiteloops and waveriding.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
We first viewed the RRD 2010 Obsession back in Oregon at the AWSI Demo
Event. With its unique SLE shape, the Obsession inspires both skepticism and
curiosity upon first glance. We received the Obsession and it sat in our office
during a week of no wind. There is no doubt people will see you coming with
this kite – we couldn’t help but be attracted to the colorful graphics of the kite
and bag. Upon setting up the Obsession, one of the most noticeable things we
found was its long bridle, however, it seems to work perfectly with this kite
design. We Also crashed available this kite a at lot the to test TKB it out store and never – Check had a out wingtip the wrap sub or offers!
problems of any kind relaunching. www.thekiteboarder.com
The overall construction of Obsession is
very nice and well put together. The control system that came with the kite was
the 2009 setup but was very straightforward with a below the bar center line
kill which is designed to work like a 5th line. Also below the bar you can find a
second point to hook your leash up to for a straight suicide leash connection.
In the sky, the Obsession proved to be a very stable kite generating solid
power throughout the range. Quite honestly, we were surprised at how much
power this kite could generate! The SLE design turns very fast and pivots on
a wingtip but also provides consistent power throughout the turns. This was
very useful during fast transitions. When it came to jumping, the Obsession had
great lift and hang time. It took us a while to get the kite dialed in for jumps,
but once we got the timing down and could hit that sweet spot in the kite it
took our session to a whole other high. The unhooked riders liked the medium
bar pressure and stability of the Obsession, but it did need a bit of tuning to
get it just right for some. With one year under their belt, the RRD Obsession is
the next evolution of SLE kites with a refined package from the 2009 model.
RRD makes solid kites and they claim the Obsession is geared for beginners to
advanced riders. We can definitely say that beginners will enjoy the Obsession,
but the reality is that intermediate and advanced riders will truly appreciate the
performance of this kite the most.
Roll-up line ends
62 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 63

designer’s corner cont.
designer’s corner cont.
Tested: 12m Type of kite: Sigma Series
Sizes available: 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5 and 15m
From the Manufacturer
The test-winning Cult returns as the ultimate user friendly all-terrain kite.
For 2010, “Geo Tech Generated C-shape” and simplified bridles provide a
more direct bar feel. The amount of Sigma has been increased to improve
turning characteristics and linear bar feel. With the addition of Geo Tech
Generated C-shape, the Cult now boasts an even larger sweet spot, ideal
pull through the turns and enhanced smoothness.Whether you are a
beginner looking for a kite that’s safe, stable and reliable, or a seasoned
veteran looking for one kite that does everything, the Cult is the choice.
THE KITEBOARDER REPORT
We have been wanting to ride the new Cult since the moment we heard
about it. Would this sigma shape last, and is there something magical in
this newly designed kite? We were sent a 12m Cult and rode it in 20+
mph winds. Inflating the Cult is simple and fast with the Octopus single
point inflation system. The overall quality of the Cult is one of a kind
with solid construction throughout the kite. The Aramid Patches along
the leading edge segments are to protect the seams while the Internal
Aramid Reinforcement supports at all the leading edge angles helps
to add strength to the Geo Tech construction. The “Universal Control
System” is well thought out with a very comfortable grip and their Smart
Loop, which combines a release system and depower cleat all in one,
is very clean and simple. After using many other brands’ below the bar
depower cleats, Naish deserves props for making one that is super easy
and smooth to sheet. Naish also gives you the option for a standard loop.
In the sky, the Sigma shape is definitely a head turner. Its unique shape is
designed to deliver stability, light but direct steering bar pressure, smooth
turning and easy relaunch. The first noticeable performance characteristic
we felt was the kite’s large wind range. The Cult turned exceptionally
smooth and proved itself to be a very stable kite. Relaunching the Cult
was no problem and the Smart Loop allowed for simple, on the fly trim
adjustments when needed. Naish incorporated the direct steering and
wingtips of the 2009 Helix into the 2010 Cult. The Cult’s overall feel was
a very smooth and fast turning kite with a great high end depower range,
and an improved but not super grunty low end. The light bar pressure and
range of depower makes it an easy and forgiving kite to ride. Jumping
the Cult took a little getting used to. The kite has great lift and responsive
turning, but the light bar pressure took some testers a few jumps to get
their timing down. The stability of the Cult was exceptional, which Naish
says is due to the exaggerated sigma shape of the 2010 model. We
handed the Cult off to a few local riders when we were testing and they
did immediately notice its solid and stable feel and felt it was a very easy,
forgiving kite. The majority of riders will love the smoothness stability and
depower of the Cult, but more aggressive riders might enjoy the higher
performance Helix from Naish. For a kite that looks different than the rest
of the mix, the Cult performs and holds up with the best of the kites out
on the market today.
analyze thisNaish Cult
Control
System
Tips:
REPORT CARD
Inflation System: Octopus inflation system, internal one way valves Excellent
Control bar: New streamlined Vario bar end to adjust the length of your bar Excellent
Control bar aCCeSSories: Exceptionally clean and simple
Excellent
Safety system: Smart Loop technology w/below the bar depower and QR Excellent
Bridle: Direct steering with no rear bridle
Excellent
Stability: Well balanced sigma outline and predictable
Excellent
Power: Really fast high end kite with little low end pull
above Average
Turning: Geo-tech improves turning by letting the kite twist
Excellent
Pop: Good hang time with easy control of the jumps
Above Average
Bar pressure: Light to nonexistent
light-none
Depower: Below the bar easy depower
Excellent
Relaunch: Simple and easy
Excellent
Durability: Typical Naish solid build
Excellent
Kitebag: Great bag with plenty of room for all of you needs and equipment Excellent
Pump: N/A
Tips:
8 Kite inflates with a one-pump system, but struts need to be
deflated separately.
8 Many Naish riders on the sigma design don’t sand their kite when
on the beach but be sure it is pointed directly into the wind.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: Shane Crawford
www.kiteboardingreview.com/naish/131-naish-cult-2010
First of all, this is the first 2010 kite I’ve had the opportunity to demo,
so I’m comparing this kite to 2009 technology. I took the 9m out using a
128cm board in about 26 knots. I was blown away by the kite’s smooth
effortless turning, low bar pressure and great depower. I think this kite
will become the flagship model for the 2010 Naish line-up due to its
sheer versatility. The kite would suit beginners to intermediate riders
that want a do all kite. Only a small amount of sheeting is required to kill
power and the relaunch is excellent which will tick the boxes for many
beginners, while the easy handling and adequate jumping ability will
also please intermediate riders. The Cult is the best kite I’ve ever flown
(compared to other ‘09 kites), I urge everyone to give this kite a demo at
your local shop. Naish is back baby.
Geo Tech Canopy
Smart Loop
Bar Line
Float
REPORT CARD
Tips:
Control
System
Inflation System: Octopus inflation system, internal one way valves
Control bar: Easy to hold with ergonomic grip
Control bar accessories: Easy to use below the bar depower and QR
Safety system: Smart Loop technology w/below the bar depower and QR
Bridle: N/A
Stability: Well balanced kite with great feedback through the bar
Power: Fast kite with typical Low end pull expected from a C-Kite
Turning: Medium bar pressure allows the rider to turn the kite quickly
Pop: Great lift for any freestyle rider
Bar pressure: Light to medium
Depower: Great range, especially for a C-kite
Relaunch: Needs a little assistance at times to roll over
Durability: Great construction with beefed up canopy and LE
Kitebag: Big enough bag with plenty of pockets for accessories
Pump: N/A
8 Be sure to slide the bar floats up on the lines to see the back line adjustments.
8 Check the 5th line length to ensure it’s not depowering the kite.
Power Foil Canopy
Precision Asymmetrical Grip
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
light-medium
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Excellent
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: riddim1
www.kiteboardingreview.com/naish/130-naish-torch-2010
Got the chance to ride the new Torch in some pretty lit conditions. I have been riding for
four years now, two years on C-Kites and two on hybrids. I ride mostly wakestyle but
am throwing in more freeride these days due to injuries and age. Kite felt solid and surf
tough. Definitely a very high quality product compared to the mid-range hybrids I came
off previously. The rubber scuff pads on the LE were a nice touch. Bar was fantastic with
an easy push away emergency set-up....big and red. Unhooked riding was the standout
for the Torch. I attempted my first 313 which ended in spectacular rag-doll fashion, but
that’s not the point — the slack in the lines gave me the opportunity to try something I
have never tried under my hybrid before. Very happy! Looping the kite had a constant pull
even in the gusty conditions and added predictability. The stopper on the chicken loop
worked a treat at most times but it slid up without my input twice which was annoying
when spinning the bar out. I have heard other systems have the same issue. Overall, this
kite could really help me progress my freestyle riding, especially when it comes to grabs
and passes. Would recommend this kite to anyone wanting to get back to their kiting
philosophical roots and are stuck with their present bag-o-tricks.
naish torch
TeSTed: 11m Type OF KITe: C-Kite
Sizes AVAILABLe: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16m
FROM THe MANuFACTurer
The Torch delivers the smooth power and aggressive turning that performance
C-kite riders demand. C-kites continue to dominate the PKRA tour, and Kevin
Langeree rules that arena with the 2010 Torch. Rugged, predictable and
reliable, no other C-kite handles as well as the Torch, which is why more top
riders choose it over any other C-kite on the market. Whether your goal is to
win competitions or just take your freestyle riding to the next level, the Torch is
your answer. Super smooth, easy handling, hooked-in, unhooked, impressive
depower and fantastic relaunch — these characteristics allow riders of all
levels to take advantage of the Torch’s unsurpassed performance.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
We were able to test the 11m in 20+ mph winds. First thing we noticed is that
Naish has changed up the graphics package to a more retro color scheme.
Naish also improved the bar and added their new streamlined Vario bar end to
adjust the length of your bar from 19 to 21 inches. Although the Torch is a fifth
line kite it’s possible to easily convert it to a 4 line for those riders looking to ride
a little old school. The Naish Octopus Inflation system is a single inflation system
when you pump it up, but the LE and struts deflate separately, allowing you to
keep the Also struts available inflated when at packing the TKB up if store desired. – The Check new sexy, out color the coded sub offers!
grip is very easy to grab and comfortable www.thekiteboarder.com
with Naish’s Precision Asymmetrical
Grip. The back lines have internal back line trimming where adjustments can
be made on the line from underneath the bar floats. Below the bar you will find
their Smart Loop with a depower cleat alongside the quick release. Naish still
incorporates their push out quick release below the bar for those moments of
critical mass. In the sky it was business as usual and the 2010 Torch delivered
its typical powerful and direct feel in the turning than you can only get from a
C-kite. In terms of jumping, the Torch seemed to have a little more boost and
hang time than its previous versions. One of the most impressive features
on the new Torch is its depower range. One of our testers who switched over
to SLE kites said that he had almost the same depower range as his current
quiver and added he could see himself riding the Torch full time. The overall bar
pressure is lighter than most C-kites we have tried but a little more than the
average SLE, but not by much. The Torches have always been stable kites with
an easy relaunch. We had no problems crashing it and relaunching. It was funny
to watch each tester go out and try to kiteloop the Torch. Some were able to ride
away clean whereas most learned to appreciate the power of a C-kite loop. We
were surprised and intrigued at how fun new school C-kites have become. The
one common myth that was dispelled during out test was that the Torch doesn’t
have mass appeal: It’s not just a high end performance kite that can only be
enjoyed by experts. Bow and SLE riders who committed to never going back to
a C-kite should definitely give the Torch a second shot if you miss the power
delivery and turning speed of these types of kites. And for all of you hot shot
freestylers who are concerned about it lacking trim knots, just check under the
bar floats by sliding them up.
Torch
Kite Bag
64 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 65

designer’s corner cont.
analyze this
slingshot octane
TeSTed: 13m Type OF KITe: Hybrid Kite
Sizes AVAILABLe: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15m
FROM THe MANuFACTurer
Hailing from the success and solid foundation of the award winning REV,
Slingshot introduces the 2010 Octane, the newest in the line of hybrid
C-kites. Characteristics such as massive boost, unmatched range, light
bar pressure, quick turning, kite loops without consequence, and solid
surf performance are what define the design and engineering behind
the Octane. It has a unique ultra compact stabilizing bridle and comes
complete with the newComp Stick control bar setting the performance
level at the peak. With all new sleek styling and performance
characteristics it is a welcome addition to the CROSSOVER collection.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
We read the hype about the Octane on many of the forums before
we tested, so our staff was excited when a 13m arrived in the mail.
After spending hours riding this kite, we have to admit it lived up to its
reputation and more. The single pump inflation system is easy to use
and includes clips on each strut. The overall build quality is rock solid
and what you would expect from Slingshot. The Direct drive bar is also
solid with a comfy grip and beefed up front lines rated at 800 versus the
standard 500 pounds for more strength. You can hook into the Center
Safety System underneath the bar and from personal experience, both
the chicken loop release and center safety work like a charm. We rode
the Octane in gusty 22+ mph conditions and the kite was stable, smooth
and comfortable in the air. The Octane depowers very efficiently and
you can easily steer the kite when sheeted out. The turning speed of
the Octane is quick and can easily be looped, similar in feel to the Fuel.
The Octane’s bar pressure is light to moderate and is great for hooked
or unhooked moves. One of our riders noted how easy it was to steer
the kite with one hand while unhooked. If you are looking for a kite with
nice pop, anyone who has spent time flying this kite will tell you this kite
is a jumper with great lift and hang time. On our second day of testing
we had lighter winds. The Octane still had plenty of power and lift when
jumping. Our testers were all in agreement that it was a very fun kite
and easy to feel comfortable on. Slingshot spent a lot of time creating
a kite that is great for all levels. Beginners will really like the safety,
depower, easy relaunch and stability and advanced riders will like the
quick turning, light bar pressure and pop of this kite. In all, this kite is
the perfect kite for someone who loved the Rev’s performance, or a bow
lover who is looking to transition to a highly versatile hybrid kite.
Progressive Hybrid
Shape Canopy
66 thekiteboarder.com
Comp Stick
Control Bar
Control
System
Tips:
REPORT CARD
Inflation System: Traditional “One Pump System”
Control bar: Easy to hold with great grip
Control bar accessories: New push away eject QR
Safety system: Below the bar leash connection point
along with two other connection points
Bridle: Simple easy to replace if needed
Stability: Solid in all around winds
Power: Great low end pull and consistent
Turning: Turns as if it was a size smaller
Pop: Don’t send-it without FAA Clearance!
Bar pressure: Light to heavy as it’s adjustable
Depower: Below the bar depower with smooth range on the chicken loop
Relaunch: Effortless and quick relaunch
Durability: “Surf Tough Seams” w/ solid overall construction
Kitebag: Roomy with room for all your equipment
Pump: Durable with metal shaft, pump leash, psi gauge
Tips:
2010 Octane
Kite Bag
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Light-heavy
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
8 Keep the swivel clean of sand to help with keeping center lines unspun.
8 Safety line below swivel has a tendency to twist/bind up after a bunch
of spinning.
8 To prevent the above, spin in the opposite direction to keep the safety
line clear and free.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: Smilekite
www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2351232
I rode our 11M demo for 2+ hrs last night in 16-23 knots — it’s a sweet kite. The
bar feel and quick depower reminde me of the Rev, but it has a much better bar
feel and overall is less on/off. The kite has less swept back tip. They are more
upright. This gives a short depower range at the bar, which can take a bit of
getting used to. Took me about an hour of riding to begin to get it dialed. When
I did, I found it an extremely easy kite to ride toeside, due to easy one handed
steering and power control, and to rip fast toe to heel turns and back again. I
was on choppy flat water but was trying (imagining) to test it for waves. Unhooks
without trimming — I had the trimmer all the way out (full power). I really
really like the bar — The function, toughness and cleanliness of the bar is
simply standard setting for most other brands. Relaunch, self launch and self
landing are a cinch. Big floaty jumps, just need to hold the bar in and redirect
late for a swish soft landing.
jimmy lewis chAMBER KT
TESTED: 2010 JL Chamber KT 6’1”x 18 1/4”x 2 1/8”
Sizes: 5’9” x 17.75”, 6’0” x 18.25”, 6’3” x 18.75”
FROM THE MANUFACTURER
JL Chamber KT is the kiting evolution of Jimmy’s most popular surfing shape. After enough people
requested it, Jimmy took his aggressive Chamber shape, added deck reinforcements and inserts
for optional straps, and the KT was born. When compared to the Surf Kite model, you’ll find a little
less volume and a more pulled nose. She’s meant for snapping, slapping, and speed. Includes 3
Part Pad, Straps, fiberglass Tri Fin Set.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
We tested this board strapped and strapless in 12 to 16 knot winds with a 14m kite in small surf.
This is the kiting version of one of Jimmy’s most popular surfboard shapes. This board is a bit
on the narrow side, with a gunny look. The nose is pulled in with plenty of flip and it has a small
squash tail and thruster fin set up. The bottom is single concave starting a little forward of your
front foot and transitions to a subtle double concave to soft V out tail with a little Jimmy Magic.
The center point of this board (the hips) is close to the center of the board. The rails are surfy and
tucked under. The Chamber should be ridden well powered and will rip in high speed, down the
line riding. It rides very smooth and is easy to control in high wind and wave conditions. We would
recommend this board to riders who are riding in windy side shore and side off wind and surf
conditions. You can regular paddle surf this board too!
F.one Fish
TESTED: 2010 FONE 5’2” x 18 7/8” (157.5 X 48cm)
Sizes: 5’2” x 18 7/8” (48 cm) and 5’2” x 17 ¾” (45 cm)
FROM THE MANUFACTURER
With its unique shape, you will enjoy any type of waves, even the small and weak
ones. Its rounded outline allows for tight turns maintaining contact with the wave. It
has amazing upwind and planning ability thanks to its width and flat scoop. With its
impressive floatability you can use a kite size smaller than usual, and thus gain steering
and direction control.
THE KITEBOARDER REPORT
We tested this board strapped and strapless in 14 to 18 knot winds with a 14m kite in
small sloppy surf. The first thing you notice is the bamboo top and bottom. F-ONE calls
it Bamboo Sandwich Construction. This board is very light, but strong. The Fish is wide
and with a flatter rocker line than larger boards. The tail is also wide with small wings
on the rails. The center point of this board (the hips) is well behind center. The rails are
very thin and tucked under. Larger riders will need to ride it more powered up. It has a
loose snappy feel yet is easy to control at all speeds. We would recommend this board to
riders who are riding in small to medium waves or swells in all wind conditions.
REPORT CARD
Durability: Epoxy sandwich construction
weIght: Built to take the beatings
turnIng: Smooth and controllable
uPwInd abILIty: Fast bottom and rail line
StraPS & PadS: 3 Part Pad with JL adjustable
straps with numerous two screw inserts front and back
FINS: Fiberglass Tri Fin Set, nicely foiled
OVerall RIde: Very fast and smooth, for
Intermediate to advanced riders.
Tips:
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: None Available
Also available at the TKB store – Check out the sub offers!
Tips:
8 The stock F.one straps need some work. Ride this board strapless or
get some more comfortable ones.
8 Wear a helmet if you use a leash!
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: SCKitesurf
www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2359150
I would say that it (F.one 5’2” Fish) gets going with less effort (kite) than a typical
surfboard as it wants to plane really quickly. It has more of a skateboard feel to
it, but you can push it as hard as you want on the turns and it won’t break free.
You just can’t look down at the board because you’ll look at it and think “this
thing is way to small” but then you get going and the board will feel great, like a
loose full size board. With less rail in the water than a standard surfboard you can
really hit it late and not worry about burying the nose on re-entry. The bamboo
is super strong and certainly will preserve the longevity of the board and you
won’t be buying a replacement from heel dents, wear/tear in a season or less like
polyester or epoxy.
8 Adjust the straps to your personal preference, experiment with the
back strap to find the sweet spot that works best for you.
8 Adjust the straps to be a little loose so that you can angle your front
foot more.
REPORT CARD
Excellent
Average
Excellent
Excellent
Above Average
Excellent
Excellent
Durability: Bamboo Sandwich Construction
Excellent
WEIGHT: One of the lightest
Excellent
TURNING: Snappy and loose
Excellent
UpWIND ABILITY: Best when powered up
Above Average
STRAPS & PADS: 3 Part Pad with no external strap adjustment Average
FINS: Future fins with concave side bites
Excellent
OVERALL RIDE: Loose and snappy, for intermediate to
Excellent
advanced riders. Very controllable in high wind and rough water.
thekiteboarder.com 67

analyze
this
designer’s corner cont.
WAINMAN hAWAii BLUNT
TESTED: Twin tip 130 Sizes AVAILABLe: 120, 125, 130 and 135cm
FROM THe MANuFACTurer:
To come back from every session stoked, a board needs to handle any condition that the rider may
encounter, and adjust to any mood the rider is in. At the end of the day, it really is all about the ride.
It is so important that the power and huge potential given by the kite will be utilized properly. It does
not matter what the conditions are when you show up with a Blunt, because this board handles it
all. A true freerider wants to show up with one board, throw up a kite, and enjoy the ride. A Blunt
always makes it a fun ride.
THE KITEBOARDER RepORT
First off, the Wainman Hawaii Blunts ship with a board bag and everything you need to set it up
without going to your tool box. The 130 Blunt has attention getting graphics, a nice thin profile with
soft rails all around the board and some mad concave. It ships stock with four aggressive fins,
handle, straps and pads. On the water the board rode incredibly smooth through the chop and flat
water. Since the board is designed with a heavier concave, it really allows a rider to charge upwind
with ease and is forgiving in the chop. Jumping with the board was fun and the landings were
smooth in both surf conditions and flat water. When going for any powered tricks like an S-Bend or
roll, note that this board performs best when well powered. We had an easy time getting the board
to pop off the water and it wasn’t hard at all to dial in the board’s sweet spot. The board has a
continuous rocker that helps also helps it pop efficiently. The fins really give a grippy feel with little
forgiveness, so be sure to keep a little more weight on your back leg to keep the board from nose
diving on landings or when riding waves. Overall, the Wainman Blunt is a seriously fun board to ride
in all conditions and is ideal for any beginner to advanced rider looking for a solid freestyle board.
REPORT CARD
Durability: Foam/wood core layup
Above Average
Weight: Very lightweight
Excellent
Turning: Very good but can become loose when super powered Above Average
Pop: Solid pop while holding good speed
Excellent
uPwind Ability: One of the best upwind boards so far of 2010 Excellent
StraPS and Pads: Comfy with faux leather (Nice look) Excellent
fIns: Offers good traction when cruising around
Above Average
oVerall rIde: Great lightweight all around board
that everyone can turn and burn on
Excellent
Tips:
8 Keep your weight on the tail a little more on powered turns to
prevent the board from skipping out.
8 The huge amount of concave forces the board right upwind so try to
concentrate on throwing a few more tricks than normal.
CONSUMER FEEDBACK: kakanala
www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2354947&start=10
The board (135) is really light, but really solid. The bottom skin is very
scratch-resistant. I have ridden over shallow water with stones, shells, etc.
and no scratches. That’s really good (I’ll put it on sliders with confidence).
The finish is really good and the rails have been finished by hand. The
rubber in the rails is not hard, it is rounded and there are no sharp points.
The hardware is of really good quality (can’t comment more on this, I ride
the board with bindings). Overall, a very well rounded product that most big
riders, from “lawn mowers” to “hardcore low mobe landers” love.
2010 TKB CALENDAR
COMING NOVEMBER!
High quality,
13-month calendar,
12” x 12” wall calendar
$39.99 with subscription
$20.00 one calendar
$34.99 two calendars
Pricing includes shippinG
Distributor of Paddle Surf Hawaii SUP Boards.
www.thekiteboarder.com/catalog
Santa Barbara, California Photo - Jim Brewer Team Rider - Genelle Ives 805 450-9490
bluelinepaddlesurf.com

In its fourth year, the Naish SUP Maliko to Harbor Race. Photo: D. Wong
The Battle of the Paddle had many kite/wind brands
competing and demoing gear along with kiteboarders
from Southern California participating. Photo Gary Martin
What other SUP paddlers had to say:
Chuck Bader – Owner - Solo Paddlesurf
“We don’t have a dedicated race board in our line-up
yet but I do agree with you that racing will be one of the
fastest growing segments in the sport. We mainly surf and
it’s hard to go into something that we don’t do ourselves
or are good at. But if an opportunity comes up in terms
of working with a good shaper who specializes in race
boards, then that will definitely be something that we will
look into.”
SUP DISTANCE
PADDLING
By Gary Martin
Distance Paddling, Downwinders, and Racing
This is the last feature in TKB’s three-part series focusing on the growing sport of stand up
paddle boarding, a great crossover sport to kiteboarding when there’s no wind. Similar to
kiteboarding, distance downwinders and racing are becoming popular segments within the
sport with many kiteboarding events now adding SUP to their event line up.
What makes SUP distance boards different?
SUP distance boards are long and narrow and typically spear-like in appearance. Some of
the longer boards have rudders that you steer with one foot. The rudder makes it easier
to steer and surf or ride ocean swells. Distance boards vary in length from 12’6” to 18’
plus. The length of the board or water line increases board speed. They are specifically
designed for either riding swells, paddling in flatter water, or a combination of both.
Most of the custom boards are made with exotic materials and are more expensive than
production boards.
What is the appeal of distance paddling?
Men, women, boys, and girls of all ages are getting into distance paddling, downwinders,
and racing. Distance paddling can be done first thing in the morning, over a long lunch hour,
after work, or anytime you can squeeze a few hours out of your hectic schedule to get on the
water. In an hour you can feel totally recharged! Time goes by quickly when you are
gliding on top of the water and taking in the sights. Soak up the sounds of
nature, listen to the water rushing under your board, feel the sun on you
face, or concentrate on your paddle stroke and breathing.
What can I use a SUP distance board for?
DISTANCE PADDLING
Start at one point and return to that point. For practice, pick a point two to three miles
from your starting point and time how long it takes to do a round trip. Try a distance
race at a local event. A distance race might be a 6-mile paddle for the stock
class SUP (12’6” and under) or a 9 mile for the unlimited class SUP (12’6” or
bigger). This is a great way to meet other paddlers.
70 thekiteboarder.com
Jimmy (middle) and his SUP race team show off the
new Albaratross, Bombora and Slice racing boards.
Photo Ken Russell
One of Naish’s new race boards, easily recognized by its spear-like appearance.
Photo D. Wong
DOWNWINDERS
A downwinder is basically paddling downwind, riding flat water or the wind waves and open
ocean swells. You want the wind on your back, hence you will be paddling downwind. You can
do this when it is calm or flat water, but the swells are best when it is windy. Paddlers often
park a vehicle at the downwind leg. This is fun in a group or solo.
RACING
Course racing is paddling around a set of marks determined by a Race Committee. The start
can be from the beach or on the water. The finish line is typically at the beach. Paddlers are
divided into classes according to gender, age, and board length.
What are the manufacturers doing?
Many of the major manufacturers of standard SUP boards now include distance boards in
their production line. C4, Hobie, Naish, Jimmy Lewis, Starboard, and Surftech are a few of
the companies that have committed to this type of paddling. Some of the more surf-oriented
companies like Paddle Surf Hawaii make 12’ big wave guns that can also be used in distance
paddling, therefore having a dual purpose. Using a board from a manufacturer allows you to
race in the stock class.
Custom boards are in a whole different category. These boards are more
expensive and like custom kiteboards, are hand-shaped to meet a rider’s
weight and specific riding conditions. The designs are constantly changing,
just like in kite racing, as they strive to find the ultimate board for speed.
Some of the famous custom board builders like Bark, Stamps, Ron House, and
Sandwich Island Composites can’t keep up with the demand for these boards!
Tips:
1. Wear a leash.
2. Never go out further than you can swim back.
3. Keep yourself well hydrated.
4. Be safe and courteous to others.
5. Consider wearing a PFD.
Pono Bill (aka Bill Babcock) – Frequent poster on
Stand Up Zone
“I did an amazing upwind/downwind run at Hood River
yesterday. Just magical. I started paddling downriver as the
wind rose. It was already pushing whitecaps and big swells
as I began, but I tucked into wind shadows along the banks
and gutted through the head on sections. I made it about
four miles before i came to a section so exposed I just
couldn’t punch through. What a beautiful paddle though,
the inspiration to keep going was the amazing scenery
from the river. My plan originally was just to go around
Wells Island, but the incredible scenery kept pulling me
on. I finally turned, paddled out to take advantage of some
big swells I saw in mid-river, and the ride was on. My F18
caught runners almost continuously. Small ones, but very
fun, and it was great practice for getting the most out of a
swell. The F18 makes it easy, but it’s pretty remarkable how
quickly you can start learning where to point the board to get
the best speed and longest ride.”
Greatdane – Medium poster on Stand Up Zone
“Just wanted to open a discussion regarding limiting boards
to 12’6” at some races. We have the Naish series coming
to Seattle and I am totally grateful to get a chance to race
against other SUP’s and not just surf skis and OC’s. They are
limiting board size to 12’6” and I am totally ok with that, even
though I would love to race my 18’ (that’s what it’s there for).
I guess my concern is to keep it fair, so should they also limit
it to 12’6” boards that are not race specific? I would assume
that paddlers who show up with 12’ Hobie or Bark race
boards will have a bit of an advantage over 12’ surf sups. If
the promoter is trying to level the playing field, should there
also be a restriction to non-race SUP’s?”
More surf-oriented companies like Paddle Surf Hawaii don’t have distance boards in
their line up yet but many lighter riders have found their 12-footer does the job.
Rider: Blane Chambers Photo: Allen Mozo
thekiteboarder.com 71

est
Designer’s
Corner
Pros like Best team rider Alvaro Oneiva help develop the Balance line of performance boards. Photo: Gavin Butler
The Kima Wave Custom boards come in two standard
sizes but can also be customized to your particular
weight and conditions. Photo courtesy Eclipse Kites
Designer’s
Corner
Eclipse
Designer Profile:
Name: Carlos Saez
Age: 32
Location: Motril, Spain
Job Title: Designer, R&D, Team Manager
Designing: 10 years
Kiteboarding: 9 years
For 2010, Balance focused on further refining
the construction of their boards to extract
the last ounce of possible performance.
Designer Carlos Saez is utterly confident that
they have the highest parts specification and
construction found anywhere in the kitesurf
market. Now distributed by Best Kiteboarding,
in the words of designer Carlos Saez, “the
Onieva Signature is solid gold.”
Balance is offering three lines for 2010 in six
sizes. Where does this product fit in your
2010 product mix? The 135 Onieva Signature
sits alongside the 137 Tyushkevich Team board
and the new Wide series in our line-up. The
Signature boards have an improved core
layup compared to the Team models and the
Signature shapes are absolutely tailored to
the rider’s demands. The Team boards are
a little more all-round in nature. The Wide
series are for those riders who want the same
performance as the Team boards but require a
touch more width underfoot. All of the boards
regardless of length and width excel in upwind
speed and pop, and none of them bring any
spray off the rail or front fins into your face;
that’s really important when you are competing.
What was your biggest challenge in
developing this product? Pro riders tend to
like heavier, slightly overbuilt boards than
customers because they are tougher on them,
so it would so it would have to be weight. We
have come to a point where everyone is happy;
For a medium sized rider, this is the perfect “one board” for your quiver. It
gets you going in the light winds, but never seems too big when the winds
are cranking. The board is smooth and seems to just cut through the chop like
floating on air. This is great on the knees and makes for a super comfortable
ride. If you load it up, it has insane pop, like that of a much stiffer board.
Coming down on a hot landing, the board switches back to that “soft” feel. The overall outline
and rocker also make it fun in the waves for a twin tip.
72 thekiteboarder.com
Product name:
Onieva Signature 2010
Product category:
Twin tip
Sizes available:
135
Release date:
November 2009
Pat Lemoine, Team Rider/Ocean Extreme Sports
tested
the pros know they can trust them and customers know they won’t
find a stronger, lighter board anywhere. We ended up just around
the 2.5 kg mark. The boards feel so light on your feet while planning
over the water; you’d never believe how strong they are built. It’s all
about hydrodynamics, the bottom rocker, concave shape, and the
material chosen for the bottom of our boards. Everything counts.
If you could choose one standout performance or new
construction feature to highlight, what would it be? It would
be the “Balance” of all of those parameters, performance and
construction. It’s not something you can point at when you see the
board on the rack, like great graphics and perfect build quality, but
when you put your feet in the straps for the first time and head out
on the water – you’ll know what I mean.
What are some of the other key product features and performance
characteristics? Our boards are produced at one of the most
advanced ski-snowboard factory production lines in the world — all
our components are made of the finest quality materials you are
able to find. The shapes are refined by a strong team of top ranking
pro kiteboarders. We think a product is a 360 degrees thing. We are
working very hard on every aspect as you can see.
What is your warranty policy on this product? Total 12 month
warranty of using and abusing it for hardcore or recreational
kiteboarding.
What do you think differentiates this product from what else is
available in the marketplace? Firstly, we listen to the professional
riders — they are the driving force of the company. Secondly, we
really have a superior build quality, in terms of both materials and
finish. Thirdly, our graphics are different. I like to think that our
graphics are more radical than the rest. In terms of performance
we follow our own ideas. In terms of graphics we look to our love
of surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding, and the great art that
surrounds these core sports. We try to bring that fresh feel into the
sport that we love best.
What differentiates your product from your competitors? I think
our best publicity is the fact that none of our riders get paid to
ride our products. They do it by personal choice because of the
performance of our boards. Riders should know that the only way to
choose their gear is to ride before buying. Don’t follow the crowd;
it’s a sure way to get bad advice. All riders are different and have
different needs; the only opinion that counts is your own. Lead, never
follow. That is our philosophy – the riders’ philosophy.
Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design?
The Eclipse Kima board is a new, custom designed product, which
is designed around the rider’s specific needs and ability level.
As a new design, where does it fit in your product mix and what
were you main goals in developing it? The Kima wave board
complements our Kima wave kite line. If you have the perfect wave
kite now you need the board.
What do you think are the top three or five things that riders
often overlook or should consider when choosing a directional
board for kitesurfing? Most riders read a lot of hype about what a
production board can do. I feel that many production boards on the
market are ridden by and designed for pros that ride in near-perfect
conditions every day and they’re great when you have those
conditions. But lets acknowledge the reality; most riders are faced
with conditions that are far from perfect and boards that work great
in Hawaii don’t necessarily work great in Long Island or Florida. A
rider needs to recognize the conditions they are faced with as well
as his/her current ability level, and then a shaper can help them
design a board which will enhance their riding experience.
What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase? I
am used to shaping traditional surfboards. Like most shapers in
this industry I have found kiteboards require a slightly different
construction to handle the abuse and impact most riders will place
on the board. My personal challenge was to design a board that
met the needs of our team, while keeping the board strong and as
lively possible. I don’t like working with epoxy-style construction so
I had to develop techniques to keep the board strong in key areas
without degrading performance and the appearance of the board.
If you could choose one standout performance or new construction
feature to highlight, what would it be? All our boards are handmade
here in the Outer Banks. We use traditional construction along with
reinforcements in key areas. All my boards are designed, shaped,
and glassed entirely in-house. Most brands don’t offer that. I find
that hand shaping with polyester blanks and using polyester resins
helps retain the feel in the board, which is often lost during mass
production process or with certain epoxies. Of course I was trained
by old school shapers so that may effect my opinions. Not many
brands are fortunate enough to have a full time shaper on staff;
each day I develop products for myself and the team.
What are some of the other key product features and performance
characteristics? Initially I was contacted by Eclipse to design a
board they could use for mass production. I did not
like this idea. I suggested I would design a board
platform that could be customized specifically for
riders needs. I can make up to four boards a day,
which satisfies the demand. I set out to make a
unique product that would work well for riders
based on conditions they are faced with at their
local beaches. In our case, it was designing a board
which would work well in the Outer Banks. After
shaping a series of boards I found several sizes and
shapes that worked well for a variety of riders –
these are our Kima customs.
What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product
and in what conditions? I can create a customshaped
board designed specifically for your
abilities and conditions.
What is your warranty policy on this product?
We guarantee that the product is perfect once
it ships. However, all my workmanship has a one
year warranty from the purchase date.
What differentiates your product from your
competitors? I made this product by hand, which
is something not a lot of our competitors can say.
Every customer has a personal consultation with
me so I can design a board around their specific
needs. I have been shaping boards since I was
16 and was the apprentice of some of the best
shapers on the east coast. I love shaping and will
do everything in my power to make the perfect board
for each of my clients.
tested
Designer Profile:
Name: Justin Muller
Age: 22
Location: Nags Head, NC
Job Title: Eclipse shaper manager
Designing: 5 years
Kiteboarding: 2 years
Product name:
Kima Wave Custom
Product category:
Surf
Sizes available:
Call for a custom design
consultation, stock sizes
are 5’8” and 6’0”
Release date:
Available Now
Wendi Palmer/Team Rider
I was very interested to test the new custom directional boards that Eclipse is
having shaped locally here in the OBX. I was immediately impressed with the
build quality and unique graphics. While testing I rode the Kima kite and the 5’8”
strapless in three to four foot surf. The Kima Wave Custom directional board is
stable and helps you build confidence, yet is very maneuverable and carries great
speed. The upwind ability was also very impressive due to the unique rail construction. The Kima
Custom is another high performance product from Eclipse. I’m stoked that it can be customized to
my weight, conditions and riding style and am looking forward to adding this board to my quiver
for more fun and performance in the surf.
thekiteboarder.com 73

Globe
designer’s
corner
The new VSonic has a completely redesigned profile and is GK’s high performance kite for 2010.
designer’s
corner
For the 2010 Havoc, Liquid Force went to a 4-strtut, no center strut platform and dramatically increased its
low end raw power, lift, hang time and turning speed on the bigger kites. Photo Bryan Elkus
liquid force
Designer Profile:
Name: Mat Pendle
Age: 42
Location: Le Morne, Mauritius
Job Title: GlobeKites Designer and Owner
Designing: 13 years
Kiteboarding: 13 Years
For the 2010 Vsonic, designer Mat Pendle
almost totally eliminated the kite’s V shape.
The new GKVDelta shape is more like
a high aspect ratio delta, closer to the
original ‘06 Sonic and faster then the ‘09
Vsonic, as the central profile is shorter.
By adjusting the A-KPO bridle to F4/F5,
riders will have the same performance and
feeling as the original Sonic ‘06, but will
be able to use the A-KPO bridle for more
bar pressure and reactivity. Mat said the
Vsonic 2010 is for sure is a mix of the most
efficient parts of design from the GKSonic
history, combined in one kite.
GK is offering two kite models for 2010.
Why would a rider prefer the VSonic over
the Trix? The Vsonic and Trix have two
different programs. The new Vsonic has a
higher aspect ratio; it will build more power
when the kite gains speed. It is also perfect
for cruising fast, going upwind, and going
for big jumps. The power is huge as soon
as the kite accelerates.The Trix is perfect in
the waves and freestyle without having too
much power when the kite flies across the
window. The upwind performance is still
very good, but you cruise with less speed,
and feel safer to try out new stuff.
I have tried the 2010 Vsonic 8m here in Mauritius with 15 to 25 knots of gusty
wind. I am used to the 2009 Vsonic 8m. I also use it in our school. The first
difference I felt was the kite was faster and more rigid when landing on
the edge of the window. The original low bar pressure was kept and the
kite turns good with a lot of power — even in the gusty wind I felt very
comfortable. Unhooked performance is good, mainly in the medium wind range. In the
high wind range, the power is huge. You really feel the high performance for upwind and
jumping. The bar is very simple to use with a straightforward depower strap, stopper ball
and a simple QR that is very easy and fast to reengage. I also use the 9m Trix. The program
is different; I would say the Vsonic is for fast twin tip riding, big jumps and radical freestyle,
while the Trix is better suited for waves, cruising, and easy freestyle.
74 thekiteboarder.com
Product name:
VSonic 2010
Product category: SLE
Sizes available:
6, 8, 11, 14 and 17m
Release date:
November 2009
Mario Verloppe, GK Team Rider
tested
What was your biggest challenge in developing this product?
Probably after getting the profile right, as we do not have the
option to change it once the kite is built, is then to get the bridle
right. I have always wanted to have the bridle as minimal as
possible, giving the maximum options possible to riders so they
can adjust their kites to how they want them to feel. I absolutely
hate having huge bridles hanging everywhere under the kite.
If you could choose one standout performance or new
construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The Vsonic
construction and performance is built according to years of
experience. Today, each part of the kite, the sewing method, the
reinforcements, the bridle, the bladders have gone through a
long process, and have been proved to be absolutely reliable.
What are some of the other key product features and
performance characteristics? The key features are to make the
kite and the bar as easy to use and reliable as possible, I just
want GK riders to feel comfortable, safe and have fun when they
are on the water.
Did the control bar change? In 2010 I will keep going with the
bar used in 2009. I got a lot of positive feedback and the push-up
quick release, based on an improved pin system, is very safe as
no stainless steel pin will fly out when you release, and it is very
fast to reengage. The depower strap and line are very simple.
Without undoing any knots, you can change the distance of the
depower strap to the bar in a few seconds. The stopper ball is
also super light and easy to use.
What is your warranty policy on this product? We will cover
all manufacturing defects. I follow up personally 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 contact me and the
globe spirit staff directly.
What do you think differentiates this product from what else is
available in the marketplace? When I am in China building the
kite, I do not compromise; I just use the best options there are
to build the strongest and most reliable kite possible. This is not
always what I see in the marketplace, looks like for most it is
better to put money in the marketing rather then in product.
Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design?
The Havoc is a completely re-engineered 4th generation
SLE design.
If this is next generation design, what were the main goals
in developing it? We wanted to give one of the best SLE kites
ever built a major face lift. We envisioned the high demand in
2010 for a no-center-strut design, so we redesigned the Havoc
on a 4-strut structure, giving room for a much deeper and more
powerful profile in the center of the kite where it’s really needed.
The Havoc was already renowned for its exceptional high wind
range and capacity. For 2010, we drastically increased its low end
raw power, lift, hang time and the turning speed on the bigger kites.
What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase?
Redesigning the internal structure of the kite based on a 4 strut,
no-center-strut platform without losing the proven and popular
stiffness and stability of the Havoc. We did it!
If you could choose one standout performance or new
construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The 4-strut,
high performance lightweight design. Most of our competitors have
come out with a with a no-center-strut design based on 6-strut
platform: We did the Havoc on a 4-strut platform. It made the kites
a lot lighter; half a pound less on the Havoc 12m compared to last
year’s model — in kiteboarding, this is a lot!
What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? For 2010 all LF
kites can be depowered 100% (a real 100%), and also 90% (better
for riders trying new tricks and letting go of the control bar).
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 when needed.
What are some of the other key product features and performance
characteristics? Other then being one of the most reliable and
strongest high performance kites on the market, the Havoc features
all the LF proven kite tech, such as ultimate reliability, simple and
proven bridles, LF signature diamond wingtips, and an overall
quality built product that Liquid Force is renowned for.
What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in
what conditions? The Havoc is for everybody! It excels in a
variety of different conditions around the globe. Just look at LF
team riders like Slezy and Brandon
that put the kites through hell
hitting rails and kickers all day
long while guys like Moe pull into
solid 8-foot barrels at Chopes. It
doesn’t get any more diverse that!
But the Havoc is truly made for the
rider that demands a little bit more
of their kites. The Havoc is the
quickest turning kite, the highest
jumper and offers the most wind
range in LF’s 2010 kite line.
What is your warranty policy on this
product? One year.
What differentiates your product from your
competitors? While many other brands
push their design through R&D quickly by
adding onto current models, we always try to
improve by simplifying kiteboarding. It would
have been easy to make the Havoc a 6-strut
design, but instead we worked twice as
hard to come up with a higher performance
4-strut kite. At Liquid Force, the reliability
and the over friendliness of our kites are key.
To everybody at Liquid Force, the best days
kiteboarding are the ones where your gear
doesn’t let you down, which is what we strive
for everyday at Liquid Force.
tested
Designer Profile:
Name: Julien Fillion Age: 27
Location: Montréal, Hawaii,
US East/West coasts
Job Title: Chief Kite Designer, Athlete
Designing: 7 years
Kiteboarding: 5 years
Product name: Havoc Generation 4 Kite
Product category: Pure SLE
Sizes available: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16m
Release date: Available Now
Andy Holmes, Bellingham Kiteboarding
2010 Havoc = totally redesigned = agile, quick turning, and lofty. Moderate bar
pressure gives the rider a good, direct feeling, and turns initiate faster and
much more lively than prior models. Turning speed was significantly improved
making this one of the fastest kites I have tried size for size. It has the familiar
grunt and unhooked stability, but the kite does what you want it to the instant
you tell it to. Jumps were predictable with an aggressive upward yank, while a quick redirect
on the descent made for cushy soft landings. My first three jumps on the 10m were all 30 feet +
according to the Shadowbox GPS unit attached to my board. The 4-strut design looks aggressive
in the air, and keeps the kite feeling light. In lighter winds, the 12m delivered a steady pull ideal
for wakestyle riding, offered a strong low end and was a very easy to relaunch.
thekiteboarder.com 75

ocean rodeo
designer’s
corner
The next generation Rise has a snappier, more direct feel, increased power and lift
and an all new control bar. Photo courtesy Ocean Rodeo
Due to the popularity of the 2009 Celeritas, the larger Moonshine model was developed for 2010 to
accommodate larger riders and offer better planning in lighter wind conditions. Photo BenWilsonSurf.com
designer’s
corner
slingshot
Product name:
Rise Venturi XPD
Product category: SLE
Sizes available: 4, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16m
Release date:
September 30, 2009
Designer Profile:
Name: Ross Harrington
Age: It’s a state of mind
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Job Title: Head Designer
Designing: 30+
Kiteboarding: 10
Dave Nunn, Owner Windance
Is this a new design or a next generation on
an existing design? The 2010 Rise Venturi XPD
is the next generation of our Rise SLE.
If this is next generation design, what were
the main goals in developing it? The main goal
of the next generation Rise was to take all the
positive characteristics that made the 2009
Rise a success and make improvements where
needed. We have always prided ourselves
on listening to the feedback from our crew of
riders and implement changes where we feel it
will benefit the most. We try not to get pigeonholed
by listening only to the feedback of “X”
rider or “Y” rider as everyone’s riding style is
different. Of course I always have what I want
to do in the back of my mind but it helps if you
have an open mind to suggestion.
What was your biggest challenge during the
prototype phase? Not to get too carried away
with having to change the existing design for
the sake of releasing a new model. It’s a fine
balance between trying to meet everyone’s
expectations while not messing with an
already great design. Ocean Rodeo has always
followed the mantra that we aren’t going to
market gimmicky new design products. The
changes we make are all real improvements
that affect the performance of entire line.
If you could choose one standout performance
or new construction feature to highlight, what
We rode the kite in the 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 meter sizes so far. The Rise 2010 still
has the big low end power of last year but a more solid feel overall due to the
extra strut. What we all noticed most of all is a longer glide time — you just
seem to hang up there forever giving you more time to tweak that grab harder.
It’s definitely a big jumper. This has to be due to the flat top design. The 6 and
7 meters are our Gorge favorites in nuking winds since they are even more stable than 2009.
Note that the Rise flies more off the front lines than others: Get used to it and don’t oversheet.
If using another brand of bar, be sure to extend your rear lines.
76 thekiteboarder.com
tested
would it be? XPD or Exponential Panel Design on the LE: This is a
concept that I have been toying with since 2007. XPD on the LE of the
kite means that the large LE sections are used to make the wing tips
into progressively smaller panels, which are used as the LE curves
into the middle of the kite. This accomplishes two very key new
features. The larger wingtip segments allow the turning area of the
kite to be tighter and straighter producing a snappy, direct feel. They
also reduce drag at the wing tips, helping the kite perform better
at low angles of attack. The smaller center segments allow the LE
and power area of the kite to better match the curvature of the TE,
producing cleaner air flow which directly results in more power and
lift. Long winded enough for you? Don’t get me started!
What is the biggest advantage of your control bar? The new
2010 SLE control bar is a beautiful upgrade from our past bars.
The entire bar has been rethought from the ground up by a team
of designers who really wanted to bring to market the nicest bar
available. Starting from an ergonomically designed bar, the 2010 SLE
Control Bar leaves nothing to the imagination with well thought out
improvements and style. We expect the bar alone will win over many
new and existing Ocean Rodeo riders.
How does self launch and self landing work on this kite? Same as
our previous Rise kite…easy as can be.
What are some of the other key product features and performance
characteristics? We went to a 6-strut design. By moving to 6 struts,
we were able to remove the center strut which opens the middle
of the kite to a cleaner air flow. The kite actually pulls harder and
creates more lift than its predecessor.
What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what
conditions? This kite is truly the perfect all-around kite. It is used by
everyone from one of our top wave riders, Philippe Alengrin, all the
way to some of our Euro freestyle competitors. It’s also proving to be
a formidable race kite as well.
What is your warranty policy on this product? I will drive to your
house and fix it myself. Seriously though, the 100% Satisfaction
Guarantee speaks for itself.
What differentiates your product from your competitors? What
immediately comes to mind with this question is build quality,
innovation and customer service. These are three things that Ocean
Rodeo has always prided itself on and is known for. The other is
performance over hype. We design products to meet every rider’s
needs, conditions and style.
The Kiteboarder recently tested the Celeritas 5’4” 2009 model
and was immediately curious about it due to the board’s
unique shape. Overall, the board got an excellent rating from
the TKB test team who found it to be “loose and fast, stable
at slow speeds and totally smooth at high speeds.” The 2010
Celeritas line up is a direct translation of one of Ben Wilson’s
“magic” boards; the original board was a Gorge specific 5’3”
made especially for R&D designer Amery Bernard. Ben was in
the shaping room when Slingshot made it and ended up liking
it so much he took it home with him. He said it changed his life.
He then convinced Slingshot to develop a full line of Celeritas
boards. The 5’8” is his daily driver and was the reason for
translating a 5’8” Celeritas into production in Avisosurf
Carbon Fiber construction in addition to the EPS construction
Slingshot offers. This board’s super deep single concave and
low entry rocker gives it insane speed with a curvy rail for
drawing whatever kind of lines you can imagine.
As a new design, where does the 5’8” Celieritas Surf fit
within Slingshot’s Surf Program? It fits into our Crossover
collection with its features of speed, agility and high
performance. It’s an essential quiver builder for Slingshot
Global Team rider Ben Wilson. The 5’8” is good for a bigger
rider looking for more volume while the 5’4” is ideal for a
smaller rider who is focused on speed and agility.
What was the biggest challenge in developing this product?
Making sure the board delivered on all levels of construction
and performance and lived up to the Slingshot standard!
If you could choose one standout performance or new
construction feature to highlight, what would it be? The super
deep single concave that makes the Celeritas insanely fast!
The Moonshine Celeritas excels in all conditions. The faster
you ride the more this board can handle.
What are some of the other key product features and
performance characteristics? Its shape, size and performance
make this board a great quiver builder board that can be
ridden strapped or strapless. The ultimate combination of trifin,
concave and shape make the Celeritas super fast driving
and agile.
What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in
what conditions? Bigger riders (175 lb. plus) to intermediate
Designer Profile:
Name: Ben Wilson, Amery Bernard, Tony
Logosz, John Doyle and John Omohundro
Age: Some Young some OLD!
Location: Hood River, Australia, California
Coast, Oregon Coast
Job Title: Slingshot R&D
Designing: 80 + years combined
Kiteboarding: 60+ years combined
riders who are riding their first
directional for flat water, advanced
riders to pro in waves.
What is your warranty policy
on this product? Please defer to
www.slingshotsports.com/support
What do you think differentiates
this product from what else is
available in the marketplace?
From its unique shape to its
construction to its performance,
this board handles a huge range of
conditions from chop Gorge swells
to 2 to10 foot surf. It loves it all! We
have an extensive surf line up for
2010. Check out what’s right for you at
www.slingshotsports.com/surf
tested
Product name:
Moonshine Celeritas 5’8”
Product category:
Surf
Sizes available:
5’4 and 5’8”
Release date:
October 2009
Will Brady/Floras Lake Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
The 5’8” Celeritas is an older more mature cousin of the 5’4”. It has a
more confident feel in larger, choppier surf and is much more stable and
easier on the knees than the 5’4”. The 2010 5’8” tracks through choppy
water like a polyester wave board and has a good, solid, clean carving
feel without the nervousness of a small board. For me, at 215 lbs, it
offers plenty of floatation for those light wind big kite days and when the wind picks
up and I’m on a 7m... Magic!
thekiteboarder.com 77

Unstrapped Toeside Jibe
Made Easy
Rider: Bill Kraft | Photos by Gavin Butler | Words by Paul Lang
Many kiteboarders have discovered how much fun riding a surfboard-style directional board can be, but many of those who
haven’t are intimidated by having to learn how to jibe. Fear not! It’s really not as hard as you might think it is. After a little
practice, you’ll be able to ditch that twin tip and carve some real turns!
1
2
3
4
5
Approach the turn with moderate speed and direct the kite up
to the top of the window. Don’t direct the kite too quickly or it
will just pull you off the board.
As the kite reaches the top of the window, dive it down in
the new direction as you follow the kite with the nose of
your board.
Once stable on your toeside edge, hold the kite high (about
60° above the water) and get ready to switch your feet.
Moving your feet has to happen in one quick and fluid
movement. Think about being light on your feet and just go for
it. Move your back foot up next to your front foot, and move
your old front foot to the back of the board while turning your
body to face the kite.
Dive the kite to ride away with speed.
tips
• You’ll have more success learning the
toeside jibe in flat water.
• Don’t pause in the middle of switching your
feet. You will fall. Switching your feet has to
be done in one fluid motion.
• Wait until the turn is completed and you are
stable riding on your toeside edge before
switching your feet.
• Carve a harder turn and throw more spray
by entering the turn with more speed and
by throwing more weight into your back foot
during the turn.
78 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 79

thekiteboarder.com 81

Craig Cunningham, one of the Liquid Force riders in Canada, sent
us this shot from his trip to Hatteras. Photo Tahnee Pierog
Todd Learn rides on a clear, sunny, south-wind day at
Gull Lake, Alberta. Photo Cheryle Battrum
winning photo
Submit your photos of “local
homies” riding at your home
spot and you could win a
killer T-shirt from Transcend
Kiteboarding! E-mail
ryan@thekiteboarder.com
Local homies
Local Homies is all about everyday, local riders sharing the stoke at their home kiting spots.
Kevin “Irie dog” going balls-listic for the locals in San Quintin. Photo Paul Lang
Eunice Martin cruising in So Cal. Photo Gary Martin
“Today is my boyfriend’s birthday. As a present, I am showing off his waveriding Without Troy, I
would have never have learned to kitesurf. His favorite saying is, “DON’T drop the kite!”
Photo Mike Higgins (not the girlfriend!)
Bob Selfridge kiting an epic day in Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Photo Dennis Livesey
Melanie Fortin carving through the shallow waters of Sandy Hook
in the Magdalen Islands. Photo Mike Hitelman
82 thekiteboarder.com
thekiteboarder.com 83

Conclusion #1:
KiteFix
Economics 101
By Mark Rivers/www.KiteFix.com | Photo courtesy of kitefix.com
S
o here is the situation... You lent your kite
to your “buddy” and he went and landed it
on a stick he didn’t see on the beach. Now your
favorite 2007 kite has a two foot long tear down
the middle of the canopy. So now what?
As much as we would all love to go out and buy
brand new 2010 kites with all the great bells
and whistles, not all of us can. So if you want
to continue kiting, you will have to get your kite
fixed. You could try putting some tape on the kite
and hope that it holds for the rest of the season,
but if you want to do a more permanent repair,
you are left with two major options:
1. Send your kite to a reputable company to get
repaired
2. Repair it yourself using KiteFix
Given these two options, if you are on a kite trip in
some exotic location, or you don’t want to wait and
miss the only wind you have had in the last two
months, fix the kite with KiteFix. If you have time and
access to a reputable repair company, you may ask
yourself which option is better for the resale value of
your kite when you decide to sell it and upgrade to a brand new crispy 2010.
To answer this question, I gathered some data from iKitesurf (www.ikitesurf.
com) on used kites, their prices, the presence or lack of damage, and then
then compared repair costs to determine the “cash in my pocket” once all
was said and done. Here is what I found out:
• Kite resale asking prices for 3-year-old major brand kites
are approximately $440 US regardless of kite size.
• The average price of 2007 major brand kites without tears
or repairs is approximately $460 US (22 cases).
• The average price of 2007 major brand kites with some form
of tear or repair is approximately $390 US (10 cases).
Damage your kite and you will lose approximately 20% or $70 US of the
value when you go to sell your 3-year-old kite (It is interesting to note
that when I compared 2009 12m major kite brands, this same 20% rule
applied. I used 2007 kites for comparison as that year had the most data
for the comparison).
Now consider the two options we spoke about earlier: To
send your kite out to get fixed or to fix it yourself. Here are the average
prices including shipping you will pay (minimum) to get your kite fixed:
84 thekiteboarder.com
work
bench
• Kite sent to reputable company:
$90 ($20 shipping both ways plus $50
minimum for the repair), or…
• DYI with KiteFix Complete Repair
Kit: $55
So given the above we can calculate the “cash in pocket”
as follows:
• Kite sent off to be repaired: $390 – $90 = $300 cash in pocket.
• Kite repaired with KiteFix: $390 – $55 = $345 cash in pocket.
So your final cash is pocket is more when you use KiteFix, but to do a 100%
scientific comparison, one would have to look at the price of kites repaired
by a reputable company versus the prices of kites repaired with KiteFix.
Unfortunately there is not enough data to do this comparison at this time,
however if we assume, rightly or wrongly, that you will get less for a DYI
repaired kite with KiteFix, you still end up with about the same cash in pocket
regardless of the repair option you choose. So what does this mean?
Summary:
• How you fix your kite will not significantly impact the “cash in
your pocket” when you go to sell it.
• How you fix your kite depends on the type of person you are
and your willingness to wait for your kite to get repaired.
• If you are not a DYI type of person, and don’t mind waiting for
your kite to be repaired, send it to a reputable company.
• If you are a DYI type of person, can’t wait or don’t want to
miss sessions, use KiteFix.
Links:
Some reputable shops doing kite repairs:
www.airtimekite.com
www.fixmykite.com
www.windfiredesigns.com
According to used kite sale prices, any damage on your kite that has
been repaired will lower your kite’s value by 20 percent.
When your kite is damaged, you can send it to a professional repair
shop, or choose to repair the damage yourself with the KiteFix kit.
KiteFix Dealers
Near You:
www.kitefix.com/dealers/map.
php?&page=dealers
Kite
Pages
California
Action Watersports
(318) 827-2233 CA
Airtime Kiteboarding
(818) 554-7573 CA
Aquan Watersport
(650)593-6060 CA
Australian Kitesurf Academy
(714) 955-7832 CA
Bay Area Kitesurf
(415) 573-2619 CA
Board Sports
(510) THE-WAVE CA
Board Sports
(415) 929-SURF CA
CaliKites
(619) 522-9575 CA
Captain Kirk’s
(310) 833-3397 CA
Delta Windsurf Company
(831) 429-6051 CA
Helm Sports
(650 )344-2711 CA
Inflight Surf and Sail
(562) 493-3661 CA
Kite Country
(619) 226-4421 CA
Kitesurfari
(562) 596-6451 CA
KiteWindSurf
(510) 522-WIND CA
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
School graphic.
The Kiteboarder
Certified Schools
LEGEND
Certified
TKB Certified
IKO
Pasa
Insurance
0THER
OTHER
Live2Kite
(415) 722-7884 CA
Long Beach Windsurf Center
(562) 433-1014 CA
Mako Surf Skate Snow
(949) 367-1300 CA
Malibu Kitesurfing
(310) 430-KITE CA
Manta Wind & Water Sports
(858) 270-7222 CA
Monkey Air
(310) 457-6896 CA
Murrays
(800) 786-7245 x23 CA
Offshore Surf Co.
(760) 729-4934 CA
Kite School
(650) 960-1721 CA
Solutions
(805) 773-5991 CA
Soul Performance
(310) 370-1428 CA
Sky Kitesurfing School
(925) 455-4008 CA
VELA
(800) 223-5443 CA
Wind over Water
Kiteboarding
(650) 218-6023 CA
Windsport
(619) 488-4642 CA
Kite Island
(925) 212-2915 CA
Xdream Sportz
(858) 481-9283 CA
Xstreamline Sports
(310) 518-1972 CA
Xtreme Big Air
(805) 773-9200 CA
Colorado
Colorado Kite Force
(970) 485-3300 CO
GAYLAN’S
(720) 887-0900 CO
GG Wind Kiteboarding
(970) 389-0683 CO
Into the Wind
(303) 449-5906 CO
Larson’s Ski and Sport
(303) 423-0654 CO
Fuze Kiteboarding
(303) 683-5033 CO
PKS
(970) 376-3159 CO
Snowkite Steamboat
(970) 819-2997 CO
Connecticut
Orbit Marine Sports
(203) 333-3483 CT
Tri State Kites
(800) 510-0865 CT
Florida
7 Kiteboarding
(305) 664-4055 FL
Ace Performer
(239) 489-3513 FL
Bloodline Boardshop
(321) 254-4668 FL
Big Kite Miami
(305) 303-4107 FL
East Coast Kiteboarding
(954) 295-5778 FL
Emerald Coast Kiteboarding
(850) 235-2444 FL
Extreme Kites
(904) 461-9415 FL
Extreme Sports
(321) 779-4228 FL
Jupiter Kiteboarding
(561) 373-4445 FL
Key West Kiteboarding
(305) 407-6748 FL
Kiteboarding Tampa Bay
(813) 389-3683 FL
Ft. Lauderdale Kitesurfing Co.
(954) 410-5419 FL
Island Style Wind
& Watersports
(941) 954-1009 FL
Island Surf and Sail
(954) 927-7002 FL
Kiteboarding Tampa Bay
(813) 389-3683 FL
Kite Surf the Earth
(888) 819-5483 FL
Kite World
(321) 725-8336 FL
KGB Kiteboarding
(904) 434-8987 FL
1st Coast Kiting
(904) 424-2721 FL
Learn 2 Fly
(386) 986-9637 FL
Liquid Surf & Sail
(850) 664-5731 FL
KiteMare
(877) 829-0015 FL
Miami Kiteboarding Inc.
(305) 345-9974 FL
Otherside Boardsports
(305) 853-9728 FL
The Kite Shop
(305) 361-0168 FL
Sandy Point Progressive Sports
(386) 756-7564 FL
Ski Rixen
(954) 429-0215 FL
Tampa Bay Kiteboarding
(727) 798-2484 FL
Triton Kiteboarding
(727) 453-9577 FL
Watersports West
(888) 401-5080 FL
XL Kites
(866) 955-4837 FL
Xrated Kiteboarding
(888) 401-5080 FL
Georgia
All Out Kiteboarding
(912) 234-8260 GA
High Tide Surf Shop
(912) 786-6556 GA
Locus Kiteboarding
(404) 509-4229 GA
Hanag20 Kiteboarding
(912) 223-7856 GA
Hawaii
Action Sports Maui
(808) 242-8015 HI
Aloha Kiteboarding Academy
(808) 637-5483 HI
Caveman Kitesurfing
(808) 389-4004 HI
Extreme Sports Maui
(808) 871-7954 HI
Hawaiian Island Surf
& Sport
(808) 871-4981 HI
Hawaiian Watersports
(808) 262-KITE HI
Hawaiian Surf & Sail
(808) 637-5373 HI
Kailua Sailboards
(808) 262-2555 HI
Kite High
(808) 637-5483 HI
Kiteboard Maui
(808) 870-2554 HI
Hawaiian Ocean Sports
(866) 488-5483 HI
Kitesurf Maui
(808) 873-0015 HI
Maui Kiteboarding Lessons
(808) 242-8015 HI
Naish Maui Pro Center
(808) 871-1500 HI
Naish Hawaii
(808) 262-6068 HI
Off Da Lip
(808) 255-6255 HI
Second Wind
(808) 877-7467 HI
Vela Maui
(800) 223-5443 HI
Idaho
Groud Zero
(208) 265-6714 ID
Fly Sun Valley
(208) 726-3332 ID
Illinois
Windward Sports
(773) 472-6868 IL
Chicago Kiteboarder
(312) 804-5482 IL
Massachusetts
Air Support Kiteboarding
(866) Kite-Cod MA
Kitesite.net
(508) 398-1333 MA
Skyhigh Kiteboarding School
(508) 259-2728 MA
Maryland
H2AIR Productions
(302) 227-1105 MD
Michigan
Broneah Kiteboarding
(231) 392-2212 MI
Detroit Kiteboarding
(248) 245-5016 MI
Grand Bay Kite Co.
(231) 929-0607 MI
Great Lakes Kiteboarding
(586) 822-6511 MI
MacInaw Kite Co.
(800) 622-4655 MI
Tawas Board Riders
(989) 362-9906 MI
Motor City Kiteboarding
(586) 943-5172 MI
Sharkless Kiteboarding
(269) 639-SURF MI
Uncle Doug’s Kiteboarding
(810) 985-3732 MI
Minnesota
Scuba Center Wind/Kite
(612) 925-4818 MN
US Snowkite School
(612) 940-6639 MN
Midwest Mountaineering
(612) 339-3433 MN
LAKAWA Kiteboarding
(651) 428-4121 MN
Mississippi
Get Air
(228) 209-1204 MS

Gulfport Boardsports
(228) 596-1936 MS
Montana
Underground Kitesports
(406) 546-2709 MT
North Carolina
Blowing in the Wind
(910) 763-1730 NC
Cape Fear Kiteboarding
(910) 201-4002 NC
Kiteboarding Hatteras
(252) 995-5000 NC
Kitty Hawk
Kiteboarding Centers
(877) FLY-THIS NC
Outer Banks Kiting
Certified
(252) 305-6839 NC
Real Kiteboarding
(866) 732-5548 NC
Wind Toys USA
(910) 328-5483 NC
Wind Toys II
(252) 393-1300 NC
New Hampshire
Powerline Sports
(888) 987-WIND NH
New Jersey
Extreme Windsurfing
(610) 807-9493 NJ
Green Hat Kiteboarding
(718) 577-1256 NJ
Heritage Surf & Sport
(609) 263-3033 NJ
Island Surf and Sail
(609) 494-5553 NJ
Nevada
Kitesurf Vegas
(702) 493-9245 NV
Windsports
(702) 220-4340 NV
New York
Best Kiteboarding Center
(631) 691-0793 NY
Curtis Sport Connection
(716) 627-2247 NY
Island Riders
(631) 583-3019 NY
Main Beach Surf & Sports
(631) 537-2716 NY
Myers
(716) 751-6511 NY
Skywalk Kiteboarding
(631) 324-4450 NY
Windsurfing Hamptons
(613) 283-9463 NY
Rick’s Surf Shop
(631 )581-9424 NY
Ohio
Red Sky Surf & Snow
(419) 536-3204 OH
River Sports
(440) 333-8138 OH
Oklahoma
Thomasons Sports Kites
(580) 796-2359 OK
Oregon
2nd Wind Sports
(541) 386-4464 OR
Air-Time
(541) 387-3910 OR
All Surf Industries
(503) 239-8973 OR
Big Winds
(888) 509-4210 OR
Brian’s Windsurfing/Kitesurfing
(541) 386-1423 OR
Cleanline Surf
(888) 546-6176 OR
Floras Lake Windsurfing
(541) 348-9912 OR
Gorge Surf Shop
(800) 957-4978 OR
Hood River Waterplay
(541) 386-WIND OR
Kite-Line
(888) 714-9849 OR
Kite the Gorge
(541) 490-4926 OR
Lincoln City Surf Shop
(541) 996-7433 OR
New Wind
(541) 387-2440 OR
Pacific Wave
(503) 861-0866 OR
Storm Warning
(800) 492-6309 OR
Puerto Rico
Kitesurfing Puerto Rico
(787) 728-8716 PR
Kitesurfing
(787) 374-5329 PR
Rhode Island
Northwind Sports
(401) 254-4295 RI
South Carolina
Half Moon Outfitters
(843) 881-9472 SC
Catch Some Air
(843) 388-9300 SC
South Dakota
Pro Peak Sports
(605) 341-5445 SD
Texas
Air Padre Kiteboarding
(956) 299-WIND TX
Pro Kitesurf
(361) 883-1473 TX
South Coast
Kiteboarding
(361) 949-3278 TX
S. Padre Island
Kiteboarding
(956) 245-8343 TX
S. Padre Kiteboarding
(956) 761-1434 TX
Warming Hut Ski & Board
(972) 234-6088 TX
XL Kites, Dallas
(817) 676-7842 TX
XLKites, Houston
(877) 955-4837 TX
XL Kites, Padre Island
(866) 957-2373 TX
Zero Gravity Kiteboarding
(361) 949-0266 TX
Utah
Cloud 9 Soaring Center
(801) 576-6460 UT
Kiteutah.com
(435) 462-5303 UT
Virginia
Southeast Expeditions
(877) 943-8548 VA
Washington
North by Northwest Surf Co.
(360) 452-5144 WA
Seattle Kiteboarding Center
(206) 779-3272 WA
Urban Surf
(206) 545-9463 WA
Wiley’s Water Ski Shop
(206) 762-1300 WA
Wind Flow
(877) 211-3524 WA
Evo
(206) 973-4470 WA
Bellingham Kiteboarding
(360) 441-7577 WA
Wisconsin
Adventure Kiteboarding WI
(414) 760-1493
Coontail Watersports
(715) 385-0250 WI
Kite-Riders
(608) 273-1817 WI
Southport Rigging Company
(262) 652-5434 WI
The Board Shop
(262) 248-1703 WI
Wyoming
Hoback Sports
(307) 733-5335 WY
Yard
sale
T H E
TOP
C R A S H E S
L E N S
I N F R O N T O F T H E
G ot a g r e at w i p e o u t s h ot ?
Email:ryan@thekiteboarder.com
Top Hat sent us this photo of Bryan Lake doing some “Hodag
Kiting” in Wisconsin. Photo Kevin “Top Hat” Senn
Ron Davidson, aka “Captain Ron,” shows off his not so pretty downloop transition.
Photo sympathetic girlfriend (Lolita).
Diego Tron doing a new school one footer kite loop.
Photo courtesy Diego Tron
Kirsty Moller sent this photo of one of the Squamish,
BC locals headplanting off a kicker.
Photo Kirsty Moller
Josh Noe milliseconds before disaster at Matheson
Hammock, Park, Miami, Florida. Photo Andres Escobar
Adam Von Ins captured this shot of one of the Catch Some Air riders
doing a board off that will end up in disaster. Photo Adam Von Ins
Cheryle Battrum shares this yardsale moment with us. “I know you receive pics of
wipeouts in FRONT of the lens, how ‘bout right INTO the lens. You can probably
guess how this ended! I took a quick dip to avoid the board but managed to keep
the camera mostly out of the water. Never a dull moment!” Photo Cheryle Battrum
Lightwind
Specific
Zephyr 17m
Ozone’s new light wind specific kite is designed for gentle
breezes and delivers the same superior handling, power,
feel and control as you’ve come to expect from Ozone.
• Tight radius turn = great pop/fun.
• No Pulleys for direct handling and safety.
• Easy relaunch.
• Huge wind range, 6 - 20 knots. (No Shit!)
• One pump.
• Below bar 100% flag out safety system.
86 thekiteboarder.com
You Ride
They Watch
You Laugh
They Cry
www.flyozoneusa.com
thekiteboarder.com 87

VISIT THE NEW
WWW.JIMMYLEWIS.COM
FREE SHIPPING FOR A LIMITED TIME
210 to be exact
Redefine Your Ride
KITE • PADDLE • SURF
Free Shipping on Board orders in Mainland US from www.jimmylewis.com only.
Dealers welcome. Contact Fuacata Sports, LLC. info@fuacatasports.com