TIPS FOR VIEWING - The Kiteboarder Magazine

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product watch 9 New Products to check out DAKINE Renegade The Renegade waist harness from Dakine features a pre-curved panel that forms to the natural curve of your back and combines with a compression molded lumbar pad for a snug, comfortable fit. Integrated handle and leash attachment and easy-to-reach key and/or knife pockets round out the safety features. The trusted Power Clip buckle system, coupled with an optional spreader bar hold-down strap, provides a simple, and secure connection. SIZES: XS to XXL Colors: Black, white, red MSRP: $110 www.Dakine.com BEST KITEBOARING Shortstick 5’6 and Spacekraft 5’11 Two new directional boards for most riding conditions. Lightweight EPS cores, CNC milled from hand shaped prototypes. Built with tactical glass reinforcements, progressive rail profiles and supplied a la carte so you can rig either of them to ride strapped, strapless, with padded deck or waxed up. The 5’6 is designed for smaller sloppy/choppy conditions and a little bit of light wind flat water use while the 5’11 is made for taking out into heavier waves and overhead hollow sets. SIZES: 5’6” Shortstick, 5’11” Spacekraft Colors: n/a MSRP: $720 - $739 www.bestkiteboarding.com firewire Felix Pivec Pro Model Firewire has teamed up with top kitesurfer Felix Pivec to launch the Felix Pivec Pro Series with three Firewire boards built specifically for kitesurfing. Felix started riding Firewire boards over two years ago after buying them from retail stores in Hawaii and then reached out to Firewire to see if there was any interest in collaborating on improving the boards for kitesurfing. The Pro Models represents the best of both worlds, taking the incredible shapes and foils of Nev Hyman’s 35 years in surfboard design, Firewire’s Future Shapes Technology and combining that with extensive R&D to ‘tweak’ the surfboard construction for added durability without sacrificing weight or optimum flex. The boards also include inserts for those who like riding with straps. SIZES: 5’11”, 6’0” and 6’2” Colors: N/A MSRP: $799 with inserts and fins (no pads or straps) www.firewiresurfboards.com/kitesurfing JIMMY LEWIS Flight Deck Why does the Flight Deck perform when the conditions won’t? Because Jimmy made it with a shape and finish that maximizes efficiency and speed. Those are the keys to light wind riding — not surface area and float. The board with the least drag will keep up with a forward moving kite, keeping that kite in the power zone, and keeping you moving. The hand-polished clear coat finish repels water like a waxed car. The deep concave and handshaped rails give this board one sweet ride. SIZES: 147 x 48 cm Colors: Piano Gloss Black MSRP: $799 www.jimmylewis.com MAJOR LEAGUE KITEBOARDING Kiteboarding Apparel Major League Kiteboarding (MLK) is coming on strong for 2010. Based out of Hood River, Oregon, MLK offers a wide range of post session apparel including T’s, hats, hoodies, and jerseys. MLK is an equal opportunity vendor, not biased on any one style of riding. Whether it’s on the snow, in the surf, or freestylin’ the flats, MLK has all bases covered. Share the stoke, experience the comfort of Major League Kiteboarding. SIZES: T’s (XS to XL), Hats (one size fits all) Colors: T’s black/white, rasta red, white blue; Hats black/white, rasta MSRP: T’s - $24, Hats - $30 www.mlkiteboarding.com NPX 2010 Zealot The 2010 Zealot is so warm, NPX claims you can use a 4/3 Zealot when you’d normally be wearing a 5/4/3. They back this up with their newly developed Matrix Mesh, a revolutionary neoprene with a 3D matrix of air chambers that traps heat to keep you warmer. The inside of the Zealot’s chest and back is covered with the insanely toasty Hotcell insulation. Other features include bamboo charcoal anti-microbial lining, pullover no-flush entry, water-releasing Aquavents in the calves, P-skin taped seams, and grip-lock wrists. SIZES: S to XXL Colors: n/a MSRP: $289 www.NPXwetsuits.com TRASCEND APPAREL Jesse Richman Signature T New from Transcend, the Jesse Richman Signature shirt is printed on a newer softer material. Made from high quality 3.5 ounce 100% combed ring-spun cotton, it’s a premium fitted t-shirt that is very light, super soft and breathable. Check out this new T along with other pro signature T’s, hoodies and hats at Transcend Apparel. SIZES: S to XL Colors: Black, white MSRP: $21.95 www.transcendapparel.com LIQUID FORCE KITEBOARDING TwinSkim The Liquid Force Twinskim hones skim design specifically for riding behind a kite making it super easy and fun for kiting. With a skim rocker that is equal on each end and twin design, this board goes both ways with ease and without the need to jibe. The tips vary slightly, providing you options on the tail; wider for big pop and ollies and a narrower diamond tip for slashing. LF wake construction provides ultimate durability on and off the water. An excellent choice for a light wind board to mix things up. SIZES: 51” x 20” Colors: Black and white MSRP: $299 www.liquidforcekites.com RRD Fatal Wave Classic RRD introduces two brand new surf shapes developed with the help of Abel Lago, their wave specialist. The new Fatal Wave Classic’s are precise, fast and radical kite-surfboards that combine the latest development in boards designs with a state of the art composite technology, mixing the “surfmagic” of PU foam and polyester resin with hi-density sandwich heel reinforcements. The 5’8” shape was developed for smaller waves. The fins are set more in a back position compared to the Fatal Wave Classic 6’0”, which is a faster board developed for top performance in the bigger stuff. The Fatal Wave Classics are available three different constructions: X-Tech (EPS/Wood/Glass/ GC Polished sandwich) which is the same sandwich construction used to make Fatal Wave Sandwich boards but is lighter, stiffer and stronger; Wood (Wood Veneers sandwich) construction makes boards even stronger, and stylish; and Classic (PU/HD foam heels/Glass/Polyester). SIZES: 5’8” (174 x 45.8 cm) and 6’0” (182 x 45.8 cm) Colors: n/a MSRP: $799.95 WWW.robertoriccidesigns.com 62 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 63
designer’s corner cont. analyze this bestwaroo TESTED: 11m AVAILABLE SIZES: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15m STYLE: Delta – Wingtip design TESTED IN: Corpus Christi, TX, 20–28mph winds FROM THE MANUFACTURER Completely redesigned, the 2010 Waroo pushes the free-ride concept further than ever before. An all new Delta-Wingtip Design replaces the previous SLE kite layout. Providing Kahoona-like ease of use and Nemesis NXG aerodynamic performance, the new Delta-Wingtip layout ensures that the Waroo remains the ultimate “do anything, ride everywhere” kitesurfing kite. THE KITEBOARDER REPORT Out of the Box: The Waroo’s tribal graphics now cover a smaller portion of the kite along the wingtips and trailing edge. The Waroo is designed as a delta–wingtip kite, unlike previous generations of the Waroo which were SLE kites. The bridal system incorporates stainless steel rings that the bridle travels through instead of using pulleys. Our test kite came with a traditional separated inflation system with a designated inflation and deflation valve on the leading edge (non-one-pump), but the Waroo is also available with EZ- Pump, the Best Kiteboarding version of a one-pump system. On the Water: Riding the new 2010 Waroo, it became immediately apparent that this is kite is quite different from the previous designs. While the kite seemed to pivot in the turns, it was easy to control and handle throughout the window. The Waroo’s jumping performance, with its lofty feeling, is more similar to the Nemesis than the old Waroo, but the kite’s handling is different than the Nemesis. Re-launching the kite was simple and easy due to the delta shape of the wingtips. PROS: • This 2010 Waroo has increased pop, better low end grunt and much improved water relaunch ability. • The kite has notable less bar pressure than previous generations of the Waroo, but nothing dramatic. The bar pressure is still light-moderate. CONS: • The stainless steel rings on the bridle may cause the bridle to be a little more prone to wear than with pulleys. • This is a completely new shape for the Waroo, so riders who really liked the previous Waroo may need to spend a little time getting use to a newly designed kite. THE VERDICT: Although the 2010 Best Waroo is designed differently than previous versions, don’t second guess its potential. The changes in turning, jumping, bar control and relaunch ability still make the 2010 Waroo the best allaround kite from Best. Control System: Bar: Standard, non-convertible Grip/Feel: Smooth but grippy with a small diameter Depower: Above the bar depower strap, easy to use but may be bit long for some Center swivel: Standard center line swivel that has come on the Best kites a few years Safety/leash connection points: Below the bar and above the bar safety system connection points. Keep an eye out for bridle wear caused by the stainless steel rings. 8 In lighter winds the kite flies efficiently when moving, but may need to be a little depowered when standing stationary on the beach to remain stable. Tips 8 Control System: Bar: Eclipse’s standard 2010 four line bar with 5 th line added Grip/Feel: Small diameter easy to hold with a smooth textured grip Center swivel: None Depower: Below the bar, easy to use and works well Safety/leash connection points: Below the bar, outside line has a ring for an above the bar connection point Depower ability: Good depower offering a really smooth transition on the chicken loop Tips 8 Don’t be afraid to throw the kite around in the air while riding in the surf. The kite has solid control even when hitting the lip and falling down the face for a big bottom turn. 8 This is a C-kite so just letting go of the bar doesn’t completely depower it. Eclipsesurge TESTED: 9m AVAILABLE SIZES: 5, 7, 9 and 11m STYLE: C-Kite TESTED IN: Corpus Christi, TX, 27–30mph winds FROM THE MANUFACTURER The Surge is a come back from where it all began. This is not your daddy’s C-kite! We are happy to introduce you to the new generation of C-kite. The Surge, a 4-line kite, was designed by Felix Pivec and Bill Hansen. We wanted to bring you the next generation of ultimate kite performance. So if you are a pro rider or a person who is looking for a rush, then the Surge will be your choice for those big power moves and kite loops. Don’t let this kite fool you - this C-kite offers the true performance all freestylers and wave riders desire while rivaling the depower and safety of today’s SLE kites. THE KITEBOARDER REPORT Out of the Box: The Eclipse Surge showed up just in time for one of the coldest fronts to hit South Texas this season. The Surge wingtips are wide with battens incorporated into them. Graphically, the kite looks cool with hand prints around the size label and the overall outline of the kite really ties the look together. This four line C– kite doesn’t come with a one-pump system. The struts need to be inflated individually while the leading edge has a dedicated inflation and deflation valve. On the Water: When you first try the Surge, you will immediately notice the direct response of the kite. The bar pressure is moderate and easy to turn while the kite flies through the window. The kite is designed with a lower aspect ratio and wide wingtips that help its responsiveness. The Eclipse Surge offers solid pop, power, and follow through when riding freestyle, wakestyle, and surf. Re-launching the Surge after a crash seemed to take a little finesse, true to a traditional C-kite. PROS: • This is a true C -kite from Eclipse that provides solid freestyle performance for intermediate to advanced riders. • The Surge gives great feedback through the bar and offers excellent control going into any moves where the kite may or may not need to move quickly. CONS: • Construction could use some beefing up in high wear areas. • This is a true C-kite, so riders coming from riding bow or the newer SLE kites need to take time getting used to it. THE VERDICT: The Eclipse Surge is a well balanced, easily controlled C-kite that offers a diverse style of riders a solid feeling kite for surf, freestyle, and wakestyle. 64 thekiteboarder.com
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Page 3 and 4: Rider: Jan Schiegnitz | Location: O
Page 5 and 6: IQUID FORCE BILDERBACK = PHOTO LIQU
Page 8 and 9: 40 thekiteboarder.com It was hard t
Page 10 and 11: Executive Editor RYAN RICCITELLI ry
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Page 14 and 15: INSIDE JOB Photos Courtesy Best Kit
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Page 32 and 33: Off the Map On a windy and unusuall
Page 34 and 35: Gnarly Bombs While Mavericks was go
Page 38: analyze this liquidforce havoc TEST
Page 41 and 42: f-one designer’s corner F-One twe
Page 43 and 44: slingshot designer’s corner Desig
Page 45 and 46: Body dragging a rider back to safet
Page 47 and 48: work bench To Fix or Not to Fix? Th
Page 49 and 50: Yard sale When three sports collide

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