Kitesoul Magazine #12 English Edition

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PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
ITW
Mikaili Sol | Julien Leleu
TRIP
Australia – way out West

R I D E R : T O M H E B E R T / P H O T O : T O B Y B R O M W I C H
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Editor
Roberta Pala
roberta.pala@kitesoul.com
Wave Thecnique Editor
Mitu Monteiro
Freestyle Thecnique Editor
Alberto Rondina
Thecnical Expert
Renato Casati
Photo & Video
Maurizio Cinti
Design
Giuseppe Esposito
JUNE 2016 - JULY 2016
TWO-MONTHLY
Texts
Keahi de Aboitiz, Colleen Carroll, Lasse
Girolstein, Abel Lago, Patri McLaughlin,
Axel Reese, Alberto Rondina, Kari
Schibevaag, Alex Vliege, Brian Wheeler,
Jessica Winkler
Photos
Erik Aeder, Airvuz, Alexandru
Baranescu, Christian Black, James
Boulding, Toby Bromwich, Andrea
D'Antoni, Quincy Dein, Giuseppe
Esposito, Ludovic Franco, Taylor Höll,
Marion Rohe Kaufer, Laci Kobulsky,
Lance Koudele, Light Bros, mediahouse.
one, Axel Reese, Svetlana Romantsova,
WhiteSpace3.ca, Jessica Winkler
Cover:
Rider: Philipp Zach
Photo: mediahouse.one
Publisher and advertising
VISU Media
Via Cavour, 20
24030 Ambivere (BG)
Amministratore Unico
Federico Sugoni
fs@kitesoul.com
Registration Tribunale
di Bergamo n°10/2014
del 15/04/2014.
Periodicità bimestrale
Copyright Kitesoul Magazine
All content is copyright of Kitesoul
Magazine / Visu Media Srl.
FEDERICO SUGONI
Publisher
He’s a manager and a businessman.
He fell in love with kiteboarding
almost 10 years ago in
the wild and amazing North
Shore of Oahu (Hawaii). Aside
from kiteboarding there is
only one other important
thing in his life: his baby
daughter.
He’s responsible for the 2014
launching of KiteSoul Magazine.
ROBERTA PALA
Editor
Sports photographer since
1997, kiteboarder since 2001,
she has worked for the most
exponential kite magazines
for the last 15 years.
A free and wild soul, she
has left the luxuries of town
living for a life in contact with
nature: a sea and wave lover.
Nowadays you can find her
on the shores of Capo Mannu,
Sardinia, one of the most
beautiful spots of the Mediterranean
Sea.
MAURIZIO CINTI
Film-maker
Movie buff and keen photographer.
He’s a skater, snowboarder
and wakeboarder,
but he actually burns with
passion for kiteboarding. He
started off with freestyle a
few years ago, but nowadays
he’s more into chasing big
and powerful waves. This is
what he loves the most.
GIUSEPPE ESPOSITO
Art director
Kiter since he was in the baby
pram, he is a rider for RRD
Italia and he have a Bachelor
in Comunciation Design at
Politecnico di Milano.
With this assignment, he
finally has been able to put
together his two passions:
kite and design.

KITESOUL MAGAZINE
Feel The Flow
MITU MONTEIRO
Technical Editor-Wave Riding
He comes from Sal. Official
F-one and Manera rider.
2008 KPWT World Champion
and three-time Vice World
Champion. He started to surf
and windsurf as a kid and but
he definitively fell in love with
kitesurf as soon as he discovered
it.
ALBERTO RONDINA
Technical Editor-Freestyle
He’s the best Italian rider of
the competitive kiting world.
Cabrinha, Neil Pryde and
GoPro official team rider
and four-time Italian Champion.
Alberto has won the
2001 edition of the European
Championship and third
place in the 2012 PKRA World
Championship.
RENATO “DR. KITE” CASATI
Technical Expert
RRD Wave team rider. Kiteboarder
since 2000, he has
been PKRA athlete and judge.
He’s a professional sportswriter
for several technical
magazines. He lives between
Como Lake and Sardinia, but
he spends every winter in the
waves of Cabo-Verde.
DANIELA MELONI
Professional translator
Daniela mainly lived abroad
where she graduated
in Law and worked. She
discovered her passion for
water actvities back in 2007
when she moved back to the
Sardinian west coast and met
her husband, the kitesurfer
Enrico Giordano. Professional
translator since 2009. She is
a SUP lover and an amateur
photographer and never
misses to photo or video
shoot a Kite or Sup wave
session!

EDITORIAL
Rider Bertrand Fleury | Photo Jason Wolcott
Here we are! Half year through! June is one of the
"hottest" months in the kiteboarding scene, with
the event that marked a new era in sports more
than anything else, the Triple-S in Cape Hatteras,
North Carolina, USA. The riders who brought into
being a great event, Colleen Carroll, Sam Light
and Brandon Scheid, make us live the atmosphere
of riding in the park, with its rails, Kickers and
the expectations of the athletes for an event which
this year promises to be even more impressive,
the Wind Voyager Triple-S!
The newborn WKT freestyle circuit, sanctioned by
IKA, this year has some big news set aside. We
talked about the first two rounds and about the
relationship between IKA and KRU with the IKA
President Mirco Babini and Karolina Winkowska.
The expectations for the next rounds of the world
circuit are very high and as far as the next locations
are concerned there will be many new entries,
stay tuned........
While in Cagliari the Kitefoil European Championship
was taking place, dominated by F-One rider
Maxime Nocher, simultaneously the RRD international
meeting was underway in Talamone, in our
next issue we will introduce you the news coming
from the 100% made in Italy brand! In this issue
we will take you to South Africa for the RRD team
winter yearly meeting, that’s where the family ga-

thers every year to test all the new products to
the max.
In this issue we also talk to riders who occupy the
world scene, like the two-time junior world champion
Mikaili Sol, 11 years of power and determination
and Julien Leleu, powerful freestyle rider, as
well as high-quality video producer.
And then we take you travelling to places that
will make you dream....... like the unknown spots
of Australia or the transparent waters of Turks
and Caicos, which someone like Jessica Winkler,
is lucky enough to call home.
It is true, at Kitesoul we always dream, but we
also focus on the technical part of our sport thanks
to the sequences of freestyle experts such as
Alberto Rondina and to strapless freestyle magicians
like Keahi de Aboitiz. Then there are the
articles that explain how to best sharpen our weapons
to go in the water and make us understand
how to choose our perfect board! And the focus,
to find out what is the offer of the brands to this
market so full of choices.
Once more, you’ll find two hundred pages of pictures,
dreams and information ... to nourish the
soul of the kiteboarder....
Roberta Pala

SUMMARY
PRE - EVENT
SPOT GUIDE
34
96
20
Portfolio
Wind Voyager
Triple-S Invitational
EVENT
46
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
64
RRD Scarborough,
Cape Town 2016
Australia
out West
ITW
114
RIDERS COLUMN
32
Colleen Carroll
IKA Kiteboarding
World Championships
2016
COMING SOON
56
Kitefoil European
Championship
ITW
82
Mikaili Sol
STORY
Julien Lele
TRIP
128
A paradise
home
92
Patri McLaughlin
inside Jaws!

TECH
148
- Way
u
TECH
136
Sky Solbach -
Surfboard's shape
PRE-EVENT
146
Kite Babes
Choose your
board
STRAPLESS MOVES
156
Bigspin
Frontroll
PRODUCT FOCUS
PRODUCT FOCUS
178
Manera wetsuits
RRD wetsuits and hanresses
Core Free
RRD Obsession Pro MKIII
RRD Juice v3
RRD Pop LTD
FREESTYLE MOVES
194
Back to toeside
Back to blind
called
164
F-One Hydrofoil
2016
STORY
168
Jürgen May –
ION Line Manager

20 PORTFOLIO
Kevin Langeree
RIDER: Kevin Langeree
PHOTO: Quincy Dein

22
PORTFOLIO
Sam Medysky
RIDER: Sam Medysky
PHOTO: WhiteSpace3.ca

24
PORTFOLIO
Kari Schibevaag
RIDER: Kari Schibevaag
PHOTO: Svetlana Romantsova

26
PORTFOLIO
Luis Brito
RIDER: Luis Brito
PHOTO: Andrea d'Antoni/cabocreativelab

28
PORTFOLIO
Willow-River Tonkin
RIDER: Willow-River Tonkin
PHOTO: Taylor Höll

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32
RIDERS COLUMN
Colleen Carroll
RIDERS COLUMN
× Colleen Carroll ×
Text Colleen Carroll
Photo Toby Bromwich

Another year has come and
gone and here I sit amongst my
North Kiteboarding teammates
in our 1970s Cape Hatteras
rental overlooking the Pamilco
Sound. The usual background
noise fills the air as the crew
flips through the latest video
releases in any number of action
sports as well as the yearly
catching up banter amongst
friends who stop by to say hi
and pass the time. There is a
steady murmur of predictions
for what’s to come in the following
days as everyone eagerly
awaits the much anticipated
Southwest winds. It’s the week
before the Triple-S Invitational.
Over the past four years, I’ve
made the annual trek to the
small chain of islands that lie
off the coast of North Carolina
for North America’s most prestigious
kiteboarding event. It’s
one of the weeks I look forward
to the most throughout the
year. The friends, the parties,
the kiting….a sweet mix of lifestyle
and action, just the way
I like it. And although I would
now be regarded as a ‘veteran’
of the event having competed
and stood on the podium for the
past four years, I always come
with the expectation to be surprised
by some sort of significant
change to the event.
When I first competed in 2012,
45 minute jam sessions ensued
where 20+ riders per ‘heat’ rode
together in the slick, sliders and
surf. At the end of the week you
cast your vote for your favorite
in each category and celebra-
ted your winnings….which were
bragging rights. Then in 2013,
the prize purse shot to 40K and
with it came a panel of judges
who would critique your riding
in the same before mentioned
categories. 2014 took a purely
‘wakestyle’ shift, eliminating the
surf riders from the invite list
and hosting the third ‘surf’ discipline
in the ocean but using waves
as kickers and riders using
twintips instead of directionals.
Last year’s event saw arguably
the biggest change, completely
eliminating all freestyle and
wave disciplines and going all in
on Sliders, a drastic change but
welcomed warmly by most of
the participants.
So what could event host, Real
Watersports, have up their
sleeve for this year? Already,
with the announcement for the
2016 event we saw the invited
rider list shorten from 32 men
and 12 women to only the top
finishing 16 men and 4 women
from last years event with four
additional invites given at the
steering committees discretion.
But will that be THE big change
for this year’s event or will
the event continue to evolve?
According to head judge Brian
Wheeler, “The park setup and
format will be similar to what we
had in 2015…. For the 2016 Wind
Voyager Triple-S Invitational,
like last year, the park will be
divided into three zones, where
each group of riders will get
two or three attempts to post
their best score on each of the
features in each zone. All of the
competitors will ride through
zone one, then all through zone
two, etc. Each rider’s score will
be the sum of their top scores
for each of the five features.”
In addition to confirming that
the overall format will stay consistent
from last year, Wheeler
also shared that there will be
another surprise in the cards.
For 2016, we will see the introduction
of the Wind Voyager
Triple-S Challenge Series. Tapping
into the historical spirit of
the event pushing rider progression,
there will now be 3
additional cash prizes up for
grabs. For the first female to do
a 720 in competition there will
be awarded 720usd, for the first
person to do a 900, there will be
900usd and if anyone is able to
land a 1080 during a heat, they
will get an additional 1080usd
prize. If any of the challenges
aren’t met for this year, they will
move over to the next year and
the prize money doubles.
So the real question is who will
step up to the challenge? We
know a few 900s have been
done already so I would expect
to see this but can one of the
ladies pull off a 720? And can
anyone stomp a 1080? These
tricks have made history in
other boardsports and maybe
the time is now for kiteboarding
to take it to this next level. Or
maybe this will start a trend of
‘spinning to winning’….I guess
we will just have to wait and
see.

34
PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Inside Their
Minds
Reigning Triple-S Champions Reflect
on the Upcoming Wind Voyager
Triple-S Invitational
It’s that Triple-S time of the year again. The world’s top
park riders will soon flock to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina,
USA, on June 4 to 10, for a spectacular week riding,
music, and parties. In anticipation of this year’s
upcoming event, which features a new title sponsor
— Wind Voyager, a new luxury catamaran company — I
caught up with a couple of key riders to see how they
feel about the 2016 event and the state of the sport.
In the pages ahead, you will hear from 3x reigning Triple-S
Champion Sam Light, top contender Brandon
Scheid who has been battling Light for top honors the
past few years, and Colleen Carroll, the 4x reigning
women’s Triple-S Champion, who has won more consecutive
events than anyone in the event’s 10-year history.
Text and ITW Brian Wheeler
Photo Toby Bromwich,
Lance Koudele

36
PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational

BW_What does the event mean to you?
Sam Light: The Triple-S is the
biggest event of the year, it’s
my bread and butter. A few years
ago I decided to devote all
my time to “wake style” and
park events and the Triple-S is
the biggest park event. It also
has the biggest prize purse so
there’s some serious money on
the line! The event itself holds
more clout than other events as
its been around for such a long
time and been at the pinnacle
of wake style riding forever.Col-
Colleen Carroll: This event means
a few different things to me.
Firstly, I feel as though it was a
huge launching pad for my professional
kiteboarding career.
When I won the wildcard in 2012
and placed 2nd overall, I was
hardly in the kiteboarding scene.
That following year, North
Kiteboarding picked me up for
their International team. I can’t
attribute that solely to my participation
in the Triple-S Invitational
but it sure didn’t hurt!
In addition to being a significant
milestone in my professional
career, it is a very important
week to me socially. And I don’t
just say that because I like to
party! It’s the one week a year
where the majority of my close
friends within the industry are
in one place. We kite together,
live together, surf together and
enjoy each other’s company on
and off the water throughout
the event. It truly is the most
fun week of the year!
Brandon Scheid: The Triple-S
was my first event I ever entered
and it has always held a
special place in my heart. Not
only is it one of the most prestigious
events in kiteboarding,
it is also one of the most fun. I
get to spend a week riding in
perfect conditions with all of my
friends from all over the world.
It really is the highlight of my
competitive year and I eagerly
look forward to it each season.
I always looked up to the
guys riding in the event, and it
was a dream come true to join
them on the big stage. I couldn't
be more stoked to participate in
my 9th Triple-S!

38
PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
BW_What do you think about the 2016 Wind
Voyager Triple-S Invitational’s inclusion in
the newly formed Kite Park League (KPL)? And
about the KPL in general?
Sam Light: I think the KPL is a
great step in the right direction
for park riding. It has been formed
very fairly and democratically
which means all the right
people have the right roles who
are passionate about the sport
going in the right direction.
I think the KPL will improve
competitions and help establish
a standard. It will encourage
more competitions to reach
some certain criteria to be included
on the tour. It will also
make more appealing for sponsors
both in and out of industry.
Colleen Carroll: I think that the
Triple-S is integral to the Kite
Park League and the lineup of
events. The Triple-S has set the
bar for park events and is regarded
as the most prestigious and
competitive in the industry so it
wasn’t even a question for the
riders to choose to include the
events results towards the overall
ranking — the decision was
unanimous.
In general, I think the KPL will be
really good for park riding and
for the athletes that are pushing
this side of the sport. We’re not
trying to do anything too crazy
in this first year but we have organized
ourselves into a voting
body and have decided which
events will count towards the
overall ranking. We’re still having
discussions about what direction
to take the League and
the next steps, but so far we’ve
had a really positive response
from the industry and I can only
imagine it will bring good things.

Brandon Scheid: icluding the
biggest wake style/park style
event into the world slider ranking
was a no brainier for us.
[The Triple-S] used to be the
only event, and I'm glad to see
that its success has inspired
others to push the park scene in
their own regions. Generally, it
is about time we all collectively
got together and made a world
ranking for our side of the sport.
I am glad to see that it is in the
hands of the people pushing our
discipline, and not controlled by
someone who has no vested interest
in park riding. I hope that
by starting an overall ranking
we will help inspire another generation
of kiters to pursue park
riding and help grow our aspect
of kiteboarding.
The state of park riding has never
been stronger as far as I'm
concerned. With more and more
large and small events popping
up all over the world, our side of
the sport is gaining in popularity.
I was just recently in Argentina,
mostly in Patagonia and we
are really surprised to see rails
at all the spots we went kiteboarding,
even in the middle of
nowhere. So it’s safe to say that
the rail-riding side of our sport
is catching on. As far as the KPL,
we the riders, wanted to make
sure that our side of the sport
was managed and controlled
by the right people. So we took
it into our own hands to make
sure that we are properly represented
on the world stage.

40
PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational

BW_How have you been preparing for the
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational?
Sam Light: I had an operation
on my ankle just over two months
ago, so I have been doing
some intensive rehab to try and
get as fit as possible whilst taking
it easy on the ankle. I was
only able to start riding again
about one month ago but its
feeling good, the timing has
actually worked out as best as
it could. I have been in the UK riding
at the cable park and kiting
as much as possible alongside
some specific work on my ankle
with my Physio.
Colleen Carroll: Since last year’s
event I have tried to spend
as much time riding in the park,
with kite and cable, as possible.
Following the 2015 Triple-S
I flew straight to Hood River
where I rode the Slider Project
Park every day I could. Along
with Rich Sabo, Brandon Scheid
and Craig Cunningham we hosted
a small event [Hood River
Slider Jam] towards the end of
the summer. Later in the winter
I travelled to the Philippines
where we made a quick warm
up stop at CWC cable park and
then on to Blue Palawan for the
new slider event there. Since
Blue Palawan, I wasn’t able to
ride features until just this last
month when I was lucky to participate
in a Mercedes Benz promotional
campaign in Germany.
Being a part of this campaign
meant I had the freedom and
vehicle to go anywhere in and
around Germany that I wanted
to. So Craig Cunningham
and myself visited seven different
cable parks in Germany
and Belgium over the last few
weeks, always keeping in mind
that next trick to put down on
the kite!
Brandon Scheid: The Triple-S
always creeps up on us and
we always feel like we are
scrambling to prepare for the
event. We start by getting the
park in Hood River in the water
in April and try to start logging
sessions as soon as we can. The
next big thing is spending a bit
of time at a cable park to knock
off winter’s rust. Riding the
cable always helps get you physically
and mentally in shape for
the event. This year we spent a
week at Terminus Wake Park [in
Georgia, USA] riding every day
and trying to get some consistency
in our riding. Finally, we
get to Cape Hatteras a few weeks
early to try and get some
sessions in before the event
starts. In the end, we never really
feel truly prepared, so this is
the best we can do.

42
PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
BW_What are your thoughts about the upcoming
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational?
Sam Light: I am always really
excited about heading to REAL
Watersports. I go for two weeks
and rent a sweet house with a
hot tub. It’s great hanging out
with all my buddies and there’s
always some good parties! I’m
looking forward to riding with
everyone. I just hope we get
some good conditions so we
can all push the boundaries! I
also hope my ankle holds up.
Colleen Carroll: I’m curious to
see what curveball the steering
committee throws at us this
year. Since I’ve started participating
in the event, no two years
have been the same. Maybe
the big change for this year was
mixing up the riders list, but
maybe there is more…you never
know until that first riders’
meeting. But other than my curiosity,
I’m excited and looking
forward to it.
Brandon Scheid: The upcoming
Triple-S is always something to
get really excited about. This
year will be my 9th Triple-S appearance
and I always get nervous
about how I am going to
perform. This year we will continue
the park-only variation on
the event, after so much success
last year. I think the slider
movement owes a lot to the Triple-S
and all the work over the
years in Hatteras. REAL Watersports
has always been at the
center of the rail movement,
they have been committed to
building and maintaining a top
notch rail park for years. Thanks
to early pioneers like Jason Slezak,
Andre Phillip, Moe Goold,
and Mauricio Abreu the park
scene is alive and well today. I
think that without the Triple-S,
the movement would have missed
the spark that started the
fire.

44
PRE EVENT
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
BW_How do you feel about the competitive
field this year?
Sam Light: Every year the competition
gets so much harder;
the level goes up dramatically.
A few years ago there was a few
top guys, but now anyone is capable
of doing really well. It just
depends on the day. As the prize
money has gone up people
have got hungry for the title, it’s
also more of a formal competition
these days everyone takes
it more seriously. They have cut
down the invited field this year
which I think is a good thing, it
means we get to watch some
sick wildcard videos from top
riders who didn’t make the cut.
Colleen Carroll: It’s going to
be a tough one this year that’s
for sure! There are some really
motivated newcomers to the
scene this year as well as the
usual subjects plus I know a
few ladies who are turning up to
the open that are going to lay
it all on the line. In addition to
the stiffer competition I’m really
motivated to showcase my
best riding possible. Earlier in
the year at the Blue Palawan
event, I made several mistakes
and couldn’t land my go-to tricks
in the heats and light wind
conditions, which made me really
disappointed in my performance.
It’s hard to lose but in a
way I see a positive side because
it has really motivated me to
give it all I can for the Triple-S
and not make the same mistakes
twice. And no matter what
happens I know it’s going to be
a good show and I’m stoked to
ride alongside so many ripping
women.
Brandon Scheid: Every year it
seems like the field gets closer
and closer. In the beginning there
were really just a few standouts,
however, this year the
top honors could go to almost
anyone on the invite list. I think
the success of the event over
the years has inspired a whole
generation of shredders to ride
and try and compete to earn
a coveted invite to the event.
I truly feel like this year will be
the most competitive and it has
me more stressed than ever.

46
EVENTS
IKA Kiteboarding World Championships 2016
Text Roberta Pala, Mirco Babini
ITW Roberta Pala
Photo Giuseppe Esposito, Toby Bromwich, Christian Black

First two events of the new freestyle tour. This
year IKA, gave birth to the new world tour,
WKT (World Kite Tour).
For the first event Egypt was the place playing
the host, the VKWC 2015 world champion Liam
Whaley was notably absent due to an injury.
The victory went to the Brazilian Carlos Mario,
the 2015 IKA world champion.
IKA KITEBOARDING
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016
El Gouna | Leucate

48
EVENTS
IKA Kiteboarding World Championships 2016
So far two events have taken place, El Gouna and
Leucate. The event at El Gouna, the first one of
this new season, was held in the Egyptian waters
where Karolina Winkowska normally trains so we
asked her some questions on the new tour...
KS_Hello Karolina, can you tell us something
more about the events that led to the new WKT?
It is really hard to tell what is going on with the
Freestyle World Tour right now. There are so many
organisations claiming to be organising World
Tour events. What I know is that IKA is the only
organisation, sanctioned by World Sailing (former
ISAF) to entitle the ‘official’ world tour titles. Thus
if the event is not sanctioned by the IKA then there
is no official world title.
KS_IKA and KRU, in what ways are you working
together for the tour?
I am not working for the tour, I am a competitor.
KS_Has anything changed in terms of judging
and scoring methods?
During the first two events organised by IKA, the
judging was really good, as all the Judges were
kiteboarders. Ewan Jaspan, Eric Reinstra, Mads
Wollesen just to name few. They all practice freestyle,
and they know the difficulty and the differences
between the tricks. For me judging is the
main element required for running a good competition,
everything else is basically a bonus.
KS_The first event was in Egypt, a bit like home
for you ... what are the characteristics of El Gouna
spot?
Yes, I kiteboard in Egyp quite a lot. El Gouna is

50
EVENTS
IKA Kiteboarding World Championships 2016
Men:
1. Carlos Mario (BRA, Slingshot)
2. Youri Zoone (NED, Slingshot)
3. Alex Pastor (ESP, Airush)
Women:
1. Karolina Winkowska (POL, Slingshot)
2. Bruna Kayija (BRA, Airush)
3. Annabel van Westerop (ARU)

one of my favorite places to visit. The wind is very
consistent, and water fairly flat and transparent.
Additionally the wake park, diving excursions are
good addition for the windless days.
KS_What’s the situation on security like in
Egypt?
For me Egypt is an amazing country, where I
comeback as often as I can. Recent accidents
are very bad for the economy in Egypt, which is
mainly dependant on the tourism. That’s why the
Egyptians are trying their best to keep their resorts
as safe as possible. I’ve never felt in danger
there, I can’t say the same for some places in EU.
KS_How was the competition? Were there any
surprises in the first heats of the season? Anyrider
who came out with something unexpected?
The event in El Gouna was very exciting, as always
the first event. The biggest surprise was the absence
of Gisela Pulido, who didn’t relay a reason
for not coming. All the other girls were rocking
and riding super good after training the entire off
season, but still Bruna Kajia was my biggest competition.
KS_Do you think tEl Gouna could rightfully become
a regular event place for the upcoming years?
For sure, El Gouna is the paradise for kiteboarding,
it’s warm, windy and perfect for freestyle.
Additionally only a 4-5h flight from Europe makes
it really accesible for new tour riders.

52
EVENTS
IKA Kiteboarding World Championships 2016
KS_The second event of the season was held in
Leucate, which is by now a historical round of
the the world tour, strong and gusty wind, often
under difficult conditions which showed on the
six first places tie in the women's podium, how
come you were not there?
There are a lot of reasons why I didn’t go to Leucate.
It was a hard decision for me not to compete
there as the world tour events are part of my life,
and who I am. Nevertheless I made the right decision
and I dont regret missing out on that one.
KS_Which are the next events and what do you
expect from the rest of the season?
I’m not really sure what’s happening in regard to
the offical freestyle world tour events, it’s a total
mess, so for now I’ve decided to join the kicker/
sliders tour (KPL Kite Park League) . Stops which
include Blue Kiteboarding in Philipines, Triple S
USA, Slider Project Usa and Rhosneigr Park Jam
in UK. For me this is something new and progressive
that I can get excited about again. Everyone
is there to have a good time and make the best of
what we have on offer, everyone is grateful that
there’s people out there putting these events
together and no one’s expecting to get rich and
famous from it. It’s a really humbling experience
going to these events and for me that’s what it
should all be about, I mean if you’re not having
fun then what’s the point?

Men:
1. Zoon (NED, Slingshot)
Pastor (ESP, Airush)
Spiessberger (AUT, North)
Mario (BRA, Slingshot)
5. Whaley (ESP, Cabrinha)
Tonijuan (ESP, F-One)
Serin (FRA, Naish)
Martinez (DOM, Da Silva)
Women:
1. van Westerop (ARU)
Kajiya (BRA, Airush)
Novotna (CZE, North)
Whiteley (GBR, Best)
Rosa (BRA, Cabrinha)
Valesa (FRA, F-One)
7. Vieira (BRA, Gin)
Bagnoli (ITA, North)

54
EVENTS
IKA Kiteboarding World Championships 2016
Mirco Babini – IKA President
It’s a duty of the IKA to deliver the freestyle and
big air championship and after the disaster in
2015, we started to work hard to organize events
and schedule the world championship in round.
During the winter the judges crew worked pretty
hard to have the new judging system and the
software working properly; we all worked together
to implement new rules and format and
organize a great media coverage, a new web site,
a new tour stop and so on.
The first grand slam round in El Gouna has been
great and all the riders gave us an amazing feedback,
the location and the local team involved
did a nice job.
The Iconic location of Leucate also went well with
more than 60 riders has been a great success too.
We’re close to announce few other rounds around
the world and we’re stoked to have the world
championship rounds all around the globe and
manage them with the best team ever.
Ika gives all the riders and the organizers the
proof of how to properly manage the sport side
of the competition and nobody managed to do
the same in the past.
We were happy to know about the riders union
(KRU)and we give them all the support. We’ve
opened the door and signed a m.o.u. (memorandum
of understanding) and agreed with them
to deliver a contract and let them manage their
commercial rights; unfortunately the vision from
few of them is not in line, we still believe they will
understand and we’re helping them as much as
possible.
We are in contact with many riders and they help
us a lot how to deliver all what they need.
Our goal is to deliver the best events and announce
the Freestyle & Big Air IKA world champion at
the end of the season.
Keep in touch for great hot news coming soon.

D A I L Y
W O R K
W E A R
ONYX SERIES
AIRTON COZZOLINO´S DAILY WORKWEAR
SURFING ELEMENTS
ION-PRODUCTS.COM

56
COMING SOON
Nocher and Kalinina claim first European Championship Titles on foiling Kiteboards

Nocher e Kalinina
claim first European Championship
Titles on foiling Kiteboards
Photo Roberta Pala and Courtesy IKA

58
COMING SOON
Nocher and Kalinina claim first European Championship Titles on foiling Kiteboards

60
COMING SOON
Nocher and Kalinina claim first European Championship Titles on foiling Kiteboards

62
COMING SOON
Nocher and Kalinina claim first European Championship Titles on foiling Kiteboards
U 18
1. Toni Vodisek (SLO)
2. Martin Dolenc (CRO)
3. Tomasz Glazik (POL)
U 21
1. Olly Bridge (GBR)
2. Toni Vodisek (SLO)
3. Martin Dolenc (CRO)
MASTER
1. Marvin Baumeister (GER)
2. Ivan Doronin (RUS)
3. James Johnsen (DEN)
GRANDMASTER
1. Enrico Tonon (ITA)
2. Dario Piras (ITA)
3. Marco Calbucci (ITA)
KITEFOIL WOMEN OVERALL
1. Elena Kalinina (RUS)
2. Steph Bridge (GBR)
3. Gina Hewson (AUS)
FORMULA KITE WOMEN OVE-
RALL
1. Elena Kalinina (RUS)
2. Steph Bridge (GBR)
3. Jade O'Connor (IRL)
FORMULA KITE & KITEFOIL MEN
OVERALL
1. Maxime Nocher (MON)
2. Olly Bridge (GBR)
3. Florian Trittel (ESP)

64
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
text Kari Schibevaag | photo Svetlana Romantsova

RRD SCARBOROUGH,
» CAPE TOWN 2016
The sun has just begun to peek over the mountains
behind me, throwing its warm orange and yellow light
to dance on the ocean. Warm coffee in my hand, the
cool wind blows onto the balcony where I sit. The turquoise
water of the Atlantic Ocean is so crystal clear
that you nearly can see what’s moving around in the
waves. Cape Town is renowned for its sharks, but I’m
trying not to think too much about this. There is an
abundance of marine life here, but I try to maintain focus
on the good conditions for kiting, not the animals
co-existing with us.

66
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
I am in Scarborough which is south of Cape
Town, South Africa. Scarborough is a small village
that contains everything I love. The white sandy
beach, the clear water and spectacular waves.
Nestled behind the beach are cottages, a small
coffee house, a restaurant, a nice bakery and
people who are generous with their smiles and
stories. Looking out to the sapphire and seemingling
endless ocean, it appears that ships are
balancing on the edge of the earth. We are surrounded
here by mountains that seem to embrace
Scarborough. This gives the impression
that we are the only people in the world. At the
base the mountains are green and lush, which is
such a stark contrast to the top half, ashy grey
and charcoal, a reminder of the fires that came
past only one month ago. It’s quiet here and the
nature reminds me a bit like home.
The smell from the local bakery is making my
mouth water, I remind myself to grab some freshly
baked sour dough before my wetsuit and kite
call me for a session.
Abel Lago, Svetlana Romantsova, Alex Vliege and
Roberto Ricci are awake now too and we are all
sitting and talking, checking the conditions from
the breakfast table. Sharing fresh fruits, locally
made granola and a cup of rooibos tea. All five
of us are almost agitated sitting still at the table,
desperate not to miss these conditions. The
waves are breaking better and better and the sun
is slowly rising. Breakfast is scoffed down, tea is
gulped, we are ready.
Vlora, Anna , Rocco and Nora are also awake. The
kids are so happy to be in Scarborough for the
winter and they are going to this amazing farm
school that I am really jealous of. Rocco and
Nora are Roberto and Vlora’s kids and they keep
us happy and youngwhen we are in Cape Town .
Anna is from Australia and helps out. She is the
super nana. It’s school day and the kids are excited
to go to school.. We are sitting at the table.
I am thinking it’s so nice to see the kids happy to
go playing at the school, it’s not often you see
this now, and we are happy that we are going to
the water.
The neoprenes are hanging in the garden from
the sunset session we had last night.
Pictures from that session are still in my head.
There were penguins swimming around my board
when the sun was hovering over the ocean. It is so
rare to have penguins join you in the surf, especially
when penguins are very, very far from home
at the tip of Africa. The penguins have formed a
small colony on Boulders Beach, not too far from
where we are in Scarborough. It feels like these
animals know that this is a very special spot. We
enjoy the water and the peaceful sunset together.
We tug, stretch and slide into our damp neoprene,
still wet from kiting all day yesterday. We

68
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016

grab the small kites, our boards and run down to
the beach. The smell of sunscreen and salt, wind
in our hair, foot prints in the sand… the excitement
bubbles inside me for the day ahead.
We end up spending all day at the beach, except
for short intervals for pasta lunch that Anna and
Vlora made for us, a quick espresso and some
more sunscreen. We only come home when the
great golden orb disappears over the edge of the
ocean. South Africa is known for its beautiful sunsets,
the Scarbarian mountains and ocean like a
frame for this daily masterpiece. But I have to say
it’s even more epic off shore, from the cool water
with a colourful kite in your hand.
Last summer Roberto and Vlora renovated an old
wooden house with perfect views. Standing on
the beach facing balcony, you can see a few hundred
metres away the red dirt of a small car park,
dry green bushes, contrasting against a wide
strip of white sand, then the seemingly endless
ocean, perfectly parallel to each other. On the left
of the house, mountainous National Park where
you can sometimes spot a Blesbok and even the
odd zebra. On the right, half burnt mountains
that most days seem to be producing a rolling,
magical mist. The mist begins at the low clouds
above the mountain peak, all the way down to
the cold, blue ocean below. Svetlana and I nodded
in agreement while sitting on that balcony
that we were in paradise. As we silently watched
the waves, mindful of the scenery around us, neither
of us could really comprehend how lucky we
really are.
Svetlana is grabbing her ”baby” (the camera). She
arrived just three days ago from the freezing winter
in Russia, still acclimatizing to the ever perfect
summer here. Just as I did only one week ago, sit-

70
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
ting with her on the balcony, I can see in her eyes
it is love at first sight.
She has so many ideas, inspired by the natural
beauty she is bursting with creativity. It’s any
photographer’s dream here, perfect light, perfect
waves, perfect scenery. The challenge for her
is to organise the four of us cheeky riders who
just really want to hit the water. Roberto, Abel,
Alex and I were flying around, jumping and riding
waves. We were too busy having fun, we didn’t
notice stressed Svetlana on the sand and behind
the trees still taking pictures! Fortunately for us
Svetlana always gets the best shots, somehow
shooting all of us when we are riding our best.
Soon after, we see some brightly coloured kites
being pumped up on the beach, more RRD team
riders! I recognise Tony, Danny, Lyde and Collin.
We all ride together, wave after wave, a big happy
family out on the water.
Werther Castelletti, the big brain for RRD when it
comes to kites and TT boards, arrived at CPT airport
from Italy. He is the incredibly talented man
behind the RRD designs for the last few years. After
he came to the company, our kite production
and popularity has grown incredibly fast, every
year. Abel and Werther are the main testers and
now it is time for the final tests before the new
line is to be produced. At RRD they test all the kite
sizes in every model. Werther, Abel and RRD always
test all sizes and models to make each kite
unique. This means that they make sure the really
good shape that works perfectly on 12 m, will
work just as well on the 4m. This is why they test
all the kites and spend a lot of time and money
and time on this. This is why we are in Cape Town,
to train and test the products in the harsh South

African conditions.
We have to travel, because we won’t always find
wind for 17 m Emotion kite and 4 m Religion. It
can happen that the new wave kite works amazing
in South Africa, with strong wind and side-offshore
conditions, but then, when you come to
Europe with lighter wind and onshore conditions,
the same shape is not fast enough and doesn’t
have enough depower. That is why they spend so
many months travelling and testing around the
globe to make sure the kites are of quality for all
conditions around the world.
This is the last stage of testing and Abel is really
happy to see Werther again with the new babies
(kites). For Abel these are the exams and we are
all super excited to test them in these conditions.
Just before Cape Town, I was fortunate enough to
join them in Fuerteventura for a sneak peak. Now
it was the final test to see if they were as good as
I remembered.
Sweet Abel and Werther pumped them all up for
us on the beach (as always) and I have to say they
all looked stunning. All the riders are eyeing off
the kites and the waves, buzzing to try the new
gear. I´ve got my eye on the small 4m Religion
kite. Pink and turquoise, it is beautiful and feels
like Werther and Roberto is looking after me with
it’s feminine design. It is beautiful and I am so
proud to ride with it.
My cheeks ache from smiling, Roberto is on fire,
Lyde, Alex, David and Collin are having a great
time ripping, Abel is riding with power, even
Svetlana, sandy on the beach is thrilled with her
shots. We are all exhausted, this is the best session
in a long time for everyone. It felt amazing to
see all the RRD kites in the sky and ride with my
team mates. Werther was jumping for joy on the
beach, vicariously enjoying the session through
us. Again, he has pulled through with the goods.
My stomach was growling out when I get this
feeling and have this much fun, it is impossible
to stop riding.
Roberto disappears from the beach we are riding,
and heads towards the rocks. We aren’t worried
though, just beyond the rocks is a small beach
that we have lovingly named Roberto´s beach. He
refused to put a leash on his board so it regularly
ends up there. We can see him now coming back
smiling from the beach, giving us a knowing nod
as I mouth ”leash!”.
The last beams of sunlight disappear and only
the orange glow remains. We are all exhausted
after the long day filled with action on the waves.
I know I will never forget this day. The perfect

72
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016

session with my mates. This is why I love kiting
so much.
Our tired limbs somehow manage to pack up our
gear on the beach, fortunate for the last glows
of daylight. Still in our damp wetsuits with our
hands and feet cold to the core, we dive into the
pool at the house. Warm water slowly defrosts
our extremities, the stars shining in the sky, we
are silent as we re-live the days highlights in our
weightless state.
We pull off our wetsuits and hang them in the
trees in the garden, hoping in vain that they will
dry by the morning. We argue over who showers
first. I run in to enjoy a nice steamy shower to
scrub off the remaining sand and salt.
Dressed and ready, we are going out for dinner in
the village. The Hub is a beautiful two story building,
newly renovated to honour the native Protea
flower that grows locally. Downstairs is a small
cafe and a small grocer where you can always
find fresh, local, organic produce. The restaurant
above is a reflection of this organic attitude. It is
pizza night tonight, and even the Italians concur
that it is very special, “buonissimo”! The standard
of food here is amazing, a testament to the quality
of the local produce. Home made and home
grown is a very Scarberian attitude, everyone
seems very aware of their ecological footprint.
It’s fantastic to see a town that is so advanced
in their environmental awareness. When you find
yourself in Scarborough, you must visit this very
special place.
Sliding under the sheets, my body tired from the
days adventures, I can’t help but feeling a sense
of contentment. Svetlana is pleased with her
work, I am really happy with my riding and the
action in the water, Abel and Werhter are relieved
that the kites have passed their final exam and
Roberto, well Roberto is smiling like always and
telling us again what a beautiful place and what
a perfect session. I feel so grateful to be part of
the RRD family.
We have been buzzing waiting for the Redbull
King of the Air finals. One of our team riders, Jerry,
has been going extremely well, smashing his
heats and even ending up on the front page of
the Cape Argus. We are so proud of him and so
are making the 1 and a half hour drive over to Big
Bay, Blouuberg to cheer him on. The forecast for
this afternoon is insane, we are all pumped for
big waves, strong wind and huge airs!
We drive over Ou Karksavvag, and are blessed
with the most beautiful views from the mountain.
Cape Town city is beautiful, the sparse tall buildings
are dwarfed by the majestic Table Mountain.
The sea is an endless sparkling sapphire, dotted

74
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
with huge ships, waiting to port.
The remaining half an hour is spent driving
through contrasts this is one of the things that
makes Cape Town and South Africa so unique.
Looking out the window there are huge, white
houses with manicured lawns, elegant architecture
and high, spiked fences. At the traffic lights is
a man, dirty tattered clothes, skin dark like leather,
hunched over a cardboard sign that reads in
crude black marker ”Need money to feed my children”.
A face that seems to have seen thousands
hot sunsets, deeply wrinkled, but unfortunately,
an anonymous face that we frequently see on the
road.
We are almost at Big Bay, a beach that is normally
packed with kites of every colour, instead
is packed with cars. We spend ages looking for a
spot, finally squeezing in a place only a short hike
away. Walking towards the beach we can hear
the speakers pumping music, the atmosphere is
electric. None of us have ever seen so many people
here. The announcer confirms the sick conditions,
and that this is the biggest KOTA event so
far. I see around lots of familiar faces that I have
kited with in the past, but also I can tell there is a
huge portion of the crowd that doesn’t kite at all.
This is the best thing about KOTA, everyone of all
ages can enjoy the sport that I love so much.
We miraculously get a table at Mojo, a cool restaurant
that celebrates Africa. This is reflected in the

menu that has Springbok, Ostrich and even Crocodile
but also in the decor of the place. The waitresses
walk around with beautiful pink plumes of
feathers on their heads, the waiters in traditional
dress. There is one waitress painting elegant
white dots and flowers on a young girl’s face, her
little brother patiently waiting his turn. From our
table we can see a huge lawn, full of people and
children getting the best spots to sit before the
event begins. Then we can see the beach, some
kiters enjoying the last time they can kite before
the heats start again.
The music is getting the crowd more excited, the
announcer asking the remaining kiters to please
leave the water. We pay our bill, waddling out of
the restaurant with full bellies. The crowd seems
to have grown again, as we politely battle our way
down to the sand. We are meeting the rest of our
team down on the beach, catching up with other
friends from around Cape Town. We meet up with
Colin, Lyde, Alex and it really seems like everyone
in the kite world is on the sand.
The conditions are really perfect, the flags go
up for the four riders who are battling it out in
this heat. Straight away the guys are smashing
it, mega loop after mega loop, getting huge air.
Every time the crowd roars with appreciation for
these athletes as they put on a great show. One
by one they get eliminated until there is only one
left who will go through to the next round.

76
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
It is the Semi Final, with eight riders left, one of
them is our Jerry! He is the tallest rider by far at
over 2 metres tall. The RRD kite sails high and
proud in the air. We all scream and roar with excitement
for him. He looks back at the crowd and
gives a wave, now the whole beach is cheering
too.
These eight athletes are absolutely at the top
of their game, pushing the limit the whole time.
Mega looping their heart out, trying to get the
best waves for the highest points. Jerry makes a
huge air, he seems to go all the way down the
beach! The crowd is pumping, so much adrenalin
watching this tense final.
Lewis makes a massive air, everyone can tell his
is so high, and he is going so far down the beach,
the crowd is going wild. Watching him lining up
the landing though, we can see it is too fast, too
hard. He hits the water, badly. His kite crashes.
We can’t really see what is going on, but the other
competitors come over and rescue him from
the water. The paramedics run over when he is
on the beach. We can’t see what is going on now,
but a hush falls over the crowd. Everyone’s heart
sinks in synchronisation. It is devastating to see
anyone get hurt, let alone doing a sport that we
all adore.
The competition is stopped for a long time, and
rightly so. We wait around for a few hours, the
crowd remaining, still excited to see the Grand Finale.
Everyone has their fingers crossed for Lewis.
Jerry unfortunately didn’t make it to the grand final,
but we still count our blessings because he is
safe and healthy! High fives are shared all around
for our Dutch brother, congratulating him on a
great performance and so proud that he made it
so far.
Finally the competition starts again, and we are
all ready as the sun is becoming low in the sky.
What a show it was! Amazing riding by the best
riders, the round coming to a close. We wait for
the winner to be announced, congratulations to
Aaron Hadlow!
It has been a long day, and one of the best days
I´ve had in Cape Town this year. The KOTA is always
one of the best events of the summer. The
only way we could end this day is with some
amazing Sushi from Blowfish. We sit at the sushi
train, plates packed high. All of us with pink
cheeks from not using enough sunscreen, some
of us are more the colour of the raw salmon we
are eating.
The long drive home begins, the bright lights of
Cape Town city disappearing behind us, the end-

78
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
less inky blackness of the Ocean, and the stars
so bright and clear. Chatter about KOTA fills the
car, the music down low so we can all retell the
highlights of the day.
Inspired by the competition fromyesterday we
are heading down to Carmers to ride some waves
and do a bit of freestyle. Alex and Jerry are also
joining us, Jerry still on a high from yesterday. It’s
so good to be back in the water, salt on my face
and wind in my hair. We are all pushing it, having
fun and riding hard. I’m focusing on freestyle today,
the conditions are so perfect, you can always
find wind and waves in Cape Town!
We jump out of the water and grab a sandwich. So
much fresh produce around here it’s really hard
to go wrong. We meet up with Grant who deals
RRD kites here, he has the shop next to where
we are eating. There is a massive line up of tall
RRD stand up paddle boards out the front, and
an excited couple must have rented them for the
day. The bright colours of the RRD wetsuits just
inside the shop catch my eye straight away and I
make a note to check in to the shop when I am a
bit drier… but for now, it’s back to the water for us.
We are riding in amazing sunset again and it’s the
same beautiful yellow colours out there. I am on
my surfboard enjoying the sunset together with a
lot of people. Suddenly a kite came straight in to
my face and hit my nose hard. It was the leading
edge that hit my face with a speed. I was a bit lost
for some seconds and I did not understand what
was going on. I tried to touch my nose with my
hand and I felt a bone or something hard and a
lot of blood coming from my face. The only thing
in my mind was…: Just get back to the beach and
everything will be fine. The RRD team saw the ac-

cident and drove me to the hospital in Blouberg.
I got help straight away after giving a credit card,
of course. It was a massive crash so I hade to stay
in hospital and wait for the right operation. After
some days in the hospital together with the
plastic fantastic doctor he managed to put my
nose back together again. The doctor was a bit
in shock that a kite could do that much damage
to the face. I lost two bones from the nose. One
in the ocean some where and one he had to take
out because it was totally broken. The hospital
was really nice and they treated me really well.
People came to visit me and the room was also
great, but it did not had that view that the RRD
house had. I just wanted to go back to paradise
and ride waves.
Back in Scarborough again after the visit in the
hospital with a big nose guard on I was just happy
to be back in the RRD house and see the ocean
and the people. I was sitting at the balcony looking
at the perfect waves braking out there. I saw
people surfing and having fun and I so wanted to
go, but I knew this will take time and I just have to
be patient and stay out of the sun and water for
some weeks.
The days were flying even with the injured nose.
I felt so happy and with energy. I just wanted to
start to ride again, but every time I just touched
my nose it reminded me that it was still painful.
I was around all the guys and helped them with
the test and photo-shoot. It was fun and it kept
me busy, But I have to say it was sometimes hard
to see them having fun in the water. But these
times make you think even more and next time I
will be riding waves I will enjoy even more.
We where at Langebaan 1,5 hour drive from Cape

80
TRIP & PHOTOSHOOT
RRD Scarborough, Cape Town 2016
RRD SCARBOROUGH,
» CAPE TOWN 2016
Town. It’s where all the freestylers love it. Flat water
yes it’s like a big lagoon full of freestyle people.
Everyone was in the water. I was sitting on
the beach looking at Alex, Abel and the new team
rider from france Julian having fun out there. Abel
was doing his oldschool jumps like I call ballerina
and the other ones were traning something hardcore
for the next competition. Abel was also trying
some handlepasses and was jumping just in
front for the young kids Alex and Julian. It was fun
to see their smiles and faces. Alex and Julian were
making fun of Abel and Abel was teaching them
with the power. I went to the car, took a wetsuite
and went in for a little ride. It was flat water and
stable nice wind. What can happen J. It was so
good to just being back and feeling the salty water.
I knew the doctor would kill me if he saw me
but I just had to have some fun before my time in
Cape Town was ended. Everyone was glad to see
me having fun but they were also a bit afraid of
anything happening. I think Svetlana was the girl
with more fear looking at me and telling maybe
it’s good now.
What an amazing place this is. Thanks to Roberto
and his family I am in Cape Town every year. And I
have to say it’s just getting better and better.
See you next year for more action Cape Town and
big RRD family.

Charming Hotels
and Constant Winds.
Let this
Brazil
surprise
you.
members of egroup.net.br
Visit our websites and book your next kite trip!
JERICOACOARA • CEARÁ • BRASIL PREÁ • CEARÁ • BRASIL vilakalango.com.br • ranchodopeixe.com.br

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Mikaili Sol
Mikaili
So
Name: Mikaili Sol
D.O.B.: October 30, 2004
Home spot: Prea (Brasil)
Sponsor: F-One, Vila Bela Vista Prea, KitesSista, Kurtis Surf
Goggles, Guilla
Years kiting: 2.5
Best spot: Prea, Brasil
Best results: 2016 World Champion Girls 16 and Under (France)
2015 World Champion Girls under 17 (Spain)

l
ITW Roberta Pala
Photo Ludovic Franco and courtesy Vila Bela Vista Prea

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Mikaili Sol
KS_Tell us something about yourself…where do
you live, where are you from, when did you start
kiteboarding and what's your training home
spot?
MS_My name is Mikaili Sol. I am 11 years old and
live in Prea, Brasil. I speak both Portuguese and
English because my mom is American and my dad
is Brazilian. I have always lived in Brazil. I started
kitesurfing when I was 8 and half years old. My
parents kite surf so I always begged them to let
me kite. They always thought I was too young
and it was too dangerous because they started
kiting when kites were not so safe. When I finally
convinced them to let me start, I was hooked!
and traveled alone throughout South America for
two years with her tent! That is when she met
my dad in Sao Luis, Maranhão. Six years later,
they had me! My mom was always a windsurfer
and when she came to Jericoacoara, she started
kitesurfing. My dad too, is a kitesurfer. Even my 9
years old brother, Kaiki Mar, kitesurfs. He is really
good too. I am very thankful to have parents that
support me and my kitesurfing. They make a lot
of sacrifices for me. I am very fortunate to live on
the beach where there is always wind even though
it is very strong sometimes! My mom spends
a lot of time on the beach with me helping me
with my tricks.
KS_Let’s talk about your family, and about your
decision to move to Brazil…How upporto fs the
upporto f your family for what you do?
MS_My dad is from Brazil. My mom was a school
teacher from Hood River, USA. She took a break
and taught in the American International Schools.
Then she bought a small off road motorcycle
KS_Who are you sponsored by?
MS_I am sponsored by F-ONE, Manera, KiteSista
(they do my website), Vila Bela Vista Prea (my parent’s
hotel) Kurtis Surf Goggles (no fired eyes!)
Guilla (surfsuits)

KS_What about your perfect gear…
MS_I love my F-ONE Next Generation Acid board
127 x 37, and my Bandits! I love all of them! My
favorite size is my 7! But my quiver starts at a
three because I train in STRONG winds!
KS_You are very young but you have already reached
some very important goals, which is your
next one?
MS_My next goal is to train for a year or maybe
two and then join the World Tour when I am 13!
KS_In your opinion, how important is freestyle
to young people?
MS_I think kitesurfing for young people is just
beginning! I think most parents believe that kitesurfing
is dangerous and don’t encourage their
kids to kite. Today with the new style of kites, kitesurfing
is really quite safe. I think kids will start
doing more freestyle because it is exciting!
KS_Do you have you an inspiration for your riding?
How about your style?
MS_What inspires me to kite surf is the freedom,
the feeling of being able to do whatever you want
whenever you want while you are on the water.
It is just me and the ocean hanging out together.
I think I have a nice style because I am very
comfortable in all conditions and I am relaxed on
the water. I belong on the water with the kite. The
ocean, kite and I … we are really just one.
KS_What do you do when you are not kiting? Tell
us something about your family, friends. How do
you spend your free time? Have you some friends
that kiting with you?
MS_When I am not kiting, I am usually doing
school work! But when I am not studying, I love
to ride my horse on the beach or in the dunes. I
also like to ride my dirt bike in the dunes. I also
play a lot in our swimming pool.

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Mikaili Sol

KS _Two time world junior champ… and how
about the stop in WKT in Leucate?
MS_It is very exciting to be two times world Jr.
Girls champion! It was one thing to win the Jr.
Girls championship for girls under 17 when I was
10 the first year. And it was another thing to keep
the title the second year at 11! Now I am everyone’s
goal! They want to beat me. I think I set a new
level of kiting for girls the first year I won! I was
doing a variety of tricks with passes that nobody
was doing at that time and I was the youngest of
all. Now I am 11 perfecting my passes with more
power but still not quite there for the Big Girls.
Maybe once I get bigger I will have more strength
and be more powerful. I think I am getting there
now!
When I was in Leucate, I had a very good experience.
I learned that in the pro-circuit, you need
to do your tricks with the kite lower and with even
more power. I really look forward to my training
so I can show the girls who I am in another year or
two;) Other than that, I thought it was an awesome
experience. While back home I can take what
I learned and begin incorporating it into my training.
KS_I know that you study at home, how do you
manage your exams?
MS_I don’t really have traditional exams. My teacher
follows my progress and keeps a portfolio
with my accomplishments and my level. I am really
good in school. I love to read.

88
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Mikaili Sol
KS_Your “perfect day” in the water…
MS_My perfect day on the water is when I am
on my 7 and I make all of my tricks… It is a day
when everything just clicks and I make my landing
smooth! And if I can do this at sunset, it is
even better!
KS_How about your “home spot”?
MS_My home spot is amazing because we have
two seasons… Strong winds with crazy chop and
then light winds and little chop! From July through
December, Prea gets a lot of wind. I usually sail
on a 5 meter kite. It is really hard conditions with
the wind and the waves but I am used to it so it
doesn’t scare me to do my trick all lit up! From
January to June, all of the tourists go away and
I have the beach to myself. It is considered our
“rainy” season but there really isn’t any rain! And
if there is rain, it usually is just a tropical rain and
within an hour, the sun is out and wind kicks in!
You can’t kite all day but there is always wind at
least 5 days a week for a few hours that is perfect
for freestyle! I usually kite on my 7 – 10 meter kites
this time of year! This is also the time of year
I learn all of my new tricks! I really don’t understand
why people don’t come here this time of
year! Maybe it is our best kept secret!

90
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Mikaili Sol
KS_Which moves are you trying?
MS_I am working on my Blind Judge 3, Heart Attack,
Back Mobe and more. I have made all of
these tricks already but not consistently and not
with strong power coming out of my landings. I
am working on doing my tricks with my kite lower,
and more power coming out of them. Sometimes
my kite is too high. I learned from my experience
in Leucate that power is what the judges are looking
for. I can already do Blind Judge, S1, Back to
Blind air pass, double s-bed to blind, Slim Chance,
S-mobe. Yesterday I even made a triple s-bend
to blind! I was over rotating my double s-bend
and thought … just go for it, and I actually made it!
KS_Our magazine is called Kitesoul, because we
believe that our soul has a solid bond with this
sport. What do you feel while you are in the ocean
whether it is during a competition or during a
sunset free ride session?
MS_When kiting I feel as if there are no limits and
that I am able to do whatever I want. When I am
on the water there’s only myself, the kite and the
vast ocean, I feel independent, confident and free.

92
STORY
Patri McLaughlin looks in the mouth of the monster in Jaws
STORY
Patri McLaughlin
looks in the mouth of the
monster in Jaws!
text Patri McLaughlin | photo Erik Aeder coordination by reemedia.de

Just before this wave I got a really good barrel at
Peahi (“Jaws”, at the North Shore of the island of
Maui).) It was my first clean barrel out there and
it gave me a feeling I can´t even decribe. I was
instantly addicted, and I wanted another one… a
bigger one! So five minutes later I dropped into
this wave pictured. I set myself up really deep
behind the peak of the wave. As the wave began
to hit the reef I could tell it was going to hollow
out and barrel.
I edged against the kite one last time to make
sure I was deep enough. Just after I slammed on
the breaks my kite hit a lull in the wind and lost
tension and steering. As I began to bottom turn I
quickly realized I was too deep and it was going
to be bad. I wanted to make sure I didn't get hit
by the lip of the wave so I set my rail as hard as I
could trying to get higher up on the face. I figured
if I can get high I might have a chance to make
it. Just as I got under the lip and into the barrel I
hit a big piece of chop and lost my rail. It was by
far the biggest barrel I have seen from the inside,
and one of the scariest moments of my life!
Unfortunately I could only watch the lip fly over
my head as I skipped on my stomach knowing
that I was going down hard. As I bodysurfed into
oblivion, I sent my kite up and prayed. Luckily the
kite regained control and shot into the sky ripping
me out the back of the wave.
And what about my board? My board went up
onto the rocks and snapped in two pieces! My
session was over, but I made it back to the beach
unscathed.

96
SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
text Axel Reese, Lasse Girolstein | Photo Axel Reese/Reemedia.de/liquideye

Australia
–Way out West–
Finally. We arrived in Perth after
a long flight from Dubai. The
city, with 1.5 million inhabitants,
is our starting point for our
road trip through Western Australia.
We didn’t want to limit
ourselves to only the famous
spots such as Margaret River
and wanted to explore new
bays and waves. Our accommodation
consists of a 7.70m long
camper van to enable us freedom
to roam. But after the long
trip we are frothing to get in the
water: Perth offers a lot of good
spots to get acclimatized!

98
SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
Pelican Point
The Swan River winds its way through Perth and offers options
to sail, jet-ski, stand up paddle and kitesurf. At Pelican Point the
Sea breeze, with a more southerly angle, allows for good flat water
conditions.

Leighton Beach
Almost at the river mouth, this city spot offers good conditions
to get used to waves and shore-break. The wide sandy beach is
visited mainly by Australians and the water and adjacent parking
areas can get busy on weekends.
Other spots in Perth are Pinnaroo Point, Scarborough and Crazy
Waves and last but not least the famous Woodmans Point. Woodmans
Point specifically offers everything from onshore wind conditions
with choppy waves to smooth water conditions in an offshore
wind, offering something in most conditions. All City spots share
the same hazardous conditions.

100
SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
Safety Bay
Lasse Girolstein, Pro-Kiter:
This spot is located half an hour away from Perth and attracts a lot
of people from Perth and the surrounding area. Pros like Alex Pastor
and Karolina Winkowska, who both spent three months there
training, mix it up with intermediates and beginners from the kite
schools. As Alex and Karolina have found out, this is an excellent
glassy flat water spot which is ideal for training. However, the spot

gets very busy in the main season. In spite of this we spent a couple
of days here to hone our freestyle tricks.”
On the way to Margaret River, situated about three and a half hours
away by car, there must be a couple of good spots – we told ourselves.
Thanks to Google Earth we located Bunburry, a town situated
right on the coast with an inland dam on the other side. Let’s hit it!

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SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
Bunburry
Lasse Girolstein:
A super hidden spot, with water that is not quite buttery smooth
but still super fun to Kite. With a few islands and sprawling area it
never gets too full and it invites you to explore the area with your
kite. A real secret gem that is not mentioned on any spot maps! “
After three hours on the water a bus stops in the parking lot and
a horde of riders pours out. Well well if it isn’t the kiting family -
mom and dad Steph and Eric Bridge with Tom, Guy and Olly. We
greet each other, exchange news, whilst the young Kite hotshots
have already disappeared into the water. Onwards and upwards (or
should that be downwards) with our trip to the south. After another
two hours in the car we reach the world famous big wave spot –
Margaret River. Our first stop in this laid back town is the Austrian
Gabi Steindl, who has been living there for six years. “Kitegabi” is
the perfect guide during the next few days. Our first stop, obviously,
is “Mainbreak” which offers big waves throughout the year. The
result is a strong local scene of wave freaks, from surfers to Windsurfers
like ex-world champ Scott McKercher to kite surfers like
Gabi Steindl.

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SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West

Margaret River, Main Break
Lasse Girolstein:
I was excited by the spot, the people and the waves. From the elevated
grass embankment in front of the parking lot you have a
perfect vantage point to check out the spot and its surroundings –
and this is exactly what a lot of different people do. Whilst having a
chilled barbecue you’ll meet Hippies, old surfers, travelers, honeymooners
etc. At the same time you can watch the world’s best kite
surfers, surfers and windsurfers doing their thing at this unique
spot. Totally awesome. Entry for kiters and windsurfers is difficult
as you have to enter through a very small channel to avoid the reef.
The waves out back are totally worth it though – definitely some of
the best waves that I have ever surfed. “
But we were keen to explore more of the unknown and underground
spots...

106
SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
Redgate Beach
Lasse Girolstein
Situated down the street from Margaret River is Red Gate Beach.
This beach was shown to us by the ex-pat now local Kitegabi. This
is an insider tip which only works under the right conditions, but
if you score it you’ll have an empty and awesome wave-kite spot
with perfect wave after perfect wave. Throw in photogenic backdrops,
turquoise water and a breathtaking sun set! But watch your
step – besides giant monitor lizards we also stumbled across a
poisonous snake on the path to the spot!

Augusta
Lasse Girolstein:
At this spot it will definitely be worthwhile – if you enjoy flat water
– to use all the space available. This is one of the finest freestyle
spots available with constant wind and super glassy water – and
it hasn’t been overrun yet. I definitely had my best kiting day here.
You can pull off any trick thanks to the perfect and consistent conditions
which elevate your game. The conditions are simply superb
and it’s a really big playing field.”
After our Road trip south we are heading off to the North. Our mission
remains on track with the aim to explore the lesser known
nooks and crannies.

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SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West

Sharkbay and surrounding spots
Lasse Girolstein:
Unusually for Australia, this sport has a wide variety of spots in close
proximity. Dreamy seas with vast stretches of open sea. Small
sharks, mantas, rays and dolphins – you can see everything here
– even if you only have a couple of days. We didn’t experience one
day where the wind was less than 20 knots. The wind can blow
between 35 to 40 knots. Bring small kites and enjoy awesome
spots with little to no other kiters.”

110
SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
Coronation, north of Geraldton
Lasse Girolstein:
A spot that I did not like at first sight but soon learnt to love. During
our first visit we arrived with no wind. After a quick scout and
grumbling from me we carried on towards Sharkbay. My mates,
Axel and Steve, convinced me to return – thank goodness! This
time we found a spot full up with wind and kite surfers who spend a
lot of time at this spot, despite the lack of electricity at the camping
site. This is a classic combination spot with good flat water as well
as wave conditions with medium sized waves on offer for those
wanting to get into the surfing discipline. I spent half my day windsurfing
and the other half kiting – and would come back any day.

112
SPOT GUIDE
Australia - Way out West
GOOD TO KNOW
Arrival:
Good flight links with both Emirates
and Singapore Airlines.
Both airlines enable only one
stop to Perth.
Car and Campervan here:
www.britz.com.au
Web tips
Best Windsurf shops / Rental:
www.2ndwind.com.au
www.windsurfingperth.com.au
www.sossurf.com.au
Best websites for wind forecasts,
temperature and cams, etc.:
www.seabreeze.com.au
Best website for swell forecasts:
www.buoyweather.com
www.fnmoc.navy.mil

114
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Julien Leleu
ITW Roberta Pala
Photo Svetlana Romantsova, Alexandru Baranescu and Courtesy Light Bros

Julien Leleu

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Julien Leleu

Name: Julien Leleu
D.O.B.: 30/08/1994
Home spot: Wissant
Sponsor: RRD / OSSUR CTI / Kitaddict
Years kiting: 6
Best Spot: Tarifa
Other sport: wakeboard, surf, skateboard, and all other sports.

118
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Julien Leleu

KS_Hello Julien, tell us something about yourself ...
JL_I’m French but consider myself as a citizen of the world. I’m 21
and I’m a professional kitesurfer and video producer.
KS_How did your passion for kiteboarding begin?
JL_It begun thanks to my dad. I’ve always lived the beach vibes
since I was little having to come see my father windsurfing or kitesurfing
and it became a passion through the years.
KS_What about your injury and the recovery, how are you now?
JL_Unfortunately I had a knee surgery in July 2015. Thanks to the
French federation I was able to make the best rehab possible going
to different centres of re-education. After 7 months of hard work
I finally went back in the water. It was just the best feeling I ever
had. Feeling free again and more motivated than ever. It was mentally
hard at the beginning in strong conditions as I still had a lot
of apprehensions. But slowly taking it step by step and getting all
my confidence back. I recently re-found some good feelings in the
water again and I’m ready to go harder.
KS_What about the competition in Leucate? Are you comfortable
during competitions or do you prefer the soul session?
JL_Getting back to competitions after heavy injuries is always a bit
hard but such a great feeling. I went back to competitions straight
after the rehab to come keep some completion vibe and readjust
my training by comparing myself with other riders. Still don’t feel
100% during competitions since the surgery but I’m confident as
my knee is reacting well and I’m sure everything will come together
if I keep on working the right way. But as you all know, we’re having
a lot of changes on the tour this year which makes me focus
on other projects too. Keeping in mind to have a great 2017 year in
competitions.
KS_What about your sponsors? How did your relation with RRD
begin?
JL_I’m actually really happy with my recent move to the RRD Family.
It all began with some Skype calls with my friend Alex Vliege
that signed as a new RRD Team manager. After my rehab I wanted
to find a sponsor that was feating?? my 2 projects as being a competitor
but mainly a video producer. And I found that opportunity
signing with RRD together with my bro and partner Forest Bakker.

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Julien Leleu
KS_You love freestyle but also waves, what is your favourite quiver?
Tell us what you love of RRD gear…
JL_I love freestyle and megaloop sessions but a little wave session
from time to time is always rewarding! I think it’s important to be
polyvalent and always feel new sensations when in the water.
My favourite Gear will be combo Oobsession Pro and Juice and
some Religion for my wave sessions!
What I love with RRD gear is that they are made for everyone. Depending
on your level, your way of riding, specific wave rider, big
air addict, pure freestyler, shredder or even everything together,
you’ll always find the gear that identifies you. The best choice for
a family quiver.
KS_What about your relationship with the other top riders in RRD
family? And what do you think about the “big boss” Roberto?
JL_Really stocked with the mates I have in the Team. All friendly
and always positive vibes and all sharing the same passion. Firstly

my best friend and co/worker Forest Bakker. Couldn't be happier
that we both joined the team and being able to realise projects
together with Light Bros Production. Then our Brazilian killer Alex
Neto, always amped and motivated, Jerrie Van de Kop known for his
huge megaloops, Abel lago always there with the smile and always
making the most out of every sessions. It’s really inspiring to work
with such a passionate man as Roberto. What he has achieved and
the team behind him is just incredible. You can see when he comes
out with a new idea that he has stars in his eyes and this pushes
us to make the best we can for the brand. He’s kind of an artist but
most of all, he truly loves what he’s doing and you can feel it when
you ride the products. They welcomed us in the team the best way
possible and it’s really appreciated.
KS_You are young but what are your plans for the future?
JL_I want to keep on competing for few more years and at the
same time develop the video production. Both are perfectly com-

122
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Julien Leleu
patible and can’t be happier to do what I love. Light Bros creative is
growing really well and fast and I want to keep on doing everything
I can to keep on making people dream. Always trying to improve
my production skills through the new projects and diverse experiences
we’re lucky to have. It’s going pretty well right now and I
want to keep going as far as we can.
KS_Tell us about www.lightbroscreative.com with your “bro” Forest
Bakker.
JL_For me it all began 3 years ago when I came to live in Tarifa with
Forest. I started working with him on different projects and loved
the idea of having a community of artists working together and
being best friends. I learned a lot from Forest by always working
with him and now we know each other so well that it feels great
working with him because we know what to do and it just goes by
itself.
We have now plenty of projects and we keep on improving and
growing, always giving the best of what we have to offer.
KS_The trip of your dreams… and why…
JL_Endless-Sailing boat trip. Because I’m a sea lover and I just love
the contact with pure nature.
nothing better than waking up on a nice sunrise in the middle of
the sea hearing the waves and feeling the wind.

124
ITW
Julien Leleu
KS_What is the importance of your family and friends in what you
do...
JL_Family and friends are really important for our lives. Especially
through hard times like injuries for example, they are always there
to keep you going the right way and always help you going to the
top. They always helped me to put myself back on track whenever
I needed it and I’ll never thank them enough for it.
KS_How is your life outside of kiteboarding, how do you spend
your days when you're not in the water but also what is your typical
training day like?
JL_Always trying to go at least 2 hours a day in the water. If it’s not
for kiting, then to surf, or to wakeboard. Otherwise I’m busy doing
some production work. A typical training day would be gym in the
morning to keep working on my knee, a session in the afternoon
(a sunset one if you’re lucky) and some postproduction during the
night.
KS_ Our magazine is called Kitesoul, because we believe that our
soul has a solid bond with this sport. How do you feel while you
are at the sea whether during a competition or a sunset free ride
session?
JL_When I’m in the water I just feel like I’m in my atmosphere, I just
feel free and I enjoy every little moments. During the competitions
I try to stay in my focus zone and just having fun in the water because
that’s how I think I ride the best. Riding a sunset session is
always magical, even more if it’s shared with friends. These are the
moments when you realise how lucky you are to live the life to the
fullest.

ONE
INFLATABLE
ALL-AROUND/RACING
GLIDE
INFLATABLE/CROSSOVER
ALL-AROUND/TOURING
NALU
INFLATABLE/CROSSOVER
ALL-AROUND/CRUISING
MANA
INFLATABLE/CROSSOVER
ALL-AROUND/WAVE
ALANA
INFLATABLE
ALL-AROUND/WOMEN’S
2016 INFLATABLE SERIES
If variety is the spice of life, Naish makes things extra tasty. With collections for
touring, racing, wave, fitness, inflatables, crossovers and everything in between, there
are plenty of options to fit whatever the conditions call for. Each offered in a variety of
sizes and constructions, Naish boards are engineered to the highest standards with
quality that is built to last. Look through the line-up to find why so many choose Naish
to fill their quiver. For more details on sizes and technical specs, visit NaishSUP.com.

Photo: frankiebees.com, Riders: C. Patterson, M. Schweiger, A. Reickert, A. Baxter, J. Langeree
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT...
SPICE IT UP!
Agenzia per l’Italia: Ocean Avenue . info@oceanavenue.it . +39 328 6442519 NaishStandUpPaddling NaishSUP

128
TRIP
A Paradise Called Home
text Jessica Winkler | photo WhiteSpace3.ca, Marion Rohe Kaufer, Airvuz, Jessica Winkler

A Paradise
Called Home
I recently found myself living
once again on a small
island in the Caribbean
but this time I was offered
a full time job and provided
a work permit. The
life of travelling around
the world, working any
kite teaching job you can
and looking for the next
country to travel to is fun
but after so many years
you begin to miss having
a home. I’ve been travelling
this way for nine ye-
ars now and started to
feel ready to purchase something
that would not fit
in my kite bag. When I was
offered a legit job to work
in Turks and Caicos I saw
this as my chance to have
a home base.

130
TRIP
A Paradise Called Home
When I first
stepped foot on
kite beach I was
taken back by the stunning
colour of the water. It was
such a vibrant turquoise
it did not look real. Even
the bottoms of the few
clouds hanging over head
reflected the colour of the
ocean making me take a
second look to make sure
my eyes were seeing right.
The beach was long white
powered sand covered in
nothing but footprints and
people launching kites. As
I went out to teach my first
lesson in TCI I discovered
the ocean floor was completely
clear from any debris,
shells, coral or stingrays.
It was 100% just soft
white sand. I have never in
my life seen anything this
perfect. The water at low
tide came to just above my
knee and high tide was up
to my shoulder. After completing
my first day on the
job I decided this was the
place for me.
Trying to find a place to
rent long term was a bit
challenging. The island is
only 33 thousand people
and it is not very developed.
Most of the houses
are rented out nightly
or weekly for tourists at
premium rates so when
a friend told me a place
opened up on the marina
that morning I called
and took it immediately.
It didn’t matter what
it looked like as long as
I could afford it. When
I saw my new place for
the first time I just about
cried. It was a beautiful
one bedroom ground floor
apartment right on the
marina. The entire place
opened up to two catamarans
parked out front with
a boardwalk leading right
past an italian restaurant
into the pub. I mean who
could ask for more! In the
mornings when I sit outside
and have my coffee
I watch the tourists excitedly
board the catamaran
for a day excursion .
At night I sit with a glass
of wine and listen to the
band playing at the pub
and watch people dancing.
Its a great way to live and
not feel alone.
The best thing about Turks
and Caicos is the people.
Everyone is so friendly
and the friends i’ve made
here are genuinely happy
to spend time with me. I
find no one has a attitude
like they are better then
anyone else and they are
just enjoying the blessed
island life. Recently i
have made friends with
the local wake boarding
crowd (http://www.nautiquesports.com/)
who
have kindly invited me on
various boat trips. Wake
boarding is the best compliment
to kiteboarding
here on the island. On non
wind days the ocean is butter
flat, shallow and clear.
It’s such an amazing feeling
to be gliding along the
water and see a turtle or a
sting ray below you as you
share the canal between
the mangroves.
On other non wind days
we like to go Stand UP
Paddle boarding through
mangrove island. I went a
couple times with SUP Provo
(http://supprovo.com/)
and learned all about the
importance of mangroves
and how they are an es-

132
TRIP
A Paradise Called Home
tuary for fish. I like to go
when the tide is low because
you can see so many
different types of fish,
baby sharks and turtles.
Its such a great thing to
do with friends when they
come to visit. There is also
another area called Chalk
Sound. It’s a natural lagoon
that is algae free so
the water is perfect, you
will see it when you arrive
on the plane as its next to
the airport. No watercraft
is allowed in here so its
fun to take some drinks
and explore.
The Turks and Caicos islands
are made up of forty
different islands of which
only eight are inhabited.
This makes for many unexplored
shallow bays to kite
in if you go out on a hovercraft.
Recently TCI has a
new business called Hover
TCI. I was lucky enough to
go out with John, the pilot,
for a test drive through the
mangroves and see which
areas we could get to for
kiteboarding. Since most
of the islands are surrounded
by such shallow
water boats are unable to
navigate around them so
the hovercraft is an exciting
tool to open up new areas.
We are still working
on finding these bays and
i’m excited to go out again
with him.
The one thing i’ve learnt
about the wind here in TCI
is how unpredictable it is.
The wind circles the island
like in Mauritius. When its
coming from the NNE - SE
we can kite in Long Bay
which is were the schools
are. When its NW or N we
can go to the reef and play
in the waves so there is a

lot of opportunity to kite.
The interesting thing is
you never know what size
kite to bring to the beach.
You could ride a 17m down
to a 9m in the same day.
Personally I only have a 7m
and a 10.5m so i’ve started
to learn to foil board on
light days. It’s such a great
alternative to having to
lug around a gigantic kite.
One of the instructors who
works with me at KiteProvo
(http://kiteprovo.com/)
is really good at foiling so
its fun to watch and take
inspiration from. It’s really
cool to work on Long
Bay as there are five pro
riders teaching and many
others come to visit. There
are also as many women
kiting as men so the vibe
is fun, positive and motivating.
I’m so lucky to have such
a great crew I work with
who are always up for doing
things to together like
playing volleyball, snorkeling
or going out fishing.
I’ve discovered I love
fishing! It’s so much fun
to get out on a boat where
you can admire the island
from a distance and many
times see dolphins, whales
and big fish. We have a famous
dolphin here named
Jojo. He is very interactive
with people and likes to
swim up to your boat and
show off. Some times he
gets a little too close to the
propeller so his body is a
little cut up but his attitude
is like everyone here,
playful and happy. Just to
the left of Jojo’s play area
is a good spot to catch red
snapper. One day I caught
four myself and was so excited
that I wanted to go

134
TRIP
A Paradise Called Home
out fishing with the big
boys so I called captain
Levardo and went out on
Talbots adventures (http://
talbotsadventures.com/).
Levardo is a serious fisherman,
winning many fishing
derby’s here on the island
and is well known for
catching blue marlin, sailfish,
yellow fin tuna, mahi
mahi, wahoo and kingfish.
Sadly I have not caught a
big fish yet but i’m going
to keep trying.
Turks and Caicos is the
perfect place for a person
who loves water to get to
live every day enjoying
the gifts of nature. There
is no better place to call
home and I invite you to
come share it with me :)

136
TECH
Sky Solbach - Waveboard Shapes
SKY SOLBACH
Waveboard Shapes
ITW and photo Axel Reese/reemedia.de/liquideye

138
TECH
Sky Solbach - Waveboard Shapes
Smallow Tail
Square Tail
AR_Sky, what types of outlines and tails.
Sky Solbach_There are lots of different outlines
and tail shapes you can use to create a desired
performance characteristic. Generally speaking,
the straighter and longer the outline, the more
locked in and control-oriented the board will be.
And vide-versa, the more curve there is in the
outline, the looser and quicker to turn the board
will be. Of course you must also find the balance
between outline, rocker, rail shape and fin positions
to fine-tune the type of feeling you want to
achieve. A pintail for example lends itself well to a
board with a very long, straight outline where you
don’t want a lot of surface area in the tail, which
is ideal for controlling speed rather than creating
speed and this is why you see pintails on a lot of
big wave boards. A squash tail on the other hand
allows you to carry a lot of width into the tail which
helps the rider create speed in smaller, weaker
waves. These are just two examples of virtually
endless combinations. Please see the shots with
examples!
Rounded Tail
Squash Tail

AR_What lengths for which kiters and field of
application?
Sky Solbach_Depending on the type of design
we’re talking about, there are a lot of different
lengths and sizes of boards. For a “standard”
shortboard (pointed nose) I typically advise people
to start riding something that is roughly as
long as the rider’s height. For the CSC designs,
the starting point would be about 6 to 8 inches
shorter than that!
AR_Bottom?
Sky Solbach_Bottom shapes play a crucial role in
a board’s performance. A typical single concave
bottom allows you to essentially flatten the curve
through the center line of the board while maintaining
more curve over the rail line. The result of
this is obviously that when you engage the board
in a turn it will drive more off the rail curve,
tightening the turning radius. I try to take a very
logical approach to bottom contours by simply
thinking about what I am trying to achieve with
a bottom contour and the more you really start
to visualize how a board turns and operates, the
more these contours start to make sense. The
nugget is a great example of a pretty complex
bottom contour with a very logical design approach.
It has V in the nose and tail which essentially
gives it more nose and tail rocker over the rail line
(quicker, more sensitive turning) At the same time
it also has a super deep double concave starting
in the center and channeling water into the fins
(this gives the board control and grip). Because
of this double concave that adds so much grip
and control, I am able to incorporate a lot of curve
into the outline, which works in symmetry with
the added rail rocker to help the board turn super
tight. Please see the shots with the examples!

140
TECH
Sky Solbach - Waveboard Shapes
AR_Scoop-Rocker-line?
Sky Solbach_I always think of rocker as a multiple
curves. You have the center line rocker, then
you have the rail rocker and you have the rocker
in between. I constantly compare how my bottom
contours (V, Concave, convex etc) are factoring
into my rocker lines on the rail, center and in
between. You must also find the correct balance
between rocker and outline curvature and this
can be a very tedious task when developing a new
design. You can’t just take any rocker and apply it
to a new outline. It just won’t work. You have to
develop the rocker to match the outline and vise
versa. This includes taking into account bottom
shapes. Everything must be working in harmony.
Please see the shots with the examples!
AR_Rails?
Sky Solbach_Generally speaking, rounder rails
are more forgiving and sharper rails engage more
to create grip. This is the reason you see tails of
surfboards with square edges and the noses with
completely round 50/50 rails. Rail thickness and
rail apex also play a big role in a board’s performance.
Thicker rails have more deflection (they
bounce off the water) than thinner rails, which is
great for creating speed in small waves, but you
wouldn’t want it on a big wave board where you
want to control speed. By moving the rail apex up
or down (high rail/low rail) you can also fine tune
how the board will handle. The rails are like the
board’s “feelers” in the water and when I design
a board I try to visualize how the rail shape will
affect performance and I design the rail shape
to fit each model. Please see the shots with the
examples!

142
TECH
Sky Solbach - Waveboard Shapes
AR_Fins?
Sky Solbach_Fin placement is a crucial yet often
overlooked aspect of surfboard design. There is
an infinite number of configurations that offer a
wide range of feel and performance characteristics.
Below are a few examples of different configurations
and their effects on performance.
Thruster (3) fin:
-moving the fin cluster closer together results in
a looser feel and a tighter turning radius.
-spreading out the cluster gives more drive and
hold and results in a wider turning radius.
-fins closer to the tail give more hold and grip
-fins further forward give a looser less connected
feeling.
Quad (4) fins:
-quads closer to the rail offer a quicker rail to rail
sensation with more grip/acceleration when on
rail but a less connected feeling at speed.
-moving quads closer to center line gives you a
more connected and draggy feeling similar to a
thruster.
AR_Introducing more cant angle (fins tilted out
towards rail)?
Sky Solbach_It’s looser and more draggy at high
speed, but offers a connected and direct response
at lower speeds and when pumping to generate
speed. (Good for small waves) - More toe angle
(front of the fins angled in towards the board's
centerline) allows fins to operate at a higher angle
of attack, making them better for generating
speed in small surf.
Developing boards requires a lot testing and fins
are just one of many variables that go into creating
a high performance craft. Understanding the
effects different fin positions have on performance
is key to achieving the correct balance between
board and fin.
AR_What fins do you use specifically for kitesurfing?
Sky Solbach_I typically use a stiff fin with quite
a bit of rake. I like a fin that has a very positive
and predictable feel. I never really liked fins that

are really snappy and break free easily. I think in
kitesurfing we are generally riding pretty fast, so
it’s nice to have a fin that can keep up with that.
AR_How important is the material of the fin?
Sky Solbach_Material is super important because
of the way different materials flex. A plastic fin
will just never be comparable in performance to a
glass fiber fin because it bends and twists in a way
that it just washes out and is the least responsive
feeling fin you can use. Carbon fins can be really
good and responsive if they’re done correctly and
used in combination with fiberglass. G-10 or glass
fiber fins are great for kitesurfing because they
have a great mix of stiffness and responsive flex.
My favorite fins are usually glass fiber fins. Resin
Transfer Molded fins (RTM) are good all round fins
and offer medium-range performance.

144
TECH
Sky Solbach - Waveboard Shapes
AR_Wax?
Sky Solbach_I like to ride with wax. It has a certain
softness and stickiness that is just really
comfortable and predictable. It can be a pain sometimes,
especially when traveling to locations
with different water temperatures, but when you
have the right wax it really feels good.
AR_Footpads?
Sky Solbach_Footpads are easier than wax, no
doubt and great for strapped riding where you
don’t need to move your feet a lot. But pads add
weight and to have a deck pad that covers the
entire board for strapless riding seems a bit overkill
to me. I know people who love riding with deck
pads though.

SKY SOLBACH
Waveboard Shapes

146
PRE EVENT
Kite Babes - Kite camp just for women
KiTE Babes
KITE CAMP JUST FOR WOMEN
text and photo Courtesy Hang Loose Beach
Kite Babes is now in its fourth edition, the kite
camp dedicated to women to be held at HangLooseBeach
Gizzeria 1-7 August. For those still unfamiliar
with this format, which is already a fixture
at Hang Loose Beach, it is a camp which involves
the participants in kitesurfing for an entire week,
and is open to all levels of ability: beginner, intermediate
and advanced.
This formula has proved over the years to be a
great success, confirmed by the registration of a
large number of girls from all over Europe in the
event, and confirmed by the high achievements
by the end of the camp with its great ability to
bring together women of different ages and nationalities,
allowing them to share, learn and improve
the beautiful kite discipline.
But Kite Babes is not only about sport !!!
In fact, in the three editions we have already carried
out, we have seen friendships born and grow,
we have seen smiles and shared moments of relaxation
and conviviality among women and girls
from different worlds and traditions.

Teaching is entrusted to top riders in the international
Kitesurf arena.
This year it's up to multiple time World Champion
in wave discipline, Jalou Langeree, to have the
task of teaching the girls this wonderful sport.
To support the athletes, the entire HangLooseBeach
International Kitesurf School comprised of 6
FIV instructors, 5 brand new boats and the latest
RRD equipment is at their disposal.
This beautiful project is of course made possible
by the probability of high wind that is guaranteed
by our setting in Gizzeria. There is a thermal
wind between 14/16 knots that is difficult to fault
and allows 90% of girls to achieve the goals that
they were aiming for when they registered for the
camp. They often want to confirm their registration
for the ‘next time'
So get out there … You too can take part in the
next adventure !!!

148
TECH
Choose your Board
Choose
your Board
What will you decide to put between yourself
and the water? The choice you make will
contribute greatly to your success and failure
and can make the difference between a good
session and a great one. Using the right tool
for the job is imperative when it comes to
progressing!

text Alex Vliege | photo Svetlana Romantsova

150
TECH
Choose your Board
Choosing a board can be a daunting task. There
are so many choices on the market today so how
can one ensure that the decision is the right one?
The key is to find what will work best for you by
asking yourself a few simple questions.
Why do you kitesurf? What was your draw into
the sport? Do you want to ride off into the sunset?
Are you addicted to speed and want to race?
Are you only interested in jumping to the moon?
Maybe you strictly ride waves? Or you are hoping
to compete on the world tour for freestyle? Possibly
a little bit of everything? Knowing why you kite
and what brought you into the sport will determine
which discipline you best fit in. Understanding
your discipline of choice will greatly affect which
board you want to focus on. Most kiters have
multiple interest in different facets of the sport
so it is important to have the right board for the
right conditions. Just like we need a quiver of kites
for the ever changing conditions, it is also wise to
have a plethora of boards.
Some choices are more obvious than others. For
example, if you want to hit park features, such
as kickers and sliders, a surfboard isn’t the right
choice for you. Unlike the example, most choices
are not as obvious. We can go over some of the
disciplines and the features associated with boards
in each.
Freeride
Cruising. Staying on the water. Some small jumps.
Solid carving turns. Typically boards geared
toward this discipline are softer. Really comfy to
ride in choppy conditions because of the soft flex.
The goal is to make it as enjoyable as possible.
All - Round
A bit of everything, the do it all board. Decent at
everything but not phenomenal in one direction
or another. Medium flex.

Freestyle
Usually the most feature packed with higher end
materials used in the board such as carbon fiber.
Offers the most performance and is made
to deliver good pop. Sometimes the rides of these
boards can be a bit rougher because they are

152
TECH
Choose your Board
made for maximum performance. Not maximum
comfort.
Wakestyle
Lots of rocker. Made to hit features. Typically
thicker and heavier, more like wakeboard construction
because more load is put on the board
when riding boots, riding rails, or hitting kickers.
Surf
There are a crazy amount of board shapes and
sizes for the waves. But they are important. The
conditions in which you ride are crucial when it
comes to the surfboard. They have similar classifications
last the boards mentioned in this

section. So you must dive even deeper into classifying
which shape and size is for you.
Now that you can pinpoint which type of board
you should get for your desired discipline, its time
to consider another key component. The conditions.
What type of conditions will you be riding
on a regular basis? It is crucial to take this into
consideration because although you may be a
freestyle rider and benefit from the stiffest board
on the market with the biggest pop, if your not
riding in butter flat water all the time, the board
will be less than ideal to ride. It will beat you up
and your progress will suffer from the lack of time
you will want to spend on the board due to its
uncomfortable nature. In this example, it would
be wise to get a softer, more forgiving, freestyle
board. Although the pop may not be the greatest
on the market, because the board will be ideal for
the conditions, the progress you will make on the
correct choice of board will greatly out weigh the
extra pop you would get from the stiff board that
would ride terrible.
Finally, once you have figured out what type of
board and the conditions you will be riding in the
most, then you have to figure out the size. The
conditions will play a part in this. If you are in a
lighter wind area then you will need more surface

154
TECH
Choose your Board
area to stand on, i.2 a larger board. Weight and
the desired use of the board will also determine
your choice. If you are a large rider, you will need
a larger board that will support the added weight,
If you're very light and/or small, You would want
a smaller board. If you are a small wakestyle rider,
you may decide you want more surface area to
land on so you would ride a larger board because
of the desired use. If you are focused on big
air, you would want to go with a small board and
a big kite. Consider all of this and you make the
best choice.
Once you have these determining factors figured
out, it's time to start shopping. Find a few boards
within your budget that fit within the parameters
above and make sure to research the boards
thoroughly! Read reviews online, magazine tests,
and talk to your local shop to determine which of
your choices would work best for you.
If you take the time and put in the small amount
of effort mentioned above to determine which is
the right board for you, you will be rewarded with
an amazing experience, the greatest potential for
a successful progression, and most importantly,
you will have the maximum amount of fun on the
water!

KITE BEACH SCHOOL
LOUNGE BAR & RESTAUTANT
A paradise for kitesurfers , an oasi in the desert
Services available at the center :
lessons for all levels | rental & storage | kids area | sunbeds area
professional potographer | lounge bar & restaurant
More info at:
www.mitudjokiteschoolcaboverde.com - kiteschoolcaboverde@gmail.com

BIGSPIN
156
STRAPLESS MOVES
BIGSPIN
If you’ve mastered a 180 and 360 shove it, then
your next step should be to move up to a bigspin.
Although it looks fairly simple, it can be little difficult
to figure out at first but is a good variation
to progress though too.
Although it’s fairly simple, you still need to be
comfortable with the basics. Ideally by now, you
want to be comfortable with riding strapless and
have mastered the 180 and 360 shove it. Having
a bit of freestyle background can be helpful for
Text Keahi de Aboitiz | Photo James Boulding

BY Keahi De Aboitiz
the last part of the rotation too
Although with most strapless tricks more wind
is generally better, with any sort of shoveit variation,
lighter wind can actually be an advantage
and having a slightly heavier board for this
trick can also be beneficial when learning.
Because you are coming disconnected
from the board, the stronger the wind
and the lighter the board, the more it
will tend to fly away once you become
disconnected.

158
STRAPLESS MOVES
BIGSPIN
BIGSPIN - KEAH
Step 1: Look for the right take off
Although a bigspin can be performed
pretty much anywhere,
for your first attempts, I recommend
doing it off flat water or
a small chop at first. Although
it will be harder to pop off flat
water, it will make the landing
much easier if its not too choppy
Step 2: Take off
For this particular trick, you
don’t really need too much
height but you still need a decent
pop. Ride in at a medium
pace with your kite around 11
o’clock. You can send the kite
slightly to make it easier to pop,
but make sure it doesn’t cross
past 12 o’clock. Edge hard and
stomp on your back foot to get
a good pop off the water. I like
to take my back hand off the bar
to help with balance as I take off
Step 3: Starting the rotation
If you have mastered a 180
shove it then you have good
idea how to the rotation works
now. After you take off try and
keep your board on a 45-degree
angle and using your back foot,
kick the board sideways and
into the wind. Sometimes I like
to try and grab the side of the
board or the side of the tail kick
with my toes a little to help spin
the board. Try to spin the board
on a 45-degree axis with the
bottom surface constantly facing
the wind. You don’t need to
kick it too hard or high as it only
needs to spin 180 degrees.
Step 4: Finishing the shoveit
Once you kick the board keep
your knees bent with your feet
up waiting to see how the board
reacts. As the board comes
around extend your legs back
out to catch it as its coming
down. Although you can let
board rotate further and land
further around, I’d recommend
landing fins first and doing the
final rotation on the water at

I DE ABOITIZ
first. As you land try bending
your knees slightly for impact
while widening your stance
to give you more control. Try
and stay as centered over your
board as possible to make the
rotation easier.
Step 5: Spinning out
Naturally when you land fins
first on the board, it’s going to
want keep rotating around once
the fins grab the water so you
may need to give a little input to
make sure it spins the right way.
Try redirecting the tail slightly
downwind so the nose spins
upwind on the water. Once the
fins grab everything is going
to happen very quickly so get
ready for the rotation making
sure you have good balance on
your board.
As you start to rotate look over
your back shoulder to help the
rotation and olay the bar around
your head as you spin around by
pushing your front hand away
from you. Try and keep the kite
depowered as you come around
or it will want to pull you over.
As you finish the rotation pull in
on the bar to regain speed and
ride out toeside.
Possible Dangers:
Although this is a fairly simple
trick, you need to be very careful
of the fins. When learning it
can be hard to figure out the rotation
and the wind can flip the
board quite easily causing you
land on the fins. Consider using
less sharp plastic fins if you
have some and be ready to lift
your feet up and steer the kite
to make it away from the board
if you have to

FRONT R
160
STRAPLESS MOVES
Front Roll
I remember seeing a video of Ian Alldredge doing
this trick a few years back and just being speechless.
It didn’t look possible or real but sure enough
it was. I think those few front rolls in that clip is
where it all begun and nowadays its cool to see
just how many people can do them. I remember
learning my first strapless front roll and it was a
big milestone for me. Its one of those tricks that
seems so difficult but all of a sudden just clicks
and becomes easy. Even with how much the
sport has progressed, stomping a big front roll
still feels amazing.
Although its not completely necessary if you
have a bit of a freestyle background, it will make
this trick easier. Ideally you want to know how
to do a front roll with straps and have some understanding
of the basic rotations. Although the
rotation is different the more freestyle skills you
Text Keahi de Aboitiz | Photo James Boulding

OLLBY Keahi
De Aboitiz
have the easier this will be. By now you want be
pretty comfortable with some basic strapless
tricks and have a good understanding of how to
pop without using the kite too much for help.
This is another trick where strong wind is better.
The more wind there is, the easier it will be
to keep the board stuck to your feet as long as
you keep the bottom of the board constantly
facing the wind. I also recommend using a kite
with good depower as it will help with the control
through the rotation
If you look at front rolls from different riders,
you’ll notice that a lot of people actually do them
slightly differently then each other so don’t be
afraid to try pursue something different if it feels
like its working for you. Below I’ll talk you through
my technique

162
STRAPLESS MOVES
Front Roll
FRONT ROLL - KE
Step 1: Look for the right take off.
This is another trick where you
are going to need a nice solid takeoff.
Although it can be done off
flat water, it is much easier off a
chop or off a wave. Personally I
like to do them off a solid chop
but for a lot of people it will probably
be the easiest off a small
wave. I’d recommend mixing it
up and seeing what works best
for you.
Step 2: Take off
Approach the ramp with speed
with your kite around 10 o’clock.
Put your front hand in the middle
of the bar to help minimize the
kite turning down too fast when
you take your back hand off.
Because my front hand stays
on the bar, I try to send the kite
slightly on this trick. You don’t
want it to cross 12 but try and
steer it up between 10 and 12 as
you load up to help gain a little
more height. Try to make sure it
doesn’t cross to the other side of
the window too much or you will
get pulled away from your board
or sink on the landing. Edge hard
and stomp on your back foot
while pulling in the bar to get as
much height as possible. Take
your back hand off for balance
and to help with the rotation as
soon as you leave the water.
Step 3: Start the rotation
As soon as you take off shift
your weight forward, take your
back hand of the bar and look
over your back shoulder while
throwing your whole arm
towards the wind to start the
rotation. Try pushing the bar
away once your in the air as
this will allow you have as much
control as possible through the
air. Bend your knees and bring
them up to your chest to make
yourself more compact to help
with the rotation. This can also
allow more small adjustments
to keep the board stuck to your
feet. Although you can do them
more layed out I like to try keep
the board fairly flat for the first
half of the rotation. This way it
seems like you can rotate faster
and allows you to spin pretty
fast through the second half of
the rotation.

AHI DE ABOITIZ
Step 4: Finishing the rotation
The next step is all about commitment.
Although it might
feel wrong at first, look really
hard over your back shoulder
and throw the whole right side
of your body into the rotation.
Wherever your head goes your
body will follow so look for the
landing on the other side. As you
come around, bring your front
leg up and extend your back leg
out slightly. This will cause your
board to rotate more on a vertical
axis and help keep it stuck to
your feet especially if it’s windy.
Step 5: Landing
As it comes around look for your
landing and try keep your knees
bent until you get close to
the water. Just before you land
extend your legs out to keep
the board stuck to your feet. As
you land bend your knees again
to absorb the impact and ride
away. Now go do it again before
you forget how!
Possible Dangers:
Although this one is relatively
safe, you still need to be aware
of the dangers involved.
Like always in any strapless trick,
it can be quite easy for the
board to fly away downwind
landing upside down. Just try to
be aware of the fins as they can
quite easily cut.

164
PRODUCT FOCUS
F-One Hydrofoil 2016
Product focus
F-One Hydrofoil 2016
text and photo courtesy F-One
www.f-onekites.com
After years of developments
and a promising 1st season in
the foil world, we are proud to
present you our new 2016 hydrofoil
range!
4 complete hydrofoils, 2 families:
KITEFOIL FREERIDE 800 HY-
BRID (Aluminium/Carbon)
KITEFOIL FREERIDE 600 HY-
BRID (Aluminium/Carbon)
KITEFOIL FREERIDE 600 CAR-
BON
KITEFOIL RACE GRAND PRIX
CARBON
Accessible and really progressive,
the F-ONE KITEFOIL is the
new weapon of choice to not
only ride, but truly fly over the
water.
Foiling is more than a new discipline,
it’s a whole new world. The
F-ONE kitefoil has been developed
with the most experienced
foil riders and every element
of the foil has been designed
to deliver the best imaginable
experience out on the water
whether you about to start or if
you already master the magic of
foiling.
With innovation deeply rooted
into its DNA, the F-ONE team
has worked tirelessly to design,
engineer, test and optimize this
new piece of equipment. The
shapes and profiles have been
carefully selected and optimized
by F-ONE’s in-house naval
architect and the foil assembly
concept was completely thought
back towards ease of use.
All F-ONE hydrofoils are equipped
with:
FAST CONNECTION DEVICE (our
patent pending single-screw
easy assembly system)
Full carbon bottom part: wing +
fuselage + stabilizer
Kitefoil hybrid freeride are
made with aluminium mast and
equipped with carbon bottom
part (wing / fuselage / stab).
We are the only brand to offer
this combination. It gives us a
real advantage: premium construction,
premium materials
for impressive performances.
The Freeride foil built of aluminium
and carbon are super
accessible to enjoy all the sensations
of foiling whatever your
level.

Hybrid Aluminium/Carbon
Freeride 600
Program: all around freeride
- Mast Aluminium 90cm
- Front Wing Carbon Freeride 600
- Fuselage SST Carbon Freeride 42cm
- Stabilizer Carbon Freeride 300cm²
- KF-Box
User friendly, it offers great all-rounder freeride
performances.
Hybrid Aluminium/Carbon
Freeride 800
Program: Beginner/school/freeride
- Mast Aluminium 90cm
- Front Wing Carbon Freeride 800
- Fuselage SST Carbon Freeride 42cm - Stabilizer
Carbon Freeride 300cm²
- KF-Box
A great freeride wing to enjoy foiling at any level.

166
PRODUCT FOCUS
F-One Hydrofoil 2016
Carbon Freeride 600
Program: Freeride performance
- Mast Carbon 95cm
- Front Wing Carbon Freeride 600
- Fuselage SST Carbon Freeride 42cm
- Stabilizer Carbon Freeride 300cm²
- KF-Box
With same components than ALUMINIUM FREE-
RIDE 600 but a longer carbon Mast, this combo
brings you to next step and offers high performances
without requiring pro skills.
Carbon Race Grand Prix
Program: Pro
- Mast Full Carbon Race 105cm
- Front Wing Carbon Race 510
- Fuselage SST Carbon Race 38cm
- Stabilizer Carbon Race 210cm²
- KF-Box

F-ONE FOIL EXTRA KEY POINTS::
All our foils components are interchangeable and
compatible with current full carbon freeride hydrofoil.
Contrarily to our current hydrofoil, stabilizer
and fuselage can be now taken apart thanks
to 2 screws.
CARVING 600 wing:
Ideal for huge carving maneuvers and waveriding
stab freeride
stab race
wings F600
wings F800
wings C600
wings R510

168
STORY
Jürgen May – ION Line Manager
JÜRGEN MAY
ION Line Manager
Are you keen to take out the
harness with the new Select-Construction
for another
session?”, Jürgen May shoots
off to grab the new harness
without waiting for any reply
and hands it over to the kitesurfer
for a test-ride. Jürgen is
not seeking a “yeah, that’s a
great harness”-feedback but
rather “how the harness truly
feels… whether there is a different
load-distribution in specific
situations on the water…?” and
so forth. He is particularly interested
in the opinion of recreational
kitesurfers and tells us
pretty straight forward why “I
can really trust their feedback;
pros can be a bit too selfish at
times”.
Jürgen May? Hardly any kitesurfer
or windsurfer has heard
of him. Yet nearly every kitesurfer
or windsurfer has already
been using a product
that Jürgen has had some significant
influence on, one way
or another. Here is an insight
into Jürgen May, Line Manager
of ION, specialist in neoprene
and harness design:
As Line Manager of market leader
ION Jürgen is responsible for
the design and manufacture
of the brand’s products. At the
company’s head office in Oberhaching/Germany,
products
are continuously developed and
refined. These are then tested
thoroughly by recreational
windsurfers and professionals
alike all around the globe, such
as former World Champion Aaron
Hadlow. Jürgen remarks “The
brand new “Wire-Tec” harness
construction distributes the
load of the lateral attachment
points evenly across the entire
back”. Furthermore he explains
that the origin of this development
is an adaptation of engineering
techniques used in designing
bridges. “We have been
working meticulously on this”,
Jürgen is all smiles. A reputation
of possibly being the per-

son with the greatest technical
background in the industry
precedes him and we can see
why. After a few more remarks
about the Wire-Tec design he
moves on to the development
of a certain harness hook. At
this point we find it increasingly
difficult to keep following his
explanations. He reassures us
that we should not worry about
it, suggesting “it happens once
in a while that we over-engineer
a product and it possibly has a
few too many features”. There
is no doubt that the brand
manager is also a visionary. Yet
Jürgen points out as well that
he is not the only driving force
behind the brand’s innovations.
Jürgen works very closely with
the R&D team of ION that is
made up of six people, giving
them a fair amount of autonomy.
“When the team presents
a promising design solution, I
will give them the freedom to
follow it through”. But it’s not
always love, peace, and harmony
in the office. “When I’m not
convinced by the facts and reasoning
behind a proposal, then
there will be a clear No!”, he
states in his typically calm and
slightly reserved, yet still rather
extroverted way. Being the boss,
he considers himself first and
foremost a team-player and is
truly stoked about the growth
of his team in recent years. This
need for additional manpower
was primarily necessary given
that ION’s product range has
grown considerably. Also the
complexity of products has increased
significantly (15 years
ago, for example, a harness
consisted of approximately 20
parts, today there is roughly
100).
Jürgen concludes the topic with
"We have been succeeding in
constantly exciting the market
with new innovations that my
team and I develop". In simple
terms: Every second wetsuit or
harness that is sold in Germany
is “Made by ION”. Respect!
ITW, text and photo Axel Reese/reemedia.de/liquideye

170
STORY
Jürgen May – ION Line Manager
LET’S TURN BACK THE CLOCK
After graduating from his studies
in mechanical engineering
at the age of 24, Jürgen takes a
job at the Lake Garda as windsurf
instructor and manager of
three windsurf-centres in Torbole.
One year later he receives
a phone call from Fanatic, offering
him the opportunity to
set up a board-brand. Shortly
thereafter he joins the company
and is put in charge of the
product management of Fanatic
boards, and a little later
also for sail brand ART, based in
Ransbach-Baumbach/Germany.
Over the years Jürgen gains a
vast amount of technical knowhow
about the manufacture of
production boards. “Hardly anybody
else in the windsurfing
industry knows as much about
materials and manufacturing
as Jürgen”, Fanatic windsurfboard
shaper Sebastian Wenzel
tells us. After several changes
in ownership, Fanatic eventually
is taken under the wing of
the Boards & More Group in the
late 90’s. At this point in time
sandwich board construction
is getting more and more popular.
Consequently Fanatic’s
board production is relocated
to Thailand. Jürgen May continues
as Product Manager of the
brand and commutes for several
years between Germany and
Thailand. He contributes significantly
to the success of Fanatic
as a brand as well as perfecting
sandwich construction
for windsurf boards. His success
and commitment did not
go unnoticed. In 2010 Boards &
More appoints Jürgen also as
Product Manager of harnesses
& accessories and in 2013 he
becomes Line Manager for the
water sports section of ION, a
brand that has been contributing
considerably to the success
of the company in recent years.

ION MILESTONE
2008
2010
2013
2015
ION goes Wakeboarding
ION goes SUP
ION goes Mountainbike
ION goes Surf
ION’S HISTORY
Congratulations on your 10th
anniversary! “ION“ was founded
in 2006 under the direction
of Till Eberle, CEO of Boards &
More. The new brand got added
to Board & More’s portfolio that
solely consisted of wind-water
sport brands in those days.
“Till is the godfather of ION”,
Jürgen May adds respectfully
with a little wink. The wealth
of experience of the Boards &
More Group in the production
of hardware enables ION to be
using the highest standards
in their design and manufacturing
processes. It also allows
them access to top quality materials.
The end result of ION’s
efforts is “work wear” for windsurfers
of all levels, from beginner
to pro, that stands out due
to its durability, performance,
and optimal fit. The objective
of the brand has always been –
without loosing touch with its
roots in wind-water sports – to
eventually extend its portfolio
and service also other water
sports. Therefore, ION has gradually
been expanding their core
sports. Today ION’s portfolio includes
kiting, wakeboarding,
SUP, and surfing. Furthermore
the subsidiary ION Bike was
established in 2013. The bike
division deals mainly with the
progressive mountain bike disciplines
downhill and enduro.

172
STORY
Jürgen May – ION Line Manager
ION PRODOTTI - MILESTONE
2011
2012
2013
2015
2016
2016
“"Sanitized" Technology for Wetsuits
“"Memory Foam" for Harnesses
“"Nexkin" for Wetsuits
SPECTRE Harness construction
“WIRE-TEC Harness construction
“No-Zip Wetsuit construction
AR_Every second wetsuit and
harness that is sold in Germany
is made by ION. Is the success
of “Your” brand sometimes
a bit scary?
JM_Not really. We are pursuing
a strategy of continuous
growth, which means that we
are aiming to substantially
grow year by year to a controlled
extent.
AR_"Growing to a controlled
extent". To top off things, the
results of the German (windsurf-)
SURF-magazine reader
survey in May 2015 show that
that 75% of readers have chosen
“ION” in reply to the question
of “Which wetsuit are you
most likely to buy?” That’s
truly impressive!
JM_Yes, ION has also become
really popular lately with the
more conservative type kitesurfer
or windsurfer. In that target
group, demands and market
behaviour are changing and
riders are looking for new, more
progressive products rather
than what was simply popular
in the past.
AR_Is it possible that this
type of success can eventually
become “too much” for a
brand?
JM_With increasing market
share, we have to ensure we
remain progressive and innovative
in order to maintain our
appeal. Nothing is worse than
losing market position, because
of the brand being considered
as "boring".
AR_Do you think that the company
structure with investors
from a private equity fund,
leads to more pressure than if
it was owner-operated?
JM_It can be very helpful to
have a well organized investor
in the background. Investors
can be convinced by hard economic
facts to take the necessary
steps for the development

of the company within the market.
In the past, we have dealt
with owner-run structures as
well. That lead to business being
run on a slightly too emotional
level at times.
AR_Emotions to the side. How
many patent applications for
Fanatic and ION are now based
on your ideas?
JM_I can’t perfectly answer
that as there are still a few under
way with Fanatic. With ION,
we have submitted five applications
only in the last year.
AR_In what area do you still
see growth potential for the
market leader ION?
JM_In the wind-water sports
sector (windsurfing / kitesurfing)
outside of Europe as well
as in wakeboarding. The wakeboarding
industry is particularly
interesting as there are
more and more wakeboarding
parks popping up all across
Europe and the US. With these,
whole new markets are opening
up. But also traditional surfing
has tremendous growth potential
for us internationally. The
surfing industry is more than
10 times the size of wind-water
sports. Both, wakeboarding as
well as surfing are incredibly
progressive and their images
fit just perfectly with what ION
stands for.
AR_Wetsuits are a dime a dozen.
Why should a windsurfer
go for an ION wetsuit and what
sets ION apart from the rest?
JM_Design, style, look, fit, image,
taste…
AR_Keyword "service"?
JM_Our warehouse for Europe
is in Molln / Austria and distributors
have online access to
available stock. Dealers - and
end users respectively - receive
ordered items within 24 hours.
AR_Do all your harnesses get
tested by professional riders?
Or do you also seek the feedback
of recreational riders?
JM_That comes down to the
harness. Professional riders
test harnesses that have been
specifically developed for a
specific range of use. With harnesses
that are designed for a
wider range of use, we definitively
also pay attention to the
feedback of recreational riders!
AR_Which harness model is
your best seller?
JM_No doubt, the Apex and
Apex Select.
AR_And why?
JM_These harnesses simply
has the best overall fit for
the majority of end-users. The
feedback from the market is
confirming that over and over
again.

vv
174
STORY
Jürgen May – ION Line Manager
AR_Does it happen that you
test products of your competitors?
JM_All the time! Whenever
somebody brings out an exciting,
new product we want
to check it out. Saying that, I
would like to point out that we
never copy things. That would
be totally against the ethics
and beliefs of our brand.
AR_Keyword new, exciting innovations.
How have wetsuits
developed over the last 10
years?
JM_The basic materials have
become considerably more
flexible and the stitching more
sophisticated and strong. The
lamination is now more functional
with the suit drying
quicker, being stronger, more
robust, more hygienic etc.
AR_Has the rate of innovation
in wetsuit and harness design
slowed down by now?
JM_I would not say so. There is
still a lot in the pipeline at ION
with regards to new designs
and further development of
wetsuits and harnesses. Wait
and see!
AR_Well in this case, can you
please tell us a little more as
to what new innovations there
could possibly still be in wetsuit
and harness design?
JM_The general trend in windsurfing
is moving towards wetsuits
with a front zip. These
suits (and I admit, they can
sometimes be a bit tricky to get
into) offer much more freedom
of movement in the upper body
area. The next level with regards
to freedom of movement are
the brand new NOZIP wetsuits.
These suits are entirely without
any zippers and and thus there
is no compromise at all with regards
to freedom of movement.
As a matter of fact, at the moment
we are working on yet a
totally new generation of NOZIP
suits. These are based on a different
entry principe than what
is offered in the market so far.
AR_Keyword new generation.
Where do you get inspiration
for new products?
JM_All different areas from the
world of sporting goods can be
an inspiration. Other progressive
sectors like skateboarding,
snowboarding, free skiing
etc. But also big companies
like for example Nike, who are
succeeding in continuously
keeping their brand appeal regardless
of their size. But it is
also crucial to look completely
outside the box! For example to
new trends in architecture for
shapes and design, materials
in car engineering and so forth.
Inspiration can be found everywhere.
AR_What do you consider the
highlights of your job? Excel
tables that document the success
of ION in numbers, posi-

vv
176
STORY
Jürgen May – ION Line Manager
cess of ION in numbers, positive
feedback on the beach, or
perhaps something completely
different?
JM_To make people happy with
a product and its functionality,
which in the end of the day also
means making the people happy
who look at the company’s
sales figures.
the conditions are on, that we
grab our toys and go together
for a play. In summer we are
heading to the water, in winter
time to the mountains. In the
AR_Speaking of fun. How important
is the fun factor in
your daily job to you? Would
you be happy to work in a
job in another industry if you
earned more money with it?
JM_It’s important that you enjoy
what you do. At Boards&More it
happens quite frequently when
early days of my professional
career I worked for a number
of companies in the industrial
sector. The fun factor depends
on one hand on your personal
enthusiasm and interest for the
product and on the other hand
on the working environment. If
I would enjoy both, I could also
imagine working again outside
the leisure sports industry.
AR_Are there still goals you
have not achieved yet in your
current job?
JM_In the medium term to grab
hold of a small slice of the huge
surfing market, which, together
with the necessary marketing
investments, will further
strengthen ION’s position as a
brand in the long term.
JÜRGEN MAY
ION Line Manager

178
PRODUCT FOCUS
Manera Spring Wetsuits
Product focus
Manera Spring Wetsuits
text and photo Courtesy Manera
Manera’s commitment to your
wetsuit’s premium comfort and
warmth is the result of a strong
involvement into 3D wetsuit
engineering, using innovative
and exclusive tools that make
3D virtual prototyping possible
and reliable. From 3D body
scans to 2D neoprene panels,
Manera has been using the latest
technologies of surface
flattening to turn each 3D wetsuit
design into 2D Digital patterns,
ready to be cut, glued
and stitched. Reaching the highest
accuracy in wetsuit pattern
making leads MANERA to
improve your wetsuit efficiency,
for a better fit, respecting your
body morphology to improve
your performances and feeling
on the water.
The X10D jersey inside layer
is the most flexible material you
can find on a suit, it makes
you feel stretch and light, with
a good feeling on the skin.
Our brand new N foam is even
warmer, more flexible and more
comfortable than V foam.
It totally outdoes all the existing
foams, and this is a 2016 improvement.
Better than your own skin.
The RE-FLEX outside skin is
extremely stretch, smooth, durable,
UV-resistant, it enhances
your movements and makes
them more explosive.
A wetsuit leg filled up with water
is a very uncomfortable issue:
the MANERA WATER STRAI-
NER panel is here to prevent it.
The leaky & perforated neoprene
drains the water out of your
leg instantly to let you continue
the session in the best possible
conditons.

METEOR X10D 3.2 – MEN
Sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL.
Colors: Slate black/Rust red. Designer
in 3D, Tripl3X neoprene, X10D jersey,
N-Foam Neoprene, Re-Flex Skin, SD2
tape, water strainer.
METEOR SHORTY 2.2 – MEN
Sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL.
Colors: Slate black/Rust red. Designer
in 3D, Tripl3X neoprene, X10D jersey,
N-Foam Neoprene, Re-Flex Skin, SD2
tape.
www.manera.com
The SD² TAPE is the best balance
between stretch, strength
and waterproofness. This
technology consists in gluing
and blind-stitching two neoprene
panels together, then overtopping
it with our ultra stretch
tape: it makes the seams 100%
waterproof and substantially
enhances durability, while still
keeping the seam as flex as
possible.
MANERA ankle PHAN-
TOM STRAPS are designed
to be very thin so water
sprays can’t take them off.
They are also stiff enough to
block the water from coming in
and light for a better comfort.
SEALING PRINTS make the ankles
and wrists stiffer. They have
a joint role that keeps the water
away, and maintains the arms
and legs panels in place. They
are made to be stretch enough
to put-on and remove the wetsuit
easily.
FUSION CUT is the fusion of our
RE-FLEX SKIN/SQUARE-FLEX
SKIN with the MAGMA FLEECE
/ X10D JERSEY at the tip of the
arms and legs. This aesthetic
finish helps out with catching
less water thanks to its thinness
and fit on the skin. It also wraps
around and protects the inside
neoprene.
Some areas are very sensitive
to friction, tensions and tearing.
All MANERA wetsuits have therefore
been designed with a demanding
brief including: avoiding
seams in tensions area, to
maximize flexibility and strength.
Making sure the seams are
stretched vertically and not in a
horizontal way. Removing seams
from friction areas, whi-

180
PRODUCT FOCUS
Manera Spring Wetsuits
METEOR HYBRID 3.2 – MEN
Sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL.
Colors: Ink blue/White. Designer in 3D,
Tripl3X neoprene, X10D jersey, N-Foam
Neoprene, Re-Flex Skin, SD2 tape.
METEOR HYBRID 3.2 – women
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.
Colors: Alloy blue/Glicer blue. Designer
in 3D, Tripl3X neoprene, X10D jersey,
N-Foam Neoprene, Re-Flex Skin, SD2
tape.
ch avoids rash and increases
stretch capacity. Reinforcing
strategic parts and panels right
where it needs to be.
Most wetsuits are often stored
on hangers, damaging and
deforming the shoulder parts,
which is one of the most important
part of your wetsuit. The
HANGER TOLERANCE PRINTS
will strengthen this strategic
area to protect the neoprene
material and maintain the right
fit in a durable way. It is designed
to let the shoulders free
and comfortable during riding.
The METEOR line X10D are like
a second skin. This frontzip
wetsuit is made with the X10D
Jersey, which is the most flexible
material you can find on a
suit. It makes you feel stretch
and light, with a good feeling on
the skin. It also benefits of the
seams 100% SD²TAPE. This technology
enables a better balance
between flexibility, durability
and impermeability. The
seams are 100% waterproof
and substantially enhances durability
while keeping the best
possible elasticity. And because
it’s really uncomfortable to have
cold when weather is warm, we
developed quality shorties: the
X10D shorties are made with
the same materials as the integrals.
Really comfy you will be
convince.

That’s new for the latest TS V.5:
+ Leading edge circumference seam protection
+ Refined LE segmentation for cleaner profile
+ Added sizes for precision quiver building
+ Dual strut head reinforcements
+ 3D Foam Bridle Deflectors
Bestkiteboarding.com
Fly any TS with the new
Best Red Bar featuring
the original Iron Heart IV
release system
TS
Do
it all
Sizes: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16
The new Best TS is your choice to push your limits and do it all!
Controllable power meets extreme performance to match the highest
expectations of freestyle, wakestyle, freeride and wave riders
x Grunty pull combined with great depower tocover huge wind range
x 4-line open c kite for unlimited freestyle and freeride performance
x Fastest turning speed for kiteloops and boosting big airs
x Great pop and solid line slack for unhooked tricks
x Highest performance for all riding styles
Blue/mint
Blue/red
Blue/yellow

182
PRODUCT FOCUS
Wetsuits and harnesses RRD
Product focus
Wetsuits and harnesses RRD
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
text Abel Lago, Kari Schibevaag and Courtesy RRD
photo Svetlana Romantsova and Courtesy RRD
ABEL LAGO
RRD wetsuits are by far the
best in the sector, really flexible
and warm with extra reinforcements
on the legs and
back, dry holes to avoid the
“elephant legs” and velcro on
legs to stop the water to come
in. What a kiter really need is
to feel free all the time and be
able to use the thinnest wetsuit
possible in every condition to
feel less heavy, so the chest
zip is a great innovation and
let your back free and more
stretch.
About harness, I always had
problems because I have big
curve in my back so RRD create
the Thrive that it comes with a
pre-shape back that fit perfect
on my body.
When you look for a harness
you need to think what it will
ajust better to your body, RRD
has all the shapes you need
but is important to buy the one
that fits to your body or your
style kiting, is not the same a
rider that rides small kites for
waves than a freestyler that
goes with big sizes and a lot of
power.
Suggestions in development,
well is hard to say but the future
is to create better and more
flexible harnesses but also
more safe in case you have a
problem and you are not able
to release the kite, the harness
will have a system that allow
you to release every thing and
let you be free.
Kari Schibevaag
The neoprene from RRD is crazy
good.
they have girls sections that
i love. A neopren has to have
perfect fit and of course also
look good.

They are really flexible and
warm with extra reinforcements
on the legs and back, dry holes
to avoid the “elephant legs”
and velcro on legs to stop the
water to come in.
If you dont have a good neopren
you will be tiered and not
be abel to kite for a long time.
Its important that its Flexible so
ou feel free and can move easy.
Also in the winter its important
to have a good neoprene so you
will not be cold. if you are getting
cold then you session will
be over reality fast.
Spend some extra money on a
good neopren so you can enjoy
the kiting longer :)
The 2016 RRD WETSUIT GLO-
BAL COLLECTION results as
a refined version of the previous
years’ 2 seasons wetsuit
ranges (summer and winter)
and introduces a year round
collection to be used in any
type of weather, from summer
to winter. We have started to
make wetsuits with a precise
idea in mind: use pure surfing
wetsuits and adapt them with
various specific features to
also be usable by a growing
windsurfing, kiteboarding and
supping community.
No other industry knows better
how to build quality wetsuits
than the surfing industry
itself, so we have combined an
expert surfing wetsuits manufacturer
with an innovative
forward thinking team of windsurfing
and kiteboarding designers
to create an unique collection,
full and useful features
that will improve your comfort
also while riding your board
with a sail, a kite or a paddle in
your hand.
Whether you are choosing a
PRO wetsuit for your sessions,
or a shorty for your kid’s warm
water discoveries, the 2016
RRD WETSUIT GLOBAL COL-
LECTION is designed and built
to secure an innovative style
with an unbeatable performance,
comfort and durability level.

184
PRODUCT FOCUS
Wetsuits and harnesses RRD
Summer sessio
Grado Back Zip Overknee S/S
Flatlock 2/2
Dynamic Performance Men's
Back Zip
The perfect blend of warmth
and performance level. Made
with our Superstretch limestone
neoprene and mesh neoprene
panels on the top part and
Durastretch neoprene on the
lower part and legs. Pure fabric
taped only on stress points on
the inside for increased flexibility
and movement comfort, the
Grado Backzip offers an additional
warm potential thanks to
the special chest and back panels,
where mesh neoprene accelerates
wind drying time. For
those who prefer a back zip.
Thickness: 2/2
Sizes: XS/S/M/MT/L/LT/XL/
XXL/XXX
Color: Orange/Black
Zero Back Zip S/S Flatlock 3/2
Men's Back Zip
The right wetsuit for those that
are looking for the best ratio
between warmth, price and
performance.
Made with Superstrech neoprene
top panels for the upper
body, combined with Durastretch
neoprene for the rest of
the suit.
The ZERO Backzip offers an additional
warm potential thanks
to the special chest and back
panels, where mesh neoprene
accelerates wind drying time.
Thickness: 3/2
Sizes: XS/S/M/MT/L/LT/XL/
XXL/XXXL
Color: Red/Black
Zero Back Zip Shorty Flatlock
2/2
Men's Back Zip
The right wetsuit for those that
are looking for the best ratio
between warmth, price and
performance.
Made with Superstrech neoprene
top panels for the upper
body, combined with Durastretch
neoprene for the rest of
the suit.
The ZERO Backzip offers an additional
warm potential thanks
to the special chest and back
panels, where mesh neoprene
accelerates wind drying time.
Thickness: 2/2
Sizes: XS/S/M/MT/L/LT/XL/
XXL/XXXL
Color: Red/Black

n Wetsuits
Amazone Back Zip Overknee
S/S Flatlock 2/2
Women's Back Zip
Fully made with superstretch limestone
neoprene and flatlock
technology, these summer suits
are designed to fit like a glove
for your warm water sessions
and protect you from windchill
while riding.
Thickness: 2/2
Sizes: 6/8/10/12/14
Color: Glicer/Black
Amazone Back Zip Shorty Flatlock
2/2
Women's Back Zip
Fully made with superstretch limestone
neoprene and flatlock
technology, these summer suits
are designed to fit like a glove
for your warm water sessions
and protect you from windchill
while riding.
Thickness: 2/2
Sizes: 6/8/10/12/14
Color: Glicer / Black
Zero W Back Zip Steamer S/S
Flatlock 2/2
Women's Back zip
The right wetsuit for those girls
that are looking for the best ratio
between warmth, price and
performance.
Made only with Superstretch
neoprene top panels. Durastretch
neoprene on the
rest of the suit. The ZERO Woman
Backzip shorty offers an
additional warm potential thanks
to the special chest and back
panels, where mesh neoprene
accelerates wind drying time.
Thickness: 2/2
Sizes: 6/8/10/12/14
Color: Red/Black

186
PRODUCT FOCUS
Wetsuits and harnesses RRD
Shift Pro
Powerful riding and maximum
comfort
The shift pro is worked out further
as the choice for riders
with a flatter lower back shape
for an ergonomic fit when riding
with a lot of power. It does its
work when the rail is digged in
deep and the kite is low. The fiberglass
reinforcements inside
are positioned to correspond
with a low kite angle and lead
the pressure to where it’s most
comfortable. The convex curved
lower edge of the harness
(‘Flexcurve’) is more flexible and
designed to stay in contact with
the rider during a wide variety
of tricks. This makes the Shift
pro as versatile as a harness
can get.
Surely it’s finished with the most
comfortable spreaderbar-protector,
a safetyknife,
keypocket and a handles pass
system that’s strong enough to
lift a small car.
Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
Colors: Black – Red
Thrive
Ergonomic and comfortable fit
Kite waist pre-shaped back
The Thrive harness has more
curve in the vertical line and is
the choice for users with a more
curved lower back by nature or
riders that prefer a more upright
position, like free-riding and
down the line wave riding.
Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
Color: Orange/Red, Black/white
Sense
Stylish riding and maximum
comfort
Windsurfing/Kitesurfing waist
Woman
The Sense Harness is a Wind-
Kitesurf convertible harness for
ladies with style in and out of
the water. It has a slightly flatter
lower back section to comfortably
handle lots of power and
is equipped with all features
available in RRD’s harness range.
Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
Color: Cyan Yellow Purple
Stark Harness
Max flex and freedom
The Stark is a more flexible harness,
soft and adaptable with
lots of comfortable
neoprene.
Sizes: XXS-XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
Colors: Orange/Black, Gray/
Black
More products
www.robertoriccidesigns.com

CELSIUS PRO
CHEST ZIP
“Only a PRO knows why”
FEATURES:
• Internal fabric tape only on seam joint areas
• 360 ultrastretch back panel
• Antiskid deck protection liquid tape on side seams
• Drain holes
• Velcro ankle straps
• Outside-in zipper
Available in: Orange/Black
Thicknesses:
•5/3 - 4/3
Available in: Gray/Black (Razzle Dazzle)
Thicknesses:
•4/3 - 3/2
Sizes:
XS•S•M•MT•L•LT•XL•XXL•XXXL
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
EXTREME flexibility where pattern
design is combined with the best available
neoprenes in the market. Our zippers close
from the out- to the inside, which is better
for the pressure distribution, resulting in
stronger front zips.
The Celsius pro is fully made with
Superstretch limestone neoprene, the most
flexible material available today, the Celsius
Pro is the wetsuit made with the lowest
number of panels in our collection. Less
panels mean more flexibility.
The PRO is pure fabric taped on the inside
only and on the seam joint areas.
This allows even more flex, especially
around the arms. Only a PRO knows what
this means!

188
PRODUCT FOCUS
Core Free| Free LW
Product focus
Core Free| Free LW
WAVE | FREERIDE | FREESTYLE
SIZes:
4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12
13,5 – LW 15 – LW 17 mq
www. corekites.com
Text Courtesy Core Kites
Photo mediahouse.one
CORE’s newest addition to its
legendary Universal Series of
high performance all-rounders
feels right at home in the waves.
CORE was busy shaking up the
kiting world in 2015 with the release
of its redesigned bestsellers;
the XR4 and Fusion 2. And
the launch of the Specialized
brand of equipment for hardcore
C-kiters and wave addicts. A
brand dedicated solely to highly
specialized, single purpose gear
including the Section, a purebred
wave kite. The Impact, a
hardCORE C-kite. And the Bolt,
a boot only wakestyle board.
With all its success in 2015 you
might think CORE would take
a moment to recharge. But no,
this island powerhouse is just
getting started. The company
with the distinctive white and
yellow kites now introduces
a third kite to the legendary
Universal Series of high performance
all-rounders. The all
new, wave oriented, CORE Free
joins the Universal Series to fill
a natural gap between the XR
and GTS.
The Free will make a lot of new
friends this season with its
outstanding combination of
attributes. “We combined the
playful agility of our 3 Strut Frame
concept from our GTS with
the powerful yet controllable
Delta Bow shape from our XR.”
explains Frank Ilfrich, CORE’s
chief designer. The Free gives
you the freedom to surf, play or
learn. In the waves. Or on the
slick. With the comfort of your
favorite sneakers and the precision
of an F-15. Hooked-in freestylers
will certainly appreciate

its floaty hangtime and instant
relaunch. Wave riders will be
drawn towards to its superb onshore
drifting and bottom turn
down looping. And newer riders
will dig the Free’s linear, on
demand, power and depower.
There’s something for everyone
in the new Free.
So what roles do the XR and
GTS play in the Universal Series
of high performance allrounders
you ask? Each kite in the series
has one discipline injected with
“super powers” as noted by the
“+”. The XR’s plus is massive
power. The GTS’s plus is freestyle
mastery. And the Free’s
plus is wave riding. “Clearly, the
XR is our big air machine and
the GTS is our unhooked ninja.”
CORE CEO Bernie Hiss explains,
“which leaves room for the surf
oriented Free.” Three allrounders.
Three unique characters.
And all fun in their own different
way.
The Free is jammed with CORE
innovation including high- response,
ultra short, bridles;
exclusive, triple ripstop, materials;
reworked speed pump
system with huge valves; and
range expanding Intelligent Arc.
Naturally, we recommend pairing
the Free with the superlative
Sensor Bar System; the lightest,
most direct, feeling bar
on the market with the only no
push, no pull quick release.
Now available at your local
CORE retailer in ten sizes from
4 to 13.5 mq. And the Free LW lightwind
edition is available in 15
and 17 mq sizes. Test one soon.

190
PRODUCT FOCUS
RRD Obsession Pro MKIII
Product focus
RRD Obsession PRO MK3
Freestyle Pro
SIZES:
7 – 9 - 10,5 – 12 - 13,5 – 15 mq
The Obsession PRO MK3 is our
new pure blooded PRO freestyle
kite. An evolution of the previous
version, the new Obsession
Pro MK3 has been refined
and was developed with precise
input of the freestyle pro team.
No compromises were made
on the shape and characteristics
that distinguish this true
freestyle machine. The Obsession
Pro is a pure, fine tuned,
5-Line C-shaped kite, designed
to be precise, powerful, or very
neutral when needed. We did
not leave anything to chance
and put the entire structure
of the kite under intense scrutiny.
Each individual kite size
in the range, from 7m to 15m,
has a unique diameter leading
edge that allows for the correct
speed of rotation. The leading
edge is progressively increased
in diameter towards the smaller
sizes to ensure that the speed
and handling of each kite in the
range feels the same. This is essential
for a perfect execution of
all the most radical maneuvers.
The outside struts were also
moved towards the wingtips to
increase the turning potential
during kiteloops and add to the
stability of the new Obsession
Pro MK3.
Now that freestyle has reached
incredible levels of performance,
a kite that not only delivers
on/off feedback from the
bar, but is also incredibly stable,
is necessary. Very thin shaped
struts and a thin leading edge
diameter not only increased
stability but have also saved
weight when comparing to the
previous versions.
The Obsession PRO is designed

www.robertoriccidesigns.com
text courtesy RRD | photo Svetlana Romantsova e Courtesy RRD
with a very high aspect ratio
C-shape that helps create the
perfect de-power rope length.
In fact, the whole power range
of the kite is within 15-20 cms
from the chicken loop, enabling
you to have the perfect power
control without the need of moving
your arms forward. In order
for us to suit specific freestylers
preferences, we added
two adjustment options to the
leading edge so it is possible to
adjust the bar pressure.
Furthermore, when using the
kite fully powered up, you can
easily un-hook and get a very
neutral feel when keeping the
kite in the same spot. The super
squared tip design helps increasing
the turning speed when
needed which creates a very
precise, predictable behavior in
the air. You always know where
the kite is without the need of
high bar pressure.
To finish, each shape of the canopy
has been revised and the
outer struts were moved closer
to the wingtips to improve turning
speed. It is important that
the kites canopy has the correct
amount of tension and the outer
struts support the wingtip
while the sail is subjected to heavy
loads. This kite is capable of
stellar loops and huge pop for
extreme maneuvers performed
while fully powered.
The new short Obsession Pro
V7 bar is 7 cms shorter than our
standard Global bar and is now
48 cms in total width. It comes
equipped with 22 mts flying lines
only.
This is the kite for your serious
freestyle sessions!

192
PRODUCT FOCUS
RRD Juice V3/Pop Ltd
Product focus
RRD Juice V3
Wake Style
SIZES:
135 x 40,5 cm | 138 x 42 cm | 143 x 43,5 cm
For wake stylers looking for a
solid board that will deliver consistently
in all conditions, look
no further than the Juice V3.
The Juice V3 is the paradigm of
RRD’s non-stop research and
development, and with a philosophy
of constantly pushing
the envelope, we have redesigned
and integrated even more
upgrades and high-tech features
to make the favorite board
of our international wakestyle
team better.
Earn it to own it!
An increased curve on the
rockerline to achieve smoother
landings and riding in perfect
flat water to choppy conditions.
A constant flex on the whole
board’s length and redesigned
rails & tips, allows grater pop
potential.
New ABS channel inserts to place
your boots or radpads in the
perfect stance.
Hull channels on nose tips and
mid outline that propels water
across the board and gives it
incredible speed and tracking
capabilities.
HD biaxial fibers lay-up.
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
text courtesy RRD | photo Svetlana Romantsova e Courtesy RRD

Product focus
RRD POP LTD
Freestyle wave
SIZES:
Volume 34 lts – 39 lts
5’2” x 21” x 2”
5’4” x 21 ½” x 2”
Built with a lightweight technology
tha allows flex and control
and scooprockerline accuracy.
The board is built with a CNC
EPS core of 20 kgs/m3 density,
then laminated with 200
grms biaxial glass fibers and
finished with a 55 grams carbon
net over a bamboo stepping
deck vacuum glued onto
the board at 90° compared
to the stringer length so as to
avoid excessive stiffness onto
the board flex. The stringer
of the board is made with an
omega glass stringer that saves
up 10% of the board total
weight compared to a classic
wood stringer. The perfect stick
to use when conditions are not
quite the “ideal world” and you
still want to ride strapless and
practice those new freestyle tricks
on flat water or small surf.
It’s a pleasure to ride the POP
with light winds when you need
some meat under your feet to
get going and also to allow you
some time of safe floatation
when you are not a “flash gordon”
while tacking of trowing
your first strapless jumps. Landing
jumps on this board is soft,
the wide outline and the surfboard
kind of construction developed
for kiteboarding is the
best answer to tricks and fun
time playing on water. The board
that makes any conditions
fun and still allows to ride small
surf with speed and great aerials
potential. The rail channels
help grab.
Designed around an entirely
new outline base with a very
wide mid point, a squared nose,
inspired by the new mini-maxi
surfboards to increase floating
potential on this super short
stick, and a very wide but gently
rounded swallow/fish retrostyle
tail, to increase the POP potential
of this modern freestyle /
surfboard shape. Slight tail lift
on a very straight rocker with
kicked nose on a constant scoopline,
makes the perfect balance
when wanting to mix freestyle
with surfing.

194
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES
Back to toeside
BACK TO TOESIDE
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES ALBERTO RONDINA
Text Alberto Rondina | Photo Laci Kobulsky
The Backroll to Toeside is a back roll with a frontside
180’. The cool thing about this trick is that it’s
the basic movement of many other tricks, like the
Back to Wrapped or the Backmobe! So once you
have it 100%, you can step by step move up to
more difficult tricks!
With the kite at 45’, edge hard and start the back
rotation looking with your head over the back
shoulder.
Keep pushing with your head to finish the extra
180’ and look down at the water where you are
gonna land.
Bend your knees to cushion the landing keeping
the bar close to the front hip.

Keep going with the board in the downwind direction,
so the kite is not gonna have much pull
and the bar is gonna be light.
Now go for the pass, let the front hand go and
keep the bar close to your body.
As soon as you grab the bar with the other hand,
make sure you put all the weight on your toes and
keep your knees bended so that you can spin the
board around and get back to heelside.
TIPS:
-Using smaller fins, especially in
the last part of the trick, helps a
lot to finish the last 180’ where
you spin the board on the water.
- Make sure to grab the bar after
the pass right in the middle, so
the kite is gonna stay in the
same place and you can focus
on your body movement.

196
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES
Back to blind
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES A
BACK TO BLIND
Text Alberto Rondina | Photo Laci Kobuls
Once you have the blind landing locked in, there
are a million possibilities of tricks you can do with
it, and this is just one of them, one of the basics
ones you definitely need to know!
The Back to blind is a backroll with a backside
180, so basically you start off with a back rotation
and then invert it and spin 180' to land blind, or
toeside if you're passing the bar in the air. (Back
to Blind with Air Pass)
With the kite at 45', edge hard and start the back
rotation looking back with your head over your
shoulder.
Keep your arms pulled in close to your body, this
will make things a lot easier at the beginning.
As you're about to finish the back roll, and you're
at the middle of the jump, stop the rotation by
moving the bar to your front hip and turn the head
in the opposite direction, over the back shoulder.
Now you can leave your back hand from the bar
and finish the 180’ rotation to land blind.
Land with your board going downwind, this is the
key point of the trick.
Bend your knees, cushion the landing and ride
away!

LBERTO RONDINA
ky
TIPS:
Looking down at the water after
the backroll can give you an
idea of how high you are and
how much time you have to
switch the rotation and land in
blind. But make sure you don’t
look for too long, unless you will
never have enough time to do
the backside 180’ ;)
Always keep the front hand in
the middle of the bar, so that
when you let the back hand
go, the kite is not gonna move
much and you can focus on the
trick. With a very small kite, you
can also put one or two fingers
on the other side of the depower,
to have the hand right in
the middle of the bar.

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