Kitesoul Magazine #13 English Edition

EVENTS
Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro
2016 FORMULA KITE and KITE FOIL
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
MEETING 2017
RRD
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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
AUGUST 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2016
TWO-MONTHLY
Texts
Claudio Cabral, Sensi Graves, Laci
Kobulsky, Abel Lago, Francesco Ponti,
Axel Reese, Alberto Rondina, Kari
Schibevaag
Photos
Forest Bakker, Frankie Bee, Nicola
Belillo, James Boulding, Toby
Bromwich, Gilles Calvet, Mario Entero,
Giuseppe Esposito, Fninga, Ewan
Jaspan, Laci Kobulsky, Craig Kolesky,
Lance Koudele, Andre Magarao,
mediahouse.one, Andreea Merci, Ryan
Osmond, Martin Rendo, Axel Reese,
Svetlana Romanstova, James Ropner,
whitespace3.ca, Brett Zachar
Cover:
Rider: Jerrie van de Kop
Photo: Svetlana Romantsova
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 Nick Jacobsen | Photo Frankie Bee

The beginning of the summer season is always
exciting and this year, as never before, all the
events took place so intensively. Starting with the
European Championship of Kitefoil, then the historic
Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational followed
by the super competition Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing
Pro and the World Championship of Kitefoil
in Italy.
We tried to attend all the events, either directly or
by recruiting prestigious names of the kite world
scene such as Sensi Graves, athlete, bikini designer
for female kiters and author of the article
about this year’s Wind Voyager Triple-S. She took
us to the heart of the most famous Park event in
the scene of kiteboarding, an aspect of our sport
that is becoming increasingly popular, also thanks
to the creation of the Kite World League. Athletes
coming from the freestyle world championship
love it, as it shows from Karolina Winkowska’s second
victory in a park competition. It looks like
a future with increasingly frequent competitions,
with interesting prizes and numerous sponsors,
and we hope that the atmosphere will always remain
as the one of a group of passionate friends
bound by a beautiful and pure vision of sport.
We also witnessed the coronation of the first European
Kitefoil champions, the French male rider
Maxime Nocher and the Russian female rider Elena
Kalinina. Then there has been the tight battle
at the World Kitefoil Championship in Gizzeria, of
which you'll see a photo gallery by our Art Director
Giuseppe Esposito in this issue, and then the
full article in the next issue in October.
After the resounding success in 2015, Tarifa and
the entire kiteboarding arena were waiting for the
second Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro, which is
now part of the new GKA circuit and which at the
end of the season will crown the most complete
rider in the wave and freestyle strapless scene.
Airton Cozzolino, the 2015 defending champion,
did not get intimidated by his opponents and after
an epic battle, point after point, against his fraternal
friend Matchu Lopes Almeida, he took home
one of the most wanted trophies of the year, by
confirming himself as one of the most complete
and explosive athletes in freestyle strapless.
We were also invited to the presentations of the
2017 materials of some of the most prestigious
brands in the market, never as rich in technological
innovations as this year. RRD opened the
dances in May taking us to the beautiful Bay of
Talamone, followed, at the end of June, by the
Cabrinha meeting which took place in the new
spectacular scenario of the Pro Kite Center of Alberto
Rondina at the Stagnone natural reserve, in
Sicily. Our editor then flew to Tarifa for the North
international meeting of which we will tell extensively
in the next issue...
Dream journeys and accurate educationals complement
our thirteenth issue, together with the
focuses on market news, kite at 360° for a summer
on fire... and we're just getting started...
Roberta Pala

SUMMARY
20
Portfolio
RIDERS COLUMN
32
Colleen Carroll
EVENTS
34
Wind Voyager
Triple-S Invitational
EVENTS
54
Tarifa Strapless
Kitesurfing Pro
2016
EVENTS
60
Kiteboarding
European
Championships
COMING SOON
78
IKA KiteFoil World
Championship
Act 1 - Gizzeria, Italy
TRIP
88
Days in the sand
ITW
104
Eric Rienstra

TRIP
118
Adventure of the
lifetime in the
Caribbean
MEETING
136
RRD 2017
MEETING
150
Cabrinha 2017
BASIC STRAPLESS
164
Pop
STORY
168
Homestory Sky
Solbach
NOVITà
184
Kite Art
PRODUCT FOCUS
190
ION - Muse
Core - GTS4 | Sensor |
Choice| Bolt
RRD- Vision | Bliss | BS
FREESTYLE MOVES
192
Raley to Blind
Shifty 3
GIRL POWER
178
We’re not just
girls!

20 PORTFOLIO
Ewan Jaspan
RIDER: Ewan Jaspan
PHOTO: Toby Bromwich/2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S

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

24
PORTFOLIO
Abel Lago
RIDER: Abel Lago
PHOTO: Svetlana Romantsova

26
PORTFOLIO
David Tonijuan
RIDER: David Tonijuan
PHOTO: Craig Kolesky

28
PORTFOLIO
Steven Akkersdijk
RIDER: Steven Akkersdijk
PHOTO: mediahouse.one

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32
RIDERS COLUMN
Colleen Carroll
I often get asked….why park
riding? Why not freestyle or big
air? While I truly enjoy riding
freestyle, going out for a big
boosting session or even the
occasional ocean downwinder,
for me it’s really all about riding
in the park. But why? What is
it that makes it so much more
motivating and suddenly making
so many riders cross over
from other disciplines or even
sports?
For me, it’s the most social discipline
in an otherwise very individually
focused sport. Since
I was little, I never really participated
in team sports. It was always
all about the boardsports
or other outdoor ‘extreme’
activities that you technically do
by yourself. But do you really
do them by yourself? On the
one hand yes, you ride your own
bike or your own snowboard,
skateboard, etc. But rarely do
you actually participate in these
sports completely solo; often
it is actually dangerous to do
so and for me, the friendships
formed while doing these activities
are often some of my closest
bonds. Stopping slopeside
for a quick chat or catching your
breathe on an uphill climb, your
with your friends all the way and
this connectedness to other riders
is what has drawn me into
these sports my entire life.
But in Kiteboarding, I find that
it can actually be quite a lonely
activity if you set out from the
beach for your freeride or freestyle
session, not communicating
with other riders until you’re
back at the beach. Except when
you ride in the park.
Not only do I believe park riders
need each other more than in
any discipline because often you
have to move features carrying
or hauling large heavy objects
that are not possible to handle
alone but I see riding in the park
as a way to truly kite together.
When you kite in the park your
focus is on a few fixed points.
You take turns on the obstacles,
stopping to watch your friends
and in effect get inspired by
what is going on around you.
But I also wanted to know what
it is that has drawn so many

× Colleen Carroll ×
RIDERS COLUMN
Text Colleen Carroll | Photo Lance Koudele and Toby Bromwich
others to the parks lately. So
I decided to ask a few of my
friends who have more recently
been making a name for themselves
in the park riding; seen
what is it that attracts them to
kiting in the park?
“I like the challenge of being
so technical, I feel like on the
same obstacle you can get very
creative and technical and do
all these different combinations
and push yourself to where it is
challenging for you. I feel like
there are endless opportunities
especially if you have a full park
with multiple features.” Bruna
Kajiya
“At first park riding was just
another discipline to me and
I didn’t appreciate it nearly as
much as I do now. Some friends
of mine where really into it and
after some time I ended up doing
it as well. I started taking it
seriously and right now thats all
I want to do. I see lots of room
to progress in park riding, from
new kicker tricks to innovating
with different rail setups the
posibilites are endless.
My riding has changed a lot
since I started and now I really
care about how my tricks look
and how I can make them look
better. I think in park riding that
matters more than ever.” – Noe
Font
“Park riding on a kite is frustrating.
You can go to a cable
wake park and score perfect
conditions any day, but when all
the elements line up for a good
kite park day, its unbeatable.” –
Ewan Jaspan
“For me riding in a park is fun
because is a perfect extension
to the freestyle riding. The
obstacles are set up in the flat
water, just where we do flat water
tricks, and kicker tricks you
can practice in the waves in the
open sea. I’ve been doing flat
water tricks over and over agian
for the last 10 years made me
a little bit tired. Moving forward
to the obstacles is like starting
over again, learning new tricks,
going to different places and
meeting new riders.” Karolina
Winkowska

34
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Sensi Graves

By now, most kiteboarders should be familiar with
the Triple S Invitational, the pioneer contest for
sliders and powered wake-style riding. Founded 11
years ago by kite legend, Jason Slezak and Real
Watersports co-founder, Trip Forman, the event
has become the pinnacle competition for rail
kiteboarding in the world. 2016 marked the 11th
annual event and the second year that the format
consisted of 100% sliders.
Text Sensi Graves / sensigravesbikinis.com /
Photo Toby Bromwich e Lance Koudele / 2016 Wind Voyager Tripl-S Invitational

36
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
In 2015, event organizers decided that while the Triple
S was founded on showcasing three disciplines, surf,
slicks (freestyle) and sliders and crowning an overall
champion, there simply wasn’t enough time to get all
three disciplines done. Riders had pushed for prize
money over the years and with the introduction of title
sponsors, the event morphed from a rider-judged free-forall
to a heats-based contest format. A few trial and error
years proved that it was simply too challenging to run so
many heats. Riders, especially the kitesurfers, ended up
competing in sub-optimal conditions. Going back to the
roots of what drove the whole competition in the first
place, Slezak and Forman decided to showcase what they
had worked so hard for so many years to promote, pure
slider riding. The 2016 event carried on that true slider
legacy and sought to improve the heat structure even
more.
The Triple S takes place on the Outer Banks of North
Caroline, a long, thin chain of islands connected by
bridges and which create the break-wall between the
Atlantic and the mainland of the USA. On the inside of
the islands, you have the Pamlico sound, a salty, brackish
and shallow body of water that connects to the Atlantic
in various spots in between the Outer Banks islands.
The shallow water and broken islands make for a dream
kiteboarding location with SW thermal winds and NE
storms peppering the island with wind nearly year-round.
Real Watersports has housed their kite school in the
small town of Waves for over a decade and chose this

Karolina Winkowska

38
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
location for its ideal conditions. Making it the perfect
home for one of the world’s few kite slider parks. The
Real slider park is not open to the public and riders
have to pull the features back onto Real property every
night, but nonetheless, it’s a professionally-built,
professionally-powered dream of a park. REAL has slowly
built the park to be: two kickers, an 80-ft battleship rail
dubbed the John Wayne, a rooftop and a reverse rainbow
rail.

Brandon Scheid
I was nervous heading into the event. I get nervous with
most contests but this year, the Triple S was bringing in
some tough competition. With the downfall of the PKRA
and the subsequent KWT, a gap was open for the worldtour
riders. Karolina Winkowska had already jumped
on the slider train and won the Blue Palawan slider
competition, but world champions Bruna Kajiya and
Gisela Pulido were also on the invite list. On the men’s
side, Christophe Tack had become interested in sliders

40
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
and Alex Pastor was registered for the open. These top
riders saw an opportunity to extend their skill level and
explore another side of competition riding.
Leading up to the event the wind played tricks on us; it
was light and variable. Our household of 10 pro riders
was amped to ride and as more and more riders filtered
in, trepidation grew and you could feel the nervous
energy. We knew that once the wind started blowing even
a little bit, the sound would be covered with kiteboarders
jockeying for position on the 5 rails.
As the competition has grown more and more serious,
with heats and a lot of money on the line (this year the
prize purse was $50,000), riders have become more and
more focused. Not as much partying goes down and
most competitors have their eyes on the prize. You could
sense this during the night of the opening party; we knew
Christophe Tack

Sam Light

42
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Bruna Kajiya
Sensi Graves

that it would be windy the next day and competitors were
anxious to get to bed.
Sunday, June 5th started out with a cool Southwest
breeze. My belly was full of butterflies as we headed
over to REAL for the 10am riders meeting, As expected,
the competition was on. 30 riders; 22 men and 8 women
would compete for a $50,000 prize purse and everyone
was hungry. The men were broken up into 4 heats and the
women into one heat. Two heats would be on the water
at the same time, each hitting one feature at a time, in a
criss-cross pattern, alternating between the two heats.
The ladies were up last. It was on.
The unfortunate thing about kiteboarding is that it’s
not a very spectator-friendly sport. Unless riders come
close to the beach, it’s hard to really see what’s going
on. During the Triple S, this is especially challenging
because most of the shoreline is head-high sharp grass
and swamp land. The majority of the action happens
in the infamous “Slick” an uber-flat water location 500
yards south of Real’s flagship store. The only access

44
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Colleen Carroll

point to the slick is a long wooden bridge/dock that
extends from the houses out into the marshland. We all
trundled our gear out the wooden dock and posted up
on the end. Riders all pumped on the small marshy area
at the end of the dock and soon the area was littered
with kites, bars and pumps. Muddy feet squished as
competitors threaded their way around the piles of
gear in an attempt to launch. This doesn’t leave a lot of

46
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Craig Cunningham
room for spectators and inevitably the end of the dock
becomes packed with those trying to get a glimpse of the
action.
Heats one and two were soon on the water hitting the
rooftop rail and one of the kickers. Heats three and four
followed suit and then everyone moved on to the next
two features, the reverse rainbow and the second kicker.
Finally we ended with everyone hitting the John Wayne.
The wind had continued to build throughout the day and
by the end, I was flying across the John Wayne on my 5
meter. It was windy! It was also a very long day out in
the swamp. Due to how the heats are set up, you never
have time to take your wetsuit off or leave the dock area
for very long. You’re anxious to get some warm up hits in

efore it’s your turn to hit a feature.
Each rider got three attempts at each feature and luckily
by the end of the day, we had completed the entire first
round, a far cry from the year before, during which we
had only one day of wind to complete the entire contest.
We ended day one covered in mud, exhausted but stoked
that we were able to get so much riding in.
And then day 2 dawned. Once again, riders huddled at
the Real Store for the 10am riders meeting and once
again, it was windy. The Wind Voyager Triple-S crew was
already out setting up the rails. It was time for the final.
Tobias Holter

48
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Ewan Jaspan
For the women, Colleen Carroll and I had qualified in first
place, Karolina Winkowska in third and Bruna Kajiya in
fourth. For men, Brandon Scheid, Christophe Tack, Jake
Kelsick, Maciek Lewandowski, Eric Rienstra, Billy Parker,
Ewan Jaspan, Axel Tack, Sam Light, Noe Font, Craig
Cunningham and Aaron Hadlow qualified to move into the
finals. Everyone was eager to battle for the top spots.
On day 2, the organizer threw a wrench in the gears and
decided to switch the direction of every feature in the
park. This meant that if the rooftop rail was left foot
forward yesterday, it would now be right foot forward
today. For anyone that had planned their tricks out,
this meant a quick restructuring of how they would be
approaching each feature. And this time the women
would be up first.
It was awesome to see the high level of riding that the
women brought to the table. We all started on the rooftop
rail and with each hit, you could tell everyone meant
business. On day 2, the organizers decided against crisscrossing
and we moved directly from the roof top to the
right foot forward kicker. Once again, the level was high.
Because I qualified in the top spot, I hit each feature
last. On my run, I landed a heelside, front-side 540 and
immediately following me, Bruna threw the same trick.
And then Karolina came in and did one as well! The ladies
were stomping tricks and the crowd was getting hyped
up. After the first two features, the men took the water to
do the same thing.
At this point, the wind started to pick up and squalls
started coming through. I soon found myself huddled
under a kite to shield myself from the rain. Luckily the
squalls passed and the contest continued on. Christophe
Tack had the kicker hit of the event, throwing down
the first ever 900 to be landed off a static kicker in

50
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
competition. We continued on with everyone absolutely
throwing down on each feature. Once again, the John
Wayne was the final obstacle and riders went full bore
across the biggest slider in the world.
The high level of riding this year was a true testament to

2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Final Results:
Men:
1st – Sam Light – United Kingdom – Slingshot ($12,000)
2nd – Brandon Scheid – USA – Liquid Force ($7,5000)
3rd – Christophe Tack – Belgium – Liquid Force ($5,000)
4th – Noe Font – Spain – North ($3,000)
5th – Ewan Jaspan – Australia – Naish ($2,000)
6th – Aaron Hadlow – UK – North ($1,500)
7th – Craig Cunningham – Canada – North ($1,200)
8th – Jake Kelsick – Antigua – Tona ($1,000)
9th – Eric Rienstra – USA – Core ($800)
10th – Billy Parker – USA – Best ($600)
11th – Axel Tack – Belgium – Liquid Force ($500)
12th – Maciek “Magic” Lewandowski – Poland – Nobile ($400)
13th – Tobias Holter – Germany – Cabrinha
14th – Alex Fox – USA – Slingshot
15th – Sam Medysky – Canada – Best
16th – Rich Sabo – USA – Liquid Force
17th – Chris Bobryk – USA – Best
18th – Will Palmer – USA – F-One
19th – Andre Phillip – Antigua – Tona
20th – Aymeric Martin – France – North
21st – Jason Slezak – USA – Liquid Force
22nd – Tom Court – UK – North
Aaron Hadlow
how far slider riding has come. I am proud to be a part of
this grass-roots turned hugely impactful event and I hope
we encourage even more riders to get into rail riding. The
possibilities are endless!

52
EVENTs
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational
Women:
1st – Karolina Winkowska – Poland – Slingshot ($5,500)
2nd – Colleen Carroll – USA – North ($3,300)
3rd – Bruna Kajiya – Brazil – Red Bull ($2,000)
4th – Sensi Graves – USA – Liquid Force ($1,000)
5th – Annelous Lammerts – Netherlands – Slingshot
6th – Lindsay McClure – USA – Liquid Force
7th – Manuela Jungo – Switzerland – North
8th – Victoria Soloveykina – Russia – Best
Wind Voyager Triple-S Challenge Series:
Christophe Tack – First 900 ever landed in kite park competition ($900)

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54
EVENTS
Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016
KI
text Roberta Pala (based on GKA press releases)
photo Toby Bromwich/Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro
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RIFA STRAPLESS
TESURFING PRO 2016
year the Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro marked the beginning of
w era for kiteboarding. This year, the GKA, Global Kitesports Asation,
created by some of the most important and known brands
iteboarding worldwide, strongly wanted a strapless wave and freee
circuit, in order to push this discipline to the maximum. In fact it
esents one of the most beautiful and spectacular disciplines in the
surfing arena, both for pure wave riding and freestyle strapless. At
end of the events, the GKA Wave & Strapless Freestyle Rider of the
r will be crowned according to the ranking positions obtained in all
nts, wave and freestyle, Tarifa, Sotavento, Mauritius, Dakhla and Forza.
fa was the first stop of the new circuit 2016. After the enormous sucin
2015 it was very much awaited by all the athletes and industry
erts, sure to get pure show, in a place which has always been considas
the homeland of the wind...

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Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016
29th of June, the first day of competition is
dedicated to the qualifications, 12 riders will
get through and will join the pre-qualified 8
from the 2015 event as well as 4 wildcards
for local athletes, in order to complete the
main draw with 24 riders. Seven minutes
per heat to impress the judges. Innovation,
technical difficulty, wow factor and overall
impression are the characteristics evaluated
by the judges who are on the look out for
the most complete freestyle strapless rider.
Conditions on the course race make it difficult
for the qualifying heats, with only 12-
14 knots. Julien Kerneur for France (which
will be the real surprise of this competition,
Ed.) passes through to main draw, followed
by Sandro Pisu (ITA), Patri McLaughlin
(USA), Ralph Boelen (France), Luis Brito
(Cape Verde), Theo Demanez (Saint Martin),
Camille Delannoy (France), Stefano Gentili
(ITA), Djo Silva (Cape Verde), Silvar Oz, Rafael
Morales, John Palacios, Daniel Morrice
(UK). The 8 pre-qualified riders from last
year will complete the main draw with Airton
Cozzolino, the 2015 winner (Cape Verde/
ITA), Matchu Lopes (Cape Verde), Paulino
Pereira (Portugal), Evan Netsch (USA), Matt
Elsasser (USA), Reider Decker (USA), Mitu
Monteiro (Cape Verde), Jan Marcos Riveras
(Dominican Rep.) and four local wildcards.
Joergen Vogt for GKA, the event organizer
Jaime Herraiz together with Airton Cozzolino,
the Mayor of Tarifa Francisco Ruiz,
the deputy mayor Ezequiel Andreu and the
Minister for Tourism in the area Sebastian
Galindo, presented the event during the
opening ceremony at the Wet Café in the
lively Spanish town.
On the second day the wind is still not quite
ideal, it keeps on dropping and picking up
before settling at around 15 knots and allowing
this way the proper running of the
competition. The race director, Juan Antonio
Aragon, increases the duration of the heats
from 7 to 10 minutes so to allow the riders

to give their best. The main draw is now in
its usual dingle format, through which riders
get a second chance to get back on to the
competition. Valdevaqueros, Tarifa's famous
beach, is buzzing, very crowded and with a
stellar cheer.
Evan Netsch is the first to get through in his
round against Theo Manez and the talented
Cape Verdean rider Djo Silva, thanks to front
rolls on both tacks, shoveits and especially
an unhooked frontside toeside 3. Jan Marcos
Riveras, a native Dominican who now
resides in Tarifa, is the idol of the crowd.
He is focused and relaxed and he landed
the first kiteloop of the competition, passing
the turn with a front toeside handle pass
surface. The crowd gave another big roar
for the legendary Mitu Monteiro, from Cape
Verde, icon and pioneer of freestyle strapless
kitesurfing. There are many riders from
Cape Verde who take part to this contest
which proves the fantastic conditions of the

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Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016
island of Sal, from which they all originate.
Matchu Lopes is also precise and varied in
its manoeuvres, landing for the first time
a triple front. The French Julien Kerneur
shows his excellent form since the very first
round, he is normally engaged in completely
different disciplines, the winner of the qualification
rounds shows a sublime variety of
manoeuvres and a clean style. The wave
rider Paulino Pereira, showed his handle
passes since the very first heat, with precise
landings and low kite, just like the true
wakestyle, by securing his victory with a
powerful toeside frontside 3 which sparked
the audience.
When Airton Cozzolino, the defending
champion, gets in the water the crowd on
the beach is in suspense. The expectations

are huge for this talented rider from Cape
Verde and naturalized Italian. He uses the
10 sq. m Neo and shows countless manoeuvres,
many of which unhooked, an impressive
performance speed, a powerfully landed
frontside 3, the sound of which left the
judges breathless ... no doubt about it, Airton
is spectacular since the very first heat.
The champion made clear to his opponents
that he was not going to let the title go so
easily ...
Half way through the competition, the so
much awaited Poniente of Tarifa arrives at
Valdevaquesros, making everything more
exciting, with its solid 20 knots. Meanwhile
the second round is taking place: this is the
round through which the first round losers
get a second chance, then followed by the
third round, with the winners of the first one
and with those who re-entered the competition
through the second round. Rebollo, the
local idol and Jan Marcos Riveras, make the
crowd go crazy. Although they are used to
these winds it is not easy for them either
and Rivera gets the better of his opponent
with clean landings and stylish manoeuvres.
Evan Netsch also continues his race and the
young Italian Sandro Pisu eventually takes
a beating after a fight right up to the end
against the strong American.
A powerful crazy horse
for Mitu Monteiro, extreme
control and clean
style and the other Italian
Stefano Gentili surrenders
to the pioneer of
freestyle strapless, who
wins thanks to his intense
kiteloops and the wide
variety of manoeuvres ...
Matchu Lopes showed
once again his class and
professionalism with
huge manoeuvres landed
with class and real technical
tricks. Decker also
gets through and Paulino
Pereira presses the Cape Verdeans with his
clean and powerful unhooked manoeuvres.
One of the hottest heats is the one between
Patri McLaughlin and Julien Kerneur, the big
wave rider against the rider who got podiums
across so many disciplines....and the
French unexpected surprise is the one to
bring home the victory of the heat, above
all thanks to the huge variety of manoeuvres
and precise technique. Needless to
say, Airton Cozzolino, after a quiet start and
some manoeuvres that didn’t land, forces to
a stop the opponent Boelen and flies to the
following round where he will face

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Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016
the wonder Kerneur.
Jan Marcos Riveras, Dominican naturilsed
Tarifeño, is the first to get to the semifinals
by beating Evan Netsch. Then one of
the most beautiful heats, the one between
the two Cape Verdeans Mitu Monteiro and
Matchu Lopes, when the student surpasses
the master, with a steady pace, many landed
manoeuvres and an extreme concentration
Matchu too arrives at the semifinals.
Paulino Pereira is against Reider Decker and
the strong Portuguese wave rider starts with
a bang with a back side 3 and an elegant
and clean style which easily take him to the
semifinals. The last heat of the day is a very
hot battle between Airton and Kerneur: the
manoeuvres are endless, shoveits, front
and back with variations, and Julien lands a
shifty 3 exploiting a nice kicker. Airton, despite
the amazing performance of his rival,
didn't miss a beat throughout the heat, pulling
out backside 3s, shifty 3s, switch and
regular front rolls, air reverses, shoveits
and much more ...
The semifinals are now decided and will be
on fire: Jan Marcos Riveras againts Matchu
Lopes and Paulino Pereira against the defending
champion Airton Cozzolino!
The semifinals begin in the afternoon at
about 16:00 with about twenty knots, and
Valdevaqueros is holding its breath ... the
Levant leaves some light wind patches close
to the shore, gusty as usual, just to spice
up a little the semifinals and finals... Jan
Marcos Riveras against Matchu Lopes, tictac
kiteloop as first manoeuvre for the Dominican
rider followed by a huge loop with
backroll by Matchu. Jan Marcos urges on the
crowd which is all on his side, but Matchu
doesn't get intimidated and progressively
increases the difficulty and technicality of
his manoeuvres, securing the finals with a
clean shoveit frontroll and a front to blind
that seal his incredible heat.

Paulino Pereira against Airton Cozzolino: it
is indeed an intense semifinal, both nailed
flat 3s throughout the competition with solid
and fast landings. The big kiteloop attempted
by Paulino as his first manoeuvre ends
up in a crash, while Airton already brings
home two points from two
manoeuvres ... Paulino then
landed his only board-off, a
frontside 3 and a very special
back side 3 on a wave.
Airton had a slow start but
he promplty reacts with a
nice frontside 3 and from
there on he just lets loose!
Eight manoeuvres landed
in a row, on both tacks,
the judges are impressed,
front roll shoveit, back loop
kiteloop and toeside air reverse,
he secured a place in
the grand final!
Pereira competed for the third position
against Riveras, both much more relaxed,
but still fighting for the podium. Pereira
wins thanks to more power and technicality
and conquers the lowest step of the podium.
The grand final is a battle between

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Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016

two friends who are basically two brothers,
same country of origin, a completely different
style and physicality. The final will keep
everybody short of breath ... Airton begins
quietly in the final too: he didn't land a few
manoeuvres and even hit the water out of
frustration and Matchu takes advantage of
the situation, collecting point after point.
As we already said they are very different,
Matchu is more aerial based whereas Airton
is more powerful. Matchu makes a nice
double frontroll and a double backroll with
a grab. Both of them land unbelievable crazy
horse kiteloops making the audiences
go crazy too. By the end the manoeuvres
considered are very similar, it's a game on
the razor's edge. The most beautiful manoeuvres
are the double front by Matchu
and the front and backside passes by Airton,
the difference comes with an immense
shoveit frontroll by Airton who after getting
it wrong for three times, lands this impressive
manoeuvre, for sure one of the best
seen throughout the competition. The judges'
scorings show a result with a 0.5 difference
between the riders, amazing! Airton is
the King of Tarifa for the second time, a victory
conquered through the battle againt is
"brother" Matchu, manoeuvre after manoeuvre,
a battle even more beautiful thanks to
the strong friendship and sportsmanship
that bind these two great riders.
The final day of the event is the big air
and best trick contest with Woo devices
attached to the boards. Strong and gusty
Levant and as usual this wind allows huge
kiteloops, some monstrous wipeouts, and
Julien Kerneur pays the price for it and
leaves the contest on a stretcher following

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EVENTS
Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016
an ankle injury. Matchu is the winner with a
double frontroll, followed by Airton with the
highest jump of 5.8 meters marked by the
Woo device and Mitu in third place. The podium
is entirely Cape Verdean with the Portuguese
rider Pereira taking the fourth spot.
This year too the show of Tarifa did not disappoint
the huge expectations on the event.
This is for sure, the most watched event of
the season, thanks to its unique location, in
and out the water, to the wonderful organization
by Jaime Herraiz, host of the event,
and to the GKA capable of regaining control
of a circuit that had been in agony for

a few years, by giving it a new life with the
freestyle strapless and the pure wave riding.
The aim is to crown the best rider of the
year, the one that with a surfboard under his
feet is capable of enchanting both by drawing
enormous carvings on huge and tubing
walls of water and by getting the audience
dizzy with his powerful and elaborate manoeuvres.
And thanks to the athletes, who
do not spare themselves to win a major title
but also to win and entertain the audience,
which with its warmth and cheer often give
these athletes the strength to overcome
their limits and show us unforgettable performances...
And now let's fly to Sotavento, Fuerteventura,
Canary Islands, just as the magazine
goes online, from 1st to 6th August, with the
second stop of the GKA WAVE AND STRAP-
LESS FREESTYLE GRAND SLAM .

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Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016
RANKING
TARIFA STRAPLESS KITESURFING PRO 2016
1. AIRTON COZZOLINO
2. MATCHU LOPES
3. PAULINO PEREIRA
4. JAN MARCOS RIVERAS
5. JULIEN KERNEUR, MITU MONTEIRO, REIDER DECKER, EVAN NETSCH
9. SANDRO PISU, RALPH BOELEN, PATRI MCLAUGHLIN, JULI REBOLLO, THEO DEMANEZ,
MATT ELSASSER, STEFANO GENTILI, RAPHAEL MADUEÑO
17. DJO SILVA, CAMILLE DELLANOY, LUIS BRITO, JHON PALACIOS, SILVAR OZ, DANIEL
MORRICE, GUSTAVO ARROJO, RAUL MUNOZ

68
EVENTS
Kiteboarding European Championships
Kiteboarding
European
ChampionshipS
Formula Kite & KiteFoil | 17 th -22 th May 2016
Cagliari hosted the first European
Championship dedicated to the new foil
discipline. Maxime Nocher and Elena
Kalinina were crowned first European KiteFoil
champions!
text Roberta Pala & Courtesy Kiteboarding European Championships
photo Nico Belillo/Nicolabelillo.com, Roberta Pala

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Kiteboarding European Championships
It feels surreal to be in the water and all you can
hear is a slight hiss to the passing of the athletes
by the buoy... the speeds are impressing and the
departures with these blades that cut the water
are quite thrilling but that is the charm of this discipline,
which is taking competitions to a higher
level and riders to overcome their own limits.
The city of Cagliari, at Poetto Beach by the Italian
Army beach facilities, with the organization
of the Cagliari Yacht Club, welcomed with enthusiasm
the athletes coming from all over Europe.
The defending World Champion, Maxime Nocher
didn't disappoint the expectations, with his F-One
Diablo, he won race after race the first position
and nevert let it go. The blonde Kalinina, put her
opponents right behind her, including the tough
mum Steph Bridge.
The first men's races were a tight head to head
between Maxime Nocher and the Italian-Colombian
Riccardo Andrea Leccese, so much so that
after ten races they were sharing the lead. With a
pretty intense Mistral wind, 16 to 24 knots, the 40
competing athletes, with the leeward mark right
near the shore, put up a great show! During one
amazing heat, heat number 5, Riccardo Andrea
Leccese started with a great delay compared to
others, more than a minute but even so he performed
a brilliant come back, finishing in first place,
an emotion that neither him nor the bystanders
will ever forget so easily!
On the third day, the Mistral wind is still the protagonist
(not the best wind for racing at the Poetto
Beach, Ed.) and the Gold races began. Shifty
and gusty wind conditions made things difficult
on the course race, where the race tactics definitely
made a difference. Leccese is at his top

and he wins the first
two races of the day,
always head to head
with Maxime Nocher.
Speeds are incredible,
riders whoosh
past the windward mark, near the shoreline,
at more than 30 knots. In the Silver fleet Beverino
and Chiti keep the Italian flag in the first positions.
The gusty and off-shore wind isn't the best
thing, Leccese is having difficulties to maintain
his excellent performances like during the first
days and he even gets 11th in one of the races.
Meanwhile the young Bridge is having a good day
and gets a series of victories that lead him on to
the second position. The group of favourites is
all in a handful of points amongst Nocher, Bridge
and Leccese. In the Silver fleet the young Italian
Giulio Chiti is unstoppable and he takes home two
first positions, while the other young Italian Lucas
Rey, a local from Cagliari, gets two good second
positions. In the women's group Elena Kalinina leaves
quite behind her eternal rival Steph Bridge.
The wind on the course race is challanging and
the coveted thermic wind gave way to the unsteady
North West during these days making it difficult
for the race tactic and for racing under gusty
conditions.
Nine races were held on the very intense and penultimate
competition day, before the medal race.

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Kiteboarding European Championships
Nocher took back the lead of the fleet, with four
first places out of four races keeping quite a fair
margin at the finishing line on the chasing group.
Other riders also got on the spolight during these
races, such as Florian Tritter, the very young Martin
Dolenc, Toni Vodisek and Blazej Ozog. On the
female side, the Russian Kalinina seems to have
no rivals by firmly keeping the lead since the first
day of racing.
The final day is exciting, only ten riders in the Platinum
fleet and the race tactics become of fundamental
importance. Nocher does not leave room
for anyone and launches himself to the victory of
the first European KiteFoil title. The race is entirely
focused on the chasing group, especially
on Leccese and Bridge, the latter wins two races
and gets a second and a sixth place. On the other
hand Riccardo, who was first after the qualifying
races, has gradually lost points up to the final races
and he never got higher than the fifth place,
drifting this way off the lowest step of the podium
giving it in to the Spanish Trittel. Maxime is the
first European Champion and he celebrates by jumping
over our dinghy, driven by an exceptional
pilot, the IKA President Mirco Babini.
Elena Kalinina confirms to be unbeatable and
wins her third European title in the Formula Kite
and the first in the Formula KiteFoil. The Grand-
Master podium is entirely made in Italy which
shows the great passion and competitiveness of
the over 45 years old Italians.
It has been an intense week, challenging conditions
due to gusty and persistent wind which
affected some of the races, the athletes showed
great passion, competitiveness and speed.

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Kiteboarding European Championships
Maxime Nocher
"The first racing day has been
perfect, both for the weather
conditions and the results I got,
I knew I’d find tough opponents
such as Bridge and Trittel.
I’m racing with the foil, which
is really gratifying and exciting
on such a calm sea".

Riccardo Andrea Leccese
"In the first two races, I started with precision and faster than
the others, in the fourth I put my heart in recovering a bad
start, while in the fifth race I got the timing wrong, starting
over a minute late and I finished first, it was the best and most
difficult race of the season!"
Mirco Babini – IKA President
"Despite the fact that the wind during these days has
been particularly challenging, all the athletes are very
happy with the championship and surely one can't say
that regattas had no thrilling!"
Mirco Babini – IKA President
"Cagliari is one of the best locations in the world and
the International Kiteboarding Association is considering
to hold another global event next year".

76
EVENTI
Kiteboarding European Championships
- Podiums -
FORMULA KITE & KITEFOIL MEN OVERALL
1. Maxime Nocher (MON, F-One/Taaroa)
2. Olly Bridge (GBR, Elf/Levitaz)
3. Florian Trittel (ESP, Elf/KFA)
KITEFOIL WOMEN OVERALL
1. Elena Kalinina (RUS, Elf/Moses)
2. Steph Bridge (GBR, F-One/Levitaz)
3. Gina Hewson (AUS, Ozone/Spotz)
FORMULA KITE WOMEN OVERALL
1. Elena Kalinina (RUS, Elf/Moses)
2. Steph Bridge (GBR, F-One/Levitaz)
3. Jade O'Connor (IRL, Elf/Banga)
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)

DAILY
WORK
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S T R I K E A M P
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AARON HADLOW' S
DAILY WORK WEAR
STRIKE AMP ZIPLESS
SURFING ELEMENTS
ION-PRODUCTS.COM

78
COMING SOON
IKA KiteFoil World Championship
IKA KiteFoil World Champi
Act 1 - Gizzeria, Italy
Photo Giuseppe Esposito

onship

80
COMING SOON
IKA KiteFoil World Championship

82
COMING SOON
IKA KiteFoil World Championship

84
COMING SOON
IKA KiteFoil World Championship
RESULTS
1 Axel Mazella (U21) FRA F-ONE
2 Maxime Nocher MON F-ONE, Manera, Yacht club
de Monaco, Lip
3 Oliver Bridge (U21) GBR Volvo, Levitaz, North
4 Riccardo Andrea Leccese ITA OzoneKites, MikesLabFoils,
COGUAkiteboarding, SMFP
5 Florian Gruber GER Flysurfer, Levitaz, NP-Surf,
Airush Boards, Freizeit & Sport GmbH
6 Florian Trittel Paul ESP Movistar, Brunotti, KFA,
Flycat
7 Bruno Lobo BRA Governo do Maranhao, Ferronorte,
KFA Kite Foil Australia
8 Theo de Ramecourt (U21) FRA Taaroa
9 Blazej Ozog POL Moses, Flysurfer, Etisoft, CF3M
10 Titouan Galea (U21) FRA F-ONE, Manera
11 Guy Bridge (U18) (U21) GBR F-ONE, KFA, Edgewatersports,
Thebeachhouseexmouth
12 Mario Calbucci (U21) ITA Banga Foil, UC Distribution

86
COMING SOON
IKA KiteFoil World Championship
36 Valerio Venturi ITA Moses
37 Victor Bachichet (U18) (U21) FRA Direct wind
38 Mike Martin (M) SUI F-One, WindTravel
39 Alexia Fancelli FRA Airush, Kitaddict, Kitecopter
40
Jade O'Connor (M) IRL Pure Magic Waterposrts,
Banga Foil, Goldenpages.ie
41 Roman Lyubimtsev (M) RUS SPBYC, ELF-kites
13 Adrian Geislinger AUT Levitaz, Flysurfer, Surfshop
Upsidedown, ASV
14 Andrea Beverino ITA Ozone, Selin s.r.l, Banga foil,
Novenove
15 Toni Vodisek (U18) (U21) SLO
16 Martin Dolenc (U18) (U21) CRO FlySurfer, Levitaz,
Temavento, Animal
17 Benni Boelli GER Flysurfer, Levitaz, Element
Sports, ASV Performance, BeachYah!
18 Theo Lhostis (U21) FRA CORE, Bluepower Marine,
Air Tahiti Nui
19 Denis Taradin (U21) RUS
20 Jean de Falbaire (U21) MRI Pointe d'Esny Sailing
Club, Helios Polarized
21 Ejder Ginyol (M) TUR
22 Ivan Doronin (M) RUS Spotz, Eurostroi.ru,
Paraavis
23 Alejandro Climent Hernandez ESP F-ONE, Manera,
KFA, Flyingsardine, Islandtribe
24 James Johnson (M) DEN F-ONE, KiteDenmark
25 Tomek Glazik (U18) (U21) POL Moses HF, Bracuru
26 Tomek Janiak (M) POL NOBILE
27 Giulio Chiti ITA ASV, Levitaz, Flysurfer
28 Oliver Hansen (U18) (U21) DEN Moses HF, Cabringa,
Go2fitness
29 Alexander Bachev (U21) BUL Livity
30 Simone Vannucci (M) ITA ASV, A9isko, Jaguar,
Flysurfer, Levitaz, Mormaii, Dakine
31 Thomas Lombardo (U21) FRA KETOS
32 Igor Malenko (M) (GM) UKR WINDRIDER, kitecenter.com.ua
42 Alexis Delquie (U18) (U21) FRA SPOTZ SIDE ON
43 Connor Bainbridge GBR North Kiteboarding, Moses
Hydrofoils, Ion, F-Hot Fins
44
Steph Bridge (M) GBR Northkites, Levitaz, Volvo,
Edgewatersports, ION, The beachhouseexmouth
45
Enrico Tonon (M) (GM) ITA
46 Alessio Brasili ITA
47 Gina Hewson (M) AUS Ozone, ZHIK, Ocean Safety
Rescue me
48 Mateo Vieujot - Mouquet (U21) FRA
49 Anastasia Akopova (U21) RUS
50 Pierluigi Capozzi (M) (GM) ITA
51 Catherine Dufour CAN Pointco, Agence Oasis,
Promutuel Assurance, Boralex, CAMET Kiteboarding,
Boutique 30 Noeuds, Muller Windsports, Ozone
Kites, Makani Fins, Cid
52 Madis Kallas EST Z-fins, Michael Petrikov Photography
53 Enrico Leporati (M) (GM) ITA Underwave
54 Camille Salvinien (U21) FRA Airush
55 Fabio Turra (M) (GM) ITA Moses, Groove, Ozone,
Wind Lovers
56 Federico Aguilar (M) ARG Parana kite
57 Alessandro Alberti (M) ITA Tuna Fish Kites, www.
tunafishsportswear.com
58 Leonardo Morelli (M) ITA
59 Jose Fazio ARG Flysurfer, Levitaz
60 Benjamin Geislinger AUT Levitaz Kitefoils
61 Eray Özgülnar (M) (GM) TUR LUZZA, SRK
62 Andreas Messerli (M) SUI
33 Anthony Picard (U18) (U21) FRA F-ONE, Manera,
Montpellier Metropole
34 Elena Kalinina (U21) RUS SPBYC, ELF, Moses,
Underwave
35 Gunnar Biniasch (M) GER Axis, Ozone, Schwerelosigkite,
Xcel, Triggernaut

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

88
TRIP
Days in the sand
For a few moments Matchu and Sean stood side-by-side anticipating
the moment of stepping into the sea as another series of waves approached
them. The sand under their feet, the temperature of the
water, and the wind that blew made them slowly awaken from a rough
night's sleep in our lonely camp in the desert. There was something
deep going on there, something intimate. The sky was covered
with clouds in a pink hue, it created a grace in the air and I felt
invaded by the poetry of the moment. I thought of how the ocean
builds relationships and enriches the lives of those who live in
it. I felt blessed to be there.
Text Claudio Cabral | photo Fninga

90
TRIP
Days in the sand

It is interesting how perspectives
can shape our worldview.
Seen from outside, the life of a
professional kite surfer seems
to be a fairy tale. Who would
not enjoy traveling the world,
see unique places, and enjoy the
best possible conditions? Having
had the opportunity to witness
the intimate life of one of
them, I do think it is a dream
profession. But nevertheless
there are many commitments to
be fulfilled and for a big part
of the year it can be a bit exhausting.
Words such as "classic conditions,
epic, and perfection" are
common for those who have the
chance to surf regularly at Ponta
Preta, Matchu´s home spot,
but with his adventurous spirit,
Matchu felt the need to look
for new horizons, to reconnect
with old friends, and to find
some inner peace. For a long
time we had been talking about
the possibility of going on a
trip together and when least expected
the opportunity appeared.
A solid swell was inbound from
the southern hemisphere. Combined
with winds around 25knots
it presented the perfect conditions
for a remote spot on another
island. It would be a kind
of pre-season training, a little
free time to be in the sand

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Days in the sand
before the marathon of events,
travels, and commitments that
where coming up in the following
months. Although the forecast
did not guarantee continuous
days of waves we decided that
the wind would be enough for
some strapless freestyle sessions
to fill our stay. So two
days before the swell arrived we
decided it would be worth making
the trip and started getting
ready to leave.
Matchu got in touch with Sean
Guy, a longtime friend, who offered
to be our guide for the
days we would spend there. I do
not know if the two were aware
of the importance of the moment,
but for me these two guys together
had a historic symbolism.
On one hand Sean, besides being
the host and guide, is also
a kite boarder and a friend of
Matchu since childhood. Both of
them natural talents for any activity
or sport you can do in
the water. Sean inherited his
passion for the ocean from his
father Francois Guy, a former

world champion windsurfer who
came to Cape Verde in the 80s,
and now recognized as the person
who introduced aquatic sports in
the country. On the other hand,
Matchu, one of the great talents
of world kite surfing together
with Mitu and Airton, all
of them results of the excellent
conditions that the islands provide
for these sports.
The island we went to is one of
the archipelago's largest, but
one of the least populated. Covered
mostly by the sands of the
Sahara desert, it appears to be
an inhospitable place where time
has stopped. Villages scattered
here and there with people who
lead a simple life full of serenity
that only the desert can
provide. As we arrived we could
feel the friendliness of the locals,
everyone knew Matchu and
wanted to help in some way, from
the curious journalist who wanted
to know what we were doing to
the fisherman providing wind and
weather information, local hospitality
at its best.
We decided to stay in the main
village while we waited for the
swell to arrive. This would give

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Days in the sand

us time to find a rental car,
buy some groceries, and to go
to an islet just off the coast,
which had excellent conditions
for some strapless freestyle.
The following days were spent
on this islet, under the strong
sun and with only a few clouds
in the sky. We found a small
bay where the water had a surreal
turquoise color and not a
single footprint on the beach,
a great start to our trip. The
whole time we stayed on the islet
we were distracted only by
fishermen who passed by on their
daily journeys. These were sessions
with fun as their common
denominator and shovits, doubles,
and handlepasses were being
pulled off like there was no
tomorrow. I was struck by the
intensity with which Matchu pursues
perfection in what he does,
rarely getting completely satisfied,
even when decently landing
maneuvers that ordinary mortals
would consider a great achievement.
No wonder such passion
leads to him being one of the
most progressive in the sport.
Despite the fun freestyle sessions,
finding waves was always
on the back of our minds. Once
back in the village we were told
that the swell had arrived in
the southernmost islands. This
left us all with euphoric faces
knowing there was a possibility
of finding good condition. After
getting all the gear and food

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Days in the sand
ready we left for what would
be the most amazing part of the
trip.
The place is not quite a secret,
but it's far enough that you can
have a little peace of mind and
good kite sessions with only a
few people out at the most. To
reach the place we passed small
villages situated in the middle
of nowhere and we felt the curious
gaze of the people that oc-

casionally were standing next to
the road.
We soon found out the terrible
conditions of the rental car,
but we did not mind, as long as
it could take us (and hopefully
bring us back) to our final
destination. After a long, slow
ride through the rocks and dust,
we climbed a small hill that allowed
us to see what was ahead
of us. A vast dry terrain made
the foreground to what appeared
to be lines of waves. A fertile
oasis, which provided water and
shade for the weary, looked as
if a painting had been placed in
front of the ocean, it was the
perfect refuge for those who for
some reason had gone there to
stay.
The waves broke on a huge slab
that was insanely shallow in low
tide. Most of them were small
waves closing out next to the
rocks and to make matters worse
the wind was offshore. It wasn’t
quite the conditions we had been
expecting, but it was enough for
Matchu, who decided he would enjoy
the evening sun and catch

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Days in the sand
some waves. While in the water,
he noticed the sets started getting
better, as if announcing
that the best was yet to come.
With so much beauty around us,
we were happy to witness one of
the most dramatic sunsets we had
ever seen, something that only
the desert solitude can provide.
Sitting around a bonfire,
we talked about a fisherman who
lived there, and the number of
times he must have been lucky
enough to see the wave at its
best. We wondered if we would
have the good fortune to wake up
to one of those days at dawn.
We didn’t have to wait too long.
Right before the first light,
sets of up to two meters appeared
and provided solid walls
for Matchu to draw his stylish
lines on. Perhaps it is because
of his experience with surfing
before kite surfing that has had
him developed a unique line with
a mix of strength and graciousness.
There were also other options
available, a multitude of waves
to be discovered on a coast with
something new at every turn.
However, the best place seemed
to be right where we were. The
wind was still offshore, not the
best direction for the spot, but
somehow he could make the most

of the conditions in a difficult
wave to surf, with unpredictable
sections which made it seem impossible
to fit into the tubes.
He miraculously managed to find
the right timing to tuck in under
the lip, and even more so,
the right timing to exit through
chandeliers and closeouts.
He surfed alone for quite a long
time until other kite surf-

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Days in the sand
ers began to arrive. We could
see how everyone was amazed by
Matchu´s skill level and his relationship
with the waves. After
a while they finally decided
to join him, and experience
the freedom of a place with no
rules, or limitations, and simply
enjoy a day in the sand.

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Eric Rienstra
ITW
ERIC
RIENSTRA

ITW Roberta Pala
Photo Toby Bromwich and Lance Koudele /
2016 Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational, Ryan
Osmond, Ewan Jaspan, James Ropner, Brett
Zachar

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Eric Rienstra
Name: Eric Rienstra
D.O.B.: 18 December 1987
Home Spot: Sherman Island, California, USA
Sponsor: CORE, REAL Watersports, Dakine, tshOtsh
Years kiting: 13
Best spot: Lagoons in Northern Brazil
Other sport: snowboard, surf, and wakeboard.

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KS_Hi Eric tell us something about yourself,
where are you from, where do you
live, what does kiteboarding mean for
you.
ER_I come from the north shore of Lake
Tahoe, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
of California. I have a very active
family so I would spend all my free time
Snowboarding in winter and Windsurfing
in summer. I did a lot of other board
sports as well, so when kiting came along
it was a perfect way to combine all the
sports into one.
on the market. I have flown a lot of
kites throughout my career and they all
seemed pretty standard and similar, but
when I flew a Core kite I immediately noticed
a difference. The kites are so much
lighter that they fly like a size smaller and
the innovative bar system is one of the
cleanest, most reliable I have seen. Also,
Core has a specialized category of gear
KS_You started with snowboarding and
windsurfing, how did you fall in love in
kiteboarding?
ER_The spot I Windsurfed at became a
popular kite spot in the beginning, so I
saw it very early on. The bars were made
of windsurf booms and had huge fishing
reels so you could reel in the kite when
you crashed it. At that point It didn’t look
all that appealing, but a few years later
the kites evolved and I started seeing
guys jumping huge and riding twin tip
boards. That is when I threw down the
sail and started kiting.
KS_After a very long time, you changed
brand just a month ago, what was it that
impressed you so much about Core brand
to convince you to leave your hystorical
sponsor?
ER_Core basically makes the best kites

that includes a sick C kite and a slider
board which is perfect for me. All black!
surf I use the Section Wave Kite with the
Ripper 2 surfboard.
KS_What’s your favorite quiver for competition
and free sessions?
ER_For riding in the Park I go with the 5
line Impact C Kite with the Sensor Pro Bar
on 24m lines and the Bolt slider/wakestyle
board. When I am free riding in the
KS_What do you think about the Kite
Park League? What do you see in the future
of kiteboarding on Park?
ER_The KPL is just the next step in a
movement that has existed within kiteboarding
almost since day one. For years
there have been kite parks and events
popping up here and there and a solid
crew of riders committed to riding
park producing tons of media. So now
as events are becoming more frequent
it made sense to have an overall ranking
for the year and create a universal event
format. In the future I see Park Riding
becoming the stage in which the highest
level of freestyle kiteboarding is portrayed.
KS_ This year, triple-S, how did
your competition go? What has changed
in the most important event in the world
in these years?
ER_This year didn't go so well for me at
Triple S. I qualified for the final in 2nd
place but then had really bad slider hits
and ended 9th. The biggest change over
the years has been to the event format.
It used to be an event with three different
disciplines: Surf, Slick (freestyle),
and Sliders. Now it has progressed to
focus entirely on Sliders. The event also
changed from an Invitational event to

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Eric Rienstra
now having an open qualifier in addition
to the wild card video contest and for the
first time ever they cut the number of
prequalified riders down so even riders
that have ridden in the event before will
have to requalify if they placed over 16th.
complete in my opinion. It has 2 sliders
and 2 kickers made of 100% wielded high
density plastic by Joby Cook at Jibstruction
and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
A-frame, which is the largest kite
slider in the world
KS_Parks around the world, which one do
you think is the most complete?
ER_The REAL Slider Park is the most
KS_What about your new “good guy” look
? Where did the “bad boy” dreds go? ;-)
ER_I was surfing in Hatteras one day and

there were a ton of sea lice in the water,
but the waves were epic so I just went for
it. Turns out the way to get rid of them is
to comb them out but that is impossible
with dreads and I wasn't trying to soak
my head in vinegar for months.
KS_How would you describe your style?
ER_Style is just a reflection of yourself. I
would say I am precise, detailed, smooth,
easy going, creative, all with a hidden explosiveness.
KS_Within the different features of the
park, on which one do you feel more
comfortable with and what are your best
moves?
ER_My favorite feature in the park is the
kicker. I just love rolling in all relaxed
and hauling ass like I'm snowboard-

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Eric Rienstra

ing and hucking tricks without any bar
pressure. 720s and Mobes are fun and
challenging but nothing beats a huge
tweaked out grabbed 360 or 180.
KS_Friends and kiteboarding, it seems to
me that the group of guys that do Park is
much more united and close than in other
disciplines where the rivaliries are very
strong ... what do you think about it?
ER_Yeah I guess you can say that. It is
probably because there isn't much money
to be made so none of us are actually
taking competition too seriously. We are
just doing it as a passion and at the end
of the day most of us are more concerned
with producing sick media and helping
the image of the sport rather than beating
each other.

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Eric Rienstra
KS_I share your kind of “gipsy”, lifestyle
could it be that after the haircut,
you are considering to stop somewhere?
;-) During your journeys, have you ever
seen, a place which you would like to call
"home"?
ER_I've been living a gypsy life for so
long now that I don't know if I can ever
stop. I think about stopping all the time
but then after a month or two in one
place I start to get skitzy. In my travels
I have seen so many amazing places
but always at the best season for that
area. The rest of the year they are not
the most ideal. Most likely I will end up
living in either Hood River or Maui when I
stop traveling as they have some form of
board riding available all year. Maui has
year round kiting and surf and Hood River
has kiting all summer and snowboarding
year round.
KS_How do you spend your leisure time?
What do you love doing? Do you ever
snowboard again from time to time?
ER_Yeah I went snowboarding before
and after I went to the Philippines! The
season was great, powder sessions for
christmas and park sessions when I got
back in February. I also love surfing,
probably more than kiting. Other than
that I am usually injured in some way so I
take it easy off the water. I watch a lot of
TV and movies and just hang out with my
hommies getting drunk on the beach.
KS_Eric as the aggressive rider and Eric
as the competition judge, how do these
two aspects of your life work together?
ER_Being a rider and being a judge works
together great! Kiting is a very difficult
sport to judge so riding experience goes
a long way. Also while I am being paid to
judge I can organize other things to do in
the area to promote my sponsors before
and after the event. This spring for instance
I judged two events in Europe so
I was able to pay the travel costs of flying
all the way from the states and, once
there, only had to pay for short flights to
go to the slider events Turkey and Austria.
So Judging gives me a bigger travel
budget so I can travel to more places and
events.

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Eric Rienstra
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?
ER_At sea I am free, no one can touch
me. I have often joked that to be a kiter
you have to sell your soul to the wind.
When I am on the water I am me, whatever
I am feeling comes out and I reach almost
a meditative state where my energy
and emotions align and then get released
through the expression of my riding.
When I am stressed out about something
my riding will usually become less consistent
and I will become frustrated more
easily. Most of the time I am in a good
mood though so my riding is smooth and
I feel invincible.

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Trip
Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”
Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbea
“When the dreams co
When people are growing up, they often have various wonderful
dreams and life goals. But when life goes on, those tend to fade
away and be sadly forgotten, since we are struck by reality check.
But this is the story of an opposite situation – a dream coming true,
and even twice! I joined the CrazyFly team on adventure through
the Caribbean Islands in the pursue of extraordinary places for 2017
product photoshoot. If you are interested in which dreams we fulfilled,
please read on and hopefully it will motivate you enough to
make your own plans in order to fulfill your dreams…
Text Laci Kobulsky
Photo Andre Magarao, drone shots Forest Bakker

n or
me true.”

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Trip
Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”
As I was mentioning about multiple dreams
coming true, the first one is mine, personal.
I was growing up as a not very sporty
kid (couldn’t do much good with the ball)
in a simple small country of Slovakia. My
childhood was during the 90’s right after
the democratic revolution, so traveling was
something very new to us. Basically any
journey behind our border was a big adventure!
Later in my life I found kitesurfing as
my passion and became rather talented in it,
thus making my un-sporty childhood concept
wrong. I always dreamed about traveling to
some remote paradise location and when I
was invited to a photoshoot with CrazyFly
that was supposed to happen on the catamaran
cruising the Caribbean, I was more
than thrilled. So the first dream to happen is
about the young kid making his big adventure
in the tropical paradise.
But what about the other dream? What if I
tell you that some 15 years ago there was a
small company established in a small country
that just escaped limitations of the communism,
had no see bordering the country,
no constant wind on lakes, but still aimed
to be one of the world’s leading kitesurfing
manufacturers? Well I think you guessed
out that I am talking about the brand Crazy-
Fly, company that started in Slovakia as a
board producer, but now made themselves
popular in the whole world with a full range
of products for kitesurfing. But what made
it so special about this particular trip? Well
the guys behind the brand always wanted
to “produce” equipment, but until this year
they had to outsource the production of the
kites. But this year they build another factory
just for sewing the kites, so 2017 product
range is 100% European made, thus making
the dream of CrazyFly came true.
But enough about our dreams and let’s hear
about our adventure! We landed in the island
of Grenada with the following company:
trip organizers Michal and Jakub from the
CrazyFly Company, PRO rider Liloo Gringa,
cameraman Forest Bakker & me. We boarded
the Zenith Ocean Voyage catamaran,
where lovely couple Ged and Andrea gave
us a warm welcome. Those guys have been
first to sail Caribbean to make commercial
kiteboarding trips, so we knew we were in
good hands. If you ever consider spending
some quality time in the Caribbean, I highly
recommend spending your money with
those two! The same evening two remaining
members arrived: cheerful rider Tommy
Gaunt (who just took a series of short flights
from his kite school in Anegada) and skillful
Brazilian photographer Andre Magarao. We

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Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”

shared couple of beers, watched the beautiful
night sky and went to sleep waiting for
the morning’s sail.
We headed south from Grenada towards
the islands of Grenadines, where captain
knew couple of nice spots for kiting. Wind
was pretty light during our sail but since
we were going directly against the wind
and waves, catamaran was rocking us pretty
hard. The first spot we visited was not
entirely the perfect kite spot, but it had its
charm. It had a simple and self-explanatory
name “Sandy Island”, basically it was a small
moon shaped piece of sand with a couple
of palms on it. Right after we dropped the
anchor I dived into the water and swam
to the beach, which felt great and got me
right into the island vibe. The wind was
light so it was the perfect time and place to
do some of those product shots, you often
see in brochures and product web pages.
The next morning was probably on the
top of my “Top 10 Mornings” list. I woke
up nicely rested in my cabin with the small
Sandy Island with palms on it right outside
my window. It was a great sight and start
of a day, really felt like a wake up in paradise!
Wind was a bit stronger, enough for
some bigger light wind kites so we were
able to jump into the water. Liloo did some
cruising shots, Tommy made a nice boardoff
and I managed to get some Darkslide
in front of Andre’s lens, one time even too
close with the spray on to his camera (sorry
Andre!). Forest did also some epic drone
shots, so we could conclude it was a really
eventful day! Even though the wind was
light, I somehow managed to kite for most
of the day so the evening I just dropped

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Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”

dead into my bed.
We had enough of the intro shots and it was
time to get some solid action. Forecast was
looking good so we decided to move to a
famous kite spot – Union Island. The spot is
well known for the various photographs, it
has a beautiful white beach and big shallow
area surrounded by the reef, making it ideal
for some freestyle action. We arrived late
afternoon and went straight for shooting! I
didn’t spent much time with the spot-check
and basically started jumping straight away,
only when I first crashed I realized the water
is too shallow and bottom consist mostly of
reef and shells, so I got myself some nice
souvenir scratches on my ass heh. As Tommy
is familiar with photoshoot with Andree
so he did his routine that scored him some
epic shots. At first I struggled a bit with getting
the right shot, since I was used to land
tricks mostly for video before and Andree
is quite demanding in his shots. For example
he wants to take only the shots when at
least one hand is off the bar, either passing
it or grabbing the board. So it took us some
time to find the right tricks that would look
good for him and the products, but in the
end it was great to be pushed for the new
stuff, since I always enjoy learning and experiencing
new things!
Another specialty of this spot was the really
tiny shell-made island called “”Happy
Island” hosting a nice small cozy bar. I
am sure you saw it at some point in some
pictures, it’s really amazing and the atmosphere
there during the evenings is sooo
chilled! We spent couple of days on this
spot, but the weather started to turn against
us. Rainy clouds were coming and forecast
was not looking too optimistic. In the Caribbean
during this period (June) the weather
can be really changeable, sunny without
any clouds in the sky and then suddenly in
half hour you can have the rain. The rains
are not hard and usually very short, without
the wind. Wind is usually good when there
are no clouds and sky is clear, since the sun
heat is creating the thermic wind effect in
the seas. We spent those days relaxing on
the boat, reading, listening to music and so
on, you know, boat life… We also decided it
was time for some change and headed for
the Mayreau Island.
It took us only a few hours to arrive at Salt
Whistle Bay in Mayreau Island and less then
few minutes to totally and completely amaze
me! The first thoughts after you see it are
“Wow, this is it – perfect paradise!” The spot

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Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”
was basically a short sandbank between two
islands with some tall beautiful palms on it.
On the beach you could find couple of local
bars and truly beautiful white sand beach.
On the upwind side of the island there were
some nice small wave kickers, on the downwind
side perfect flat. It would only be too
good if it wouldn’t be for all the boats harboring
in the downwind side, thus making
the flat spot really small and risky, but still
manageable to do some kiting.
It was here, when I had the most memorable
experience from our trip. We went down the
beach, pumped few kites and started shooting,
when few locals came to us with a protest
against our actions. They told us that
it’s forbidden to kite in the downwind side,
and even though we tried to explain them

that we were professionals who needed to shoot
some product shots, they were not very friendly
and willing to find a compromise. To their defense,
I have to say they were in the right. The
spot was really not suited for regular kiters since
there was a big threat from the boats downwind
and just upwind of the island there was a
huge space for kiting, but still we wanted to get
some of those “paradise shots” so we were pretty
bummed out. When we came back to the
boat and told our captain Ged about the situation,
he got fully into the “British Captain
mode” and started acting! He quickly made
some calls to the local authorities regarding
the situation (the most badass was the swift
military style spelling of our vessel name
Meercat “Mike, Echo, Echo, Romeo, Charlie,
Alpha, Tango”). The situation was handled

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with absolute success! After the Captain explained
that we had an international crew
making a televised documentary about the
location on board, not only we were allowed
to kite here for the next days, they sent us
a policeman (who was a very friendly fellow)
that was supposed to oversee that we were
not interrupted by the locals and left alone
to kite and shoot in the area. Simply wow!
The next day was full-on kite action! The
spot was indeed really small and limited,
but the content that we produced was truly
unique. It was only possible to jump here on
the right tack, since on the left side there
were too many boats. I think Tommy and
Liloo got the best shots on this spot from
the whole trip. Either with the epic sunset or
the palm trees in the background. Especially
Tommy’s butter slide with the orange sky
during the sunset, just perfect! I have this

weird thing that I mostly jump to the left,
so the place was not ideal for me, lesson
well learned and next year I have to come
better equipped, haha. During lunch time
I sneaked out for a private wave session,
giving me the much needed break from the
shooting. It was nice to ride just for fun for
a while, kickers were small but much, much
fun. Hey, and did I mention I spent my birthday
in this place?!
As a birthday present captain left me to steer
the catamaran to our next location, but the
excitement went down after I realized that
the boat is fully automated and after you set
the course all you have to do is sit and wait!
Well you can still switch to a manual mode
(which I did), but with a little, if zero sense.
The last spot of the trip was reserved for the
best place for freestyle – Frigate Bay. It was

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Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”
maybe not such a nature sight like the spots
before (but still we are talking about Caribbean
surroundings), but for the eyes of the
kiter it was sheer heaven! There was about
a kilometer long unfinished marina, that I
was told was financed from the Latino drug
money, but left unfinished after the “investors”
got arrested. These days it serves like
a perfect wave barrier creating ultimate flat
water on its downwind side. Wind was perfect,
water couldn’t be flatter and I believe
we all had our best sessions here. My best
time was probably during our last evening
when most of us were tired but I decided
to push it a bit more before we left. Liloo
also joined me for an evening session and
Andree took his camera with flashes. Out of
nowhere some rain showers arrived but also
with a strong wind, so Andree had to hide
with his camera, but I had quite some fun
jumping in the rain. Who could say, I would
have such an experience in sunny Caribbean!
After the rain I managed to get what I
believe were the best shots of me from our
trip and Liloo scored some epic sunset light
on the backgrounds of her shots as well.
After we docked back in the island of Grenada
we still had a full night of time, so we
decided to try local nightlife, which happened
to be number two most memorable
experience of our trip! We picked up the
random taxi driver at the front of the marina
and not only he drove us to the right places,
but stayed with us for the whole night!
He showed us the right places, gave us VIP
entrances, after the clubbing he drove us to
the hill with an overlook of the whole marina
and talked about the island’s history. What a
friendly and remarkable service, hats down!
At the end, we did not have the most ideal

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conditions during our trip. There were light
winds, rain and clouds in the sky half of the
time, but I think that this scarcity of time
with good conditions motivated us to get
the maximum out of it making the whole trip
more than successful. I guess the lesson
to be learned here is that life is not about
quantity of experiences, but the power of
them…

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Trip
Adventure of the lifetime in the Caribbean or “When the dreams come true.”
FOR THE BOX
Number of crew members – 9
Number of the days on the sea – 12
Number of visited kite spots – 4
Number of boardbags - 9
Number of consumed 33cl beers – 425 (!)
OTHER SPOTS
If you wish to visit the Caribbean Islands for kitesurfing, I highly
recommend to take kite cruise (preferably with Zenith Ocean Voyages)
and visit multiple spots, rather than staying in one place,
since most of them offer very different experience. On your “TO
GO” list there should be Union Island, Mayreau, Frigate Bay, but
I was told about other interesting spots: Tobago Cays offer stunning
66 square miles of flat and turquoise water to cruise, so for
any freerider it should be on the top of its list. Also you should
visit Petit Tabac, where famous movie Pirates of the Caribbean
was filmed!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laci Kobulsky is a 27 years old professional kitesurfer for Crazy-
Fly Kites, Horsefeathers Clothing and BigShock Energy. He finished
his master in Marketing in Rotterdam and among his other
passions there are snowboarding and film making. Currently he
works as a marketing manager for the kite station ProKite Alby
Rondina in Sicily.

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International
distributors
meeting

ITW Roberta Pala | Text Federico Sugoni
Photo Svetlana Romanstova/Courtesy RRD
Just like every past year, when we get the invitation to the RRD international
meeting, a smile appears on our faces, that’s because if on one hand it's
good to spend few days in the beautiful Tuscany it's even better if you do
so with the RRD family and their new toys.
The bay of Talamone is again the scenery for the 2016 presentation of the
new RRD materials, masterfully described, one by one, by the enthusiastic
boss, Roberto Ricci. That's right, Roberto embodies more than anyone else
the entrepreneur who can shape the company in his own image and likeness,
by always being on the front line, just like when the new products are
tested and Roberto is always the first to get into the water and the last one
to leave at the end of the day.

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This obsessive attention to all the product lines, Kite, Windsurfing, SUP,
Surfboards, Wetsuits, accessories, is particularly palpable in the 2017
range where, once again, the brand is reinventing itself and redefines its
concept of style, shifting each product to the refined Razzle Dazzle graphic
concept and towards the two new dominant colours of the brand orange/
black.
A new look even more modern and rigorous that underlines the will of the
brand to increase the technical contents by focusing the offer and developing
products with high technological contents. Therefore, once again, the
research is at the basis of the development with several technical choices
unique at worldwide level, from the anti-stretch lines to the shape of some
surfboards, to a kite without bladder and so on.
Another pleasant change comes from the freestyle competitions, where
finally RRD has made its own place with a richer team made of prominent
athletes and a product, the Obsession PRO, which got the overall consensus
placing itself among the most extreme kites (also very much appreciated
by a certain Ruben Lenten ...).

ITW ROBERTO RICCI
KS_Hi Roberto, what can you tell us
about the 2017 meeting? What are the
overall considerations for the event?
RR_Ciao Roberta, the distributor meeting
was a great success! We had around 110
people attending the meeting. These were
distributors from more than 45 different
countries, team riders, media and product
designers.
We presented the upcoming Kite, Windsurf,
Surf, SUP, wetsuits, harnesses and apparel
collection which included 300 boards,
90 kites, 70 windsurfing sails and the full
wetsuit and harness line plus clothing. I am
pretty sure that RRD is the most complete
brand out there at the moment. I am very
excited to release this collection to the
public.
KS_RRD chose to present the products at
different times of the year, how come
such strategy?
RR_We choose to only deliver what’s truly
new and improved.
We are always moving forward with full
power in all of our departments and are
non-stop when it comes to developing
products which is a continuous flow of
research and development for us. It’s only
when we have a design that’s working
significantly better than its predecessor,
that our production department chooses to
bring it to the market.
This unique approach does away with the
‘here today, gone tomorrow’ culture. We
are proud to see the average product life
in our catalogue range from two to four
years, ensuring that your hard earned purchase
of today is still the product of your
dreams tomorrow.
KS_What can you already tell us about
the 2017 products? Great news or small
improvements to the already excellent
products of this great Italian brand?
RR_This is the first completely new release
after nine years. Because we decided to
change the logo along with the corporate
outlook, we had to stop the time table and
change all of the graphics throughout the
entire collection. The new cohesive look
was presented at the distributor meeting
in May. It was on that day we combined all
the new releases along with the new graphic
outlook and presented them as one complete
collection. Normally, products are
released periodically during the year with
continuous updates only when the product
is ready for the market and has been properly
tested. This is our company philoso-

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phy. For this year, Year 22, we started from
scratch to provide the collection a radical
new look that embodies our attention to
detail, high quality design, and non stop
research and development.
KS_The choice to have the meeting in a
location very close to the factory, surely
had some advantages, no need to travel
long distances with the materials, what
were the conditions like? Did you manage
to make people try all the gear?
RR_Yes, last meetings were in Cape Town
and Mauritius, so it was time to mix this up
with a location that has conditions that are
more realistic to the daily life of our average
customer. We make such a wide range
of gear that there were always conditions
to do something; SUP in the mornings and
windsurf and kite when the thermic wind
picked up in the afternoon. We had light
and stronger winds, so we could test all the
sizes and the different types of gear.
KS_The RRD team: by now there are historical
riders within the brand, when a
rider joins RRD he/she becomes part of
a big family and remains even after his/
her career as a rider by actively taking
part to product testings…
RR_Correct! We work very closely together
with our riders that become part of
the ‘family’, so next to events, demo’s and
shoots, they are also very much involved

with the non-stop R&D. After years of experience
it would be a loss to not work with
these talented riders anymore because
of their incredible knowledge and understanding
of our products.
For the kite department we have Werther
Castelletti who is the kite designer that
gives the main guidelines and is responsible
for the R&D team. Team Rider Abel
Lago as the main kite tester. Next to that
we have different team riders for different
disciplines like Kari Schibevaag for the girls
department and our freestyle team consisting
of Alex Neto, Jerrie van de Kop, Adeuri
Corniel, Julien Leleu, Adam Super and
Forest Bakker for the hardcore gear like
the Obsession Pro with the Juice or Poison.
Furthermore, we have people all over the
world that test our gear year round and
give their feedback.
KS_A very wide line of boards and sails,
last year I asked you an opinion on the
tendency in the race discipline, and now
the foilboard world is going crazy, what
is the position of RRD in relation to this
new trend that is becoming increasingly
popular?
RR_Hydrofoils are the future!
We will release our hydrofoil with board
around October of this year, this will have
3 different mast lengths, so for all rider
levels a choice and you don’t have to buy
a whole new foil when you improve. The

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mast is aluminium and the fuselage and
wings from carbon.
KS_Which are the countries where the
brand has more strength?
RR_RRD is pretty solid throughout all of
Europe, Italy, France, Germany, and the
Northern part of Europe. Eastern Europe
and Japan are also doing very well. We
are excited to implement a completely
new strategy for kiteboarding in the USA.
We have been solid with windsurfing and
SUP in the US for many years and will now
be focusing on kiteboarding. We are also
working with a new Agent in Australia. Australia
will be seeing a solid presence of RRD
as well. Obviously we are strong in Cape
Town, South Africa because it is where I
live a big part of the year and where we do
a lot of testing. I am pleased to say that
you can find RRD all over the planet.
KS_Tell us about the 2017 products that
will be presented this summer.
RR_We will soon release the new Vision and
Emotion kite; the Vision was introduced 6
years ago as an ‘entry-level’ allround kite
which has now came into its own as a real
all terrain machine for any level. Over the
years this kite has undergone many changes.
The shape is now more open which
increases the turning speed and provides
less bar pressure. The bridles and the pigtails
are also shorter. Overall, the new features
distinguish the Vision as a wonderful
kite for all freeriders and wave kiters who
still enjoy a kite that jumps exceptionally
high.

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The Emotion is our strutless light wind
weapon which is available in 17.0, 14.5, and
12.0 meter sizes. The lack of struts do not
hold this kite back from having great hang
time and boosting power while at the same
time being a practical kite that packs 30%
smaller than a conventional 3 strut kite
KS_Can you take us through the two new
surfboard shapes? Rocket and Spark?
RR_The RRD Rocket is a brand new board
for freeriding. This bullet is packed with
speed, easy acceleration, early planing,
and loads of control. Best suited in the
flats, chop, or small waves, this surfboard
will get you through those marginal conditions.
The Rocket is a short board with
a wide nose and tail, equipped with flat
scoop rockerline, more volume in the middle
section, and narrow rails. Thin rails and
extra floatation make this board excellent
for strapless freestyle manoeuvres and
Joseph
increases its light wind performance. Rail
to rail directional changes and high speed
turns are much easier due to the Spiral V
bottom, the deep double concave, and the
squash tail.
Additionally, the back fins are at a 0 degree
angle. This feature enables the board to be
suited as a freeride board more than any
other boards in the line. Unlike the front
fins that are angled towards the nose to
keep the nose of the board down, the back
fins do not point towards the nose. This
ensures the back fins have no drag and
they are truly free. The Rocket can achieve
more speed and go faster, hence the name
of the board.
The Rocket provides great freeriding performance
and is an ideal choice as the first

introduction into a directional board. Propel
yourself to new heights with the RRD
Rocket V1!
The new RRD Spark is in its own program.
It blends the Assopigliatutto and the Chiatta
to create a unique all-round performer.
This combination paired with a COTAN
shape, defines the Spark as a premium
board that is truly the perfect shape for all
conditions.
This board is the ideal choice for those who
are torn between the Rocket and the Cotan.
The Spark shines bright during strapless
freestyle, provides early planing for
incredible light wind performance, and still
maintains proper wave riding characteristics
in side-onshore or side-offshore conditions.
Equipped with easy to ride parallel
rails, a very straight outline, and extremely
thin, but really wide nose to tail, the Spark
feels extremely comfortable and follows
your line while cranking that bottom turn.
The board is exceptionally stable as the
nose does not lift up and down. Before we
had two boards that do it all, now we have
the Spark.
KS_As a brand you are also very active
within the Windsurf, SUP and surf markets.
Which is your biggest market at
the moment?
RR_It’s between kitesurfing and windsurfing.
This is because we have been in the
windsurfing market for a quite a long time
and this market is slightly bigger. With
SUP being the fastest growing market at
the moment, we have been putting quite a
bit of effort towards these products. It is
important for me not to focus on all these
markets at the same time, that’s why we
work with different product managers for
every type of sport. They relieve me of the

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challenge of focusing on every discipline all
of the time. I am particularly involved with
kitesurfing and windsurfing. These are my
main passions and the two disciplines that
I have been doing for most of my life.
KS_How much crossover is there between
the sports in terms of technology
and materials?
RR_A lot, we are always looking at all the
different sports to learn from the different
materials that are being used and then try
them out in other sports from composites
to inflatables. If you are always looking at
just one way of producing product you get
stuck. We like to stay open-minded and
work with new technologies and materials.

When we are working on a new product in
kitesurfing, we are always analyzing what
is happening at that moment with those
materials in the other water sports like
surf, wakeboard, sup and windsurf. We
try to integrate different approaches to
all water related sports into our products.
From board designs, to fin set-up, to finishing
systems, it is actually endless, and
always interesting to learn from each other.
A good example is the C.O.T.A.N. (Cut
off tail and nose) shape that started in the
surf shapes and is now very popular in kite,
windsurf and SUP. The same can be said
for our inflatable boards that are the future
in SUP and Windsurf.
KS_What do you expect for the future of
RRD?
RR_I really expect the establishment to
grow in the high end of the market. The
products are already there but I aim to
push the brand more and more towards
the higher end. Each year we are creating
more and more personalized products. I
would not call the products custom but we
are custom makers and we know how to
make the high end, custom made products
that the top tier innovators want to ride.
I also expect to see a great synergy with
clothing and technical goods. Very few people
know that our apparel/surf wear has
moved into high fashion. RRD is now being
recognized as fashion and can be found in

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reputable boutiques throughout the country.
I would like to combine the equipment
and the fashion at the highest level in the
future. But speaking of what is in store for
my nearest future, it is time to go foiling!

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Sicily Meeting Indipendent Distributor 2017
Text Roberta Pala | Photo Laci Kbulsky, James Boulding, Roberta Pala

SICILY MEETING
INDIPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR
Prokitealbyrondina.com – Stagnone (Sicily)
From June 27th to 30th, in Sicily, the natural reserve of Stagnone (Italian for “the
big lagoon”), also where Alberto Rondina opened its Pro Center, hosted the Cabrinha
Independent Distributors meeting, during which all the 2017 season news
and innovations have been presented. A packed audience of journalists from all
corners of Europe together with Cabrinha distributors attended the presentation
of all the materials and tested them on the windy waters of the Stagnone, getting
some extra advice thanks to Alberto Rondina, James Boulding and the young
2015 World Champion Liam Whaley. There are two big novelties for 2017, first of
all, Fireball, the new innovative system that will revolutionize the way we connect
to our kite and Apollo, the new kite for freeride and hangtime high performances,
perfect for foilboard riding, which currently represents the increasingly
lively stream in the kite market.

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On June 28th, in the morning, we all gathered
in the room dedicated to the presentation
of the materials, the enthusiastic
Cabrinha CEO, Mike Raper, immediately
opened the meeting with the most amazing
revolution in recent years, Fireball. It all
started with a great video, voice and images
of the patron Pete Cabrinha, and the incisive
action of Cabrinha riders which made
everybody want to try the novelty.
What should be emphasized is that the
typical buyer is mainly, that means about
80% of the practitioners, a hooked freerider,
and that's exactly the target to which
Cabrinha turns to with his Fireball. A revolutionary
connection system replacing
the chicken loop, completely new, with a
minimalist and clean design. A functionality
that overturns the entire load of forces and
motility of the connection to your kite.
It has been shown that Fireball reduces by
50% the force exerted on the rider's body
compared to the conventional chicken loop
connection system. It's a ball housed in
its own specific socket on a spreader bar,
27 cm long and adaptable to 95% of harnesses
on the market. The Spreader Bar is
even curver than the traditional ones so
to better adapt to the body. The locking
system can be actuated as easily as with
just one finger and once locked Fireball
allows essentially all of the 360​° move-

ments, which would be impossible with a
traditional chicken loop. The trim line is
very close. The upward traction also avoids
the harness from going upwards as it often
happens, and you get a feeling of freedom
without any harness rotations while riding
toeside for example or blind. Alberto
Rondina explained us everything in detail
in a beautiful video that you can watch on
our YouTube channel and by clicking on
the TV link on the same page. However the
question arose on the use of Fireball in
the unhooked riding. Alberto said that he
tried it unhooked too but also that Cabrinha
is studying a variant especially for
wakestyle riders. The safety release is very
close to the socket, making its activation
easier in case of emergency as well as its
subsequent reconnection. Once the release
system is triggered, Fireball does not
get expelled hence unlike the traditional
system there is no need to reinsert the
chicken loop end onto its security system.
I have tested it myself in the water only
in freeride, accentuating the toeside and
blind movements and Fireball does actually
follow all of your body movements,
giving a feeling of fluidity to your riding. It
comes in three lengths the 21.5 standard,
23 and 25 and in case you wish to get back
to a traditional chicken loop, you just need
to unscrew the terminal above the quick
release by using an Allen key. The bar got
some overall improvements, for example,

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Sicily Meeting Indipendent Distributor 2017
lifting, speed and upwind important performances.
It is designed to achieve maximum
performances in freeriding and hangtime
and to satisfy hydrofoil lovers. It has 5
struts, a feeling on the bar on all sizes as
well as medium pressure on it. Every participant
to the meeting expressed a favourable
opinion and those coming from areas
where you need a high performance kite in
light wind conditions, used it repeatedly to
fully enjoy its benefits. Apollo is also faster
than the other kites of same size.
the landing line steel stopper is now "stainless
steel stopper"; a new grip at the center
with a more durable and soft texture. The
spinning head is a two-piece stainless,
easier to change and the pig tail is now in
orange and black.
The second big news for season 2017 is
Apollo, a kite with a very flat profile, with
an exclusive Pro Pan Extreme, distributed
in such a way that most of the surface is
actually working on the kite to give great
As far as the other 2017 Cabrinha kites are
concerned they have all had the one pump
Sprint System modified, making it easier to
deflate and with a more ergonomic aspect.
The lines are also different with less possibility
of stretching and intertwining. In
relation to Cabrinha historical kites, the
freestyle machine Chaos with 4 + 2 lines,
used by the 2015 World Champion Liam
Whaley, is now also available in size 5.5 sq.
m. The FX, on top of its new lines and the
new one pump Sprint System, had its panels
cut differently and it is actually the kite
which received the best opinions throughout
the test: fast, with an exceptional feeling
on the bar and excellent performances
both for hooked and unhooked riding and
excellent results in wave riding too. This
year is also available in size 5 sq. m. Cabrinha
other historical kite, Switchblade is
now at its 12th season and it didn't see
any major changes from last year when it

underwent fundamental changes. This is
the perfect freeride performance kite also
perfect for making progresses when riding
hooked. The Ride gets two additional sizes,
5 sq. m and the small 3.5 sq. m. It represents
the most versatile kite for Cabrinha,
which was also changed a lot last year and
it is good for the beginner and upwards, it
is absolutely multipurpose. The Drifter, the
wave rider's kite, this year comes also in
sizes 10 and 11 sq. m. After the introduction
of both onshore and offshore tuning
options, this is the ultimate kite basically
in all wave riding conditions. The 2017 kite
overview ends with the Contra, the kite for
light wind, in 2017 it will be also available

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Sicily Meeting Indipendent Distributor 2017
in size 19 sq. m and it has had its profile
improved getting this way more support
from the canopy and now with the Pure
Profile Panels. It's a three struts kite, light
as a light wind kite should be, with small
diameter struts to make it lighter, with an
excellent power and speed and an easy
water relaunch.
As far as the boards are concerned, the
most notable changes were those made to
wave boards, which are now more resilient
but also lighter, the overall volume decreased
although the volume at the centre
increased, the concave deck favours the
strapless riding and the rail shape makes
them easier to grab. Fin inserts are compatible
with future fins. There are three
boards, the S Quad for the most radical
riding on big waves, sizes 5'7" and 5'9",
for side or on shore waves conditions.

The Spade, sizes 5'3" and 5'6", a thruster
designed for surfing in most conditions
and for strapless freestyle and the Squid
Launcher, sizes 5'2 " and 5'5", which performs
at its best in freestyle surfing.
For the Foilboard, the Double Agent this
year is faster, it has a new outline, a new V
concave on the tail and lighter lamination
with 10% less weight compared to the previous
model. The mast sizes are 85 cm or
60 cm, it is a fantastic board even for beginners.
In Sicily it was the first time I ever
tried a Foilboard and taking off and finding
yourself flying on the water was such an
amazing feeling! Without the hydrofoil it
can be used as surf skim, it has a similar
shape to the twin tip, with the thin edge,
sizes 155 cm or 145 cm. The hydrofoil has
now a new plug in system so to avoid the
"leaky bucket" effect, the pieces are now

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Sicily Meeting Indipendent Distributor 2017
joined by screws for an easier assembly. It
is an easy water start board and the nose
doesn't go underwater.
Finally the 2017 Cabrinha materials overview
ends with the twin tip, amongst which
the board to get more changes was the
ACE, totally redesigned for 2017. This year
the ACE has wider tips and less curving and
it has also a new rocker to improve upwind
performances and a new lamination that
makes it 10% stronger, without increasing
its weight. This is the board for the freestyle/freeride
rider, a versatile board for
most kite practitioners. Toghether with the
ACE, there are the other historical Cabrinha
boards, such as the freestyle machines CBL
and the board for those more radical riders,
the competition one, the XCal. Then

the Spectrum for freeriding and the Stylus
for freeriding especially in light wind conditions.
The Cabrinha twin tip overview
wraps up with the Tronic, the freeride, big
air and wave board with great carving performances
which makes it the best choice
for chopped water and for playing on small
waves.
They have been three intense days, with
the magic of the Stagnone and its spectacular
sunsets, navigating amongst its islets.
It was such a great pleasure having the opportunity
to test the entire Cabrinha range.
We were pampered by Alberto Rondina,
Christian Torrens and Mike Raper, with
James Boulding and Liam Whaley who were
also available to our every question and
need, thanks! We cannot forget Riki Muglia,

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Sicily Meeting Indipendent Distributor 2017
returning from many years of experience in
Uruau, to whom we owe the whole organization
on site. We also thank the legendary
photographer Laci Kobulský and Agata
Dobrzynska, as well as the entire staff Alby
Rondina ProKite.
That's all for now until next time ... for the
2018 testing materials... or for a fun session
all together....

DEDICATED TO
T HE DE TAILS
2017 NAISH INFLATABLE COLLECTION
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NaishStandUpPaddling NaishSUP naishSUP.com
Photo: E. Aeder, Rider: Bernd Roediger

164
BASIC STRAPLESS
Pop
Basic Strapless
The first step is to flex your knees, compact
your body and take a good speed,
at the same time start to bring your kite
up.
Search for a small wave or chop and hit
it hard with speed, try to take off with
the board a bit upwind but not too much,
keep bringing the kite to the top and let
your back-hand off the bar.

text Abel Lago | photo Martin Rendo
Keep the balance with the back-hand
and with the front one keep some pressure
on the bar but don’t push too hard
on it.
At the top of the jump, push the board
with your back foot versus the wind, this
will keep the board glued to you, and release
the bar pressure a bit.

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BASIC STRAPLESS
Pop
When you start to come down is the most
critical part of the jump because if you
push too hard on the bar you will move
away from the board, so the best thing to
do is to release the pressure on the bar
and keep pushing the board through the
wind.
Just a meter before touching the water you
have to bring the kite forward and get ready
for the impact which could be really
hard if the wind is strong.

One of the most important tips is to never bring
the kite to the zenith otherwise you will get hanging
from the harness and you will lose contact
with the board.
And another important tip is to let your back-hand
off the bar or your body will be too straight and it
will be harder to put the bottom of the board facing
the wind.
When you land you must be ready for
the impact, flex your knees and put a lot
of pressure on the bar to bring the kite
forward. Always try to land with the tail
of the board first and the nose facing
downwind.
As soon as you are on the water, grab the
bar with the back-hand, start to face the
nose of the board upwind and move your
kite fast up and down to keep going.

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STORY
Homestory Sky Solbach

Homestory
Sky Solbach
Testo e foto Axel Reese / reemedia.de / Liquid Eye

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STORY
Homestory Sky Solbach
“So, only 14 days left and one turkey must be
gone!" says Sky Solbach quite incidentally while
standing with his wife Kristin in a turkey enclosure,
"our Thanksgiving party is just around the
corner!“
The couple have built up a mini-farm in Waiehu
on Maui, and therefore a turkey will be slaughtered
in celebration of the North-American Thanksgiving
tradition. Both feel strongly connected
to nature. Kristin sits again on a tractor – claiming
vigorously- “working with agriculture must
be done”. As well as turkeys, they own goats and
hens. Just two years ago, the young couple acquired
some property in Waiehu, westwards of
Kahului on Maui. Once Taro was grown on that
surface, which was the staple food of Hawaiians.
“We would like to replant Taro plants in our garden
all the way to the Waihu river”, Sky explains.
The beautiful Waiehu river winds directly up to
the property, on which the couple has built their
beautiful home with a lot of in-house effort. “Please
leave your car just up the street”, clearly, the
ramp has got a firm ground and thus there is still
a lot to do on the house and grounds.”
Somewhere on the property we discover Sky`s
shaperoom or better “Shapehouse”. “I had just
built the house in a heave-ho action!” added the
wakeboard shaper of North Kiteboarding with
a lot of enthusiasm. He works intensively in the
shape room. Currently there are prototypes of the
model "Nugget“ and “Pro CSC”. After continued
conversation about board shapes you can clearly
notice that the 32-years old makes the shaping

with great passion and professionalism.
Additonally, all prototypes have been tested by
himself on Maui. Within 5 minutes walk maximum,
just down the road towards the water you
can find yourself in Waiehu - his favorite spot.
The spot provides onshore conditions with mostly
lighter winds than in Kanaha. Outside there
are two meters high waves and close to the beach
there are still good kicker waves. Not only Sky
goes there for his strapless kitesurfing. It is more
a local scene that meets here in direct vicinity to
the golf course. Patri McLaughlin, Jesse Richman
and others often drop by over here.
A kitesurfing tourist will hardly ever appear here
in Waiehu. „For short sessions and for testing
boards and kites Waiehu is the best place”, Sky
says, “meanwhile I am driving down and spend
two hours on the water and afterwards I can continue
working in the shape- workshop”. And after
work? “In the evening we climb the river Waihu up
to the waterfalls. At the first hundred meters, we
still see people, but then we are totally alone with
the nature!”

172
STORY
Homestory Sky Solbach
Kristin:
“When I started with Kitesurfing, I realized quickly
that I really must have to go to Maui, the sky
always looked more blue, the hills even greener,
the water clearer than the domestic Baltic Sea
in Germany - simply magical. Magic- Maui. Since
2003, I have been flown to Maui every year and
every time this was an amazing experience and I
got caught up quickly with the kitescene.“
AR_The development department of North Kiteboarding
was relocated in 2013 from Australia
to Maui/Hawaii. Have you been moved too
because of this?
SS_We spent about 6 years developing kites and
boards in Western Australia and I really loved
it there and it was a great place to test. During
those years we were actually traveling between
The Gorge, Maui and Australia following the seasons
to be able to test all year long. Eventually
it became quite challenging to constantly pack
everything up and move every few months, so we
decided that Maui was the place that offered the
best mix of testing conditions and a year-round
season. So, yes, I was moved there for work basically.
AR_In addition to your marriage with Kristin,
buying a huge property in Waiehu/Maui and the
building of your house and several in-house efforts
as well as the farming and so on, it looks
like a good load additionally to your normal job!
SS_The good thing about my job is that I am
flexible in my hours. If it’s windy I am obviously
on the beach for most of the day testing gear, but
I can shape boards and do other work on my own

schedule. For those 6 months or so while we were
building the house, Kristin and I were definitely not
sleeping much, but things are pretty much back to
normal now.
AR_What does Maui mean for you?
SS_Maui is a special place for me. I really like places
where you can really feel the raw nature and where
you feel part of it. Maui has a really unique feeling
that I have not felt anywhere else in the world. The
Hawaiians call it “Mana”, which basically means life
force. I guess what I really like about Maui is feeling
close to nature. I love that I can live in a place where
I have access to some of the best and biggest waves
in the world within minutes of my house. I love that
I can have a farm and grow my own food and live
closer to nature.
AR_In consideration of the above mentioned issues,
is it difficult for you to even think about leaving
the island?
SS_It’s often difficult to leave Maui, but I still love traveling
to new places. Sometimes it’s nice to get away
just so that you can come back home again and really
appreciate how amazing it is to call Hawaii home.

174
STORY
Homestory Sky Solbach
AR_When we told you two days ago, that we
would like to go kiting with you, you answered
immediately, “sure, we will go out tomorrow in
Waiehu!” Is that your favorite spot?
SS_I have a lot of favorite spots on Maui. It all depends
on the wind direction and what the waves
are doing. Kaneohe is definitely the most reliable
spot to kite on Maui, but if you know where to
go on certain days you can get away from the
crowds and find some really nice waves.
AR_On the one hand you tested kites with kite-designer
Ken Winner and on the other hand
you shape wavesboard for North Kiteboarding.
What do you consider to be your greater passion?
SS_I enjoy designing, testing, creating any and all
gear as long as it is something that I am excited
about riding myself! Obviously I love riding waves,
so designing surfboards is a great passion
for me. But I am equally excited to ride a new Neo
prototype or to test a new Rebel that I can go out
and do huge jumps, which is another aspect of
kiteboarding that I still really love and enjoy.

AR_Keyword “riding waves”. Your family has a
surfing background!
SS_Yes, my mom’s side of the family has a pretty
interesting history in surfing. My mom’s brother
(my uncle), Rusty Miller, is pretty much a surfing
legend. He was the first guy to surf Uluwatu in
Bali and also surfed some pretty historical big
wave sessions in Hawaii in the 60s and 70s. He
now lives in Byron Bay, Australia and I still go visit
him sometimes and I have some really great memories
surfing with him when I was a kid. He’s a
real living legend.
AR_Keyword “designing surfboards”. How do
you do the features on the boardshapes?
SS_New boards and board designs come from
the need to have something new/different to suit
a certain riding style or conditions. I am constantly
working on new shapes and over time they just
evolve into something that makes sense within
our range. Sometimes the goal is more targeted
and we know that we want a certain type of board
to fit a certain target group and other times
a design just evolves organically into something
that fits. It’s always different.

176
STORY
Homestory Sky Solbach
AR_“It´s always different”. To what extent does
the Hawaiian islands of Maui with their surf culture
support you?
SS_Well, besides just having great conditions to
test new gear, it’s also great to be surrounded
by surfing and surf culture. It’s pretty crazy how
Maui has always been at the forefront of new developments
in water sports over the years. From
windsurfing to tow surfing to kiting and now big
wave surfing, Maui always seems to be a breeding
ground for crazy new ideas and I love that
about Maui!
AR_Our last question. What do you do apart
from shaping boards, testing, and house and
property…?
SS_I play guitar and sing a bit, but just for fun.
Occasionally I get together with some friends and
we make some noise and pretend we are rock
stars jamming in the garage, but music is definitely
not my strongest talent (laughs)! I also try
to stay healthy by eating good food and doing
regenerative exercise like yoga and stretching.
I’m not the kind of guy to go to the gym and lift
weights though. I have enough physical work to
do around the house!

178
GIRL POWER
We’re not just girls!

We’re
not just
girls!
I’m a girl who enjoys wave riding, and
of course I need gear that both fits me
technically and that has a good look.
The fact that girls are kiting is nothing
new and there’s more and more of us
every year. It’s not easy to find a kite
beach without girls - whether you like it
or not.
text Kari Schibevaag
photo Svetlana Romanstova

180
GIRL POWER
We’re not just girls!
The gear is important to have fun out there.
I’m a small girl who’s been kiting for a while,
and I know that it’s not fun to ride a board
the same size as the one a 100 kg guy rides.
I need gear that fits my style of riding and
my size.
I’ve worked a lot with RRD, pushing them
to make smaller boards. So I’m thrilled that
they’ve now released three boards that are
perfect for girls (and small guys ) who are
serious about riding waves. Here’s an introduction
to each of them:
C.o.t.a.n. - improves your riding
The first board I will talk about is the cotan.
I love this board for small to medium waves,
and if the wind is onshore/sideshore. I’m
using the 4.10 but you can go for a 5.2 if you
are a taller girl. Only reading the size here
you might think it’s too small, but trust me:
The cotan has to be small: about 6 inches
smaller then what you would normally ride
Cotan stands for ’Cut Off Tail And Nose and
that’s why you can go so small.
The Cotan is also good for strapless jumping.
It’s really easy to get out of the water
and to land on it. You will for sure have fun
riding this board in onshore choppy conditions.
It turns fast, you control easily it in
the water and you will improve your riding.

Cotan is also an easy board to travel with
since it’s so small.
Maquina - makes me smile
This board is my favourite board for medium
to bigger waves and sideshore conditions.
I’m using 5.6 which is the smallest.
This board is really stable. When you are
in bigger waves and you need a board that
you can trust all the time, then this board is
your weapon of choice
It really cuts all small choppy waves that occurs
when it’s windy, and the turns are easy.
This board made me smile after a hard time
finding a board that can be controlled strapless
and strapped, in big waves.
If you are a taller girl you can go for 5.7 but
I prefer 5.6
strapped-in riding, but you can of course
also go strapless. Barracuda is a really fast
board that keeps up the speed. If you want
to go full power and ride fast, this is the
board for you.
When you’re riding waves you want a good
board. It’s a toy but it’s important that it fits
your style! I hope this introduction to RRD’s
new boards will help you find the one that
fits you!
Some final advices
Fins
Choose your fins wisely when you’re putting
your gear together. A fin can make a big difference
for the board and it’s wise to swop
fins in different conditions.
Bigger and stiffer fins helps the board getting
more stable, just like you want it in bigger
waves. But remember that the turn also
will be tougher because you have to push
harder to let the fin loose the grip a bit.
In smaller waves I use smaller and more
flexible fins to make the board turn faster.
Barracuda - keeps up the speed
This board is designed and tested by Ralf
Bachshuster. It comes in 5.4 and it’s what
I am riding. It’s specially designed for

182
GIRL POWER
We’re not just girls!
Straps
Also one last thing. When you start riding
waves, put on your straps. Then you will
have much more fun and hit the waves ten
times harder.
See you in the waves!
Kari

184
News
Kite Art
Kite Art
Do you remember your first kitesurfing course? When the
instructor insisted on telling you that you shouldn't watch the
kite? Well, it's time to contradict him and be the beginner you
were once. Yes, you read that right, because that is what happens
if you have one of these flying works of art.
"Kite Art" creates them with
the goal of merging art and kitesurf"
The basic concept is to decontextualize
the kite from being
just a playful object, which
should only exist outdoors and
give it life in other places too,
not necessarily outdoors and
with the wind. I therefore add
precise and strong messages
which are meant to convey
emotions and become food for
thought.
The history of Kite Art
The initial idea was to apply the
Japanese Kintsugi philosophy
to the kite. Initially, the hardest
thing was facing the scepticism
about the good outcome in terms
of performance of the kite.
However that scepticism vanished
as soon as the kite got
flying and then the following request
was whether it would be
possible to have more "coloured
patches", a bit like saying: "Pretend
it is broken on several parts
and add more colour!" And
that's how in 2012 the first kite
was born signed with the Kite
Art pseudonym. Since then, the
main issue has become not having
enough time to realise all
the various ongoing projects.

Text Francesco Ponti
Photo Andreea Merci e Francesco Ponti

186
News
Kite Art
Projects
Except for brief excursus into
the world of static and acrobatic
kites, kite works approach
different forms of art which
for now are limited to literature,
music and painting.
Not least the kite series totally
free from any popular artistic
form named "Kite Free". These
are very different amongst
themselves in terms of style,
they're like graphic research
studios. Every project is a "work
in progress" to which new ideas
are continuously added to
the existing ones, in an endless
crescendo.
Literature
Two kites dedicated to it. The
first is the story of "The Little
Prince" by Saint-Exupéry and
it is a mix between the popular
pictures of the book and a
graphic composition exercise.
The second one, which somewhat
cynically was called
"Parole al vento” (“Words in
the wind”) is inspired by Shakespeare,
Hesse, Joyce and Cervantes.
The idea behind it is
to bring back up, through the
images and words, the themes
addressed by the four authors
which are: the awareness of the
problem at the basis of existence,
in other words the disappointment
that mankind suffers
in front of reality through the
"Don Quijote"; the ambition, the
violence, the fate and the free
will with the Macbeth by Shakespeare
and with "Finnegans
Wake", by James Joyce, the death/resurrection
and fall/regeneration,
eventually concluding
through the consideration and
emotion with the "Das Glasperlenspiel"
by Hermann Hesse.
Music
“Music to my eyes” “Musica ai
miei occhi”. These works carry
a lot of irony. Music 'steals' the
sensorial domain to sight where
this path continues as a studio
to face new technical and
expressive solutions.
"Jazz" offers a jazz orchestra
that, in my opinion, represents
the "20th century classical music"
to which I am particularly
fond of.
"Canto", (Italian for “Song”), is a
series of situations to face the
world of the voice and singing.
Different faces intent in the act
of singing. I liked the idea of
enhancing the voice, first-ever
musical instrument that we all
have from birth but often forgotten
as such.
"Bach" which aided by the piano
and a piece of the aria of the
Goldberg Variations, stands as
the supreme and impassable
homage to the art of musical
composition.
Painting
Getting a painting to fly can be
quite easy, all it takes is four wires
at its ends!
These kites arise from remakes
and free interpretations of the
works of the great painters. Trespassing
on territories such as
graphic design and street art is
a must. The two painters currently
addressed are Fortunato

Depero and Keith Haring.
Kite Free
These are art works not related
to any specific subject matter,
they arise from fantasy sailing
at 360° in total freedom of
expression and free from any
pre-existing structure. There
are kites which have been commissioned
under this project as
well kites born from inspiration
by specific people, dedicated to
them and belonging to them.
Realisation
I adopt a consolidated modus
operandi. The beginning is an
idea that turns into the thought
of the picture. The latter
gets then drawn by hand or by
computer. With the final draft, I
proceed to the realization of the
die on a 1.1 scale then through
different methods, depending
on its complexity and size, I reproduce
it with the fabric (spinnaker).
The last step is to bring
everything on the kite. I never
make an accurate calculation of
the time it takes to make a kite.
On average it takes about one
hundred hours for each kite,
except the time between the
initial idea and its mental processing.

188
News
Kite Art
The future
Continuing the existing projects
and start on those ones that
are impatient to get out of the
drawer. The interest is directed
to the creation of kites that besides
maintaining the graphic
uniqueness are also research
and development studios for
new aerodynamic solutions.
A wink to those companies looking
for ways to stand out
through advertising campaigns.
Contacts
kiteart@libero.it
Facebook page: Kite Art

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

190
PRODUCT FOCUS
ION Muse
Product focus
ION MUSE
www.ion-products.com
Text Couresty ION
Photo Mario Entero and Courtesy Ion
Temperatures are rising ladies
and we’ve got a smoking hot
surprise for you! Introducing
ION’s cute collection of shorties
that combine sophistication
with a little bit of cheekiness.
Choose from four designs
to complement your style, and
check out the innovative zipless
option. The MUSE is a must-have
for any water women striving
to look good, feel good and have
all the protection they need in
warmer climates.
KEY FEATURES
Flex and stretch in comfort.
Against harmful UV rays and
cooler days. 3 deliciously sexy
and sophisticated designs.
SIZES 34/XS 36/S 38/M 40/L
42/XL
Seam_Reinforcements
All stress points that come under
a lot of force are reinforced
with either Melco_Tape on the
inside seams, or rubber logo patches
on the outside of the suit
to prevent ripping.
Availables: Shorty SS 2,5 DL
Back Zip, Shorty LS 2,5 DL Zipless,
Hot Shorty LS 2,0 DL
Front Zip, Neokini 1,5 DL, colors
Emerald or Wine/Lime.

192
PRODUCT FOCUS
CORE GTS4 | GTS4 LW | Sensor 2S
www.corekites.com
Product focus
CORE GTS4 | GTS4 LW
Sensor 2S
text and photo courtesy COREKITES
CORE recently released its next
generation freestyle weapon,
the 4th generation of its unhooked
bestseller. The all new
GTS4 is the newest member of
the Universal+ Series. An allrounder
with super powers in
unhooked freestyle. And paired
with the new Sensor 2S, the
GTS4 is a dream machine for
any kite loop fanatic who also
enjoys an afternoon in the waves.
The latest member of CORE’s
Universal+ Series of high performance
allrounders now features
more range, an ExoTex
frame, and a ultra short bridle
configuration. Together, the refinements
make this bestseller
even more dynamic, responsive
and rangy while faithfully
retaining its signature GTS feel.
CORE’s top selling freestyler is
poised to conquer the waters in
2016. The slightly higher aspect
Future-C shape has more depower
than ever before. The
noticeably more durable ExoTex
equipped 3 strut frame improves
its airfoil in gusts, lulls and
while slack lining. And the unbowtie-able
bridle makes this
high performance allrounder
even more responsive to bar
inputs while staying true to its
freestyle roots.
Adjusting the GTS4’s flight settings
is super easy and, thankfully,
does not require any trial
and error. The refined Core Intelligent
Trim System (CIT) allows
you to precisely adjust
how the kite behaves during the
loop. New for 2017 is how the
front bridle CIT settings on the
leading edge affects kite performance.
It is markedly different
from the GTS3’s CIT in that
the knot positions have a more
pronounced effect. CORE used
to talk about the how to adjust
the pulling forces with the
GTS3’s CIT system. Now, they
talk about how to modify flight
behaviour. Use the CIT’s inside
knot and the GTS4 depowers
more effectively. It turns tighter
and faster around a centre that
is closer to the middle of the
kite. The tighter down loops
make this setting the preferred
choice for wave riders. Select
the CIT’s middle or outside knot
and front line pressure increases.
Kite loop radii increases
and power increases exponentially
which in turn make Steven’s
mega loops all the more
exciting to watch.
The signature, explosive, pop
and linear bar response that GTS
riders expect is further enhanced
by refined loop control. The
new GTS4 is “Freestyle made
easy.” comments chief kite designer,
Frank Ilfrich. Frank cites
further improvements in backstall
prevention and bar control
during header loops, kiteloops
or megaloops if you dare.

FREESTYLE | WAVE | FREERIDE
SIZES::
5,0 | 6,0 | 7,0 | 8,0 | 9,0 | 10,0 | 11.0 | 12.0 | 13,5
| LW 15.0 | LW 17.0
The GTS4 delivers a confident
and stable platform to master
your first backroll or your latest
backroll kiteloop transition with
a tail grab.
As expected from a CORE Universal+
Series high performance
allrounder, you will also find
DNA from wave and freeride
kites. For those inclined to use
their new GTS4 in the waves will
find its improved down the line
drifting and super fast down
loops to be seriously grin inducing.
Kiters not feeling the freestyle
vibe will appreciate the
GTS4’s improved wind range
on those unforgettable 20km
downwinders.
CORE’s obsession with the
smallest of details continues
with new GTS4. Only, the highest
quality components like
its new ExoTex frame and bridle
lines are sourced even if they
cost a little more. CORE carries
over its highly intelligent trim
system which offers fully adjustable
back line tension (aka
trim), bar pressure and kite turning
speed to give stylers the
freedom to customize their ride.
Huge valves make pumping up
the kite a cinch. Naturally, we
recommend pairing the GTS4
with the superlative Sensor bar
system; the lightest, most direct,
feeling bar on the market
with the only no push, no pull
quick release.
Europe’s favorite kiteloop...
unhooked...freestyle ninja is coming
to a store near you in nine
sweet sizes from 5 to 13.5m. And
don’t forget about the GTS4 LW
lightwind edition which is available
in 15 and 17m sizes.
The biggest change in the Sensor
2S is the new ceramic untwist
function. The original Sensor
2 required the user to pull
on the bar to unravel front line
twists after rotations and kite
loops. The new model replaces
the stainless steel bearing on
the Rotor quick release with a
hi-tech ceramic ball bearing design.
Now, front lines virtually
self unwind. “It’s durable and
ingenious.” comments Ilfrich.
The bearing is designed to crush
any small particle that may
find its way in. A little attention
and a quick rinse now and then
will ensure long lasting performance.
Just try the new 2S.” suggests
Ilfrich. He is confident the
improvements to the already
exceptional Sensor 2 bar are
measureable and performance
boosting. In addition to the 2S,
the Pro model incorporates an
all carbon bar, full Tectanium
lines from kite to chickenloop,
and Vario line lengths. 2S and
Pro model too much for you?
Then stick with the original bar.
You won’t be disappointed. CO-
RE’s biased advice is to try ‘em
all. They tell us everyone who
tries the 2S, sticks with it.

194
PRODUCT FOCUS
CORE CHOICE 2 | BOLT 2
Product focus
CORE CHOICE 2 | BOLT 2
Choice 2 SIZES::
134x41 cm | 137x41.5 cm | 139x42 cm | 142x42.5 cm
Bolt 2 SIZES:
136x42 cm | 139x42.5 cm | 142x42.75 cm
CORE releases its Next Gen
Choice and Bolt twin tips
The kiteboarding powerhouse
on the sunny island of Fehmarn
releases the next generation of
its freestyle bestsellers. Fans of
the CORE Bolt and Choice will
appreciate the innovative refinements
to the fabulous originals.
Although both boards
share CORE’s hi-tech board
construction technology, they
are designed for two distinct
target markets. Whereas the
Choice is a board for freestylists
that enjoy both straps and
the occasional boot session, the
boot only Bolt is designed strictly
for the hardcore wakestyle
market.
The second generation boards
feature a new CNC milling
and production process that
extends the Paulownia wood
core closer to the board edges
to reduce weight and increase
reflexivity. The improved channels
and Vario Rails give you the
grip and control you need with
or without fins. And the Bolt 2
and Choice 2 both continue to
benefit from CORE’s proprietary
30° biaxial carbon fiber weave
that further optimizes board
torsion and dynamic longitudinal
flex. “The new boards feel
alive and ready for anything.”
claims CORE twintip developer,
Daniel Borchert.
The new boards incorporate
variable rail thickness for better
control and a smoother edging.
The Vario Rails as they are
known feature a 9.5mm shaped
rail profile near the center
of the board that progressively
reduces in thickness to 3mm
near the tips. The marginally
wider tips, moderated rocker,
and 2 new 3⁄4 length channels
produces a silky smooth turning
board with amazing lateral resistance,
excellent speed in the
lulls, and never ending smiles.
Like the originals, both boards
carry forward their reputation
www.corekites.com
text and photo courtesy COREKITES
for extreme durability and slider
friendly bases.
Whereas the Choice 2 gives
you the option to use boots or
straps, the Bolt 2 is strictly a
boot only wakestyler with an
innovative base. Ding the Bolt’s
unique, snowboard inspired,
Pro Fix Grindbase and repair it
easily with a PTEX candle.
The next gen Choice 2 is available
in four sizes and may be
ordered with either the Union
Comfort or Union Pro Pads and
Straps. And the boot ready Bolt
2 is available in three sizes.

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

196
PRODUCT FOCUS
RRD Vision MK5
Product focus
RRD VISION MK5
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
Text Courtesy RRD
Photo Svetlana Romantsova and Courtesy RRD
Introduced 6 years ago as an
“entry level” allround kite in our
range, the Vision has received
tremendously positive feedback
and strong following from a
consistently growing group of
kiteboarders around the world.
A real versatile, easy to use, fun,
responsive and predictable kite
that will allow you to freestyle,
waveride, learn how to kite
or go fast on a freeride board
both upwind and downwind. A
real thrill to have in your hands.
Simply a REAL ALL TERRAIN
MACHINE.
This year we have made many
changes. The Vision’s shape is
now more open which increases
the turning speed and provides
less bar pressure. The bridles
and the pigtails are also shorter
and overall the new features distinguish
the Vision as a wonderful
kite for all freeride and
wave riding. All of the high quality
finishing details on the kite
have remained the same and
have included all the various
new features as the other kites
in the range.
The Vision MK5 is ready to be
your quality choice if you need
to simplify your life by having to
use only one kite that can do it
all. In other words: a ‘REAL ALL
TERRAIN KITE’, great for Freeride,
Freestyle and Wave.

SIZES: 5 | 7 | 9 | 10,5 | 12 | 13,5 | 15 mq
FEATURES
• 3 struts design body to save weight and improve handling
• Trailing edge reinforcements and leading edge protections on
every seam. Longer lifetime for your kite.
• Internal extra reinforcements on every leading edge panel, to secure
long lasting stitching & rigid connection
• Exclusive Strut/Leading edge reinforcement panel sawn at 45 degrees:
this spreads the impact loads on a wider area
• Moderate aspect ratio kite, combining the best mix of proportions
both on the body and the bridle design.
• Quick Air Flow Valve for easier pumping and deflating, with special
moulded protection cap
• Radial reinforcements on the tips to improve durability
• Tips equipped with bridle anti-tangle device

198
PRODUCT FOCUS
RRD Bliss v4 | Bliss Kiss V4 | Bs 45 | Bs 45 pro
Product focus
BLISS V4/BLISS KISS V4
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
SIZEs BLISS V4
39x135 cm | 40x136 cm | 41x137 cm | 42x138 cm ! 43,5x139 cm
SIZES BLISS KISS V4 (donne)
39x135 cm | 40x136 cm
Only one word can describe
the feeling of riding this board,
Bliss. This progressive freeride/
freestyle board grants a fantastic
sensation of security while
riding in an assortment of
conditions. Pushing the board
further into the freestyle realm
will allow this incredible kiteboard
to show its true nature.
The Bliss has a great amount
of speed, comfort, and pop that
comes from the mix of medium
flex coupled with easy landings.
The deeper bottom channels
and the thin, slightly rounded
ABS sidewalls allow this board
to carve aggressively through
the chop. This board can be
controlled at high speeds and
offers strong upwind performance.
Load up the lines and
take to the skies with this board
to experience true Bliss.
FEATURES
• Deep bottom channels
• CNC shaped paulownia wood
• Thin and slightly rounded ABS
sidewall
• Laminated with triaxial high
tenacity glass

Product focus
RRD BS 45 V5 / BS 45 V5 Pro
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
SIZE BS 45 V5 - BS 45 V5 Pro
145 x 45 cm
The BS 45 V5 fits in a class of
its own. It’s the perfect board
to use when the wind is light
and the conditions are marginal.
Unlike the other lightwind
boards on the market, as soon
as the wind comes up, there is
no need to change the board.
The BS45 V5 is made with a
constant curve rocker line that
keeps the tips of the board high
enough on the water to avoid
spraying into your eyes and ensures
fantastic maneuverability
which is what this board is all
about.
Because the BS 45 was designed
with light wind in mind, it
has a flatter scoop rocker line
and bottom shape. The flatter
bottom aids to this boards incredible
upwind performance as
well as its early planning. Less
is more with this fantastic freemove
lightwind board. The PRO
version has more curve and a
slightly deeper concave. This
creates a slightly slower board
with more pop potential. Additionally,
the Pro version will be
much easier to maneuver and
more fun to ride in higher winds.
For larger riders and those who
need a lightwind board that absolutely
rips, there is no better
choice.
FEATURES
• Flat scoop, constant curve
rocker line.
• Big Surface
• Concave Outline
• Pro Version; Increased bottom
curve and slightly deeper concave

200
PRODUCT FOCUS
F-one Breeze
Product focus
F-ONE BREEZE
www.f-onekites.com
text and photo Gilles Calvet and Courtesy F-One
2017 will see the release of the
tenth edition of the BANDIT! To
celebrate this, we have decided
to assist it with some other
specific kites. These products,
which we call “satellites”, are
designed to meet some specific
demands which are not part of
the program of the BANDIT but
the BANDIT remains more than
ever at the core of our range.
The number of uses and disciplines
offered by our sport is
quite amazing and hydrofoiling
has opened a wide array of new
possibilities. The swift development
of this new product under
our feet requires the development
of new kites to optimize
the ride.
This is the main reason why we
have developed a foil kite last
year: the DIABLO. This kite was
designed to meet the exacting
demands of the foil racers.
This year we have used all the
know-how of our design department
to offer a kite designed
specifically for foiling and
light wind riding: the BREEZE.
To make your sessions perfect,
we wanted the BREEZE to be:
•Light to fly in less than 10 kts
of wind
•Powerful to enable early planing
•Stable to prevent it falling from
the sky in light winds and let
you focus on your riding
•Able to depower to keep control
as this is crucial for foil riding
•Designed with good control of
your speed and acceleration
•Easy to re-launch even in light
winds
DESIGN :
We have decided to save some
weight by getting rid of the
struts. The BREEZE is therefore
a single strut kite. Aspect ratio
is reduced to make the kite
more stable and limit both acceleration
and speed. Its profile
is completely new as it needs to
deliver both power and control.
Depower ability is amazing for a
light wind kite. It takes our designer’s
knowledge to achieve
some depower without altering
the profile.
The wingtips are wide which
helps with maneuverability,
transitions and allows for

ackward relaunch. We have
optimized the reinforcement
patches to save as much weight
as possible and facilitate light
wind re-launch. The kite is compatible
with BANDIT kite bars.
The bridle is new as well with 4
fixing points and 3 pulleys per
side. The BREEZE is available in
sizes of 11m² - 13m² - 15m².
ON THE WATER:
- Foil riding:
The BREEZE feels amazingly reassuring
thanks to its great stability
in a straight line but also
during all kinds of maneuvers.
When riding, the kite seems to
reach its maximum speed quite
early on and then stops accelerating.
This is a real bonus
in terms of comfort when one
knows the high degree of focus
required to control a foil. It
offers an impressive feeling of
control and feels very progressive
leading to more confidence
when riding. It’s maneuverability
lets you place this kite perfectly
during maneuvers making
progress much easier and
faster. We have chosen the bar
pressure to be more firm which
lets you take support from
it and achieve better balance.
Re-launch is made super easy
thanks to its light weight and
backward re-launch ability, to
get out of sometimes tricky situations
in light winds.
-Other disciplines:
All the qualities highlighted
above make it a great learning
kite with a twin-tip. The kite feels
very gentle and its constant
traction is reassuring. For surfing,
the light weight and maneuverability
of this kite make
it really efficient for wave riding.

202
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES
Raley to Blind
RALEY TO BLIND
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES ALBERTO RONDINA
Text Alberto Rondina | Photo Laci Kobulsky
Here we are, this is the first blind surface pass
and also the coolest one you can start with!
It is the base of a lot of other tricks, so once you
have this one figured out, a whole world of possibilities
opens up in front of you!
Its all about edging hard, going for a solid raley
and do a backside 180 landing blind, lets go more
into details:
•With good speed, and the kite at 45 degrees,
keep the hands right in the middle of the bar and
unhook.
•Start to edge and move the nose of the board
against the wind, sending the front leg up high in
the direction of the wind and pushing hard with
your back leg off the water.
•Stretch your legs up behind you and keep control
of the jump checking the water under you to
get the best timing to bring the board back down.
•When you feel like you are coming down, then its
time to start the 180 rotation. Turn your head over
your back shoulder and let go your back hand
from the bar.

•Keep rotating untill when the board has done a
full 180 rotation also by turning your bar behind
your back.
•Bend your knees and get ready to cushion the
landing. Pass the bar and ride away!
Important Tips:
•When starting this trick, start
with a smaller raley so its gonna
be easier to learn the 180 back
rotation.
•Dont keep the kite too high,
unless its gonna be hard to hold
the bar once you let the back
hand go.
•Make sure you land with your
board downwind, in order to
land soft and be able to pass
the bar behind your back.
Ciao, Alby

204
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES
Shifty3
SHIFTY 3
BASIC FREESTYLE MOVES ALBERTO RONDINA
Text Alberto Rondina | Photo Laci Kobulsky
The Shifty 3 is a variation of a 313 that came up in
the sport only a few years ago.
Basically the main difference between the two is
at the start. in the 313, you have to do a proper
raley at the beginning, which means both legs are
streched up high being your back.
Instead the Shifty is properly done when the back
leg is stretched and up in the sky, while the front
leg is mostly bended and low.
Start the trick with different steps. First you have
to learn the Shifty, then Shifty to toeside, and
when you can do those, Shifty 3.
The pop for a Shifty is slightly different from normal:
you have to pull up the front leg to get height
and keep the nose out of the water, but as
soon as you leave the water the front leg has to
stay down, while the back leg need to stretch out
all the way.

Make sure to start the trick holding the bar right
in the middle keeping the kite a 45’ and have a
good speed.
Arrived at the middle of the jump, when your back
leg is fully stretched out and you feel like you are
starting to come down, that is the right time to
start the 360 frontside.
Leave the front hand from the bar, push hard your
board back under your feet towards the kite and
strongly turn your head above your front shoulder.
Keep the bar really close to your hip, keep pushing
with your head and go look for the bar
behind your back.
Grab the bar behind your back and get ready to
bend your knees to cushion the landing!
Most common mistakes are:
Not stretching your back leg enough. It might be
hard at the beginning, but once you get used to
it, you will find that the more you send high and
stretched out the back leg the easier is gonna be
to land this trick.
Since you leave the front hand from the bar, the
back hand is gonna call the kite back up in the
sky. So be sure to start the trick with the kite low,
as for sure at the beginning the kite is gonna go
high during the trick. If you start the trick with the
kite too high, its gonna be really hard to go grab
the bar behind your back.
The lower the kite is, the easier is to pass the bar
behind your back.
Ciao, Alby

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