Kitesoul Magazine #18 English Edition

THE IKA (“INTERNATIONAL KITEBOARDING AS-
SOCIATION”) IS WORKING FOR A “FORMULA KITE
CLASS” AT THE OLYMPICS IN 2024. AT THE END
OF 2017, THEY WILL DECIDE ABOUT THE EQUIP-
MENT THE FOILBOARDERS HAVE TO USE. IS THE
UNIQUE MATERIAL THE RIGHT WAY?
Olly Bridge: “Yes, it has to be since then we are all on the
same page. At the moment, it is crazy to turn up to an event
if you are not working directly with a foil, or kite, brand. Although
it is great to see development, so that all riders can
compete against each other fairly the equipment needs to
be standardised. Just like the 3 fin raceboard, this worked
really well and was great to be able to rock up to the championships
with the same board that everyone was on and
there were no nasty surprises! While we are always talking
of hydrofoil development, there is also a lot of foilkite development
still that will continue at a good rate also. The
designers involved with the development of paragliding
must be really enjoying to work with the kiters since we can
push what they have not been able to do with a paraglider!”
LAST YEAR YOU HAVE BEEN A LOT FASTER WITH THE
EQUIPMENT!
Olly Bridge: “Yes, in 2016 Levitaz came with a number of
changes. First, a stiffer and longer mast. The quality of carbon
was way better and this enabled the mast to be super
stiff throughout its length. The longer mast (110 cm) is great
for hiking out and gives extra momentum to push against.
Both changes make it easier to push against and stay high
and fast. Second, the new front wing enabled us to be more
stable at greater speeds downwind, this was a flatter profile.
Third, the change in design to a more traditional back
wing also gave us the extra stability downwind at speed.
The boards constantly evolve in shape also but essentially
have got smaller and since touch down is not part of the
game plan, boards are just big enough for foot work!"