Kitesoul Magazine #20 English Edition

EVENTS 

GKA KITESURF WORLD CUP 

RED BULL MEGALOOP CHALLENGE 

TUTORIAL 

16 BASIC MOVES STRAPLESS 

WAVE CLINICS IN SARDINIA 

ITW 

STEVEN VAN AKKERSDIJK 

JEREMY CHANL 

ADVENTURES 

MAUI: MYSTIC ISLAND

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Editor 

David Ingiosi 

david.ingiosi@kitesoul.com 

Wave Thecnique Editor 

Mitu Monteiro 

Freestyle Thecnique Editor 

Alberto Rondina 

Thecnical Expert 

Renato Casati 

Photo & Video 

Maurizio Cinti 

Design 

Giuseppe Esposito 

Translations italian-english 

Daniela Meloni 

OCTOBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2017 

TWO-MONTHLY 

Texts 

David Ingiosi, Reemedia, Reo Stevens, 

Jerrie Van de Kop, Francisco Lufinha, 

Willow River Tonkin, Alessandro Ferro, 

Ioana Rucareanu, Kari Schibevaag, 

Steven van 

Akkersdijk, Alby Rondina. 

Photos 

Reemedia, Svetlana Romantsova, Ioana 

Rucareanu, Joern Pollex, Ydwer van der 

Heide, WKL, Red Bull, RRD, F-One, RRD, 

F-One, Toby Bromwich, Cabrinha, Naish, 

Core. 

Cover: 

Rider: Ewan Jaspan 

Photo: Alix Butcher 

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. 

DAVID INGIOSI 

Editor in Chief 

Professional journalist and 

video maker with a solid 

experience in sailing, sea 

adventures, travels and water 

sports, he has been reported 

the “blue world” from the 

inside for more than 15 years. 

He fell in love with kitesurf 

several years ago in Sardinia, 

then travelled all over the 

world as Iko instructor. 

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!

TRENDS 

KITESURFING IS STILL A 

LOW-BUDGET SPORT, THANKFULLY 

Being a young and niche sport discipline, kitesurfing is still very far from the glittering 

and big budgets stages. On the other hand, it is still a genuine sport, fuelled only 

by the passion of those who practice it and train, often with great sacrifices. Maybe 

one day this will change, so let's enjoy its authenticity. 

Perhaps, one day competitive kitesurfing will become a rich sport: super paid athletes, 

big sponsors, six-figure hires, exclusive interviews, live competitions on payper-view. 

This is pretty much the impossible dream of all the so-called "minor" sport 

disciplines: grow, leave the limbo, gain prestige, become more and more popular, gain 

audience, attract investors. Turn into a sport for the rich, like football, formula one or 

cycling. Not easy, in fact it’s extremely difficult. It takes history, champions, antagonists, 

victories, but above all it takes the passion of people, that support you, enjoy 

following you, and pay a ticket. 

IN THE CURSED LIMBO OF 

"MINOR" SPORTS 

Kitesurfing is still light years away from all of that. First of all because it is a young 

sport, just over 20 years and till yesterday it didn't quite figure out what it was itself, 

just like a teenager. Secondly, despite its popularity and widespread practice on 

the beaches worldwide, it is in fact unknown by those who are not sea regulars. The 

Olympics would possibly be a way to slightly raise its popularity threshold, if one day 

the international federations will come to an agreement. But even that would change 

things only very little. Well, dreaming doesn't cost a thing, but for now kitesurfing 

remains very far from those glittering and chromed stages, with big budgets, laurels 

as well as the carnivorous plants of business, it just stands there in the outskirts, in 

the suburbs of sport. But perhaps this is not that bad.

Photo Credit: WKL Courtesy 

KITESURFING COMPETITIONS, 

LIKE PICNICS WITH FRIENDS 

Poor but awesome, why? Well, because it is still a genuine sport, powered only by the 

sheer passion of those who practice it, because it is not yet contaminated by any power 

games that would oppress it, humiliate it and make it a market product. Because 

money is short and doping doesn't exist. Because the athletes that compete know 

each other, share the journeys, train together and although during competitions they 

give one another a good trashing, out of the water they are friends, support each other 

and feel part of a big family. Because these champions are not full of themselves and 

when you meet them they stop and chat, give you tips and take pictures with you. Just 

turn to any competition, even a world level one and you will breathe this authentic 

atmosphere, quite simple and beautiful. Imagine entering the AC Milan or Juventus 

locker rooms and just stand there commenting on the game with the players, maybe 

making jokes and having a beer. 

TODAY'S KITERS LIKE 

PILOTS OF THE 60S 

Today, competitive kitesurfing recalls the outsets of other mythical and much more 

popular sports such as motorcycle races, when the circuit paddocks were open to 

everyone, the teams slept in camper-vans and in the evening, after showering, the 

pilots would share sausages and steaks on the barbecue. Different times, different 

values but things are different in that world too now. Things change, develop, that's 

life, that's fine. 

Maybe one a day competitive kitesurfing will become a rich sport. Hopefully. For now 

though, let's just enjoy it the way it is. 

David Ingiosi

SUMMARY 

PORTFOLIO 

RED BULL MEGA LOOP 

CHALLENGE 

WORLD CUP FEHMARN 

18 30 38 

PORTFOLIO 

Joshua Emanuel is the 

King of Megaloop 

Matchu Lopes wins the 

2017 Kitesurf World Cup 

Fehmarn 

EVENTS 

EXOTIC SPOT 

SPOT GUIDE 

74 

Alex Neto and his thriller 

win across the lagoons 

86 

Phan Rang, Vietnam off 

route 

94 

Maui: mystic island, 

watersports paradise 

CHARITY 

TECHNIQUE 

EXPERIENCE 

150 

Hoek tot Helder: a kite 

marathon to support 

medicine 

158 

The Clinics for 

waveriding enthusiasts 

finally land in Italy too 

168 

The Cape Town Chapter

EVENTS LONG DISTANCE RALLY DOS VENTOS 

46 54 60 

Airton Cozzolino crowned 

2017 GKA Kitesurf World 

Tour 

Francisco Lufinha: che 

odissea nella Atlantico! 

Alex Neto and his thriller 

win across the lagoons 

TRIP BRAZIL 

ITW 

ITW 

110 

The Kite Traveler 

124 

Portfolio Steven van Akkersdijk: I 

travel, pull kiteloops and 

enjoy myself 

142 

Portfolio Jeremy Chan: with a kite 

a catch more waves! 

PROJECTS 

STRAPLESS 

FOCUS 

180 

CORE and WOO launch 

the #xr5challenge, a big 

air contest! 

184 

16 basic moves on 

strapless surfboard with 

Alby Rondina 

218 

RRD - OBSESSION MK10 

RRD - PASSION MK9 

CORE - SENSOR 2 SPRO

18 

PORTFOLIO 

Aberto Rondina 

RIDER: ALBERTO RONDINA 

FOTO: LACI KOBULSKY

20 PORTFOLIO 

LEWIS CRATHERN 

RIDER: LEWIS CRATHERN

22 PORTFOLIO 

KARI SCHIBEVAAG 

RIDER: KARI SCHIBEVAAG 

FOTO: SVETLANA ROMANTSOVA

24 PORTFOLIO 

SAM MEDESKY 

RIDER: SAM MEDESKY 

FOTO: TOBY BROMWICH

26 PORTFOLIO 


RIDER: STEVEN VAN AKKERSDIJK

30 


Joshua Emanuel is the King of Megaloop 

Joshua Emanuel 

IS THE KING OF MEGALOOP 

The South African rider Joshua Emanuel 

has taken out the 2017 Red Bull Megaloop 

Challenge, hold last September at Zandvoort 

in the Netherlands. 

David Ingiosi | Photo: Red Bull Courtesy

32 



What an epic day in an insane event. The world's 

best big air kiteboarders survived gale force 

winds in the 50-knot range and took to the 

skies of Zandvoort, a coastal community West 

of Amsterdam. The organization got the natural 

kickers needed for the riders to go out and throw 

their tricks up in the air. And you could not 

have asked for a better showdown. The final had 

Steven Akkersdijk, Joshua Emanuel, Lasse Walker, 

and Kevin de Smidt aiming for the sky. There were

waves and whitewater rollers everywhere, but 

all athletes got their fair amount of chances to 

impress the judging panel. Emanuel was able 

to nail down a stunning megaloop Backroll, 

but he only knew he had won the competition 

a couple of minutes after touching base at the 

beach. "I don't have words right now. I'm super 

stoked to take the win at the Red Bull Megaloop 

Challenge 2017. I had no idea. It is a lot harder 

than in Cape Town with onshore winds and

34 


Joshua Emanuel is the King of Megaloop

super gusty. Big thanks to everyone for all the 

support, messages posts and especially Core 

and Mystic for providing me with everything I 

needed", expressed Joshua Emanuel. It was the

36 



first time in the Red Bull Megaloop Challenge 

history a non-European took the crown in the 

extreme conditions at Zandvoort.

2017 RED BULL MEGALOOP CHALLENGE | FINAL 

1. Joshua Emanuel (RSA) 

2. Steven Akkersdijk (NED) 

3. Lasse Walker (NED) 

4. Kevin de Smidt (NED)

38 


Matchu Lopes wins the 2017 Kitesurf World Cup Fehmarn 

MATCHU LOPES 

WINS THE 2017 KITESURF WORLD CUP FEHMARN 

David Ingiosi | Photo: Joern Pollex

40 



The Kitesurf World Cup final 

kicked with a bang. Airton 

Cozzolino put the pressure 

on Lopes with a Flat-3 and a 

Shifty-3, but Lopes answered 

with a stunning Board-off 

Back loop kite loop and a big 

Rodeo. 

Despite the sudden increase 

in wind speed, Airton tried to 

land a Handle pass, but 

Matchu nailed a huge Tic-tac 

kite loop and then a big Superman 

backroll that proved 

critical and awarded him the 

first event win of the season. 

"I'm feeling 

blessed by 

God, today! I'm so happy 

with my first place here in 

Fehmarn. Nobody thought I 

could have made it, even me 

honestly. Congratulations to 

all the riders for putting 

down a sick show," 

said Matchu Lopes. 

Airton Cozzolino heads to the 

final stage of the 2017 GKA 

World Tour with a 

comfortable lead over Lopes, 

but the One Eye’s waves may 

cost him the most 

coveted wave kitesurfing title 

on the planet.

2017 KITESURF WORLD CUP FEHMARN | TOP4 

1. Matchu Lopes 

2. Airton Cozzolino 

3. Paulino Pereira 

4. Julien Kerneur 

2017 GKA WORLD TOUR | TOP 5 

1. Airton Cozzolino: 3580 points 

2. Matchu Lopes: 3210 

3. Paulino Pereira: 3160 

4. Mitu Monteiro: 3080 

5. Keahi de Aboitiz: 2760

42 



A NEW DISCIPLINE IS BORN: 

THE FIRST STRAPLESS TOW- 

UP BIG-AIR 

Paulino Pereira manned the 

jet-ski, gunned the engine 

and towed the riders who 

held their edge for as long as 

possible before sending their 

kites and boosting while 

the jet-ski pulled them skywards. 

When they could go 

no higher the riders ejected 

themselves from the towline 

and looped their kites as 

though their lives depended 

on it as they descended. 

Keahi de Aboitiz nailed the 

biggest jump of the day with 

what must have been at the 

very least a 35 meter jump 

and he somehow rode away 

clean! Airton Cozzolino was 

riding a 14 meter kite and 

went big but he couldn't 

come close to Keahi's 

jump and 

Ralph Boelen landed a massive 

one on his final attempt 

to take third place behind 

Airton. Some serious handling 

skills were required by 

the riders to keep power in 

their kites and not overshoot

them on their way down and 

speaking afterwards 

Keahi said, "I knew my jump 

was a big one because when I 

got up there and looked 

to the shore and I could see 

right over the event site to 

the lagoon behind it." Big indeed! 

HYDROFOIL AROUND THE IS- 

LAND 

Florian Gruber, still in Fehmarn 

after the recent Hydro- 

Foil Pro Tour event, beat 

Levitaz’ Adrian Geislinger in 

a race around the island setting 

a new record in the 

process of 1 hour 43 minutes 

for the full 75 kilometer 

route. That’s more than an 

hour ahead of the previous 

record of 2 hours 48 minutes! 

Foils are certainly fast! 

AIRTON TRIUMPHS IN A BIG- 

AIR FEAST 

Although the Big-Air events 

do not count towards the 

overall championship, a lot 

of pride at stake as all these 

riders love to purely go huge!

44 



There were four x 

four-man heats in round one 

with the top two riders from 

each heat progressing on 

to two x four-man semi-final 

heats. The top two riders 

from both semi-finals would 

then go on to a single fourman 

final. 

Keahi won the first heat in 

round one with a huge Boardoff 

Backloop while Ralph 

Boelen was going hard and 

must have quads of steel to 

have walked away from 

some of his Kiteloop attempts. 

In the second heat Gustavo 

Arrojo landed some big Aerials 

and it was clear he had 

his mind set on a place in yet 

another Big-Air final. In heat 

three Camille Delannoy 

stomped a massive Boardoff 

in the opening minutes 

before going quiet and Paulino 

Pereira and Luis Brito both 

rose to the occasion to progress 

through to the semis 

in the second round. Airton 

then won the fourth heat 

ahead of Matchu and they 

both progressed through 

ahead of Julien Kerneur. 

In the first semi-final heat 

Keahi de Aboitiz and Luis Brito 

stole the show. Keahi went 

the biggest but Luis was 

close behind him. In the second 

heat Airton landed some 

absolutely massive jumps, 

rotations and Rodeos leaving 

nobody in doubt that he 

was not to be outdone in this 

format in which the judges 

were looking purely at 

maximum height gained. 

He went through to the finals 

alongside Gustavo where he 

would meet Keahi and

Luis and the pressure was 

on from the off. Although the 

wind had dropped a little 

Airton was prepared, riding 

a 12m kite, which was bigger 

than anyone else in the 

final, and it seemed to work 

for him. The riders went 

jump-for- jump and the 

applause from the beach 

got louder as the heat progressed, 

but nobody could 

match Airton for sheer amplitude 

and the heat was his! 

BIG AIR RESULTS 


2. Keahi de Aboitiz 

3. Gustavo Arrojo 

4. Luis Brito 

WWW.KITESURFWORLDCUP.ORG

46 

EVENTI 

Airton Cozzolino crowned 2017 GKA Kitesurf World Tour 

s 

Airton Cozzolino 

CROWNED 2017 GKA 

KITESURF WORLD TOUR 

What better way to crown a wave 

kitesurfing champion than in the 

iconic reef break of One Eye, in 

Mauritius. 

David Ingiosi 

Foto: Ydwer van der Heide

48 

EVENTI 

Airton Cozzolino crowned 2017 GKA Kitesurf World Tour

The 2017 GKA Kitesurf World Tour is over, 

and we have a new champion. The race for 

the championship title had two contenders 

- Matchu Lopes and Airton Cozzolino - and 

they put everything on each wave to raise 

the coveted trophy. Both riders progressed 

through the early heats until the competition 

turned into a do-or-die showdown. 

Airton and Kevin Langeree met in a quarter-final 

clash, and this could have been 

the moment Cozzolino's title-race against 

Matchu ended. The rider from Sal had to beat 

Langeree to celebrate a world title. 

The Dutch pushed the limits and found a 

barrel that could threaten Cozzolino's hopes, 

but the Italian-Cape Verdean eventually answered 

with the highest scoring combo of 

the event and could throw the fireworks.

50 

EVENTI 


"I made it! Words simply can't describe how happy I am right now. I've been 

fighting for this second world title for more than five years now, and finally, 

all the hard work paid off," said Airton Cozzolino. 

The rest is history. Matchu beat Airton in a mini-final, and Keahi de Aboitiz 

won the event. Moona Whyte is the women's world champion. 

There was little surprise on the beach when the results came in with the 

competitors back on the beach but applause were not in short supply! Keahi

had taken the event and with it third place 

overall on this year’s tour and Matchu had 

secured third behind Sebastian in second. 

Airton was fourth and, from his response, 

it appears that was what he had expected. 

Speaking after, he conceded that he had been 

a little demotivated not to be in the final but 

that he was still happy with his result. 

Matchu was equally upbeat, commenting 

that he felt he’d had a good event and was 

happy with his performance after a tough 

competitive season but, above all, happy for 

his friend to have finally secured his own 

world title. At least they both have one now! 

Keahi was the most stoked of all and for obvious 

reasons. Speaking after he said, “I’m 

really happy with my results. I’ve never actually 

won an event here and I felt like last year 

I took the title away from Airton and gave it 

to Matchu so this year I’ve done the opposite 

and helped Airton take it so it balances out”.

52 

EVENTI 


2017 GKA KITESURF WORLD TOUR | TOP 10 


2. Matchu Lopes 

3. Keahi de Aboitiz 

4. Paulino Pereira 

5. Mitu Monteiro 

6. Sandro Pisu 

7. Camille Delannoy 

8. Ralph Boelen 

9. Jan Marcos Riveras 

10. Ismail Adarzane

54 

LONG DISTANCE 

Francisco Lufinha: What an Odyssey in the Atlantic Ocean! 

THE KITESURFERS ANKE BRANDT AND FRANCISCO 

LUFINHA MADE IT. THE LONG DISTANCE WORLD 

RECORD HOLDERS REACHED OEIRAS, CLOSE TO 

LISBON, ON THE 13TH SEPTEMBER. THEY COVERED 

THE DISTANCE OF 1.500 KILOMETRES. ABSOLUTE 

EXHAUSTION AS WELL AS PURE JOY TO HAVE 

MASTERED THE CHALLENGE CAN BE SEEN ON THE 

FACES OF THE TWO ATHLETES. THEY SET A NEW 

RECORD. A TEAM OF TWO KITERS HAS NEVER 

OVERCOME SUCH A LONG DISTANCE BEFORE. 

DAVID INGIOSI | PHOTO: CHRISTIAN

TILLMANNS / ANNA-MARIA JESKE 

Francisco Lufinha 

WHAT AN ODYSSEY IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN!

56 

LONG DISTANCE 


The Portuguese Francisco Lufinha and the 

German Anke Brandt, kitesurfers, rode their 

kites and foil boards in the Atlantic Ocean 

for about 800 nautical miles (1,500 kilometers). 

The journey kicked off in Ponta Delgada, 

Azores, on the island of São Miguel, on September 

4th, and ended in Oeiras, Portugal, 

on September 13th. After a promising start, 

the kitesurfers encountered a no wind zone 

west of the Azores and had to wait sitting 

on the board in the ocean for days. They still 

took turns every eight hours since the rule 

also applied in the case of doldrum, one of 

them always had to be in the water, no matter 

if there was wind or not. 

However, the wait was sweetened by the visit 

of a pod of dolphins. On the evening of the 

7th September the wind returned and the 

kitesurfers progressed steadily towards Lisbon.

A long preparation phase, physical fitness 

and mental strength as well as the crew on 

the support boat ensured that the two carried 

through. The crew of the support boat 

provided food, water and physiotherapy.

58 

LONG DISTANCE 


Lufinha and Brandt traded intercalated 

morning and night shifts, and always kept 

going. They faced huge waves and swells, 

cloudy skies, shifty winds, currents, and 

sudden wind drops. 

"Our hands are in a mess from grabbing the 

kite bar, the knees are in pain because of the 

waves and forcing a course, and my neck is 

also giving signs because we are always facing 

left in a static position," explained Lufinha. 

"WE GET TINGLING AND PAIN, WHICH ONLY STOPS AFTER 

AN HOUR OUT OF THE WATER. RESTING ONBOARD IS A 

BIT RELATIVE BECAUSE THE BOAT IS ALWAYS BOUNCING. 

NEVERTHELESS, IT ALLOWS US TO RECOVER OUR 

ENERGY." 

The team supporting the kitesurfing duo 

included four skippers, one photographer, 

a doctor, and a physical therapist. Francisco 

Lufinha is a world record holder. In 2015, 

he set a new Guinness World Record for the 

longest kiteboarding journey, after sailing 

472 nautical miles (874 kilometers), in an attempt 

to connect Madeira to Portugal mainland. 

Anke Brandt is also a kite marathonist. 

In 2016, she set a new Guinness World Record 

for the longest distance ever kitesurfed 

by a female rider. Brandt sailed 303 miles 

(489 kilometers) non-stop between Bahrain 

and Abu Dhabi. 

Anke Brandt and Francisco Lufinha surely 

have proved to be the right ones to conquer 

that kind of challenge.

60 

RALLY DOS VENTOS 

Alex Neto and his thriller win across the lagoons 

RALLY DO 

ALEX NETO AND HIS THRILLE 

TEXT & PHOTOS: RRD COURTESY

S VENTOS 

R WIN ACROSS THE LAGOONS

62 



NO RULES, NO COURSE, NO BOUNDARIES... 

Alex Neto mastered the strong winds blowing across the striking 

blue lagoons and immense sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses 

National Park to win the second edition of kitesurfing’s 

Red Bull Rally dos Ventos.

64 



Neto about his race: "not many words to say, I am just feeling 

amazingly happy to have won this hardcore race, 40km sea 

plus 20km dunes and lagoons, I must say that it was an endurance 

test from Red Bull". 

The Brazilian star excelled on home soil to defend his title and

66 



upset world champion Carlos Mario Bebê in a thrilling finish at 

the end of a tough competition. 

Forty-five competitors battled their way through 65km of picturesque 

blue lagoons and huge sand dunes in one of South 

America’s most breathtaking settings. 

It was Bebê though, who managed to better master winds of 

more than 40km/h until he made a small mistake in the final

68 


Alex Neto and his thriller win across the lagoons

metres to allow Neto the chance to take the lead for good. 

The 23-year-old revealed, "I didn’t think I was going to make it. 

I was in second until the very last seconds, but I was able to 

perform a trick right at the end and beat Bebê for the second 

time in a row. It was a very tough race." 

In the women’s event, American Susi Mai jumped out in front at 

the beginning of the competition and made the most of every 

opportunity thereafter to take the win.

70 



She said, "I did really well in the beginning of the competition 

and, when I got into the Lençois, I had to try different 

strategies to go through the dunes." 

"First, I started to slide on them and then I realised that, if I 

had used the kite board to sit, I would have been way faster. 

I’m really happy to get a win here at this unbelievable place." 

The first edition of Red Bull Rally dos Ventos took place in 

2014, with a far shorter 16km track. Rally dos Ventos was 

also supported by ICMBio and Lençois Maranhenses National 

Park.

72 



RALLY DO 

ALEX NETO AND HIS THRILLE

RESULTS: 

MEN 

1. Alex Neto 

2. Carlos Mário "Bebê" 

3. Bruno Elizário 

WOMEN 

1. Susi Mai 

2. Maria do Socorro Vasconcelos 

3. Alvelina Lameira 

S VENTOS 

R WIN ACROSS THE LAGOONS

74 

EVENT 

RRD DEMO TOUR IN ITALY 

After spending an amazing winter in Cape Town, I 

always wanted to discover Italy for the summer. 

Now with the RRD demos and clinics I took this 

opportunity to travel from North to South of Italy, 

Sicily and Sardinia to visit most of the RRD kitecentres 

and schools. 


JERRIE VAN DE KOP | PHOTO: RRD COURTESY

78 

EVENT 


F 

rom Amsterdam, I took a plane to Pisa 

to join Francesco Cappuzzo, Italian RRD 

team rider. With the RRD van we had a 5 hour 

drive up North to Lake Garda (Torbole). Here 

the event Garda Wind Garda was happening, 

which is primarily focused on windsurfing 

but kitesurfers are mostly welcome. Lake 

Garda has some solid conditions for kit-

ing. Most of the time there is a nice thermic 

breeze at around 2 o’clock. The wind doesn’t 

get really strong, so make sure you have 

some big kites with you as well. Besides that, 

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful and 

unique places I have been. As a Dutchie, I’m 

not used to kite right in between the mountains. 

Specially in the afternoon when the 

sun goes down behind the mountains this 

place is magical. In Torbole, I met some really 

cool guys from Kite Segnana. Kite Segnana 

is a big centre in Torbole all the way downwind 

from the lake. From windsurf, SUP, to 

kitesurf... if you like water sports this might 

be a nice place for you to learn or enjoy your 

time on the beach there. Launching kites 

on the land is not allowed around the lake. 

Instead of doing this on the land a special 

boat with a platform in the front takes you 

to where the wind is the best. On the boat, local 

instructors help you with your lines and 

pumping the kite. Launching and landing is 

really easy. After the event, doing the demos 

and giving some clinics, it was time for me 

to leave for the next spot: Grosseto. 

Grosseto is a small town 450 km South, located 

close to the Mediterranean Sea. In 

Grosseto RRD has their HQ and board fabric. 

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to visit 

this place and see how the RRD products 

are made with great care. In Grosseto there 

are some nice spots for example Kitebeach 

Fiumara. It’s around 15/20 min drive from 

Castiglione where I stayed with Alex Vliege,

78 

EVENT 

RRD DEMO TOUR IN ITALY

the brand manager. The spot is really good! 

Luckily enough a massive storm popped 

up with wind around 35knots. Fiumara has 

a lot of space on the beach for kitesurfers 

and in the sea some nice kickers to take off! 

Unfortunately, the wind was too strong for 

organizing a clinic. Nevertheless, I had an 

awesome day during a demo by doing some 

megaloops. 

Werther is the kite designer for RRD, he has 

an amazing place to develop all new gadgets. 

It’s a huge sail industry where he also repairs 

sails and kites. Really cool to spend 

time with him testing new protos and work 

on some of the equipment for next year! During 

the no wind days in Castiglione I went

80 

EVENT 


mountainbiking with Alex! What trails! 

From Grosseto it was time to continue the 

trip to the South. Next stop: Crotone. First, 

I had to pick up Tony Cili in Rome. Tony is 

the wave riding Italian Champion and a cool 

teammate who showed me the way to his 

home spot Sport Beach Club Velico in Crotone. 

Crotone is a 600-km drive from Rome in 

the heel of the Italian boot. It’s a windy sunny 

spot, on a beautiful beach. But where are the 

kites? Crotone is a place where kitesurfing 

is not so popular yet. But beside running the 

kite school and restaurant, Tony also teaches 

the next generation competition kiters. 

It was awesome to see so many young kids 

kiting and training for their (for some) ‘first 

competition’. I had an amazing week joining 

them and giving demos with Tony. I’m sure 

that future kite champions will come from 

these motivated and talented kids. I like how 

more and more kids get coached with their 

training and competitions! Big up to that 

and I see these guys in Hang Loose beach for 

the European Twin-Tip Race.

I got Invited to compete in the European Twin 

Tip Race in Hang Loose beach Gizzeria. This 

place has a beautiful set up for people who 

likes to Camp for Campers or tents. Hang 

Loose beach is a good location for this event. 

There are many kids competing and everybody 

could stay and spend their nights basically 

on the beach. 

I had so much fun racing in the adults’ division. 

Just for fun. Freestyle is my favourite 

discipline but this time I joined the slalom. 

With a slalom race, you start all the way upwind. 

From the start line you need to race 

side downwind to the next buoy. From here 

you downloop your kite and make the transition 

with as much speed as possible. Then 

you head to the next buoy. In one race, you 

pass 4 buoys till the finish. One week full 

of races was a great experience. Among the 

competitors there were many guys specialized 

in foiling race. These guys were also 

training their foil skills, which was spectacular 

to watch. Their speed is amazing! In the 

near future, this is hopefully going to be an

82 

EVENT 


Olympic discipline! Audeuri Corniel, the RRD 

team rider and youth world champion was 

also here to compete in the race. He did very 

well in the junior division. During the breaks 

between the races there was also time for 

some freestyle demos. The wind was most of 

the time very light but still enough to throw 

some tricks. 

From Gizzeria we left to Sicilia, to the Stagnone, 

to continue our demo and test tour. At 

the Stagnone we met up with Mauricio from 

Le Vie del Vento. Mauricio owns a great RRD 

kitecentre and kite school. The spot at the 

Stagnone is really nice and flat! Freestyle 

heaven it is. It was good to explore the Stagnone 

for the first time. I really had amazing 

sessions and all demos and tests were a 

great success. 

In front of the kite spots, there are some nice 

islands, so with no wind days a SUP trip is a 

must. When it is windy the huge lagoon is full 

of kites! There is plenty of space for everyone. 

The people from Sicilia are pretty laid 

back and friendly. And the food is amazing.

If you are looking for a nice freestyle spot 

or place to learn how to kite, the Stagnone 

might be the perfect option for you. 

It is amazing to see how many opportunities 

Italy has to offer for kitesurfing. From Sicily 

Alex and I went to our last tour stop Sardinia. 

First, we took the ferry which brought 

us to Cagliari in a 12hour trip. From there we 

drove all the way to the North where we went 

to Porto Pollo. MB- pro centre. Michiel Bouwmeester 

is a former Dutch windsurfing world 

champion who has a huge centre which is 

specially equipped for windsurfing actually. 

They have a lot of other activities as well but 

windsurfing is the main sport. Of course, we 

had to visit some kite spots, which are nice 

for some hydrofoiling when we were there. So 

cool to foil around the bay and see all luxury 

yachts. Some of them are crazy! The test-day 

was a great success with al kite instructors 

from the MB centre. What a cool crew! You 

can be sure of having a good time spending 

your lessons or time with them! The demos

84 

EVENT 


and test were done and I really wanted to 

try some windsurfing too! It’s harder than it 

looks, but it’s so much fun! 

Thanks to all the hosts of the kite centres. 

Your hospitality was overwhelming. It was 

great being with you guys and enjoy all the 

pleasures that Italy has to offer. Italy is 

amazing and I hope to be back there really 

soon!

86 

SPOT ESOTICI 

Phan Rang, Vietnam off route 

V I E T N A M O F F R O U T E 

Amongst the high wind level locations popular with kitesurfers from around 

the world, Vietnam is a country that offers a lot of spots, many of which still 

unexplored. Starting with the famous Mui Ne Beach where several years ago 

the water-sport enthusiasts’ tourism began, one can discover villages like 

Ke Ga or Phan Rang that between November and March offer quality waves, 

unspoiled territories and a genuine atmosphere that remains imprinted in 

one’s heart. 

Alessandro Ferro

88 

SPOT ESOTICI 


When talking of Vietnam for kitesurfing, Mui 

Ne often comes to mind. Kitesurfing landed 

in Vietnam about ten years ago, with the 

first schools that opened right in Mui Ne, a 

small tourist town on the South coast of the 

country. 

Soon afterwards, over the years other schools 

also opened in the same Bay, both because 

of the great wind statistics, about 90 percent 

between November and March, and also 

because Vietnam is a welcoming and absolutely 

safe country. 

To date, Mui Ne is the most famous spot in 

Vietnam for kitesurfing and windsurfing. 

This fishing village offers a wide choice of 

accommodation, from cheap guest houses 

to 5-star superior hotels, as well as various 

types of bars and restaurants such as of 

course Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Italian, etc. 

Night life can also be very amusing.

MUI NE, THE VIETNAMESE 

TEMPLE OF WAVE RIDING 

Vietnam is especially beautiful for those 

looking for waves, from medium-small ones 

ideal for surf learners, to the wave riding 

"temples" with waves that can easily exceed 

2 metres. There are many spots totally unknown 

to the kiter community which every 

year visits Vietnam. Almost all of them have 

a sandy seabed, therefore also accessible to 

wave-riding newbies. One of these is Ke Ga, 

a small fishing village located at about an 

hour's drive from Mui Ne. Ke Ga has a long 

sandy bay nestled in pink granite rocks that 

during December and January provides riders 

a nice, smooth and fast wave that on top 

days is well over 2 meters and when you surf 

close to the lighthouse and ride down the 

water-wall makes you feel invincible, like a 

god.

90 

SPOT ESOTICI 


The names of the villages you can visit during 

a stay in Vietnam in the various excursions 

and downwinds offered by local operators 

may be difficult to remember, but the 

emotions are unforgettable. 

The quality of the side-cross shore wind, the 

spots where one is basically alone in the water, 

waves of all measures and the welcoming 

and likeableness of Vietnamese people 

remain in the hearts and memory for a long 

long time. 

KITESURFING IN THE SALT PANS 

AND PADDY FIELDS OF PHAN 

RANG 

A very interesting spot in Vietnam is the area 

of Phan Rang. It is a big city that lives off 

of fish and textiles trade. Phan Rang overlooks 

the Bay of Nin Chu, great for freestyle 

with North East winds (during winter-spring 

time) and South East (during the summer). 

Leaving Phan Rang towards Vin Hy, after 

about 15 kilometres past the fishing boats 

bridge, you arrive at the great salt pans over 

which basins the surrounding mountains reflect 

like in a mirror: salt is a very important 

resource for the dried fish industry. 

Continuing for about 10 km along a road surrounded 

by fields and small rice paddies 

you arrive at a small fishermen village: the 

Bay of Thai An. It is a long bay of white coral 

sand surrounded by the rainforest of Nui 

Chua park. The whole bay is closed by a rocky 

reef about 700-800 meters from the shore, 

the lagoon of the bay is perfect for freeride 

and freestyle, while the waves can be found 

outside the reef. 

Depending on the perid outside the reef you 

can get right-hand big and beautiful waves, 

almost always overhead. The wind is sideside 

off. Just in one single spot it is possible 

to have great fun kitesurfing, windsurfing 

and surfing. Unspoilt and out of time 

coastlines 

The area of Phan Rang-Thai An is very far off 

from the tourist routes of the conventional 

Vietnam, in fact the majority of the tourism 

in this area is mainly local. When you get 

to these areas it is like going on a journey 

back in time: during the low tide, women 

collect the seaweed off the reef to be dried 

for the fish soup, the hard field work with 

animals and children running out of school 

and always greeting us with a big xin chao, 

which in Vietnamese sounds a bit like "hello 

my friend".

92 

SPOT ESOTICI 


Alessandro Ferro 

VIETNAM? WIND EVERY DAY AND A BUB- 

BLING NIGHTLIFE 

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU 

DISCOVER VIETNAM? 

Ever since I started working in my little kitesurf 

school in Porto Botte, I always dreamt 

about having a centre abroad too. So, 6 years 

ago, after the summer season in Sardinia 

I decided to go abroad. On the IKO website, 

amongst other job offers, I found one for Vietnam, 

of which I had never heard of, and as 

they say I packed and left. 

WHAT IS IT THAT FASCINATES 

YOU ABOUT THIS COUNTRY? 

Many things impressed me and convinced 

me to stay. I was astounded by the feeling 

of having "wind every day". I remember when 

I had just arrived that the Monsoon started 

to blow first week of November and the 

first windless day was in early January. I was 

struck by the great kindness and hospitality 

of Vietnamese people, always smiling. And 

the easy life style of Mui Ne, a large community 

of kiters, instructors and young people 

who work in the various bars, restaurants 

and shops that meet again here every winter. 

WHAT TYPOLOGY OF KITER 

CAN ACTUALLY APPRECIATE ITS 

TOURISM POTENTIAL? 

The kiter that comes to Mui Ne not only looks 

for good wind but also for a buzzing nightlife. 

Mui Ne offers several clubs, bars, a live music 

venue and many restaurants: Vietnamese, 

Indian, Italian, etc. Mui Ne is the city 

where you never get bored, there's always a 

party. On the other hand, the kiter that opts 

for Phan Rang or an itinerant journey over 

the various spots, wants more adventure and 

discover very different landscapes and lifestyles 

every day, almost a trip back in time. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE 

IDEAL JOURNEY FORMULA TO 

DISCOVER ITS COASTS? 

For sure the best thing is a journey that covers 

different spots, not just one place but 

visit Mui Ne, Ke Ga, Lagi and Phan Rang; for 

those after the extreme, definitely the island 

of Phu Quy.

WHAT KIND OF GEAR DO YOU 

ADVISE TO TAKE? 

Phan Rang aside, where there is a lagoon, the 

rest are wave spots, pretty much of all sizes. 

Therefore, definitely a surfboard and kites’ 

sizes 7 to 12m. But those who want to visit 

Phu Quy better have the 5m and 7m. 

WWW.KITESURFVIETNAM.COM

94 

KITE SPOT 

Maui: mystic island, watersports paradise 

MauiMYSTIC ISLAND 

WATERSPORTS PARADISE 

Viewed as the spiritual birthplace 

of the sport of kiteboarding the 

Hawaiian island of Maui certainly 

invokes a certain image in any watersport 

enthusiasts mind. Unfortunately, 

I would hazard a guess that 

a large population of those opinions 

might be of the thinking that Maui 

is a place ‘just for the pro’s’ and the 

die hards. There is a mystique about 

the island and on my behalf my preconceptions 

of the island were certainly 

a little daunting. 

Photo: Cabrinha Courtesy

96 

KITE SPOT 


Before I journeyed there for the first time, even as a sponsored and 

fairly competent kiteboarder the very talk of Maui had me dreaming 

up scenarios of huge building sized waves and conditions I certainly 

felt a little anxious to confront. 

As well as my slight hesitance to giant waves pretty much every 

kiteboard film made in the early days was either shot completely 

in Maui or had major sections there. The infamous crew of kite 

legends, including Pete Cabrinha, Robby Naish, Flash Austin, Elliot 

Leboe, Lou Wainman, Mauricio Abreu, Jason Stone, Andre Phillip 

slumming it down at ‘Kite Beach’ from the early days threw down 

so hard on 2 line kites I went weak at the knees just even thinking 

about myself turning up there and sharing the same hallowed piece

of water as my heroes. 

In reality, I couldn’t have been more wrong, well apart from the 

possibility of building sized waves, which are certainly available if 

you know where to look but there is such a diverse range of spots 

and conditions to suit a wide variety of preferences. It’s no coincidence 

kite brands such as Cabrinha, Naish, Wainman as well as a 

whole host of windsurf brands have their roots firmly planted on 

the island. The trade winds blow like clock work throughout the 

summer months. I’ve certainly had a few instances getting excited 

a little too eagerly when loading the windguru forecast where the 

default forecast is set to Maui rather than what I was looking for. 

Maui has certainly gone through cycles of change throughout the 

years but you can throw out any misconceptions of unfriendly local 

kiters. The scene is certainly one of the most welcoming I have 

experienced and the amount of post session beers offered probably 

makes it tops that chart. (Note to Self, Post session beer offered 

destination chart to work on for future issue). 

Kiteboarding, arriving late to the watersports party, has had to 

take what was on offer somewhat with regards to spot locations 

during the early days. The famous ‘Kitebeach’ is situated upwind

98 

KITE SPOT 

Maui: mystic island, watersports paradise

(thankfully not downwind) of a sewage plant, just a stone throw 

from the airport. There are numerous sandy locations to rig up and 

launch with high quality waves just a few hundred metres out to 

sea. Known as Kanaha this stretch of the north shore is the epicentre 

of kiteboarding on Maui. Huge turtles mope through the water 

and the island views looking back to shore are simply stunning. The 

water temperature never gets below 20 degrees (75 Fahrenheit) so 

the majority of people don’t use a wetsuit, although with the wind 

chill if you feel the cold it’s best to bring a neoprene top or shortie. 

Something often discussed in relation to Hawaii and more specifically 

surfing is the term localism. Locals abusing tourists in the 

line up and telling them to go back to where they came from and 

the aggression against visitors certainly plays on the mind but this 

situation even in surfing has cleaned up a huge amount. Sure, there 

are local breaks which you probably don’t want to find yourself at 

if surf conditions are perfect, this is the same anywhere and generally 

speaking if you are at the level of these Hawaiian peaks when 

they are firing you should already know what to expect and how 

to act. Nowadays, the current climate is definitely in a better state 

and especially once the wind is on the situation changes, the waves 

are suddenly a lot less precious to the purist surfers and abiding 

by a few island rules will prevent any issues and keep the aloha 

respect strong when you are out and about. 

With such an abundance of waves and wind the island should be 

high up on your travel list. If you feel out of depth in the waves 

on the north shore then other alternatives such as Kihei or Waiehu 

offer up a different scenario but you’ll be surprised at the different 

wave options you have on the north shore on any given day. 

Ho’okipa is a famous north shore option but because of the quality

100 

KITE SPOT 


it is often busy with surfers and once the wind is filled in the windsurfers 

will be out in the force. Island rules dictate that no kiters 

are allowed when there are 10 or more surfers/windsurfers in the 

water. The lifeguards are right on the spot so you need to be on it 

and get your maths right if you want to score waves there. If you 

do manage to get it good with the right number of other water users 

the point is a superb right-hand wave allowing for numerous hacks

efore reaching the inside and riding out through a rip channel. 

The more usual option when busy and also the same launch is Lanes 

which is downwind from Ho’okipa and often far less busy. The 

launch and land can be a bit tricky due to the wind coming round 

the coast though and the entry to the water is off a reef shelve. This 

can make Lanes & Ho’okipa not for the feint of heart, few even opt 

to use reef shoes and then once out just tie them onto the harness.

102 

KITE SPOT 

Maui: mystic island, watersports paradise

Exploring the coastline down towards Kanaha is normally the best 

and easier option and there are plenty of breaks all the way down. 

Since it’s creation in 2000, Cabrinha has had it’s DNA firmly rooted 

to the island and the wide diversity of conditions make it the perfect 

place for the marketing and R&D team to hatch ideas and take 

a product from concept through the testing phases and onto the 

final product. With the annual photoshoot in Maui the riders get 

to push the new gear to the limits whilst finding locations to show 

off specific types of gear. There aren’t too many places where these 

variables can be catered for but Maui does a good job even if you 

have to play things out on a day to day basis looking at the forecast. 

The famous Maui kickers, usually best at pro beach are some of the 

best ramps a kiteboarder will find to perform various on and off 

axis spins. With more and more park events springing up around 

the globe and the Kite Park League a year round tour now, kicker 

tricks have been fast progressing and these quick spinning, wild 

rotating tricks inspired by wakeboarding are now getting landed 

by kiteboarders. 

One side of the sport that has recently blown up on the island is

104 

KITE SPOT 


hydrofoiling. No matter how strong the wind, there is a dedicated 

community of guys flying around on foils chasing rolling swells 

and perfecting their skills. The surf industry here is so rich with 

talent that the introduction of foils has definitely sparked off a 

boom in excitement with what these magical beasts are capable of 

when attached to a board of some kind. 

It’s actually remarkably easy to fall in love with this little volcanic 

island that rises almighty from the deep depths of the Pacific

Ocean. Situated a 5 hour plus flight from the nearest landmass it’s 

easy to see why there is an abundance of waves and the tropical 

landscapes and trade winds make you feel like you really have 

made it to a board sports paradise. Leave all your preconceptions 

at the airport and arriving with respect you will quickly see for 

yourself what all the fuss and flying hours is about.

106 

KITE SPOT 


Quick Fire Maui Guide: 

Hungry? 

PAIA FISH MARKET, NUKA (SUSHI RESTAURANT 

HAIKU), WHOLE FOODS DELI (KAHULUI), FAR- 

MACY (PUKALANI) 

Thirsty? 

CAFÉ DES AMIS (PAIA) HAPPY HOUR – HALF 

PRICE LILIQUOIS MARGARITAS 

Road trip? 

NORTH SHORE TO HANA AND ROUND 

THE BACKSIDE

Best sunset/sunrise 

TOP OF HALEAKALA VOLCANO 

Local kite shop 

ADVENTURE SPORTS MAUI 

Tourist spotsi 

LAHAINA, KIHEI 

No wind adventure 

BAMBOO FOREST

108 

KITE SPOT 


Best wave 

HONOLUA BAY 

(WORLD CLASS, PERFECT POINT BREAK RIGHT HANDER) 

Best Coffee 

MAUI COFFEE ROASTERS (KAHULUI) 

Airport 

KAHULUI (OGG) 

Wave season 

DECEMBER – MARCH

110 

TRIPS TO BRAZIL 


Text and Photo: Ioana Rucareanu

T R I P S T O B R A Z I L 

THE KITE TRAVELER 

It was 2am and I was in an airplane with my 

boyfriend, flying over the Atlantic, when a 

heavy turbulence woke me up. I had never 

before been afraid of flying – I am a kitesurfer 

after all - however this time was 

different. The plane was shaking violently 

as our carry-on luggage rattled above our 

heads seemingly leaning towards breaking 

out of the overhead compartment. I was 

nervous and sweating as I realized we were 

flying closely over one of the most mystically 

dangerous parts of the Atlantic Ocean 

where many airplanes had gone missing 

over the years – the Bermuda Triangle. 

The adrenaline was rushing through my 

veins as I kept telling myself “I hope this 

ends well”, something I tell myself every 

time I try a kitesurfing trick on the water 

– “will I land it or will I crash”, that is the 

question. The answer to this was the same 

as the number one rule of kitesurfing when 

in danger: “Let it go!” … so I did, I let go of 

the fear and focused on our final destination: 

Brazil – the ultimate kitesurfer’s heaven. 

We had traveled a long way, my boyfriend 

Giacomo and I, to experience what we had 

heard to be the best spot in the world to 

kitesurf in. I’ve been a kiter for 5 years 

now and together with my boyfriend – the 

ex-champion of Freestyle Kitesurfing in 

Italy - there isn’t one vacation I go on that 

doesn’t include kitesurfing. I’ve spent a 

couple of months in Turkey, learning to ride 

waves; I’ve seen Sardinia from top to bottom, 

kiting in some of the best conditions 

in Europe; I’ve been to the north of Sri Lanka 

where virgin tropical beaches were deserted 

except for the kites of intrepid surfers. 

Once hooked on the sport, a kitesurfer will 

travel the globe looking for the ideal combination 

of wind and waves. I guess we jump 

at the chance of going to these far-away 

places also because we hope to find that 

one spot where nobody has been before, and 

have it all to ourselves. Now we were in a 

remote corner of north-eastern Brazil to experience 

what is considered as kitesurfer’s 

heaven in terms of conditions ranging from 

wave spots to flat water spots with constant 

wind during the season (from October 

to February). 

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is 

a relatively new extreme board sport that is

112 



made up of a combination of features from 

sports such as snowboarding, wakeboarding, 

windsurfing, surfing and paragliding. 

The surfer stands on a kiteboard (similar 

to a wakeboard or a small surfboard either 

with or without foot straps or boots) 

and then harnesses the power of the wind 

through a controllable power kite that pulls 

and drives the kite boarder by his waist 

harness across the water. There are many 

different styles of kitesurfing ranging from 

‘wave’ surfing (skimming across the waves 

with a kite) to ‘air style’ surfing (performing 

high jumps off the waves) to ‘race’ surfing 

(building up maximum speed) and finally to 

‘freestyle’ surfing (doing tricks while airborne). 

Freestyle kitesurfing is my preferred 

style that requires the hardest to find conditions: 

constant wind and flat water – conditions 

that kitesurfers are willing to travel 

the world to find. 

The beautiful thing about this sport is not 

only the physical workout aspect of it, but 

rather the close-knit kiteboarding community 

you enter when starting it, and the 

lifestyle that slowly creeps into your life, 

making you never want to look back. The 

‘kite traveler’ is an interesting species that 

draws some comparisons to surfers and 

snowboarders, but has its own very distinct 

attitude, style and lingo and has recently 

emerged in many different places around 

the world. They are wind maniacs that surrender 

to the elements fearlessly, looking to

find complete freedom through their sport. 

Perhaps it is no coincidence that kitesurfing 

number one rule is to “Let go of the bar 

and release” – whenever in danger, wind 

that is too strong, or any uncontrollable 

situation, the rider must let go of the bar 

and finally “release” the kite so it doesn’t 

pull in danger anymore. This “letting go” is 

characteristic of the kitesurfer’s way to be: 

easygoing, happy-go-lucky and low maintenance. 

They don’t hold on to negative emotions 

or fear, they simply let go. 

The ‘kite traveler’ can usually be found in 

one of two places: on the water kiting or 

on a computer checking the wind forecast, 

with his gear packed and ready-to-go in 

case signs of wind show up in a different location. 

Exhilarated when there’s wind, asking 

around for a pump and consulting each 

other on what size kite to take out – usually 

referring to them by their sizes (“I have a 6 

and a 9, what do you have?”) – or otherwise 

adopting a ‘hakuna matata’ attitude when 

there isn’t wind, engaging in unwinding activities 

such as Stand Up Paddle or a beach 

volley session on the beats of reggae, alternative 

rock, or indie folk music playing in 

the background. 

The ‘kite traveler’ is a novelty seeker, always 

in search of new places that may 

offer the next best kite experience, on the 

lookout for state of the art gear they can 

upgrade to next and open to discovering 

the true culture of a place by authentically

114 


The Kite Traveler

immersing themselves in local customs. 

Kitesurfing has increasingly been gaining 

popularity in the past couple of years and 

was also in talks of being introduced in the 

2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which would 

truly spread it worldwide. This phenomenon 

has been seen before: The Baby Boomer generation 

saw the rise of the “surf culture” 

– a lifestyle based on surfing waves, living 

the low-maintenance beach life, smoking 

weed and living in Volkswagen vans. The 

kitesurfing movement is new and has grown 

with Generation X and more recently with 

Millennials that have popularized the extreme 

side of the sport on Social Media. 

There are now definite ‘kite spots’ that are 

known for their wind and attract kitesurfers 

on pilgrimages from around the world such 

as: Tarifa in Spain, Cape Town in South Africa, 

The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Cabarete and 

the North-east part of Brazil, which is considered 

the ‘spot of choice’ of all kitesurfing 

champions to train in. This is what was 

to be our home for the next three weeks. 

On our first morning, I’m up early – partly 

because of jet lag and partly because I’m 

so excited. It’s 6am and this exceptionally 

bright sun has woken me up – it feels like 

noon, and it’s windy. I find myself walking 

around our Posada in the already 30-degree 

sun, getting accustomed to my ‘new home’. 

As I walk through the lush gardens towards 

our breakfast terrace, I realize that I’m being 

followed by a donkey – our neighbor’s 

pet – who I later found out was an intruder. 

This is my first encounter with Paracuru, a 

small fishermen village in the North-east 

region of Brazil. 

For the next three weeks, our days would 

look something like this: we’d wake up, eat 

a divine breakfast made up of mangoes, papayas 

and pineapples, freshly picked from 

our garden, with a side of tapioca pudding 

(a traditional Brazilian dessert), and head 

off in our jeep across the sand dunes to 

our kite oasis in the middle of nowhere. 

Our favorite ‘kite spot’ was called Taiba – 15 

minutes by jeep on the beach across the 

sand dunes from the “meet-up spot” called 

Quebra Mar. Quebra Mar was actually the 

place where all the kitesurfers got together 

at the end of the day – they had a bar over 

there where you’d soak up the sun while 

drinking out of a coconut or else you’d grab 

your kite and go out into the ocean. Nonetheless, 

Quebra Mar wasn’t our favorite 

place to kitesurf in because it was choppy 

(and downright wavy at times) so most people 

who kited there would go for the waves 

– a style of kiting that I don’t like very much

116 



because focusing on both the waves and the 

kite’s direction is a bit overwhelming for 

me. 

This is why we would choose Taiba on most 

days. Taiba was a little oasis in the middle 

of the sand dunes, where there was always 

clean (not gusty) constant wind, the sun 

was always shining, and the water was flat 

and shallow – where else would you find 

this perfect combination of conditions? 

The beauty about Taiba (besides the heavenly 

kitesurfing conditions) was the fact 

that there were usually not more than 4-5 

kites on the water which would allow you 

all the space you wanted to try any tricks. 

Being in the middle of these dunes, it was 

reachable pretty much only by the beach so 

you’d need a jeep and you’d need to know 

the exact time when high tide and low tide 

reached their peak, otherwise you would 

risk losing your car to the ocean. Usually, 

we would need to be back by 17.30 to be 

‘safe’ however, on a fantastic wind day, you 

lose the sense of time and there have been 

a few times when we drove right through 

the water. 

When my boyfriend and I arrived in Brazil, 

we instantly connected with a group of 10 

fellow kiters from around the world – some 

we’d already met in previous kitesurfing adventures, 

others became new friends. Most 

of us were staying at the same ‘posada’ so 

we’d always bump into each other off the 

water as well, whether at breakfast, dinner 

or just around Paracuru. Every day we would 

head out together in a type of jeep/pickup 

truck that seated only 5 people: three in

118 



the front, four (or five at times) in the back 

seats and the rest on the cargo bed along 

with all our gear. Was this legal? Probably 

not, but then nobody stopped us. You might 

ask yourselves, why would anyone enjoy 

traveling like that? It’s part of the spirit – 

when you know a good wind day is coming 

up, you have to get to the spot, and “the 

end justifies the means”. 

There are many times when I look at a sunset 

and remember those surreal sunset sessions 

in Taiba, trying out tricks and feeling 

completely free in the middle of nature. This 

submission to the elements is addictive 

and I truly believe that kitesurfing changes 

the way you think – it changes your list of 

priorities and puts them into perspective. 

Those moments when you’re cruising the 

sea and you feel the sun’s warmth on your 

face, the wind in your hair and the salt on 

your skin, really make you feel there’s no 

other better sensation or any better place to 

be in than the present moment – it makes 

you feel alive. 

On one of those golden afternoons, about 

half an hour before having to head back to 

the main spot, I ended up being the only 

one in the water with the whole lagoon to

myself. All the other kiters were on the 

beach, laying in the shade that our jeep 

was making, watching me kite. It had been 

a very successful day for me of closing two 

tricks that I couldn’t previously land so I 

was looking for a new challenge. One of the 

kite girls shouted at me to try the ‘frontroll’ 

and started explaining how to do it. 

Soon enough, every one of them started 

giving me tips and suggestions on how to 

approach the front-roll and land it cleanly, 

each gesticulating their take on the trick 

from the beach. I felt like I had my private 

group of supporters behind me rooting for 

my success in carrying out this trick and 

as luck would have it, I landed it clean and 

safely from the first try and continued gliding 

across the water as my ‘fans’ cheered 

me on. I was truly proud of myself that day 

yet at the same time nervous to try it again 

because it’s almost a rule in kitesurfing 

that if by chance you get it right the first 

time, you’re going to inevitably mess it up 

the next few times until you absorb the 

mechanics of the movement and open yourself 

to learning. The synergy that develops 

between kiters in this kind of situation is 

part of the magic of the sport and shows

120 



just how close-knit this community of wind 

freaks really is. 

After my Brazilian escapade, I have four new 

tricks under my belt which I’m very proud 

of, but the biggest gift of all was experiencing 

a culture of simple but happy people, 

looking beyond their possessions, and into 

their souls in the hope of taking a part of 

their spirit back home with me. Our young 

Brazilian friends that would lend us their 

surfboards (one of their most prized possessions) 

on the beach when they’d see us 

yearning to go on the water, just out of the 

joy of seeing other people sharing their 

same passion without ever thinking that 

we could break or lose their boards encapsulates 

the warm, friendly vibe that these 

‘masters of the elements’ create in their 

communities. I’m looking forward to returning 

to this tropical place in the near future, 

but for the moment I’m ready for my next 

kite adventure, wherever in the world it will 

take me this time!

WWW.INBEAUTYMAYIWALK.COM

124 

ITW 

Steven van Akkersdijk: I travel, pull kiteloops and enjoy myself 


I travel, pull kiteloops and enjoy myself

I N T E R V I E W

126 

ITW 


The Dutch kitesurf professional in the team 

of CORE is one of the world's best Mega- 

Kiteloopers. His top rankings at the annual Red 

Bull Megaloop events are well-known. However, 

the 23-year-old is one of the most versatile 

kiters, his board quiver always consists of four 

boards. In addition to the board for Megaloops 

and Wakestyle there is a Twintip, Waveboard and 

a Skimboard. On all of them, he makes a pretty 

good figure. And from what we can see also a new 

Kiteloop in the future from him, he tells us in 

this interview. 

Steven van Akkersdijk 

BORN: 01-06-1993 

FROM: Rotterdam, The Netherlands 

CURRENTLY LIVING IN: The world 

FAVOURITE CONDITIONS: Nuking winds with high waves 

and an 8m CORE GTS4 (Megaloops!) 

SPONSORS: CORE, Carved, Mystic 

BOARDS: Carved Tantrum custom 142, CORE Bolt2 142 

KITES: CORE GTS4

128 

ITW 


Most of the entries under 

your name in Google are related 

to? 

Steven: "Big crashes and 

Megaloops. Due to my crash 

at the Red Bull Megaloop 

Challenge in 2015 the first 

2 hits are videos from that 

day. I guess people just love 

watching crashes!. 

Then let's start from scratch. 

You are one of the world’s 

best kiteloopers, or better 

"Mega-Loopers". Did this simply 

just happen? And when 

did you notice "I can make a 

living out of this!"? 

“My entire “career” is built 

on fun. I love riding and I love 

what I do. For me kitesurfing 

just started as a sport/ 

hobby, but after a while I 

noticed I was good at pulling 

kiteloops and above all 

I enjoyed pulling them. The 

realization that I could actually 

be “someone” in this 

scene came up after I won 

the Kiteloop part in the Red 

Bull boven N.A.P. 

What is the kick at 40 knots 

to jump so high and then turn 

the kite so slow and deep? 

“The speeds and the acceleration 

that you get from pulling 

a loop in strong winds 

are just incomparable. This 

together with a freefall and 

high-speed landing make 

this move addictive for me.” 

Our respect! The sporting 

highlight of the year is then? 

“Red Bull King Of The Air! 

This competition is just insane 

and already taking part 

to it is a lifetime experience. 

I can call myself lucky 

enough to have competed 

in this competition 4 times 

now. My results have been all 

over, but the impression this 

event leaves on me stays the 

same every time. 

Is your body size and weight 

an advantage? 

“It’s hard to say as the condi-

tions aren’t always the same. 

With low winds, I am in a big 

disadvantage. Because of my 

weight I have to take a bigger 

kite and they don’t jump 

as high or loop as fast as the 

smaller kites. When the wind 

starts to pick up it’s a different 

story. I can hold my kite 

for a lot longer and should 

have a slight advantage over 

the smaller guys. 

What factors are necessary 

to make such kiteloops? 

“Kiteloops are actually very 

simple. You need to go high 

and just pull the kite in a circle. 

But it’s very important 

that you go high enough so 

that your kite can catch you 

again. The amount that you 

steer has a huge impact on 

the turning circle of your kite 

and the pull that you get. The 

bigger the circle the more 

power you will feel. Also, the 

moment of pulling your loop 

is very important. If you pull 

early (on your way up) you’ll 

get a lot of pull and forward 

speed. This will result in an 

aggressive loop where the 

kite doesn’t recover as fast 

as it would with a loop that 

you pull very late.

130 

ITW 


Megaloops are an increased 

risk. How did your accident at 

the “Red Bull Megaloop Challenge” 

come about two years 

ago? 

“That crash was just bad 

luck. I pulled the loop at the 

wrong place, at the wrong 

time, with the wrong wind. 

Just as I took off I caught a 

big gust, this gust took me 

up faster than expected and 

threw my timing for the loop 

off. Instead of looping close 

to the apex of the jump I 

looped the kite too early and 

got an acceleration downwind. 

When the gust ended 

(just after my loop) I was flying 

faster than the wind and 

my lines became slack. From 

that moment on there was no 

recovery. 

Keyword “recovery”. Are accidents 

like the ones of Lewis 

Crathern and Lasse Walker 

"inevitable"? 

“I wouldn’t say crashes 

are inevitable. Both crashes 

have been human errors 

like mine. Lewis seemed to 

over rotate his kite making 

for a long fall down with no 

chance for the kite catching 

him again. When I looked at 

Lasses crash I got the feeling 

it was fairly similar to mine, 

steering the kite too low/ 

early and flying close to the 

wind speed. On events like 

the Red Bull King of the Air 

riders take a lot of risks. This 

is their own choice as they 

want to go bigger and higher 

than the rest. One mistake 

though and you’re going to 

end up on a stretcher.

At your accident, you ended 

up on a stretcher as well. And 

what you first brought out 

was just a "oh, I had a beautiful 

dream". 

“I was talking with the guys 

who dragged me out a few 

weeks later, and they told me 

their side of the story. It was 

funny to hear from them that 

the first thing I said when I 

got my consciousness back 

was something like: “I had 

such a nice dream”. I got 

knocked out on the impact 

and probably had a low oxygen 

level, this often makes 

your brain trip. You hear this 

a lot from people who almost 

drowned. 

Where are the limits and how 

do you see a further development 

of Megaloops? 

At the moment, there are a lot 

of guys riding in their boots 

when they do Megaloops. 

I did as well as I prefer the 

steady feeling on the landings. 

With boots, you really 

narrow down your options 

though. I’ll probably start 

riding straps again so I have 

a wider range of options that 

are possible. Hopefully with 

that I will feel a bit safer as 

well as try out new stuff that 

has not been done before. 

Steven, away from the theme 

"Megaloops" and to the "Allrounder 

Steven Akkerdijk". In 

the past two weeks in Brazil, 

you have proven your multitalent 

more than ever. How 

many boards do you take on a 

trip to have fun? 

I love riding everything out

132 

ITW 

Steven van Akkersdijk: I travel, pull kiteloops and enjoy myself

there. Kiting is so diverse, so 

why only stick to one part of 

it. 

I always take my twintip with 

boots. I love to perform some 

unhooked wakestyle tricks 

and sometimes hit the cable 

park. Next to that I take 

a board with straps. Sometimes 

it’s just nice to go big 

and be capable of taking 

a foot out on a big jump or 

even kiteloop. 

In the strapless department 

I always love riding my 

waveboard in the waves and 

my skimboard in the flat or 

choppy water. It’s crazy how 

quick you can progress in 

these riding styles and how 

different the tricks are. Not 

being connected to your 

board and still jumping with 

it brings up new problems. 

What type of competitions do 

you take part to? 

I am not the biggest fan of 

competitions as they are so 

in the moment. You have to 

wait for your heat and then 

you have to show your skills 

in 7 minutes. For me this is 

not enough. I participate in 

competitions when I happen 

to be around, like the 

Dutch nationals (I’m actually 

a former Dutch champion) 

and wave competitions. One 

event that I always travel to 

is the King of the Air though. 

This event is so special to 

me and the kiting world that 

I can’t skip it. But even there 

my results are all over the 

place (best result was 3rd). 

In the above competitions, I 

don’t hear you mentioning a 

strapless freestyle competition 

although I’ve seen you 

practicing a lot of it. Are you 

planning to compete in one of 

these one day? 

To be honest I just love riding 

strapless, because there 

is not really a certain way of 

how you should do it. It’s all 

very open and free. I don’t really 

plan to compete as competitions 

just put your riding 

style in boxes. That’s exactly 

what I don’t want at the moment. 

Your board quiver also has 

a skimboard. Your style on 

freestyle, how do you call it? 

“Freestyling on a strapless 

surf- or skim board is like 

nothing else. You need a lot 

of foot control and the slightest 

foot movement makes 

a huge different. I love this 

style of riding as it is still 

fairly new and you can improve 

a lot on it. 

You hardly find this “strapless 

freestyle” on the water. What 

are the advantages of this riding 

style? 

Strapless freestyle is a riding 

style that is actually coming 

up a lot. Because you’re 

riding a surfboard you can 

kite in lighter winds as you 

have more surface area. In 

the end, it’s more fun though 

with stronger winds. I just 

love it because the crashes 

are less hard. When you 

crash with your boots you 

can catch a backside edge 

and this results in a hard hit 

on the water. With strapless 

freestyle, everything is more 

like playing, and as you are 

not attached to the board the 

crashes are less hard. The 

trick in making the board 

stick to your feet is angling 

them in the right way so that 

the wind pushes it against 

your feet.

134 

ITW 


On the other hand: we still 

see you pulling off wakestyle 

tricks on the water. Are you 

still enjoying it like you used 

to 3 years ago? 

I still like wakestyle a lot. But 

to be honest I don’t like it 

nearly as much as I did a few 

years ago. This riding style is 

so heavy on the body if you 

want to progress at a high 

level. Simply said, I would 

still like to walk when I’m 40 

years old. Without crutches 

or pain in my knees! 

This makes sense! How did 

your riding style become so 

diverse? 

I started traveling around 

the world 6 years ago. In this 

time, I’ve seen many places 

with a lot of different riding 

conditions. Low winds, 

strong winds, gusty… When 

riding at these spots you 

have to adapt to the conditions 

you have. If the wind is 

strong you won’t be unhooking 

that much, so I started 

pulling kiteloops. If there 

are good waves I prefer to hit 

them on a surfboard instead 

of trying to freestyle on my 

twintip. 

You have told us that your father 

and mother did have a lot 

of influence on your current 

life! 

Your childhood and the environment 

you grow up in 

always have a huge impact. 

My mother unfortunately 

died when I was 8 years old 

due to a heart attack. Since 

then I’ve always handled my 

frustrations and anger by 

going out and doing sports. 

I started windsurfing at the 

age of 9 and a few years after 

I gave kitesurfing a try. 

I was hooked from the first 

taste. My dad has always encouraged 

me to travel and 

do what I love. In that way, I 

ended up where I am now.

136 

ITW 


All this traveling isn’t cheap, 

how did you finance it from 

the start? 

Kitesurfing isn’t a cheap 

sport but when you know the 

right people it can become a 

bit cheaper. I’m super lucky 

with my group of friends and 

colleagues that I have known 

for many years now. I started 

working for a Kitemobile 

(a kitesurf school in Workum, 

The Netherlands), and 

taught there for many years. 

The owner provided me and 

the other instructors with a 

free place at the campsite 

just a 2-minute walk from 

the beach! In the winters, 

I would travel over to a different 

spot in the world and 

teach for the season to earn 

my ticket plus some extra. 

After that, one of my friends 

started “Core n More” (a kitesurf 

shop in Workum), he offered 

me a little contract so 

I could get my kites cheaper 

in return for some local promotion. 

This really gave me a

good boost. I’m super grateful 

that I got to know the 

people I did in those times, 

it makes all the difference. 

Today you are a "professional" 

rider at CORE. Can you 

live from your sponsorship income? 

Although kitesurfing is an 

expensive sport there is not 

a whole lot of money in it. 

Despite this I can call myself 

very fortunate to be capable 

of actually living from this 

sport and my sponsors. The 

more work I put into the media 

the more money I get out 

of it. Next to that, CORE also 

offered me a part time job 

within their company. This 

really is a life safer! 

In the past two weeks, I’ve often 

seen you working on your 

laptop. What are you working 

on? 

I mainly earn my money with 

media exposure, but as I have 

to spread out all that media 

it involves a lot of work behind 

the computer. Next to 

that I’m doing the Facebook 

page for CORE Kiteboarding 

as a little extra. Always good 

to have some spare money 

when you go on a trip. 

Finally, a question. In our talks 

during the daily evening dinner, 

you mentioned about a 

new “project”, a new kiteloop! 

Kiteloops are always done in 

a circle. And at the moment 

there is not much more to it. 

Maybe a rotation or the size 

of the circle is different but 

the principal is the same. I 

would love to try some different 

varieties of steering. Ruben 

was talking about steering 

the kite back the other 

way on the lowest point (like 

an S). Would love to give this 

a try.

138 

ITW 


The right technique for Megaloops: 

How to make a big loop: 

The trick of pulling a megaloop is steering slow, so 

slow that the kite comes in front of you, but still 

catches you at the end. This is a fine line, but 

with a lot of practice you can get there. 

Dangerous? 

Loops are as dangerous as you make them. A lot of 

the mistakes and crashes are human errors. If it is 

gusty don’t loop or stay on the safe side and make 

smaller loops. But with the heights that you reach 

there is of course more risk involved.

Rhetorical question, the highlight of a year? 

My highlight for this year was landing kiteloops on 

my skimboard/surfboard. It’s a new trick for me and 

I absolutely love it! 


I travel, pull kiteloops and enjoy myself

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142 

ITW 

Jeremy Chan: with a kite a catch more waves! 

Jeremy Chan 

WITH A KITE A CATCH MORE WAVES! 

Name: Jeremy Chan 

Nationality: Mauritian 

D.O.B.: 05 August 1988 

Residence: Mauritius 

Discipline(s): Wave riding and strapless freestyle 

Favorite gear: Religion/ Maquina v3 5'6/ Maquina ltd 5'7/ Cotan ltd v2 5'2 / 

Thrive harness / Celsius Pro wetsuit 

Favourite spot(s): On Eye, Mauritius 

Hobbies: Kitesurfing, surfing, hiking, gym 

Best result(s): Quinti posto assoluto GKA Mauritius Strapless Pro 2016 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.chan.752 

https://www.facebook.com/JeremyChanOfficialPage/ 

Instagram: pro_surfer

Testo &Foto: RRD Courtesy

144 

ITW 


Where did you grow up? 

Mauritius Island. 

Tell us more about your background in kitesurfing... 

I started windsurfing when I was 7 years old, surfing when I was 10 and 

kiting about 10 years ago but I was more into surfing before. It has been 

like a combination of windsurfing and surfing that brought me into kiting 

in waves. I've started riding on a directional board in 2013 and been 

inspired by all the pro riders. Since then, I never went back on a twintip!

You were a professional surfer before, what made you 

switch? 

I was 2x the junior surf champion of Mauritius. I've switched because 

when kiting in the waves you can catch many more waves than in surfing 

which makes it even more fun. And if there are no waves you can still 

have a lot of fun doing strapless freestyle tricks.

146 

ITW 


Do you still surf a lot? 

Not a lot because in Mauritius there is more wind than waves and I rather 

kite than going for a surf. But I still surf in summer when there is no 

wind and perfect waves. 

What is your best result? 

My best result was in the GKA Mauritius Strapless Pro in September 2016 

where I knocked out Airton Cozzolino and ended up in the top 5. 

Tell us about that famous heat where you beat Airton 

at One Eye in 2016. 

Before the heat started I remember Airton telling me he was going to get 

a drink at the hotel and come back haha. I think he was overconfident of 

winning that heat whereas I just took everything easy and went for the 

heat as if I was going to have fun on a normal session at my home-spot. 

I scored a really nice wave and a perfect barrel that gave me the win! 

When I came back to the beach all my friends came to me and told me I 

had won... I was so stoked and still cannot believe it. 

What is your favorite gear? 

Religion/ Maquina v3 5'6/ Maquina ltd 5'7/ Cotan ltd v2 5'2 / Thrive harness 

/ Celsius Pro wetsuit. 

What is your favorite spot? 

Oneye, Mauritius. 

What are your goals in this 2017? 

My goal for 2017 is to compete in the strapless world tour and finish in 

the top 10.

148 

ITW 


How do you see kitesurfing evolve in 10 years? 

It is evolving a lot year by year whether it is on the gear, freestyling or 

wave. But I think the discipline that has been growing the most in the 

past years is strapless kitesurfing!

150 

CHARITY 

Hoek tot Helder: a kite marathon to support medicine 

HOEK TOT HELDER: 

A KITE MARATHON TO SUPPORT MEDICINE 

David Ingiosi 

Photo: Kite 4 Charity Courtesy 

STICHTING KITE 4 CHARITY 

NL43 INGB 0007 3665 90 

WWW.HOEKTOTHELDER.NL

On 19th August, 100 experienced 

kitesurfers took part 

to the second edition of Hoek 

tot Helder, a 130km kite marathon 

for charity that runs 

along the North Sea beaches, 

organized by Kite 4 Charity, 

an association that seeks to 

a great performance in the 

water during the race, but 

they also did their utmost 

to collect as much money as 

possible through donations. 

This led to double the total 

collected in 2016. I am proud 

of our kitesurfing heroes! 

raise funds for medical research. 

This year, thanks to 

this open competition and 

to the riders’ donations, 

over 95,000 euros have been 

raised which will be earmarked 

to the Heart Foundation, 

a Dutch foundation 

that deals with cardiovascular 

diseases. During the 

race the riders' fleet passed 

in front of the beaches of Kijkduin, 

Scheveningen, Noordwijk, 

Zandvoort, Bergen aan 

Zee, Egmond and Den Helder 

as last stop, where the kite 

marathon ended. 

Martijn van Dijk, Director of 

the Kite 4 Charity association 

is very pleased: "The first 

edition of the Hoek tot Helder 

in 2016 had already been a 

great success, but this edition 

has exceeded all expectations! 

We started selling 

the tickets at the beginning 

of May. Within six hours 100 

tickets had already been 

booked. Furthermore, the 

participants not only gave 

Fortunately, the weather was 

perfect and the kiters were 

encouraged by a large and 

enthusiastic audience. It 

was a long trip to ride at sea, 

but everybody was satisfied 

and we can proudly say that 

95 out of the 100 participants 

managed to close the 

course track. We are already 

preparing the third edition

152 

CHARITY 

Hoek tot Helder: a kite marathon to support medicine 

for 2018!". 

Chris van Stichting, also 

from the Kite 4 Charity association 

adds: "It was great 

to see so many participants 

in this second edition of the 

event. This year there were 

only 6 women. We hope to 

inspire other female surfers 

so that they will come next 

year". 

The Heart Foundation is a 

Dutch foundation that carries 

out research projects 

dedicated to heart diseases 

and believes that it is possible 

to detect any cardiovascular 

disease through 

the blood cells. Among its 

activities, stands the one to 

attract the interest of the 

community to run prevention 

tests against heart attacks 

and the treatment of 

patients suffering from cardiovascular 

diseases.

BASTIAAN VISSER 

TIRED BUT SO HAPPY TO BE HERE 

The day began at 04:00 when I drove from my hometown to 

Hoek of Holland, where the wind was blowing at 25 knots. 

After a short skippers meeting, 110 kitesurfers got ready to 

hit the waves at 07:30 hours for the first run toward Scheveningen, 

the first stop some 30 kilometers away. Wind was 

blowing from the South-West at a perfect angle for my directional 

board to ride beautiful waves. In total we made 5 stops 

along the 130 km Dutch coast. Half way through, the wind 

turned more to the west which made it possible to kitesurf 

to the coast line at a speed of 50 to 60 km/hour. At 17:05 I 

arrived in Den Helder, tired but very happy. Only 3 kitesurfers 

dropped out due to gear failure. During the party, the 

Heart Foundation was presented with a check of EUR 94.000, 

which was raised by all kitesurfers amongst friends, family 

and colleagues.

154 

CHARITY 

Hoek tot Helder: a kite marathon to support medicine

158 

TECHNIQUE 

The Clinics for waveriding enthusiasts finally land in Italy too 

TECHNIQUE 

THE CLINICS FOR WAVERIDING 

ENTHUSIASTS FINALLY LAND IN 

ITALY TOO 

To reach a waveriding high level it takes a lot of time, but often 

the rider does not know which steps to take and especially in what 

direction. KAS Wave Clinics, organized by Luca Marcis and Enrico 

Giordano, aim exactly at showing how to improve one’s level, by 

conveying the necessary fundamentals, acquire the instruments 

for self-assessment and learn or strengthen all the self-rescue 

practices in the waves. As a matter of fact, with waves, things can 

happen that do not normally happen and it becomes essential to 

be ready to deal with the unexpected.

160 

TECHNIQUE 


THE BEST SARDINIAN WAVE SPOTS 

The KAS Wave Clinics are for wave-kiters, beginners and experienced, 

they last 3-4 days and are held in an exceptional location, 

Sardinia, in the Sinis area, in the West coast of the island. 

The lessons will be held in three main spots: the beach of " Mari 

Ermi " and "Porto Suedda" for the Basic and Intermediate Clinics 

and the famous Capo Mannu for the "Capo Mannu" Clinic. 

Each clinic will be organized during a time frame, on-call, upon 

the arrival of strong Mistral wind (Northwest) with at least 3 

days’ notice. These are the available waiting periods : 1st October 

- 30th November / 1st April - 31st May (Basic and Intermediate 

Clinics); 1st December - 31st March (Capo Mannu Clinic).

ENRICO 

LUCA 

THE TWO COACHES: LUCA AND ENRICO 

The KAS Wave Clinics coaches are Luca Marcis and Enrico 

Giordano, experienced kitesurfers since 2001, still now pro 

riders with many successful experiences both at national 

and international level. Using their experience, the two 

riders and friends invite you to Sardinia, to the waveriding 

Clinics, the artistic expression of kitesurfing in the waves.

162 

TECHNIQUE 


WAVERIDING CLINIC: WHICH TOPICS? 

Here are some of the topics and notions that the participants 

to KAS Wave Clinics will address: Wave glossary, switching to 

surfboard, straps or strapless, tack and jibe, bottom turn & 

cut back, right of way on the wave, self-rescue techniques, tips 

& tricks (Basic Clinic). Positioning and timing on the wave, 

the body posture in front-side and back-side waveriding, kite 

movement (pull and apparent wind), expressions and style, 

transition manoeuvres, self-assessment techniques (Intermediate 

Clinic). How to tackle the Capo, waveriding in big waves, 

rescue techniques in extreme conditions, flanking in Capo 

Mannu, tips & tricks (Capo Mannu Clinic).

VIDEO COACHING, NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL 

TRAINING 

The Clinics educational program includes photos and videos in 

action for each participant, which will be used during the set 

seminars to analyse the waveriding aspects. Also, in addition 

to incisive technical notions, in order to adequately take on 

this discipline, Enrico and Luca make themselves available to 

suggest some good eating practices and specific daily physical 

exercises which they adopt in order to be always ready to 

face a swell at best.

164 

TECHNIQUE 


THE LOGISTIC BASE OF THE CLINICS 

All participants to the KAS Wave Clinics will stay at the Hotel 

and Restaurant Sa Pedrera , a beautiful resort surrounded by 

the green and 5 minutes from the spots, which will also make 

available the venue for the video coaching, briefings and seminars.

HARDBACK 

The hardback molded part is made from PURE ® material. This innovative and patented material is a 100% polypropylene composite 

material, that is fully recyclable. The heat fused matrix offers excellent strength and stiffness, and is environment friendly, containing 

no carbon. The flex and smooth fibres preserve stitching throughout the product. It is solvent resistant and stable. PURE ® material has 

a high stiffness and low density, making it buoyant. 

MK 5 PLATE 

The Pure composite hardback gives the perfect stiffness for huge power management with comfort and no slip. It works with 

our anatomically correct MK 5 plate, evolved over 20 years, for the correct flex to avoid hard edge pressure and to move with the 

riders body, while absorbing and spreading huge kite loads. 

PIN RELEASE SYSTEM 

The Vapor uses the super strong FATBAR spreader bar with patented Prolimit pin-release that is quick, easy and safe. 

The system allows for quick engagement and release without the need to loosen and then re-adjust the webbing straps.

168 

EXPERIENCE 

The Cape Town Chapter 

Kari Schibevaag | Photo: Courtesy RRD


- K A R I S C H I B E V A A G -

170 

EXPERIENCE 


I open the window of the plane when we touched the 

ground in Cape Town, Wooow! I did not remember 

the sun so strong. Finally, it´s been a year since last 

time. This is the trip of the year and the trip I am 

looking forward to after a long dark winter in the 

Arctic. 

Well, last winter was great. Kiting, supping and 

swimming around with the orcas is on my top 1 list 

and also snow kiting, and I love it. But, in the North 

at this time of the year the sun is not even up so it’s 

been a while since I saw the sun and felt it on my 

skin. 

Like I never left 

Everyone is here and everything feels like normal. 

After just a few hours I feel like I never left this 

place. We are the same people around the same table 

and at the same place eating the same food. It’s crazy 

and it´s so good to be finally back. 

The wind was pumping when I landed and it took 

just 2 hours from when the plane landed till I was in 

the water with my kite and of course with sunscreen 

50 on, the sun is really working here. The water is 

cold and fresh and it’s super nice to wake up after 

this long trip from Norway. 

Cape Town is Roberto Ricci´s family paradise and 

ours now. Every year we are getting together for a 

shoot and fun. I have to say, every year is different 

and special. 

This year we are staying a bit in Scarborough in 

Roberto’s place, but also in Big Bay. We are moving 

around to find the best conditions to play and have 

fun. 

Cape Town is not about if there is something to do or 

not. There is always too much to do and every year I 

have a list of things I really want to do or places to

172 

EXPERIENCE 


visit, but there is never enough time. Maybe that’s 

good! That means I must get back next year to continue 

my TO DO /SEE list. 

The forecast looked good for the week and I was 

not stressed about water time and action. Forest, 

Julien and Svetlana were ready to capture all on 

camera and the team rider family was ready to 

perform as well. 

Julien and Forest have made a lot of video projects 

around the world and they are also super good kiters. 

They call themselves the light brothers and 

are working together in a team. RRD has them in

the rider team, but also uses them as camera guys 

on shoots like this. We feel safe with these guys 

behind and in front of the camera, they know the 

sport and have the views of what will look good. 

Svetlana has been the photographer for the last 

years and she has become a name in the kite world 

industry. There are not many kiters that have not 

seen a picture from this (Girl)woman. She is also a 

super good friend so I love to have her around. I do 

not know how many trips we´ve been on together, 

but it is starting to fill up. 

She knows what to do and we don’t need to wonder

174 

EXPERIENCE 


if it will be good or not… She is a hard-working 

girl (Woman) and I love her. 

A new day has just started and I`m sitting on the 

balcony looking at the waves breaking outside like 

nearly every morning. I can see the ocean from 

where I am. It´s windy and the turquoise water is 

so crystal clear that you nearly can see everything 

that moves around in the waves. Cape Town is the 

place with sharks, but I´m trying not to think too 

much about this. There are also other animals, but 

let us just focus on the good conditions for kiting, 

not the animals co-existing with us. 

I am in Scarborough, south from Cape Town in 

South Africa. Scarborough is a small village that 

holds everything I love. The sandy beach, clear water 

and nice waves. A small café and restaurant, 

a nice bakery and happy people doing sports and 

enjoying life. It´s quiet and the nature reminds me

a bit like home. 

The neoprenes are hanging in the garden from the 

sunset session we had last night and the barbeque 

is still smelling after Roberto’s Braai last night. Pictures 

from that session are still in my head. I saw 

some penguins swimming and we were kiting all day 

way to the end. Neoprenes still a bit wet, but we are 

not even thinking about it. Just grabbing the small 

kites and running down to the beach. 

Scarborough is known for its beautiful sunsets, but 

I have to say it is even more epic off-shore from the 

water with a kite in your hands. We are having a 

morning session in the waves before we are filling 

up the car with gear and moving to a new spot for 

kiting. 

We are driving to a lagoon in the middle of nowhere. 

It is a really nice spot with hot water and good wind. 

Alex (team manager) has made himself an office and

176 

EXPERIENCE 


is sitting in front of his Land Rover under a gazebo. 

We are pumping kites and hitting the water with foil 

and freestyle gear. It is super beautiful for freestyle 

and the good thing is that we are alone out there. 

We are spending the rest of the day there and when 

the sun is starting to go down we are jumping in the 

cars again to manage to get to the house in Whitesand 

before it gets too late. We are all super tired after 

a long day, but after a good day it´s ok to be tired. 

The next days we are in Whitesand. It is my first time 

at this spot. The freestyle guys Julian, Forest and Jerry 

are so excited to be here. They have been looking 

for a place like this for a long time. It’s a river mouth 

so it´s full of bull sharks, but it has this crazy sanddune 

that makes the water flat. I have to say I love 

the waves, but when you have these conditions for 

freestyle it is crazy fun to be there. 

The guys are shooting, kiting and having fun all day 

long. You can see that this is the place to be. They 

just love these conditions and it’s also a good place 

to train before the world cup. 

Whitesand is a small place with not much going on. 

There is a restaurant and a really nice farm, a café 

with home-made cakes. If you are in Whitesand it is 

a must to taste them out. But we came for the conditions 

and I have to say I was impressed with the 

place. 

Julian, Forest and Svetlana were also really happy 

with the place for shooting. Svetlana was running 

around finding new angles and also new motives for 

the picture. It´s funny to see them working, running 

around getting upset with us or at too much sun or 

themselves and then suddenly happy again. It is nice

156 

EXPERIENCE 



- K A R I S C H I B E V A A G - 

to see how they capture all and to see that we all 

have to work in a team to get it perfect. Because, 

for sure it has to be perfect. 

The days were flying and we had to pack the car 

again to get home to Cape Town and Scarborough. 

I surely have to get back to this place! 

Back in Scarbrough, Roberto had booked a table at 

the Hub, so we drove straight there. It was Saturday 

and this means pizza night. The Hub is a small 

place with only ecological products and homemade 

food. It´s one of my favourite and the pizza 

is the best pizza in the world (I think the Italians 

can also say this). The Hub is a must to visit when 

you are in Scarborough (you will miss it when you

leave, so remember to enjoy it when you are there). 

The whole RRD family around the table and we were 

all excited to tell about the small trip we had. It was 

a nice trip, but it was also good to be back in our 

small paradise Scarborough. 

The next days were spent like always in Cape town. 

In the water, riding waves, foiling and also freestyling, 

sleeping and eating. 

This is the good life of Cape Town that we all miss 

when it´s game over for Cape Town. But, the best 

thing is that we will be back.

180 

NEW PROJECT 

CORE and WOO launch the #xr5challenge, a big air contest! 

CORE AND WOO 

LAUNCH THE #XR5CHALLENGE, 

A BIG AIR CONTEST! 

For many of us, the first kiteboarding trick we learned was how 

to jump. It’s hard to forget the feeling flying high above the 

water for what felt like an eternity. And now, CORE Kiteboarding 

and WOO Sports Inc. have teamed up to capture these moments 

with the XR5 Big Air Challenge, a global contest open to 

kiteboarders of all abilities. 

The #xr5challenge kicks off in August and runs through November. 

Four grand prize winners will fly to Cape Town in January! 

Sounds fun? Then, read on! 

Former WOO global big air record holder Joshua Emanuel and 

CORE want to see if you can go bigger! All you need is a WOO 

sensor attached to your board, and a little courage to pull with 

your back hand. 

Find out more about the challenge below in this email and 

check out our official contest website with all the details and 

conditions corekites.com/xr5challenge. A press kit is available 

to download here. Please direct any questions to marketing@ 

corekites.com. See you in the Air! 

Team CORE and the WOO crew

HOW IT WORKS: 

Log your WOO sessions with #xr5challenge. Starting August 1st, log every WOO session with 

the #xr5challenge hashtag to enter the contest. That’s it! 

Top monthly performers will be awarded cool prizes in three categories. Every month from 

August to November, we will be awarding the following prizes: 

+ Male Biggest Boost 

for the highest male jump in that month. 

+ Female Biggest Boost 

for the highest female jump in that month. 

+ Cumulative Height 

for the male or female with the highest cumulative jump height during that month.

182 

NEW PROJECT 

CORE and WOO launch the #xr5challenge, a big air contest! 

ALL MONTHLY WINNER WILL RECEIVE: 

- a cool #XR5Challenge T-Shirt 

- a customized kiting photo with digital overlays 

- a feature on CORE Kiteboarding and WOO Sports’ websites 

- a chance to win the grand prize trip to Cape Town in January 

Fly to Cape Town to challenge Joshua Emanuel on brand new CORE gear! 

Four grand prize winners will win a once in a lifetime Cape Town trip to go head-to-head with 

Joshua Emanuel on brand new XR5s! Three of the four grand prize winners will be selected 

from: 

Male Biggest Boost - highest jump between the 4 monthly winners (m) 

Female Biggest Boost - highest jump between the 4 monthly winners (f) 

Biggest Month of Boosting - the rider with the highest average single month of boosting 

from the 4 Cumulative Height qualifiers. 

WHAT ABOUT THE FOURTH GRAND PRIZE WINNER? 

Who doesn’t like a wildcard? In addition to the three monthly winners, a wildcard winner will 

also go to Cape Town in January! Simply share your WOO sessions on Facebook or Instagram, 

add the hashtag #xr5challenge and you’re entered into the wildcard draw. At the end of the 

contest, we will select 10 of our favorite photos and let the community decide which one is 

best! A funny photo, your stoke factor, or an epic action shot might bring you to Cape Town! 

There is no limit to how many photos you can share so get posting!

16 BASIC MOVES 

ON STRAPLESS SURFBOARD WITH ALBY RONDINA 

184 

TUTORIAL 

16 basic moves on strapless surfboard with Alby Rondina

While you are waiting for the next big day to hit the waves on a 

surfboard, there is nothing better to prepare yourself than trying 

some basic moves on flat water. Here in Sicily, where Alby 

Rondina has his kite school ProKite Alby Rondina, we have a 

massive flat and shallow water lagoon perfect for beginners and 

freestyle, so one would not expect surfboards roaming around. 

But really, it’s a great place to move your surf game to a next 

level. Once you get your board more under control, you will be 

able to catch more waves and do more damage to them, plus 

doing those tricks is also fun.



186 

TUTORIAL 


START 

Nobody wants to get wet before the session, plus often there 

is a swell at the beach so you need to be super fast when you 

go on the board. Instead of sitting in water and figuring out 

when to water start, learn how to start straight away – run a 

bit and throw your board in the water in the direction of your 

desired ride. It is important that the board will slide a bit so 

it’s easy for you to go in planing after you jump on it. When 

you throw your board, steer your kite down with your other 

hand, so after you jump with your feet on board the kite will 

pull you and you will continue your ride.



188 

TUTORIAL 


Finish 

The worst thing you can do after a sick sesh in waves is 

drop to the water while approaching the shore, thus keeping 

all the ladies unimpressed. A much more admired finish 

will be a simple pop where you grab your board and exit 

the water like a boss. Just put your kite at 12, pull slightly 

the bar and push on your back leg, so the board comes 

close to your front hand. It is also easier if you apply some 

surf wax on the rail of the board, so it will be easier to grab 

and hold, same goes for other similar tricks.



190 

TUTORIAL 


Riding & riding Toeside 

First off, you need to be able to ride normal and toeside 

stance as well with your eyes closed. Often when you have 

to attack the wave you need to approach it toeside, so make 

sure you have mastered both rides on flat water first.



192 

TUTORIAL 


Toeside Jibe 

When you know how to ride it is time to learn how to change 

your direction without falling in water. Opposite to twintip, 

where upwind turn is easier, on a surfboard you want to 

learn downwind turn – jibe first since it’s easier. First one to 

try should be the one when you start toeside and finish normal 

stance, it’s easier. Just steer your kite slowly through 12 

o’clock and carve the turn by moving your weight from toes 

to heels.



194 

TUTORIAL 


Jibe 

Pretty similar to Toeside Jibe, but slightly different. This 

time you want to start normal stance and finish at toeside. 

This turn is often used in waves when you need to engage 

the face of the wave in short time so be sure you can do them 

with ease. They are a little trickier, but apply more pressure 

on your toes at the end of the turn and you will get them in 

no time. In general, it is easier to learn jibes when you are 

well powered, so you do not lack the power from your kite 

after the turn.



196 

TUTORIAL 


Jibe with downloop 

If you often lose power from the kite at the end of the jibe it 

is time for downloop! It will give you extra power so you can 

carve harder, have bigger spray and exit turn with higher 

speed. When you go for a downloop it is important to pull 

the bar all the way in and make the loop fast (the slower you 

loop, the more power will you get) and after the loop push 

your hands straight, so the kite is not back-stalling.



198 

TUTORIAL 


Tack 

Jibes are fast and fun way to turn, but you lose your upwind 

progress with them so if you want maximum efficiency and 

priority on the wave, you need to learn upwind turn – tack. 

The way how you do it is by sending the kite at 12 and quickly 

pushing the nose of the board upwind. In that moment, you 

want to stand above the board and with your feet flip the 

board into the new direction. It requires some training and 

skill, but once you get the trick you will be able to do it every 

time.



200 

TUTORIAL 


Backroll tack 

Want to add more style into your turns, so you keep your 

Alpha position in the eyes of the girls on the beach? Then 

adding the Backroll into your tack is a thing for you! When 

you go for the turn go in rotation with your whole body, keep 

the kite at 12 and when you are almost done push your board 

with your back leg. Steer the kite in the new direction and 

ride off! This move is easier when you do it a bit faster and 

powered. For sure you should be able to do Backroll transition 

jump on a twintip first.



202 

TUTORIAL 


Pop 

Want to go areal off the wave? Well than put your eyes on 

the basic pop on the flat water and get it done! It’s a little 

different from loaded pop on twintip so you better get used 

to it. The trick is that you have to quickly steer the nose of 

the board against the wind and push with your back leg (try 

to stand wider) in order to lift the board. After, with your 

front leg you have to keep the base of the board turned into 

the wind, which will help keep the board at your feet. During 

the pop, the kite should be a bit higher to create a small lift. 

Good luck!



204 

TUTORIAL 


Pop with grab 

Same as pop, maybe even easier. When you get the board 

from the water quickly reach for a grab, for example with 

your front hand at the nose like Alby. It will not only look 

more stylish, but also help keep your board at your feet. For 

a better grip, it helps to vax the rail of the board.



206 

TUTORIAL 


180 transition with Shovit 

Now we are getting into a more advanced area. If you really 

want to stand out with your turn, you need to learn this one. 

Basically, it is a pop transition 180 where you flip your board 

with your hand. Easier said than done, trust me. You need to 

keep the kite at 12 and once in the air quickly flip the board 

with your front hand, then it is time to pull hard on your 

back hand so the kite pulls you into your new direction.



208 

TUTORIAL 


Backroll Hand-Drag 

This one is actually quite easy and fun! First, you want to 

learn the Backroll Hand Drag on a twintip, if you know that 

then you are ready to put your hand on a surfboard during 

the trick. It looks and feels great. Towards the end you should 

loop the kite and push the board under your feet and up you 

go. Pull this one in front of the wave and you will see bikini 

tops flying in your direction!



210 

TUTORIAL 


Fins first 

If you need to surf over shallow water or reef without hurting 

your fins, get them out of the water! It’s quite easy to start 

riding fins first, just go a bit slower and don’t force it too 

much upwind. Afterwards you can do a stylish Shovit for the 

crowd!



212 

TUTORIAL 


Backroll 

If you are serious about your strapless freestyle then pay 

attention to this one. You want to pull the Backroll similar 

to a regular one but help with a grab with your front hand. At 

the landing pull a kiteloop with your back hand for a smooth 

landing and speed. Pull this one of the wave next!



214 

TUTORIAL 


Shovit 

If you saw any strapless freestyle video or competition then 

you probably saw guys like Keahi or Airton pulling insane 

720 Shovits with their surfboard. Well you should start with 

a single shovit, which will still require lots of training and 

commitment. Make sure you have the pop 100% and be careful 

not to end up with a fin in your bottom…



216 

TUTORIAL 


Pop to blind 

If you fancy wakestyle tricks, then you might be interested 

in this one – Pop to Blind, which you can add after other 

tricks like Frontroll, etc. You want to keep the kite a bit higher 

and go for the spin. After landing blind put all your weight 

on your front leg and make sure you don’t pull the bar. Continue 

by making “ole” with the bar around your head and 

finishing the 360 rotation.

218 

PRODUCT FOCUS 

RRD 

Product focus 

OBSESSION MK10 

www.robertoriccidesigns.com 

Text & photo: RRD Courtesy 

We are now releasing the tenth 

version of our pure blooded 

freestyle kite. This iconic kite 

has reached a major milestone 

so we decided to do something 

BIG! The tenth edition of the Obsession 

blends the Obsession 

and Obsession Pro into one freestyle 

machine. The Obsession 

MKX will now provide for all who 

want to jump huge, loop like a 

boss and want to unhook till 

their arms fall off. 

No compromises were made on 

the shape and characteristics 

that distinguish this true freestyle 

machine. Nor did we leave 

anything to chance while putting 

the entire structure of the 

kite under intense scrutiny. The 

Obsession MKX is a pure, fine 

tuned, C-shaped kite, designed 

to be precise, powerful, or very 

neutral when needed. 

The shape of the kite is similar 

to the previous Obsession Pro 

MK3. We did however adjust 

the struts position and angle to 

help the kite rotate better on the 

surface of the water, which increases 

relaunch. But the most 

exciting and notable change to

the new MKX is that we made 

this kite work perfectly with either 

four or five lines! 

For those who want a pure freestyle 

5-line kite but prefer the 

benefits of a 4-line, this kite will 

surely exceed your expectations. 

In this setting, the kite 

turns faster, increases the depower 

range, provides more lift, 

more hang time, and is easier to 

relaunch. The 4-line MKX is ideal 

for those who decide to dedicate 

themselves to the freestyle 

discipline without having to 

fully commit to a 5-line set up 

for the hardcore unhooked freestyle 

or wakestyle disciplines. 

The Obsession MKX will come 

out of the bag with the 4-line 

configuration. The 4-line Global 

bar attaches to a short bridle 

with no pulleys. The 4-line configuration 

provides a stepping 

stone into the next chapter of 

the full-on unhooked freestyle 

discipline by having a kite that 

is capable of stellar loops and 

loads of pull to create huge pop 

for extreme, fully powered maneuvers. 

In the 5-line configuration, the 

kite will be more powerful and 

it provides a ton slack! When 

using the kite fully powered up, 

you can easily unhook and get 

a very neutral feel throughout 

the trick while the kite remains 

in the correct position. The turning 

speed is the same as the 

previous model: the Obsession 

Pro MK3; stable when unhooked 

but fast enough to kiteloop confidently. 

A very precise and predictable 

behavior in the air is 

coupled with a fast turning speed 

delivered by the super squared 

tip design. You will always 

know where the kite is without 

the need for extremely high bar 

pressure. This is the high performance, 

high aspect, freestyle 

kite designed, developed, and 

tested by our elite team of pro-

220 

PRODUCT FOCUS 

RRD 

fessionals that grind, loop, fly, 

and power their way through 

each session! 

Do you want to take your riding 

to the next level, see your name 

on top of the leaderboards, be 

the local hero, demolish personal 

records, are you constantly 

chasing progression, or maybe 

all of the above? Then you’re ready 

to step up your game and 

find your new Obsession...MKX!

FEATURES: 

New 

•C shaped leading edge design with the choice 

between a 4 and 5 line set-up 

•Redesigned Air Flow Valve for easier pumping 

and deflating, with special moulded protection 

cap 

•Techno Force Double Ripstop 

•New strut positioning and angle for better relaunch 

Standard 

•Internal extra reinforcements on every leading 

edge panel, to secure long lasting stitching and a 

rigid connection 

•Trailing edge reinforcements and leading edge 

protections on every seam 

•Bridle anti tangle device 

sizes: 5, 6, 7, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15

222 

PRODUCT FOCUS 

RRD 

What I love about the Obsession MK10 is that we as pro-riders can 

ride it as a 5- line kite and get the full freestyle and wakestyle performance 

out of it, but at the same time I can let riders during my 

coaching clinics or my dad for example use it for doing some big 

airs, work on their freestyle progression and slash a couple of waves 

down the line and they would ride it on the 4-line set-up which takes 

just a couple of minutes to switch around, this way we get best of 

both worlds, which is amazing.

Next to that I just feel super confident on this kite, I ride it a lot 

in 4-line set-up myself as well. I broke my knee in the past while 

doing a megaloop, but with this kite I am back in throwing big loops 

again, because I trust it and know it will always come up after the 

loop. 

Julien Leleu

224 

PRODUCT FOCUS 

RRD 

Product focus 

PASSION MK9 

www.robertoriccidesigns.com 

Testo & foto: RRD Courtesy 

'Excellence 

through Passion' 

The Passion MK9 is the benchmark 

of a high performance allround 

kite, impressing everyone 

from entry-level riders to 

experts. 

The MK9 still delivers pure, 

predictable power, paired with 

amazing stability. This ‘new 

best thing’ is a fantastic kite for 

all-round freeride, wave, big air, 

and freestyle progression that 

provides a perfect blend of turning 

speed, handling and jumping 

ability. 

Expect increased performance 

and all-round use from this kite 

due to the changes made to the 

MK9. This year we have lowered 

the aspect ratio, shortened the 

bridles, and removed all four 

of the pulleys that were on the 

MK8; that’s a total of zero! This 

kite will respond immediately 

to input and provides direct feedback 

throughout the more 

rounded, faster turns. 

One of the important differences 

between most of the classic 

freeride kites on the market 

is that the Passion MK9 has 3 

struts instead of five. The reduction 

of two struts translates 

into a lighter kite with more maneuverability 

and an increased 

low-end. 

The MK9 is re-designed, refined, 

and has redefined the durability 

of its predecessor, the Passion 

MK8. The bar pressure is now lighter, 

it flies more on the front 

lines and the kite has slightly 

sizes: 

5-7-9-10,5-12-13-15-17 

less grunt, which is compensated 

by the increased speed. 

At RRD, we pride ourselves in 

providing the highest quality 

product without cutting corners. 

Every individual kite size 

has a customised leading edge 

thickness. For the smaller sizes, 

we accomplished maximum rigidity 

to handle extreme conditions 

whereas the larger sizes 

are focused on a leading edge 

diameter that has the perfect 

balance between weight, stiffness, 

and air penetration. 

Additionally, we have constructed 

this kite with Techno 

Force Double Ripstop. Techno

Special features: 

•REDESIGNED QUICK AIR FLOW VALVE WITH PROTECTION CAP 

•3-STRUT CONSTRUCTION WITH ADDITIONAL REINFORCEMENTS 

•45-DEGREE LEADING EDGE REINFORCEMENTS PANELS 

•TECHNO FORCE DOUBLE RIPSTOP 

•LEADING EDGE SEAM PROTECTION 

•BRIDLE ANTI-TANGLE DEVICE 

•RADIAL REINFORCEMENTS 

Force which is a high-density 

fabric with a tear stopping 

structure that is constructed 

with a high tensioning double 

polyester yarn. This material 

does not only add to the strength 

and longevity of our kites, 

but it also improves the stability 

and the flying characteristics 

without adding weight. 

But wait, there’s more! Relaunching 

is easier, even in low wind 

conditions. It is extremely predictable 

because the gradually 

changing power while sheeting 

is coupled with consistent bar 

pressure. And due to the increased 

speed and stability, the 

MK9 provides an abundance of 

addicting lift that will generate 

some huge airs! 

If there is one kite that will 

transcend the boundaries from 

beginner to expert, this is our 

solution towards excellence 

through your Passion.

226 

PRODUCT FOCUS 

Core 

Product focus 

SENSOR 2S PRO 

www.corekites.com 

Testo & Foto: Core Courtesy 

LIGHT. DIRECT. SAFE. 

Your session’s awesomeness 

depends heavily on your gear. 

We believe the Sensor 2 control 

bar system contributes much 

more than you would think to 

kite performance. And it is what 

you don’t see that makes our 

bars so unbelievably good. The 

functional know-how we hide 

inside and the minimalist design 

on the outside gives our bars 

the signature CORE confidence 

you expect. And the safety features 

you rely on. 

The Sensor 2 bar is now joined 

by the new Sensor 2S and Sensor 

2S Pro. Two new bars with 

more tech wizardry that you 

can’t even see at first glance. 

Regardless of your bar selection, 

The CORE Sensor 2 bar 

system will provide you with the 

lightest, safest, and most direct 

feeling bar on the market. 

Because we sell more than just 

cool bars. We sell confidence. 

Meet the new Sensor 2S Pro bar. 

The only, titanium trussed, carbon 

fiber control bar. A bar that 

exhausts superlatives. A bar we 

are very proud of. We leveraged 

our experience in carbon fiber 

board building to build a 100% 

carbon fiber, thin grip, unibody 

bar reinforced with a titanium 

alloy truss. Although it shares 

many of the same features as 

our sensational Sensor 2S bar, 

it is profoundly different in that 

it features a full carbon fiber bar 

and 100% Tectanium lines, top 

to bottom. Go Sensor 2S Pro. 

CARBON FIBER BAR 

Yes, even lighter than our Unibody 

bar. Our carbon fiber bar 

reduces the already low weight 

to an unimaginable 200g. With 

the same breaking strength, the 

titanium reinforced, carbon bar 

is even stiffer than the Sensor 

2S bar. Its low mass and low 

bar-end height reduces inertia 

and optimizes leverage. For 

perfect balance, control and response.

Principali Caratteristiche: 

Full TECTANIUM® LINES 

Exclusively developed for CORE 

by Liros, the market leader in 

specialized aeronautical and 

sail cordage. The virtually tangle-free, 

no stretch, Tectanium 

center and steering lines are 

400% more resistant to elongation 

and feature an unbelievable 

50% greater breaking 

strength. To cap things off, the 

lines are 10% thinner and, therefore, 

more aerodynamic. 

TECTANIUM® LINES 

•10 percent lighter and thinner 

•50 percent higher break load 

•400 percent higher stretch resistance 

The "S-SYSTEM" 

CERAMIC UNTWIST 

Functional simplicity. Untwisting 

your front lines has never 

been easier. Front line twists 

only occur below the Sensor 2S 

bar. An improved, below the bar, 

swivel with hi-tech ceramic bearings 

unravels the front lines 

virtually on its own or whenever 

the bar is pulled in. The days of 

manually spinning the front line 

swivel are over. Welcome to the 

Sensor 2S Pro era of super auto 

untwist! 

S-NECK 

Perfect balance. The stainless-steel 

connection between 

the Rotor QR and the depower 

lines is shaped to provide more 

symmetric pulling forces on the 

lines. S-Neck: Smoother auto 

untwist. Zero unwanted leverage. 

Perfectly symmetric pulling 

forces. Now that’s smart. 

TECTANIUM® S-SLIDE / DE- 

POWER LINES 

The Sensor 2S Pro replaces the 

front lines from the “Y” to the 

chicken loop with our exclusive, 

no stretch, Tectanium. And 

we protect it with a 5.2mm, 

UV-stabilized, Polyether where 

it passes through the bar. Techno 

speak for a really durable, 

self-lubricating, no pinch, depower 

line. The new, virtually 

frictionless, depower/safety lines 

are more aerodynamic, provide 

better feedback, and are 

more comfortable between the 

fingers. Just wait till you try it. 

You’ll see. 

Tectanium® VARIO LINES 

Tectanium Vario lines come 

standard. With the base 18m lines 

and 2 extensions, you can 

fly your Sensor 2S Pro bar with 

18, 20, 22, or 24m line lengths. 

Liros’ innovative emulsion (protective 

coating) process shields 

your Tectanium lines against 

abrasion, dirt and UV radiation 

better than ever. Trust Tectanium. 

TITANIUM CORE 

Leave it to CORE to design the 

strongest bar ever. We engineered 

an internal, aircraft quality, 

grade 5 titanium alloy truss to 

reinforce the bar. The titanium’s 

featherweight rigidity gives, in 

part, the Sensor 2S Pro’s direct 

feel. And it permits a reduced 

diameter, no cramp, grip. 

ROTOR QUICKRELEASE 

The only 2-way quick release 

you do not have to think about. 

Releasing the kite is as simple 

as turning the mechanism 

in either direction for a simple, 

safe and intuitive process. It’s 

well known that more torque 

can be generated twisting than 

pushing or pulling. Unlike conventional 

systems, our quick 

release does not require you to 

overcome the flow of water. The 

Rotor sets the standard for ease 

of use, safety, and performance. 

Another advantage of the 

Rotor over conventional push/ 

pull systems is size. The Rotor 

is shorter, lighter and more

228 

PRODUCT FOCUS 

Core 

compact than those other systems. 

All things being equal, a 

shorter Rotor permits a closer 

trim adjuster location. And who 

would not want to have a shorter 

reach to the trim adjuster? 

SUPPORTED SINGLE FRONTLI- 

NE SAFETY (SSF) 

Exclusive to CORE. When the 

Rotor quick release is activated, 

the kite will fully depower and 

come to rest in a ‘drift launch 

ready’ position (nose to wind) 

until you are ready. The benefits 

here are twofold. The kite 

stays put and does not want to 

relaunch into the sky. And there 

is no pull on the lines while 

the kite is in ‘drift launch ready’ 

position simplifying the process 

of re-engaging the Rotor 

quickrelease. So how does SSF 

work and why does the kite not 

‘turtle’ and stay in the air? The 

answer is that the kite does 

not flag out on one front line 

or equally on 2 front lines. SSF 

releases 100% of the back lines 

and flags the kite mainly on one 

front line. But sufficient tension 

remains on the other front line 

to steer the kite down. So, in 

effect, it is the slight (unequal) 

tension on the other front line 

that prevents the kite from turtling 

and remaining sky bound. 

SHORT SAFETY LEASH 

Extra short is extra safe. The 

short safety leash comes standard 

with all CORE bar systems. 

When connected to your spreader 

bar, our short, 50cm long, 

leash delivers better ergonomics 

and safety. It is easier to see 

or grab and it won’t tangle like 

longer leashes might. If you do 

not see unhooked freestyle in 

your future, then protect yourself 

with a short leash. 

VARIO WIDTH 

One bar covers all our kite sizes. 

From 4 to 19m! Nice. The Sensor 

2S Pro bar width is adjustable 

from 46cm to 52cm by moving 

one knot. The best design ideas 

are the simple ones. Switching 

widths is as easy as: 1. Pull back 

the floater exposing the bar end 

leader. 2. Undo larks head knot 

on the back line where it attaches 

to the bar leader. 3. Pull 

on the opposite bar leader knot 

and reconnect larks head. Simple. 

And unbreakable. 

CORE LOOP/STICK SET 

You will even find CORE engineering 

at work here too. We designed 

the loop stick to move out 

of the way when unhooking so 

hooking back in is easier. This 

design also prevents unintentional 

unhooking too. Nice touch? 

We think so. 

SENSOR ADJUSTER 

Easy, one line, trim adjustment 

for those who prefer simplicity. 

Our clam cleat design reduces 

pulling effort by 25% which is 

noticeable in powered conditions. 

Still not comfortable? 

Then follow our step by step instructions 

to lower the cleat for 

a shorter reach. 

SPLICED ENDS 

A small but important detail relates 

to how we finish our line 

end loops. We don’t simply fold

over the line and stitch it up. No, 

that’s cheating. We braid the 

loop before stitching and finishing 

for a safer, stronger, and 

more aerodynamic connection. 

Durable 24 Meter LINES 

Made in Germany quality. Our 

line supplier, Liros, is a name 

synonymous with innovation 

and workmanship. For example, 

they pre-stretch our lines 

under heat. Only 1.8mm thick 

and sporting 50% greater breaking 

strength, the Sensor 2S 

Pro lines will perform beyond 

your expectations. A small but 

important detail relates to how 

we finish our line end loops. We 

don’t simply fold over the line 

and stitch it up. No, that’s cheating. 

We braid the loop before 

stitching and finishing for a safer, 

stronger, and more aerodynamic 

connection.

Kitesoul Magazine #20 English Edition

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