Kitesoul Magazine #21 International Edition

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Nick Jacobsen
James Boulding

LIVE FREE
RIDE FREE
Keahi de Aboitiz
See all the new gear at cabrinhakites.com

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
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018
TWO-MONTHLY
Texts
David Ingiosi, James Boulding, Keahi de
Aboitiz, Moona White, Ulrich Frank,
Chris Bobryk, Gianluca Cavaiola, Alessio
Alfieroni, Giorgia Notaro, Renato
Casati, Kari Schibevaag, Laci Kobulsky,
Alby Rondina.
Photos
Reemedia, Svetlana Romantsova, Mario
Saragò, Mark Andrew Culp, Laci
Kobulsky, Eleveight Kites, Red Bull, RRD,
F-One, RRD, F-One, Toby
Bromwich, Cabrinha, Naish, Core.
Cover:
Rider: Set Teixeira
Photo: F-One Courtesy
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
Learn how
to kitefoil?
Now,
everybody
can...
Once the board gains speed, it lifts up the water and silence begins. Around us only
the sound of the wind blowing and pushing our kite. This is what it feels like to glide
aboard a kitefoil. Those of you who still have not heard about this spectacular kitesurfing
discipline probably live in a cave. In fact, over the past two years, kitefoiling
spread like an avalanche sweeping the tribe of riders, widening the boundaries of this
sport towards still evolving and far from being defined horizons.

FUTURISTIC FINS TO MANAGE THE LIFT
Basically, in kitefoiling the rider uses a board equipped with special hydrodynamic
appendages called hydrofoils with an inverted "T" shape, which allow the gliding
board to completely rise out of the water, greatly reduce friction and ride at incredible
speeds. As for the kites, regular inflatable kites or foil kites can both be used. The
advantage of kitefoiling, apart from the amazing feeling of planing at half metre off
the water, is that you can already ride with 5-6 knots of wind and also with chopped
conditions as the board glides above the breakers and lastly it allows upwind angles
up to 40 degrees.
Actually, experienced riders do anything with kitefoil: breathtaking carvings, gigantic
jumps and freestyle manoeuvres. What is certain is that this sport will continue
to spread like wildfire, especially now that the World Sailing looks at kitefoiling as a
potential candidate to Tokyo Olympics 2020.
KITEFOILING: WITH A SHORT MAST EVERYONE CAN LEARN
Meanwhile, the number of riders increases worldwide, new materials are tested, the
number of dedicated competitions increase and of course, as when a sport becomes a
trend, new enthusiasts approach this discipline. Kitefoiling though is far from being
an easy apprenticeship, even for an experienced kiter. It takes time, dedication and
patience. But also, qualified instructors and perhaps tailor-made lessons.
With the aim to make the discovery of this new discipline as easy as possible, reduce
learning time and practice it safely, recently all major brands in the market, from
North Kiteboarding to Cabrinha, from RRD to Slingshot and F-One, developed progressive
length masts starting from 45 cm, and some of them have released specific
video tutorials that teach the basics making everything easier.
ONLINE TUTORIAL: FROM ZERO TO HERO
Online classes in addition to explaining what kitefoil is and what it can do, are conceived
as real beginner courses which include the basics on equipment, assembly of
the appendages, safety procedures, body drag, water start, riding, changes of direction
and jumps. Particular attention is dedicated to the lift control of the board on the
water, to the body posture and the correct weight balance.
Like it or not, kitefoiling is here to stay and it's fantastic because it's one of the most
entertaining and innovative trends in kitesurfing. In other words, it's foiling mania.
David Ingiosi

SUMMARY
PORTFOLIO
SARDINIA GRAND SLAM
COMPETITION
18 30 38
Nico Parlier, world ace of
KiteFoil
Lighthouse to Leighton,
the search for endurance
WAVE RIDING
CYPRUS
NEW BRANDS
80
Oahu strike mission
98
2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE
MAN
108
Eleveight Kites, the new
international brand that
will make kiters fly!
SAILMAKER WORKSHOPS
134
Emanuele Martinez, Mr.
Zenitramsails: repairing
sails is an act of love
EXPERIENCES
STRAPLESS
140 148
Kite and the City HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS

ENDURANCE F-ONE EXPERIENCES
46 52 72
A true adventure with
purpose on the Cape Verdean
islands
Dakhla Global Meeting
2018: a kite festival
Before the
SledgeHammer
RIDER
KITE WORLD RECORD
RIDERS
122
Jeremy Burlando, only
young but with the talent
of a champion
126
Portfolio Joshua Emanuel made
the biggest jump on
WOO, 28.9 mt
130
Portfolio The One-Legged Kiteboard
Chick
FREESTYLE
TECNIQUE
FOCUS
156
7 Steps on how to start
with freestyle in kiteboarding
170
Surfboard essentials: a
thoughtful guide to the
choice of the object of
desire
202
RRD - OBSESSION MK10
RRD - PASSION MK9
CORE - SENSOR 2 SPRO

18
PORTFOLIO
Alberto Rondina
RIDER: ALBERTO RONDINA
PHOTO: LACI KOBULSKY

20 PORTFOLIO
JULIAN MEISTER
RIDER: JULIAN MEISTER
PHOTO: LUKAS PITSCH

22 PORTFOLIO
JULIEN LELEU
RIDER: JULIEN LELEU
PHOTO: SVETLANA ROMANTSOVA

24 PORTFOLIO
MITU MONTEIRO
RIDER: MITU MONTEIRO
PHOTO: WILLY HADORN

26 PORTFOLIO
CARL FERREIRA
RIDER: CARL FERREIRA
PHOTO: HIGH LIGHT PROD

30
SARDINA GRAND SLAM
Nico Parlier, world ace of KiteFoil
Nico Parlier is the new KiteFoil World Champion! The Sardinia
Grand Slam, the grand final of the KiteFoil Gold Cup,
delivered its verdict and in the wonderful scenery of the
Poetto in Cagliari it crowned the new Champion of this disciplines.
Twelve races performed during the 4-day competition!
Nico Parlier
WORLD ACE OF KITEFOIL

David Ingiosi

32
SARDINA GRAND SLAM
Nico Parlier, world ace of KiteFoil
From 4th to 8th October 2017, in the
evocative location of the Poetto (6th
stop, Italian Army establishment) in
Cagliari, it has been held the Sardinia
Grand Slam, the final stop of the Kite-
Foil Gold Cup organized by GLE Sport
asd and the Cagliari Yachting Club,
under the aegis of IKA (International
Kiteboarding Association).
The Grand Slam represented the final
act of the KiteFoil Gold World Championship
that this year had already
brought the strongest riders in the
world to Korea and twice to China, in
Weifang first and Pingtan afterwards.
The race was dominated by the French
Nico Parlier.
An expected result given the evolution
of the regattas in the past days. For the
Frenchman the first day of competition
was sufficient to measure up the other
title contender, the compatriot Axel Mazella,
and place seven first positions in
a row out of the 12 available to take the
world title home.
As expected the real battle has been for
the second and third place. Silver Medal
for the French Axel Mazella who manages
to snatch the second place by just
3 points over the by now former World
Champion Maxime Nocher.

34
SARDINA GRAND SLAM
Nico Parlier, world ace of KiteFoil

Excellent performance for the Italian Mario
Calbucci.
No news in the positions just off the podium
where the British Guy Bridge gets the fourth
place and the fifth place goes to Theo De
Ramecourt. First among the Italians the new
Italian Champion Mario Calbucci, sixth in
the ranking who performed greatly here at
the Poetto. A constant performance throughout
the days, which allowed him to always
remain close to the top part of the leaderboard.
As far as the women are concerned, the
British Steph Bridge graduates as World
Champion, followed by the French Anaïs
Mai Desjardins and by the German Sabrina
Schlossnikel.

36
SARDINA GRAND SLAM
Nico Parlier, world ace of KiteFoil
Mirco Babini:
"Poetto Beach, a spot of excellence"
"It has truly been a great Final – comments
Mirco Babini, IKA President – International
Kiteboarding Association – we had 39 top
international riders competing who battled
it out to take home the World Champion
Title. Cagliari and the Poetto Beach proved
once again to be more than right to host international
events. As for Kiteboarding and
sailing sports in general, the Poetto is now
recognized worldwide as one of the best international
spots for competitions and training.
I hope this heritage will be further and

constantly enhanced in the upcoming years
through the organisation of events and why
not, with the creation of an Academy for
high level coaching destined to national
and world champions for improvement and
training sessions".

Lighthouse to
38
COMPETITIONS
Lighthouse to Leighton, the search for endurance
Leighton, the
search for
endurance
Next 9th December on the West coast of the land of kangaroos it will be held
the 8th edition of the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton, a 19 kilometres longdistance
race from the island of Rottnest to Leighton beach. This year, in the
competition also the Italian Gianluca Cavaiola who tells us about his longing
for endurance.
Testo David Ingiosi

40
COMPETITIONS
Lighthouse to Leighton, the search for endurance
The world of kiters is divided into two
categories: those who want to jump
as high as possible and those who
want to glide at full speed, ride on the
thread of 40 knots. And whip any opponent.
The Red Bull Lighthouse to
Leighton, an endurance competition
that this year starts on 9th December.
Everybody knowns that the Austrian
energy drink trademark means show,
adrenaline and adventure and the
Lighthouse to Leighton event fully
brings together all these ingredients.
It’s a 19 kilometres race at its 8th Edition,
which takes place on the Australian
West coast, from the island of
Rottnest, a former aboriginal prison
and today exclusive tourist resort,
towards the continent up to Leighton
Beach, just north of Fremantle.
ENTHUSIASTS AND CHAMPIONS
TO BATTLE IT OUT
The great thing of this kite marathon
is that both big champions and simple
enthusiasts can participate in it
with any quiver: hydrofoil, surfboard,
raceboard and twintip. In the 2016
edition, 135 contestants gave their
best taking advantage of the regular
winds, between 22 and 24 knots,
that blew over the entire course. Last
year's race was won by the French
Nico Parlier who got at the starting
line of the Red Bull Lighthouse to
Leighton with two goals: win the race
and beat the 19 kilometres covering
record logged in 2014 by Olly Bridge
of 22 minutes and 7 seconds. Parlier
was in great form and hit both goals
taking a first place overall and beating
the race record with a time of 19
minutes and 3 seconds.
ALSO AN ITALIAN SELECTED
THIS YEAR
This year for the Red Bull Lighthouse
to Leighton race it has been selected
also the Italian Gianluca Cavaiola

who tells us a bit about himself and
of his search for endurance.
Gianluca could you tell a bit about
yourself to those who don't know you
and especially about your kitesurfing
experience?
Hi everybody, first of all thanks to
Kitesoul for this interview and opportunity.
My name is Gianluca Cavaiola,
I was born in Fondi, Latina, I'm 20
years old and I am an Italian Freestyle
kiteboarder. I started practising
this discipline in my home spot, Salto
di Fondi, in the late summer 2012 and
thanks to some of my friends I immediately
approached the freestyle
discipline. The following summer,
in 2013, for the first time I took part
in the Italian Freestyle Championship,
although my technical level was
still very low compared to the other
competing riders and I lost both of
my heats. However, that marked my
starting point, I learned a lot during
the event and I started getting inspiration
from other riders to learn new
manoeuvres. The following year, I did
much better and with some commitment,
determination and a pinch
of luck I finished in third position in
the Italian Juniors Championship.
2015 marked my transition from the
Junior category to the Open one
and I took part in both disciplines,
Freestyle and Big Air. The level was
so much higher and I was unable to
get a good finishing position. In 2016,
I moved overseas and I took part in
the Australian National League Kiteboarding,
in Perth, in the famous spot
of Safety Bay and I finished in fourth
place, unfortunately though I got injured
as my finger broke forcing me
to leave the event early.
How come are you in Australia?
Last year I moved to Perth, Western
Australia, because during the last
competition I felt the need to train
more and Australia was the place
that best fulfilled this need, both for
training reasons and therefore for
the weather conditions, as in terms
of new experiences in competitions
of various disciplines and also to
continue my sports and fitness studies.

42
COMPETITIONS
Lighthouse to Leighton, the search for endurance
Did you already know the Red Bull
Lighthouse to Leighton and how did
you get the idea of participating in it?
I must confess that I didn't know
the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton.
Whilst I was injured to my finger,
I couldn't train and I heard about
this famous race so I went to watch
it as a spectator and I was amazed
by the event organization, by the
number of participating athletes and
by the important names from the
world kiteboarding scenario such as
Aaron Hadlow and Sam Light, who
were competing for the title. All that
is what led me to the idea of trying
to participate the following year although
without any experience in
this discipline. So, several months
ago I registered and waited for the
Red Bull organisation to announce
the selected riders to the regatta.
How did the selection procedure
work?
Due to the numerous registration requests
to the event and with only 140
available places, the Red Bull event
organization reserved the right to
select the participating athletes to
the next regatta on 9th December.
Unfortunately, though the used selection
criteria were not specified.
However, all the athletes were invited
to take part in a pre-race meeting
during which they announced all
the selected athletes and luckily my
name was among them.
What do you think are the difficulties
in this race?
The Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton
is a regatta that starts from Rottnest
Island and arrives at Leighton beach
on the coast of Perth. The overall
distance is approximately 20 km.
Being shaped as a Race, the difficulty
is to keep a high pace from start
to finish and a high speed, and being
an open ocean crossing this cannot
be taken for granted. Therefore,
to avoid losing time and positions it
will also be necessary to keep the
same tack during the entire regatta
that normally lasts between 25 to 40
minutes. Lastly, challenging this discipline's
champions won't be easy
either.
How are you preparing for it and what
equipment will you use?
With regard to my preparation, I can
tell you that the factor that can make
a difference in this competition will
be the physical resistance, especial-

44
COMPETITIONS
Lighthouse to Leighton, the search for endurance
ly in the legs. That's why my workouts
are not only technical but also muscular
at the gym. I'm trying to work
hard on muscle endurance and Core
System. As far as the equipment is
concerned, I will use the new Obsession
MK10 by Roberto Ricci Design
with the four lines setting and a Poison
V4 140x42 cm board.
What are your expectations?
The Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton
will be a completely new experience
for me and that's why I don’t have
specific expectations. The Race
discipline is also totally new to me
therefore my only expectation is to
prepare at my best as well as perform
at my best during the competition
hoping to finish in the top positions.

46
ENDURANCE
A true adventure with purpose on the Cape Verdean islands
A TRUE ADVENTURE WITH PURPOSE
Imagine standing on the beach
of Boa Vista, looking out over
the ocean. In your mind's eye
Sal is looming in the distance.
Scenes of local kite pro Mitu
Monteiro ripping the Cape
Verdean breaks freshing your
memory.
Toes dug in the sand, the
smell of salt, water caressing
your feet excitedly welcoming
you home, imagination firing
up, excitement burning in
your gut and chest. Steadying
your kite, ready to shred those
waves and a defiant, cheeky
grin settles from ear to ear.
That buzz, my relentless
drive for improvisation, adventure
and pushing barriers
is what parked my dream of
Kite4Change into reality.
So, who am I? My name is
Ulrich but everyone simply
knows me as Uli. Born September
1988 and raised on the
German Baltic Sea, the ocean
always tickled me with its
magical pull, perhaps a call
home?
At 9 years of age I began my
aquatic adventures by sailing
Optimists. Using a sail, I
stitched together myself from
blue plastic. As my skills progressed
I also started sailing
catamarans and windsurfing.
Loving it so much that at 14
Ulrich Frank

ON THE CAPE VERDEAN ISLANDS
I began to assist in teaching
others kids.
Perhaps, as well as a call home,
the ocean was offering support
in dealing with my life.
Challenging economic-social
surroundings and struggling
with authority, I was kicked
out of school at the tender age
of 15. These, and subsequent
events generated enough energy
for me to ditch the status
quo. By the age of 17 I was able
to leave Germany and pursue
my water sports dream on the
Italian island of Sardinia.
Working as an instructor, I further
improved both my sailing
and teaching skills, spreading
this joy to many. Following
the 2007 summer season,
I applied for an instructor position
in the Maldives for the
winter. As fate would have it,
the owner decided to appoint
me center manager, a sign of
things to come? I was only 18.
Indeed, yet not before adding
a new discipline to my arsenal,
teaching kitesurfing. A
discipline well suited for high
wind spots such as Sotavento
on Fuerteventura, the Canary
Islands.
After Fuerteventura, I returned
to Sardinia in 2009. Here, I
rapidly immersed myself in
all things related to running

48
ENDURANCE
A true adventure with purpose on the Cape Verdean islands
the center. My grit, strong
sense of improvising and just
do-it attitude, proved invaluable.
For a number of years, I
remained there, serving thousands
of clients, fixing issues
on the spot, growing into general
manager and learning
Italian, Dutch and English.
For the last 5 years now, since
2012, I’ve been based in the
most prominent watersports
location on Lake Garda in
Malcesine, Italy. Having started
at WwwindSquare as an instructor
as well, I am currently
contributing as the general
manager.
The Lake Garda winters turn
out to be a good time to travel,
as the region basically shuts
down. So, in 2015 I decided to
visit a friend in Cape Verde.
The result, I ended up falling
in love with the islands and
its people. As my passion for
waves and ocean well being
had me on the lookout for another
adventure, the75-km
crossing from Sal to Boa Vista
came onto my radar very soon.
Ready to kite this stretch of
water alone yet with support, I
was challenged by the request
for 1000 Euros in support boat
costs. This was way above my
personal budget. I rightly figured
setbacks to be opportunities
for something bigger,
I began exploring other avenues
to realize this dream.
So, last year in December 2016
I started looking for people to
join me. Fun and adventure
with a privileged group of kiters,
Cool! Right?
Close, yet not close enough! I
felt something was missing,
something bigger. Wandering
around the island, and getting
to know it, I met an Italian
lady named Sonia. She had set
up a kindergarten for 80 children
mainly from the slums.
Putting one and one together,
the missing link was found,
now it was merely a matter of
organizing the final details.
With the amount of interest
and the overwhelming support
for her effort in helping
these local kids, the idea for

an event was born.
Kite Downwind by X-Over. A
true adventure with purpose
And so, it happened, money
was raised and donated last
year on the first Downwind
from Sal to Boa Vista. And
This year the goal is to help
get the 80 kids funding for at
least a whole year of schooling.
Already € 12.000 collected
through our online fundraising.
I created a holding period
from 1st to 8th February 2018
in order to choose the best
day to make the crossing.
So, the holding period is basically
a week you spend with us
on Boavista. Here, we will just
enjoy the laid back local lifestyle.
It’s all about no stress.
Practice downwinders along
the coast and visit the best
wave-spots the island has to
offer. Once we have chosen a
date for the crossing, the day
before with a 10-minute flight,
we start from Boavista to Sal
and in the evening, there is a
safety briefing and group dinner.
Next day, early morning at
7:30, we meet at Mitu&Djo
KiteCenter where we prepare
our equipment and after loading
our luggage on the support
boats we leave Sal and we
are off out there to the Ocean.
Mitu Monteiro has confirmed
his participation as well. What
an honor to have him with us.

50
ENDURANCE
A true adventure with purpose on the Cape Verdean islands
As soon as we see Boa Vista,
the boats stop to create
a starting line from the road
to the race. The race ends on
Morabeza beach where Marco
Stevanato and his wife Leila
(from Brescia) will be waiting
for us.
The effective distance is
about 75 km and it will take
us about 3 hours to cross the
Ocean. I made it very simple
to participate. You guys only
have to register online and we
will then select the top 25. We
still have some spots left.
But why only 25 people?
From day one, Kite Downwind
was all about having an adventure,
meet like-minded
people, share our passion and
do some good for others. I believe
that a small group of participants
is the key to achieve
a richer experience, connect

with nature, the country and
the people. We therefore limit
the number of participants to
25 riders.
Boa Vista is fairly easy and
affordable to reach in only 6
hours from many Italian Airports
with Neos. The Participation
Fee is € 330 and a great
sum of that goes towards the
Kindergarten of Sonia. If you
don’t have the chance to take
part at the Downwind itself
make sure you visit our Fundraising
Initiative and support
our cause.

52
F-ONE
Dakhla Global Meeting 2018: a kite festival
DAKHLA GLOBAL
MEETING 2018
A KITE FESTIVAL
The success of an event is especially told by the fact
that none of the guests would like to leave. This is exactly
what happened at the Dakhla Global Meeting 2018
organized from 23rd to 29th October by F-One. A kite
festival (and not just that) perfectly organized by the
French brand crew with all the ingredients that made
everyone feel at home: a warm welcome, a friendly atmosphere,
expert and super helpful professionals and
technicians and lastly, the new toys of the 2018 catalogue,
kites, boards, bars and accessories ready to be
presented, explained in every detail and finally tested
in the water one by one. When all that happens in a
truly magical location such as Dakhla, in the middle
of the Moroccan desert, you may understand how the
clock stops and you never want to get back.
As usual, in these international events, for us, Kitesoul
Magazine, the opportunity proved even more effective
to get to know this French company, founded in
1989 by Raphael Salles, meet its team, breathe its philosophy
and test each piece of equipment. Well then,
here's our report on this Dakhla Global Meeting 2018
branded F-One.
DAKHLA: LUNAR LANDSCAPES AND A FLAT-WATER
(AND DEEP) LAGOON
Let's start from the location. Kiters from all over the
world know Dakhla, which in recent years earned great
popularity not only for its extraordinary wind and
sea conditions, but also for the magic of its territory
surrounded by the desert, dazzling colours with incredible
nuances and thousands of suggestions of an
ancient culture. The F-One meeting is hosted by the
Dakhla Club, a newly built resort on the east side of
the lagoon. And the latter was the stunning backdrop
of the event.

TeXt: David Ingiosi
Photo: Willy Hadorn

54
F-ONE
Dakhla Global Meeting 2018: a kite festival
It has a large peninsula on one side overlooking the Atlantic
Ocean whereas in the inland, it creates this fantastic
sheet of water always whipped by the wind also
called the "Rio de Oro" lagoon because, according to an
old legend, at sunset golden fish came to the surface,
colouring the entire expanse of water. Also in October,
thanks to its position close to the Tropic of Cancer, the
spot offers a dry climate and day temperatures ranging
from 25 to 35 degrees. Ideal conditions that, no coincidence,
for some time now have convinced the PKRA
World Tour organizers to hold every year a stop of the

Freestyle world circuit right here in Dakhla.
RAPHAEL SALLES, A GENTLEMAN MANAGER AND THOR-
OUGHBRED SURFER
To welcome the guests of the meeting, all the worldwide
distributors of the French brand, us from Kitesoul
Magazine as well as other prestigious international
kitesurfing magazines, is F-One patron, Raphael
Salles, a true gentleman, elegant and down to earth
at the same time, as well as an accomplished entrepreneur
and above all a great 360-degree waterman,

56
F-ONE
Dakhla Global Meeting 2018: a kite festival
capable of moving with ease among waves with a Sup
as with a Hydrofoil. With him, the technical staff of
F-One, from the designers, kite designer Robert Graham,
the young naval architect Charles Bertrand, the
accessories engineer Paco Isoardi, the brand manager
Belar Diaz and the Manera brand manager Julien
Salles, Raphael’s son. And then, many athletes of the
international team, all young, cheerful and motivated:
the strapless champion Mitu Monteiro, Camille Delannoy,
the Spanish David Tony Juan, the Brazilian Set
Teixeira, the French Paul Serin, the Moroccan Ismail
Adarzane and Tituan Galea. With them also the head
of communications Chloe Champs, a sort of efficient
factotum, always smiling and helpful who for us of
Kitesoul, was a true pleasure to meet after months of
messages, emails and phone calls to share the brand's
content on our pages. In short, a nice well-knit team,
solid and very friendly.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATIONS AND TESTS IN THE WATER
AT THE KBC CENTRE.
Once the large group of guests arrived from virtually
every part of the globe (for Italy our friend Luca Marcis),
and after a settling in day in the Moroccan atmosphere
and the lunar landscapes of the lagoon in front
of the residence, we are ready for the busy schedule, in
the mornings the official presentation of all the 2018
technical collection, sup, kitesurf, surf and hydrofoil,
including the Manera brand accessories such as wetsuits,
harnesses, bags and shorts, all enriched by explanations
and technical comments on each model.
Then, in the afternoon we would take action testing the
materials set up in the beautiful KBC sports centre,
managed by the German phenomenon Thomas Beckmann
who with his crew of instructors offered us an
excellent technical assistance and support in the water
with his dinghies. We’ve also been for some fantastic
sessions at the famous Westpoint wave spot in the
Atlantic Ocean with days of breath-taking waves (up to
3 meters) and fun for everybody on any type of board.
Not to mention the dinners together, the evenings of
endless talks, the strong Moroccan tea and the sensational
starry skies that accompanied our stay.

58
F-ONE
Dakhla Global Meeting 2018: a kite festival
F-ONE KITES: THREE MODELS ONLY, BUT EXCELLENT
After the official presentation by Raphael (with a little
update on the judicial controversy won over Bruno Lagagnoux
to defend the Bandit from the allegations of
being a copy of the Bow kite) and a brief summary on
the recent activities of the company and its position in
the market, Belar Diaz started with the presentation of
the Sup range. We then entered the heart of the kitesurf
collection. Firstly, all the kites, with the famous Bandit,
a true icon for kiters, at its eleventh year of production
and which this year is renewed, more stable, lighter,
controllable, with a new set of bridles and a new central
valve. Lime is its 2018 distinguishing colour. Fun
fact: did you know that since this kite was developed up
to now the brand team realized 80 prototypes? Masterpieces
do not come out of thin air! Then the Furtive, a
technical sail, aggressive, high performing, developed
with the help of the speed world champion Alex Caiz-

ergues, with a narrower aspect ratio and upwind and
hang time capabilities absolutely fantastic. The Breeze,
a light wind kite, intuitive, powerful and easy to handle.
This year’s latest is the new Freestyle kite, the Wtf!?,
a gem that certifies the interest of F-One for Freestyle
thoroughly explained by the boys of the team Paul, David
and Set. Also interesting the new Linx bar with dual
configuration: Low and High V of which you will extensively
read in the next issues of our magazine.
To describe and explain the universe of F-One boards,
Raphael himself and Charles, who comes from the prestigious
University of Naval Architecture of Southampton
in England and who easily rattles off, data, numbers,
fluid dynamic concepts and aeronautic notions,
as well as materials and technical solutions adopted
by the company. And there they are, the boards in great
form: Trax (Freeride / Freestyle), WTF!? (New School),
Spicy (Wakestyle), Next and Unik (Freeride).

60
F-ONE
Dakhla Global Meeting 2018: a kite festival
F-ONE THIRD GLOBAL BRAND FOR THE NUMBER OF
SOLD KITES
The outcome is that all these products are a mix of engineering,
technology and passion. A lot of research on
materials, many hours spent for the engineering aspect
and in the main testing laboratories for the equipment:

HYDROFOI
REVOLUTION
Cape Verde for Wave and Tarifa for Freestyle. Hard work
and investment, rewarded however by the community
of kiters from around the world that since 1996 keeps
on choosing the French brand equipment which as we
said, kite wise, with over 13,000 units sold each year
is the third brand in the world. Only one small difference:
have a look at how many models the other leading
brands have in their catalogues! After all, this is the
winning philosophy of this company: focus on the product,
actually on few excellent products, instead of on
many useless accessories.
HYDROFOIL REVOLUTION: F-ONE MARKS THE COURSE
But hydrofoiling is where F-One is really ahead. Accessibility,
technology, performance, continuous research
are their operative words. Just watch the boards on the
catalogue: pure "light wind machines" declined in technical
forms and solutions which represent the state
of the art of this discipline; a new dimension that is
shaking up our sport and contaminating like wildfire
all over the world. For the Dakhla Global Meeting 2018
this Moroccan lagoon was chosen to enhance the riding
and express at best the performance of the immersed
foil fins in the ideal conditions of Dakhla. All meeting
participants flew over the water, some of them starting
from zero and only with a few hours session. Priceless
emotions and feelings the ones given by the foil that
everyone should try. An important sign that the work of
the French brand is marking not only the present but
also the future of Foil. If you don't call that a success!
Salam ‘alayk!

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Charles Bertrand: "No boring days in F-One!"
CHARLES
BERTRAND:
NO BORING DAYS
IN F-ONE!
CHARLES, CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF, YOUR PAS-
SIONS AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I’m a quiet individual passionate about the sea and
of all kinds of sailing crafts. I grew up in northern
France before moving the UK to study naval architecture
and yacht design. From then on, I continued
with some studies in computational fluid dynamics
before starting a series of projects working as a freelance
yacht designer. Several years down the track,
my path crossed that of F-ONE and I met Raphael.
Quite rapidly I joined F-ONE to work on the R&D and
before I realized anything, 5 years have gone by!
HOW DID IT COME THAT A YOUNG NAVAL ARCHITECT
IS KNEE-DEEP INTO THE KITESURFING INDUSTRY?
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN THIS ENVIRONMENT AND HOW
IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE SAILING BOATS FIELD?
I was barely starting as a yacht designer when the
2008 crisis hit the market. Although the yachting
business has partially recovered since, it’s been
changed for good and I had to change some of my
plans. I was already applying to several boating com-

panies when I met F-ONE but I immediately liked the
atmosphere within the company, the brand and I
was motivated by the prospects of working with the
likes Raphael and Robert (Graham). As a teenager I
was really into windsurfing so I was ready for a new
dive into the world of water sports. It is indeed quite
a change from the sailing-boating industry. I guess
the main difference is that we’re building smaller
items but we’re producing them in larger numbers.
Each world has its own conservatisms but I like the
dynamics we have here at F-ONE. I think one key for
me is that I can work on kite boards, SUP and foils
all in the same day. We are producing thousands of
parts but we are still able to react and adapt quickly.
There’s never a boring day.
FIVE YEARS AGO, YOU JOINED F-ONE. WHAT KIND OF
COMPANY DID YOU FIND AT THAT TIME?
When I joined in, F-ONE had just moved into some
new facilities and the company I found at the time
was starting a new cycle. So, although the company
was already very well established, there was still a lot
of potential development internally. The offices that
seemed so large and empty at the time are now feeling
a lot more crowded but the spirit hasn’t changed!
YOUR ROLE AS A DESIGNER IN THE COMPANY IS
PRETTY MUCH INVOLVED IN THE FOILING EVOLUTION
OR BETTER REVOLUTION, FROM RACING TO FREERID-
ING, IN THE KITE WORLD. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE
PART OF THIS?
I think Raphael knew he was at some point going
to design and produce foils when I was hired and it
is for sure one of the most motivating projects for
somebody in my position. The foil is bridging many
different sports/disciplines and that’s what is so
interesting about it. It can be tough because we’re
pushing boundaries, in terms of design but also in
terms of production. Nothing ever comes easy. But
I’m very happy and grateful to be somehow working
at the forefront of the foiling phenomenon.

64
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Charles Bertrand: "No boring days in F-One!"
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE F-ONE'S PHILOSOPHY
IN THE FOIL DESIGN AND WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORI-
TIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR EQUIPMENT?
F-ONE’s ethos in design are always to start by making
the best possible product and that means using the
best material, implementing the best solutions even
if it’s difficult or expensive. This is how we can best
develop our know-how while also retaining the faith
of our customers. This is why we started our foil project
in 2015 with a full carbon hydrofoil with serious
performances. From then on, we worked to make the
products more and more affordable and accessible
without altering their qualities and performances.
The other prevailing aspect of F-ONE designs is the
versatility. The BANDIT is pretty much the epitome of
that but it’s true also for our range of hydrofoils. If we
develop a foil for surfing, we want it to work for kiting
as well. The result is that our 1.200 surf wing is great
to use with a kite in smaller waves and can also be
used to learn how to kitefoil with great effects.

IS THERE ANY PRODUCT IN YOUR CATALOGUE YOU
ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?
I’m trying hard to work enough so I can be proud of all
of the products we develop. Of course, some of them
were implemented with more of my own input than
others and it is a great motivation and confidence
booster when you get good feedback and good sale
figures on them.
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF MORE AS A CREATIVE OR AS
A PROBLEM SOLVER?
You have to be creative to solve problems! Constraints
bring creativity. I certainly like to have my hands free
when designing but I don’t see myself as an artist or
an inventor. I feel more like an architect whose job
is to find and arrange all the right components into
a complex system to make it work while also making
sure it looks stunning good.

66
ITW
Charles Bertrand: "No boring days in F-One!"
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE WHOLE PROCESS OF WORK-
ING ON A NEW MODEL OF HYDROFOIL?
We rarely start from a blank page and when we do, it
takes a lot of iteration to get started. More often we
can answer a new demand by working on an existing
product of our range. In such a situation we always
try to keep all the good features it already has while
implementing the new demanded characteristics.
When we have to take a fresh start we look around,

we open our eyes and our minds to find inspiration
in our own sport but also often in other sports, other
industries and simply in nature sometimes. If you
want to be more specific, when I work on a new front
wing I know I have a set of parameters I can play with
to achieve the desired characteristics: area, aspect
ratio, section profile and thickness, twist, etc. I can
play and adjust any of them to reach a number of
different compromises and my job is to find the right
compromise to meet the demand. I also need to tune
the wing to make sure it will work with the range of
stabilizers and fuselages that we have in our range
and keep everything plug and play.
IN THE LAST FEW YEARS WE HAVE SEEN A PROGRES-
SIVE DIFFUSION OF THE FOIL THROUGHOUT THE
WORLD INVOLVING NOT JUST PROFESSIONAL RID-
ERS, BUT ALSO ENTHUSIASTS. THE KEY WORD IN THE
INDUSTRY SEEMS TO BE "ACCESSIBILITY". HOW DO
YOU WORK ON IT?
Foiling was reborn 4 or 5 years ago through the development
of a racing scene so these early foils were
targeted at performances only and were rather tricky
to handle for a beginner. This is why anyone who has
tried to get into foiling a few years ago will tell you
that it was super hard. But we have done our homework
and we have learned how to design and make
foils that are easy and still perform well. The size
of the front wing is a key parameter together with
mast length. A shorter mast will really help in the
early stages and a larger wing will let you fly at low
speed before you get scared. So, you still need to go
through a learning process but it’s now much faster
than it was a couple of years ago. Having said that,
it’s always been critical for us to have a modular system
that lets you plug all the wings of our range into
a same foil so that a customer can start on a larger
wing and move on to smaller and different wings as
he gets better.

68
ITW
Charles Bertrand: "No boring days in F-One!"
FOILING BOARDS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT AS THE
BLADES UNDER THE WATER. CAN YOU OUTLINE WHAT
ARE THE MAIN TOPICS IN THE F-ONE RANGE? SHAPES,
MATERIALS, SOLUTIONS, CONNECTIONS, ETC...
We have a range of boards available with three different
constructions: full bamboo, carbon composite
and molded top sheet construction. We are working
on an evolution of our current range with sizes starting
with our 51 board which is the go-to board when
starting, all the way to our racing board used on the
world tour. We think it’s important not to go too short
as the length is bringing stability at all time and
floatation when you need it. We vary a lot more the
width as a narrow board can be cranked to windward
a lot more for maximum speed and efficiency. It’s important
to have thin rails and the outline is critical
for the stability when you hit the water at speed. We
have pushed the KF and Deep KF box concepts the
past few years as we thought they were great standard
to achieve a tight fit together with an easy assembly/disassembly
but we are aware of the trend
towards top plate junctions with rails so we will offer
a number of options in the future.
F-ONE'S WORK IN FOIL COMPREHENDS ALSO SURF-
ING, WINDSURFING AND SUP. HOW ALL THIS KNOWL-
EDGE CAN BE USED ALSO IN KITESURFING?
Being able to work on a lot of different foils is so
helpful in enriching our global understanding and
know-how. Every new application that we work on is
an opportunity to learn something and we’re able to
input some of that into the rest of our range more
often than we’d think. The development of surf/sup
foils has done a lot to improve the larger beginner
wings for kiting. Windfoiling sets some new challenges
notably in terms of structural resistance and
here again we can learn and improve overall.

FOIL EQUIPMENT IS STILL NOT SO CHEAP. IS IT POS-
SIBLE TO REDUCE THE PRICES SOMEHOW WITHOUT
LOSING PERFORMANCE? YOU ARE USING SOME CAR-
BON INJECTED CONSTRUCTION THAT MAYBE CAN BE
A SOLUTION. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT IT?
Absolutely, we see more and more people getting
hooked by foiling but to really get the majority of kiters
into it, it will take a product that is both super
easy and more affordable. That’s something that we
have been working on and we are very excited by the
early feedback we are getting regarding a new foil
that we will release next spring featuring impressive
accessibility, great performances and above all
a significantly lowered retail price. This was made
possible through the use of a new carbon material
crafted through an injection process. You will hear
more about it very soon!

70
ITW
Charles Bertrand: "No boring days in F-One!"
CHARLES, YOU ARE ALSO A GOOD RIDER. CAN YOU GIVE
SOME SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE BEGINNERS WHO WANT
TO PUT A FOOT IN THE FOIL DISCIPLINE?
First advice would be to start with the right gear: a short
mast (55 or 65cm) and a large wing (1000/1200cm).
When you want to buy yourself some gear you might
want to go for a longer mast (90cm) and an average
size wing (800/1000) so, it’s good to use a school to
learn with the right gear or perhaps rent a beginner
foil through a shop. When you’re all geared up, be prepare
to change your habits. Foiling takes some front
foot pressure which isn’t always very natural for some
riders that have been pushing on their back legs for
many years. But if you accept to change your way, you
will be just fine. Start on a day with enough wind to
relaunch your kite without too much hassle and before
trying to fly, take some time to ride while keeping firmly
the board in the water. When you are familiar with
the stance and leg balance to keep the board in the
water for a bit of time, let it come out gently and let the
magic happen.

72
EXPERIENCE
Before the SledgeHammer
Before the SledgeHammer
One of the last strongholds for true bohemians
and dreamers, the Florida Keys are home to artists,
musicians, writers, and kiteboarders. It’s
also home to local heroes Paul Menta and Blake
Olsen. Paul, a seasoned kiteboarder who helped
grow the sport in its early days. Blake, a positive
high energy youth with a passion for riding
and helping others.
It's not uncommon to catch him doing a back roll
over the pier all the while high-fiving passersby.
I found myself in a car with my two best
friends, Chris Bobryk and Steve Lee. We were
venturing down to visit Blake. We had two objectives.
First, to see what the Key West kite
scene is all about and second, to log some hours
taking photos and shooting video.
The scenery around the highway gave way from the
bustling metropolis that is Miami to reveal the
teal waters and windswept palms of the Florida
Keys. I looked in my rear-view mirror to see a
car full of kite and camera gear piled next to
my traveling companions.
The next week would be filled with windy days and
hours spent filming and photographing kiteboarding.
This isn’t my first adventure with these
guys and it certainly will not be my last. Being
able to live like this, I started to reflect on my
life. It's amazing how fundamentally kiteboarding
changed everything for us.
Six years ago, I was a mailman. I worked at
least 50 hours a week and rarely made time for
fun. Then life took a major turn. Searching for
something new, I took a kiteboarding lesson from
MACkite in Michigan. This is where I first met
Chris. Before he came to be known as the American
Sledgehammer, he was a young kite instructor who
dreamed of making a career out of kiteboarding.
After my lesson, I was hooked! I would show up
to the beach every day after work waiting for the
wind. I wasn’t alone, Chris was right there as
well. Over time, we forged a strong friendship.
I had more fun that summer than the last seven
years combined. Having found purpose, I started
planning my escape from a job that wasn't right
for the person I had become. I bought a computer,
some editing software and a camera.
Meanwhile, Chris had moved to Hatteras where he
linked up with his first sponsor.

74
EXPERIENCE
Before the SledgeHammer

During this time, I spent the next year burning
the candle at both ends. I put in countless
hours doing freelance video work and delivering
the mail. Then in the fall of 2012, I received a
phone call. It was Chris and he was in need of a
cameraman for an upcoming tour. Needless to say,
I resigned from my job, packed my bags and hit
the road. We spent the next month touring the
east coast of the US on the Best Kiteboarding RV,
filming and doing demos. After the tour, we hopped
on a plane and spent the next couple of months in
Brazil. Chris was growing his skills as a kiter,
while I grew mine documenting the experience.
These were our formative years in what would be
our new careers. It's true what they say, if you
can dream it, you can make it happen. Chris went
on to become The American Sledgehammer, while I
picked up a job in the video production industry
producing documentary television shows. As much
as I loved that job, my love of kiteboarding was
greater still. My experience and journey led me
back to where it all started, MACkite. I came on
board and began producing videos for them. Since
With Blake”. This is what led me to Key West with
Chris and Steve.
We arrived early that evening and grabbed dinner
at Salute on the beach with Blake. We woke
the next morning and ventured to our first riding
spot, Smathers Beach. A small beach with an
even smaller rock jetty. The wind picked up mid
afternoon and the boys got busy riding. After
putting in a little time on the camera, I grabbed
a kite and joined my friends. Shallow waters and
warm, steady winds made for an epic session. Not
to mention watching Chris, Blake and Paul throw
down. The verdict, Smathers is the optimal location
for newer riders. The only prerequisite
is that you must be able to handle launching on
a smaller beach. After our session, we had the
opportunity to speak with the locals.
As kiteboarders, we find a sense of community
that is unparalleled in any other sport. I'm
sure you know what I’m talking about - a simple
conversation about conditions is a great door
opener to new friends. The crew in Key West is
among the most welcoming we've encountered.
then, I couldn't be happier. Somehow, I turned
my passions into my job. Our latest project is a
new how-to vlog series on youtube called “Ride

76
EXPERIENCE
Before the SledgeHammer
As we were wrapping up, a frantic kiteboarder
named Jay came running up asking about gear
rentals. Chris and Blake were the first to offer
up their gear. After he got his fix, Jay told us
he was an F 16 pilot. He also had a single engine
plane ready to go at the airport.
He was so ecstatic about getting a session he
offered to take Chris and Blake for a joyride.
The next day the boys spent that afternoon exploring
this islands via plane. We were quick
to reciprocate the favor by taking Jay and his
friend out on a boat trip. About a mile offshore,
you can find what the locals have dubbed
the “backcountry”. Knee-deep water, mangroves
and small sandbar islands surrounded by an ocean
of blue and green. We spent the afternoon boosting
over the boat and drinking beers as well
as getting to know our new-found friends. The
backcountry is no doubt the best location in the
Keys. Being so far offshore, you’re guaranteed
smooth wind. On top of that, there is more than
ample room to try new tricks. Riding here brings
a unique sense of freedom not having the shore
or obstacles nearby.

78
EXPERIENCE
Before the SledgeHammer
The next day, we had to check out Blake's favorite
spot, the White Street Pier. If you can't
get a boat, this is hands down the best place on
the island for experienced riders.
The pier creates a small wind shadow making for
flat water, perfect for freestyle or putting on
a show. For Chris and Blake, it was an absolute
playground. We spent the afternoon shooting the
boys grinding the pier. At sunset, Chris and I
had a session on one of the many rails leading
into the water. There is nothing better than the
adventures kiteboarding and friendship bring.

This trip has left me reflecting on the most important
lesson that kiteboarding and traveling
have ever taught me. In a way, our lives are like
a book. With every new experience, every mile
interpolates into your story; it becomes that,
a piece of your story, and, in a way, a piece
of you. Over a long enough timeline, staying
in your routine is like days erased from your
life. I have found that when looking back, two
things stand out, change and adversity. Both can
inspire growth. In a way, they are the catalyst
for our love of the sport. Kiteboarding brings
friendship, novelty and new challenges to our
routine.
Essentially, writing more pages in your book. We
all have a story to tell - make sure you keep
writing yours.

80
WAVE RIDING
Oahu strike mission
Oahu
strike
mission

82
WAVE RIDING
Oahu strike mission

James Boulding
Walking into the Cabrinha kites HQ in Maui this winter
it was clear that there was a buzz in the air around
the new drifter kite, the R&D guys were feverishly tying
up loose ends (not literally) and fine tuning mm’s
on bridles and arriving back into the office with sand
in every orifice you can imagine, each sporting huge
grins from ear to ear. The great thing with being in the
Hawaiian Islands is the abundance of swell throughout
the winter months making their jobs very envious.
With the product shoot just round the corner we now
embarked upon a ‘waiting period’ for a good swell to
load up and shoot. With the first signs of something
solid lurking our way we exchanged calls with Keahi
de Aboitiz and Moona Whyte about heading over to
Oahu to see if we could score the goods. Although
adjacent islands in the Hawaiian chain they both receive
different conditions. The trade winds in Maui
blow cross shore along the north shore, whereas in
Oahu this trade wind is more offshore. This is one reason
why Maui is often the more famous destination
for wind sports. Oahu gets battered by the winter
north swells and it can be a ferocious place for even
the surf elite.
With a solid forecast approaching, myself and Anders
Krüger, Cabrinha’s video mastermind, packed all our
camera gear, loaded board bags full of fresh new kites
and boards and hopped on a flight over to Oahu to
hook up with the others. Falling asleep the first night
all I could hear was the gentle lap of water on the
shores edge. It’s always a gamble following swells, although
forecasting has come a long way and swells
can be tracked way in advance, actually knowing the
exact ferocity and personality of a swell is not always
obvious. I really hoped we wouldn’t be let down.
Waking up, it was clear the swell hadn’t arrived so we
headed to Mokes to jump in and get things started.
As soon as a few decent sized sets rolled through, it
was clear the swell was starting to arrive and quite
thankfully on my part we washed in over the reef
and swam back to shore to pack up and hit the road
to Backyards. Both these spots are vastly different,
right before the turn to Backyards you follow a 200m
straight of road past the famous ‘Sunset’ break. It’s a
famous Hawaiian wave steeped in heritage that can

84
WAVE RIDING
Oahu strike mission
hold huge swell. It joins up to Backyards by a stunningly
scary section that you certainly don’t want to
find yourself in on a big day.
It is certainly an awe-inspiring coastline, stood on the
beach I spent my time transfixed on the water. Looking
out to sea, Keahi and Moona made gusty flukey
cross offshore wind look like a doddle as they drifted
down long house sized walls of water. It was clear
that the part of the wave that might barrel was always
at the last part which was also the point where
the wind virtually stopped, so a game of risk vs reward
was in effect. In the lulls there wasn’t much to
do apart from gently body drag offshore and hope it
would fill back in. Looking at the scenario through the
lens doesn’t always do situations justice, it’s strange
how this is so true when it comes to waves, a picture
freezes an instant in time that your thoughts romanticize
over, it feels there are endless perspectives to
decide what to do in that frozen moment, how to surf
it and enjoy it, but snap to reality and everything just
happens the opposite. Reaction times are miniscule
and those split-second decisions are the difference
between being in a very uncomfortable situation or
riding back out cursing the fact you didn’t pull in com-

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Oahu strike mission
mitted. Through my 500mmI could see these emotions
etched onto the faces of the guys and the ups
and downs of the session felt like I was sharing them,
even though I remained perfectly dry on shore. As
a couple of bomb sets marched through the sunset
lineup, looking out to the left I was glad the guys had
the added use of their kites to get them as far out the
back as possible and wait for them to roll on through.
The lifeguard skis had started pulling surfers out
and few others had been washed in to the shoreline
where they lay gathering their breath. In this situation
that reliance on one’s equipment and own ability becomes
paramount.

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Oahu strike mission
Keahi de Aboitiz
It actually took a little convincing in the beginning,
but I was stoked when the guys pulled the trigger and
decided to fly over to Oahu to shoot some content
for the 2018 lineup. The gear had just arrived on Maui
and with one of the best-looking swells of the winter
forecast, I pleaded my case and convinced the guys
to come over to document it before the official shoot
started on Maui a few days later. When you personally
make the call, it’s always stressful to know if it will
be worth it, but I felt it was a risk worth taking. For
anyone that’s kited Backyards, what you’d know is no
matter the forecast, it’s always going to be a gamble
and you never really know what will happen until
the day. It’s one of those places that seems to have a
mind of its own and you need to be there waiting and
hoping, but when it all comes together it’s one of the
best waves in the world.
Super west swells on Oahu can be pretty interesting
really. Some waves like the direction and some don’t,
but for the 2 main kite spots here on Oahu, that’s exactly
what you want. The biggest thing that comes
into play though is actually Kauai. Once the swell direction
goes beyond a certain point it starts becoming
shadowed and what you end up with is a dramatic
size difference from one end of the north shore to
the other. With the wind starting to come up early,
the plan was to try and bag some water shots down
the coast before heading up to Backyards as the swell
started building.
With some shots in the bag and some decent sets
starting to show, we figured it was time to change
venues and rush up the coast for round 2. Arriving
at Backyards, it was clear the swell was actually already
here. Due to the swell angle what we found out
was our first session was actually suffering from the
swell shadow while yards was feeling the full brunt
of the swell. Walking down the beach the first thing
I saw was a solid 8ft set clearing the lineup. The last
remaining surfers were relegated to the beach and
it was on. I decided to keep that first set quiet from
Moona as she pumped up and she joined us for a few
bombs before the swell started to jack even more and
it was time for her to call it a day.
In fact, it was almost too big. What we thought would
be the day of days actually turned out to be a pretty
difficult session. Within an hour, the swell had jacked

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WAVE RIDING
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to solid 10-12-foot sets and it became a real game
of cat and mouse. Once it gets to that size, it starts
washing through from the 2nd and 3rd reef outside
and although there were still some absolute gems,
finding them was not an easy task. As per normal the
wind could be called gusty at best. 25-30 knot gusts
followed by 12 knot lulls on the inside is generally
what you’re greeted with is you kick out on the inside
and see sets stacking to the horizon. The funny thing
is that none of this seems to matter anymore when
you find that perfect one. It took some hunting and
after a few good poundings I managed to find that
one. A perfect yards barrel and with that, the pressure
was gone. I backed it up with a few fun ones and with
that I felt like we could already go home happy. We’d
nailed some good shots and even if we left now, we’d

already got what we came for. With the swell continuing
to jack even more, it seemed it was time to call it
a day, or so we thought.
As it turns out, because of the direction, what we
thought would be a washing through mess down the
coast was still very much in control so we made the
dash back down to make use of the last couple of
hours of light. With the west direction it was solid, but
only half the size of yards with perfect rippable walls
coming through. After our last session, it was actually
a nice welcoming change. Clean wind, perfect waves
and a perfect way to finish the day banking some
more good content. We’d earned ourselves a few
beers and with that we were feeling pretty content.
After making the rounds on day 2, it was clear the
swell was maxing and most spots were out of con-

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trol. Despite that, arriving at yards, I watched as one
of the most perfect waves I’ve ever seen there rifled
down the reef and spat it’s guts out. It was then followed
by a 12-foot cleanup set up leaving the lineup
a white churning mess but that first one was enough
to get me motivated. The wind had turned a little and
although it was more offshore there was some whitecaps
on the outside so reluctantly I knew had to try.
One thing I’ve learnt about myself over the years is
that I’d rather go out and fail than go home wondering
what if and if I blew it. It was a lonely session but
it was the right decision although I had to once again
pay my dues with a couple of solid poundings, I’d
found a couple more gems to make it all worthwhile.

Moona White
There really was no better way to put the new Drifter
through its paces and I’m very pleased to say it handled
perfectly once again. We’d got the goods and
now it was time to pack up and head to Maui for the
rest of the shoot. It didn’t come easy but sometimes
that’s what makes those sessions even more appealing
and some of those waves go down as some of the
most memorable I’ve ever had!
Moona White
Our weekend on Oahu shooting the new 2018 gear
was packed with kiting action. We hustled down to
my home spot early the first day to get some nice
morning light. The wind wasn’t super strong but I was
excited to try out the redesign of the Drifters for the
first time. It was a great way to start the morning,
seeing my pretty, new, white and blue Drifter in the
sky with the beautiful Waianae Mountain Range as its
backdrop. We got some fun little warm up waves, and
then headed in quickly to catch the incoming swell at
Backyards.
We had two cars packed full of kites, boards, and
camera equipment as we took the 30-minute drive
along the coast from one side of the North Shore to
the other. We could see little waves peeling at each
surf break we passed. By the time we got to the
beach, the wind had filled in and the swell was rising.
I was excited and nervous all at the same time, as I
usually am pumping up at Backyards. The waves are
clean but powerful and the reef is shallow. The wind
is slightly offshore and gusty at best. What better way
to test new gear than to go out in challenging conditions,
right?
Of course, the Cabrinha gear lived up to it’s name yet
again and handled the Powerful North Shore surf. We
scored fun waves all afternoon, all to ourselves, and
were feeling content with the good wind we were
blessed with and the footage that Anders and James
captured. But I could see Mokes from the beach at
Backyards, and the clear skies over the mountains
were taunting me. I could see the potential for good
wind, and the west swell direction pretty much guaranteed
some solid, peeling waves. As always when I
kite anywhere besides my home spot, the FOMO was
kicking in.
The boys agreed to pack up and head back down the
coast for one more evening session. As we pulled into
the beach park, kiters were already packing up after a

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long day of wind and waves. Keahi and I pumped up
as fast as we could as they all told us how good the
conditions had been. As we hit the water, it was clear
that the swell was still building and the sets were almost
too big for the reef to handle. The ocean was
messy from all the white water but nothing our Drifters
and S-quads couldn’t handle. Keahi and I were the
last ones out as the swell was pumping and we traded
waves until the sun went down.
The next morning it was clear that the swell was maxing.
Reports from Mokes confirmed that it was too
big and washing out. I decided I wouldn’t be kiting
that day, but Keahi was frothing to get out in some
XL waves. We drove around the North Shore scouting
potential kitable waves but decided that Backyards
would be the best bet again, as it was holding its size
and showed whitecaps on the outside. Keahi nervously
gathered his gear as the photographers readied
their cameras. The wind was questionable, but it always
is there and if anyone is able to read it, it’s Keahi.
With a kiss goodbye, I left him at the beach to drive
up the hill for an overhead view of the lineup. Anders

guided me via text message to the spot where he had
filmed Keahi from a couple of years ago. I took out my
own camera and sat on the roof of the car, trying to
position myself between the houses and power lines
to get a clear shot of the waves. Occasionally I spotted
a yellow kite through the trees, and Keahi pulling
out of giant waves. I remembered the fact that he
wasn’t wearing his emergency floatation vest that we
had forgotten at home, but brushed it off and tried to
trust in his waterman instincts to survive the session.
As Keahi searched for barrels I tried to get reports
from the beach but everyone was glued to their cameras,
without a second to check their phones. Finally,
I saw his kite make its way back to shore and could let
out a sigh of relief. Once again Keahi had pushed the
limits of kiting and gave the new kites the real test
of strength and performance they could only get on
Oahu.

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WAVE RIDING
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98
CYPRUS
2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE MAN
KARI SCHIBEVAAG
2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE MAN

WHAT’S UP BEFORE LEAVING?
KARI: TINE WHERE ARE WE ACTUALLY GOING?
TINE: I DON’T KNOW.
KARI: VI MEAN, WHAT COUNTRY?
TINE: I HAVE NO IDEA, I WAS THINKING IT WAS GREECE, BUT I REALLY
DON’T KNOW.
KARI: OK, TWO BLOND GIRLS ON A TRIP, JEJE.
TINE: IT´S WARM, SUNNY AND WINDY, IT HAS TO BE GOOD.
KARI: YEAH! I AM READY, DO YOU HAVE THE PLANE TICKETS?
TINE: YES, EVERYTHING IS READY!

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CYPRUS
2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE MAN
CYPRUS
It’s Thursday and the plane has just left from Oslo,
Gardermoen, Norway. Elias is sleeping like a little baby,
which he is. Tine and I are also trying to rest, but it’s hard
when you´re sitting on a plane full of people. We are both
jealously looking at Elias, he´s far away somewhere in his
dreams, maybe he is surfing big waves or eating a big ice
cream. Tine is looking at the map and says that maybe we
are going to Greece or to Turkey, let’s see.
Elias was gone the whole way till the plane reached Cyprus
(around 4 hours). The ones that say it’s hard to travel
with a kid, I am not sure, I thought it was quite easy. Yes,
Elias is 2 years old and he loves all kind of big machines
and when he woke up he was on fire, he was actually inside
a big plane and was going to sit on a bus, this was
crazy for him! He doesn’t know where he is either, but it
doesn’t concern him right now.
Cyprus is an island and it’s split into 2. You have the
Greek side and Turkish side... Which side is which? We
had organised a pick-up from the airport to the Hotel. Tal
(kite manager) came to get us and after just 1 min drive,
we were asking where we were and what country we were
going to, etc..., totally lost. Tal was looking at us and smiling
(I think inside his head there were sentences like, are
they blond or are they what?). You girls and the little man
will be staying on the Turkish side and you will love it, I
promise!
Aphrodite Beachfront Village
Tal is working at the Kite Resort and he knows the island
well. While we drive he tells us about the places and the
different spots around. We realized that we actually knew
nothing about this place and where he was taking us. We
just knew what we saw on the internet and it looked nice.
It takes 40 min from the airport to Aphrodite Beachfront
Village. It lies on the northern side of Cyprus. It’s a big
new resort with a lot of facilities for everyone.
Tine and I have been on a lot of trips together before and
after Elias came to this world. The only thing we are doing
different is to look for a place where he will also have
fun. From the pictures Aphrodite was looking good for all
ages, so we just had to test it out.
We stayed in a nice big apartment in the village with a sea
view. It wasn´t crowded at this time so it was easy to get
around and test out all the facilities the resort had. We
were most curious to see the beach, so we went straight
to take a look. It looked nice and we smiled to each other.
Launching from the garden in Aphrodite Beachfront Village
and then kite, just 10m walk to the ocean, cannot be
easier than this.
Days were flying
Cyprus was treating us well except our morning bell was
not working, as it should. It was set at 09.00 am as breakfast
started, but it was waking us up at 05.00! We tried to
change the timing but nothing happened. Every morning
a happy smile and a good morning at 05.00am sharp! It
took some time before Tine and I said good morning to
each other, but yes, we had our eyes open and were looking
at this energy bomb running around us.

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2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE MAN
Before breakfast every morning we had already tested
the pool several times, had a SUP session in the pool or
ocean, been to the playroom, biked to the beach, played
some football, been to the training centre, etc... It’s hard
to keep up with a 2-year-old, but he was keeping us in
good shape, I think this was his goal for the trip.
After 5 hours of playtime it was finally time for breakfast.
Since we had this alarm at 5 am it was really nice to get a
big breakfast served by the pool. Every morning we had
toast with eggs, fruit with yogurt, juice and coffee. Elias
was more inclined for the healthy pancakes with Nutella.
We were in heaven!
After breakfast, it was time out from Elias. During his nap
it was time for mommy and me to play in the water. The
kites were pumped and laying on the grass and when the
wind started it was easy to just jump in the water. We had
one eye on Elias that was sleeping and one in the action.
Mommy had to go back first, when Elias woke up, but after
a while when I felt for a brake, it was time to swap. It
was us and maybe 1 or 2 more kites in the water, so as you

can understand, we had to follow the right handed rules
so we did not make any enemies there.
Aphrodite Beachfront Village is perfect for families and
kiters that just want to enjoy life. Stay in beautiful apartments,
good food and a lot of activities.
If you have days with no wind, it’s not a problem in Cyprus.
You Sup to beautiful places with crystal clear water or on
waves. Bike at the beach or in the mountains, swim, train
at the gym, go to the SPA, run on the beach, play volleyball
or football, or just relax and read a book beside the
pool or at the beach.
We also went for some trips around the island and found
some nice kite and SUP spots. The island has many possibilities.
When we were driving we could see people
olive-picking, which they use not just to make olive oil.
There are a lot of olives trees and other veggies on the island.
What’s good about Cyprus is that they are not using
a lot of pesticides and many farms are Ecological. There

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2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE MAN
are restaurants and farms serving organic food. You can
go there to eat or just to buy veggies and other things
they make. We had breakfast at one of these and what
I loved about it is that the tomatoes actually tasted like
tomatoes.
If you are in Cyprus, you just have to find the time to visit
these farms!
We had a great holiday in Cyprus and I think the three
of us had fun doing what we love. Elias was really happy
with all the different pools, the beach and everything the
resort had to offer and Tine and I were smiling because
we had a real vacation.
But time flies and after 10 good days it was time to enter
the car again and head home to Norway and look for new
adventures.

Thanks for the good days Aphrodite Beachfront Village!
Hope to visit this place again.

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CYPRUS
2 GIRLS AND A LITTLE MAN
Fly to: Lamaca or Ercam
Money: Turkish Lira and Euro/dollar can be used
Stay at: Aphrodite Beachfront Village
Web page: www.aphrodiebeachfront.com
Bring: Summer clothing and a hoody for late nights or
mornings, training clothes. Happy face and ready for action
and relax.

108
NEW BRANDS
Eleveight Kites, the new international brand that will make kiters fly!
Eleveight
Kites
THE NEW INTERNATIONAL BRAND
THAT WILL MAKE KITERS FLY!
Founded only a few months ago, the new
Brand Eleveight Kites arrived like a bomb in
the kiteboarding global market, immediately
positioning itself in the mid-high segment of
it.

TEXT: DAVID INGIOSI
PHOTO: ELEVEIGHT KITES COURTESY

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NEW BRANDS
Eleveight Kites, the new international brand that will make kiters fly!
Since August 2017 in fact, the products are already
available in shops and schools. A global distribution
with operational centres in Europe, United States and
Australia.
Interesting choice the one to count on a network of
Ambassadors ready to make the Brand known, make
the products available for testing and give it a 360
degrees visibility. Among them, in Italy we met Alessio
Alferoni, rider and instructor for more than 10 years,
who settled at the Stagnone in Marsala where every
day you can see him in the water giving lessons, or
simply indulge in riding in any condition. Former
Ambassador of Best Kiteboarding, he tells us how and
why he engaged in this new project, as well as embrace
the philosophy of Eleveight Kites and of his team, with
a detailed overview of the products in the catalogue.

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NEW BRANDS
Eleveight Kites, the new international brand that will make kiters fly!
Alessio, you’ve been in the kitesurfing arena for
several years and you are quite a well-known
character, for those who still do not know you,
could you briefly explain who you are and what
is your experience in this world?
First, I would like to say hello to all the readers
of KITESOUL MAGAZINE! My name is Alessio
Alferoni, I am Roman, class 1979 and I first
approached kiteboarding in the summer 2005,
attending a beginner's course at my brother Giampiero's
school, the F.S.K.I. centre in Focene,
in the province of Rome, and it was more a challenge
among friends rather than a real interest.
However, I quickly changed my mind when
I realised that this sport could be for me not
just a pastime, fun time or time to spend with
others but a true professional career opportunity.
After two years of practice I got the first
license as Instructor and started to work in the
same school as my brother. Later, I was lucky
enough to be asked by Stefano Viscuso, the
Sport&Company shop patron, in Rome, to collaborate
in his school in the Rambla in Maccarese,
in the Roman coast, which I managed for the
following three years. An extremely rewarding
experience, of which I still have beautiful memories,
a brief but intense period which ended
with the organization of a big event, the REO,
Roma Event One, to which I worked as co-organiser
with Viscuso and Tommaso Caldani,
the latter today is in the Italian Ozone team.
During that period, I received many offers for
collaborations, but one over all appealed to me
as more interesting and ambitious, therefore I
left "my" Rome and moved to Sicily, Marsala,
precisely at the Stagnone, and I began working
as an instructor at the Sicily Kite Lounge, now
the SICILY STAGNONE KITE PARK. This spot and
this school represented for me the real launching
pad in this world, giving me the opportunity
to go in the water almost every day, 10 months
a year, acquiring both teaching and commercial
skills and after 12 years here I am, a little
older but always ready to sail! NB: just in case
some you are wondering what happened to my
brother, you can go and visit him in Los Angeles
where you will be able to kitesurf and surf
in one of the most fascinating and fun cities
in the world! Who knows, maybe my future will
also be overseas?!

When did this passion become a real career for
you?
After what I just told you, my second and very
important step was to represent Best Kiteboarding
brand in Italy together with Filippo
Costanzo, at that time historic representative
for Best, that role reinvigorated me with new
but above all totally different motivations from
what I did before, this allowed me to meet many
new people in the industry, travel Italy visiting
new schools and shops unknown to me, therefore
continue the growth of my professional experience
in this field.
In 2017 you joined the Eleveight Kites project,
the new brand. With what spirit and what ambitions
did you approach this adventure?
It must be said that my first assignment as representative
was a pretty nice training period, I
immediately found myself at ease also thanks
to the international staff with which I worked
and was really helpful when I started, but unfortunately
in late 2016 Best Kiteboarding was
in a deadlock situation, and we started to put
our ear to the ground wondering about our future.
During the summer 2017, Filippo and I
were invited to find out about a new project and
we flew to Portugal. Hard to explain the enthusiasm
of that encounter, 4 fantastic days with
wonderful people from all over the world, the
project was ambitious and the corporate top
management gave us great confidence, so we
accepted this not easy challenge: launch this
new brand, Eleveight Kites, in a small and pretty
saturated market like the kitesurfing one.
What is your role in Eleveight?
The brand management assigned me the same
role as my previous one, therefore representing

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NEW BRANDS
Eleveight Kites, the new international brand that will make kiters fly!
the brand all over Italy, still with my partner
Filippo Costanzo. I am a brand Ambassador and
I am also in charge of sales, of the relations
with schools and shops, of the organization of
test-days, of the Italian tour where once a year
we visit all the Italian spots and of all the other
activities related to the brand.
What is Eleveight Kites' philosophy and how
come did you like it immediately?
What moved us to embrace this project was the
ambition to put in the market new products,
performing and innovative but especially the
esteem for the team, particularly for an outstanding
person like Peter Stiewe who is the
main founder of Eleveight as well as its entire
production line designer, but also for its partners,
because although Eleveight is a new-born
brand its top managers have over 15 years’ experience
in this industry. Eleveight kites is currently
present in Russia, Australia, South Africa,
Europe, South America, United States and
Canada. We already count more than 350 operators
in shops and schools all over the world, I
mean it's been a real bomb and so far, the results
amazed us too! Therefore, we are satisfied
and motivated to go ahead, improving and
developing what the end customer needs: innovation,
performance, safety, ease of use and
an attractive price compared to the other top
brands.
The brand name is quite peculiar, it recalls the
English word Elevator, as to emphasize the vertical
and more spectacular dimension of kitesurfing,
right?
That's right, the name of the brand comes from
the word ELEVATOR, representing the verti-

cal dimension of kitesurfing which makes you
go high giving incredible feelings of freedom;
combined with the word "eight, the famous
eight done with the kite within the wind window
and which is the entry ticket for all of those
approaching this discipline. Of course, eight is
also the sign of infinity, our logo, the infinite
passion that we all have for this sport, but also
our vision and spirit for infinity, harmony and
sustainability. It is a beautiful name, don't you
think!?!
What is the company’s global corporate structure
and where are its headquarters?
In Europe Eleveight main and operational office
is in Germany, whereas the other two main offices
are in Australia and United States. For the
kite production the company operates in Sri
Lanka in the Aqua Dynamics factory, whereas
the equipment and prototypes tests are carried
out in main spots like the Stagnone in Sicily,
Paracuru in Brazil and in Sri Lanka which with
its ocean and lagoons offers an excellent laboratory
for product improvement.
On which products does your catalogue focus?
The Eleveight product line includes three kite
models for the global market and an exclusive
one designed for schools. The latter is called
PS (Progression Series), it is a three-strut kite
with a delta profile, mono-ripstop, supplied
only to schools at a very convenient price,
this in order to get some popularity and break
through the market more effectively. It has
an exclusive innovation on the initial part of
the bridles, an elastic system, a solution that
maximizes the rider's comfort while riding and

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NEW BRANDS
Eleveight Kites, the new international brand that will make kiters fly!

most importantly allows to manage gusts very
well. Available sizes 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12m, in four
colours. Among the many features of this kite
there are the immediate relaunch from the water,
a great depower, a moderate rotation speed,
reinforcements over the leading edge and on
critical points and a very high flying stability.
A very intuitive and easy kite that can easily
be used by a beginner but which will entertain
even the more experienced ones. We then have
the RS (Freeride Series) a kite with a delta hybrid
profile, 3 struts, double ripstop, available
in sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 17, produced
in four colours. Among the features of the RS,
the good rotation speed and excellent upwind
performance, a mid-high aspect ratio makes it
a kite for big jumps and hang time. The 14 and
17 sizes also have 3m size extensions. In the
Elev8 catalogue we then find the FS (Freestyle
Series), our main model, personally is the kite
that I use the most, a 5 struts Open C made with
D2 fabric and produced in sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12,
14 and 16 in three colours. It's the kite for Freestyle
and wakestyle, with great performances
also for kiteloop lovers, thanks to its fast and
powerful rotation, a good upwind performance
and also great stability and last but not least a
generous slack, make the FS my favourite kite
of all models. The last but not least model is the
WS (Wave Series), a 3 struts Open C, D2 fabric,
produced in sizes 5, 7, 9, 11 and for next year
we will increase the size range following the
many requests for this model which has been
the most sold one of the series. Three colours
in the catalogue. Fast and straightforward in
the rotation, stable thanks to its excellent drift
in downwind, light pressure on the bar for an
easy one-hand control, an excellent hang time
to facilitate the freestyle strapless. These are
the numerous features that make the WS THE
wave kite. This was the "Elev8 production" for
kites, whereas the control bar comes only in
one model in 2 sizes for all kites, with 22-meter
lines and a real innovation in the chicken loop:
the exclusive "Quick-Matic" system which allows
to re-hook the quick release without having
to move the cuff up but simply pushing it
in the chicken loop system. A mobile clam cleat
allows to adjust the depower length whereas
it is possible to trim both the front and back
lines without having to get to the kite. The grip
is excellent.
What about the boards?
Currently there are two bidirectional boards:
the PROCESS, freeride board in three sizes
(135, 139 and 144) and the IGNITION, light wind
board suitable also to move first steps with departures
thanks to its centimetres generosity
(150). The wood core construction for both of
them denotes lightness and a very nice appearance,
but they are also resistant thanks to the
carbon inserts. Two wave models too, the ES-
CAPE and the CURL. The first with the new shape
no-nose, in size 4'11 x 17 ½ x 2 - 20 Ltr / 5'4 x 18
½ x 23 /16 - 25.5 Ltr. The second one is a modern

118
NEW BRANDS
Eleveight Kites, the new international brand that will make kiters fly!
short board shape in size 5'7 x 17 5/8 X 2 – 23
Ltr / 5'10 X 19 X 2 - 26.5 Ltr. Both models are
thrusters with Futures box, many more details
on these two handmade gems and everything
else (Eleveight also provides kite pumps, pads,
straps, fins and other accessories as well as
all spare parts) on the website www.eleveightkites.com.
What about athletes, who is in your team?
The brand's philosophy was not to choose immediately
among wave or freestyle athletes but
to have several ambassadors around the world.
Currently our competing icon is Nuno "Stru"
Figueiredo, exceptional wave rider and a wonderful
person whom I was lucky enough to meet
in Portugal. Few weeks ago, Nuno took our WS
in the gigantic waves of Nazaré in Portugal,
thrilling! Soon there will be the national and
international athletes network.
Here at the Stagnone we always see you in the
water, it is an exceptional gym but also an effective
display for your kites, right?
The Stagnone is a spot of reference in Europe
and not only, therefore it is an unparalleled
commercial display. As we said, here we can
test our products and keep them flying for many
hours a day, this means a continuous information
exchange with our factory and designer,
and also using them for lessons and rentals
gives very important feedbacks for the development
of our products, the end user feedback
is GOLD for us!

Alessio, as an instructor you trained hundreds
of kiters, you have been doing kite for years, in
your opinion, today why should a rider buy the
Eleveight equipment?
I would say first of all to have innovative and
quality products, the result of research on materials
and on safety devices but also the result
of an accurate work by professionals of the
standing of Peter together with all the others
that I haven't mentioned but surely not least
important.

GLOBAL BAR V8
SIMPLE / FUNCTIONAL / SAFE / DURABLE
Simplicity is our mission.
We remove any unnecessary items, instead of adding them,
to make every component more functional.
Simply said : ”you cannot break what does not exist”.
-THE RRD EXCLUSIVE RIGID THREAD LINES-
We obviously still deliver you the bar with the exclusive RRD Rigid thread lines. These lines are made with using the most recent
fibers and an innovative production process. Not only are the lines easier to untwist, but most importantly, they don’t stretch!
EXTREMELY COMPACTED
DYNEEMA BRAIDED SOCK
DYNEEMA UNI-DIRECTIONAL
FIBERS

ONE BAR FOR ALL KITES
No need to ‘change any game’ with the release of our 8th version of the RRD Global Bar.
Because of the great history of performance, we have kept our new version simple, reliable,
and packed with the same great features of the previous versions. But with the V8,
we now take another step forward with new components and redesigned parts.
RIDERS: ABEL LAGO -KITE: RELIGION MK8 - PHOTO: SVETLANA ROMANTSOVA
“OUR LINES DON’T STRETCH”
-NEVER LOSE YOUR TRIM-
INDUSTRY STANDARD BRAIDED LINES
CAN STRETCH UP TO 25.0 cm
RRD RIGID THREAD LINES
CAN STRETCH UP TO 2.5 cm
MAXIMUM STRETCH ON A 25 m LINE
www.robertoriccidesigns.com

122
RIDER
Jeremy Burlando, only young but with the talent of a champion
Jeremy
Burlando
ONLY YOUNG BUT WITH THE TALENT OF
A CHAMPION
Italian, 12 years old, Junior World Champion,
Core international athlete, he
speaks five languages ​and he is so lucky
to train basically everyday which he
loves... Want to know more?
Jeremy Burlando was born in Venice on
18th July 2005. I met him in a rare windless
afternoon at El Medano (Tenerife,
Canary Islands). Jeremy has been living
here for a year, after few ones in Egypt.
For several days, I saw him in the water
and he certainly does not pass unnoticed
for his very high level and his athletic
looks... You could see him anywhere in
the world, at the restaurant or at cinema
and immediately understand that he is a
rider, a true rider.
At his age he has already travelled the
world, trains on every windy day and
never misses a shot at school; in short,
he is a prodigy in the water and in life.
Also thanks to his dad Michele, mentor
and coach, with whom he began wakeboarding
at the age of 7 and kiting in
Egypt at 9 and a half. Thanks to his dad
who since he was a child carried him on
his shoulders or in between his legs on
a kiteboard to pass him down the passion,
the real one. Thanks to a kid who
grasped it and made it his own setting
his life on genuine sport values and not
on PlayStation or cartoons on TV.
Renato Casati

124
RIDER
JJeremy Burlando, only young but with the talent of a champion
In 2017 the first important competitions.
The Coupe du Monde in France in St.
Pierre la Mer, IKA circuit, was his first,
where he got a 2° place. Straight after he
graduates World Champion in the World
Kiteboarding League.
This young champion couldn’t pass unnoticed
and immediately gets a contract
from Core as Canary rider first and International
Core rider after only few
months. A dream for many, already reality
for him.
Jeremy looks at me softly while answering
my questions, but you can immediately
glimpse his attitude, his look and
determination of who has clear ideas
about his life and objectives. When you
ask him about his favourite manoeuvres
or the ones to land in the future in half
a second he rattles off all the possible

technical knowledge, "Heart Attack,
Back Mobe, Front Blind Mobe, 313, 315,
317, 319...". He learns them on the internet,
studies them frame by frame with his
dad. But he immediately makes them his
in an uncommon way for a boy of that
age.
Jeremy has clear ideas: become world
champion and live on kitesurfing, emulating
his idols, Hadlow, Pasteur, Whaley,
etc. He will surely make it, thanks to
his dad Michele’s efforts, Core’s support
and his own determination to achieve his
goals. Go Jeremy!
Follow Jeremy on Facebook as Jeremy
Burlando Kiter and at
www.jeremyburlando.com

126
KITE WORLD RECORD
Joshua Emanuel made the biggest jump on WOO, 28.9 mt
Joshua Emanuel
MADE THE BIGGEST JUMP ON WOO
It continues the long battle for the first place in the overall ranking of the highest jump measured
by the WooSport sensor. Tuesday November 7, on the Kite Beach spot in South Africa in a
day with wind around 40 knots, Joshua Emanuel jumps 28.9 meter high. The previous record,
28.6m, belonged to Nick Jacobsen. Joshua, in that session, used the 9-meter CORE XR5 kite.
THESE ARE ALL THE DATA JUMP WOOSPORT RECORD MEASURED:
> 28.9 height
> Air Time: 11.5 6econds
> G landing: 7.3
We remind you that, a few months ago, Joshua won the Red Bull Megaloop Challenge 2017. Congrats
rider!

5 STRUT FRAME
INTELLIGENT ARC
SHORT BRIDLE SYSTEM
CORE INTELLIGENT
TRIM SYSTEM (CIT)
FASTER TURNING SPEED
SPEED PUMP SYSTEM
SPEED VALVE 2
BUCKLE UP!
THE NEW XR5 WILL TAKE YOU TO PLACES
YOU'VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE.
POWERED BY 10 YEARS OF
ITERATIVE INNOVATION.
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.5
15.0
17.0
19.0
FOLLOW US ON
corekites.com / facebook.com/corekites / instagram.com/corekites / twitter.com/corekites
FOLLOW US ON
corekites.com / facebook.com/corekites / instagram.com/corekites / twitter.com/corekites
CORE Kiteboarding / +49 (0) 4371 / 88934-0 / info@acorekites.com / Fehmarn, Germany

High Performance Freeride+
Freestyle
Wave

130
RIDERS
The One-Legged Kiteboard Chick
The
One-Legged
Kiteboard
Chick
Frances Osorio Rivera is her name and she is the onelegged
kiteboard chick, but that’s not all she is. When
you first meet her, you can see a depth in her eyes that
suggests she can do absolutely whatever she puts her
mind. She is strong in every sense of the word. Being that
she’s a veteran of the United States Army. Her Puerto Rican
heritage also has a lot to do with who Frances is. She is
passionate and fiery, yet compassionate and soulful.

Born in Puerto Rico Frances
developed love for the water
at an early age. She swam
competitively for a while and
was among the islands best
accomplishing at 12 being the
second fastest 50m freestyle
swimmer and accomplishing
to get to the finals on Central
American competitions.
After swimming, she started
to be more attracted to other
more extreme sports such
as bodyboarding, surfing and
skateboarding. Frances loved
the adrenaline they gave her.
After breaking her leg doing
grinds skateboarding, she
soon discovered kiteboarding
after seeing people in Ocean
Park Beach (Puerto Rico) doing
it. With her curiosity, fearlessness,
and determination
she was up and riding after 4
hours thanks to some of the
locals that provided her lessons
and soon afterwards sold
her a kite.
“My first kite was an 11m Yarga,
a true C- kite and honestly
it looked almost like what 14m
kites look like today. I was
reckless when I started, back
then there were not a lot of
riders. Cutting people off being,
being dragged down the
beach. I knew to launch and
get up on the board and ride,
but after that relaunching,
assessing correctly, all those
tweaks that make a safe rider,
nobody taught me that… I had
to learn those the hard way”.
Frances was hooked, she had
fallen in love with the sport
and was progressing fast due
to her fearless attitude. In her
early 20s she decided to join
the military (US Army) as a
combat medic and adapted
well to military life; for long
she had accepted that kiteboarding
was no longer an
option but she was happy as
long as she served her country.

132
RIDERS
The One-Legged Kiteboard Chick
Shortly after, Frances lost her
leg in a car related accident
and couldn’t continue with
her military career. She went
back to Puerto Rico. “This was
a dark time in my life, I lost
my leg and I was not getting
it back. I was in shock and
disbelief for a while. I had
an overwhelming amount of
mix feelings but I was mostly
angry”.
Sometime after the accident
Frances took off to the States
on a 4-month long travel
experience, hiking, swimming,
kiting and exploring to
clear her mind and open the
door to different cultures and
different mindsets. Traveling
to San Diego, Tijuana Mexico,
Rosarito Mexico, Cozumel
Mexico, Jamaica, St Thomas,
Haiti, Idaho, The Grand
Canyon Arizona, Seattle, and
Vancouver, British Colombia,
Alberta and Okinawa Valley in
Canada.
After her long travels to clear
her mind Frances went back
to Puerto Rico with $20 bucks
to her name and started instructing
kiteboarding. “It was
a little weird at first kiting
again with a prosthetic leg
but it all came back, I wasn’t
going to let it stop me”. Frances
instructed for 4 years at
15 knots kiteboarding school
becoming a great and knowledgeable
instructor.
Wanting to expand in the
kiteboard world Frances got
a job as a sales rep at Adventure
Sports in Miami and still
teaches from time to time.
“Being in Miami definitely has
made me progress as a kiter.
The bar is high here which
forces you to get better”.
Frances is an athlete for Vetscape.org.
She is also highly
involved with the challengedathletes.org
where she donates
her time teaching others
how to kitesurf. “It brings me
joy helping others in similar
situations as mine”. “This sport
has helped me overcome
major obstacles in my life, it’s
therapeutic and I believe it
can help others to”.
Being an amputee is a long
journey, one that doesn’t end
and must be taken day by day,
but seeing how others in the
same or similar circumstances
push through and succeed
creates a smile and inspiration
to keep on pushing one day at
a time.

134
SAILMAKER WORKSHOPS
Emanuele Martinez, Mr. Zenitramsails: repairing sails is an act of love
EMANUELE MARTINEZ
MR. ZENITRAMSAILS: REPAIRING SAILS IS AN ACT OF LOVE
By the Stagnone spot in Marsala (Sicily), Zeritramsails sailmaker
workshop has been operational for several years and it deals with
repairs of kitesurf sails and bars but also windsurf and boat sails.
The owner, Emanuele Martinez, a Marsala native, tells us about it,
about how at only 26 years old is now an accomplished sailmaker,
a 360-degrees water sport enthusiast and totally in love with his
job.
Emanuele, some jobs come from passion.
Could you tell us about your relationship with
the sea and when did you start practicing
water sports?
Being born in Marsala, the city of wind, I’ve
always practiced sailing sports. Ever since I
was a kid, about 6 years old, I began sailing
the Optimists and that's when my passion
for sea and sailing began. A few years later I
began windsurfing and afterwards, when the
kitesurfing fashion exploded, I practiced this
discipline too. I am 26 today and I consider
myself a well-rounded sailor because I practice
every discipline and I shall say pretty well
too. My older brother too has always been a
sailor.
When did this passion turn into a job?
About ten years ago I bought a classic industrial
sewing machine for leather goods to
repair my boat sails, partly for fun and partly
as a necessity, since at the time there were
no sailmaker workshops here. I practiced on
old sails and initially I made many mistakes
but finally I learned how to sew. In addition to
my own sails I began to repair also the ones
of my sailor and windsurfer friends who didn't
know where to turn to and gradually from a
simple passion I found myself with a real job.
At the beginning I carried out the repair works
inside a warehouse at my house in contrada
Spagnola, near the Stagnone. Then five years
ago, after buying other more technical sewing
machines and when the work intensified I
opened a proper bigger workshop still in the
same area. Also for two years now I've had a
branch right at the Stagnone in Santa Maria.
In the last years craftsman work has been
snubbed in favour of not always rewarding
university studies and office work. The economic
crisis has led to consider fashionable
learning a craft again also among young people.
But you have always believed in it. Why?
I love my job and for me it is a passion. I love
being a sailmaker and I do it with my heart.
Sometimes on windy days I come home after
even 10-12 hours works and I almost do not
feel tired. I mean, I am happy. I've always had
good manual skills. I remember as a kid coming
home from school and working on repairs,
else I hanged around on boats to take measures
for the sails.
Tell us about your work. What type of repairs
does your sailmaker workshop offer?
Zeritramsails sailmaker's offers repair services
for any kite part, from valves welding to bladders
gluing and canopy sewing. We also trim
and repair bars as well as bridles. We repair
windsurf and boat sails too. In short, we are a
full spectrum workshop.
The hand work of a sailmaker's cannot overlook
the machines aspect. What kind of
equipment do you have?
Today we have five professional sewing machines
for sailmakers which make the triple

David Ingiosi | Photo: Mario Saragò
stich sewing, typical for this kind of repairs.
They have a long arm to sew even large sails.
I buy these machines from Mario Ferrari,
the only industry professional in Italy. I have
various collaborators, in Santa Maria there is
a girl who primarily does secretarial work but
also small repairs and a German guy who is a
sailmaker like me.
Your workshop is a prime place to physically
test the quality and strength of the materials
of the various brands. How many do you see
and what's your opinion on the products?
How do you manage your materials procurement?
Over the years kite sails have undergone an
important evolution in terms of performance
and materials and therefore the repair is more
complicated. Today riders care about the
graphics as well as the performance in any
repair. What makes the difference in this work
nowadays is being capable of repairing a kite
keeping its performance but also its graphical
features, in other words "invisible" repairs.
Today I work with many brands to whom I
ask directly the original colours of the kites of
any year, then I turn to a big Italian supplier
of these materials located in Liguria. As for

136
SAILMAKER WORKSHOPS
Emanuele Martinez, Mr. Zenitramsails: repairing sails is an act of love
may end it up by spending twice as much.
Could you give any advice on equipment
maintenance?
To lengthen the life of kites and bars the only
way is to rinse everything with fresh water
and let it dry well to remove salt, sand and
dirt. It is also important to wash chicken loops
and lines and inside the bar where there are
the adjustments. Last but not least, avoid
leaving the equipment under the sunlight and
wind for too long. I often have to reinforce the
edge of worn out leading edges because the
kite has been left flapping to the wind for too
long.
valves and lines I purchase everything from
France.
What are the most common breakages and
why?
The most common breakages for kites a little
old are valves re-gluing, a trivial repair but
keen to happen again after a week if not done
properly. Followed by cuts in the canopy due
to kite crashes on the water or on the ground
and then holes in the bladder.
What is the difference between an occasional
repair and one made by a specialised workshop
like yours?
The crucial difference lies in the sewing machines.
We have professional machines that
guarantee quality stitching, for example the
proper pull of the thread. Also, as a qualified
sailmaker's we have original materials that
guarantee performance (lift and shape) and
appearance. Not always a professional service
corresponds to a higher price. I very often
have to redo repairs made by improvised
people, so in the end who tries to save money
Which are the most indestructible sails on the
market according to your experience?
He smiles...
Zeritramsail sailmaker's does also shipping
right?
Of course, the sailmaker's has a local clientele
but being the Stagnone an international spot
we also have customers from all over Italy and
abroad. We have a pickup and delivery service
of the goods, so in three days maximum we
receive the equipment, repair it and send it
back to the sender.
What would you recommend as a travel repair
kit to a rider leaving for an exotic trip in deserted
places?
In addition to the standard repair kit supplied
with the sails, I recommend to take a tube of
glue and some adhesive canopy to cope with
any rips.

BEFORE/AFTER
How can someone who needs a repair find
you? Do you have a website?
The sailmaker's site is www.zeritramsails.com
where you can also find our email address
for any information, requests and for sending
pictures of the damage to be repaired.

138
SAILMAKER WORKSHOPS
Emanuele Martinez, Mr. Zenitramsails: repairing sails is an act of
THE CRUCIAL
DIFFERENCE LIES
IN THE SEWING
MACHINES.
WWW.ZENITRAMSAILS.COM

140
EXPERIENCES
Kite and the City
When I think of a spot for a kite session
I often imagine long beaches, tropical
or mountainous landscapes, or endless
horizons. A few weeks ago, a unique
experience brought me to sail in a totally
different scenery, an urban scenery,
nothing better than the "City" par
excellence, New York.
During a visit for about a week to an
Italian friend, also a kiter, the morning
after my arrival we had already loaded
our equipment on his "suzukisidekick",
driving South towards Rockaway
Peninsula. Luca has been living in
Brooklyn for several years and as the
weather forecast gave winds from North,
North-East he immediately took me to
Breezy Point. On a stretch of sand, on the
furthest west point of the peninsula, this
beach opens towards the inside of the
lagoon and it works mainly with North
and North-East winds. When we got there
a North wind was already blowing with
gusts of 18 - 25 knots, and in spite of the
disrupted weather and the chopped sea

Testo: Giorgia Notaro
Photo: Mark Andrew Culp

142
EXPERIENCES
Kite and the City
I went out with my PURE 10m Gaastra
for a Freestyle session in a breathtaking
scenery.
Apart from mine, there were about
30 other kites, in the foreground the
buildings and the merry-go rounds
of the famous Coney Island and dark
clouds in the background framing the
unmistakable skyline of Manhattan
skyscrapers. And that's when the
adrenaline from a totally new experience
gets you.
The following day we wake up with
the sun. In late September days, with
temperatures hovering around 23-24
degrees the possibility of thermal winds
from South-West cannot be ruled out.
So, we head off to the opposite side of
Rockaway Peninsula which overlooks
the ocean. Besides being the only beach
accessible by subway from the centre
of New York, it hosts a fervent surfer
community. Following the devastation
made by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the
reconstruction of houses and of the
boardwalk contributed to the rebirth of
this community.
Around one o'clock, right on schedule, a
South breeze rises and soon reaches 15-
16 knots, perfect for a wave session with
my ArribaArriba surfboard and my PURE
"in the
framin
unmis
skylin
skyscr

ackground
g the
takable
e of Manhattan
apers"
13m Gaastra. In the summer the beach
is quite crowded but luckily, there is a
launch area available also during the
hottest months.
On the last day, heading East along the
peninsula after about 3 hours’ drive we
crossed Long Island until we reached its
eastern tip, Montauk, the youngest and
most surfer area in the Hamptons. The
landscape changes and becomes wilder
with rocky promontories spaced out by
long beaches overlooked by luxurious
villas. Being very exposed, every swell
and wind doubles in intensity; when
there is no wind it is the perfect spot for
a wave board session.
We find ourselves in the middle of a film
set, in fact they were shooting some
scenes of the TV series The Affair. After

oard in the undergrou
144
EXPERIENCES
Kite and the City
rigging our kites and having moved
about a couple of times to avoid getting
in the way of the shooting, as the wind
was reluctant to rise we went for a
longboard session in the waves. No wind
no problem!
Moving around according to the
conditions, towards the lagoon or the
open sea, more to the East or West, it is
possible to sail off the peninsula with
all wind directions and almost all year
round, with both waves and flat water.
Considering the number of people living
in a metropolis like New York and the
"it is not unusual to se
a backpack with kite, b
towards Rockaway."

e them with
ar and
nd heading
backpack with kite, bar and board in the
underground heading towards Rockaway.
Based on my experience, I think it is
exciting to think of a development of
kitesurfing and consider it as a real
opportunity to escape from the stress of
the big city.
existence of numerous beaches where
it is actually possible to practice this
sport, it’s amazing how the development
of kitesurfing culture is still so small.
For sure, the enthusiasts trend increased
in the last 3-4 years and on windy days
it is not unusual to see them with a

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.

148
STRAPLESS
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
01
JIBE
STRAPLESS
START WITH FLYING THE KITE HIGHER AND SLOW DOWN A BIT.
BRING YOUR BACK FOOT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BOARD AND
THEN CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE FRONT FOOT. YOU WILL
NOW BE RIDING WITH BOTH FEET SIDE BY SIDE WHICH IS AN
UNSTABLE POSITION.
TRANSFER YOUR WEIGHT TO THE FOOT YOU BROUGHT FORWARD,
THEN TAKE THE OTHER FOOT AND SWING IT BACK.

TUTORIAL
GET THE RIGHT POSITIONS ON BOTH FEET. YOU ARE NOW
RIDING TOE SIDE.
TO TURN YOU START WITH THE KITE. TURN THE KITE IN THE
DIRECTION OF THE TURN, THEN CARVE THE BOARD AROUND SO
YOU END UP RIDING HEEL-SIDE AGAIN. TURN THE KITE AND
THEN THE BOARD.
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
FIX YOUR STANCE AND FLY THE KITE IN TO POWER TO GET
SOME SPEED AGAIN.
KARI SCHIBEVAAG

150
STRAPLESS
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
02 WINDSURFIN
STRAPLESS

TUTORIAL
G JIBE
TURN YOUR KITE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TURN, THEN CARVE THE
BOARD AROUND (CHANGING YOUR STANCE FROM HEEL-SIDE TO TOE-
SIDE). REMEMBER TURN THE KITE FIRST AND THEN THE BOARD.
WHILE RIDING TOE-SIDE, BRING YOU REAR FOOT FORWARD AND
POSITION IT CLOSE TO THE FRONT FOOT. YOU ARE NOW RIDING WITH
BOTH FEET SIDE BY SIDE, THAT IS AN UNSTABLE POSITION.
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
TRANSFER YOU WEIGHT TO THE FOOT YOU JUST BROUGHT FORWARD, THEN
TAKE THE OTHER FOOT AND SWING IT BACK. PLACE IT WHERE YOU FEEL
STABLE.
ADJUST YOUR STANCE AND FLY THE KITE IN THE NEW DIRECTION TO
GENERATE POWER AND GET ON YOUR NEW TACK.
KARI SCHIBEVAAG

152
STRAPLESS
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
03 TACK
STRAPLESS
START WITH FLYING THE KITE HIGHER AND SLOW DOWN.
CARVE YOUR BOARD UPWIND. THE TIP OF THE BOARD IS TURNING
UPWIND.
WHEN YOU HAVE THE KITE ON THE TOP AND FEEL A SMALL LIFT FROM
THE KITE, KICK THE BOARD AROUND WITH YOUR FRONT FOOT. CONTINUE
TO SLOWLY STEER THE KITE TO THE OTHER SIDE AND THIS FLYING
MAKES YOU WEIGHTLESS FOR A SHORT TIME AND THIS IS THE TIME TO
DO IT.

TUTORIAL
WHEN THE TIP OF THE BOARD HAS CHANGED TO THE OTHER
DIRECTION TRY TO PLACE YOU FRONT FOOT (THE ONE THAT IS
CLOSER TO THE TIP NOW) ON THE BOARD. TRANSFER ALSO THE
WEIGHT TO THE FRONT FOOT. AT THE SAME TIME ALSO GET THE
BACK FOOT ON THE BOARD.
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
FLY THE KITE IN POWER AND ADJUST YOUR STANCE.
REMEMBER THIS JIBE NEEDS TO BE DONE WHEN THE KITE IS
AT THE TOP AND GOING TO THE OTHER SIDE. THIS MAKES YOU
WEIGHTLESS IN THE AIR AND YOU HAVE TIME TO KICK THE BOARD
TO THE OTHER DIRECTION. EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE FAST BUT
WITH NO SPEED.
KARI SCHIBEVAAG

154
STRAPLESS
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
04 FUN JIBE
STRAPLESS
START WITH FLYING THE KITE HIGHER AND SLOW DOWN.
BRING YOUR BACK FOOT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BOARD AND THEN
CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE FRONT FOOT. YOU WILL NOW BE
RIDING WITH BOTH FEET SIDE BY SIDE WHICH IS AN UNSTABLE
POSITION.

TUTORIAL
GET LOWER AND LOWER WITH YOUR BUM AND SIT DOWN.
TURN YOUR KITE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TURN, THEN CARVE THE
BOARD AROUND.
PUT YOUR KITE UP AND PULL THE BAR TO GET UP AGAIN. USE THE
PULL OF THE KITE TO GET UP.
HOW TO JIBE IN 4 WAYS
ADJUST YOUR STANCE AND FLY THE KITE IN THE NEW DIRECTION TO
GENERATE POWER AND GET ON YOUR NEW TACK.
THIS IS A FUN JIBE.
KARI SCHIBEVAAG

156
FREESTYLE
7 steps on how to start with freestyle in kiteboarding
Text & Photo: Laci Kobulsky
Steps on
how to start
with
freestyle in
kiteboarding
One reason why we love kiteboarding so much is its incredible accessibility for freestyle! While
in other sports freestyle is something that only a handful of professionals can achieve, doing
freestyle in kite is possible even for intermediate riders, plus its safe and real fun! Even so, here
in Sicily at ProKite Alby Rondina we see a lot of advanced kiters who don’t attempt any jumps,
but many of them want to, just do not know how to start. Well, we would like to see you guys go
areal so we prepared a simple guide for you on how you can prepare yourself for freestyle in 7

simple steps! Also, our tips are meant for beginner and intermediate freestyle riders, who want
to improve their style and tricks. Hope you will find enough motivation in these lines and we will
meet you on water here at ProKite Alby Rondina!

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FREESTYLE
7 steps on how to start with freestyle in kiteboarding
100% UPWIND RIDE
There is no point trying any freestyle, unless you have 100% ability to ride upwind
really good. There are 2 reasons – first is obvious course of study, you have to
master one step and then have to move to the next one, since you will improve
upon things you have to master in first step. Second, it is a statistical advantage
that upwind ability will grant you. If you can go only feebly upwind, for every trick
attempt you have to spend let’s say 15 minutes to come back upwind, so about 4
trick attempts per hour. However, if you can ride upwind really good you can travel
the same upwind distance in 5 minutes, thus multiplying your chances threefold
and you end up with 12 attempts for a trick. It’s a science, bitch!
So, go out there and work on your upwind riding until you can go as sharp as possible!
It will also unlock new spots for you and the ability to ride the best places.

UPWIND TURN LIKE A BOSS
Not only that upwind turn will help you with going upwind as we mentioned before,
but more importantly in doing the upwind turn you are doing the same movement
as you have to do in basic pop (but in shorter time). You have to edge hard upwind
until you stop, with pop you do the same but you keep the kite down, or you steer it
hard on the other side. When we do freestyle lessons on first jumps, we always teach
perfect upwind turn first, then you just do it faster & harder and we watch you fly!

160
FREESTYLE
7 steps on how to start with freestyle in kiteboarding
BE THE KING OF POP
Most of the kiters know that the easiest way to jump is simply to steer the kite on
the other side fast. Yes, it is true but it’s not how you can go the highest, it will give
you only a fraction of height than what you could reach. Have a look at 3 things that
are affecting the height of your jump:
1. How fast you send the kite up
2. How fast you are riding
3. How hard you edge against the kite during the takeoff
So, first train your loaded pop without the kite movement (similar to upwind turn
but faster & harder) and landings downwind. Then, do it at high speed and in the end
if you add a kite movement you will not believe the places you will reach :)

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FREESTYLE
7 steps on how to start with freestyle in kiteboarding

SPOT THE RIGHT SPOT!
It is super-duper important to choose a right spot for your tricks for 3 reasons –
safety, quality of conditions and surprisingly psychology.
So, first you should choose a safe spot, not too crowded, with no obstacles downwind
or not too shallow water with stones, preferably not far from the beach in
case of emergency. Second, flat water helps you go faster and so pop harder,
choppy water can also throw you off balance. Obviously, you want a spot with
nice and constant wind. Such conditions are easy to find here in Sicily at ProKite
Alby Rondina, where we have a huge 2000 hectares flat & shallow water lagoon
ha-ha.
About psychology… When you just ride and randomly do your trick you are not
concentrated properly. It is better to spot exactly the point where you want to
take off and always do your tricks there. Conditions will not surprise you and you
are much better concentrated on the actual move you have to do!

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FREESTYLE
7 steps on how to start with freestyle in kiteboarding
STUDY YOUR TRICK
However, “free” might freestyle of PRO riders look, trust me that truth is
far from that. All the moves are carefully studied and observed first. Before
blindly attempting your desired move, first you have to visualize it. Ask
advanced riders how to do it or find some instructions online (or offline in
books like KITEBOARDING TRICKTIONARY). You have to know exactly what to
do, before attempting it.

GO STEP BY STEP
In kitesurfing there is a very clear progression ladder in tricks and it’s really
foolish to attempt anything that is beyond your level. You should always master
tricks that are leading to your desired move. For example, if you want to do JESUS
WALK, you should first be able to do the Toeside ride, Downloop, Transition jump,
Backroll transition and Darkslide. Keep your kiteboarding easy & safe and learn
the tricks step by step.

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FREESTYLE
7 steps on how to start with freestyle in kiteboarding
DON’T TRY IT, DO IT!!!
Of course, it is unwise to just “go” for the trick you dream to do, if you have
no idea what to do. Like in the steps before you have to first make sure if your
skill is sufficient for your trick and study how to do it. But when you know
conditions are right and you are ready, stop the doubts and just go for it! It is
actually not very safe to just go “try” something, so once you set your mind on
some trick, fully commit and SEND IT!
Spot: ProKite Alby Rondina

170
TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
SURFBOARD ES
a thoughtful guide to the
choice of the object of
desire
In recent years, the sector of directional
boards, the so-called "surfboards" is the one
to have grown the most. Perhaps because the
charm of waves is unique, or because when
looking at Airton, Matchu, Mitu and all the
"pros" flying strapless or ripping lips of giant
waves, one really feels like giving it a try.
Even the lakes now swarm with improvised but
hardened wavers, tired of the "usual" freestyle:
all fiercely hunting for a "chop" to "rip with a
surfboard" beneath their feet, jumping strapless
and with the board in their hands. Not to
mention that winter is upon us and the first
weather fronts will bring waves, the real ones,
endless and ridable down the line with aggressive
bottom turns and cut backs. Sooner or
later the fateful question overwhelms everyone,
the most experienced and the absolute
newbie: which surfboard should I buy?
All manufacturers' catalogues offer different
wave boards models, different lengths, shapes,
constructions and sometimes finding our way
among the various proposals is not easy.
RRD, for instance, always attentive to grasp the
needs and expectations of the market, offers 6
different models combined with different con-

SENTIALS
struction materials, leading to a theoretical
choice among 15 (!) different combinations,
each of which in at least 4 or 5 different sizes!
So, how can we make a choice with a minimum
of theoretical knowledge to avoid making the
wrong purchase?
Our Technical Director Renato Casati, tried all
the RRD models during a week of pure wave
riding in Sardinia, thoroughly testing them
in the most varied wave and wind conditions.
Here is his advice.
DIRECTIONAL OR TWINTIP?
Surely you can surf waves also with your twintip,
but you will never understand how to really
"surf" unless you buy a directional board.
A surboard has better floatation, gets through
lulls better, planes quicker, goes more upwind,
better descends the wave and once you use it
properly it will deliver bottoms and cut backs
incomparable to the twintip's ones. In short, it
gives the real "pure" surfing sensation.
Renato Casati
Photo: RRD Courtesy

172
TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
In fact, the "sense" of surfing is to get as close
as possible to the line type of pure wave surfers,
therefore our kite is necessary only to take
us on the wave, but once hooked it, you should
"cut the lines" and try as much as possible a
ride that takes full advantage of the features
of the wave and of the board and not of the pull
of the kite, which would be inevitable with a
bidirectional. The difference is that with a directional
board you surf the wave, with a twintip
you run away from it! The lines are very different.

DIRECTIONAL BOARD: MANOUVRES
AND WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
The wave board or surfboard is a pure directional
one, it goes in one direction only, therefore
when changing tacks, you will need to
learn to jibe downwind (easier) or tack upwind
(more difficult) changing feet position (unless
you want to always surf switched on the opposite
tack), initially a hurdle compared to the
bidirectional. However, learning is quick and
in time it becomes easy and immediate.
Also, the way you will distribute your weight
on the board will change compared to the bidirectional
one, therefore you will need an initial
"adjustment" period to properly grasp the dif-

174
TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
ferences. At first, you'll feel the board "dances"
under your feet, but with some practice you
will understand how to shift your weight more
on the front leg and slowly everything becomes
immediate and simple. On the other hand, for
those who start from zero beginning with a directional
board is much easier for many reasons.
PREMISE: WAVE RIDING IS COMPLICATE
The wave board is not a science. No matter
how many attempts to "standardise" this subject,
the variables are too many and the entire
magazine would not be enough to give a
full picture with all the nuances of the inner
complexity of this subject. Inevitably, in brief,
I will often use many simplifications to let the
unfamiliars better understand.

D
SIZES:
Let's take a practical example: the RRD wave
board model BARRACUDA LTD V2 has 5 sizes to
choose from. Just a random pick, for instance:
5'8" x 18 1/2" x 2 1/4" which translated means
"5.8 feet x 18 and a half inches x 2 inches and
a quarter".
Wave boards are measured in FEET (Ft) 1' foot
= 30.48 cm, divided into 12 INCHES " (1" Inch =
2.54 cm), in its turn divided into 8 eighths (1
eighth = 0.32 cm). Therefore, the above-mentioned
sizes translated into cm equal about
176 cm length x 47 width x 5.5 thickness.
There are various lengths "types", but for
kitesurfing shapers' attentions focused on a
length range between 5'4" and 6'2" because the
traction provided by the kite simplifies many
of the pure wave riding critical aspects, including
being able to start at the right time
and keep the speed while surfing thanks to
the traction of the kite. Therefore, bigger sizes
(Malibù, Longboards, Gun...) are of no use
in kitesurfing although with light wind or a
non-pushing wave, a board with some extra litre
surely helps.
Having said that, sizes per se make no sense
unless combined with the different parts of
the board. All different parts together define
the "SHAPE" of the board.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BOARD

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TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
CONSTRUCTION TYPE
There are three basic construction types.
- CLASSIC (i.e.: wave boards)
The core is of polyurethane foam (CLARK FOAM),
polyester resined. There may be different types
of density that determine its weight and robustness.
PROS: Shape precision, limited water absorption
in case of breakage, easy to repair, more
flex.
CONS: Easy to bump (the Clark is polyester
resin coated, much weaker than the epoxy one
with which the polystyrene is resined), high
specific weight (less overall floatation).
RECOMMENDED USE: For those who prefer a
smooth surfing, a pure feeling with the wave.
- LTD - RESIN (i.e.: windsurfs)
The core is polystyrene, epoxy resined. The
making process is longer and more complicated
because it is injected in unshaped moulds
therefore the shaper will have to carve the
shapes out of the blocks. Overall production
costs are higher.
PROS: More robust compared to the Classic
one, lighter (300-400 g compared to the Classic),
best overall performance at high speeds.
CONS: Higher water absorption in case of breakage,
difficult to repair, less precise shapes.
RECOMMENDED USE: For those who love more
control at high speeds.
- WOOD /BAMBOO (the most resistant ones)
The boards are produced in one go, therefore
all the properties and fibres go in the mould

together and finished through the infusion
process whereby the resin goes from nose to
tail all at once, thereby reducing the required
amount and lightening the panel whilst giving
maximum strength.
PROS: Greater robustness and resistance to
impacts than the Classic and LTD.
CONS: Heavier.
RECOMMENDED USE: An excellent compromise
between the Classic and the LTD and virtually
indestructible.

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TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the ob-
SHAPE: CLASSIC OR "SQUARED"
The typical shape is the "CLASSIC" one, seen
for years in every surfboard, with a more
or less rounded nose and more or less soft
rails. This type of shape gives more comfort
when surfing, a greater ease of manoeuvring
through a better rail to rail passage, an incomparable
pure surf style feeling.
Lately however, more and more surfboards
models appeared with a shorter nose, less

ocker, wider, basically nearly squared. The
RRD COTAN and SPARK models perfectly get the
idea across. One can either love or hate these
shapes, but they guarantee greater control at
high speeds, a very aggressive and precise bottom
turn at the expense of a cut back slightly
more physically demanding. Being smaller
than the corresponding classic model, they
are also perfect for freestyle strapless.

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TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
PARTS OF THE BOARD
OUTLINE - The board’s perimetral shape.
The outline is the curve that joins the nose to
the tail, passing through the maximum width
point, usually (but not necessarily) located in
the central part. The width, as it can be inferred
by looking at a board, is not the same throughout
the outline. There are 3 standard width areas:
30 cm from the nose, in the centre and 30
cm from the tail. During construction phase,
it is common to "shift the volume" (that is increase
the width a bit) from the centre (where
there is a better overall performance) towards
the outer points (nose or tail) to seek a certain
type of effect: towards the nose for more
floatation and better stability at low speeds.
Towards the tail for more lift and more stability
at high speeds. With an equal width the difference
is given by the length. Longer boards
will be more stable, but less manoeuvrable.
Therefore, more technical, not for everyone,
more difficult to use, with less volume, very
aggressive and nervous under the feet.
SCOOPLINE OR ROCKER - The board's curve from
nose to tail.
Two 6'0" boards with same width and very different
rocker, are totally different from one
another.
Flat rocker = more bottom surface in contact
with the water = fast board, stable, immediate
planing, immediate departure on the wave,
more upwind capacity, manoeuvrability and
keen "to nosedive".
Accentuated rocker = slow board, unstable,
delayed planing, great manoeuvrability, better
overcomes the breakers when exiting, less
likely to "nosedive".

The scoopline is related (usually but not always)
to the board length, in fact short boards
can have flatter scoops because their reduced
length already helps when manoeuvring.
SPEED IS EVERYTHING
A fundamental concept to fully understand the
overall operation of a wave board is the surfing
SPEED which may depend on the relation
between sail size and wind intensity, but more
often on how steep is the wave and how much
it pushes: it is the main differentiating principle
for the various board models and it is truly
and practically perceived only by connecting
it to the actual increase of the speed. "Generous"
boards in terms of shape or size tend to
become less controllable the more the speed
rises. Vice versa, more aggressive boards, with
more rocker seem unruly and unusable at low
speeds while they are basically irreplaceable
from a certain speed up.
If used on powerful waves the board won't need
any intrinsic speed qualities as those will be
provided by the wave, in fact it will nearly be
necessary to slow down, therefore the shaper
will focus on the grip and manoeuvrability;
on the other hand, on small and not so powerful
waves, very manoeuvrable board would be
pointless if unable to use it for lack of speed,
therefore the shaper will make a fast board,
that speeds up and runs smoothly even if the
wave does not "pull" ...

182
TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
The Rocker is CRUCIAL in all of these choices.
The rockerline is divided into three zones that
must be cleverly linked together to achieve
the desired effect on the board. The scoop is
the curving of the nose: the more is curved the
more the board "slows down" and better handles
high speeds as it tends to slow down. The
more it is curved less likely the board will nosedive.
The rocker is the curvature from about
the centre of the board up to 15 cm from the
tail. More rocker = more manoeuvrability, although
within limits because the flowing water
prefers curving surfaces, therefore too much

curving would delay the water release from the
tail, creating turbulences when exiting which
would excessively slow down your board. To fix
this phenomenon it has been engineered the
so called "kicktail", that is an accentuated
scoopline on the final part of the board, third
area of the rockerline, which allows to keep a
minor rocker until the last 15 cm (= less turbulence
and more speed) but when manoeuvring,
when the board is inclined, keep an excellent
manoeuvrability thanks to the accentuated
kick in last 15 centimetres.

184
TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
With the same rocker there appear differences
on the bottom type.
BOTTOM -The part of the board in contact with
the water
The bottom has obvious implications on the
length (with the same rocker, a 5'2" board has
more bottom in contact with the water than
a 6'2" one), but what's more important is that
there are various types of bottom:
FLAT: the most versatile ones, suitable to the
majority of waves and conditions, fast also on
small waves, give no manoeuvrability problems,
they best adapt to Italian seas without
the need for the rider to be excellent.
"V" shaped: simplify the "rail to rail", allowing
a manoeuvrability increase even of wider
boards, but at the expense of some speed.
HYBRIDS: FLAT + V. Sometimes the 2 types of
bottom are combined, preferring the flat one
over most of its length, excluding the tail area
where the V one is used, just in between the
fins.
CONCAVE – DOUBLECONCAVE - CHANNELS: they
need to reach a good speed to be really effective...
give greater acceleration on the way out,
but without a good level rider the biconcave
doesn't "lift" off the water creating greater
friction and slowing down... the concave one
can have some "channels" inserted, from 2 to
"any" which incredibly increase the gripping

capacity. Suitable to extreme waves and excellent
riders.
DECK - top part of the board
Same considerations made for the Outline.
NOSE – tip or shape of the nose
The nose is the part of the board least in contact
with the water and it is necessarily related
to the rocker type. Usually boards with
an accentuated rocker have very pointed and
sharp noses, facilitating the passage of frontal
foams (the outbound ones) and improving
the handling of the board at the expense of
stability. Boards with less rocker (straighter)
have more generous noses with opposite effects.
TAIL – shape of the tail
Unlike the nose, the TAIL is the part of the
board ALWAYS in contact with the water. Therefore,
it represents a very important part of the
tool. It primarily affects the manoeuvrability
(how the board carves) and the speed. Simplifying...
narrow and aggressive tails guarantee
a quicker rail to rail, losing a bit of lift that
must be balanced by the kiter's skills to sail
more by the lee or use the kite to avoid losing
speed. On the contrary, narrower tails give
less theoretical manoeuvrability but often, in
the practice, for the majority of low-mid level
kiters, the actual manoeuvrability increases
because they give better floatation, allowing
to better overcome the loss of speed phase of
the rail to rail.

186
TECHNIQUE
Surfboard essentials: a thoughtful guide to the choice of the object of desire
There are different "closing" types of the shape
of a board and each one guarantees different
results.
A – Square-Tail - 2 sharp edges, it allows a
very clean release of the water flow for very
precise manoeuvres. It gives the board excellent
stability and speed for steep and powerful
waves of medium size.
B - Round-pintail - Versatile and excellent for
manoeuvres indicated for non-challenging
boards.
C - Diamond-tail - Precision and stability during
the rail to rail.
D - Pin-tail - It has the least surface of all in
contact with the water... therefore great speed
while maintaining a very good stability, all
essential qualities when surfing big waves.
E - Squash-tail - It combines the qualities of
square and round-tail, and it is the most used
tail in our seas as it allows to face any type of
wave without any major limitation.
F - Round-squash-tail - Similar to the squash
one but even smoother during manoeuvres.
G - Round-tail – Similar to the round pintail
but with a wider surface therefore more suitable
on small waves.
H - Swallow-tail (fish) - It is used to reduce
the surface of very wide tails, avoiding the
problems that they would give at high speeds.
Typical of fish boards.
CONTINUE
ON THE NEXT ISSUE...

202
PRODUCT FOCUS
RRD
Product focus
SALEROSA V4 LTD+CLASSIC
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
Text & photo: RRD Courtesy
The coveted Salerosa is back
with a splash of some bold new
colors. The Salerosa was developed
over the years for onshore
conditions but from the V2
onwards, we moved it one step
forward as a pure, all-round
ripper from knee high to triple
overhead waves.
This board has a quad fin set
up and was developed by Abel
Lago. The quad fins make the
V4 go fast down the line, gives
it a tight grip on the wave,
and makes it incredibly manoeuvrable.
Combine this with a
similar rocker of the Maquina,
but using slightly more tail kick,
and finished off with a squared-swallow
tail; the result is a
magnificent board that can dig
deep, pivot on a dime, and break
the fins loose off the lip for
some legit kitesurfing!
STANDARD Features
• Thin rails from nose to tail
• Super thin profile throughout
• Deep concave throughout the
entire board with a flat, kicked
tail, released by a progressive

ocker.
• Quad fin set up for maximum
grip
• Squared / swallow tail to mix
extra release and tail support
• Supplied with 11 x stomp hexagonal
micro deck pads to customize
your deck grip in between
front and rear pads.
The Salerosa comes out in two
different technologies to choose
between;
CLASSIC PU the real surf feeling
The Classic PU construction has
been developed to create pure
surfboards for pure wave riding
and to allow control over choppy
waters. We have improved
the weight and strength of the
boards this year. We are now
using a H1–volume lightweight
pigment in the resin. This type
of resin fills up the holes in the
foam and reduces the amount
of resin content in the glass
fibers, making the boards lighter.
The Classic boards have
low fiber memory and low foam
memory at the same time. This
low memory gives our boards
a proper surfboard feel. We recommend
the Classic PU technology
to the riders who love
a comfortable ride which this
construction provides through
its flexibility.
LTD – light as a feather
The LTD construction was introduced
two years ago on our
surf and SUP board range. Built
with a lightweight technology
that allows flex, control, and
scoop-rocker line accuracy. The
board is built with a CNC EPS
core of 20 kg/m3 density, then
laminated with 200 grams biaxial
glass fibers and finished
with a 55 grams carbon net
over a bamboo stepping deck
vacuum glued onto the board

204
PRODUCT FOCUS
RRD
at 90° compared to the stringer
length so as to avoid excessive
stiffness onto the board flex.
So, this construction is slightly
lighter than the Classic PU, for
about 300-400 grams, but the
difference is not as much the
weight, but it is stronger and
has the EPS foam core. The EPS
core makes the board more
buoyant because the foam retains
more air. The boards in
the LTD construction feel alive!
Not only because of their light
weight, but mainly due to the
added floatation. These boards
were created specifically
to ride strapless and are ideal
for strapless freestyle. They are
meant for riders that want a li-
ghtweight board that can also
be controlled at high speeds.
ABEL LAGO: HOW TO FIND THE
RIGHT FINS
The fins of your surf board are
like the wheels for a F1 race car,
depending on the conditions
you will use different types of
thickness, size or flex. The fins
that you will use for your board
depend on your weight, style
and especially the conditions
you are used to ride in.
The RRD edge fins are the perfect
compromise between a
good flex and rigidity. RRD fins
have the right balance between
a very flexible fin, for cold water
and a stiff fin for warm water. I
am used to change fins depending
on the wave size; using big
fins for big waves and small for
small surf but trying to keep the
same style in flex to be sure I
have control with high speed
down the line and quick turns
when waves are small.
Which size to choose?
The size of your fin will depend
on your weight, skills and the
size of the wave. Only in big waves
I ride with XL fins to have
more control and slow the board
down. When you ride big waves,
the board goes really fast because
the waves are faster so
what you really need is control

and to be able to slow down, big
fins are harder to turn, but on
big waves your turns will always
be open and big so I will totally
recommend big sizes.
In small waves it is always better
to use small fins that will
make the board more loose,
playful and easier to make quicker
turns.
Thruster or Quad?
Well, this will be a personal choice.
I am used to ride everything.
Lucky me: I have almost the
whole RRD board collection in
my car and I choose 3 or 4 fins
depending on the conditions.
I am a goofy rider and I am
used to ride a lot of backside or
backhand conditions (wind from
the right) and depending if it is
onshore or sideshore, I choose
3 or 4 fins. For example: If I have
onshore conditions where the
water will be choppy I normally
ride Salerosa 5’8 quad with
Edge M size fins or the COTAN
5’2 with the same fins, because
with the quad setup I have
more control in my switch position
and speed. But if conditions
are heavy or more sideshore I
will go for my Maquina 5’7 and 3
fins, because then I will start to
ride more backside and what I
need then is an easy board that
turns quick.
When I go frontside with wind
from the left I use more the 3-fin
set-up with side - or on-shore
conditions. And I will only use
Quad if the waves are small or
for strapless freestyle because
with 4 fins you go faster and
this is what you need when you
ride small waves.

206
PRODUCT FOCUS
Core
Product focus
CORE 720 | GREEN ROOM |
RIPPER 3 PRO WAVE
PERFORMANCE
www.corekites.com
Testo & Foto: Core Courtesy
Three new
boards. One huge
surfboard range.
CORE completes its surfboard
range with an aerialist and a big
wave hunter.
Anyone who has met CORE
Founder Bernie Hiss appreciates
his passion for waves. Given
the brand’s focus on kites
and twin tips in recent years,
you’d think that his interest in
wave riding waned. But you’d
be wrong. Instead, the brand
behind the ubiquitous yellow
and white kites invested heavily
into the segment and not only
updated the ever-popular Ripper
2 but is releasing two additional
surfboards. The skate/
freestyle oriented 720, and the
big wave hunter Green Room
now joins the Ripper 3 in CORE’s
surfboard lineup.
720
The SevenTwenty is CORE’s
new-school, strapless freestyle
rocket with stick-to-your-feet
awesomeness. The 720 brings
explosive style with its compact,
no nose shape. But don’t
be fooled. The SevenTwenty’s
wave pedigree is still intact with
plenty of nose rocker, a Round
Winger Tail designed for snappy
off-the-lip aerials, and the
smooth ride you expect from
a glass custom board. And it's
just as comfortable in the flats,
fakie style.
When it comes to versatility,
CORE’s smallest wave board
plays in the big leagues. The 720
is the star player that loves big
waves, big style, and big speed.
You’d think a tiny board like the
720 would need a lot more wind
but its flatter rocker and
more parallel shape surprisingly
planes faster than the Ripper 3
making it a great choice for light

wind sessions. This easy riding,
fast planing freestyle guru will
not only raise your game but
your pulse too.
GREEN ROOM
The all new, rounded pin tail, big
wave board is designed for serious
wave riders who seek indefatigable
control in the pocket
and on super steep monsters.
It carves magnificent frontside
turns on the bottom while lesser
boards are bouncing out of
control. Polyurethane foam and
glass construction allow CORE
to precisely fine tune the rails,
foil, and rocker for exceptional
speed and agility on steep wave
faces. A single concave that
transitions into a vee delivers
more grip. A double stringer design
better supports the massive
loads when used with straps.
The 60/40 tucked under rail
that transitions seamlessly into
a hard tail rail provides greater
maneuverability. Its narrow width,
low volume (15% less than
Ripper 3), and reduced lift pin
tail give riders the grip and control
needed to enter the Green
Room.
“But it’s not for everyone,” warns
Bernie Hiss, CORE’s founder.
“I designed this board for big
wave hunters like myself.”
RIPPER 3
The updated Ripper 3 is a smooth
riding, strapped or strapless
allrounder that fits neatly in the
middle of CORE’s board range.
The third generation of the
much-loved Ripper features a

208
PRODUCT FOCUS
Core
revised tail shape, tucked-under
rails, and slightly reduced
width. A round tail replaces the
previous board’s squash tail to
give it a little more contact in
the corners. The sharper 60/40
tucked-under rail improves water
release for a little more speed
and traction. Its double concave
hull and double stringer
design keep you in control over
rough chop. This allrounder feels
right at home on big, messy,
wind driven lake swell and the
super smooth reefs of Mauritius
and Maui. Even ride the Ripper
kiteless if the swell is nice and
the wind isn’t. The Ripper 3 is
CORE’s latest iteration of an allrounder
for all your road trips,
wherever they may take you.
Sizes:
720: 4’11’’ | 5’1’’ | 5’3’’
Green Room: 5’10’’ | 6’0’’
Ripper 3: 5’8’’ | 5’10’’ | 6’1’’
Delivery:
All CORE Surfboards come with
a RearP Traction Pad, Leash
Plug, and FCS II fin boxes.
Key features:
• DESIGNED IN GERMANY.
HANDCRAFTED IN PORTUGAL.
• ACTIVE FOAM CORE – Superior
flex memory.
• CLASSIC GLASS COAT – Pros
prefer it. So should you.
• SHORTBOARD OUTLINE – For
optimal wave performance on
any beach.
• TUCKED UNDER RAILS – Extreme
grip and control in turns.
• STRAP READY – Your choice.
Go strapless or add straps on
Ripper 3 and Green Room.
• DOUBLE STRINGER – Torsion
management on the Ripper 3
and Green Room.

• BLUNT NOSE – A CORE trademark
on the Ripper 3 and Green
Room
• THRUSTER FIN SETUP – Optimizes
the balance between
control and a loose, skatey feel.
• ORIGINAL FCS II SYSTEM – The
world standard in fin systems.
PC Carbon Tri Set"
• CORE Straps
For more info on the CORE
Surfboard range visit:
corekites.com/us
Accessories
• CORE Center Traction Pad
• CORE Front Traction Pad
• FCS II Fins "FCS II Carver GF Tri
Set"
• FCS II Fins "FCS II Accelerator
Neo Glass Tri Set"
• FCS II Fins "FCS II Accelerator

NEXT ISSUE FEBRUARY - MARCH OUT ON THE 2 TH OF FEBRUARY 2018