Safety When Launching and Landing - The Kiteboarder Magazine

Kevin Langeree is one of Naish 

Kiteboarding’s wonder kids. Check 

out Kevin’s video at www.Naish.tv. 

Lens. Stephen Whitesell 

On the cover: The last thing on Benny’s mind 

during this evening session in Fiji was the 

photographer. We’re sure Benny never thought 

this would end up on the cover of a magazine. 

We saw different. Poetry in motion, sealed with 

determination. Lens: Ben Kottke 

10 : Launch 

Cable park ticket to South 

Haven, Michigan. 

20 : Shop Talk 

Sharkless Kiteboarding on the 

waves in Michigan. 

22 : Competitions 

See who’s on top in the local 

and international scene. 

24 : Lotus In The Wind 

Publisher and rider Marina 

Chang profiled on her role as a 

leading woman in kiting. 

40 : Wave Theory 

Wave pro’s Felix Pivec and 

Kevin ‘Top Hat’ Senn give tips 

on catching those killers. 

44 : BoarderX 

Neil Hutchinson explains the 

growth and excitment behind 

BoarderX competitions. 

62 : 07 Product Watch 

The Kiteboarder profiles the 

new gear ready to hit the 

shelves for 07. 

70 : Try This 

The Kiteboarder instructional 

explains riding unhooked and 

down looping your kite. 

72 : Barbados 

Chris Gutzeit goes behind the 

scenes in the Caribbean 

paradise of Barbados.

The Soul Factor 

Sometimes the journey doesn’t make sense until you land firmly on 

your feet. As I sat here putting the finishing touches on our 12th issue 

and began to write this piece, this ‘journey’ I’ve been on with The 

Kiteboarder suddenly made perfect sense. 

If I can backtrack for a minute, this actually started the other day 

when I was walking around my living room. I picked up a recent 

issue of Kiteboarding Magazine and read with interest the editorial 

that threw a few props my way for being the longest standing editor 

and for going on to make a new kiteboarding magazine. I guess I 

sometimes forget that I have been doing this for eight years and how 

quickly the time seems to slip away. 

Nonetheless, there 

was a bitter sweet 

taste in my mouth 

considering this 

journey has been far 

from easy. Coming full 

circle, it dawned on 

me this morning why 

this team has continued 

on the journey 

despite a mountain of 

Taking the long way home. Lens: Kim Kern 

opposition and criticism 

for creating The Kiteboarder. 

For years I sat on the beach, absorbed in the world of kiting and the 

riders that make up our sport, while working as a magazine editor. 

As time went on, I realized that more and more I wanted to make a 

magazine about the people and the soul of our sport - about ‘the 

kiteboarder.’ I was just a little man with big dreams and no money. 

We started this magazine out of my bedroom with no more than a 

laptop, and here we are two years later with a following that extends 

around the world. The team that delivers The Kiteboarder (The Ring 

Media) has grown to five, fulltime staff and over 50 volunteer contributors. 

Many of the top shooters in the action sports industry donate 

photos to our magazine, because they too support our vision. 

I do not want to paint The Kiteboarder as a charity case magazine, 

because we are far from that. I want to exemplify the spirit and community 

support that drives the SOUL in our magazine. We are a lean 

and mean navy seal team of kiteboarders on a mission to produce 

a magazine with unbiased, journalistic kiteboarding content. We will 

not sell out our journalistic integrity to be just another status quo 

publication. The advertisers who support us believe in our passion, 

focus and new school electronic content (FREE electronic download 

and ASNews.net podcasts). Most importantly, you, the kiteboarding 

community have helped our voice be heard around the world. 

With 12 independent issues behind us, our team stands firmly committed 

to the support and growth of our sport through people like you 

- ‘The Kiteboarder.’ The stories, people and places we go, and the 

wind, waves, sunsets and bonfires over epic sessions and the true 

passion that drives us all to ride. So as I sit here reflecting back over 

the 30 kiteboarding magazines I have made in my career, in the back 

of my mind I always knew if you put your heart and soul into something 

people would notice. You can’t fake passion and depth. I am 

very honored and proud to feel the support of the global kiteboarding 

community--to have your respect and support has made the journey 

worthwhile. 

Enjoy! 

Contact Info: FLEXIFOILUSA.COM 

Bow Hybrid Supported Leading Edge 

Sizes 3m, 5m, 7m, 9m 12m & 15m 

Waves / freestyle / cruising 

One pump inflation system 

Absolute stability 

Light bar pressure 

Incredibly simple bar system 

Wind tunnel tested

EDITOR 

RYAN RICCITELLI 

ryan@thekiteboarder.com 

ASSISTANT EDITOR 

PAUL LANG 

ART DIRECTOR 

JIM SEMLOR 

ILLUSTRATOR 

CARL “LOS” PRESTON 

SNOW/CREATIVE EDITOR 

JAMES BROWN 

TOWSURF EDITOR 

ERIK AKISKALIAN TOWSURFER.COM 

TECHNICAL EDITOR 

GARY MARTIN 

EDITORS AT LARGE 

ALEXIS ROVIRA 

SENIOR WRITERS 

Marina Chang, James Brown, Bucky Ashcroft, Gary Martin, Rick 

Iossi, Jim Semlor 

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS 

Neil Hutchinson, Damien Wright, Joe Bidawid, Lou Wainman, Matt 

Nuzzo, Trip Forman, Paul Menta, Kevin “Top Hat” Senn, Gregg 

Gnecco, Jay Crawford, Henry Dupont IV, Sean Driscol, Bill Lee, 

Jeff Skoll, Paul Lang, Jeff Howard, Cliff Stone, Stefan Ruether, Jeff 

Burton, Corky Cullen, John Romais, Eric Akiskalian, Ben Wilson, 

Ruca Chang, Bucky Ashcraft, Tony Brady, Cliff Stone, Chris and 

Lindy Devries, Bryan Eagle, Paul Menta, Mira Kwon, Mike Danish, 

Dave Yoo 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Jessie Simon, Bryan Eagle, Karen Futernick, Clinton Bolton, Hunter 

Brown, Shanna Devries Merrill, Julie Simsar, Joel Beatty, Gavin 

McClurg, Steve Gunn, Jolien Harmsen, Jean Michel-Tremblay, Dan 

Charlesworth, Felix Pivec, Kevin “Top Hat” Senn, Andreas von 

Biottnitz, Steve Gibson, Shanna Devries-Merrill, Mike Danish 

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Jim Semlor, Kim Kern, Matt Cotton, Paul Javier, Gus Schmiege, 

James Brown, Morton Skoll, Stefan Ruether, Josh Marinos, BOK, 

Buster Tronolone, Paul Lang 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Stephen Whitesell, John Bilderback, Ben Brown, Clark 

Merritt, Alexis Rovira, Lance Koudele, Gary Martin, 

Matt and Keegan Meyers, Broneah, Jessie Simon, Carlos Delicado 

Karen Futernick, Gavin Butler, Hunter Brown, Nikki Ivanoski, Jon 

Malmberg, Shanna DeVries-Merrill, Bri Chmel, Neil Hutchinson, Realkiteboarding.com, 

Paul Beulow, Tiffany Schrader, Danielle Devaux, 

Kathy Johnson, Ed Dubois, Keith Johnston, Chris Gutzeit, Clinton 

Bolton, Buck Ashcraft, Brad Knoth, Chris Vail, Jody MacDonald, 

Jamie Moncrief, Sea Lust, Damien Leroy, Tom Leeman, Alberto 

Guglielmi, John Carter, Ben Kottke, Andreas von Biottnitz 

Thanks to all editorial and photography contributors for supporting 

this magazine! 

Visit us on: 

www.lostcherry.com/asnews 

www.myspace.com/theringmedia 

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@thekiteboarder.com 

PUBLISHER 

MARINA CHANG 

(805) 459-2373 

marina@thekiteboarder.com 

ADMINISTRATIVE/ADVERTISING OFFICE 

1356 16th Street 

Los Osos CA 93402 

GORGE OFFICE 

1210 Quinton Street 

The Dalles Oregon 97058 

EDITORIAL OFFICE 

14610 Villa Maria Isabel 

Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

The corners of the cable are great 

places to launch moves. 

Lens: Shanna Devries-Merrill 

Andy Hurdman cross trains at the 

Ski Rixen in Florida. 

Lens: Matt Cotton 

Andy uses a trampoline to work 

through rotations. 

Lens: Matt Cotton 

Shannon Best’s Tips: 

Go introduce yourself to the operator; they see everything 

and make great coaches. Odds are they ride better then most 

there. 

Wear a helmet and a life jacket that fits. Even if you’re not 

hitting the obstacles, it protects the most important things 

from all impacts. 

Take your time. The learning curve is high on a cable. I have 

seen several kids go from complete beginner to double sbends 

to blind (the hardest trick on the cable) in 18 months. 

It’s all in the handle. Handle placement is the most important 

thing. Without the handle, you’re just a swimmer. 

Have fun. Having fun is the most important thing. 

By Shanna DeVries-Merrill and Shannon Best 

Our 12-year-old son, Erik, had been itching 

to get some water time. With fall contests 

approaching, we thought it would be a great 

excuse for the family to take a short kiteboarding 

trip. Even the windiest spots are a 

long shot in mid-summer in Michigan. Instead 

of searching for wind, we decided to drive 

nine hours to the nearest cable park -- KC 

Watersports in Paola, Kansas. Prior to leaving, 

we were lucky enough to connect with former 

cable park world champion and professional 

kiteboarder, Shannon Best. Shannon is well 

known for utilizing cable parks to cross train 

for kiteboarding. Erik asked Shannon for 

some tips on how we could make the best of 

our time on the cable. Check out his tips over 

on the left. 

Was it worth the nine-hour drive? 

Despite the temperature reaching 106 degrees, 

Erik rode non-stop for almost seven hours. With 

the help of KC’s top-notch staff, he progressed 

from shaky take-offs to jump launches. Once he 

was comfortable with the cable, Eric hit a few of 

the kickers and worked on his grabs. 

Erik Merrill learns his first dock start. 

Lens: Shanna DeVries-Merrill 

Cable riding feels significantly different from kiting, 

but the constant pull of the cable provides 

an excellent opportunity to hone board-riding 

skills and work on style. On the way home we 

all agreed that the cable park was fun, but we 

would rather be kiteboarding. However, when 

you have a limited amount of time, want to try 

Learning moves like this on the 

cable and then translating them over 

to kiteboarding has helped Andy 

become one of the top riders in the 

world. Lens: Matt Cotton 

Erik charges the kickers. 

Lens: Shanna DeVries-Merrill 

something different or just want to get some 

miles behind your board, a trip to the cable park 

provides some great practice time to work on 

your tricks and style. 

Special thanks to www.kcwatersports.com. 

The Kiteboarder 10 The Kiteboarder 11

Bri shows off her new ride, courtesy of Centurion. Lens courtesy of Bri Chmel 

Bri Picks Up New Sponsors 

Pro kiteboarder Bri Chmel has branched out 

into wakeskating and is now sponsored by 

Liquid Force and Centurion boats. She is 

already making her mark, taking 2nd place in 

the Air Nautique Wake Games in Elsinore this 

summer. LF is stoked to have the first ever pro- 

fessional crossover athlete for kite and wake 

and will be supporting her with gear for both 

disciplines. Bri is the first exclusive wakeskate 

female pro to be sponsored by a boat company. 

Way to go Bri! 

X-Rated Kiteboarding’s New Home 

Neil Hutchinson of 

X-Rated Kiteboarding 

has taken over KitesurfUSA 

in the heart 

of Fort Lauderdale, 

Florida. Renamed 

Tiki Beach Watersports, 

the new venue 

is a Slingshot test 

center and also offers 

beginner to advanced 

lessons taught by the 

former world record 

holder who kited from 

Florida to Cuba. The 

new facility also rents 

hobie cats, kayaks 

and boogie boards. 

Kite night parties will 

be held on the beach 

every full moon. 

Contact Tiki Beach at 

954-647-7228 or email 

nhukusa@aol.com 

Tiki Beach Watersports has front row seats to the action in Ft. Lauderdale. 

Lens: Neil Hutchinson 

The Kiteboarder 

Magazine is 

changing its online 

identity to www. 

thekiteboarder. 

com. Please 

change your bookmark 

and email 

addresses for all 

staff to our new 

address as www. 

kbmag.com and all 

associated emails 

no longer exist! 

ASNews.net has launched a new live podcast 

where you can ask questions directly to our 

interviewees. If you can’t make the live podcast 

scheduled for every Thursday at 6 pm 

PST, you can post your questions to any one 

of our affiliates including kiteforum.com, nwkite. 

com, FKSA.org, M-A-K-A, bayareakiteboarding.com, 

skypilotkiteboarding.com, flysurf.com, 

kiternews.com, ikiteboarding.com, and hanglos. 

nl. If you would like to become an affiliate of 

The Kiteboarder and ASNews.net and receive 

special discounts exclusive to your members, 

please email marina@thekiteboarder.com. 

The Litewave Designs/Globe Kite team was 

recently chosen to represent kiteboarding for 

ecko clothing and eckoTV. The Litewave/ 

Globe riders will be featured on eckoTV, 

which will run on hi-definition plasma televisions 

in over 300 retail stores across the US 

including Macy’s as well as Ecko Unltd. Annex 

and retail stores in Canada and Europe. 

Check out the Georgia feature in the Jan/ 

Feb05 issue of The Kiteboarder and chances 

are you’ll be making 

tracks to Tybee 

Island. While there, 

stay at the newly 

opened Tybee 

Kite House for 

lessons, gear and 

accommodations, 

centrally located to 

all the kiteboarding 

spots. The 

house sleeps eight, 

and has a pool, bar, and pool table for chilling 

between sessions. At $50/night, you won’t find 

a better deal or more kite-friendly place on the 

Toby from Kite Forum enjoys the warm, nuclear blue water in the Bahamas. Lens: Kitecommunity.com 

Last Minute Kite Travel Site Will Save You Some Bucks 

Kite59 is the brainchild of Ozone Travel’s Karen 

Beber Futernick, who saw the success of so 

many “last minute travel” sites, and decided that 

there needed to be one specifically designed 

for kiteboarding! Every Tuesday, Kite59.com will 

be updated with offers from participating kiterfriendly 

accommodations and kite schools; offers 

are valid from that Wednesday to the Tuesday 

14 days later. For air travel, Kite59 will provide 

various stand-alone and packaged flight options, 

Get to Punta San Carlos quicker and ride longer 

with SoloSports’ new fly-in option. Arrive in time 

to rig and sail on your first day and again during 

your return travel day. This new option along with 

SoloSports new Internet service has opened up 

unique opportunities for kiters that are strapped 

at prices that cannot be found anywhere else. 

Kite59 offers are available to anyone anywhere in 

the world. There will be links to kitebeaches.com, 

so you can get the local info and wind forecasts, 

so you know before you go; RSS feeds direct 

to your desktop will be available too. Check out 

Kite59.com and you could be on your way to 

the holiday of your dreams for a fraction of the 

normal cost! 

The epic wave conditions of Punta San Carlos are closer with SoloSports new fly-in option. 

Lens: Clark Merritt 

SoloSports offers Super Deal with Fly-in Option 

by demanding lifestyles. Now everyone can 

enjoy what Southern Californian’s have honed 

to a fine art - the “hit & run”, a surgical strike 

on a swell when its on, then you’re gone. Call 

Kevin Trejo at 949-289-7779 or email the team at 

baja@solosports.net 

island! Email tim@hightidesurfshop.com for 

info. 

Hi-Life Cumbuco now offers a daily Cauipe 

Lagoon Shuttle, picking up kiters from the 

world-famous flat water lagoon at 5.30pm, 

and delivering them to the Liquid Bar, for 

some apres-kite pleasures. And, when you 

book your Hi-Life Cumbuco kiteboarding 

lessons from OzoneTravel.com, you get free 

airport pick-up from Fortaleza! Interested in a 

personalized Downwind Adventure to secret, 

uncrowded spots and hidden lagoons? 

Now you can organize your own 3 or 4 day 

kiteboarding day, including guide, transportation 

and accommodations. For the best prices 

and info on air, accommodations or lessons in 

Brazil, contact karen@ozonetravel.com. 

New luxury condos on Cabarete Bay are 

now available for your Cabarete Kite Holiday! 

Ocean Dream offers beautifully appointed 

studios, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom condominiums 

just steps from Bozo Beach and 

town. Private and secure, OD is the perfect 

option for couples or families heading to 

the DR for a week of wind and waves! Now 

through December 19th, you can enjoy a 

nightly rate of just $80 and get a free locker at 

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding when you mention 

The Kiteboarder Magazine when making 

your reservation for Casita Sirena. So check 

the forecast and head to Cabarete! www. 

cabaretekiteholiday.com 

Broneah Kiteboarding 

and Sprint are 

giving away lessons 

for two in Michigan. A 

$998 value, enter to 

win at the Traverse 

City, Michigan Sprint 

store at Crossing 

Circle in front of 

Home Depot. The 

promotion ends mid 

September! 

Blowing in the Wind recently did a clinic with 

the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue staff. 

The crew of 25 lifeguards was trained on how 

to deal with kiteboarding gear in a rescue 

situation, how to land and launch kites, and 

how to recognize a dangerous situation involving 

a kiteboarder. These types of pro-active

The world’s first and only dedicated kiteboarding 

expedition has just partnered with Best 

Kiteboarding. This fall the group at Offshore 

Odysseys, in conjunction with Best, will set out 

on a five year sail aboard a 60’ luxury catamaran 

to explore the kiteboarding potential of the 

planet. Offshore Odysseys is selling shares in 

the expedition just like a condo timeshare, where 

Rest in peace, from the 

Montana Kite Sports Crew 

The sport of Kiteboarding suffered a great loss on 

April 28 with the passing of Keith Kallio. Keith was a 

friend, mentor and teacher to many around the kiting 

community. He founded Montana Kite Sports in 2001 

with the purpose of bringing the sport of kiteboarding to 

Montana. He started with just a few of his friends, flying 

kites and learning the sport, but through his relentless 

efforts he was responsible for establishing a large community 

of kiters throughout Montana and Idaho. For the 

last three years, Keith organized the legendary Montana 

Snowkite Rodeo which has turned into North America’s 

premier snowkiting event. 

Keith was more than just an accomplished kiter and 

teacher, he was an entertainer. Those lucky enough to 

know him could not help but be affected by his enthusiasm. 

Having fun was the fundamental purpose behind 

everything that he did, and he took the time needed to 

make sure everyone around him was having fun as well. 

Whether it was playing a practical joke, riding his 6 foot 

unicycle off a jump or drinking a beer while standing 

on his head, Keith always kept life interesting when the 

wind quit blowing. 

Keith will be missed and his loss will be felt, but he 

lived life in a way that will ensure his legacy will live on. 

Clinton Bolton showing some skills. 

Lens: Best Kiteboarding 

Offshore Odyssey’s catamaran is customized 

to accommodate every need of kiteboarders. 

Lens: Jody MacDonald 

you can spend time on your own professionally 

crewed yacht in a different paradise location 

each year. Lucky owners will have access to an 

IKO certified instructor at all times and on select 

trips, ride with one of Best’s team riders as an 

added bonus - at no additional cost. Check out 

www.offshoreodysseys.com for details. 

In Memory of Keith Kallio 1969-2006 

Keith chillin on his boat when the wind wasn’t 

blowing. Lens: Joel Beatty 

All suited up, Keith gets ready for a session at his 

home spot. Lens: Joel Beatty 

The stoke he created can be felt in the stories we can 

share about him, and if you knew Keith for any length 

of time, you have a story to tell. He was just that kind 

of guy. 

BITW owner Hunter Brown proudly displays 

his award. Lens: Jamie Moncrief 

clinics are essential to building community 

relations, awareness, and protecting access 

and are part of the reason why Hunter 

Brown, owner of Blowing in the Wind and 

Gokitesurf.com, just received the Young Entrepreneur 

Award at the Wilmington Small 

Business Awards. The Awards recognize 

the contributions and accomplishments of 

Small businesses and Hunter won out of a 

field of about 30 businesses. 

REAL Kiteboarding 

has 

joined forces 

with The Moorings 

(www. 

themoorings. 

com) to offer 

kiteboarding 

expeditions in 

the British Virgin 

Islands beginning 

December 

06. These trips 

will leave from 

Tortola and then 

set sail from 

REAL and The Moorings 

expeditions start this 

December. 

Lens: Real Kiteboarding 

island to island aboard some of the best 

yachts in the Moorings fleet. The BVIs offer 

excellent trade wind conditions and a great 

combination of flat water and wave locations, 

perfect for riders of all abilities, even rank beginners. 

REAL scouted these tropical routes 

during the video shoot for their Joyride and 

Surf DVDs (check them out for BVI footage). 

Activities during the REAL BVI trips include 

kiteboarding, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, 

scuba, kayaking, and more. 

www.realkiteboarding.com

New School 

Letter 

of the month 

Dear Editor, 

I just wanted to tell you that I think you are on the 

right track and are maintaining the proper outlook 

for the future of kiteboarding. I am a 27-year-old 

long time kiter from Kauai who moved to Emerald 

Isle, NC last year and have since opened a shop 

and school. When I start advertising, it will be with 

you and if you ever need anything from me or my 

area, just let me know. Keep on! Don’t hesitate on 

voicing your opinion on policing local spots. Our 

sport can never be a complete free for all, or we 

will end up stuck with crappy little spots that no 

one wants to ride. 

Thanks, 

Christopher M. Keiser 

www.crystalcoastkiteboarding.com 

We appreciate your support and hope that 

printing your letter will help your new shop and 

school grow. Please send us some shots of your 

local crew and check in with us soon -Ed. 

Never Leave Home Without It 

Kevin Langeree’s face explains it all as he flies across the Hood 

River sandbar. Lens: Jon Malmberg 

Letters 

What our readers have to say 

Send your banter, happiness, rants, raves to editor@thekiteboarder.com 

Windless in Wisconsin 

Dear Editor, 

It’s a rainy, windless day in southern Wisconsin, and I have been glancing over some of my 

magazines and I decided to drop you a line. I am a kiter living in Madison, Wisconsin and 

have been riding for about four seasons. Ever since I started, I have been reading various 

kiteboarding publications and taking in every last bit of kiteboarding related material I can 

get my hands on. I have known your name from the magazines from day one and have 

always enjoyed your contributions both written and photographic. 

Through your editorials I think you touch on the majority of issues that hit home (or should 

hit home) with most of the kiting community. I have just found asnews.net and can’t get 

enough of it; you must be a busy guy. Kiteboarding has changed my life. I am turning 27 this 

August, and I have never felt better. I have lost weight, gained mental focus in all aspects 

of life, and I know that kiteboarding has played a major role in all of it. In the future, I want 

to make kiteboarding an even bigger part of my life by some how making a career out of 

it (coaching, working or owning a shop, working for a manufacturer, anything). If you have 

any ideas and the time to share them, I am all ears. Anyway, keep up the good work and 

continue to steer our sport in a positive direction. 

Jens Hanson 

Dear Editor, 

How’s it going down there in Texas? I just thought I’d share a potentially 

negative experience that became very positive as a result of me 

being a kiteboarder. A couple of weeks ago, I went out to Lake Mojave 

with my Dad (69 years old) and my son (14 years old) to rent a boat, do 

a little wake boarding, and hopefully do a little kiteboarding! 

We traveled north about 12 miles from Katherine’s landing, about six 

miles from “6 mile.” We had stopped so I could launch, and be followed 

by the rental boat. Long story short; the boat failed to restart, and 

after a few hours of trying to get the boat out of vapor Lock, my Dad 

was getting concerned. We had tried to flag other boats down, but we 

were in a cove that was rather hidden from the main part of the lake so 

no one could see us trying to reach out for assistance. The temp was a 

cool 110 degrees, and I knew I had to do something. I saw a few boats 

northward about a mile or so. The wind was slowly dying, but was still 

blowing out of the south at 9-12 mph. I flew my kite out to the middle 

of the lake towards the anchored boats I saw off in the distance. As the 

wind was dropping below the threshold, I saw a 23ft ski boat about 500 

yards away. I started waving and actually stopped in the water so they 

would come closer. 

The Kiteboarder 16 

This is a very cool letter to receive. Kiting has changed my life too. Our team works really 

hard to create original content. It is nice to be recognized. Most people will tell you 

that you will never make any money in kiteboarding. They are probably right. However, 

the friends I have made around the world are priceless –Ed. 

They saw my kite and came over and asked if I needed help. I told them 

my situation. They were very cool! I landed my kite in the water, rolled it 

up and placed all my gear on the boat. They then took me back to my 

dad and son and then took us all back to the marina safe and sound. I 

want to give a big thanks to Jeff and Kathy Orr from Poway who went 

out of their way to provide us with a random act of kindness and prevented 

what could have been a much greater hassle than it turned out 

to be. The moral of the story is -- always bring your kite with you! 

Stinkies is blowing 11-18 mph right now… gotta go! 

Brad Benter 

San Diego, CA 

This story speaks for itself. I am glad to see you came prepared and 

everything ended up ok. I am hoping you will be able to give Jeff 

and Kathy a copy of this magazine. Next time your wife gets mad at 

your for going riding, remind her of this story and tell her it is safety 

training —Ed.

By Paul Lang 

Kevin Murray: 

Mission Beach Legend 

1. Don’t ride too overpowered. You can perform 

much better when you’re in control. 

2a: Be nice to everybody on the beach and in 

the water, no matter what they ride, fly, or how 

they ride. Save the stink eye and tuff guy stuff for 

paddle surfing. 

2b: If you act like a jerk, it doesn’t matter how 

good you ride. You’re still a jerk. 

3a: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not ride at a 

crowded beach until you are ready. 

3b: If you hurt somebody at the beach other 

than yourself, don’t expect any kitesurfer to ever 

talk to you again. Nobody wants the sport to be 

banned. 

4a: Try to ride everyday. If it’s windy enough to 

keep your kite in the sky, then there is always 

something to learn. 

4b: A good kite flyer is a good kitesurfer; become 

one with your kite. 

5: Ride a bow kite if you are not on one yet. Ride 

one a couple of times and you will not want to 

ride traditional kites anymore. The bow kites have 

a huge depower range that is great for safety, 

but the real joy is when you use the depower 

in the waves. In gusty winds, you can’t find a 

more comfortable and relaxed ride. All the kite 

companies are making great kites now, but I think 

Cabrinha still has the best. 

6a: When it’s gusting over 40 mph and straight 

onshore, don’t let your brother talk you in to going 

out. 

6b: Have good medical insurance. 

The Kiteboarder Magazine has a new web address. 

You can still read the latest kiteboarding 

news, check out our blog, listen to the ASNews. 

net podcasts, or check out our interactive PDF 

online magazine. Point your browser to 

www.thekiteboarder.com 

Toby from kiteforum.com has been at it again, 

expanding his empire of kiteboarding websites. 

The newest place online to get your fill of kite 

gossip and hearsay is www.kitecommunity. 

Kevin’s trademark 

smile is as big as 

his heart. 

Lens: Kristin Jensen 

Age: Younger every year 

Street Names: Irie Dog, Magician, Batman 

(when kiting with sidekick Eric Hafsrud, 

a.k.a. Robin) 

Work: Doesn’t much, part time instructor 

for West Coast and South Coast Kiteboarding 

Roots: Skateboarding, Karate, Snowboarding, 

Surfing 

Favorite Spots: Dog Point, Baja, Buckland 

Hood: Mission Beach, California 

Heroes: Andre “Dre” Phillip, Damian Leroy, 

Kai Murray, Bob Marley, Gerry Lopez, and 

Lou Wainman 

System: Cabrinha Crossbows 7 through 

16 

Ride: Cabrinha Icon 130 cm 

Claims: 27 years in Mission Beach and 

no tattoos, more broken bones than Evil 

Knievel (over 30), light wind master, tech 

rep for Cabrinha 

Shouts: Learn to respond, not react. Live 

while alive. Ride hard, play hard. Oh Yeah! 

com; check it out, but don’t always believe 

everything you read. 

Tired of getting skunked? The staff here at The 

Kiteboarder has been using weather forecasting 

sites www.buoyweather.com and www. 

windguru.cz with a lot of success. Wind Guru 

is based in the Czech Republic of all places, 

and both sites provide forecasts for worldwide 

locations. 

With over 352 pages and 500 images, John 

Holzall has released the new edition of 

the KITEs Method book. Kite Super Model 

Clarissa Hemple takes riders step by step 

from entry level to expert riding using the 

latest gear. In the KITEs Method, there is 

no walking and no tea bagging. Riders start 

at the kite without a bar or lines and learn 

how to capture a center of energy, then 

counterbalance it. Instead of progressing 

to the waterstart, riders learn the Upwind 

Board Drag (UBD) first. The use of the board 

as a planing surface allows riders to travel 

upwind long before they ever waterstart. 

The book concludes with kite-specific water, 

wind and terminology glossaries. Available at 

www.kiteboardcenter.com and participating 

retailers. 

Jay Crawford, formerly of Kiteboarding Hatteras, 

has opened up his own school called 

Outer Banks Kiting. Jay has been living, 

breathing, teaching, and working in the kiteboarding 

industry since 1999. He has worked 

with many different schools and spent 

countless hours on the water. From this 

experience, he has taken the most successful 

methods he has seen and learned and 

created his own unique teaching program. 

When not instructing kiting on the island, he 

teaches alpine skiing at Snowshoe Mountain 

Resort. www.outerbankskiting.com 

Beginning this September, Best Kiteboarding 

and Kite Adventures are teaming 

up for four, once-in-a-lifetime, 10-day kite 

Kite-with-a-Pro expeditions in Brazil. KA’s 

will be taking groups of 8-10 to at least 10 

beaches along 180+ miles of coastline from 

Cumbuco to Jericoacoara and stopping at 

choice lagoons, hitting ocean waves and 

pioneering epic downwinders. Best team 

rider Clinton Bolton will be on hand to 

help you improve your technique and tricks; 

one day of the tour will be spent demoing 

Waroos, Yarga Pros and a slew of boards in 

Taiba, home of Best’s Brazil headquarters. 

Dimitri Maramenides will be on his second 

tour with Kite Adventures this season in 

Brazil from October 8-14 2006. Kite Adventures 

is offering this customized kitesurfari to 

kiters with experience whose drive to kite unspoiled 

seas matches Maramenides’ passion

Name: Chris Campbell and 

Lindy DeVries-Campbell 

Nickname: Chris and Lindy 

Age: 27, 27 

Location: South Haven, Michigan 

Riding for how long: 5 years 

What did you do before getting involved in the 

kiteboarding industry? 

I am an art-head. I do graphics and draw. Chris 

was competitive in uechi-ryu karate, and has a 

green belt in ue. He also played a lot of online 

computer games 

until he got hooked 

on kiteboarding. 

What is the kiteboarding 

scene like 

in your area? 

We have nice, helpful 

riders and good 

wave riding conditions. 

Our community 

is very tight and the 

schools are friendly 

with each other. 

Any issues? 

The Coast Guard 

prefers that people 

Video Reviews 

Shop Talk 

Sharkless Boardsports Opens Shop! 

Lens: Sharkless 

body drag out past the buoys and don’t ride up 

the river. 

How does your shop support the kiteboarding 

community? 

We have hosted snow kiting events in the past 

and will be hosting more in the future. This fall 

we’ll throw the first annual “Sharktoberfest” when 

we have our best wind and waves of the year. We 

also do a Wednesday night Kite Fly where we 

offer free demos, and info for newbies. 

Real Kiteboarding: Joyride 

This is the latest DVD in the Real Kiteboarding 

instructional series, which compliments their 

Joyride camps. The first chapter is packed full 

of great tips on self-launching, self-landing and 

even boat launches. The second chapter covers 

riding stance, powered turns, speed, control and 

riding in a crowd. Everyone should watch the 

section on riding in a crowd! Jumping techniques 

and tricks take you to the next level in your riding. 

Helpful troubleshooting tips give you things to be 

aware of when you get out and start putting it all 

together. Continuing education goes over various 

Sharkless 

Boardsports 

What tips can you offer kiteboarders who 

want to learn in your area? 

Get a lesson, and be friendly with the locals. 

They’ll help you out. You may even get invited 

on a “blueberry downwinder”. You’ll just have to 

come here to find out what that is! 

What tips can you offer visiting kiteboarders 

who want to hook up with local riders and kite 

in your area? 

Visit the local forums or shops, www.sharkless. 

com or www.mackite.com/forums or just introduce 

yourself to riders on the beach. 

What is your 

season and 

what is the best 

way for people 

to check the 

forecast and 

current conditions 

in your 

area? 

The best conditions 

are in the 

spring and fall. To 

check weather, 

see sharkless. 

com or call for 

daily readings. We 

have a wind meter 

on the pier. We also use wunderground.com. 

What else is there to do there? 

South Haven has a wonderful variety of restaurants, 

fishing charters, bed and breakfasts, and 

bars including the infamous “Idler Riverboat” 

bar and grill. People come from all over to dine 

on the old restored Riverboat once owned by 

Vincent Price. 

types of gear including strapless boards and the 

new Bow/SLE kites. 

Bonus section: Coaches tips, Slezy-J grab tutorial 

and gear tuning. 

Running Time: +3 hours 

For copies visit www.thekiteboarder.com 

for uncovering new, unpopulated beaches. 

Now in its second season, KA’s provides 

everything you need for a hassle-free Brazil 

experience. Contact: jessie@kiteadventures. 

com 

Next time you’re at Best Buy, check out the 

commercial loop showing on all Panasonic 

HDTV’s. Within it, there’s a 2-minute video 

clip featuring local rippers Kinsley Wong and 

Tim Harvey at their home site of Pismo Beach, 

California. 

On October 11-15, SouthEast Expeditions 

in Cape Charles Virginia is once again hosting 

the Mid-Atlantic Kite Rally. Highlights 

of the week include boat supported riding 

on the thousands of acres of flat water and 

pristine beaches that make up the Virginia 

Coast Reserve; The Chesapeake Bay Crossing 

Kite Race; Rider Clinics; Gear Demo’s, 

and of course Video Night at the Historic 

Palace Theater when you get to check out 

the hottest new videos on the big screen 

along with a slide show of the best shots 

of the week. Call 757-331-2680 or e-mail 

gonesailin@yahoo.com for more information. 

South Coast Kiteboarding is happy to 

announce that Zach Kleppe is coaching full 

time at the Corpus Christi school. Zach is a 

professional kiteboarder and his expertise 

on and off the water will be a great asset to 

the SCK program. If you want to learn how to 

kiteboard in one of the best spots in the US, 

Corpus Christi should be on your radar. Be 

sure to check out the photos at 

www.southcoastkiteboarding.com. 

Hydrotherapy Kiteboarding/Windsurfing 

has moved to a new location in 

Panama City Beach, FL. A new partnership 

with Sunjammers adds catamarans, 

sailboats, kayaks, surfboards and technical 

apparel to the services. Panama City Beach, 

located in the NW portion of Florida, boasts 

over 27 miles of award-winning, sugary, 

white-sand beaches and clear, emerald waters 

of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay. 

Hydrotherapy is a certified Kites Method 

chool. www.hydrotherapykiteboarding.com.

KPWT Kiteboard World Cup 

By Paul Lang 

July 20-26, 2006: Further proof that the kite racing 

movement is gaining steam for both riders and spectators, 

the finals of the KPWT Speed Crossing race in 

Morocco gave the crowd an outstanding, pure adrenalin 

visual show with Vincent Tiger (FRA) passing the finish 

line by only a few inches ahead of Pierre Romain (FRA) 

for the Men and Aurelia Herpin (SPA) beating Angela 

Peral (SPA) by a mere 23 seconds. In the Freestyle finals, 

the Men’s heats were especially breathtaking as the 

second bracket winners challenged the first bracket’s 

riders thoroughly. In the end, Sébastien Garat (FRA) 

held on to his former title against Christian Holley (SPA). 

There was only one surprise for the Women as Ainhoa 

Garcia (SPA) pulled some great tricks to claim the third 

place from Angela Peral (SPA). 

Cabrinha Race Series Stays Fierce 

By Steve Gunn 

The Cabrinha Race Series continued to experience 

fierce competition and grueling conditions during June 

and July. Anthony Chavez (Naish), the 2005 overall 

winner has dominated the series since the first night 

of racing capturing first in 5 out of 6 entered. Nils 

Stolzlechner (Naish) and Geoff Headington (SS) are in 

battle for 2nd with others close behind, including Jeff 

Ruoss (Cabrinha) of KiteWindSurf, the race series sponsor. 

June and July also saw some guest team rider such 

as Adam Koch, Sky Solbach, Jaime Heraiz, and Sean 

Farley. All had respectable showings, but only Adam has 

been able to topple local Chavez to date. 

Molokai Shifts to Pirate Rules 

By Marina Chang 

The 4th annual Molokai Ocean Challenge, a 15-mile 

race from Maui to Molokai, took place on July 22 with 

54 kiteboarders, 24 windsurfers and a kite-canoe. 

Winds were light so pirate rule were established i.e. do 

whatever you can to get across! A few determined kiters 

began early by swimming their kites out over 2 miles 

into the wind line, while the rest of the fleet were given 

an alternate launch site where the wind was better. Most 

kiters had to swoop their kites and surf the swells to 

keep their speed up in the lighter winds. In all, 49 out of 

52 kiters made it to the first check in with KITES method 

author and crossing veteran John Holzall crossing the 

finish line first. 

Langeree wins in Cabarete 

By Paul Lang 

June 25 –July 2, 2006: The final day of the Cabarete 

PKRA event was slightly hampered by challenging 

conditions, with some competitors having to run back 

upwind in the middle of a heat in order to remain in the 

competition area. Despite the inconsistent winds, the 

top riders were able to stand out and land the most 

technical tricks possible. The moves thrown at PKRA 

events continue to be extremely technical, with many 

heats decided by who was able to pull more moves 

switch or hold their kite lower to the water while throwing 

tricks. Kevin Langeree took home the win after 

landing moves such as a kiteloop NIS, a kung fu 3 to 

downloop, and a mobe 5. 

Competitions 

A competitor throws a perfectly placed handlepass in 

front of the judges. Lens: Carlos Delicado/KPWT 

Bay area kiters turn out in force for the races. 

Lens: Paul Buelow 

John Holzall on his way to the finish line. Lens: Sea Lust 

Cabarete Bay is one of the favorite stops for the PKRA 

circuit riders. Robert Foresti/PKRA 

RESULTS: 

PKRA Cabarete 

Freestyle (Men): 

1. Kevin Langeree 

(Netherlands) 

2. Mikael Blomvall (Sweden) 

3. Aaron Hadlow (UK) 

4. Alex Soto 

(Dominican Republic) 

Freestyle (Women): 

1. Kristin Boese (Germany) 

2. Ania Grzelinska (Poland) 

3. Bruna Kajiya (Brazil) 

4. Morgan Skiperdine (US) 

Speed Crossing 

SF Longboard Classic 

1. Chip Wasson 

2. Anthony Chavez 

3. Geoff Headington 

UltraNectar Challenge 

1. Geoff Headington 

2. Anthony Chavez 

3. Chip Wasson 

Molokai Challenge 

1.John Holzall 

2.Paul Franco 

3.Ovi 

KPWT Morocco 

(Speed Racing/Men) 

1.Vincent Tiger (France) 

2.Pierre Romain (France) 

3.Greg Thissa (Russia) 

(Speed Racing/Women) 

1.Aurelia Herpin (France) 

2.Angela Peral (Spain) 

3.Julie Simsar (Turkey) 

For the full results in Freestyle, 

Waves and HangTime, see 

www.kiteboardpro.com 

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

King of the Great Lakes 

Sept. 7-10/Grand Haven, MI 

Mid-Atlantic Kite Rally 

Oct. 11 -15/Cape Charles, VA 

PKRA: 

Canada Aug. 26 

Tarifa Sept. 5 

Brazil Sept. 19 

KPWT: 

Portugal Sept. 4 

France Oct. 25 

New Caledonia Nov. 25

16 hour days in front of her array of laptops is 

the norm for Marina Chang. Monitering the Ring 

Media’s electronic library while serving as Publisher 

of The Kiteboarder gives her more to do in one day, 

well . . . than most people do in a week. 

Marina and her sidekick are 

a familiar site at many kite 

spots in California and the 

Northwest. 

Interview by Ryan Riccitelli 

Photographs By Jim Semlor 

t was a typical, windy day in Pismo Beach, California, in 1999, when I met Marina Chang. I had 

just ridden a mile downwind on my two-line, Wipika 5m kite. Kiters were scarce at the time, and as I 

walked up the beach, I saw this slender Asian woman, flying a Mosquito foil, which was state of the 

art for the time. We introduced ourselves, chatted about gear and then we both went our separate 

ways. Two years later while working for another magazine, I was invited by Kitexcite to do a travel 

story in Cabarete, Dominican Repbulic. A woman by the name of Marina Chang had hooked me up 

with accommodations fit for a king. Even after the trip, it took me years to put the two together that 

the woman in California and the woman in the Dominican were the same. Our first conversation had 

happened so quickly and the fact that we were both in our sandy wetsuits did not help. 

Marina and I kept in touch over the years, and our friendship has grown into a full time business-- 

The Ring Media Inc., the marketing firm that publishes The Kiteboarder Magazine and ASNews.net. 

Looking back to the first time we crossed paths, it was no coincidence why our lives have consistently 

intersected. Never being one to feel comfortable in the limelight, Marina hesitantly agreed 

to this interview. Despite the fact that Marina and I are friends and co workers, her story deserves 

to be told. Often times in life there are silent leaders who work behind the scenes moving the 

wheels that often go unnoticed. Marina’s passion and vision for kiteboarding bleed throughout The 

Kiteboarder Magazine’s pages. Her love for riding and getting people stoked on kiteboarding has 

touched people around the world. From pros to average joes, I know I am one of the lucky people 

who can say, I would not be where I am today without the help of Ms. Marina Chang. 

What was growing up in La Jolla, California 

like? 

Our lives evolved around the beach and we 

didn’t believe life existed east of the I-5 freeway. 

Many have grown up to become MTV hosts, 

actors, pro-surfers/athletes and Hollywood 

producers, although I still see a lot of the same 

faces when cruising “the lot” at Windansea. 

Who was Marina Chang in High School? 

I was an A grade student until high school. 

I then entered my ‘wild teens’ and barely 

graduated by the skin of my teeth! I got my 

act together in Junior College, and ended up 

graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, 

CA with a degree in Journalism and Public/International 

Relations. 

What led up to you getting into kiteboarding 

and where did you learn? 

My paragliding buddy Kinsley Wong started 

kiteboarding in 1999 and was one of the first to 

take Wipika’s KISS instructional program in the 

Dominican Republic. I decided to give it a try 

and booked a trip to the DR to learn in warm 

water and paraglide. I was addicted immediately 

and cancelled my paragliding plans so I 

could kite. I was determined to go upwind and 

practiced from the minute the wind came up 

until sunset. I started on Windtools Mosquito’s 

and a big RRD 6-foot directional. I did my first 

upwind run on my final day there. Gear has 

come a long way! 

Packing her bags for Hood River, Marina landed in her favorite 

place to stay while in the Gorge, the Hood River Hotel. Overlooking 

the sand spit, the historical property provides her inspiration 

and a wireless connection as she works on building industry 

relationships the old-fashioned way - through personal meetings 

both on and off the water. 

Are you religious? 

Let’s just say I’m spiritual but have had life 

experiences that have proven to me that there 

is a power higher than us on earth. 

You quit your corporate job to move to 

the Dominican Republic to kiteboard at 

a time when the sport was in its infancy. 

Why did you make that decision? 

I was the ad and promotions manager for Slime 

Tire Sealant and the company was downsizing 

after 9/11. My boyfriend at the time had 

recently started Kitexcite and I was hooked 

on kiteboarding. The timing was just right and 

things started happening in my life that seemingly 

propelled me to make the move and take 

the chance. 


From cutting business deals via cell at the launch (far right), to checking in with Slingshot’s Mira Kwon on the new Slingy headquarters in 

Stevenson (middle) and a sunset session (bottom), Marina walks the walk of a kiteboarding life. Lens: Jim Semlor 

{ } 


Kiteboarding opened a new chapter in life for 

me. I’m sure it will always be a part of my life in 

some way, shape or form. 

What was it like kiteboarding in the Dominican 

Republic in 2002 and who were 

some of the people you crossed paths 

with? 

It blew for eight months straight everyday over 

15knots from the first day that I arrived! Cabarete 

was just starting to take off as a kiteboarding 

destination and 2002 was an exciting time to 

be there. Early icons like Franz Olry and Christopher 

Tasti had made Cabarete their home away 

from home and were the riders many looked up 

to and tried to emulate. 

You co-founded Kitexcite, one of the 

largest schools in the Caribbean in 2002. 

What was that like? 

We grew from two instructors to 18 and had 

about 12 when I left in 2004. Cabarete and the 

kiteboarding industry experienced many growth 

changes during these years and so did the business. 

It was like the new frontier. 

In 2004, you left the Dominican Republic 

to come back to California. What led 

to this decision, and how did you get 

involved with The Kiteboarder? 

I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything but 

in the end, it was not what I wanted to do or 

where I wanted to be. I moved back to the US, 

looked at my closet full of suits and wasn’t sure 

I wanted to go back to that life either. I started 

selling for The Kiteboarder to help out while I 

figured out what I wanted to do. The business 

prospect arose for me to step in as a partner 

and publisher. Working in marketing for over 12 

years and then the kiteboarding school for three, 

my background seemed perfectly matched for 

the opportunity and here I am today. 

Many people do not realize that you are 

the co founder of The Ring Media, an 

action sports marketing firm that owns 

The Kiteboarder and ASNews.net. What 

is your current role with The Kiteboarder 

Magazine? 

I am officially the publisher which means I 

handle the business operations. However, with 

my journalism background, I also love to write 

so am involved editorially as well. Being a small 

business, we do wear many hats, but after 

working on both sides of the fence, I prefer the 

flexibility, mobility and environment on this side. 

In your past six years of riding, what 

experience stands out the most? 

Pioneering a crossing from Cayo Levantado to 

the East side of the island and finding a hotel in 

the middle of nowhere with a 180 hilltop ocean 

view, air conditioning, a Swiss trained chef and 

espresso in the morning, all for under $30! At 

the eXtreme Hotels launch in the DR, I also got 

private ramp lessons on “6-feet Under” from the 

legend, Tony Alva. He is the most down to earth 

man still charging hard with great passion after 

more than 25 years in skateboarding. 

The joke amongst your friends and 

coworkers is that you are the hardest 

working women in kiteboarding. What 

is the typical day like for you and how 

much time do you spend on the water? 

I have always been an early riser so that comes 

in handy when the wind is blowing – I don’t feel 

so guilty taking a few hours off! I’m living in 

the Gorge for the summer and am enjoying the 

perfect blend of work and play. I stayed at the 

Hood River Hotel for my first month here. That 

was very cool. I was in a studio overlooking the 

spit and even if I was too busy to ride, it was 

awesome to be able to look out and take in that 

view. 

What is it like being a woman publisher 

in a sport that is predominantly male? 

Sometimes a benefit, sometimes a hindrance, 

sometimes doesn’t matter; just like being a male 

in a female dominated industry. 

You have made kiteboarding your livelihood 

for the last five years and have 

interacted with hundreds of fellow riders 

around the world. What is the main driving 

force behind your passion for this 

sport? 

I love to kite, experience new places, meet new 

people and share the stoke. Kiteboarding attracts 

and is made up of unique individuals and I 

have met some incredible people along the way. 

It is exciting to be part of a growing sport and 

industry. 

Most people would say that you are 

crazy for publishing The Kiteboarder 

Magazine. What is your answer to them? 

My mentors have always told me do something 

that you love and the rest will follow. Life is too 

short to spend time at work wishing you were 

anywhere else. There is nothing like getting a 

great letter from a rider or meeting someone at 

the beach who we have affected in a positive 

way. That’s what makes it all worthwhile. 

Where do you see yourself and the sport 

of kiteboarding headed in the future? 

Growth is inevitable as the sport and gear 

becomes safer, more user-friendly and popularized 

through new riders and media. Kiteboarding 

is still a young sport but I see huge growth as 

it crosses the line and interests of other action 

sports lovers. I see BoarderX type events gaining 

popularity as they give a social level and new 

fun factor to a sport that is largely individualistic, 

allow any average rider to compete and are 

exciting and fun for spectators to watch. The 

gear will continue to evolve to more specifically 

address the riding level, conditions and styles of 

participants. New forms of the sport will develop 

in ways we probably never thought of. 

When you think of kiteboarding, what is 

the image or memory that most often 

comes to mind? 

There is nothing like enjoying a great downwinder 

in the surf with a friends. 

What kind of life do you think you would 

be living if it were not for kiteboarding? 

Kiteboarding opened a new chapter in my life for 

me. It will always be part of my life is some way, 

shape or form. 

The Kiteboarder 27

Age: 25 

Height: 5’10” 

Weight: 165 

Stance: Regular 

Years kiting: 4-5 

Favorite Spots: St. Petersburg, 

Hatteras, Texas, anywhere in the 

Southern Caribbean 

Favorite Conditions: Any wind, as 

long as I can ride! (steady wind is 

the best) 

Favorite Moves: Hangtime 

Sponsors: Flexifoil, Watersports 

West, SPKC 

Gear Set-Up 

Boards: 120 and 137 Underground 

Bindings: Footstraps 

Kites: Flexifoils - Fusion and Ion, all 

sizes (favorite -12m) 

Bars: Standard Flexi bar 

Lines: 23m-27m 

Harness: Dakine Pyro 

Big handlepasses 

helped Billy win 

the Nissan Velocity 

Games best trick. 

Lens: Ryan Riccitelli 

Practice loading your 

edge and releasing 

without sending the kite. 

When and where did you start kiteboarding? 

I started kiteboarding at the end of 2001 in St. 

Petersburg, Florida. 

Where is your favorite place you have ridden? 

There are many different places in the world that 

are so good for kiting that picking one is impossible. 

What riders influence you most? 

Watching creative Riders like Lou Wainman, 

Martin Vari, and Aaron Hadlow makes me want 

to go ride. 

What do you do off the water to help you on 

the water? 

If you want to progress your level of riding, you 

need to increase your training. I have five: the 

hanging bar, the trampoline, swimming, the 

cable park, and wakeboarding. 

If you could give props to someone you really 

respect in the kiteboarding world, who would 

it be? 

There are a lot of good people that are push- 

When doing handlepasses, 

your body needs to travel 

to the bar after your edge is 

released. 

Start with jumps to blind 

and practice yanking your 

hips to the bar. 

Practice your tricks 

with different hand 

positions. 

Practice riding 

unhooked as much as 

possible and jumping 

unhooked as big as 

you can go. 

Billy Parker grew up fishing, hunting, and hydro-sliding in St. Petersburg, Florida. He competed in every sport he could and always seemed 

to have a talent for whatever he tried. When Billy lost interest in everyday activities, he ended up working for the family business (fumigation) 

and wakeboarding on the side. He soon learned about the cable park at Orlando Watersports Complex. While riding at the cable, Billy 

was told about this sport called kiteboarding that was similar to wakeboarding and the cable, but allowed you to jump higher, be in total 

control, and cost a lot less. As soon as he heard this, he knew he had to try kiteboarding, but little did he know how much it would change 

his life. 

ing the limits of themselves and the sport while 

promoting kiting in a positive way. These are the 

individuals that I respect and hope keep promoting 

kiting to others. 

What is something about you that you do 

outside of kiteboarding that most people 

wouldn’t know? 

My work. I do a lot of different trades: animal 

trapper, pest control operator, structural 

repairs, cabinet installer, and line striper. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment 

in life? 

Finding something that truly makes me happy 

and makes me want to be the best. Some 

people search a lifetime for something that 

makes them want to live or feel alive. Kiting is 

that for me. 

. 

Rumor has it you turned your house into a 

kiteboarding training compound. What is that 

all about? 

Like I said before, practice is what makes you 

better. Now I can practice when there is no wind, 

Billy and his sidekick Gunthor 

cross train together in his backyard 

pool. Lens: Tiffany Schrader 

and if you want to get better it’s all putting in the 

time. 

What do you think of the current contest 

scene? 

I think we still have a lot of growing to do in the 

sport and with that the competitions will grow to 

become better. If you want to do well in competition, 

ask the judges what they are looking for. 

What is your recipe for success as a kiteboarder? 

Lots of practice, never act like you’re too good 

(be helpful), and keep your word. 

How did you get the name Wild Bill? 

A few close calls, lots of hurricane-wind driven 

sessions, and a group of creative kiting friends. 

Where do you want to be in a year? 

I’d like to be traveling the world competing, 

testing equipment, and doing demos. I want to 

show off kites and my skills to people who I can 

influence to try out the sport and learn what it’s 

like to kite.

Melissa checks in with family in 

Costa Rica. Lens: Damien Leroy 

When, where and why did you start kiteboarding? 

I started kiteboarding a little less than three 

years ago when I moved to Miami to go to 

college. My uncle and aunt, Eduardo and 

Irene Owen, are windsurfing rippers and introduced 

me to kiteboarding. Irene and I learned 

together helping each other out; she was my 

partner in crime and it was lots of fun! We 

couldn’t have done it without the help of two 

good friends Lock Pirie and Tim Barber. They 

were our true teachers, kind enough to teach 

these two girls that showed up at Matheson 

Hammock and knew very little about kitting! 

What other sports helped influence your 

kiteboarding? 

Surfing and wakeboarding. 

What riders influence you most? 

Damien LeRoy, alias the “Fat Kid.” I wouldn’t 

be where I am if it wasn’t for him and thank 

him for everything. He gave me the little 

push I needed to excel in the sport and give 

competition a try. Also, Lock Pirie; he is the 

nicest kiteboarder, always positive, happy and 

smiling. I tell him I want to be like him when 

I grow up! 

Age: 22 

Height: 5’4” 

Weight: 125 lbs 

Years kiting: 3 

Favorite Spots: Any place 

with waves! 

Favorite Conditions: side-on 

with a 9m kite and waves 

Favorite Moves: Waves or 

any trick I have been trying for 

a while and finally land it! 

Sponsors: JN Kites (Jochum 

& Nesler) 

Gear set-up: 

Boards: JN Honey 125 

Bindings: straps 

Kites: JN Prima Donna kites 

Bars: JN CBS bars with standard 

25m lines 

Harness: An old crappy one. 

The only way to learn something new is by trying, and trying means 

crashing! 

Success doesn’t come easy. It means a lot of trying, a lot of hard days 

and failures, but the reward is worth it, so go for it! 

Always know you can do it; when there is doubt you most likely will fail 

Always be positive because what you focus your attention on is 

surely to happen. 

Never give up, because giving up only hurts your inner self. 

Do not wait until tomorrow because all you have and all you will ever 

have is now. 

What do you do off the water to help you 

on the water? 

Damien introduced me to a bar hanging from 

a tree and that is lots of fun! It helps get your 

body used to the movements so that you 

are more ready when you go out and try it in 

the water. I also do some Yoga to relax and 

stretch my aching muscles! 

What is the latest trick you are working on 

and how is it going (what is the challenge)? 

I have been working on the raley to blind 

and I get worked! I have to go past blind 

when I land so that I don’t end up looping 

the kite and going topside the other direction 

or crashing the kite in the water. I am close 

though -- I just need to pass the bar quickly 

when I land. I also practice the KGB in the 

tree and it comes easy, but in the water it is a 

different story! I have to control my mind and 

truly commit! 

Where is your favorite place to ride and 

why? 

I haven’t been to many places, but I do know 

that any place with waves is my favorite; it is 

so much more fun! 

Melissa recently placed second in the 2006 Nissan Velocity 

Games BoarderX. Lens: Tom Leeman 

You are from Costa Rica. Have you kiteboarded 

there? If so, how does the riding 

scene in Costa Rica compare to the US? 

I am ashamed to say I have never kiteboarded 

in my home. Every time I go there I simply 

go surfing! But I do know Bahia Salinas and 

Lake Arenal are good places to go, super 

windy! 

What is your view on contests? 

I have never competed in any sport before 

and I gave it a try. I am not much of a competition 

person but as long as you are having fun 

it is good. The moment it becomes stressful 

and not fun it is over. 

You just graduated in Marine Biology at the 

beginning of the year. What do you plan on 

doing with your degree? 

I studied Marine Biology so I could pursue my 

dreams of understanding and protecting my 

favorite place: the ocean. Ever since I can remember, 

I have had a passion for nature, so I 

would like to work in environmental protection. 

But in the immediate future I would like to 

give a try to being a professional kiteboarder 

because now is the time to do it!

1 2 3 

1.Send a random kiteboarding photo to 

ryan@thekiteboarder.com Photo Nikki Ivanoski 

2.Aaron Hadlow and Chris Tronolone between 

photo shoots. Photo Buster Tronolone 

3.The Naish crew after a wave session on the 

Oregon Coast. Photo Jon Malmberg 

4.Clinton Bolton and Damien Leroy hanging 

4 

8 

9 

Send It 

Got a cool pic, send it to Editor@TheKiteboarder.com 

7 

out before departing on another kite adventure. 

Photo Clinton Bolton. 

5.Bucky Ashcraft passes a no wind day in Corpus 

spear fishing near the oil rigs. Photo Bucky 

Ashcraft 

6.16-year-old Josh Nehf tries to swing a chick in 

the Waddell Creek parking lot. Photo Kim Kern 

5 6 

7.eXtremeHotels.com sent this photo to entice us 

all to stop by the eXtreme bar for their signature 

Pirate Punch. Photo Josh Marinos 

8. Sean Richman gives his sister Eva a lift. Lens: 

Suzanne Johnson 

9.Josh Marinos teaches Moe Gould some new 

Dominican serenades. Photo eXtremehotels.com 

10.This is why many windsurfers now kite. 

Photo James Brown 

11.Greg Jonutz’s dog has modified his Slingshot 

bar for fetching. Photo Kim Kern 

12.SharklessKiteboarding.com built a kiteboarding 

float for their July 4th parade. Photo 

10 11 12 

Shanna DeVries-Merrill 

13.Buster Tronolone, Shanti Berg and Josh Marinos 

end a day of shooting in the Dominican. 

Photo eXtremeHotels.com 

14.Quincy Dein getting some serious airtime 

over in Maui. Photo Chris Vail 

15.Lou “the legend” Wainman checking out Kite 

The Kiteboarder 32 The Kiteboarder 33 

13 

14 

Beach, Maui. Photo Kim Kern 

16.An alternative to a no wind day in Hatteras. 

Photo Brad Knoth 

17.Mark Doyle and Jesse Richman hanging out 

at the King of the Bay in California. Photo Kim 

Kern 

15 

16 

17

Steve Gunn from Cabrinha with amateur Kite 

Course winners Jeff Kafka, Geoff 

Headington, and Jeff Ruoss. 


Pro winners Jesse 

Richman, Sean Farley 

and Shawn Richman 

collecting their winnings 

for the Kite Course Race. 

Kalani Cook billboards his sponsor 

Eric Rienstra and Mark Doyle 

between heats. 

Photographs by Kim Kern 

By Steve Gunn, Steve Gibson and Marina Chang 

For 6 years, Foster City, CA, has hosted The King of the Bay 

event. Started by windsurfer Troy Collins and supported by Gary 

Hohl of Helm Sports, it started as a grass roots windsurfing event 

and has grown to include kiteboarding. Local icon Chip Wasson 

was the first kiteboarding winner in 2000 when competitors could 

almost be counted on one hand. Since that time, it has grown 

attracting hundreds of regional riders and pros like Andre Phillip, 

Mark Doyle, Aaron Hadlow, Jamie Herraiz, Sky Solbach, Ruben 

Lenten, Clinton Bolton, Sean Farley and the Richman brothers 

from Maui. 

Originally started as a freestyle event, The King of the Bay was 

one of the very first to include a KiterX. In 2006, a Kite Course 

Race was added, due to the increasing popularity of this form of 

competition. Although the wind was not spectacular, moderating 

between 15-22mph, the competition and fun were! 

14-year-old Jesse Richman beat out Mark Doyle and older 

brother Shawn (17) to capture the Pro Best Trick with a spectacularly 

smooth and high forward mobe/kite loop. Jesse also rode to 

victory in the Pro KiterX topping Sean Farley (Mexican National 

Champ), and again older brother Shawn who was fresh off a victory 

at the Velocity Games. Shawn, however, got his revenge in 

the Pro Course Racing by capturing the top prize, winning three 

of the six races. 

Local Jeff Ruoss of KiteWindSurf captured the top spot 

among the amateur course racers and third overall (pros and 

amateurs competed against each other). Geoff Headington took 

second and Jeff Kafka of WOW Kiteboarding placed third. Kafka 

also took second in the amateur Best Trick with Rocky Chatwell 

(Airush) capturing the top spot. 

Mark your calendar for June 2007 when the King of the Bay 

returns! The Bay Area crew is a friendly but competitive bunch 

and throw some of the best post parties, this side of the 

Mississippi. 

The Richman brothers flew in 

from Hawaii to compete. 

Adam Deny lands with 

style blind. 


What is the official site name? - 

Anse de Sable Beach (Sandy Beach), Vieux Fort, 

St Lucia 

What is the best time of year to hit this spot? 

From mid November until late April and again 

in June 

What is the best internet site to check the 

wind? 

www.windguru.com go to: http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=155 

How do I get there (closest city to fly into, 

road directions)? 

Hewanorra International airport (code UVF) is 

just 5 minutes away. If you fly to the smaller airport 

in the north (code SLU), it’s an hour’s drive. 

The undiscovered Caribbean hideaway of kiting 

All the major airlines (AA, Delta, US Airways, 

Air Jamaica, BA, Virgin Atlantic, BWIA) fly into 

Hewanorra. Only American Eagle and regional 

flights arrive at SLU. 

What is the usual wind direction? 

Cross-onshore from the left, relying on the 

steady north-easterly trade winds. 

What are the best conditions to get lucky? 

Catch the trade wind season. Local folklore 

says winds are strongest between Christmas 

and Easter. Historically, June is also a great 

month for strong wind. 

What conditions should I avoid? 

Hurricane season, especially September and 

October. 

By Jolien Harmsen 

Photographs by Danielle Devaux 

Pro rider Daphnee Laliberte showing full 

commitment as she pulls a kite loop. 

The volcanic island of St. Lucia is one of the lesser known Caribbean destinations for tourists and kiteboarders alike but 

definitely has no less to offer than many of its better known counterparts. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser 

\Antilles, St. Lucia is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinque and St. Vincent, and north 

of Barbados. The old fishing town of Vieux Fort lies at the foot of a headland that cuts into the Caribbean Sea to the west, 

and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. On the Atlantic coastline, is one of St Lucia’s longest and most unspoiled beaches: 

Anse de Sable, which means Sandy Beach. Over a mile of soft yellow sand, steady cross-shore winds from the left, a 

reef-enclosed bay that curves slightly into the wind on the leeward side, make Anse de Sable Bay a top location for those 

looking to experience kiting at one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. 

What gear should I be sure to pack? 

Sunscreen! 

What is the water temp like (wetsuit/booties 

needed)? 

The water is 79-82 Fahrenheit (26-28 degrees 

Celsius) year round. Very occasionally someone 

will wear a shortie (Christmas time) but your 

main concern is sunburn, so wear a funky lycra! 

What is the launch/landing? 

Soft sand is everywhere in the bay. There is 

some shorebreak in January and February but 

usually there is little shorebreak at all. Water 

gets deeper fairly quickly to a maximum depth 

of about 16.5 feet (5 meters). 

The conditions in St. Lucia provide a 

perfect training ground for Daphnee. 

LODGING 

1) Cheap and cheerful: The Reef Beach Huts: 

US$45 – 60/night, includes breakfast on the 

beach. www.slucia.com/reef/huts.html 

2) Romantic getaway: Villa Caribbean Dream: 

US$45 - 120/night. www.caribdreams.net 

3) Super all-inclusive comfort: Coconut Bay 

Restort & Spa: from US$200/night www.coconutbayresortandspa.com 

Who are the local schools and shops? 

In the south of St Lucia there is The Reef Kite + 

Surf at Anse de Sables Beach near Vieux Fort. 

In the north there is a small school at Cas en 

Bas (Tornado) 

Where are some of the best places to eat 

(best hangouts, price range)? 

While the north of St Lucia has long been a 

tourist destination and has all the things you’d 

expect, the south is off the beaten track. If 

you want to experience ‘the Original Caribbean’, 

this is it. Enjoy the local rum shops and 

roadside barbecues, beach parties, and Creole 

cuisine. Prices range from US$1 for roadside 

chicken, to US$10 for Creole buffet at the Plantation 

House, to US$40 for a 3-course dinner at 

the Fox Grove Inn or Debbie’s Restaurant. 

A local displays his catch of the day. 

St. Lucia’s coastline is postcard perfect. 

What is the nightlife like? 

Local hang-outs are The Reef Beach Cafe and 

a few surrounding bars. There are impromptu 

parties on weekends. 

What else is there to do if I get skunked? 

Lots of things! St Lucia has great sightseeing, 

scuba diving, deep sea fishing, mountain biking, 

horseback riding, rain forest hikes, jeep safaris, 

whale watching, snorkeling, tennis, golf, volleyball, 

island tours… 

Is there anything else I need to know about 

riding this spot? 

Lots of space on the water: the kiting zone is 

about .6 miles by .6 miles (1km by 1km) and the 

spot is largely undiscovered. 

The bay serves up bump and ride conditions. 

There are no large waves but it is ideal for 

jumps and tricks. 

Are there any safety issues or rules I need to 

know about? 

The spot is large and uncrowded but there is an 

off-limit area upwind of the center due to airport 

regulations. Check with the center before going 

out. Support the kite zone and help keep kiting 

possible in St Lucia. 

Are there any interesting bits of trivia about 

this spot? 

It’s part of the Pointe Sable National Park, 

which is home not only to the second highest 

lighthouse in the world but also to two species 

of unique wildlife: the zandoli terre (a blue lizard) 

and the kouwesse (a small and harmless snake). 


Rainbow Gifts is up for sale. 

Care to catalog their inventory? 

Often referred to as the Galapagos of the North because of its extreme remoteness and diverse landscape, the Queen Charlotte Islands are nestled under 

the Alaska panhandle and are approximately 62 miles west of British Columbia’s northern coastline. Also referred to as Haida Gawaii, the islands are the 

ancestral home of the Haida – the West Coast Aboriginals who have lived there for thousands of years. Queen Charlotte’s has two main islands: Graham 

Island to the north and Moresby Island to the south. The area was discovered by the Skypilot Kiteboarding crew who ventured there on a two-week odyssey 

and found miles and miles of remotes sandy beaches and endless wind with conditions ranging from flat water to huge swell. 

What is the official site name? 

Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gawaii, British 

Columbia 

What is the best time of year to hit this spot? 

Spring/Summer for northwest (best location 

North Beach) wind, Fall/Winter for southeast 

winds (road from Skidegate to Tlell). 

What is the best internet site to check the 

wind? 

The marine forecast is at www.weatheroffice. 

ec.gc.ca/marine/marine_e.html?c-qcs2. General 

weather info can be found at http://weather. 

msn.com/local.aspx?wealocations=wc:27073 

Also, www.Skypilotkiteboarding.com and www. 

bigwavedave.ca 


How do I get there (closest city to fly into, 

road directions)? 

Getting to the islands isn’t easy. The cheapest 

method is to drive 16 hours north from 

Vancouver to Prince Rupert, then take an 

eight-hour ferry across the rough Hecate Strait. 

If your vacation time is limited, fly to the Queen 

Charlotte City, Masset or Sandspit. It’s a 2-hour 

flight from Vancouver, starting from $155 each 

way. From there, you can rent a vehicle from 

Budget, National or Rustic Rental. RV rentals 

are available too. 

What is the usual wind direction? 

In late spring and summer, the direction is 

typically from the northwest (Sunny, high pressure). 

Southeast winds (low pressure) indicate 

approaching stormy weather and big swell 

conditions. 

What are the best conditions to get lucky? 

Look for a high pressure ridge on the north 

coast. 

What conditions should I avoid? 

Extreme storm weather where winds can reach 

60 mph or more! 

What gear should I be sure to pack? 

Bring all your gear as winds can range from 10 

to 25+ knots. Pack a rain jacket and down vest 

as evenings can be cold and humid. A drysuit is 

suggested for fall and spring months. 

What is the water temp like (wetsuit/booties 

needed)? 

In the summer, the water is a toasty 64F so a 

4/3 wetsuit is recommended. Use a drysuit in 

the winter and due to the island’s remoteness 

and limited people, a drysuit is good all year. 

What is the launch/landing? 

North Beach, 16 miles east of Masset, is in 

Naikoon Provincial Park and is about 325 feet 

wide by 15 miles long! 

Who are the local schools/shops? 

None. Email skypilotkiteboarding.com for more 

info. 

Where are some of the best places to eat 

(best hangouts)? 

On the beach, you can catch your own crab 

or buy fresh seafood from a local. Restaurants 

are small and for the most part serve cafe type 

food. Don’t miss the HadaiBucks in Massett 

– the local coffee shop, gained infamy when 

Starbucks tried to sue them over the name. 

A local wreck serves as a reminder of 

severe storm conditions which can hit 

the islands. 

The Skypilot’s crew portable base camp. Queen Charlotte’s offers miles of 

unspoiled coastline just waiting to be 

discovered. 

Skypilot’s founder Alex Noke-Smith 

skies out North Beach. 

Most establishments are small and tend toward family inns 

and B&B’s. There are a number of campgrounds ranging 

form rustic to moderate. Check www.britishcolumbia. 

com/recreation/?id=135 and www.bc-bed-and-breakfast. 

com/?n=queen+charlotte+islands&id=322&t=city for more 

info. 

Jean Michel-Tremblay, one of the trip’s 

pioneers. 

Many of the Haiden people still make 

their living in traditional ways. 

Lodging RESOURCES: 

What is nightlife like? 

No one travels to the islands for the nightlife! It 

is pitch dark at night good for campfires on the 

beach and watching shooting stars and satellites 

go by. The area does have a famous music 

festival in Tlell called “Edge of the Earth Music 

Fest” in July. 

What else is there to do if I get skunked? 

Best ocean fishing in Canada! You can also 

explore native communities, swim in the mighty 

Pacific, look for Japanese glass floats that have 

crossed the Pacific after breaking off the Japanese 

fishing nets, clam dig, explore totem poles, 

sea kayak and hike. 

www.skypilotkiteboarding.com 

www.queencharlotteislandsguide.com 

www.britishcolumbia.com 

www.budgettravelonline.com 

www.qcinfo.ca 

Is there anything else I need to know about 

riding this spot? 

There are literally hundreds of remote beaches 

with miles of sand to be discovered and epic 

downwind opportunities. 

Are there any safety issues or rules I need to 

know about? 

The islands are remote so you’re on your own. 

Self rescue skills are key. 

Are there any interesting bits of trivia about 

this spot? 

According to Haida legend, Haida Gwaii is the 

place where time began. Its name translated 

means “Islands at the Boundary of the World.” 

Photographs by Kathy Johnson and Ed Dubois 

By Jean Michel-Tremblay, Dan Charlesworth 

and Marina Chang 


Ben Meyer signs his name on the 

section. Lens: Erik Aeder 

our crew here at The Kiteboarder was sitting in a meeting pondering features. Paul Lang and 

Marina Chang coincidentally both threw out the idea of doing a wave riding instructional. At 

that moment, my mind started racing. Who would be legit enough to help answer some of 

our staff’s wave riding questions? A plethora of names crossed my mind, but my top choices 

were Felix Pivec and Kevin “Top Hat” Senn. Pivec and Hat have clocked more wave hours than 

most. Luckily, I was able to get in touch with the boys between wave sessions on the North 

Shore of Oahu. Felix and Hat dug deep to answer some of our questions and to give us some 

of their top secret riding tips. Hopefully this stuff will help you improve your skills or motivate 

you to do some wave kiting. 

Q: Should I use the same gear that I 

normally would use for my everyday wind 

conditions (kite and board size)? 

A: You should use whatever you feel comfortable 

with at first. Then with time you can 

make the transition to different style boards 

and smaller kites. Just get a taste first and 

have fun. 

Q: Are bow kites really THAT MUCH BET- 

TER in the waves than C-kites? 

A: 90% of people that like the new bows will 

say yes. As far as modern technology goes, 

bows make kiting easier for the average kiter. 

This is why we believe everyone is amped 

on the bow kites in the waves. The down 

side to this is many people become reliant 

on the chicken loop for control and stabilization 

of the kite, instead of simply spending 

more time learning to fly their kite in the wind 

window to reduce pull and increase riding 

performance and control. With the right size 

kite flown in control, you are able to unhook 

and surf the waves free of restraint. Most 

bow kites these days don’t allow you to 

unhook. This limits your whole riding performance 

from where your body is and how the 

kite is pulling you down the wave. 

Q: What size board is best to use in the 

waves for what conditions? 

A: This really depends on your personal 

preference and conditions where you ride. 

Everyone has their thing. We have been 

riding surfboards from 5’0’’ to 6’6’’ from our 

sponsors and local surf shops. In our opinion, 

if you cannot paddle the board onto a 

wave, you are not riding a surfboard nor will 

you get a true surf ride. Surfboards are also 

a huge bonus when traveling when the wind 

is light or non-existent. 

Q: Should I use a surfboard or a twin 

tip/wakeboard? 

A: This is a tough one and often depends on 

where you live. If you don’t have relatively 

easy access to waves, you can still have a 

lot of fun on a wakeboard or twin tip. If you 

are just beginning, both you and the people 

at the beach will also appreciate you using 

these boards, as they will allow you to switch 

directions effortlessly and recover from wipeouts 

quicker. Once you are comfortable riding 

in the surf, go out and get yourself a real 

surfboard. Make sure you put a nose guard 

on as a board in the eye will make it hard to 

spot the next wave you are about to catch. 

Soft edge fins are not a bad idea either. 

Q: What are the first things that I should 

work on to build my waveriding skills? 

A. Learn to read the waves at your local 

beach or any spot by visually watching the 

By Felix Pivec and 

Kevin “Top Hat” Senn 

Pivec and Top Hat give up the goods 

on being successful in the waves 


Pivec and Top Hat give up the goods on being successful in the waves 

spot for awhile before you go 

out. If you have experience surfing, 

then you probably already 

have the skills. Try to adapt 

some of the concepts to your 

kiting style. Watch the best guys 

at your beach and check out surf 

videos to imitate body position 

through moves. Try not to get 

yanked down the wave by your 

kite. Using the right size kite is 

key. Think smooth and fluid. 

Q: What wind conditions/directions 

are best in relationship to 

wave direction? 

A: Today’s kites make it safe to 

fly in almost all conditions, even 

in offshore winds as long as you 

have boat back up. Never go out 

further than you are willing to 

swim in. If it can go wrong, it will 

go wrong. 

Q: Should I ride overpowered 

or underpowered? 

A: It is always safer to go 

underpowered. A surfboard’s 

buoyancy replaces the need for 

a larger size kite. This allows you 

to fly the kite without losing edge 

control, which is a very important 

key in riding big waves. 

Overpowered kiting is best for 

freestyle and big jumps. 

Q: How do I best position myself 

to catch a wave, so I’m not 

riding whitewash? 

A: As in everything it takes time 

and with practice, it will come. It 

does help to enter the wave either 

before or at the peak of the 

wave (peak meaning where the 


wave is at it highest when first 

forming). With each wave should 

come more knowledge. 

Q: Where should I enter the 

wave when first starting waveriding? 

A: There are many types of 

waves. As a rule of thumb, it is 

always good to start at the start 

of it or the peak. 

Q: Where should I position my 

kite to start a bottom turn? 

A: It really depends on what kite 

you fly. Bow users will keep their 

kite in one spot and just sheet in 

and out of the loop, hardly moving 

the kite. This is why they use 

a bigger kite than a C-kite rider. 

A C-kite rider flies their kite more 

generating more power from 

the wind window. Usually, you 

send your kite back towards the 

wave before you even go into 

your bottom turn. Then, when 

going for your top turn, your 

kite should already be facing 

the shore putting it into the right 

position to do two or more turns 

without moving it. Then, you do 

it all over again. 

Q: How do you keep from 

getting overpowered when 

unhooked? 

A: Make sure your kite size is 

not too big. If you are surfing 

towards your kite, you should 

never get yanked. Your body 

positioning and arm should act 

as a shock absorber moving with 

the flow of your riding. Be one 

with your kite. 

Ben Wilson fades into a carving cutback 

dragging his hand with style. 

Lens: Ben Kottke 

Q: In general, where should my 

kite be when riding a wave? 

A: This is tough to answer in only 

a few sentences. The best tip is 

to watch some guys ride waves 

at your local beach or in a video. 

A lot of it is trial and error. As you 

get better, you will become more 

aggressive with the kite. 

Q: What is the trick to riding 

switch tack? 

A: Start practicing switch on a 

wakeboard or twin tip just to get 

use to transferring you weight 

the right way. Then, adapt it to 

a surfboard. Your natural stance 

will always be stronger. If you 

put the time in you will soon 

become a switch master. Starting 

on flat water doing little turns 

is a great way to learn the basics. 

As soon as you feel confident, 

adapt it to the surf. 

Q: Are their any other things I 

should know? 

A: Waves are the future and any 

average kiteboarder can get into 

the surf whether hooked or unhooked, 

strapped or strapless. In 

the end, it is all about having fun. 


The King of the Bay is the biggest competition on the West Coast. The above 

photo is from the Kite Course, a form of course racing with roots from sailing. 

Lens: Kim Kern 

C ompeting in a traditional kiteboarding contest 

involves traveling halfway around the world 

to ride in eight-minute heats. Moves performed 

at competitions have evolved to the point of being 

so technical that only a handful of people in 

the world can understand them, let alone even 

try them. If the judges do not like your particular 

riding style, you can be on your way home 

after only a few short heats. You may stomp the 

sickest trick possible, but if the judges do not 

understand the move it does you no good. By 

the way, if you do not have at least a half-dozen 

versions of a handlepass mastered, do not 

even bother entering. Consider all this, and it 

is quickly apparent that the typical kiteboarding 

competition does not cater to the typical 

kiteboarder. 

By Paul Lang 

“Contests used to be fun, but when the 

tricks started to get really complicated, the fun 

began to fade,” says Neil Hutchinson, founder 

of XRATED Kiteboarding. “You saw the same 

people winning at every event, and it was 

sometimes obvious that the winner was not 

the best rider at the contest.” The excitement 

caused by snowboarding in the last Olympics 

inspired Hutchinson to begin organizing BoarderX 

events. In BoarderX, four riders race against 

each other around a tight course while having 

to jump over obstacles. The rules are simple: 

Every rider must start on the beach (board on or 

off) and must go around every buoy and jump 

every obstacle. Right of way rules do not apply. 

BoarderX is not a windsurfing or sailing regatta. 

The fastest rider wins. There are no judges, and 

the heats are not timed. You are only racing 

against the other riders in your heat. 

The amazing thing about BoarderX is how 

accessible it is to the average kiteboarder. With 

a small amount of training and practice, any 

kiter who can go upwind and land small jumps 

can compete. Imagine going into a contest 

against the top riders in the sport and having a 

chance of winning. That is what BoarderX is all 

about! Kevin Murray is a non-sponsored rider 

who has competed in two BoarderX events so 

far said, “In each heat, the best technical kiteboarder 

is usually not the first across the finish 

line. Anything can happen and every rider out 

there has a real chance of winning.” Kevin was 

able to advance all the way to the semi-finals at 


The Richman brothers adjust their gear before the race. 


This competitor was going so fast he went under the 

buoy he was supposed to jump. Lens: Keith Johnston 


BoarderX Tips from Shannon Best 

· Turn on your TV, set your Tivo, and watch the entire 

Super Cross season. These guys are fast, aggressive, 

and have been racing since they were kids. They know 

how to find lines, scrub jumps and gain speed out of 

turns. You’ll be impressed on how much you can learn 

from these guys. 

· Grabbing the lead from the start is the most important 

thing. You can control the pace from that position 

with your tack and your kite. 

· Go upwind as fast and as efficiently as possible. 

Keep the board on the water. 

· Don’t over shoot turns and jumps. 

· Scrub the jumps. Keep your shoulders at the same 

height with your momentum traveling forward, while 

clearing the jumps by sucking your knees into your 

chest. 

· Get some buoys and go practice at your local kite 

spot. Good luck. 

the Nissan Velocity Games, his first event, advancing 

past many professional kiteboarders 

on the way. Predicting the winner of each heat 

is impossible. Of the seven BoarderX events 

that XRATED Kiteboarding has put on this year, 

no rider has won twice, and not a single rider 

has won at their home beach. 

BoarderX can be run in real-world conditions, 

as the course can be tailored to your 

local area and the weather. According to 

Hutchinson, “we have been able to run events 

in 12-45 knots of wind, in everything from flat 

water to shorebreak and chop. As long as you 

have enough wind to actually ride, you can set 

up a course.” In less wind, the course can be 

set up to shorten or even eliminate the upwind 

leg, meaning that you could set up a BoarderX 

course and have a competition at your local 

beach on any ridable day. 

BoarderX is fast gaining popularity not only 

among riders, but also among spectators. The 

average spectators do not understand how 

difficult technical moves are. At any freestyle 

contest, a 20-foot high jump will generate a 

lot of noise from the crowd, while tricks like an 

s-bend to blind or a slim chance elicit a mere 

whisper. Because spectators do not understand 

the moves, there is no way for them to 

figure out who performed the best, or to understand 

why one rider advanced over another. 

In BoarderX, the action can be kept close to 

the beach with a properly designed course. 

There is always a clear-cut winner – the rider 

in front wins. There is a lot of excitement, and 

it is not uncommon to see four riders jumping 

over an obstacle so close together that all four 

kites are touching. Of course, there is also 

a lot of what every sporting spectator really 

wants to see: carnage. Wipeouts are common 

in these events, and everyone likes to watch a 

good crash. 

The BoarderX concept is currently changing 

the way many people feel about contests. 

There will always be a place and a need for 

technical freestyle competitions, but BoarderX 

is filling a huge gap in the sport of kiteboarding. 

These events are bringing riders together, 

amateur and professional alike, to compete 

and just have fun. Any average rider can have 

a good heat and beat the riders they are used 

to seeing only in magazines. Courses can be 

set up at any local beach on any ridable day 

for impromptu races. Perhaps most importantly 

for the sport, BoarderX is spectator and 

media friendly. Neil Hutchinson’s dream is to 

one day see BoarderX elevate the sport of 

kiteboarding to a whole new level. “BoarderX 

is the only type of kiteboarding contest that 

has a chance of becoming an Olympic sport,” 

says Neil. “There are no judges and there is 

no bias; the winner is always clear. For me, it 

has put the fun back into competitions and is 

bringing riders across the country together.” 

Hopefully Neil is right, but don’t take his word 

for it. Organize an event at your local beach 

so you can see just how accessible and fun a 

BoarderX contest can be. 

For information about how you can host a 

BoarderX event at your local beach, check out 

http://www.xratedkiteboarding.com 

The 2006 Nissan Velocity Games in 

Corpus Chrisi, Texas, paid out $4k, the 

largest cash prize in the United States 

for BoarderX. Lens: Paul Lang 


Jesse Richman proves you can unhook from 

a bow kite. Lens: Kim Kern 

Sometimes kiteboarders remind me of a bunch of high school kids; everyone’s 

afraid to be the first one in the group to try something new, for fear of 

being made fun of by the rest of the group. It’s easy to get set in your ways 

and avoid trying new things. I hear a lot of talk on the beach about what 

works and what is fun, but I rarely actually see people step outside of their 

comfort zone and genuinely try something new. 

We want riders to always be trying new things and pushing themselves, 

whatever their level of riding. With that in mind we bring you the first installment 

of a new department here at The Kiteboarder. “Try This” kicks off with 

two topics, looping the kite and unhooking, and we will bring you something 

new to try each issue. We hope that riders of all levels will open their 

minds to new ways of riding enough to go out there and Try This! 

In my opinion, every rider should be comfortable with unhooking. Not only does it 

allow you to take your riding to another level, but it also allows you to easily deal 

with situations when you come unhooked on accident (every rider WILL come 

unhooked at some point, even if they never want to). Before you unhook, make 

sure your leash will still be functional and check that your kite is trimmed properly. 

You may want to add a stopper ball below the bar or simply depower the kite with 

your sheeting strap before unhooking. 

Try This: 

1. Move your hands to the center of the bar and pull the bar towards 

you and down in a smooth motion to unhook. Keeping your 

hands centered will keep you from over steering the kite. 

2. While unhooked, keep the bar low and your elbows in close 

to your body. Keep your back straight and your shoulders back. 

Don’t let the kite pull you over (don’t bend at the waist). 

3. To hook back in, pull the bar in and down, then push it up and 

away to get the harness loop into your hook. Practice doing this 

motion before you launch your kite until you can do it without 

looking down. 

Work Towards: 

Being able to do simple tricks unhooked. Start with raleys and 

backrolls. Remember to keep your hands centered and use your 

board to pop off the water. 

Grabbing unhooked gets more style points than grabbing while 

hooked in. Center one hand on the bar, with the chicken loop 

between your index and middle fingers. 

Unhook in the surf to allow your body more freedom to move. 

Again, keep your hands centered on the bar. 



Bucky Ashcraft burns a turn in front of the 

Corpus Christi Harbor. Lens: Ryan Riccitelli 

Not 

every kite loop has to be a super powered, aerial trick. Think of looping the kite as 

simply another way of maneuvering it in the window. Kite loops can help you generate a 

little extra power in light wind or add a lot of flavor to your transitions. 

Try This: 

1. Riding heelside with your kite about 60° above the water, pull hard with your forward hand. 

2. As the kite powers up, turn downwind and carve onto your toeside. Commit to getting the kite all the way around. 

3. Continue to carve onto your toeside until you are riding in the opposite direction. You should exit the turn with the kite low 

and with plenty of board speed. 

Work Towards: 

Doing this maneuver immediately after landing a jump to turn any trick you can do into a transition. 

Down looping the kite while jumping: COMMIT! 


The Rail That Never Was 

The bigger they come, the harder they fall. Or so the 

saying goes. Perhaps that was the idea behind the 

behemoth, bad-ass, man-eating, child-screaming rail 

built by the local crew in Hood River last summer. The 

hopes of the most legit West Coast rail contest faded 

when the wind gods thwarted the efforts of no less 

than 14 guys after hauling the section to the Hood 

River Spit. Perhaps Mother Nature knew better about 

this one. 

Lens: Lance Koudele 


Wind Guru 

Raphael Salles follows WindGuru.com religiously monitoring the conditions off of 

Cabo Verde. When the swell is right, he jumps on a plane in hope of finding the 

perfect right at Ponta Preta. It looks like his research paid off this day. 

Lens: John Carter 

Support Ski: Josh Angulo 


Eighth Wonder 

Mauritius is a little island off the coast of Madagascar. The RRD team descended 

on the island to shoot their 2007 catalog. Four helicopters, six boats, three photographers, 

and two video teams documented the event. This overhead shot of this 

Indian Ocean paradise captures a moment that most of us will never experience. 

Lens: Alberto Guglielmi 


Adrenaline 

Photographpy is not at all like seeing. While our eyes are in a constant state of flux, a picture is a frozen moment of that action. The picture’s power is that 

it holds that moment forever, stopping the eye. Ruben Lenten. Adrenaline. Lens: Jim Semlor 

Limelight 

Often great portraits rise above definition. It’s the place, feel, 

light and mood that define the individual as much as the 

picture. Photographer Kim Kern finding the essence. 

Considering the combined ages of two young Slingy stars is less than the age of the photographer 

who took the photo, it’s a testament that the Youth Brigade is coming. Eddie Hall, Dylan 

Thompson share the limelight. Lens: Jim Semlor 


Essence


Peer Pressure 

Those Texas guys keep having a size complex. The latest rail 

to raise the standard is ‘The Krypler.’ Zach Kleppe tempts fate 

during a sunset session in Corpus. Lens: Ryan Riccitelli 

Click, Click, Click 

8.5 frames per second. Joseph Carniero sliced by the shutter 

of Gavin Butler while exploding over the waters of Brazil. 


Like Father, Like Son 

Dimitri Maramenides takes his son out for a test drive. So much for big 

wheels. Lens: Courtesy of Dimitri Maramenides. 

Kodak Moment 

Just your ordinary Maui backdrop on any given Sunny day 

with an extraordinary one=handed kiteloop thrown in for a 

Kodak moment by one of the Cabrinha Crew. Nice. 

Lens: Tracy Kraft 

100% Committed 

Clinton Bolton lives out of his board 

bag for 99% of the year. The life of a 

kiteboarding nomad has taken him 

around the world. Clinton passed 

through Hood River a few months ago, 

and entertained the local crew with an 

arsenal of technical handlepass moves. 

Lens: Gavin Butler 


Oh yeah..a beach full of tasty gear courtesy of Real 

Kiteboarding. Lens: Real Kiteboarding 

Airush DNA 

The new DNA combines all of the latest kite technology 

into an extremely functional and easy to use kite. 

Developed to take you from your tentative first steps 

all the way to busting monster moves, the DNA’s hybrid 

design offers optimized relaunch, depower and 

safety characteristics. A super functional kite and bar 

configuration make the DNA good for both first time 

buyers and riders looking for ease of use. 

Sizes: 4, 6, 9 and 12m 

MSRP: TBA, Available October 06 

www.airushkiteboarding.com 


Airush Flow 

Originally developed as an all round 

freeride kite, the combination of depower 

and positive steering made the 

Flow SLE hugely popular with Airush’s 

wave testers. With a less swept 

wingtip when compared to a pure bow 

design, the Flow SLE requires little bar 

movement to achieve a given amount 

of depower and has light bar pressure. 

With no pulleys, the Flow was 

designed to deliver excellent hooked 

and unhooked performance with direct 

rider feedback and increased feel. 

Sizes, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16m 



Airush Protoy 

The new Protoy fuses Airush’s newest 

shape technology with precision-engineered 

materials. The Spinal Core, Custom 

X laminate and CRT tips contribute to the 

board’s new drive and response. Building 

from the 06 model, the 2nd gen Protoy 

still features the double concave and flip 

tip design. New sizes were masterminded 

with their pro team to meet the demands 

of radical freestlyle. 

Sizes: 135 x 47, 135 x 41, 129 x 39, 122 

x 37 



Cabrinha Crossbow 

The second generation 

Crossbow 2 features a 

faster flying profile, increased 

durability and 

the addition of new 

and improved systems. 

Sprint is Cabrinha’s 

new single point 

rapid inflation system. 

Override works by 

simply pushing the 

control bar into the 

Override mode for 

immediate depower. 

The new Powerdrive 

221 control system bar 

offers a much cleaner and simple operation of all the system functions as 

it reduced the clutter and streamlined the rigging from the original design. 

Sizes: 7, 9, and 12m 

Starting at: $1539.00 complete 

www.cabrinhakites.com 

Cabrinha Imperial 

Made to be ridden hard and fast, the outline of the 

Cabrinha Imperial is narrower than the Custom 

model and was designed to handle high speeds 

through rough or choppy water. For freestyle or 

freeriding, the Imperial has ABS sidewall construction 

and a PVC core. A biax/quadrax glass lay-up 

provides a forgiving flex and comfortable ride. The 

Imperial comes standard with new multi-density 

footpads, new wide-body adjustable footstraps, a 

new handle, and four 2” G-10 fins. 

123 x 36, 128 x 37, 133 x 38, and 138 x 39 

MSRP: $739.00 complete 


Slingshot Link 

Slingshot has developed 

a new hybrid kite that 

can be converted to 

4-lines for simplicity, depower 

and “bow-style” 

performance, or 5-lines 

for 5th line safety, 5th 

line relaunch and traditional 

C-kite high end 

performance. Featuring 

a new swept wingtip 

design, the Link is fast 

and easy to turn without 

bar pressure. It flies further towards the edge of the wind window for less 

down wind pull and more upwind ability. Both the 4 and 5 line bars have 

been tweaked to offer improved safety and to be more user-friendly. 

Sizes: 4, 5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12 and 15m 

MSRP: starting at $1249.00 complete 

www.sskiteboarding.com 

Slingshot Misfit 

Slingshot board designer John 

Doyle further developed the 

07 Misfit to offer massive pop, 

drive, power, and hook up any 

aggressive rider will appreciate. 

The Misfit thrives on high-end 

performance and features aggressive 

parallel rails, combination 

X-Ply fiberglass and wood 

layer construction, and a new 

easy install pad/strap bolt kit for 

speedy set up. 

Sizes: 126 x 38, 136 x 40, 

146 x 43 

MSRP: $750.00 


Slingshot SX 

The SX board is board designer 

John Doyle’s baby and has been 

his favorite for over four years. The 

SX stands for skate series and is 

an all around deck for any rider 

looking for a forgiving board that is 

easy and fun to manipulate and ride. 

Whether you are learning to master 

new freestyle moves or enjoying 

the experience of effortless freeride 

carving, the SX board offers just the 

right amount of controlled flex and 

response that any rider beginner to 

advanced will appreciate. 

The SX has a Duraglide bottom for 

added durability. 

Sizes: 137 x 40, 147 x 43, 

157 x 46 

MSRP: $650.00 



North Rebel 

After 18 months in R&D, North 

launches The Rebel. Simply rigged 

on North’s 5th Element bar with a 

moderate arc, the Rebel has the direct 

feel and instant turning response 

of a C-shape kite, without the bridles, 

pulleys or inversion issues normally 

associated with a flat kite. Using 

a redefined leading edge, canopy 

profile and swept wingtips, the Rebel 

changes the angle of attack instantly 

to deliver a huge power/depower 

range. 

Sizes: 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16m 

MSRP: starting at 

$1049.99 complete 

www.northkites.com 

JN Wild Thing2 

This kite is based on a new hybrid 

construction, combining the advantages 

of a bow kite (maximum power 

development and increased depower 

abilities) with the advantages of the 

best C-tube kites (direct steering and 

minimum usage of lines). The profile, 

center of gravity, and structure are 

designed to allow the kite to fly very 

fast in the zenith, but with less pull. 

The Wild Thing2 comes from the factory 

rigged with a 5th line. 

Sizes: 8, 10, 13, and 16m 

MSRP: TBD 

www.jn-kites.com 

The Sahara Dry Ear 

The Sahara Dry Ear emits air that is regulated close to your 

body temperature. This is important as your ears are the 

balance center of your body. Other methods such as a hair 

dryer or similar blowing device are not custom made to the 

sensitive requirements of your ears. The simplicity of the 

Sahara Dry Ear makes it a truly effective ear drying device. 

MSRP: 99.99 

www.dryear.net 

TRUNQ STORAGE 

Trunq helps take the mess out of kitesurfing 

by creating one enclosed space for your 

wetsuit and other kite boarding gear. The 

main outer storage shell keeps your wet gear 

separate. The entire tub and its contents can 

be held in one hand. The Trunq also features 

a foldable changing mat. 

MSRP: $39.99 www.trunq.com 

Best Waroo Pro 

The Waroo Pro SLE kite was 

designed from the ground up for 

performance and responsiveness. 

Simple and very user friendly, 07 

features include Canopy Profile 

Shapers made of high modulus 

formed glass fibre rods, Genesis 

LE cloth (Best’s newly developed 

Cuben/Dacron hybrid cloth), 

Canopy Framing Technology (a 

new reinforcing strategy for the 

kite wherever the air-fame and 

canopy meet), and a host of 

other improvements to increase 

handling and aerodynamics. 

Sizes: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17m 



www.bestkiteboarding.com 

Flysurfer Psycho3 

Flysurfer’s Psycho3 took over 15 

months to develop and offers 

total depower, fast turning, and 

lots of power per square meter. 

The kite also features a short setup 

time, easy solo-launch/land, 

and adjustable bar pressure. Like 

all current Flysurfer kites, the 

Psycho3 comes with Flysurfer’s 

unique 6-month Free Repair 

Warranty. 

Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 13, and 17m 


$1120.00 EURO 

www.flysurfer-usa.com 

AIRTIME U-STICK 

This new system is comprised 

of bladders without valves 

and an assortment of valves 

that you can “peel and stick” 

wherever you want. Your local 

shop can now carry a small assortment 

of bladders and valves 

and always have a replacement 

for your specific kite, no 

more waiting for a special order. 

When traveling, take one bladder 

and a couple of valves and 

you can assemble a replacement 

bladder to fit any kite in 

your quiver. 

MSRP: Starting at $26.00 

www.airtimekite.com 

Naish Boxer SLE 

Naish redesigned the Boxer to 

integrate SLE technology and 

other new innovations. The Boxer 

SLE has a medium aspect profile 

and features new adjustable 

bridle attachment points that 

provide light steering and positive 

response, so the kite feels 

comfortable in waves, flat water, 

chop or gusty windy conditions. 

Other new stuff includes a delta 

cut trailing edge with 2-ply reinforcement, 

and a 2-piece leading 

edge. 

Sizes: 6, 9, 12 and 15m 



www.naishkites.com 

Naish Torch 

The 2007 Torch features a 

new swept wingtip design 

for improved depower and is 

aimed at performance freestyle 

riders. The 07 design further 

refined upon the kite’s quick 

turning and light steering and 

offers more efficient flying and 

increased durability. Two new 

sizes have also been added. 

The 07 Torch was built for consistent 

and predictable power. 

Sizes: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 

18, and 20m 

MSRP: TBD 

www.naishkites.com 

Headzone Helmet/Walkie 

Headzone’s goal is to help with 

the progression of all watersports 

by offering a waterproof 

coaching system that advances 

the learning curve at all ability 

levels. The Headzone Coaching 

System allows for instant 

communication between a boat 

or land-based individual and an 

athlete/student on the water by 

using a waterproof radio which 

is integrated into the helmet and 

a hand held walkie talkie for the 

instructor. 

Sizes: S to XL 

MSRP: $455.00 including helmet 

w/charger and hand held 

walkie talker w/charger. 

www.headzone.us 

Liquid Force Havoc 

The Havoc is LF’s freestyledriven, 

bridled-supported kite. 

The Havoc’s design is based 

on a newer and more powerful 

C-shaped ARC design which 

features a 25% flatter segment. 

This flatter segment creates 

the power of a kite that is two 

meters larger than its actual 

size. The Havoc’s new “static 

wingtip pulley” induces fast 

yet powerful turns that do not 

distort the kite’s profile. 

Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12m 

MSRP: Stating at $989.99 complete 

www.liquidforce.com 

Liquid Force Recoil 

The Recoil is a new 2007 board 

design from Liquid Force. This 

board was designed in conjunction 

with legendary LF shaper Jimmy 

Redmon and European board 

designer Anders Borg. The idea 

was to create a board that was 

super fast, quick to plane and had 

tons of pop. This design features a 

super thin profile, single concave, 

ultra lightweight construction, low 

swing weight, and a specialized 

flex profile. 

Sizes: 127, 130, 133, 136, and 140 

MSRP: $449.99 deck/fins only 


Liquid Force Control System 

For 2007, Liquid Force 

releases a brand new control 

system that features a 

molded chicken loop, quick 

release, and integrated cleat 

depower system. The bar 

comes with LF’s own high 

quality pulley (for 2:1 control 

systems), which minimizes 

line wear and tear. The 

control system also features 

a fully adjustable, on the fly 

stopper piece that does not 

involve screws or any other 

mechanical hardware. 

Sizes: 46 and 52 cm 

MSRP: $349.99 with 24m lines 



RRD Hyper Type 

Made up of 56 body and leading edge panels, 

the Hyper Type features a unique foil shape, 

simple 4-line bar, total depower, ultra light bar 

pressure, no long exaggerated chicken loops, 

no pulleys, a single pump system, and trailing 

edge tension zipper adjuster. 

Sizes: 7, 9, 12, and 15m 


$1399.00 complete for 9m (7m TBA) 

www.robertoriccidesigns.com 

RRD 5X 

RRD claims the 5X to be the strongest kiteboard 

ever produced. The 5X features easy 

planing, great up wind ability, comfort when 

over powered, and plenty of pop. Ribbed 

Tips allow a progressive tail to flex from stiff 

to soft and ABS rails allow flex consistency 

and durability. 

Sizes: 136 x 41, 132 x 39, 130 x 38, 

128 x 37, 126 x 36 

MSRP: $699.00 

www.robertoriccidesigns.com 

Blade Boot 

The Blade boot is a new type of boot specifically 

designed for kiteboarding. It offers the highest level 

of flexibility due to its design and construction, while 

maintaining very high levels of durability as required 

for kiteboarding. To obtain more stability and contact 

with the board, there is a internal split toe that keeps 

the toes together for warmth and totally prevents foot 

roll while giving a secure fit and the direct feel needed 

for the latest moves. Water flush through is kept to a 

minimum with all seams rubber coated. 

Sizes: 7 to 12 (5mm neoprene) 

MSRP: $69.00 

www.mystickiteboardingusa.com 

ZERO GRAVITY 

KITEBOARDING 

Zero Gravity uses 1/4” PVC cores, Durasurf rails and 

stainless inserts. Carbon Fiber and epoxy resin produces 

a thin, strong, flexi board with excellent pop. Zero Gravity 

2007 boards have PBT top skins for durability and repairable 

Durasurf bottoms for incredible flow characteristics. 

Concave bottom transitions to flat tail. Boards are made 

exclusively of carbon fiber and have no fiberglass. 

Colors: Yellow or New Pink 

Sizes: 137 x 40 (Other sizes available) 

MSRP: $600.00 

www.zerogravitykiteboarding.com 


Cabrinha Impact Waist Harness 

If your thing is freestyle and surf style 

riding, then you might especially like 

the Impact Waist harness because of 

its mobility and higher hook position. 

The body of the Impact Waist is made 

with Cabrinha’s exclusive impact 

mesh material which helps to dissipate 

energy when hitting the water 

at high speeds. The double buckle 

spreader bar connection keeps the 

hook firmly in place when riding; a 

new harness hook pad can be added 

for extra comfort (sold separately). 

Sizes: XXS through XXL, bar included 

MSRP: $149.00 


Gulf Tech Kite Bar 

Gulf Tech enters the kite market with 

the new Gulf Tech Kite Bar. The new bar 

comes with extended sheeting range 

with fully adjustable resistance to eliminate 

bar pressure and power on any kite 

while offering redundant safety features. 

Dual “Oh-Sh*t” handles and a front line 

safety handle/leash can be attached to 

a spin-able collar. An adjustable stopper 

ball controls the bars travel and a fortified 

sheetline to prevent line flop. 

Sizes: 60cm, 56 cm with option 23m 

colored lines 

MSRP: Starting at $165.00 

www.windexpress.com 

Maui Magic Hana 

Maui Magic introduces a girl specific 

line of products designed and aimed to 

the water girls that demand more from 

their kiteboarding gear. Inspired by the 

Hawaiian spirit, the Hana is a top of the 

line harness combining refined fabrics 

which make this harness feel soft and 

give lots of support. 

Colors available: White/Black, Purple/ 

Black 

Sizes: XS to L 

MSRP: $149.00 including spreader 

pad and kite specific spreader bar 

www.live2kite.com 

Mystic Kiteboarding High Shield 

The High Shield offers the ultimate back support 

on a seat harness and is ideal for beginners and 

experts alike. Because of its multi-fixation points it 

can be accurately adjusted to the body. The High 

Shield is especially good for people with back 

problems. 

Sizes: XS to XXL 

Colors available: Black / gold, and Black / white. 

MSRP $159.00 including spreader pad and kite 

specific spreader bar. 

www.mystickiteboardingusa.com

Jason does a test run on the ramp to get a feel for the distance. 

Lens: Real Kiteboarding 

The Real Crew gets a taste of helicopter 

video. Lens: Real Kiteboarding. 

A SLICK ATTEMPT 

The Discovery Channel was recently spotted filming at REAL Kiteboarding in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. 

They were there from July 17-21 filming an episode of Stunt Junkies featuring the sport of kiteboarding and 

REAL team member Jason Slezak. For those of you that are not familiar with the show, Discovery basically 

writes a blank check to let the top athletes in the world attempt their wildest dream stunts. Slezak’s stunt involved 

clearing the largest ramp to ramp gap jump over land ever attempted on a kiteboard. One large takeoff 

ramp was set up outside The Slick Island and a narrower landing ramp was then placed inside The Slick Island 

over 100 ft away. The Stunt Junkies film crew, over 40 people deep, equipped with two boats, three jetskis, a 

helicopter and 15 different camera angles caught the stunt attempt on film. We can’t reveal the outcome here 

so be sure to catch the action on Tuesday, September 5th at 10pm EST (USA). 

( My 

main concern was making it from one ramp to 

the other without ending up in an ambulance. 

-- Jason Slezak 


)

5TH LINE TIPS 

As should be your routine prior 

to any session, it’s important 

to preflight your gear and 

make sure your 5th line doesn’t 

have too many twists around 

the center line which can create 

friction and delay relaunch. 

Make sure your 5th line is not 

too short. It can distort the kite, 

causing it to not fly properly. 

The kite will have less power, 

will not turn well, and will make 

the wind feel gusty. Generally 

the 5th line should be exactly 

the same length as your other 

four lines. 

When relaunching with a 5th 

line, you still have to position 

your kite or body correctly so 

that the kite can relaunch at the 

edge of the window. Also, try 

not to roll the kite all the way 

onto its back. Roll it two thirds 

of the way on its back so the 

wingtips are off the water, then 

pull on a rear line to move the 

kite toward the proper relaunching 

position. 

Another advanced yet effective 

key to quick relanches 

is to start pulling the 5th line 

leashed kite back to you as fast 

as possible (hopefully before it 

hits the water) and then grab 

the bar while still holding the 5th 

leash and initiate the relaunch 

before the kite is completely 

depowered. 

If your kite flies upside down 

when on the 5th line (not resting 

on the water), move the stopper 

on your 5th line closer to the bar. 

This will keep it on the water. 

If your kite falls on the trailing 

edge, give the 5th line a couple 

of good, steady yanks until it 

starts lifting off the water. Use 

caution and be prepared for the 

power of a “hot launch” if the 

kite is directly downwind! 

If a kite tends to fall face 

down on the water (like when 

it is on the beach) when the 5th 

line is activated, the problem 

is that your back lines are 

maintaining too much tension. 

The only solution is to add more 

chicken loop range to your bar 

set-up or be quick to add trim 

loop when the leash is activated. 

Before you decide that you 

do not like 5th line kites, give 

them a try. It is widely recognized 

that 5th line kites are 

the safest kites on the market 

when depowered on a 5th line 

leash– yes, even safer than bow 

or flat kites. Take the time and 

learn to use the benefits of having 

a 5th line and you may find 

yourself wishing that you had 

converted a long time ago. 


Safety When Launching and Landing 

Have you ever blown a launch due to gusty winds or because the person 

holding your kite made a mistake? Maybe the kite falls backwards or 

stalls out of the sky, or you hooked up your lines wrong and the kite starts 

to loop into the power zone. When equipped with a 5th line, you just 

throw the bar if you are unhooked or pop the release if you are hooked in. 

All the tension goes to the 5th line and the kite will fall harmlessly to the 

beach without any line tangles. A scary event becomes a harmless oops, 

and you’re ready to try again in minutes. 

5th Line 

By Hunter Brown and Mike Danish 

w o r k s h e e t 

Almost all of us know that a good 5th line system provides 

a kiteboarder with a reliable safety system and aids in 

relaunching the kite from the water. However, most riders 

don’t understand how to take full advantage of their 5th 

lines and overlook some of the other things a 5th line can 

do for you. If you take the time to learn the many different 

uses of the 5th line, you will soon realize that the benefits 

it offers to make untangling that one extra line worthwhile. 

Hunter Brown is the owner of Blowing in the Wind in Wilmington, North Carolina. Repping four kite companies and running a school, 

Hunter has excellent experience with the mechanics of the 5th line. 

Mike Danish is professional kiteboarder sponsored by North Kiteboarding. Mike lives in Corpus Christi, Texas next door to The 

Kiteboarder Magazine. Mike is the resident expert on 5th line tech. 

1 2 

3 

5 6 

4 

Self Landing 

1) Bring kite to the edge of the window. 

2) Grab or secure the 5th line (i.e. attached 

to your harness via the leash) 

and release your chicken loop. 

3) Let go of the bar. The kite will instantly 

depower. 

4) Let kite fall to the ground. 

5) Kite may take a few tumbles until 

directly downwind, so make sure there 

are no obstacles downwind of you. 

6) Detach your 5th line and follow it up 

the kite; make sure you never let go of 

it (or bye bye kite). 

Another option is to have the kite 

directly overhead and release the bar 

as before with the 5th line secured. 

Kite will fall depowered to the ground 

directly downwind of you. (Again make 

sure there are no obstacles that can 

hurt people or damager the kite). 

Using a 5th Line 

in Waves 

Some people have expressed 

concerns about 

using 5th line systems 

in waves because of 

the possibility that the 

kite could tumble into 

the 5th line and get 

damaged. Although 

this could happen, it is 

uncommon for the 5th 

line to actually damage 

the kite. Overall, the 

5th line can save your 

kite. Any kite on the 

water in waves is at risk. 

Relaunching fast is critical 

to a kite’s survival. 

If you know how to 

properly relaunch with 

a 5th line, you can get 

your kite back in the sky 

quickly. Less time on 

the water equals less 

risk to the kite. 

If your kite is hit by a 

wave, it is best to not 

deploy the 5th line. Doing 

so puts all the force 

the wave on one point 

and could damage the 

kite. By not deploying 

the 5th line, the force of 

the wave is distributed 

over the whole kite. If 

your kite does crash 

face down in the waves, 

you can still pull 5th line 

(without letting go of the 

bar) to aid in flipping the 

kite for faster relaunch. 

However, in large surf 

you may need to deploy 

the 5th line for your 

safety. 

If your kite does 

tumble into the 5th 

line, relaunch the kite 

and the 5th line will 

usually slide off the 

side of the kite and just 

be twisted on the two 

side lines. Ride into 

shore, land the kite, and 

untwist the lines. If the 

line does not slide off to 

the side of the kite, you 

can crash it to one side 

of the window. This can 

cause the 5th line to 

slip over the end of the 

wingtip and untangle. 


S hortly after getting off the plane, I realized 

that this trip would be a good one. 

Chris Gutzeit and I arrived from 

separate continents (me from 

Europe and him from California) 

within five minutes of each other, 

all of our oversized baggage arrived 

with no problems, and we 

still had enough time to get in the 

water and score some killer photos 

in the evening light. The trip was 

off to a great start! 

Dazed and Confused 

After we moved all of our luggage 

from the air-conditioned 

airport terminal to the curb, reality 

set in. It’s bloody hot and humid in 

Barbados and we just wanted to 

get wet. We forgot about the rental 

car for the time being and just jumped in 

a cab to “Hotel Disappointment.” We immediately 

unpacked the gear and walked 

through the neighborhood to discover 

Silver Rock Beach. Chris and I both frantically 

rigged up to let the warm Caribbean 

water wash off the travel scum as the wind 

lightened our souls. 

The people here are friendly and we 

confirmed what the travel guide states; the 

Barbadians (or Bajans) are a proud, independent, 

and friendly people, the food is 

Andreas finding his line. Lens: Chris Gutzeit 

Photos by Andreas von Biottnitz 

great, and the wind blows almost every day 

from the early morning until after sunset 

from December till March. 

Fresh Fish 

We woke up the next day, only to find 

ourselves in a dirty, moldy hotel room with 

no food, no water, and no car. The wind 

was already coming up, but first we had 

to find a new hotel, a rental car, and most 

importantly, breakfast. We found breakfast 

at Marcia’s Variety, a little mom and pop 

shop next to the bus station in the middle 

of the neighborhood and asked, what’s for 

breakfast? “Fish, fresh fish, fried fish, flying 

fish, fish on a bun, fish stew…” I quickly 

asked, “Do you have cereal?” A large, local 

woman replied, “We have fish!” The decision 

was made; both Chris and I decide to 

have fish for breakfast. It was fantastic, but 

make sure you go easy on the hot sauce, 

as it comes with a built-in afterburner. 

Over the next two weeks, we did nothing 

but kite, eat, sleep, surf, explore new 

kite spots, and talk about kiting. We were 

surrounded by warm wind, Banks beer, 

port tack waves, and sun-baked British 

tourists who all thought I was a local 

because I had a tan. We usually rode until 

after sunset, accompanied by sea turtles 

and flying fish. 

Soul Sessions 

We both felt like Columbus when we 

“discovered” the starboard-tack wave of 

Bathesba, only to find out that windsurfers 

found this spot twenty years ago. Bathesba 

is a magical bowl-shaped wave and the 

local surfers cheered us on and then left 

the water for an hour so we could have 

it all to ourselves. I can’t imagine surfers 

Warm morning sessions in beautiful water make 

Barbados a unique kiting adventure. 

What to Bring: 

Bring extra fins in case you hit the 

reef or a turtle. 

Bring your girlfriend so that you 

have an excuse to not to 

kite all day. 

Pack good sunscreen; the sun 

is intense (try to get one session in 

between 7:00 and 10:30 a.m. and 

then a second one between 4:00 

and 6:00 p.m.). 

What to Do: 

Drive on the left side of the road. 

Don’t disturb the locals playing 

dominos. 

Go to Oistins Fish Market on 

Friday night, the Boathouse on 

Tuesday’s. Otherwise, St. Lawrence 

Gap has a lot of restaurants 

to offer. Both of these locations 

are 10 to 20 minutes west of Silver 

Rock Beach. 

Eat fish; it’s fresh and very tasty. 

Kite, surf, and take day trips to 

different spots on the island. You 

will get lost but will eventually 

reach your destination and see lots 

of interesting things on the way. 

Where to Kite and Surf: 

There are three main kiteboarding 

spots. When the wind is northeast, go 

to Longbeach but beware of its shorebreak, 

as it can be intense. When it is 

east, go to Silver Rock (easy to recognize 

by the unfinished wooden skeleton 

of a boat). On a southeast wind, 

go to White Sands, which is between 

St. Lawrence Gap and Bridgetown. 

Bathesba on the east coast is a fourth 

spot that can be fun on a southeast 

wind, but be careful of the rip tide and 

the reef. 

Silver Rock is a great place to 

learn kiting. The local kite school is 

located in the Silver Sands Resort. 

Surfing can also be great in Barbados 

on the east, south or northwest 

coasts. You can ask about the swell or 

rent boards at the kite school. 

When to Go: 

Barbados is warm year round and 

the rainy season is from June to October 

(coincides with Hurricane season). 

The best wind is December to 

March (almost always enough to kite). 

Swell is best in the winter. 

Where to Go: 

As close as you can get to Silver 

Rock Beach on the south side of the 

Island. Here you are closest to the best 

kiting and can easily reach the night 

spots or drive to the east coast (45 

minutes away). 

You can stay in hotels, apartments, 

or rent houses from locals. Just search 

the web for the accommodation that 

best suits you needs and budget. 


leaving the water for kiters at any other spot 

I’ve ever been to. Although we explored 

beaches like Long Beach and Bathesba, we 

kited Silver Rock Beach most of the time. 

This Beach is located between the Silver 

Rock Hotel and Silver Sands Resort and is 

about 400 yards long. It is ideal for beginners 

on the inside (the local kite school 

teaches here) and showcases great port 

tack wave riding on the outer reef. These 

waves can reach double overhead sizes on 

a good south or east swell. 

Mission Impossible 

At high tide, the inside is very choppy 

and littered with local resident sea turtles. 

As Chris found out, riding here can be like 

kiting through a minefield. While he was 

cruising along on his surfboard, he hit one 

of the mines, only to hit the same turtle 

again while trying to get back to the beach. 

The turtle, completely unharmed, wandered 

away slowly as if nothing had happened 

while Chris was left missing a fin on his only 

surfboard. The following day, we discov- 


A dawn patrol surf session. Island lighthouse. 

( Chris could not believe his eyes. On dive 16 he ) 

saw the fin lying on the seabed in perfect condition. 

ered there was not a single replacement 

fin on the entire island, so we set out on a 

mission impossible to recover the lost fin 

somewhere between the beach and the reef 

in about 12 feet of water. Based on rough 

bearings Chris had taken the day before, we 

started diving down into the murky depths. 

Visibility was a miserable three feet because 

of the shore break that churns up the sand. 

Chris could not believe his eyes. On dive 16 

he saw the fin lying on the seabed in perfect 

condition. We celebrated our find with yet 

another plate of fish at a nearby restaurant. 

Secret Spots 

When you visit Barbados, be sure to 

keep a little energy in your reserve tank so 

you can experience the entertaining nightlife 

of the island. Friday night, everyone, tourists 

and locals, old and young, get together 

for an outdoor fish grilling feast at the 

Oistins Fish Market, where we enjoyed the 

live entertainment both on and off the stage. 

On any night, head to the St. Lawrence Gap, 

an area just off the main road full of a variety 

of restaurants and bars. On Tuesdays, you 

should go to the Boatyard. This club is 

smack on the beach, hosts live bands, and 

has an all you can drink special for $18. 

As all good things must come to an 

end, and after two weeks of hanging out on 

Barbados, it was time to head home. We 

left behind a lot of new friends, including 

Roger the sail maker, who fixed my kite 

for free and took us to his secret surf spot, 

and windsurfing legend Brian Talma and 

his brother Kevin. We both brought home 

wonderful memories of perfect conditions, 

friendly locals with huge white smiles, and, 

of course, the fresh fish for breakfast, lunch, 

and dinner. 

Resources: 

AccessBarbados.com 

TotallyBarbados.com 

Barbados4u.com 

TripAdvisor.com (good for reviews) 

club-mistral.com 

myskyriders.com 

Island Graffiti. The local kids stoked on 

Roadside shack. Nothing better than virgin, sandy beaches. 

kiteboarding. 


A reader sent in this photo of their 

friend Amery about to get tossed. 

Lens: Anonymous 


Zach Kleppe gets ‘krippled’ by “The Krypler” rail. Lens: Ryan Riccitelli 

Greg Jonutz about to take donuts from a Waddell 

clean up set. 


Damien Leroy falls out of the sky like a 

rock after missing the handlepass. 

Lens: Courtesy of Damien Leroy 

California 

Action Watersports 

(318) 827-2233 CA 

Aquan Watersport 

(650)593-6060 CA 

Board Sports 

(510) THE-WAVE CA 

Board Sports 

(415) 929-SURF CA 

CaliKites 

(619) 522-9575 CA 

Captain Kirk’s 

(310) 833-3397 CA 

Delta Windsurf Company 

(831) 429-6051 CA 

Helm Sports 

(650 )344-2711 CA 

Inflight Surf and Sail 

(562) 493-3661 CA 

Kite Country 

(619) 226-4421 CA 

Kitesurfari 

(562) 596-6451 CA 

KiteWindSurf 

(510) 522-WIND CA 

Live2Kite 

(415) 722-7884 CA 

Long Beach Windsurf Center 

(562) 433-1014 CA 

Mako Surf Skate Snow 

(949) 367-1300 CA 

Malibu Kitesurfing 

(310) 430-KITE CA 

Manta Wind & Water Sports 

(858) 270-7222 CA 

Mission Bay Aquatic Center 

(858) 488-1000 CA 

Monkey Air 

(310) 457-6896 CA 

Murrays 

(800) 786-7245 x23 CA 

Offshore Surf Co 

(760) 729-4934 CA 

OOTO Kite School 

(650) 960-1721 CA 

Soul Performance 

(310) 370-1428 CA 

Sky Kitesurfing School 

(925) 455-4008 CA 

VELA 

(800) 223-5443 CA 

West Coast Kiteboarding 

(619) 813-2230 CA 

Wind over Water Kiteboarding 

(650) 218-6023 CA 

Windsport ( 

619) 488-4642 CA 

Kite Island 

(925) 212-2915 CA 

Xdream Sportz 

(858)481-9283 CA 

Xstreamline Sports 

(310) 518-1972 CA 

Xtreme Big Air 

(805) 773-9200 CA 

Colorado 

GAYLAN’S 

(720) 887-0900 CO 

Into the Wind 

(303) 449-5906 CO 

Larson’s Ski and Sport 

(303) 423-0654 CO 

Fuze Kiteboarding 

(303) 683-5033 CO 

PKS 

(970) 376-3159 CO 

Connecticut 

Orbit Marine Sports 

(203) 333-3483 CT 

Tri State Kites 

(800) 510-0865 CT 

Florida 

7 Kiteboarding 

(305) 664-4055 FL 

Ace Performer 

(239) 489-3513 FL 

Big Kite Miami 

(305) 303- 4107 FL 

East Coast Kiteboarding 

(954) 295-5778 FL 

Extreme Kites 

(904) 461-9415 FL 

Extreme Sports 

(321) 779-4228 FL 

Jupiter Kiteboarding 

(561) 373-4445 FL 

Ft. Lauderdale Kitesurfing Co. 

(954) 410-5419 FL 

Hydrotherapy 

(850) 236-1800 FL 

Island Style Wind & Watersports 

(941) 954-1009 FL 

Island Surf and Sail FL 

(954) 927-7002 FL 

Kite Surf the Earth 

(888) 819-5483 FL 

Kite World 

(321) 725-8336 FL 

Liquid Surf & Sail 

(850) 664-5731 FL 

KiteMare 

(877) 829-0015 FL 

Miami Kiteboarding Inc. 

(305) 345-9974 FL 

Sandy Point Progressive Sports 

(386) 756-7564 FL 

Sea & Sky Sports 

(850) 598-3735 FL 

Ski Rixen 

(954) 429-0215 FL 

Tampa Bay Kiteboarding 

(727) 798-2484 FL 

Waterplay 

(800) 841-1225 FL 

Watersports West 

(888) 401-5080 FL 

Xrated Kiteboarding 

(888) 401-5080 FL 

Georgia 

High Tide Surf Shop 

(912) 786-6556 GA 

Locus Kiteboarding 

(404) 509-4229 GA 

Hanag20 Kiteboarding 

(912) 223-7856 GA 

Hawaii 

Action Sports Maui 

(808) 871-5857 HI 

Aloha Kiteboarding Academy 

(808) 637-5483 HI 

Caveman Kitesurfing 

(808) 389-4004 HI 

Extreme Sports Maui 

(808) 871-7954 HI

Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport 

(808) 871-4981 HI 

Hawaiian Watersports 

(808) 262-KITE HI 

Hawaiian Surf & Sail 

(808) 637-5373 HI 

Kailua Sailboards 

(808) 262-2555 HI 

Kite High 

(808) 637-5483 HI 

Kiteboard Center 

(808) 276-2667 HI 

Kiteboard Maui 

(808) 870-2554 HI 

Hawaiian Ocean Sports 

(866) 488-5483 HI 

Kitesurf Maui 

(808) 873-0015 HI 

Maui Kiteboarding Lessons 

(808) 242-8015 HI 

Naish Hawaii 

(808) 262-6068 HI 

Off Da Lip 

(808) 255-6255 HI 

Second Wind 

(808) 877-7467 HI 

Vela Maui 

(800) 223-5443 HI 

Idaho 

Groud Zero 

(208) 265-6714 ID 

Fly Sun Valley 

(208) 726-3332 ID 

Illinois 

Windward Sports 

(773) 472-6868 IL 

Chicago Kiteboarder 

(312) 804-5482 IL 

Massichusetts 

Air Support Kiteboarding 

(866) Kite-Cod MA 

Skyhigh Kiteboarding School 

(508) 259-2728 MA 

Wind, Snow and H20 

(508) 775-7756 MA 

Maryland 

H2AIR Productions 

(302) 227-1105 MD 

Michigan 

Broneah Kiteboarding 

(231) 392-2212 MI 

Detroit Kiteboarding 

(248) 245-5016 MI 

Grand Bay Kite Co 

(231) 929-0607 MI 

Great Lakes Kiteboarding 

(586) 822-6511 MI 

MacInaw Kite Co. 

(800) 622-4655 MI 

Sharkless Kiteboarding 

(269) 639-SURF MI 

Minnesota 

Scuba Center Wind/Kite 

(612) 925-4818 MN 

US Snowkite School 

(612) 940-6639 MN 

Board Sports USA 

(218) 833-8200 MN 

Mississippi 

Get Air 

(228) 209-1204 MS 

Gulfport Winds 

(228) 864-7517 MS 

North Carolina 

Blowing in the Wind 

(910) 763-1730 NC 

Capte Fear Kiteboarding 

(910) 201-4002 NC 

Kiteboarding Hatteras 

(252) 995-5000 NC 

Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding Centers 

(877) FLY-THIS NC 

Real Kiteboarding 

(866) 732-5548 NC 

New Hampshire 

Powerline Sports 

(888) 987-WIND NH 

New Jersey 

Extreme Windsurfing 

(610) 807-9493 NJ 

Green Hat Kiteboarding 

(718) 577-1256 NJ 

Heritage Surf & Sport 

(609) 263-3033 NJ 

Island Surf and Sail 

(609) 494-5553 NJ 

Nevada 

Kitesurf Vegas 

(702) 493-9245 NV 

Windsports 

(702) 220-4340 NV 

New York 

Curtis Sport Connection 

(716) 627-2247 NY 

Main Beach Surf & Sports 

(631) 537-2716 NY 

Myers 

(716) 751-6511 NY 

Skywalk Kiteboarding 

(631) 324 - 4450 NY 

Windsurfing Hamptons 

(613) 283-9463 NY 

RICK’S SURF SHOP 

(631)581-9424 NY 

Kitewise 

(646) 734-3027 NY 

Ohio 

Red Sky Surf And Snow 

(419) 536-3204 OH 

River Sports 

(440) 333-8138 OH 

Oklahoma 

Thomasons Sports Kites 

(580) 796-2359 OK 

Oregon 

2nd Wind Sports 

(541) 386-4464 OR 

Air-Time 

(541) 387 3910 OR 

Alll Surf Industries 

(503) 239-8973 OR 

Big Winds 

(888) 509-4210 OR 

Brian’s Windsurfing/Kitesurfing 

(541) 386-1423 OR 

Cleanline Surf 

(888) 546-6176 OR 

Floras Lake Windsurfing 

(541) 348-9912 OR 

Gorge Surf Shop 

(800) 957-4978 OR 

Hood River Waterplay 

(541) 386-WIND OR 

Kite-Line 

(888) 714-9849 OR 

Lincoln City Surf Shop 

(541) 996-7433 OR 

New Wind 

(541) 387-2440 OR 

Pacific Wave 

(503) 861-0866 OR 

Storm Warning 

(800) 492-6309 OR 

Puerto Rico 

Kitesurfing Puerto Rico 

(787) 728-8716 PR 

KitesurfingPR 

(787) 374-5329 PR 

Rhode Island 

Northwind Sports 

(401) 254-4295 RI 

South Carolina 

Half Moon Outfitters 

(843) 881-9472 SC 

Catch Some Air 

(843) 388-9300 SC 

South Dakota 

Pro Peak Sports 

(605) 341-5445 SD 

Texas 

Air Padre Kiteboarding 

(956) 299-WIND TX 

Kitesurf Texas 

(361) 937-5000 TX 

Pro Kitesurf 

(361) 883-1473 TX 

South Coast Kiteboarding 

(362) 225-2899 TX 

S. Padre Island Kiteboarding 

(956) 245-8343 TX 

S. Padre Kiteboarding 

(956) 761-1434 TX 

Warming Hut Ski & Board 

(972) 234-6088 TX 

WPS 

(713) 291-9199 TX 

Zero Gravity Kiteboarding 

(361) 949-0266 TX 

Utah 

Cloud 9 Soaring Ctr 

(801) 576-6460 UT 

Virginia 

Southeast Expeditions 

(877) 943-8548 VA

Safety When Launching and Landing - The Kiteboarder Magazine

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?