Pimp Yo Kite - The Kiteboarder Magazine

Tahitian legend Moe Gould has made a name 

for himself by adding style and soul to whatever he 

move he is throwing down. Lens: John Bilderback 

On the Cover: At the ripe young age of 18, 

Ian Alldridge is one of the hottest up and coming 

wave riders on the West Coast. Ian blasts a stylish 

“Indy Air” off the inside bowl at C Street, showing off 

one of his favorite moves he perfected while growing 

up surfing. Lens: Jason Wolcott 

12 : Launch 

Preview for upcoming 

snowkite season. 

16 : Tips from an OG 

Hood River’s Jon Malmberg 

profiled. 

26 : Western Oz 

Sky Solbach, Jaime Herraiz, 

John Amundson ride Gnarloo. 

38 : Two Mexicos 

Backwoods explores Baja and 

the Yucatan kiteboarding. 

42 : Pimp Yo Ride 

The Kiteboarder profiles the 

tips and tricks to stoke out your 

complete kite set-up. 

48 : Turkey 

Exploring the Aegean Coast with 

Julie Simsar and friends. 

52 : Exposed 

Environment, Peak Action and 

the Personalities of our sport. 

60 : Product Watch 

Winter snowkite gear preview and 

special on heavy duty rubber for 

staying warm. 

7

Computer Dork 

As I sit at my desk surrounded by three computers, a.k.a. mission 

control center, I wonder what life would be like without them. It’s Saturday 

morning at 10:00 a.m., and I am about to head into my daily ritual of 

logging on to the 20 websites that make my little world. I take a sip of my 

morning coffee and get that little nervous energy as I click into my email. 

I quickly scan through 50 emails and breathe a sigh of relief. There are 

no fires to put out. Now it’s time to check out what’s going on in the kiteboarding 

world. I log onto Kiteforum.com and scan the latest headlines 

and forum threads—nothing new. I proceed to do the same thing on 

nwkite.com, bayareakiteboarding.com, ikitesurf.com, ikiteboarding.com, 

flysurf.com and about eight other sites around the world. In about an 

hour, I am up to speed with all the latest news and gossip. 

It’s now 11:17 and the South Coast Kiteboarding School bat line 

starts ringing. It’s Steve Pollinger from Houston calling to see if his kiteboarding 

lesson is going to happen. I tell him to wait a second and scan 

through my bookmarks 

to find my most trusted 

weather site. My cable 

modem lights up, and 

in seconds, and I 

am looking at more 

weather information 

than I know how to 

read. Satellite images, 

aviation models, doppler 

radar; it’s overkill 

for sure, but I will have 

it no other way. The 

forecast tells me that 

today looks marginal, 

but tomorrow will be 

firing. The weather man 

is often wrong, so I tell 

Riccitelli at mission control. Lens: Nikki Ivanoski 

Steve to call me back this afternoon for another real-time weather check. 

Next thing I know, my MSN messenger starts flashing orange. I look 

closer and it is Clinton Bolton chatting me up from across the world. 

He asks if I have booked my ticket to the Dominican Republic for New 

Year’s. I type back, “No, I am a lagger. I will get on it soon.” Clinton is 

training and relaxing in Spain at the moment. After chatting for about five 

minutes, we say our goodbyes and my next stop is Orbitz.com to check 

ticket prices to Cabarete. I check my MSN Messenger contacts and Josh 

Marinos, the manager of eXtreme Hotels, Cabarete, is online. I send 

him an instant message asking him to reserve three rooms. He confirms 

my rooms over our chat session, and I continue my search for airplane 

tickets. In 30 minutes, I buy my ticket, print the electronic confirmation, 

and pin it to my bulletin board above my desk with a guilty smile. 

It’s now time to get some work done. I log on to LostCherry.com and 

check my messages. “Misfit” sent me an email telling me to check out 

the new photos he uploaded. I click into his gallery and see a photo of 

him with a grin from ear to ear standing next to his brand new Jimmy 

Lewis surfboard. Misfit is one of many kiteboarders who I have met 

online. I post a comment under his new photo that says, “I really want 

that board dude!” and then read the eight other comments left by other 

kiteboarders on the LC. Within seconds, he chats me back to tell me that 

Jason Slezak is selling his for $399 at Real Kiteboarding. 

So here I sit, trying to make sense of all this technology. I am an 

internet junkie, and my best fix is a fast internet connection. I love the 

ability to communicate and interact with fellow kiteboarders around 

the world and being able to research anything and everything within 

seconds. Many of you might argue that I have taken this to the extreme. 

My main goal in writing this is to encourage more people to get wired. 

The information and feedback available will save you time and money. 

For those of you who share my online obsession, you already know how 

cool the online kiteboarding community is. For those of you who are 

committed to staying old school, get off your lazy butts and start poking 

around on the internet. Knowledge is power, and I am sure you will soon 

become an internet dork like me. 

Enjoy! 

www.lostcherry.com/ryan

Rider: Bill Kraft 

Lens: Gavin Butler 

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 

EDITOR AT LARGE 

ALEXIS ROVIRA 

SENIOR WRITERS 

Marina Chang, James Brown, Bucky Ashcraft, Gary Martin, 

Shanna Devries Merrill, 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, 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, Mike Hedlund 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Brian Schenk, Sky Solbach, Julie Simsar, Julie Simsar, Steve 

Gunn, Paul Caswell, David Roch, Adam Von Ins, Neil Hutchinson, 

Jon Malberg, Zach Kleppe, Mike Danish, Paul Menta, Karen 

Futernick, Jessie Hassell, Gary Siskar, James Brown, Gary 

Reed, Elea Faucheron 

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, Clark Merritt, Alexis Rovira, 

Gary Martin, Jessie Hassell, Carlos Delicado, Bertrand Boone, 

Boulgakow, Nikki Ivanoski, Jon Malmberg,Realkiteboarding.com, 

Wareck Arnaude, Chris Gutzeit, Buck Ashcraft, Brett Lickle, Jody 

MacDonald, Andreas von Biottnitz, Adam Von Ins, Bob Coan, 

Emille Couture, Ludvig P., Hugo Lgunberg, Jerry Smith, Emily 

Ruoss, Roberto Foresti/Canon, Carlos Delicado, Adam Von Ins, 

Luna Duell, Elea Faucheron, Papa Tronolone, Jeff Pfeffer, G. 

Scott, David Alden, Shanna Devries Merrill, Bodo Müller 

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 OR 97058 

Editorial Office, The Kiteboarder Compound 

14610 Villa Maria Isabel 

Corpus Christi, TX 78418 

For product inquiries please contact Mystic Kiteboarding USA - 415.722.7884 

info@mystickiteboardingusa.com www.mystickiteboarding.com 

Mystic introduces the Virus wetsuit. The most advanced, most comfortable and 

packed with innovative features kiteboarding wetsuit. 

Virus Fullsuit 

•TRI Span Neoprene 

•Flameskin Chest Panel (5mm) 

•Low Fit Neck 

•Active Arm Construction 

•Ribcage Heat Cover 

•Splitline Zipper Construction 

•Cross Knees 

•Detachable Velcro Leg Straps 

•Flameskin Neoprene 

•Sandwich Neck Closure 

•Parabolic Metalite Arm Cuffs 

•Keypocket inside 

Virus 4/3 mm fullsuit (Grey) 

Virus 3/2 mm fullsuit (Red) 

The Mystic Warrior waist harness is better than ever this year. New structure 

and new materials provide unsurpassed comfort for overpowered riding 

as well as the flexibility for new school tricks.With the handless pass system 

and the secured leash rings this is the best waist harness to date! 

incl. Handle Pass System

Guillaume Chastagnol: The three-time World Snowkite Champion continues to 

awe us with his combination of freestyle moves and hang time. 

Snowkiting has been making its way around the globe for decades, and 

since the turn of the 21st century it has been reshaping the way we look 

at winter across North America. 

With a rebirth of new equipment and grass roots events, the sport 

saw new interest in 2001, starting a momentum that would lead to a fiveyear 

growth trend across the country. Now, snowkiters can be found on 

frozen lakes and snow covered hillsides from New Hampshire to California 

and every windy spot in between. The event and competition scene 

has evolved tremendously, with some of the original events passing on 

and others growing to attract international fame, bringing acclaimed riders 

from all over Europe to American slopes. Looking ahead, the 06/07 

winter season is shaping up with more snowkiting opportunities coming 

available on a nationwide demo tour, and even bigger comps like the US 

Open Snowkite Masters, that will offer cash prizes with an all-star cast. 

12 

EVOLUTION 

From the backyard to the backcountry, during its 

evolution, many users have adapted the power 

of snowkites to enhance their riding situation. 

Skiers in the Midwest claim riding under kite 

power across flat frozen lakes in the late 1970’s, 

while mountaineers of the same era used kites 

to power trans-arctic expeditions, where skiers 

used kites to pull themselves and hundred pound 

gear-sleds across endless miles of arctic terrain. 

Today, there are hundreds of snowkiters across 

the country taking advantage of wind power to ski 

faster and farther than local slopes can allow, and 

utilizing the miles of frozen lakes and farm fields 

that dot the landscape. After a good snowstorm, 

the area from North Dakota to Pennsylvania 

becomes the biggest ski area in the country with 

a snowkite, and more people are jumping on the 

opportunity to ride new local terrain every season. 

The Rocky Mountains are also seeing skiers and 

snowboarders hooking into kites to experience 

uphill riding and the third dimension of 

freestyle that kiting allows. While only a few 

resorts offer access to kite friendly terrain, 

every snowkiter has been a pioneer exploring 

and exploiting what are becoming the 

new Mecca’s of kiting. 

COMPETITION TREND 

The worldwide trend in competitions has 

leaned towards freestyle for years, until 

the 05/06 winter saw a drastic change with 

a shifting emphasis towards races, both 

kitercross and traditional sailing circuits. 

While a debatable topic, many snowkiters 

believe that the kitercross race format actually 

started at the original Snowkite Rodeo 

in Montana. The multi-rider course pits several 

personalities against ramps, obstacles 

and turn points in an all or nothing battle to 

the finish line. Unlike freestyle where technical 

ability is judged and critiqued, the race 

style competitions allow the less flexible yet 

more strategic minds to have an upper hand 

in the round. In the flat lands, Minnesota 

boasts its distance challenge with a race 

against the clock across the 20-mile wide 

lake, Mille Lacs. ‘Winduro’ courses like this 

are also gaining popularity, as all riders hit 

the course at once, instead of splitting into 

heats which is necessary in the kitercross 

style course. With everyone on the run at 

once, it is amazing to see the crowds separate, 

with the skiers grouping into a pack in 

the lead, and snowboarders choosing their 

own random upwind and downwind options. 

THE 06/07 SEASON 

This winter is the biggest ever in North 

American snowkiting, with more locations 

to ride, and more events, races and 

kite demonstrations to attend. Areas like 

Skyline are becoming destinations for kiters 

By Brian Schenck 

Photos by Warick Arnaude 

With road gaps like this mammoth effort, Chasta 

doesn’t look to lose his top spot anytime soon. 

from every corner and local schools are 

gaining popularity sharing the gift of winter 

kiteboarding in their home towns. In addition 

to the bigger events that host regional 

competitions, there will also be many local 

circuits with kitercross and Winduro style 

racing. Intermountain snowkiting shops are 

getting together to create a low profile circuit 

that will allow kiters to get involved with 

racing while keeping it fun spirited. After 

long standing snowkite celebrations like the 

Montana Snowkite Rodeo and Vermont Kitestorm, 

the season finale will round out with 

the US Open Snowkite Masters, a showdown 

of skills in Utah’s Wasatch Range. 

Brian Schenck is the US distributor for Ozone 

Kites. For a list of upcoming comps and demos, 

see the SMACK section or check out 

www.windzup.com for the latest info. 

13

Caicos is becoming a popular Caribbean destination. Lens: Jesse Anderson 

KITEHOUSE OPENS ANOTHER LOCATION 

Due to open early 2007 for experienced kiters 

only, The Kitehouse is expanding to the Turks 

and Caicos. The tropical islands are just 575 

miles southeast of Miami and cover 19 square 

miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Boasting shallow 

turquoise water and consistent trade winds, the 

new venue is still in the construction phase, but 

till then there is ample accommodations available 

at several Grace Bay hotels. Kitehouse trained 

representative and local kiter Andrew Harper is 

available to show you around the island’s various 

kiteboarding venues and can arrange offshore 

surf kiting with motor boat service. In addition, 

you can demo the latest 07’ gear from Cabrinha. 

STAY ON YOUR GAME THIS WINTER 

What do Laird Hamilton, Gerry Lopez and Dave 

Kalama do to train when they can’t surf? They 

use the Surf Ball, a fun, highly effective training 

system that helps you develop balance, agility 

and strength. It will wear you out and increase 

you heartbeat to levels never expected in a very 

short time and is also great for developing lower 

body strength. Check out www.surfball.net. 

OP clothing just added Cabrinha’s Cameron 

Dietrich to its surf team. OP’s Gary Siskar, a 

new, avid kitesurfer himself, said Cam’s passion 

to push the sport of kite SURFING is what 

made him a perfect fit with the company. Cam’s 

sponsorship also led OP to Reo Stevens, another 

ripper who murders the surf with style. Siskar 

said that only time will tell, but he foresees the 

day when traditional surfers will be shoving a kite 

or two in their board bags when traveling. 

OzoneTravel.com- a kiteboarding travel company 

offering holidays in Cabarete, Brazil, The Bahamas, 

Mexico, St. Lucia and Key West, as well as 

yacht-based holidays, including the Best Odyssey, 

is opening a new division dedicated to west 

coast kiteboarders in North America. OzoneTrav- 

The inventor’s 

daughter working 

on her form. 

Lens: Courtesy 

of Surfball 

OCEAN PACIFIC ADDS KITERS TO TEAM 

Cameron joins the OP team in the company of 

WCT Veteran Taylor Knox and world-champion 

longboarder Joel Tudor. 

OZONE TRAVEL EXPANDS TO WEST 

elWest will offer holidays in Mexico and Hawaii, 

in addition to Ozone’s standard fare. Packages 

will be convenient for all west-coasters, and 

those including air will match the schedule of 

both charter and commercial flights. 

Email christie@ozonetravel.com for more info. 

Hua Hin. Lens: Jessie Hassell 

Kite Adventures is offering one-of-a-kind, 

10-day tours to Thailand. They incorporate 

both the city and beach so you truly get 

the Thai experience. Tours are geared for 

beginner/intermediate kiters who want to 

improve their skills on the water. Our tour is 

also great for people who want to learn how 

to kite, or if you want to bring a friend who 

doesn’t kite, this is a non-kiter friendly tour. 

$1299 per person/ double occupancy. Contact 

Jessie@kiteadventures.com for more info- 

Kitegirl Mira Kwon. Lens: Jim Semlor 

Many of you have admired art director Jim 

Semlor’s design and photographic talents in 

The Kiteboarder Magazine. After more than 

15 years as a professional photographer, Jim 

has now opened his own gallery in downtown 

Hood River. On display are many of his 

lifestyle portraits including several kiteboarding 

personalities and images. Check out Jim’s 

work at www.semlorimages.com or stop by 

the gallery on State Street, across from the 

police station. 

Hurricane John scored a direct hit on La 

Ventana, Baja Mexico, packing 100+ mph 

winds and very heavy rainfall to usher in the 

month of September. Widespread flooding 

and wind related damage was commonplace 

and the main highway was washed out in a 

number of places, power lines were downed, 

and water service was disrupted because 

of ruptured water pipes that run along side the 

Tonia Farman co-founded the WKA and has spent countless hours encouraging women to try kiting. 

Lens: Greg Gnecco 

WOMEN TURN OUT IN FORCE FOR CLINIC 

The Women’s Kiteboarding Association put 

on their Women’s Free Trainer Kite Clinic to 

a packed house at the Hood River Marina in 

August. Hosted by the WKA, Dakine, and Gorge 

kite schools, Kite the Gorge and Big Winds Kiteboarding, 

the event drew 30 women from as far 

as British Columbia and Idaho. The Kiteboarder’s 

publisher Marina Chang helped out the clinic 

which included teaching trainer kite skills, gear 

and safety demos, and a sponsor giveaway of 

kites, harnesses, and apparel. For info see 

womenskiteboarding.com 

BEST ODYSSEY READY TO SET SAIL 

The Best Odyssey, a five year kitesurfing expedition 

scheduled to set sail in early 2007, has just 

added another option for those that cannot commit 

to a full share. Shares can now be divided 

between up to 10 people for as little as $2700 

per person, plus you will have part ownership 

of the boat and get a return on your investment 

when it sells at the end of its journey. Comparable10-day 

trips can cost upward of $5000 

each! Invest in the vacation of a lifetime and 

experience a truly unique adventure. See www. 

offshoreodysseys.com for full details. 

This year’s snowkiting season is shaping up to 

be bigger and better than ever. The major events 

will offer bigger cash prizes and more freeride 

demos and kitercross/winduro type are planned. 

Major Events 

Montana Snowkite Rodeo – 

Georgetown Lake: Feb 17-19 

Kitestorm - Burlington, VT: Feb 24-25 

US Open Snowkite Masters – 

Skyline, UT: March 3-4 

French Polyensia will be one of many stops 

on tour. Lens: Paul Javier 

SNOWKITE SEASON GEARS UP 

Ozone Snowkite Freeride Tour 

Backcountry Opener - Skyline, UT: Dec 2-3 

Snowkite Freeride - Kirkwood, CA: Dec 9-10 

Snowkite Rally - Anaconda, MT: Dec16-17 

Telefest and Snowkite Freeride - 

Lake Gogebic, MI: Jan 13-14 

Snowkite Freeride - 

Lake Winnipesauke, NH: Jan 13-14 

Snowkite Freeride - Hill City, ID: March 10-11 

Cascades Snowkite Tour (CA to WA): March 17-25 

North Dakota Wind Power Challenge (ride across the 

state): All season 

Hurricane John beating La Ventana. 

highway. Local resident Don Gregorio says 

that this was the most severe storm at La 

Ventana since 1941. In the aftermath of the 

storm the clean up commenced almost immediately, 

as utility trucks from mainland Mexico 

were ferried across the Sea of Cortez to restore 

power quickly. Most of the local resorts 

should be operating as usual for the upcoming 

season, as the majority of the damage was 

downed palapas, cabanas, and soil erosion 

that are a messy problem but relatively easy 

to repair. Check with the resorts directly for 

status reports, or email info@captainkirks. 

com for more info. 

Many seasoned travelers to La Ventana have 

opted to fly in to Cabo San Lucas, a 3-hour 

drive to the area, due to spotty service from 

the Mexican airlines. Travel to La Ventana just 

got a little better as traditional carriers have 

added service to La Paz, just 45 minutes 

away. Effective October 30, Alaska will offer 

direct flights from LAX and Delta will start the 

service on December 15. 

Kiters worldwide are starting to catch on to the 

concept of the Time Manager, a simple line 

management tool that is so easy and handy 

to use, it’s almost too good to be true! The 

compact tool which can easily fit in the pocket 

of your boardshorts makes it possible so you 

never have to deal with line tangles or spend 

time laying out and checking your lines ever 

again. The Time Manager retails for $20. A 

great stocking stuffer for the holidays, check 

out kitelauncher.com. 

KiteRelease, a new patent pending spreader 

bar that uses the concept of ‘safety on 

demand’, has delayed production to fine 

tune the product. Founded by kiteboarders 

dedicated to preventing unnecessary tragedy 

while improving the overall kiteboarding experience, 

the KiteRelease will now be available 

in December. For more info, see KiteRelease. 

com. 

Powerline Sports is pleased to announce 

that Kevin Koski has signed on as both a 

store manager and lead PASA instructor 

for their new location in Long Branch, NJ. The 

new store is focused on riding locations in the 

greater Sandy Hook area which also offers 

New York City some of the best riding 

15

When Jon’s not shooting pro kiteboarders, 

he is on the water learning new moves. 

Lens: Jim Stringfellow 

Jon’s other passion: Photography 

Lens: Jim Stringfellow 

Name: Jon Malmberg 

Age: 39 

Street Names: Surf: Bam Bam Snow: Mambo 

Work: Mechanical Engineer, looking for a rep job 

with minimal money and minimal responsibility. 

Roots: Seattle native who grew up skiing in the 

Cascades, and sailing in the Puget Sound. 

Favorite Spots: Chamonix for winter thrills, and 

Tahiti for sun. 

Hood: The OR Hood!!! 

Heroes: Doug Combs (RIP), 

Dave Kalama, and Robby Naish 

System: 06 Naish Torches… Flat kites suck, don’t 

get sucked in by the marketing hype! 

Ride: Naish 133cm TT Sol, Naish Kitewave 5’5” 

Claims: The only guy in the Hood who has broken 

as much windsurfing gear as he has kite gear. 

Basically, lots and lots over the years, hence the 

Bam Bam! Gary Swanson who now is shaping for 

Hammersuf, gets credit for that nickname. 

Shouts: The NW Kiteclub Crew, the Stevenson 

Kite Crue, and most importantly, Peter Arpag, who 

has kept me in gear and stoked on the sport for 

many, many years! 

16 

LISTEN UP 

If you are a kiter and have glanced 

through a kite magazine then you have 

already been bombarded with all the safety 

tips. So, instead of putting up a long list of 

already well published safety items, I only 

have two general tips… 

- Get to know your gear! Learn how it 

rides, learn how it rigs, and learn the safety 

systems. If you take the time to really understand 

what your kite is capable of, how 

it handles, why it handles differently when 

correctly and incorrectly tuned, and go out 

and practice getting into and recovering from 

strange situations… Guess what! When that 

situation presents itself you will have the skills 

necessary to deal with it and hopefully avoid 

hurting yourself and/or someone else, or at a 

minimum… avoid a long swim/self rescue. 

- In the Gorge, there aren’t many decent 

launches. Being able to drift launch in some 

very sketchy areas and deal with some pretty 

challenging winds are a necessity to being 

self sufficient, not get in the way of others, 

and sometimes to just make it back to shore. 

locations within 75 minutes of the city. 

When we asked Andrew Ghezzi, the 

owner of Powerline Sports, for his reason 

on expanding the Powerline Sports 

empire he replied, “we’ve made so much 

money on our colored stopper balls and 

ultra thin .005mil rash guards that we just 

had to open another store to keep up with 

the demand.” 

The Kiteboarder’s 

snowkite editor 

James Brown was 

recently picked up 

by Ozone Kites 

for their national 

team. James, one 

of the earliest and 

top snowkiters in 

the US, is stoked 

to join Ozone because 

of their leadership on the snowkite 

scene. He will continue to help promote 

the sport in Colorado and will also participate 

in competitions and demos in North 

America this winter season. 

F.One products are now available again 

in the US thanks to Bay Area Kitesurf. 

F.One is a French kiteboarding brand 

that is extremely popular in Europe with 

a pro-team regularly at the top of the 

charts in the PKRA. Led by designer and 

waveslayer Raphael Salles, F.One’s new 

Tribal Kite and board series have peaked 

the interest of kiters worldwide. For more 

info, check out www.bayareakitesurf.com 

or contact info@bayareakitesurf.com 

Kite Adventures and Ozone Travel have 

recently partnered with Offshore Odysseys. 

Kite Adventures will now own one 

trip each year of the expedition to sell on 

a per person, or per cabin basis for those 

that cannot commit to the full five years 

as a share owner. The first stop available 

is a 10-day adventure in Aruba 

in March. Ozone Travel was chosen by 

Offshore as their in-house travel specialist. 

Karen, the owner, will be personally 

handling all of the flight, hotel and other 

travel arrangements scheduled for the 

Best Odyssey. See offshoreodysseys. 

com for their scheduled itinerary.

18 

Blogkite.com 

Dear Editor: 

Congratulations on The Kiteboarder. That is 

really a very nice and cool magazine. Just a 

quick word on our Blogkite.com site (http://www. 

blogkite.com/) . This is a free and “not for profit” 

blog hosting portal and blog directory dedicated 

to the kitesurfing community. 

Your new The Kiteboarder site is indeed listed in 

the directory and thanks to the rss syndication, 

all your posts are automatically available for our 

numerous readers… 

Regards, 

Fred 

Blogkite.com 

I checked out your site, and it is very cool. 

Our electronic magazine is downloaded in 86 

countries, and our print magazine is distributed 

throughout North America. We owe 

much of our electronic distribution to blog 

sites like yours. I hope this letter brings more 

visitors—Ed. 

Letters 

What our readers have to say 

LETTER OF THE MONTH 

Davey Blair lost in the emerald green. Lens: John Bilderback 

Pump up the Volume 

Dear Editor: 

I just wanted to let you know that your 

podcast is being listened to as far away 

as Hong Kong. I got myself an iPod for my 

birthday a month ago and it has transformed 

my journeys to and from work. Your 

weekly show is one of many I’m subscribing 

to along with current affairs, sports and 

technology. 

It’s totally amazing to be able to connect into 

such a niche broadcast from so far away. 

The internet is a driving force like no other 

and continues to surprise us. I work full-time 

in the industry myself - let me leave it at 

that - and I am stoked to be able to keep in 

touch with the markets via new media such 

as your show and the Kiteforum. It’s great to 

hear you and Toby theorizing about the relative 

decline of windsurfing vs kitesurfing (or 

not, as the case may be). Keep up the good 

work! By the way, one technical problem I’m 

Montreal Cable Crew 

Dear Editor: 

After reading the article, “A Midsummer’s 

Mission to the Cables” in your September 

issue, I was stoked to hear that the idea is 

out there. I was 9-years-old when I started 

waterskiing and working on a cableski 

system next to my home. After many years 

of operating cableways, teaching and 

competing, I progressed to kiteboarding in 

1994. In 1999 I opened the first kiteboarding 

school in Montreal, The Global Kiteboarding 

School. 

I knew from the beginning that the 

cableway is a great tool to learn kiteboarding 

without wind and a kite. I implemented 

the cableway into my kite lessons, and now 

in 2006, I can tell you it really works well for 

my school. I had this idea of a Kite Cable 

Club, KCC. In June 2006, we founded the 

getting with podcasts is the volume setting. 

Even the BBC does not have a consistent 

setting running throughout its podcasts. This 

is not the case on a music files. On your 

own show, while you yourself are always 

clear, very often the guests who are phoning 

in are at a different volume setting. I guess 

in time this kind of thing will sort itself 

out. 

I am very happy to hear you like our 

show. Our new format is webcasted live 

on Thursday, 6 PM, PST. Kiteboarders 

can log into The Kiteboarder Lounge 

and ask real time questions to our 

guests (http://lostcherry.com/lounge. 

php?l=1293). The post recording still 

goes out like always and is posted 

every Friday. Yes, we are addressing the 

volume issues and learning as we go. 

Thanks for your support—Ed. 

first Kite Cable Club, and we have lots of fun 

every Wednesday from 6p-8p. We have our 

kite session on the only existing cableway 

in Canada! Go figure? We are always seeking 

investors and sponsors to build more 

cableways in North America and to make 

this sport affordable to everyone. For more 

information, check out cableski-consulting. 

com. 

Sincerely, 

Bodo Müller 

Thanks for your feedback on our cable 

park feature. It’s great to have a crew 

of Montreal kiteboarders reading our 

magazine. We think cable parks are cool 

and a great way to cross train. Check 

out the Send It section for a photo of the 

KCC crew—Ed.

Shop Talk: TIKI BEACH EAST 

Name: 

Neil Hutchinson 

Nickname: 

The Marlboro Man 

Age: 

36 

Location: 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Year’s Riding: 

8 years 

Website: 

tikibeacheast.com 

Neil at his desk. 

Lens: Jerry Smith 

How did you get into the kiteboarding retail 

business? 

I started kiteboarding in Fort Lauderdale eight years 

ago with my good friend Chris Kjos. Shortly after, 

he opened up a school/shop where I would help 

out with lessons when not traveling and competing. 

Chris recently retired and I did not want to see 

kiteboarding at our only launch be jeopardized, so I 

bought the school/shop and Tiki Beach Watersports 

was born. 

What is the kiteboarding scene like in your 

area? 

Kiteboarding in Fort Lauderdale is like being part of 

a big family. We have all levels of riders here from 

beginners to full on pros. Even when it is not windy 

we all hang out together and can be found every 

Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Treasure Trove 

for “Kite Night” cocktails. 

Are there any rules or regulations kiters need to 

be aware of? 

Fort Lauderdale is a very populated public beach 

with lifeguards and our riding area is only 500’ wide 

until you are 100 yards offshore. If you can’t go 

upwind comfortably this is not really a spot to kite 

unless you are taking a Jet Ski supervised lesson. 

The lifeguards are actually now required to write a 

report every day stating how many kites were in the 

air, how many infractions occurred and submit it to 

the city officials. 

How does your shop support the kiteboarding 

community? 

The kiteboarding community here is now actually a 

club. To join, you need to be able to go upwind and 

pay $20 per year. In return, we provide unlimited 

iced water, air compressor, keys and valuables storage, 

hammocks and monthly organized parties. 

We also offer free lessons to all local lifeguards. 

What tips can you offer visiting kiteboarders 

who want to hook up with local riders and kite 

in your area? 

Tiki Beach is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale 

directly on the beach two blocks south of Las Olas 

Blvd in front of the Oasis Café, or meet the crew on 

a Tuesday or Thursday evening one block north at 

our local sponsoring bar The Treasure Trove. 

A bird’s eye view of Tiki Beach. Lens: Jerry Smith 

What is the best way for people to check the 

forecast and current conditions in your area? 

If you plan to ride here bring all of your gear as the 

wind can be anything here from 10-15 knot sea 

breezes to 30-40 knot frontal winds. Typically the 

best time for wind here is in the winter, November 

to April. In the winter, look for cold fronts traveling 

through Florida. The summer is hit or miss but feel 

free to call the shop for an update. 

Where do you think the industry is headed? 

The sport is growing at an extremely fast rate and 

due to gear development, it’s getting safer and easier 

to learn every year. This is good, but can lead 

to a false sense of security. Sure you can depower 

many kites 100%, but if in the hands of a beginner, 

if something goes wrong, you still have that size 

kite in the air in strong winds, which can be very 

dangerous. You still need three kites. 

Internet sales have also grown over the last few 

years and have helped many kiters get into the 

sport, but this has not been so good for shops that 

are normally the local school. Many online buyers 

have tried to teach themselves which can lead to 

disaster and potential closure of a site. If we start to 

lose local shops/schools, kiteboarding will become 

anarchy with less access to lessons and no organization 

trying to protect the privilege of kiteboarding 

at some beaches. 

Competitions have started to become much more 

rider and spectator friendly due to new disciplines 

like BoarderX. If you can go upwind and jump a 

little, you stand a chance of doing really well. This 

will help take the sport in another new and fun 

direction attracting more to our family. 

WIndcult.com. Lens: Alexis Rovira 

Cool kiteboarding t-shirts are often few 

and far between but The Kiteboarder 

came upon a new company that we think 

you will be stoked on. Kiteboarding 

addict and contemporary artist Jay Brockman 

has created a new tribal graphic 

t-shirt and website called Windcult.com. 

Northwest kiters can thank Seattle 

Kiteboarding Center for pioneering and 

opening a new snowkite area at Stampede 

Pass in the Watertown area, just 

an hour from Seattle. Starting this winter, 

SKC will be offering snowkite lessons 

with snowmobile support. Experienced 

riders can also enjoy the diverse terrain 

offered at this site, but access is available 

only by snowmobile. For more info, 

weather conditions and forecasts, see 

gokiting.com. The Center will continue to 

do water lessons at Magnuson Park on 

Lake Washington when weather conditions 

are conducive. 

Julie Simsar recently joined the Misultin 

Zone International Team in Italy. 

She will be representing Misultin Zone by 

competing on the KPWT, and traveling 

around the world. Misultin Zone is an 

Italian designer brand originating from 

Lake Como. Misultin is actually a fish that 

swims in Lake Como. Paolo Gioni is the 

International Team manager, and actively 

supports kiteboarding and all extreme 

sports. Julie is super stoked on her new 

clothing sponsor and proudly wears her 

“Misultin, the only naked fish” logo. 

The Kiteboarder not only prints and 

distributes the best kiteboarding mag on 

the planet but also publishes a family of 

action sports calendars. Available this 

November, be sure to check out our 13month 

wall calendars featuring images 

from the kiteboarding, tow-in surfing and 

surfing worlds. Thekiteboarder.com

New Feature! Online Links’ 

Here is where you will find links to upcoming movie trailers as 

well as video clips that you can only find online. You can help 

by submitting new links to james@thekiteboarder.com. 

Entropy 

The trailer for “Entropy”, a new snowkite video is now online. It 

is produced by Norwegian Morten Gjerstad and features some 

of the hottest riders in the world, including Bjorn Kaupang, 

Remi Meum, A. G. Dokken and Claes Lundin. www.snowkitefilm.com 

20/10 

Check out the latest snowkite film trailer by Paul Macaj. He’s 

stepped up his game considerably from the first release “The 

Next Chapter” and you will be thoroughly impressed by the sick 

footage and a sweet soundtrack. www.kitesnowboarder.com 

Chasta 

There is a new video featuring Chasta doing some sick wave 

riding in the South Pacific. He is riding the new Instinct, which 

is Ozone’s SLE inflatable kite designed for water. He seems 

very at home on the new style kites. www.windzup.com 

The Best Odyssey 

The Best Odyssey team put together a video showing what 

their 5-year expedition is all about. It gives you a glimpse of the 

places, people, and riding spots you might discover if you join 

them on their 60-foot catamaran. Check out more about the 

unique yacht-share concept at www.offshoreodysseys.com 

Real Kiteboarding: Surf 

The 4th DVD in their five-part series focuses on kiting in surf. It covers many 

surf-related basics such as: currents, wave types, wind directions, positioning 

on the wave, turns, relaunching and many great tips throughout. It also 

delves into jumping waves and freestyle. Bonus footage includes a glossary, 

equipment tips, action footage and a preview of the upcoming Triple-S DVD. 

Go to www.realkiteboarding.com for more information.

Cabrinha Race Series Wrap Up 

By Steve Gunn 

August and September saw Anthony Chavez continue 

to dominate the racing, even after experiencing a 

second place finish in the finale on September 14. Maui 

groms Shawn and Jesse Richman flew in to challenge 

Anthony, with younger brother Jessie (Cabrinha) capturing 

the victory. Geoff Headington (Slingshot) and Nils 

Stolzlechner (Naish) continued their series battle for 

second and third overall with Jeff Kafka (Cabrinha) proving 

to be the racer to beat in the points race. 

Ronstan Bridge 2 Bridge 

By Steve Gunn 

This year’s Bridge 2 Bridge event settled the debate 

of who can go downwind the fastest – at least on this 

day. Jeff Kafka, from Pacifica, California, dominated 

the field of 40 kiters, windsurfers, and skiffs in the 8th 

annual Ronstan event. The race started at the scenic 

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and finished at 

the Bay Bridge, over five miles downwind. Although the 

winds were a bit light, Kafka won by one of the largest 

margins in race history. 

2006 Superkite Brazil – 

PKRA World Cup Final 

By Paul Caswell 

The 2006 PKRA season ended in Brazil with an 

event full of upsets. Ruben Lenten, freshly recovered 

from an ankle injury, suffered a knee injury and was 

knocked out of the competition early. Because of the 

light conditions, it was decided that some heats would 

be re-run, which led to a few changes in the standings. 

Aaron Hadlow was knocked out of the competition 

by Rui Meira, who would go on to win both the 

freestyle and boardercross events. 

Despite the fact that neither one of them finished 

on the podium in the final PKRA event of the year, 

both Aaron Hadlow and Kristin Boese held on to their 

World Champion titles from 2005. With all of the up 

and coming riders showing up at competitions these 

days, it will be very interesting to see how the veterans 

fair next year! 

Bridge of the Gods 

Kiteboarding Festival 

By Gary Reed 

After a sweltering hot day of sitting in the sun 

waiting for wind, the Slingshot Bridge of the Gods 

Kiteboarding Festival went off with a bang this summer. 

In the Juniors, Reed Brady from Floras Lake took 

first in the Best Trick, and continued to hold the slight 

edge winning the Biggest Air and Kite Loop comp, 

with up and comer Eddie Hall pulling a close second. 

Laura Maher, Karen Bureker, and Shannon Gormley 

all threw huge aerials to the crowds delight in the 

Women’s Division. Staying consistent throughout the 

competition, Laura placed first, Karen second, and 

rising star Shannon came in a close third. 

The Masters Division was ruled by summer local 

Tony Bolstad who had to get out his driver’s license to 

prove his age after his riding display. Dylan Thompson 

displayed some insane kiteloops and handlepasses, 

Competitions 

Dozens of kites paint the bay area skyline. 

Lens: Emily Ruoss 

Bridge 2 Bridge Jeff Kafka warms up after the race. 

Lens: Steve Gunn 

The scene at the final PKRA event of the year in 

Brazil. Lens: Robert Foresti/Canon 

The Bridge of the Gods crew. Lens: Jon Malmberg 

winning Best Trick in Men’s. The Big Air comp was 

won by locals Brad Whiting (1), Ben Chambers (2), 

and Jimmy ‘Yoga Man’ Hunt (3). The Expression 

Session and Kite Loop comp threw out 40+ riders battling 

to show their best. Huge kite loops gained Brian 

Wheeler, Ben Chambers, and Josh Solbach the top 

three positions in the category. 

RESULTS: 

KING OF THE GREAT LAKES 

Men’s Freestyle 

1. Damien Leroy (Cabrinha) 

2. Jon Modica (Cabrinha) 

3. Sam Medysky (Naish) 

Women’s Freestyle 

1. Wendy Palmer (Agression) 

2. Sara Milan 

3. Lisa Moss (Mackite) 

Top Gun 

1. Stephen Shank (Aggression) 

2. Kevin Steen (Cabrinha) 

3. Dave Clark 

PKRA BRAZIL 

Men’s Freestyle Final 

1. Rui Meira (Naish, Portugal) 

2. Cesar Portas (North, Spain) 

3. Petr Tyushkevich (Cabrinha, 

Russia) 

4. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, Netherelands) 

Women’s Freestyle Final 

1. Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) 

2. Angela Peral (North, Spain) 

3. Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) 

4. Ania Grzelinska (North, 

Poland) 

Men’s Boardercross Final 

1. Rui Meira (Naish, Portugal) 

2. Kevin Langeree (Naish, 

Netherlands) 

3. Bjorn Viane (Flexifoil, Belgium) 

4. Damien Leroy (Cabrinha, 

USA) 

Women’s Boardercross Final 

1. Clarissa Hempel (Cabrinha, 

Brazil) 

2. Jalou Langeree (Naish, Netherlands) 

3. Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) 

4. Gabi Steindl (North, Austria) 

5. Angela Peral (North, Spain) 

PKRA Final Standings: 

Men: 

1. Aaron Hadlow 

2. Kevin Langeree 

3. Youri Zoon 

Women: 

1. Kristin Boese 

2. Ania Grzelinska 

3. Bruna Kajiya

John Amundson never thought Western Australia’s warm, turquoise water and 

perfect waves would deliver with precision-like consistency. Lens: John Bilderback 

By Sky Solbach 

Photographs by John Bilderback 

Sky carves a backside turn in front of 

the camera. Lens: John Bildeback. 

“ The past three months had been filled with plenty of memorable days. We’d ridden everything from small, playful 

beach breaks, to big, stormy surf, to gaping pits of death at The Zoo. It was everything we’d hoped it would be and 

probably the best season of wave riding that Jaime and I ever had. Based in Margaret River for kite testing, Jaime 

and I had covered most of Western Australia in search of waves and wind and scored some really good days. 

Finding good wind and surf requires patience and persistence and these three months had afforded us more than 

enough time, or so we thought, to get a real taste of all this coastline had to offer. We’d exchanged a few emails 

here and there with John Amundson about coming down to Western Australia to hang out and ride. But from the 

sounds of it he seemed pretty happy right at home on the North Shore where he was taking advantage of an unusually 

good start to the winter season. Out of the blue we got an email from John saying, “I’m on my way!” At about 

the same time, photographer John Bilderback and his wife Alexis showed up in Margaret River and had some free 

time to shoot. The plan quickly fell into place and I found myself on a two week paid vacation in WA with my two 

good friends Jaime and John, world class photographer John Bilderback and his wife Alexis. Our sole purpose was 

finding wind and waves. ” 

-Sky Solbach 

26 27

Our sole purpose was to find wind and waves 

-Sky Solbach 

Sometimes youth, nature and art come together freezing that perfect moment. Sky 

running full. Lens: John Bilderback 

Margaret River Dream Session 

Margaret River is a kite/surfer’s dream. With 

so many world class waves and variety of setups 

all within a short drive from one another, 

you can pretty much take your pick of whatever 

fits your mood. Add to that a beautiful countryside 

with a vast expanse of wineries and vineyards, 

bountiful sea life and a layed back hippie 

lifestyle, and you’ve found paradise. We were 

up at dawn every morning to take advantage 

of the light, offshore breezes and clean, hollow 

surf. Like clockwork, the wind would kick in 

just after our mid-morning nap. We kited gnarly 

dumping beach breaks, chunky reef breaks and 

messed around on strapless boards for hours in 

mushy onshore surf. John, a regular footer like 

the rest of us, had almost never ridden backside 

on a kite. He quickly adapted a mutated form of 

a backside turn where he would get completely 

vertical and upside down under the breaking lip 

and somehow emerge from the madness still 

on his feet and right into the next bottom turn. 

Jaime became one with his little 5’8” strapless 

fish and was pulling the sickest front-side airs in 

the onshore mush, all the while JB and Alexis 

captured it all on stills and video. Simply put, it 

was a dream trip. 

Adding to this we had an amazing house 

five minutes from the beach, more than enough 

kites and surfboards and stellar conditions. 

John Amundson floats the boat during another Indian Ocean evening session. 

Lens: John Bilderback 

Margaret River in itself is worthy of this entire 

travel story. But somewhere out there a swell 

was headed to a remote spot in the Northern 

Territory called Gnarloo and little did we know 

what awaited us. . . 

Trek to Gnarloo 

JB and Alexis came over frothing at the mouth 

that morning. Frantic. With our photo shoot all 

wrapped up, I was packed and ready to head 

off to the airport but apparently JB had other 

plans. He had just spoken to an old friend who 

gave him the latest forecast for a spot called 

Gnarloo. You can’t always just sit around and 

wait for surf. Sometimes you have to place all 

your hopes (and budget) on a forecast and go 

find it. Another $400 ticket change later and 

a quick stop at the camping store to stock up 

on fly hats, tents, sleeping bags and cooking 

gear, and we set out on our 18-hour trek into no 

man’s land. 

The drive took forever. Two full days of 

straight, hot roads. Out here, if you miss a gas 

station, chances are you will not make it to the 

next one. We traded off the monotonous task of 

holding the wheel straight for hours on end. We 

finally made our last stop in civilization to stock 

up on all the food and water we needed for the 

5 day trip before hitting the last two hour stretch 

of dirt roads. 

JB first came here 15 years ago to help 

with the filming of Jack McCoy’s Psychedelic 

Desert Groove surfing contest video and has 

been back almost every year since. It is one of 

the longest waves in the world and is known for 

offering up life-altering rides. 

We pulled up in our dusty, overheated car 

and camper van in the fading evening light just 

in time to set up camp. We watched a few head 

high sets roll through from our new beachfront 

campsite. It looked really long and clean! With 

the swell on the rise, we anticipated what treasures 

the morning light would bring. . . 

The morning brought even smaller surf. With 

little else to do in this desert wasteland, we 

explored the beaches had and a fun surf session 

on a small break near shore. The second 

day I will never forget. We awoke to glassy, 

peeling four to six-foot surf. Although the waves 

were just a couple feet overhead, they were by 

far the longest any of us had ever seen. It was 

unreal. We stood in awe of the sheer length of 

these waves peeling across the reef in perfect 

uninterrupted form. That morning we surfed the 

longest wave of our lives with only the three 

of us in the water. Then, when the wind came 

up, kited the longest wave of our lives all by 

ourselves! 

Most of the water shots were taken about 

three quarters through the main part of the 

wave. 15, 20 turns. . .it’s hard to say; all I know 

29

Sky gets a taste of Gnarloo’s legendary, freight train left. 

Lens: John Bilderback 

is that by the time I reached the inside section, 

my legs were burning, and I was ready for the 

wave to be over. Most long waves tend to change 

shape as they move across the reef. Not this 

one. From start to finish, every section of this 

wave was identical; turn after turn, refining each 

snap as you made your way down the line. 

Jaime was throwing these sick 3’s off the lip 

and landing straight back down the wave. John’s 

lifetime of surfing shone through in fluid carves 

and vertical snaps. 

The third and fourth day were equally as 

rewarding as the second. We spent the mornings 

surfing and hiding from the flies in the camper. 

When the wind began filling the lineup we’d pad- 

By the time I reached the inside section, 

my legs were burning . . . 

-Sky Solbach 

dle in, have lunch and pump up our 9’s for the 

afternoon session. Under normal circumstances 

we probably would all have been freaking out 

with our living conditions at this point. With no 

showers, no running water, and almost nowhere 

to escape the dust and wind aside from our tents 

and camper, it was anything but comfortable. 

The waves were just so good that suddenly none 

of those things mattered anymore and we just 

resigned to being salty and dirty. 

Showers and Plane Rides Home 

On the dawn of the fifth morning the swell was 

still pumping and on the rise. Faced with a 15- 

hour drive to Perth we were forced to pack up and 

leave to catch our departing flights. We watched 

the lines of swell slowly fade away in the rearview 

mirror as we left in the early morning light. We 

blazed straight through to Perth where we were 

rewarded with what seemed like the best hot 

showers of our lives at an airport hotel. I hopped 

a 30-hour plane ride back to Portland, Oregon 

that night and was sick and in bed for almost a 

week from exhaustion. I didn’t care. I just know 

that those waves will keep me more than stoked 

for at least another year until I can go back and 

do it all over again. . . 

Gnarloo’s rocky terrain, shallow reef and strong current is 

no place for intermediates. Lens: John Bildeback 

The sun shines through the back of the wave, lighting the 

way for John to get slotted. Lens: John Bilderback 

30 31

VITALS 

Age: 19 

Height: 6’1” 

Weight: 170 

Stance: goofy 

Years kiting: 4.5 

Favorite Spots: Corpus Christi, Cape Hatteras, Dominican 

Republic, Pensacola 

Favorite Conditions: Overhead waves and flat water, 20 

knots, side-off, warm water 

Favorite Moves: Progression and style is my mantra 

Sponsors: Slingshot, South Coast Kiteboarding, Dakine, 

X-Rated Kiteboarding 

Bookmarks: lostcherry.com, asnews.net, myspace.com/ 

herbn, kiteforum.com, ampland.com, youtube.com 

Gear set-up 

Boards: 134 Misfit and 5’11 SRT 

Bindings: Bindings are the only way to ride unless you’re 

on a surfboard -- then it’s strapless! 

Kites: 7-15m Fuels 

Bars: 17” chicken loop pulley bar 

Lines: 23m 

Harness: Dakine Tabu 

Living in the South Coast Kiteboarding 

compound, Zach now has the Packery 

Channel rails just 100 yards from 

where he sleeps. 

Zach Kleppe was one of the first generation of 

kiteboarding groms in the United States. I met him 

in 2001 when his dad bought my old Wipika 5m, 

2-line kite and LF Picklefork 141 over the internet. 

Tim and Sue Kleppe told me they wanted their 

son to become a professional kiteboarder and 

travel the world. The joke has always been that 

Sue Kleppe is our sport’s very first soccer mom. 

Now 19, Zach has matured into one of the top 

riders in Florida and recently relocated to Corpus 

Christi to coach for South Coast Kiteboarding and 

train fulltime in the year-round windy conditions. 

The rumor is the Kleppe’s still have the original 

gear I sold them, which was passed down to his 

younger brother Ben, and younger sister Kelsie. 

Ben is now 17 and recently traveled to Corpus 

Christi to compete against Zach at the Nissan 

Velocity Games. Chelsea is 14 and it’s only a 

matter of time before she is better then both of her 

older brothers. 

When and where did you start kiteboarding? 

In 2001, I took my first lesson on Pensacola 

Beach, Florida. Ever since that day I have tried to 

ride every day possible. 

32 

What riders influence you most? 

Lou Wainman and Andre Phillip. 

What do you do off the water to help you on 

the water? 

I try to eat somewhat healthy, exercise and keep 

up with kiteforum.com. 

If you could give props to someone you really 

respect in the kiteboarding world, who would 

it be? 

I would have to give props to the people in 

kiteboarding that have to take crap from others to 

make kiteboarding what it is today and what it will 

be in the future! 

What is something about you that you do outside 

of kiteboarding that most people wouldn’t 

know? 

I like to get online sometimes and learn a little 

about internet coding, run, wakeboard, read/study 

and eat donuts. 

Rumor has it you were just featured in a music 

video. 

Yeah I was in Herb’N Pipeline’s new music video. 

Don’t ride the way 

someone else wants 

you to ride. 

Remember that equipment 

is equipment. Some kites 

work better than others, but 

don’t blame your failures on 

your gear. 

Zach graduated high school this year and is now focused on 

training every day to become one of the top riders in our sport. 

Push yourself a 

LITTLE bit more every 

time you go out 

and ride. New tricks 

take TIME! 

Story and 

Photographs by 

Ryan Riccitelli 

I’m supposed to be breaking a girl’s heart or 

something. At the end, I bail on the chick and kite 

off into the sunset. 

What is your perspective on bow kites, and 

what do you personally like to ride? 

Bow Kites are great for beginners and teaching, 

but I would highly recommend getting a C-kite after 

about one year of riding. I personally don’t like 

the way they feel or fly when I’m riding unhooked 

or doing any type of powered jumps. C-kites fly 

a lot better for unhooked or any type of powered 

moves. 

What is the best tip you can give any progressing 

kiteboarder to help raise their level? 

Try riding for 30 minutes, take a GOOD break, 

then go out for another 30. This pushes you to 

throw more tricks and ride around less, but at the 

same time you have a break so you can rethink 

what you need to work on. 

Where can people learn more about you? 

Check out, www.lostcherry.com/kleppe, www. 

myspace.com/zachk2 or just google “Zach 

Kleppe.”

34 

I first met Laura when I helped teach at a 

Slingshot Girls Kite Clinic last summer in the 

Gorge. We spent long hours at the Hook that 

weekend helping a group of women get their 

first taste of kiteboarding. Back in the day, 

Laura traveled around the US competing in 

contests and inspiring more women to get 

on the water and snow. Laura was never a 

world champion, but I do remember random 

photos of her popping up in many of the early 

kiteboard magazines. Today, Laura is just as 

passionate about kiteboarding as when she 

started. Her philosophy on teaching women 

is that many just relate better to learning from 

other women. She has since supported two 

more women’s clinics and has become a 

leading advocate in the Northwest to encourage 

more women to get into the sport. 

When, where and why did you start kiteboarding? 

In 2000 I was in Mexico windsurfing with 

some early kiters from Hood River and they 

told me to throw the ‘barge’ away. After body 

dragging and a few rides, I went back to Minnesota 

and spent the winter snowkiting on 

frozen lakes. 

What other sports helped influence your 

Age: Take a guess! 

Height: 5’7” 

Weight: Before or after the cheeseburger value 

meal? 

Years kiting: 6 

Favorite Spots: Rufus; The Ranch; Jetty to 

Filthy5; ‘The Money Pit’; Newport Jetty; Fort 

Stevens Jetty to Shipwreck; Kite Island; Minnetonka, 

Minnesota 

Favorite Conditions: Steady 11meter wind 

and waves 

Favorite Moves: Ruben Lenten’s double 

handlepass, double kite loop 

Sponsors: Slingshot, DaKine, Girls4Sport, Jim 

Shepherd 

Competition Placements: Sometimes 1st, 

sometimes not 

Gear set-up: 

Boards: Misfit 127, XS 137, Fuse, SRT 5’5” 

Bindings: Straps 

Kites: Fuels and Links 

Bars: 07 Slingshot bar rips, 23m lines 

Harness: Dakine Siren 

Overlooking her spot in the Gorge, Laura’s got the perfect view for 

when it starts firing. Lens: Greg “Tekko” Gnecco 

kiteboarding and what is your training 

regiment? 

Wakeboarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, 

and I was a gymnast as a kid. To train, I try 

and ride as much as possible, especially in 

waves, and always try to keep working on 

new tricks. 

What riders influence you most? 

In the early years, it was Lou and Shannon. 

Right now, Ruben Lenten for sure along with 

Bertrand and Tuva, Ben Wilson, John and 

Mark Doyle, Alex Peterson, and many local 

riders from the Gorge. I respect the Scheibel’s 

and Dana Pinto for their wave riding 

styles too and Kristen Boese as an inspiration 

for women. 

What do you do off the water to help you 

on the water? 

I try and stretch a lot, get regular massages 

and rest between training. 

What is the latest trick you are working on 

and how is it going? 

I want to start working on handlepasses. Getting 

up the guts here in the Gorge is asking 

a lot as the wind is really strong. So, I may 

travel and work on them elsewhere and return 

Laura gets some serious elevation 

near the John Day Dam. 

Lens: Greg “Tekko’ Gnecco 

Story by Marina Chang. 

Photographs by Greg ‘Tekko’ Gnecco 

TIPS 

1. Staying on as current gear as 

you can will help your riding 

progress.New technology does 

make a difference.. 

2. Riding with people who are 

better than you will make you a 

better kiter and motivate you to 

try new things. 

in the Spring with a new trick! 

What is something about you that you do 

outside of kiteboarding that most people 

wouldn’t know? 

I cut hair, love sushi, and do all sorts of other 

girly things. 

Do you prefer the new Flat kites over the 

C-kites? 

I think both kites have advantages for different 

riding conditions and styles. The flat kites are 

super easy to use and have great range. I still 

love the feel and power of the Fuel’s though!

8 

5 

1.Videographer Buster Tronlone getting his skate 

on. Photo Papa Tronolone. 

2.Will James and Felix Pivec taking a moment 

between wave sessions. Photo Jeff Pfeffer 

3.Pro Snowboarder/Skateboarder Shaun White 

reading The Kiteboarder at the Dew Action Tour. 

Photo Papa Tronolone 

4.Bucky Ashcraft shows off his latest strapless 

riding. Photo G. Scott 

2 

3 

7 

6 

4 

1 

5.Good winds to the ‘odd couple’ chasing their 

dreams and kiting the world. Photo Jon Malmberg 

6.Belmont Shores, Long Beach, CA on a typical 

Summer day. Photo Paul Lang 

7. King of the Great Lakes podium crew. Photo 

Shanna DeVries Merrill 

8.“Fisheye Sky” a.k.a Sky Solbach. Photo Bucky 

Ashcraft 

9 

10 

9. Jim Gardner enjoys a soul session in the South 

Padre, Texas flats. Photo David Alden 

10. Jesse and Shawn Richman caught stealing 

their dad’s car. Photo Kim Kern 

11. Nick Bowers shows off his new Slingshot 

thong. Photo Shanna DeVries Merrill 

12.The future! Photo Paul Lang 

13.Bridge of the Gods judges hard at work. Photo 

Jon Malmberg 

11 

20 

14. Dylan Thompson showing off his new bling 

bling. Photo Jon Malmberg. 

15. Assistant Editor Paul Lang gives a kiteboarding 

presentation to a bunch of first graders. Photo 

Paul Lang 

16. Ryan Riccittelli battles Baby J at the South 

Coast compound. Photo Nikki Ivanosky 

17. Kite Cable Club, Montreal. Photo Bodo Müller 

12 

16 

18. A typical day on the Best Kiteboarding Bus 

demo tour. Photo Bucky Ashcraft 

19. Jeff Brown curls up in his kite between sessions. 

Photo James Brown 

20. No wind days in the Dominican are the perfect 

opportunity to test out authentic Pina Coladas. 

Photo Josh Marinos –eXtremeHotels.com 

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18 

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Send your best candid or pay back shots of the 

kiting lifestyle to editor@thekiteboarder.com.

By Adam Von Ins, Elea Faucheron and The Kiteboarder Staff 

Lens: Luna Duell, Elea Faucheron, and Adam Von Ins, Bob Coan, Clark Merritt 

A Yucatan session below the Mayan Wind Gods Temple 

in Tulum. Lens: Bob Coan 

The Division 

Other than tacos, there’s not much similarity 

between the Baja peninsula - a mountainous 

desert land jutting south from California, and the 

Yucatan peninsula -- a tropical tourist attraction 

at the southern entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Winds, waters, cultures, and environments are 

as distant as the 2000 miles separating Mexico’s 

east and west coasts. 

Parted Winds 

Baja Peninsula– The Baja Peninsula offers a 

diverse range of conditions, from waves to flat water 

to swell with chop. As a rule, the winds on the 

west coast tend to be best in the summer, while 

“El Norte” winds that influence the east side are 

strong and predictable November through April. 

Often, 20-35 knots plus breeze can start as 

early as 8 a.m. and blow well past sunset. Western 

Baja coastal winds tend to be slightly less, in 

the 15-25 knot plus range, but that doesn’t mean 

you won’t find days where you’ll be blown off the 

water on your 7m. Water temps fluctuate and can 

have you in a shorty on hot days, while cooler 

days may find you reaching for your full wetsuit. 

On the west coast, wave riding rules. To the 

east in La Ventana and La Paz, barrier islands 

keep the swell low and chop very mild, except on 

those nuking days when the swell can get head 

high or more. Los Barilles to the south can serve 

up an average of three-foot ramps with occasional 

six-footers to blast off of. 

Yucatan Sea Breeze - Around the Yucatan 

Caribbean, it’s also kiteable from November 

through April. While sea breezes tend to pick 

up in the afternoon, you can often be treated to 

comparable morning winds as well. Averaging 

15-25kts, the clear turquoise oceans require no 

thermal protection. 

Boat access lagoons hold super flat water and 

curious wildlife. Sea tortoises, large rays and eels 

can often be sighted below your fins. Several 

sunken boats make excellent sliders. Watch your 

feet -- the bottom of the lagoons can have some 

hard sharp stuff down there. 

Launching 

Baja Boosting –Anything north of Abreojos 

on the west coast generally offers more reliable 

wind and wave conditions than anything you’ll find 

further south. However, a more developed infrastructure 

and predictable conditions keeps many 

localized east in the Ventana area. 

Only 15 minutes north of “downtown” La 

Ventana, you can find the super wide and sandy 

launch at the Hot Springs. Many kiters start 

here, enjoying boosting sessions with 5-10 mile 

downwinders. Outside Hot Springs, there are 

rocks almost everywhere so it’s a good idea to 

scout out and know the launch/land areas. Low 

tide also raises a few small razor-gnarly reefs 

close to the surface. They hurt too so booties are 

recommended. 

Yucatan Variety - Around eastern Mexico, 

waves are easily accessible. 20 minutes by car 

is all that separates lagoon sessions from clean, 

chest to head high faces when there’s swell. 

Around car access launch areas, kiting can get 

Brian Caserio signs his name on a classic 

San Carlos section in Baja. Lens: Clark Merritt/Solosports.net 

crowded. Some areas have posted rules. Even 

though all beaches are Mexican Federal property, 

staying out of these “private” areas avoids problems. 

Starting from Cozumel’s northeast point, you 

can enjoy a 13-mile downy on warm, delicious flat 

water with reef breaks about 200 yards out. If you 

attempt crossing the Cozumel Channel to Playa 

del Carmen, be aware of really strong currents 

about 150 yards out from Cozumel’s west coast. 

They can be great friends…or really big foes. You 

can see them, so staying out of the deep blue 

water will keep you safe. 

After Dark 

Baja Chill - The desert offers super chill 

moods with little to spend your money on, 

although getting to and around the peninsula 

can be costly. With the Baja sunset, many crash 

soon after dusk after a long day of riding or gather 

with old and new friends for dinner, drinks and 

conversation. 

A kiter catches a siesta between sessions. 

Lens: Captain Kirks 

Yucatan Party - In contrast, Yucatan darkness 

brings life. This “cruise ship central” has downtown 

streets lined with tequila-bearing, whistleblowing 

shot police and Carnival music booming 

into the early morning hours or all night. 

Adam Von Ins is the owner of Air Company in 

Charleston, South Carolina. He is developing a Baja 

and Yucatan riding guide, available at www.catchsomeair.us. 

Ventana Ban provides perfect bump and jum 

for conditions for boosting big air. 

Lens: Captian Kirks 

TIPS 

- Cash rules in Baja. Use 

a credit card and you’ll be 

charged an extra 7%. ATMs 

run out quickly, but you can 

withdraw twice the machines 

limit. In the Yucatan, keep 

cash light. Bring the plastic 

as it’s easier to keep your 

money saved and safe. 

- Watch you kite pump. 

They are rare, valuable 

items. 

- Return beer bottles to 

the market for a discount on 

your next case. No beer is 

sold after 2 pm on Sunday 

so stock up. 

- If you need spare parts, 

you can swap or buy from 

other Baja kiters. Around 

the Yucatan, there are small 

shops to help you out 

- Yucatan locals are hagglers. 

If you let them, they 

will screw you, even at the 

gas station. 

- Watch for Baja’s roaming 

livestock. Cows, goats and 

burrows will eat your kites 

38 39

What is the official site name? 

Oak Island, North Carolina. 

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

Tourist season is from June through September 

with windy days throughout the year. 

What is the best internet site to check the 

wind? ikitesurf.com, Sunset Beach Pier. 

How do I get there? 

Closest city to fly into is Wilmington which is approximately 

a 45 minute drive. 

What is the usual wind direction? 

Predominantly south to southwest wind. 

By David Roch Photographs by Jesse Knish 

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Oak Island is 12.6 

miles long and averages about 1 mile across. It consists 

of the towns of Oak Island and Caswell Beach 

and has 52 public beaches. Oak Island is about 7 miles 

from Southport, 30 miles from Wilmington and approximately 

60 miles from Myrtle Beach. The area averages 

240 days of sunshine a year. Until 1939, Oak Island 

was still undeveloped, and was frequented mostly by 

fox hunters. 

Jeoffrey Nathan and David Roch take advantage of the 

consistent wind and uncrowded water at West Point. 

What are the best conditions to get lucky? 

This depends on your definition of lucky. Couple 

of margaritas usually does it. When it comes to 

wind, with a south to southwest wind you can play 

in the open ocean with chop to 3-4 foot waves 

or go to the West Point and have chop to flat 

water. If you have a day of east or west wind, a 

nice downwinder up to 10 miles along the beach 

is great. These directions usually bring some 

nice big swells and breaking waves closer to the 

beach. 

What conditions should I avoid? 

Depending on your experience level, onshore 

or offshore winds should be avoided. With these 

wind directions the West Point is the best location. 

What gear should I be sure to pack? 

I use my 12m and 15m Flexifoil Ions on most 

days. Of course, there are days outside this 

norm, but these are my staple sizes. My 132x40 

Aggression board is my favorite for all around 

conditions. For all those land/buggy enthusiasts, 

take advantage of the huge, wide open beach of 

the West Point. With the fewest obstacles and 

people, it is the perfect place to play with all your 

land-based toys. 

What is the water temp like? 

A 3mm shorty or full length may be preferred for 

those winter session as the water cools down to 

mid 70s. A sun shirt and shorts is all you need for 

the summer. At the waters edge there are a few 

shells but nothing to really concern yourself. A 

cautious person may prefer to wear booties. 

What is the launch/landing? 

The West Point has the best landing and launching 

area due to the large sandy beach and very 

few obstacles year round. During the summer 

months the South Beach can be populated and 

caution and common sense is needed to avoid 

the people. 

Who are the local shops and schools? 

Cape Fear Kiteboarding is the only kiteboarding 

shop and school on Oak Island. 

Where should I stay? 

The majority of accommodations offered on Oak 

Island are beach houses ranging anywhere from 

$600 to $3000 a week. There are a couple of hotel/motel 

options. Captain’s Cove goes for about 

$75-$100/night. Comfort Suites for $120/night. 

Where are some of the best places to eat? 

Lattitudes Bar & Grill, Jones Seafood, Lucky 

Fisherman, Sand Fiddlers Seafoon, Fishy Fishy, 

Chasers. 

What is the nightlife like? 

Restaurants and pubs tend to close around 10 

pm. Night clubs such as Chasers and Island Music 

are open later if there are people around. 

What else is there to do if I get skunked? 

Fantastic beaches, wakeboarding, kayaking, nature 

trails, jet ski rentals, cycling, sky diving, deep 

sea fishing, bar crawls. 

Is there anything else I need to know about 

riding this spot? Currents due to tidal movement 

can be extremely strong at the West Point. Caution 

should be taken during these times. 

Are there any safety issues or rules I need to 

know about? 

Other than the current, no worries. 

Are there any interesting bits of trivia about 

this spot? 

Oak Island has the highest number of rednecks 

per square mile in all of North Carolina. Just kidding! 

A barge dredges the channel to keep the waterways 

free and clear for all to enjoy. 

David Roch has plenty of space to play and work on 

new moves. 

Flexifoil rep and local Jeoffrey Nathan enjoys a summer 

session on the island. 

The sleepy little island offers a multitude of activities for 

nature lovers. 

41

By The Kiteboarder Staff 

We were sitting at the new The Kiteboarder Compound in Corpus Christi 

the other day passing the time on yet another windless summer day. As we 

thumbed through the channels, we stumbled on MTV’s Pimp My Ride marathon. 

Our minds are always on kiteboarding, so we decided we needed to do 

a story on how to pimp your kite gear. Many on The Kiteboarder staff have 

spent countless hours teaching kiteboarding and traveling the world. Our experience 

has shown us that many of you really need to tune up your gear. It 

doesn’t matter if your equipment is brand new or five years old. Your kite gear 

is personal, so you should spend a little time and dial it in so it works perfect 

for you. Stock gear works fine, but you can make it work great if you spend a 

little time pimping it out. Everyone knows that pimpin’ ain’t easy, so the crew 

here at The Kiteboarder compiled a list of tips to help you dial in your gear. 

Pimping out your gear is the perfect therapy for no wind days. Just remember 

to keep your pimp hand strong. 

Ben and Zach Kleppe make the best of a no wind day in Corpus Christi 

and tune up some gear in The Kiteboarder Magazine workshop. 

Lens:Ryan Riccitelli 

42 43

Pimp Yo Kite 

Connection Points: Most kites give you the option to tune the feel 

of the kite by changing the front or back line connection points. If 

you want the kite to respond slower, move your rear lines forward. 

This is especially helpful for wakestyle riders. If you look closely, 

you’ll see that most kites 

have at least two different 

connection points for your 

front lines. Your kite will produce 

more power if you move 

your front lines back. Of 

course, this comes at a cost 

as the kite will be a little more 

sluggish since, for you aerodynamic 

junkies, it is running 

at a higher angle of attack, 

and generally it will be a little more difficult to go upwind. With 

some of the new hybrid kites, this change may be the difference 

between your kite being more bow styled (when you are on the 

forward connection) to acting a little more like a traditional C-kite 

(on the back setting). In this case, you won’t notice the negative 

effects mentioned of the aft setting. 

Kook Proof Connectors: 

Every kite should have kook 

proof connectors, not because 

you don’t know how to rig your 

lines, but because it’s easy to 

make mistakes when you are 

rigging your kite as fast as you 

can. They are easy to make 

out of little pieces of spectra. 

Most common is to put knots 

at the end of your front lines 

and loops at the end of your 

back lines. 

44 

Fix the Holes: Check your kite 

for little nicks, scrapes, and 

holes. You can fix anything under 

two inches long yourself. Leave 

anything over two inches for the 

professionals at the sail loft. Go 

buy some sail repair tape and 

always keep it with you. A tiny 

cut can become a huge tear if 

left alone. Place the tape on both 

sides of the kite, and round the 

corners of the tape to keep them from peeling off. If you don’t like 

white repair tape all over your kite, go buy a set of colored markers 

and color the tape to match your kite. 

Keep it Clean: Never put your 

sandy kite back in the bag. This is 

like throwing sheets of sandpaper 

in with it. Take it home, inflate it 

on the grass, and hose it down. 

Don’t put it in the bag until it 

is completely dry. A wet kite in 

the bag will produce mildew 

and mold. If you don’t want the 

colors to fade, spray 303 onto 

a sponge and evenly apply it to 

your canopy as needed. Don’t 

overdo it! 

Lube: If your kite has pulleys, go 

buy a can of McLube Sailkote. 

Keep your pulleys clean and 

spray them and the line that runs 

through them often. This will keep 

them working well and extend the 

life of your bridles. 

Pimp Yo Bar 

Make Sure Your Lines are Even! 

People often forget that your lines 

shrink and stretch as they age. You 

can’t drive a race car if it pulls to the 

right, and you sure as hell can’t learn 

tricks to blind when your kite is all 

over the place. Kites are designed 

to fly with all lines the same length 

coming off the bar (that’s why those 

pigtails on your kite aren’t the same length on the leading and trailing edge). 

This is especially important when you have a 5th line bar, after a particularly 

windy session or when your gear is a year old. Make sure all lines are the 

same length, and then adjust the nose line on the kite so there is little to no 

tension. Tie your leash to a tree or other solid object and then hook the end 

of your lines to your leash clip. Grab the bar and pull lightly to make sure all 

or your lines are exactly the same length. Hooked up to the tree, it is easy 

to see if one line is coming slack sooner than the others. After you are done, 

hook up your kite and fly it at neutral. If properly balanced, your kite will sit 

steadily above your head without pulling either left or right. 

Stopper Ball: Add a stopper ball to 

your chicken loop above and maybe 

even below the bar. Putting a ball 

above the bar prevents it from getting 

away from you short armed riders. 

For those rippers killing it unhooked, it 

keeps the kite flying more like a fixed 

four line kite. If you get an adjustable 

ball or bar set-up, then it is easy to ad- 

just the amount of chicken loop in your setup so you can go from the waves 

(with lots of chicken loop play) to wake style on the flats. You long armed 

apes may like a stopper ball below the bar (or a bigger harness loop). A ball 

below the bar will prevent the kite from oversheeting, even if you unhook. 

Simplify: Keep your bar simple and clean. If you still 

have a fixed loop on your bar, take it off (unless you ride 

a fixed bar). If you still use a shackle, get rid of it. The 

use of the donkey stick makes shackles not necessary, 

plus shackles are goofy looking and can be dangerous. 

Shackles belong on sailboats, not kites. 

Can you reach? If you are short, you probably have 

to bend at the waist when you depower your kite. This 

is not good form. Change out your harness loop for a 

smaller one so you can keep your back straight, even 

when you depower. If you are really tall, you might 

want to get a longer harness loop, so you don’t look 

like T-Rex when you hold the bar in at full power. If you 

are short like Riccitelli, you can add extensions to your 

depower strap so you can reach it. 

Make ‘Em Last: If you make spectra pigtails for your 

lines, they will last twice as long. This will protect the 

sleeves from wearing through, and you probably need 

to buy spectra anyway to make kook proof connectors. 

Borrow a candle from your girlfriend and rub it on your 

chicken loop. The wax will protect the line from chafe. 

Don’t use surf wax. It will actually collect sand and 

make the line wear faster. 

Bucky Ashcraft shows us how 

to pimp yo ride with Texas pride. 

Lens: Ryan Riccitelli 

Tag It: Some people paint their kites to customize them. For 

example, Bucky Ashcraft painted a Texas Flag on his kite with 

acrylic spray paint. We do not know the long term affects, so 

please use at your own risk. As a minimum, you should definitely 

tag your name and contact information on your kite. A permanent 

marker works really well. 

45

Pimp Yo Bar 

Grip It: If you are using an older bar (just 

tell everyone it is classic), your grip tape 

is probably worn. Go buy some hockey 

tape and wrap your bar with it so you can 

still hang on to the thing. 

Keep it Clean: Take your bar out of the 

trunk every once in awhile and wash it! 

This will not only make it last longer, but 

it will get rid of that funky smell. Do the 

same for your kite, harness, and board. 

Sandy, salty gear smells funny, and 

doesn’t last as long. Old pirates should 

be salty, not your gear. Whenever you 

wash any of your gear with fresh water, 

do not put the gear away until it is completely 

dry, unless you like mildew spots. 

PIMP YO BOARD 

Keep It On Your Feet: Buy a bicycle tube 

and make heel bungies. Cut to length, 

wrap the ends in duct tape, and poke 

holes. No more throwing the board off your 

feet in the middle of your backrolls. 

Fix Your Stance: If you don’t know what 

your stance is, it probably isn’t right. Most 

people set their stance too narrow. Get a 

tape measure! Try going wider – 18 to 20 

inches is considered wide (measured from 

insert to insert). A stance a little wider than 

your shoulders is a good rule of thumb. 

Experiment with different stances until you 

find something that feels right. Don’t forget 

to duck your feet so your toes are angled 

towards the ends of the board. This allows 

your knees to bend more naturally and 

helps avoid knee breaking landings. 

Don’t Get Squirted in the Eye: If you 

have extra holes in your board (like 

unused fin holes) use a candle to melt 

wax into the holes. If you don’t, water will 

shoot through the holes and squirt you in 

the eye. 

Paint Your Board: Customizing never 

hurts. Paint pens, spray paint and permanent 

markers work great. Make sure to 

add your name and phone number to your 

board. 

Get a Tap: No, not for beer. Go to the hardware 

store and get a tap (for cutting threads). Most 

boards use ¼” x 20 threads. You can use the tap to 

clean all the sand and junk from your inserts. 

Get Rid of the Wax Mess: Wax keeps your feet on 

your surfboard, but it melts, gets all over your car, 

and you have to constantly apply more. Go to a surf 

shop and buy traction pads or XM fly paper. They 

keep your feet on the board with no mess, and help 

prevent heel dents by padding your feet. 

Try Different Fins: Try shorter fins and longer fins. 

You won’t know what you like until you try it. You 

don’t have to buy fins to try them. Just borrow them 

from your buddy’s board to see if they work for you. 

Shorter fins will give your board a looser “skatey” 

feel, while longer fins will make your board track in a 

straighter line. If your new fins don’t fit the bottom of 

your board, put a piece of sandpaper on the bottom 

between the board and fin and sand the fin to fit. 

Sand It: Get some sandpaper and sand 

all the little nicks in your rails and fins. 

This will keep them from getting bigger 

and keep your fingers from getting cut 

when you reach for a grab. 

If you have any questions about pimping 

your gear, we will be more than 

happy to walk you through it. Just 

email ryan@thekiteboarder.com or 

paul@thekiteboarder.com. Remember 

to keep your pimp hand strong! 

In September we moved into our new 

office, The Kiteboarder Magazine Compound, 

located on Packery Channel, in 

Corpus Christi, Texas. Our new crib has six 

bedrooms, two separate garages, a fully 

dedicated kite workshop and is right on the 

sickest launch in town. 

Lens: Ryan Riccitelli 

46 47

48 

Turkey is a land of colors 

- colorful landscapes, colorful 

people and colorful pillows. 

Julie takes a moment to enjoy 

her surroundings. 

By Julie Simsar 

Photographs by Carlos Delicado 

T 

Turkey is a country built upon ancient cultures, 

mythology, 20 different civilizations, and over 

5000 miles of coastline. My sister Charlotte and 

I are half Turkish and have traveled there every 

summer since we were kids. During the first week 

of July, Antoine Auriol and Miguel Willis joined us 

to kite the Aegean Coast in the southwest of Turkey. 

Liquid Force, KiteLoose, and Ozone Travel 

supported us in our quest to discover the local 

kite beaches and culture. Carlos Delicado took 

the time and patience to capture the great images 

and memories you see laid out before you. 

After meeting in Istanbul for a KPWT competition, 

we all traveled south to start our trip. Antoine 

is 22-years-old and hails from France, but he 

hasn’t been home for awhile. He mainly lives on 

the road and in Tarifa. Miguel was born in Australia 

29 years ago and grew up in Oman, where 

he is now an artist. Charlotte and I are both half 

French and half Turkish, 23 and 24-years-old re- 

spectively. Charlotte lives in New Zealand where 

she teaches kitesurfing. I live in Puerto Rico and 

compete or travel most of the year. 

The most emblematic person in Turkey is 

Ataturk. He was the founder and first President 

of the Turkish Republic. He lived from 1881 to 

1938 and made the necessary reforms to develop 

Turkey into a contemporary civilization. He 

symbolizes the new Turkey. You are reminded 

of his influence by the statues and paintings that 

ornate the walls and squares around the country. 

Turkey is one of the friendliest and most welcoming 

countries that I have ever been to. The people 

are always very dedicated to help and please you, 

no matter if it is about kiteboarding, hotels, food, 

or transport. We were lucky to experience their 

hospitable tradition throughout the week. 

Our first destination was Cesme, which lies 

one hour west of Izmir, the third largest city in 

Turkey. Cesme is a small but typical Turkish 

town. You can find a wide range of hotels and 

restaurants to fit any budget. It has become 

the weekend and summer destination of many 

Turkish people. A 14th century Genoese fortress 

dominates the small port of Cesme, which happens 

to be kite-able, as long as you’re not afraid 

of the local Coast Guard. Here we met two local 

kiters who went out of their way to help us. Husnu 

Baylav, owner of Kitesurfbeach School in Pirlanta, 

the main Kite Beach in Cesme, helped us obtain 

a permit to kite in the port, and backed us up with 

boat support. Anything you need, ask Husnu and 

chances are pretty high that he’ll get it for you. 

The second local who helped us out was Semih. 

Semih is at the beach every day. I suspect he 

spends more time on the water than we do and is 

always ready to help. He invited us to his house 

for a traditional Turkish dinner: mezzes (local appetizers) 

and a fabulous barbecue made of “kofte” 

(meatballs) and lamb. 

“. . .Turkey is one of the most welcoming 

and friendliest countries I’ve ever been to.” 

- Julie Simsar 

49

Yes, Turkey has waves. Miguel drops into a nice 

little right hander. 

Julie’s powered kiteloops have put her in the 

top rankings of the KPWT tour. 

To kill time while waiting for the wind, practice 

haggling at the open air market. 

Two locals enjoying their daily ritual. 

The Simsar sisters take in the local 

flavor at a traditional Turkish cafe. 

large bay where the wind blows onshore, 

15-25 knots all summer. The water is flat in 

between the little waves and chop that break 

close to shore. There is also a little bar on the 

beach which serves lunch, snacks, and beers. 

The next bay to the west is the southwest 

point of Turkey. The Greek island of Chios 

sits just six miles away. We pulled up and 

discovered an unfinished castle. Kiting there, 

we felt we were in wonderland! The bay is surrounded 

by beautiful white cliffs bordered by 

black rocks. You’ll never kite in front of such a 

background anywhere else. 

On the other side of the Pirlanta Peninsula 

is Kum Beach, a gorgeous, white sand 

offshore beach. We pumped up our kites there 

as well, but were a little disappointed as the 

wind was very gusty making it barely kite-able. 

Even so, I highly recommend driving there and 

relaxing a bit on the beach. If you go there on 

weekends, the beach actually turns into a big 

DJ party. 

Miguel gets an overview of 

the Aegean Coast. 

Another popular place for kiteboarding 

in the Cesme area is Alacati. It first became 

famous with windsurfers, and a lot of international 

events are held there annually. The 

kitesurfing area is limited to the upwind and 

downwind parts of the bay. The day we went, 

the wind was gusty but we were told that the 

wind direction was bad on that particular day. It 

might be worthwhile to check it out. You can either 

get there by car (you drive around the bay 

for 15 minutes) or go by boat with one of the 

kite schools located near the windsurf schools. 

Finally, on our last day, we all still had in 

mind the port and the castle of Cesme. Husnu 

again arranged the permission for us to kite 

there for a few hours. After struggling a bit to 

launch our kites from the harbor, we tacked 

back and forth, jumping in front of tourists, 

cruise ships, and container ships. That fun only 

lasted for a couple of minutes. The Turkish 

Coast Guard stormed after us, screaming and 

ordering us to go back to the beach. We all 

looked at each other and, as no one had the 

intention of getting fined or shot, headed downwind 

full speed back to Pirlanta. The Coast 

Guard trailed us for a while and finally just 

went over to Husnu’s boat and arrested our 

photographer. As it turns out, we did have the 

permission to kite there, but because of a lack 

of communication, the Coast Guard was not 

aware of it. It was a memorable way to spend 

our last day on the water. 

As we were all leaving the next day for the 

Greek island of Paros for a competition, we sat 

down with an Efes (excellent local beer) and 

enjoyed the rest of our last day. The goal of the 

trip was not to kite the best known local spots, 

but to explore and discover new locations. We 

accomplished this, but our week in Turkey had 

gone by too fast and all are already making 

plans to return next year! 

50 51

Julie slashes the top off a Turkish Crumb. 

52 

How to get to Cesme: 

Airport: Izmir, one hour away from Cesme. 

Taxi: Normal price is 100 euros but you can negotiate down to 60 euros 

Bus: You will have to take a taxi to the bus station, and from there the bus will take you 

to the Cesme bus station, which is 500 miles from downtown 

How to get to Pirlanta Beach: 

By car: Take a right getting out of Cesme along the port, keep driving, pass Ciflik village, 

pass Babaylon Hotel and take a right to get to Pirlanta Beach. Its 10 minutes from 

downtown. 

By bus: Hop on a Dolmus; it’s the local bus and the cheapest way of traveling. 

Where to stay: 

Budget: Sakiz Hotel, Tel: 0.232.712 18 48. About 20 euros for a single room and then 

just divide the price by the number of guests. 

Comfortable: Babaylon Hotel, Tel: 232 722 14 85. 10-minute walk from Kite Beach. Ask 

Ozone Travel for a discounted price. 

High end: Sheraton Hotel in Ilidga, about a 10 minute drive from Cesme, and 20 minutes 

from Kite Beach. You can also kite in Ilidga but not from June-August. 

Where and what to eat: 

This was shot in Cesme, shortly before being 

chased down by the Turkish Coast Guard. 

A trip on the ferry is a great way to explore the 

coastline. 

The military proudly displays its pride. 

Ayse Kirindi: In Cesme, along the main car road, behind Sakiz Hotel. Traditional setting 

and meals are good on the budget. Try the Menemen, Sigara Borek and Kofte. 

Dos Pide: In Ilidga, on the main street. Best Turkish pizza around. 

The crew gathers around the computer 

to check the weather forecast. 

Antoine grabs tail in Turkey. 

In Ciflik village (5 minutes before Pirlanta), look for the smallest 

restaurant towards the end of the village, next to a small supermarket: 

Best Kumru (local sandwich) and Kofte and don’t expect to pay 

more than $3 each. Perfect for kite lunch.

Game Time 

All of us have had those moments in our life when all eyes are on you 

and it’s time to show the world what you’re really about. Up and coming 

kiteboarder Josh Griffith gave it his all at the Bridge of the Gods contest in 

Stevenson, Oregon this summer. Unfortunately, his “taking it to the people” 

huge transition style kiteloop got him disqualified. 

Lens: Jon Malmberg 

54 55

56 

Not So Ordinary 

Mike Danish is not your typical serviceman. He works the nine to five 

as a Coast Guard pilot in Corpus Christi, Texas, and when the evening 

whistle blows, you can find him on the water pulling the same 

technical moves that win world -class competitions. Lens: G. Scott 

The Search 

All of us dream of trekking around the world to find that perfect spot 

where the wind and waves come together as one. With no cell phones 

or internet connections for miles, Chris Guitzeit tastes nirvana. 

Lens: Andreas von Biottnitz 

Solitude 

The cold, sharky conditions of Waddell Creek, California, are 

contrary to most people’s vision of a dream spot to ride. The 

locals would not want it any other way. With no crowds and 

nothing but the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains in the 

background, Jeff Kafka slips inside the green room and 

enjoys a moment of solitude during a sunset session. 

Lens: Kim Kern 

57

Soul Rebel 

If you have learned to kiteboard in the last few 

years, you might not even know who Lou 

Wainman is, and he likes it that way. After 

years of being acknowledged as the best rider 

in the world, he shunned the industry and disappeared 

from the scene. Lou is still riding and 

continues to break new ground, not for 

sponsors, but for himself. 

Lens Kim Kern 

Caribbean Oasis 

In most kiteboarding spots getting 

skunked leaves you little to do but pray 

for wind. Sometimes no wind days, 

lead to great ideas and eXtreme Hotels, 

Cabarete took it to another level by 

building a world-class half pipe in the 

middle of their hotel proving that activities 

at resorts don’t have to be limited to 

snorkeling and sunbathing. 

Lens: Josh Marinos 

Young Punk 

Now that he has been crowned World 

Champion for the third year in a row, it is 

easy to forget that Aaron Hadlow is only 

18- years-old. Aaron takes a moment to 

reflect on the last few years of his life, 

which have been dedicated to training, 

competing, and traveling the world while 

everyone else his age is stuck in high 

school. 

Lens Paul Lang 

58 59

60 

Imagine 

Imagine the guy who was on a Sunday drive through the 

French Alps and rounded a random turn to be greeted 

with this perspective of snowkiting. Now imagine being 

the guy snowkiting up to the top of this powdery peak 

and taking speed runs down or perhaps jumping off that 

hair-lipped cornice. 

Lens: Boulgakow 

Autopilot 

The consequences of timing 

a jump wrong while snowkiting 

are unlike kiteboarding 

on water. One wrong move 

on snow and you are going 

to take a beating. This day, 

Amaury Couvreur gaps the 

road effortlessly in front of 

his friends at Serre Chevalier 

Col du Lautaret, in France. 

Lens: Wareck Arnaude 

Ski Free 

A growing number of kiters have 

made the crossover to riding 

snow. This photo of P. Joubert 

charging down the French Alps 

should light a fire under anyone 

who is on the fence about trying 

snowkiting. Why pay for a lift 

ticket, when the wind is free! 

Lens: Bertrand Boone 

61

By The Kiteboarder Staff 

Every issue we get emails from loyal readers around the world that have raised their level by taking our 

sequences and instructional features seriously. One guy wrote in to tell us that he goes as far as cutting out 

the pages and laminating them, so he can take them to the beach and study the moves closely between 

sessions. This issue, we strategically chose four moves that are closely related to one another. If you are 

intimidated by going blind in the front roll and back roll sequences, take the blind part out and focus on 

landing simple front and back rolls. If unhooking intimidates you, stay hooked in and learn the basics until 

you are ready to take it to the H-N-L (Hole Nother Level). For all of you cocky, pro action kiteboarders out 

there, we added the Dre slider sequence to give you something to shoot for. The most important tip we can 

give you is to always remember the phrase “No Pain! No Gain!” 

FRONTSIDE 360 

If you can pull this move, your picture belongs in this magazine. You need to be solid 

on sliders and surface 360s before you even think about putting the two together. 

1-2. Unhook and ollie onto the slider with speed and confidence. If you need a description on how to 

do that, you are not ready for this move. 

3. Keep your knees bent and stay balanced. 

4. Let go with your forward hand and force the handle to the small of your back. Stay upright as you 

rotate. Do not lean away from the kite, unless you want to eat rail. 

5-7. In a smooth motion, pass the handle and continue rotating to finish the 360. 

8-9. Spot your landing and bend your knees as you come off the slider. 

10. Ride away with style and speed. 

63

18 

RALEY 

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The raley should be one of the first tricks you learn. You have to unhook to do a raley properly, and you do not have 

to send the kite. Any level of rider can learn the raley. 

1. Unhook with the kite 45 to 60 degrees above the water. Remember to keep your hands centered on the bar. 

2-3. Load against the kite by edging upwind. Stand tall and push off the tail of your board for pop. 

4-6 As you leave the water, throw your board up and away from the kite. Let your shoulders come down as your board travels upward. Your 

goal is to get the board above your head. 

7-9. Hold this position until after the peak of your jump. 

10-15. As you approach the water, you need to get your feet back under your body. Imagine trying to break your bar over your forward hip to 

quickly bring the board underneath you. 

16-18. Bend your knees to absorb the landing and ride away with speed. 

Tips: 

1. You must commit to this move. Try hooked in raleys to get comfortable with loading and popping off the water. 

2. Let go with your back hand and land with your board moving toward your kite. 

S-BEND 

13 

The S-Bend is an easy, stylish move. You should be able to do raleys and front rolls before you try the S-bend, as this 

move is a combination of the two. The S-bend begins exactly the same way as the raley. 

1-2. Unhook with the kite 45 to 60 degrees above the water. Remember to keep your hands centered on the bar. 

3-4. Load against the kite by edging upwind. Stand tall and push off the tail of your board for pop. 

5-6. As you leave the water, throw your board up and away from the kite. Let your shoulders come down as your board travels upward. Your 

goal is to get the board above your head. 

7-8. As your body becomes horizontal, start your rotation by tucking your head to your lead shoulder and throwing your lead shoulder down. 

9-10. Spot your landing as you come around. If you stare at the spot you want to land, it will help stop your rotation. 

11-14. 

Tips: 

Again, imagine trying to break your bar over your forward hip to quickly bring the board underneath you. 

1. You must commit to this move. Unhook to get the correct extension. 

2. Try to find a nice piece of chop to pop off into the rotation. Remember to land with your board pointing towards your kite. 

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65

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1-6. Start the move like a normal front roll. Pop off the water, tuck your chin to your back shoulder, and throw your lead shoulder forward and down. 

Pulling your knees up will help you get through the rotation. Throw the move harder than you would throw a front roll, as you have to rotate an 

additional 180 degrees. 

7-9. Spot your landing as you come around, and then look away. Concentrate on looking 180 degrees from your landing. Make sure to look over 

your leading shoulder. 

10-11. Let go with your back hand and force the handle to the small of your back. Commit to getting the board all the way to the blind position, 

otherwise the landing will not be pretty. 

12-13. Bend your knees on the landing, and concentrate on putting your weight on the toes of your back foot. 

14-17. Pass the handle after you land, or just do a surface 180 to get out of the blind position. 

Tips: 

17 

FRONT TO BLIND 

The front to blind is basically an over-rotated front roll. It is fairly easy because the natural rotation of the move wants to 

take you towards the blind position. You should be solid on your front rolls and s-bends before you try this one. 

1. Remember to keep your knees bent when landing and riding blind. 

2. Make sure you have good board speed so you get enough pop. 

16 

BACK TO BLIND 

Tips: 

1. Make sure to keep your knees bent when landing and riding blind. 

2. Make sure you have good board speed so you get enough pop. 

66 

15 

14 

Taking your backroll to blind elevates the move to a whole new level. Before you try this move, you should be able to do a 

backroll without thinking about it. If you want to learn how to do a backroll, follow these steps, but take out the blind landing. 

1-7 Start the move like a normal backroll. Pop off the water and throw the board up and away from the kite. Tuck your chin to your lead shoulder. 

8-10. At the peak of your jump, let go with your back hand and look hard over your back shoulder. This is a good time to grab for extra style points. 

11. To rotate all the way to the blind position, try to force the handle to the small of your back. Commit to the move! If you don’t rotate all the way to te 

blind position, the landing is going to hurt. 

12-14. Bend your knees on the landing, and concentrate on putting your weight on the toes of your back foot. 

15-16. Pass the handle after you land, or just do a surface 180 to get out of the blind position. 

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6 

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5 

4 

4 

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67

BEST SNOWKITE BOARD 

Features a laminated ‘tip to tail’ wood core, 

flex in the tip and tail to give you pop where 

you need it, raised tip and tail and centered 

stance for a true twin tip feel. With a larger 

side-cut radius than a standard snowboard 

and an effective edge length of 1280mm, it 

rides smoother and faster along its heel edge 

and requires much less calf pressure to keep 

the edge locked down. 

Sizes: 157, 160cm 

MSRP: $499 

www.bestkiteboarding.com 

68 


CABRINHA EMPIRE 

A true twin tip with a dual transitional 

sidecut, Structurn, and Energy Plates, featuring 

a wood core for even response to 

long periods of edging which is unique to 

snowkiting. The Quadrax orientation of the 

lay-up distributes binding pressure over a 

greater area, because the 30-degree axis 

fibers add extra torsional stiffness. The 

stainless-treated steel edges and Crystal 

EzCare base all make for a snowkite 

board with high durability. Recommended 

for use with Cabrinha Effect bindings. 

Sizes: 156cm 

MSRP: $499 

www.cabrinhakites.com 

BEST WAROO 

Designed from the outset to be a practical 

and performance-oriented all around kite for 

both winter and summer, the high projected 

area with supported leading edge (SLE) 

brings faster turning, sharper bar response, 

instant depower and increased safety to the 

snow market. New for 07 is canopy framing, 

a continuous reinforcement zone around 

the entire airframe of the kite which isolates 

the canopy from impact damage making the 

Waroo a super tough, inflatable kite for the 

snow. 

Sizes: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17m 

MSRP: starting from $399 complete 

www.bestkiteboarding.com 

NORTH FABIO PRO 

The Fabio Pro is North’s new open foil 

ram air kite specifically designed for 

ambitious snowkiters. Snowkiting champion 

Fabio Ingrosso collaborated on this 

design, which allows you to perform all 

the latest freestyle tricks. Features such 

as V-ribs, triple bridges, and high-grade 

materials combine to give a kite with 

direct and agile response, and excellent 

launch and glide characteristics. 

Sizes: 7, 10, 13m 

MSRP: starting at $899 complete 

www.northkites.com 

PETER LYNN SCORPION 

The Scorpion is the latest addition to the 

Twinskin range designed specifically for 

use on land. With its high speed, great 

upwind performance and quick turning the 

Scorpion is great for fast riding and high 

jumping without losing too much ground. 

The fast turning will allow you to kiteloop 

the Scorpion or do quick transitions. The 

Scorpion has an extremely large windrange 

and good low-end power making it 

very easy to ride. 

Sizes: 7, 10, 13, 16m 

MSRP: TBA, available Winter 06/07 

www.peterlynnkiteboarding.com 

MYSTIC BLAZER 

SNOWKITE HARNESS 

The first snowkiting specific waist and seat 

harness tailored to the needs of both board 

and ski snow kiters. Features ventilating 

Mesh inside material that resists snow and 

ice and breaths when under the jacket, an 

extra long spreader hook that clears the 

jacket when worn on the inside, special 

shape that offers better support to the 

snow kiting position, and cimbing-like leg 

straps that offer freedom of movement 

as well as tons of support when throwing 

those 20sec jumps, and a handlepass 

system. 

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL 

MSRP: $149.95 

www.mystickiteboarding.com 

OZONE 07 FRENZY 

Ozone founder and designer Rob Whittall 

and snowkiter extraordinaire Chasta spent 

2006 testing kites in the gusty winds of 

the Rocky Mountains. They found that the 

conditions could be easily tamed by adding 

more stability and more power per size to 

the Frenzy so that any level of rider could 

enjoy its superior performance. If you are 

looking for that new school feeling for high 

powered unhooked kite loops, the Frenzy 

is for you. 

Sizes: 7.5, 10, 12, 14m 


www.windzup.com/ 

www.ozonesnowkites.com 

OZONE ACCESS II 

The Access is a snowkite that a 

first-time rider can take to the farthest 

Arctic regions. It provides ultimate 

stability to handle the funkiest conditions 

from the backyard to the backcountry, 

yet it delivers the feeling of 

power and finesse for control in every 

situation. The bombproof clamcleat 

and line release system make it the 

logical choice for anyone seeking a 

safe solo kite. 

Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10m 

MSRP: starting from 

$615 complete 

www.windzup.com/ 

www.ozonesnowkites.com 

69

Lens: Hugo Ljungberg 

SLINGSHOT RANGER 

The Ranger is a 4 line foil designed for the 

intermediate to advanced snowkiter who 

values characteristics such as de-power 

ability, performance, durability and convenience. 

It is ideal for snowkiters who desire, 

predictability, smooth power, quick turning 

and stability. The control bar includes the 

Lock-N-Load chicken loop, rear line brake/ 

relaunch webbing, additional safety release 

on the Quick Release Surefire Bungee, 

colored Firewire kite lines, easy handling 

leader lines and mega traction bar grip. 

Sizes: 9, 12m 

MSRP: starting from $799.99 complete 

www.sskiteboarding.com 

SLINGSHOT B-SERIES 

The B-series is the perfect recreational 

foil kite for snow and land applications. 

With the addition of the Ready Relaunch 

system, this compact, lightweight foil kite 

is safer and easier to fly than ever before. 

Ready Relaunch offers instant depower 

and an advanced relaunch system for 

the traction kiter. 

Sizes: 4, 6m 


www.sskiteboarding.com 

MYSTIC NEOPRENE 

SHORT JACKET 

Standing on the beach in your damp 

wetsuit waiting for wind can be both cold 

and frustrating. The Mystic Neoprene Short 

Jacket was developed for Mystic Team Riders 

to add an additional 2mm of neoprene 

over their wetsuits while they wait between 

heats on their way to the finals. Both 

instructors and riders will benefit from this 

warmth when the wind arrives for their next 

session. 

Sizes: S to XL 

MSRP: $139.95 


ION STRIKE 4/3 

The Ion Strike is a high quality and 

extremely durable semi-dry wetsuit with 

a progressive look and style! For the 

outside materials a lot of double lined 

jersey is used, for better flex and abrasion 

resistance. Inside materials include 

CyberStretch to guarantee perfect flex in 

the upper body, and HotStuff for excellent 

comfort and heat retention. TatexProtectors 

in the knee and Crash_Padz placed in the 

rip and shinbones area protect the rider 

and the material. 

Sizes: European sizes from 46 – 106 

MSRP: $259.95 

www.ion-essentials.com 

ZEAL DOMINATOR SPX GOGGLE 

Zeal’s newest creation the Dominator is a fully helmet 

compatible goggle with self adjusting straps. Triple 

stage foam and Zeal’s exclusive ZB-13 Flash Mirror lens 

color for versatility in varying conditions. Comes with a 

protective case, and lens cleaning bag. 

Colors: Black Matte, Desert Sand, Shimmering Silver, 

Matte gray 

MSRP: $99.99 

www.zealoptics.com 

DAKINE TITAN GLOVES 

The ultimate in comfort and warmth, the Titan’s feature a 

Gore Tex insert, Thermoloft insulation, Toughtek palm for 

grip, 4x4 stretch fleece liner, an external waterproof zippered 

stash pocket, a Chamois goggle wipe, ConSEALed 

cuff closure, and nose and goggle wipe thumb panels. 

Sizes: S to XL 

DAKINE INSULATOR VEST 

Great as a layer or by itself, the insulator 

vest is made or .5mm Finemesh skin neoprene 

for windchill insulation and features 

11 oz. Polypropylene side panels and 

flat-lock seams. 

Sizes: XS – XL 

MSRP: $36.00 

www.Dakine.com 

BILLABONG SOLTUION 

PLANTINUM ZIPPERLESS 

Billabong’s top shelf suit designed with 

Andy Irons features a zip free entry and 

the company’s new Airlite Japanese 

internal hollow fiber jersey for a lighter, 

warmer and more flexible fit. Silcone 

grippers around the wrists and ankles are 

designed to eliminate water movement 

and water entry. 

Sizes: XS - XXL 

MSRP: $399 

www.billabongwetsuits.com 

ULTRANECTAR 3-PLY 

HOODED SNOWKITE 

JACKET 

This piece is 3-ply construction (single 

layer) 20,000mm waterproof breathable 

jacket with taped seams. There are stretch 

panels under the arms, waterproof zippers, 

opening for harness hook, and detachable 

hood. Excellent warmth to weight ratio and 

it’s great looking! It comes in both men’s 

and women’s styles. 

Sizes: Men’s S - XXL, Women’s XS - L 

Colors: Silver 

MSRP: $340 

www.ultranectar.com 

MSRP: $65 

www.dakine.com 

70 71

MYSTIC LIGHTNING 

DRYSUIT 

Finally, a Drysuit that doesn’t look from 

outer space! The Lightning Drysuit is the 

jewel in the Mystic winter line. And offers 

Oxford breathable nylon coated PVC, 

stitched and taped waterproof seams, 

Latex seals, an internal key pocket, internal 

suspenders, abrasion resistant reinforced 

knees and seat, nylon covered leg seals 

and adjustable leg seal cover. 

Sizes: S to XXL 

Colors: Silver and Black 

MSRP: $549.95 


NEILPRYDE 5000 

SERIES 5/3 

This semi-dry suit features Neilpryde’s 

high-stretch H-Foam neoprene and new 

S5 material in the underarm panels for improved 

movement and comfort. FLX zones 

and muscle expansion areas in the forearm 

give you room to move while you’re on 

the water and body core temperatures 

are maintained with ‘Heatlock’ insulation 

and Mesh neoprene that sheds water, fast 

reducing wind-chill. The updated E3 Entry 

system utilizes a pullover bib that creates 

a watertight seal to keep cold water out 

an easy to use neck closure allows for a 

customized fit. 

Sizes: S to XXLT 

Colors: Black, Black/Silver 

MSRP: $365.00 

www.neilprydewaterwear.com 

WINDWING RAMPAGE II 

Because of a re-designed canopy and an 

efficient, no-pulleys bridling system, the 

Rampage II stays easily aloft and skyward 

and has the convenience of an optional 

single-inflation system. Stylish, functional, 

safe and user-friendly, it is a simple, high 

performance, yet smooth and responsive 

kite offering radical upwindability and 

range. 

Size: 7, 9, 12m 

MSRP: Starting at $900 

www.windwing.com 

72 

RIP CURL E-BOMB 4/3 

The 07 E-Bomb wetsuit is 100% made 

from Rip Curl’s new Elastomax material, 

giving the suit incredible flexibility. E2 uses 

the latest in superstretch jersey to give 

the ultimate stretch and allow the water to 

bead off your suit. The E2 sponge contains 

more air pockets per square centimeter 

making it lighter, warmer and more flexible 

than the average surf suit. 

Sizes: S-XL 

MSRP: $289 Chest or Back Zip 

www.ripcurl.com 

PROMOTION 

5/3 STORM ADV 

Windsport wetsuits have a higher percentage 

of rubber on the exterior than 

surf wetsuits. More exterior rubber helps 

a wetsuit wick water quicker to combat 

evaporative cooling. Promotion’s new ADV 

WindSkin material combines a durable 

rubberized skin with super stretch rubber. 

Other features include lifetime seam warranty, 

hide-a-key pocket, an adjustable 

collar, and Velcro leg closures for easy 

entry and exit. 

Sizes: Available in 12 guy specific and 12 

gal specific sizes. 

Colors: guys blue/black or red/black; gal’s 

rose/black 

MSRP - $299.00 

www.wetsuit.com 

LITEWAVE TSUNAMI 

An evolution from snowboard construction 

makes Litewave’s new Tsunami 

boards very durable, light and responsive. 

Features include step-cap construction 

for a light board that has tremendous flexresponse 

and a very clean rail finish; full 

tunnel concave for insane grip, tons-o-pop, 

a smoother ride, and predictable carving; 

a PVC core for great flex-response; and a 

Durasurf base, a material used in snowboards 

to keep your board looking new for 

years. Progressively thinner tips allow for 

softer landings, really digging a carve or 

increasing board rocker in high winds for 

more control. 

Sizes: 130x39, 133x41, 137x44 

MSRP: $629 including everything 

www.litewavedesigns.com 

ARUBA BAJA MAUI LOS ROQUES 

CABARETE COCHE JERICOACOARA 

COOL PLACES 

FRIENDLY FACES 

PRO INSTRUCTION 

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LEARN IN PARADISE 

CALL NOW! 1-800-223-5443 

www.dare2fly.com 

email: info@velawindsurf.com 

Powered by Cabrinha's new Crossbow and Switchblade 

www.velawindsurf.com

By Paul Lang 

Mission to the Greater Northeast 

I started to worry when I realized the 

plane had been sitting on the runway for 

about 15 minutes. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have to 

go back to the terminal, but this should 

take no longer than 30 minutes or so.” 

You never want a trip to begin this way. 

After a series of almost comical blunders, 

we finally took off four hours later. 

Delayed 

My plan was to fly to Les Íles de la Madeleine in 

northeastern Canada, on assignment to get photos 

and a story at the only North American PKRA stop. 

The delay caused me to miss the last flight out of 

Montreal, so I ended up spending the evening in a 

random hotel drinking with a bunch of Canadians. 

The next day, I finally arrived at my destination, a 

full day late and with no luggage. On the way to the 

event site, it became instantly apparent that Madeleine 

is an absolutely stunningly beautiful place. 

Every house is painted a different color and looks 

immaculate. Yards look perfect. Even the houses 

that are under construction look neat and tidy. 

Lobster season ended just weeks before my arrival, 

so the lobster boats had been hauled and placed 

in their owners’ front yards. I later found out the 

creative colors have a practical history. Until a few 

years ago, no house in Madeleine had an address. 

You simply gave directions based on house colors. 

Skunked 

Upon reaching the event site, I jumped out of the 

car, ready to get some work done after two days of 

traveling. On the beach I found a bunch of kites, the 

best riders in the world, grey skies, and a complete 

lack of wind. All of the competitors were playing 

volleyball, flying kites on the beach or just sitting 

around waiting for wind that never came. Because 

of my delayed flight, I had missed the first day of 

the contest and arrived on the first of four windless 

days. Most kiters like to sit on the beach and cry 

when the wind doesn’t blow, but many competitors 

took the opportunity to see more of the islands. Les 

Íles de la Madeleine is made up of nine islands, 

many of which are connected to each other with 

strips of sand. There are miles and miles of rideable 

beach on both sides of the road and the water 

can be warm enough to ride without a wetsuit. The 

beer is great and the food is absolutely fantastic. 

Wind 

The windless days were spent touring the island, 

playing on the beach and wakeboarding. Just as we 

were all about to lose hope, the wind kicked in on 

the last day of the comp. The skies were grey and 

rain was occasionally coming down, but the wind 

was up and the riders were eager to take to the 

water. The race course was quickly set up and the 

course racing event was run with all competitors on 

the water at the same time. It was great to see kite 

course racing, a competition accessible to average 

riders, at a PKRA event. The freestyle event also 

went off with the best young riders in the world 

breaking out their most technical tricks in between 

periodic rain squalls. The finals had just been completed 

when another rain squall pushed through, 

completely shutting down the wind. 

Reality Check 

Sometimes the glamour of professional kiteboarding 

is not what it seems. I spent three days 

traveling, so I could hang out on a beach and 

watch one day of kiting. I am sure the pros were as 

frustrated as me. A four day event ended up being 

stuffed into one. Despite the marginal conditions, 

the trek to Les Íles de la Madeleine was a great 

experience and opened my eyes to the reality of 

professional kiteboarding events. The dedication of 

the pro riders who traveled 15 to 20 hours to ride 

two heats is the story that most people never hear 

in the PKRA press releases. As my plane departed 

the island airport, I felt lucky to have had the opportunity 

to adventure to Les Íles de la Madeleine. With 

the right conditions, this place could be a dream trip 

for anyone. Sometimes you have to reality check 

yourself and remember to enjoy your travels, even 

if you just end up traveling. 

FINAL RESULTS 

Men’s Freestyle: 

1) Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil, UK) 

2) Kevin Langeree (Naish, Netherlands) 

3) Youri Zoon (Slingshot, Netherelands) 

4) Mikael Blomvall (JN Kites, 

Sweden) 

Women’s Freestyle: 

1) Kristin Boese (Best, Germany) 

2) Ania Grzelinska (North, 

Poland) 

3) Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) 

4) Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) 

Men’s Course Racing: 

1) Shawn Richman (Cabrinha, 

USA) 

2) Damien Leroy (Cabrinha, 

USA) 

3) Dirk Hanel (North, Germany) 

Women’s Course Racing: 

1) Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) 

2) Ania Grzelinska (North, 

Poland) 

3) Melissa Gil (JN Kites, Costa 

Rica) 

Aaron Hadlow shows off his world champion form. 

Lens: Emilie Couture 

The pride of the locals shows in their houses. Every 

house and every yard is kept immaculate. 

Lens: Paul Lang 

The winners take a moment to congratulate each other 

before getting on the podium for the media. 

Lens: Emilie Couture 

74 

Kite racing breaks into the international scene for the 

first time at a PKRA event. Lens: Emilie Couture 

75

Brian Wheeler doing 

the no-hander lander. 


Hugo Ljunberg takes a beating 

during a strapless surfboard 

session. Lens: Ludvig P. 

Julie Simsar pays the 

consequences when 

she comes up short 

on a kiteloop. 

Lens: Carlos Delicado 

76 

This is proof that Ruben Lenten doesn’t 

always land every sick kiteloop. 


A competitor misses a 

huge handlepass during 

his heat at the Bridge 

of the Gods. This one is 

going to hurt. 


Brendan Richards 

feels the pain at 

Waddell Creek. 


Charlotte Simsar never 

thought this wipeout would 

end up in a magazine. 

Lens: Carlos Delicado. 

California 

Xstreamline Sports CA 

Action Watersports 

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Aquan Watersport 

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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 

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Xstreamline Sports 

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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 

Emarald Coast Kiteboarding FL 

(850) 235-2444 

Learn 2 FLy FL 

(386) 986-9637 

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

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 

Massachusetts 

Air Support Kiteboarding 

(866) Kite-Cod 

Skyhigh Kiteboarding School 

(508) 259-2728 MA 

Wind, Snow and H20 

(508) 775-7756 MA 

Maryland 

H2AIR Productions 

(302) 227-1105 MD 

Michigan 

Uncle Doug’s Kiteboarding MI 

(810) 985-3732 

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 

Lakawa Kiteboarding MN 

(619) 428-4121 

Midwest Mountaineering MN 

(612) 339-3433 

Boardsports USA MN 

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 

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 

Vermont 

Just Sports VT 

(802) 658-0909 

Virginia 

Southeast Expeditions 

(877) 943-8548 VA 

Washington 

North by Northwest Surf WA 

(360) 452-5144 

Seattle Kiteboarding Center WA 

(206) 779-3272 

Wind Flow WA 

(877) 211-3524 

North by Northwest Surf Co. 

(360) 452-5144 WA 

Seattle Kiteboarding Center 

(206) 779-3272 WA 

Urban Surf 

(206)545-9463 WA 

Wiley’s Water Ski Shop 

(206) 762-1300 WA 

Wisconsin 

Coontail Watersports 

(715) 385-0250 WI 

Kite-Riders (608) 273-1817 WI 

Southport Rigging Company 

(262) 652-5434 WI 

The Board Shop 

(262) 248-1703 WI 

Wyoming 

Hoback Sports 

(307) 733-5335 WY

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