Tips to get you on the snow Tips to get you on the snow

Transcription

20 Tips to get
you on the snow
Kite Tuning
Essentials
Plus: Georgia &
Brazil Unveiled
FREE Poster Inside
Guillaume
Chastagnol
Photo Wareck Arnaud
USA $5.95
February 2005
02
2
3
Contents
February 2005
Features
38
Brazil: Exploring the Lagoons
of Cumbuco
Once you see the photos, you will be booking your ticket.
42
The Man Behind the Mask
Jimmy Lewis talks about his crazy advertisements.
54
Georgia: Secret Jewel of the South
A road trip to Tybee Island—Georgia's little peach.
58
20 Tips to Get you on the Snow
Snowkite experts James Brown, Alex Peterson and
Gabe Brown answer 20 instructional questions.
Departments
14
Launch
Guillaume Chastagnol and Alex Peterson show the
potential of big air on the snow.
34
Close-up
Chuck Patterson and Julie Simsar
68
Product Watch
Check out some of the latest new toys.
72
Analyze This
Control Freak: 2005 safety system review.
70
Academy
8 Essential Tuning Tips to Get you on the Water
By Nick Bowers
81
Tweak McCore
Tweak hangs out with some new friends.
Cover Shot
Guillaume Chastagnol is one of the most respected snowkite pioneers.
We are proud to be the first US magazine to ever run a snowkite cover.
Photo Wareck Arnaud
Contents Shot
Traversing through the powdery French alps, Chasta shows the potential of snowkiting uphill.
Photo Frederick Pattou
Photo Gabe Brown
Grass Roots
read this in its entirety. There are a lot of important things I have to
Psay.lease
The story behind this magazine shows what the love of kiteboarding and
power of friendships can do. The grass roots network of people who have
helped make this magazine a reality deserves respect. I am not talking about
myself, but rather the people who have selflessly sacrificed their time and
energy working on our publication-all for the love of kiteboarding. In case you
don't know, The Kiteboarder is an independent magazine that is 100% made
in the USA, by kiteboarders. Our story is a story in itself. We are not the WalMart of magazines; rather we are a group of everyday people who decided to
put everything on the line to make this magazine.
Please take a moment to read through the list of photographers and contributors on page 12. I want to personally thank each and every one of them for
their efforts. Our internal staff deserves the same credit. Marina Chang,
James Brown, Gabe Brown and Gary Martin have all donated countless hours
to our cause.
The Kiteboarder Magazine is a grass roots family that is growing stronger
with every issue. We also want to thank each and every one of you for supporting us and telling your friends to preview our magazine. We have some
exciting additions to www.kbmag.com. Check out the new Product Watch
section for all of the latest gear updates. Download “Chasta” kitelooping at
70-feet above the snow in our video download section. We guarantee our
constantly updated web content will keep you coming back for more.
Photo C-More Butz
Don’t be left standing naked!
Make sure to order your official
The Kiteboarder t-shirt for $18.99.
If you like The Kiteboarder Magazine, please help us spread the word. We
have a FREE trial issue available on our website and we are looking for new
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Elections have been won and lost with the power of a grass roots network.
We are calling on each and every Kiteboarder to help support our cause.
Please email us with any questions, comments and concerns. We look forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy!
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for men and women.
Sizes S, M, L and XL.
Ryan Riccitelli
editor@kbmag.com
Order now at
10
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Ever since my boyfriend started reading
“The Kiteboarder”, all he wants to do is ride.
100% Made in the USA by Kiteboarders
February 2005 • Volume 2 • Number 1
EDITOR
RYAN RICCITELLI
ryan@kbmag.com
ART DIRECTOR
JAMES BROWN
SENIOR WRITERS
GABE BROWN
MARINA CHANG
TECHNICAL EDITOR
GARY MARTIN
SAFETY EDITOR
RICK IOSSI
ILLUSTRATOR
CARL “LOS” PRESTON
EDITOR AT LARGE
ALEXIS ROVIRA
SNOWKITE EDITOR
JAMES BROWN
COPY EDITOR
SARA BROWN
EDITORIAL INTERN
BRIAN WHEELER
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS
Neil Hutchinson, Alex Peterson, Joe Bidawid, Matt Nuzzo, Paul Menta,
Trip Forman, Kevin “Top Hat” Senn, Nick Bowers, Gregg Gnecco,
Jay Crawford, Buck Ashcraft, Jeff Howard, John Romais
CONTRIBUTORS
Buck Ashcraft, Nick Bowers, Gavin Butler, Marina Chang, Bri Chmel,
Joe Bidawid, James Brown, Gabe Brown, Bertrand Fleury, Karen
Futernick, Gregg Gnecco, Casey Houtz, Jeff Howard, Neil Hutchinson,
Rick Iossi, Adam Koch, Brian Lake, Sierra Lake, Gary Martin,
Alex Peterson, Carl Preston, Matt Nuzzo, Felix Pivec, John Romais,
Alexis Rovira, Lou Wainman, Brian Wheeler
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gabe Brown, Jason Wolcott, Sierra Lake, Matt Cotton, Paul Jav,
Michelle Zuniga, Gregg Gnecco, James Brown, Gustav Schmiege
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephen Whitesell, Tracy Kraft, Paul Jav, Jeff Pfeffer, Gregg Gnecco,
Adam Koch, Gavin Butler, Lauren Burton, Bill Mieckle, Buck Ashcraft,
Robert Vreeland, Charles Oreve, Clark Merritt, Lou Wainman, Trent
Pederson, Kim Kern, Michael Jordan, Nick Fitt, John Carter, Lance
Koudele, Mark Ribkoff, Epes Sargent, Bela Pecsi, Brian Schenck,
Frederick Pattou, Nick Bowers, FX Abonnenc, Wareck Arnaud, Jim
Semlor, Brad Lange, Javier Cruz, Diego Velasco, Chris Vicari, Paul
Lang, Dave Turner, Jeff Burton, Tonia Farman, Jimmy Lewis, Kim
Calder, Kevin Senn, Brad Knoth, Neil Hutchinson, Josh Miller,
Frederick Pattou, David Sims, Bertrand Boone, Patrick Nedele
Thanks to all editorial and photography contributors for
supporting this magazine!
SUBSCRIPTIONS
subscriptions@kbmag.com
SUBSCRIPTION & VIDEO OFFER
Buy a year subscription (6 issues)
& WindReels Volume One at 40%
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12
Order online at
PUBLISHER
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(805) 459-2373 marina@kbmag.com
SALES/NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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gabe@kbmag.com
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
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LAUNCH
L AUNCH
LAUNCH
Fabio Ingrosso definitely has enough time to spot his landing.
Photo Frederick Pattou
Guillaume Chastagnol stops
traffic while he overcomes
his obvious fear of heights.
Photo Wareck Arnaud
BG
AR
Alex Peterson sends it big in Tahoe. Photo Gabe Brown
Recipe for Powdered Cupcakes
By James Brown
This is a dish best served cold. These snowkiting pioneers are pushing the sport of kiteboarding
by mixing it up with the skills required for paragliding. They have years of experience flying in
mountainous terrain and have worked their way up from small jumps to the kind that will blow
your mind. Try this recipe for a delicious taste of the high life and please use caution.
Guillaume Chastagnol waiting for permission to land. Photo Wareck Arnaud
Ingredients:
Cooking Directions:
• Common sense
1. Start low on the hill (simmer so you don’t boil over)
• Gradual slope with a run out
2. Check for consistent wind (not gusty or variable)
• Clear landing zone
3. Spot your landing zone first then steer your kite down the hill
• Wind coming up the hill
4. Keep your kite moving gently back and forth overhead.
• One power kite
5. Look over your shoulders since you will be flying backwards.
• Skis or a Snowboard
6. Stay calm and land. Repeat. Helpful Hint: Add a dash of insanity.
of Alex Peterson
From the Desk
It’s important
Safety first. perspective.
in
to keep things e greatest
th
of
e
This is on
ver done, yet
e
ve
things I ha
ry dangerous”
it could be “ve eps are not
st
if the proper
od judgment
go
e
Us
taken.
uld be more
because It co your piloting
n
important tha
skills.
— AP
15
411
News and Information
Corky Cullen indy airs out
of a “C Street” section.
Ventura, California.
Bruce Irons leads the surfing
world with his explosive
style and big aerials.
Photo Jason Wolcott
Photo Paul Jav
Avoiding the Problem :
Kiteboarders Versus Surfers
By Ryan Riccitelli
K
Kevin “Top Hat” Senn called me the other day from
Los Angeles to tell me about an incident he had
witnessed between some kiteboarders and surfers.
Apparently, the kiteboarders were riding in and out of the surf line up
and the local surfers didn't like it. Words were exchanged and the
crowd ended up on the beach ready to fight – kiteboarders versus surfers.
The lifeguards were called in to break it up as
more words were exchanged. Luckily no one was
hurt; however, the damage was done. This negative publicity is not good for the image of kiteboarding or the sustainability of our riding spots.
The feud between kiteboarders and surfers is a problem that is happening more often around the United States. “C” Street, California local,
Corky Cullen explained that many of the local surfers at his spot have
threatened violence as a repercussion for riding through their line up.
“Most of the problems we have at “C” Street involve visiting kiteboarders
who ride straight through the line up within a few feet of surfers.
Obviously the surfers don't like it. They end up taking it out on us locals
who ride responsibly,” What do we do? As a
kiteboarder we carry a responsibility to do the
right thing. In this case, respecting surfers at
all times is imperative.
“As I was just about to
launch my kite, an older
longboarder yelled at me to
Go Home.”
Last winter I was riding at Tourmaline, in San
Diego, CA. when a nice north swell was hitting.
Like any southern California big wave day, the
line up was packed with surfers. The wind was
blowing side on at a steady 14 knots and the
waves were peeling off the point. As I was just about to launch my kite, an
older surfer yelled at me to go home. I was blown away. I had grown up surfing on these beaches for over 20 years and kited them for the last four with
no issues. Rather than instigate a problem, I smiled, waved and quickly rode
offshore past the surfers. After about three hours of riding, I came in to discover my brand new truck had been keyed.
Many of the problems that kiteboarders have
with surfers can be avoided by using common
sense. As a kiteboarder, you are the one who is
responsible for avoiding conflict. This might
mean that you have to can a wave session
because of safety. If you do decide to ride at a
crowded spot, get out past the surfers and stay out there. Riding waves
through the line up is only going to create problems. If you see someone
mucking it up at your spot, take them aside before it gets out of hand. If
kiteboarders commit to yielding to surfers, we will avoid 99% of the
problems. If and when problems do occur, please remain respectful. You
are representing every kiteboarder.
Do’s and Don’ts
Tahiti, soul session. Photo Paul Jav
16
■ Never ride waves through a pack of surfers or swimmers.
■ Never try to relaunch your kite in the surf line up.
■ Never fly with your kite or lines over beachgoers, swimmers or surfers.
■ Never fly your kite on the beach unless you are landing or launching.
■ Always yield to swimmers and surfers.
■ Never attempt to ride a surf spot as a beginner.
17
411
411
14 Ways to Stay Warm This Winter
Bluewater Foundation Formed
In Memory of Alex Caviglia.
By Rick Iossi
by Buck Ashcraft
Many of us are inspired by a variety of different music styles. Certain songs get you
in the mood for love and others pump you
up to ride. We asked a few pros to let us
know what gets them fired up to charge
on the water and what they chill out to
after a session. Whatever your taste, hopefully one of these songs will fire you up to
learn a new move.
Photo Sierra Lake
Jason Slezak's Play List
Sponsors: Liquid Force and Real Kiteboarding
Amp You Up!
Rap
Artist: Metallica
Album: Any
Song: St. Anger
Why: It's great to listen to before
riding high winds, small kites and
big surf!
Artist: Jay-Z
Album: The Black Album
Song: 99 Problems
Why: Just watch the kite section in
the extras of Liquid Force's new
team wake DVD, Relentless.
Underground
Cruzin'
Artist: CKY
Album: Infiltrate. Destroy. Rebuild.
Song: Flesh into Gear
Why: It just gets me pumped!
Artist: N.E.R.D. / The Neptunes
Album: In Search of. . . (Version2)
Song: All of them
Why: They have good flow and are
all good to “cruz” to!
South Padre, Texas
Blows Up for Industry Summit
Slingshot rented the wave pool for the night.
By Stacey Boggs
Photo Buck Ashcraft
South Padre Island provided excellent
wind and sunshine for The Association
of Wind Sports Industries (AWSI) Annual
Summit in October. Attended by 29
vendors, the Summit drew 43 dealers who demoed gear, attended product presentations by designers and international representatives, and let their hair down at
evening festivities. The infamous Slingshot crew threw down one of the biggest
parties of the year complete with a wave pool. Slingshot’s Jeff Roberts dominated
an impromptu wave pool contest. The event concluded with an Industry Meeting
to plan goals for 2005. One of the biggest projects for AWSI in the New Year will be
to conduct an industry survey to begin creating the foundation for kiteboarding
statistics, allowing the organization a starting point to measure the market,
growth, and trends of our sport. For more info, go to www.awsiwindsports.org.
18
It's that time of year where we long for the warm, inviting riding days of summer. We believe that knowledge is power
here at The Kiteboarder. We went out and researched some of the warmest wetsuits we could find. Make sure to visit
each manufacturer's website for their complete product line and accessories. Stay warm!
Alex Caviglia, accomplished windsurfer
and kiteboarder, president/founder of
Adventure Sports, Inc., the American distributors for Cabrinha and Neil Pryde,
passed away in the hospital November
13, 2004. Alex suffered a severe head
injury one year ago in a kiteboarding accident in strong gusty onshore winds. Alex
fought hard to recover and was able to
express his love for his family/friends
before passing. The Bluewater Foundation
Alex Caviglia in Miami
was formed by Silvia Caviglia, his wife, to
Photo Bela Pecsi
benefit victims of watersports injuries.
Pete Cabrinha commented, “He always
had a smile and a good laugh for you, he was both respected and well liked
by his employees and colleagues. I'm going to miss Alex." Donations may
be sent to The following address: Bluewater Foundation • c/o Silvia Caviglia
• 5724 SW 131 Terrace • Miami, FL 33156
How to Avoid
Getting Skunked.
By Alexis Rovira
Many kiteboarders only source for checking the
wind is looking outside the window to see if the
trees and bushes are moving. Trying to determine an accurate wind speed using this method Paul Macaj getting skunked.
Photo James Brown
is virtually impossible. Most of us end up doing
our own unique wind ritual which is similar to a fireman getting a four-alarm fire
call. We rush down to the beach, hoping for wind only to get skunked. A quick
online check to your favorite site, via computer or a web enabled cell phone could
have saved you tons of valuable time. The following websites are what have helped
me maximize my riding time this year. I encourage you to search for local weather sensors in your area. Most cities have a variety of local weather information
and weather sensors that can be found with a simple Google search. Don't be
afraid to explore.
www.wunderground.com A clean easy to use site, with a five day weather
forecast, and surf, snow and marine report right from NOAA. For $5 a
year, you get the site free of ads and an email forecast and alert service for your
select cities.
www.ikitesurf.com This is purely a wind specific site. The basic functions are free
and $9.95 a month buys you forecasting, real-time wind reports from Ikitesurf specific sensors and an email wind alert system. Pager plans are also available.
www.noaa.gov A great FREE site with a wealth of information on anything you have
ever wanted to know about weather and the ocean. This is obviously a government
site that is HUGE, so don't be discouraged.
Alexis Rovira has been riding for one year and lives in San Diego, California. Every month he
offers his personal tips that have helped him progress as a recreational rider.
Wetsuits
Drysuits
BARE Velocity Full
O'Neill Psycho II
Ocean Rodeo Pyro Drysuit
5/4mm
BARE wetsuits gives you a near-custom
fit at off-the-rack prices. The Bare
Velocity features the famous BARE-FIT
enhanced with HYDROSTRETCH, a dual
fabric construction exclusive to BARE
that maintains high stretch with excellent abrasion resistance. Other features
include Bare-Guide Skin Gaskets, the
Lumbare X-TENDER, Glideskin Comfort
Collar, heavy duty zipper and flat seams
throughout.
Starting at: $149.95
www.bare-wetsuits.com
6/4mm, 4/3mm and 3/2mm
This suit is a stitchless, double fluid
seam weld designed for the ultimate in
flexibility and warmth. The reduced
seams and Ultraflex DS are designed for
increased performance. The newly modified Zen Zip with barrier 2 creates a
flawless flush free seal. The smooth skin
on the chest and back are perfect wind
barriers for those chilly winter sessions.
Suit comes with a hidden key pocket.
www.oneill.com
Ocean Rodeo is based in Canada and
their Pyro drysuit is designed specifically
for the coldest waters imaginable. Layer
up your under garments to your desired
warmth and enjoy the most freezing
winter days. The loose, snowboard-style
cut offers maximum flexibility. The neck
seal is covered with a fabric overlay for
extra protection from hard landing and
drags. The suit is available from size
XXXS to XXXL.
www.oceanrodeo.com
Billabong Solution Gold
4/3mm, 3/2mm, 2/2mm
Billabong created the Solution Gold wetsuit
to keep you warm and ultra flexible in the
water. The 100% IWSS welded seams
along with the seamless underarms
and back of the legs help keep cold
water from flushing the suit. The smooth
skin on the chest and zipperless entry
make it a solid choice for you cold
water kiteboarders.
www.billabongwetsuits.com
Body Glove Storm Trooper
4/3mm, 3/2mm
The Storm Trooper is Body Glove's
ultimate cold water suit. The 100% liquid
tape, no zip full suit is the perfect cold
water solution. The Thermofiber, heat
reflective hollow fiber ceramic panels on
the chest are designed to defend against
the coldest winter days. The D-Span,
elastic printing on the wrists and ankles
help limit water entry. The 5/3 comes
with a hood.
www.bodyglove.com
Gul Free Ride Steamer
5/4mm
Gul's best value cross-sport, cold-water
wetsuit is ideal for kiteboarding with
excellent overall flexibility and oversize
forearms that reduce fatigue and
improve grip. Mega stretch and superlite
100% S-Seal liquid top seams help keep
you dry and don't bulk up the suit.
Comfortable Neck seal and nice, wind
Velcro adjustable ankle straps keep
water from being forced up into the leg.
Ti-2 Titanium lined.
www.gul.com
Prolimit C1 Fullsuit
5/3mm, 4/3mm
The C1 is designed to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, warmth and durability.
The Ice-2 Thermo1 chest panel wraps
around the kidney area to eliminate a
traditional cold spot on most wetsuits.
A super short 13” zipper gives a true
“zipperless feeling” while hi-flexibility
panels are aligned to mimic a riders
body movement. Refined seam positioning combined with lined neoprene
give the suit excellent long term performance and durability.
www.prolimitusa.com
Quiksilver Cell HFT Steamer
5/3mm, 4/3mm, 3/2mm
The Cell is Quicksilver's top of the line
steamer. The reduced seams offer maximum flexibility and warmth. The one
panel Vapor Stretch chest, back and
shoulders and the glued and blind stitch
seams help keep the cold water out of
your suit. The Hydro Wrap adjustable
neck closure helps to prevent flushing.
The 5/3 comes stock with a hood.
www.quicksilver.com
Rip Curl Stinger Kite
5/3mm, 4/3mm, 3/2 mm
The Stinger is constructed with Rip Curl's
most advanced neoprene. This wetsuit
repels water, which makes it both lighter
and warmer than traditional neoprene.
The seams are glued and blind stitched
and the Batwind Anti-Leakage System
helps to protect against water flushing
through. The suit also includes the WRS
(Water Release System) to help drain
water from the legs, and Anti Chaff harness areas.
www.ripcurl.com
O'Neill Boost Drysuit
The Boost was designed for wakeboarding and kiteboarding in the cold.
This drysuit is extremely functional and
can be worn over additional layering for
extra warmth. The abrasion resistant nylon
shell can handle almost any wipeout.
Rest assured that the fully taped seams
will keep the cold water out. O'Neill's
long history of building wetsuits
ensures you can't wrong.
www.oneill.com
BARE Ultra Drysuit
The Ultra Dry is a versatile lightweight
"bag style" suit. Latex neck, wrist, and
ankle seals make this a dry alternative
with greater mobility than a thicker wetsuit.
This style of suits allows for warmth
adjustment by varying the thickness
and type of layers worn underneath.
Every suit is tank tested before it leaves
BARE's factory so that it's “always
summer” inside a BARE Drysuit.
www.bare-wetsuits.com
Accessories
O’Neill Coldwater Hood
3mm
Starting at: $44.95
www.oneill.com
Dakine Coldwater Mitt
Super Stretch Titanium Neoprene
Starting at: $28.95
www.dakine.com
O’Neill Super Freak Boot
3mm and 5/4mm
Starting at: $64.95
www.oneill.com
411
Letters
Thanks for everyone's letters this month. Our mailboxes have been blowing up.
Please help us make the letters section interesting by sending us an email with your innermost
thoughts to editor@kbmag.com.
■ Blowing Up!
■ The Next Generation
Dear Editor:
I learned about your magazine from James Brown (I
bought a kiteboard from him. He is really a cool guy).
I received a copy of your magazine about a month or
two ago. I was BLOWING up! It had some great articles and fantastic shots in it. Keep up the good work,
and I'm looking forward to more issues. Keep me
posted on what's going on.
Once again, keep up the good work. And if you are
looking to add to your distribution, I know a few surf
stores in the area who would be interested in stocking your magazine as well.
Dear KB Team:
Way to go guys and congratulations Gabe. I just
checked out the site and sent in my subscription to
the magazine. There is no doubt about the fact that
you guys now have the critical mass and superior
content. The photos are awesome, and I love the fact
that you have it all available online as a free pdf
download. Let me know how I can support your
efforts and contribute.
Dear Editor:
I just wanted to let you
know how great The
Kiteboarder Magazine is.
Not only has it helped
me successfully land
new tricks, it gets me
so stoked on kiteboarding that I can't sleep at
night. I would have to
agree with all the letters written in the September issue, except for Donna
Green's. I want you to keep the same amount, or
maybe add more stories that cater to the 25 and
younger crowd. I'm interested in what the kids are
doing over in Hawaii, so I can try to match their level
and moves. Also, she places the stereotype on people
that are younger than 25 that kite! Just to let her
know, I worked hard to research everything so I could
get the cheapest of last year's kites to be able to kite
this year. Forget gas money and paying apartment
bills! I only know a few other people that do it in my
area, so "snot-nosed", "trust-fund" babies wouldn't
be an accurate description and is just plain ridiculous.
I also loved the magazine and how it incorporated
pro's (both young and old) and unknown riders trying
to move up in rank. It's a great magazine and I pray it
stays that way and doesn't get bogged down with ads
on every page like many other magazines these days.
Andrew Ghezzi Owner, Powerline Sports
Steve Gibson
Thanks, and keep the tips coming!
978-388-8974
www.kiter.com
Charley Hambleton
Wow! We really appreciate your letter. As you may
know, half of our staff quit working for Kiteboarding
Magazine to launch The Kiteboarder. We are an independent magazine putting out a better product. We
encourage you to call up your vendors that you don't
see advertising and let them know the facts. Thanks
for your support.– Ed.
Again, thanks for your kind words. We are proud to have
Gabe Brown on board. Gabe came over from
Kiteboarding Magazine last month and is a huge addition to our team. Thanks for your subscription support.
Every dime goes straight into the magazine, and every
little bit helps. Please continue to spread the word about
the free magazine pdf download at kbmag.com. – Ed.
Steve Gibson Photo courtesy Kiter.com
■ Kiteboarding Magazine
has been Cancelled!
Dear Editor:
I got the new issues, and once again, your team delivers the goods. I have been in the retail kite business
for seven years now and your magazine is by far the
best I have ever seen.
I am dropping Kiteboarding Magazine from my store
since The Kiteboarder is 100% better. Your issues are
more geared towards actual content our customers
can use, and you provide a solid perspective from
people who actually kite. Kiteboarding also wanted to
start charging me for the mag or cutting out UPC
codes for refunds, so I was like "later."
Thank you for your time,
Michael Bertone
Thanks for your kind words. James Brown is actually
not that cool of a guy. If you had to deal with his
obsession with gnomes, Beverly Hills 90210 reruns,
and silk pantyhose you might have a different perspective. We try to get him on the snow as much as
possible. It seems to mellow him out. – Ed.
■ Kiter.com Support
How to Shoot Video Like a Pro
1. Keep the shot tight on the rider but not
too tight. Your footage will come out better if you pull back a little and allow
more room for your subject to move in
the frame.
Photo Michelle Zuniga
2. Don't shoot when it is overcast or ugly
weather. Shots come out much better
when the sun is shining. You will find
that overcast footage looks really bad.
Sam Bell shows off his video skills.
Avid kiter of California
We have received countless emails from satisfied
readers around the globe. We need readers like you to
voice your opinion to the gear manufacturers that you
don't see advertising in this magazine. Tell ten of your
friends to do the same. You are the ones who keep
them in business. – Ed.
By John Romais
3. Mix up your angles. Go up wind. Go
down wind. Don't just shoot straight off
of the beach. Mixing up the angles will
give you more editing options.
4. Anticipate your subject's movement in
the frame. Give them a buffer as to
which direction they are going. For
example, if they are going to jump,
frame them towards the bottom of the
frame before they leave the water.
5. Decide whether or not you are good at
using a tripod or better at hand holding.
Most experts will tell you that using a tripod is better except when filming a sport
with so much action. If you decide to hand
hold, make sure you hold the camera
steady and keep the horizon line level.
John Romais is a film student at UCSD and is sponsored by Liquid Force, Jimmy Lewis and Zeal Optics.
411
Photo Daryl Drown
Shop Talk
Extreme Kites
SMACK
FL
Location: St. Augustine Beach Florida
Contact: daryl@oceanextremesports.com (904) 461-9415 or 866-790-SURF
Owner: Daryl Drown
Riding Experience: 6 years
How did you get into the Kiteboarding retail business?
I started selling off the beach and online as a way to pay for my hobby. Next I opened a store
to move closer to the water.
How is the kiteboarding scene in St. Augustine?
Great! We have a really good group of riders in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas that do
their best to keep the sport safe and fun for everybody. The local camaraderie is unbeatable.
The conditions can range from a steady light sea breeze to blistering nor'easters. Our beaches
are second to none with accessibility since you can drive your car right on the beach.
What do you think about skimboards?
In light winds, skimboards allow us to have a fun and challenging session on days we used to
consider not ridable.
How does your shop support the local kiteboarding community?
With a long history in kiteboarding, we educate the local community not only on different
product lines, but on the importance of lessons, respect for other riders, local riding spots and
wind conditions, and vacation destinations. We plan events that support worthwhile causes and
provide a fun and safe environment for riders of all levels.
What tips can you offer kiteboarders who want to ride in St. Augustine, Florida?
Bring a full range of kites due to our varying wind conditions, and don't hesitate to stop and talk
to us or the local riders about where to ride since the best location is dependent upon the wind
direction and tide.
What is the best way for people to check the forecast and current conditions in
your area?
You can check out the page of weather links on our site: www.oceanextremesports.com.
Also, feel free to call us as well. The local kiters call in daily and inform us of the riding spot for the day.
Website Report
Industry News and Gossip
Editors Choice
If you are heading to Hood River and need a comfortable place to stay, check out the Hood River Hotel.
Most of the rooms overlook the sand bar and the hotel staff is as nice as they come. The historical
hotel has all modern amenities including wireless and high speed connections and an incredible
restaurant. The Kiteboarder staff stayed here last month and gives it a double thumbs up. The Hood
River Hotel gets our Editor's Choice award for kite-friendly lodging and we encourage you to check out
www.hoodriverhotel.com
Following his unbelievable first full season in the
PKRA, Aaron Hadlow signed with Flexifoil for
another two years. After placing first at the PKRA
Brazil event, Hadlow was crowned the 2004
PKRA World Champion. Congratulations Aaron!
Check out the tour at www.pkra.info.
The internet can be a scary place filled with misinformation. The following sites were
submitted by our readers and have earned The Kiteboarder Magazine seal of approval. Be
sure to send your favorite links to editor@kbmag.com.
Kiteboarding pioneer, Elliot Leboe has taken kiteboarding
video production to the next level. The Jaws Takedown
videos will blow your mind at www.aclproductions.com.
If you are going to Cabarete, Dominican Republic or want
to check out what's going on at Kite Beach, go to
www.extremehotels.com and click on the live web cams
and weather links for comprehensive weather reports and
real time video of the reef, beach bar and happenings.
We know you are freezing your patootie off in the North
East right now. You need to get out and ride. Island Surf
and Sail is your ticket to getting into snowkiting. Check out
www.islandsurf-sail.com for their new snowkiting program
on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
If you are chasing the wind in southern California, then you
should check out www.kitesetc.com for the wind and
weather report at Sunset Beach. They have a direct link to
the weather channel's overview.
Start researching your summer trip to Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC at
www.bigwavedave.ca. This site has a ton of insane web cams, real time wind and weather
reports, discussion forums and photo galleries of the local spot.
Photo courtesy of Flexifoil
Coche Kite Sport Center, the first kiteboarding
school on the island of Coche in Venezuela is
open for winter 2004/2005 in Playa Punta. This
IKO certified school offers lessons for all levels.
For more information click on Coche Island on
www.worldkiteboarding.com.
Validating the fact that kiteboarding is going mainstream is Julian Smith's November 2, 2004 article for
National Geographic News. It takes an in-depth look at some of the facets of the sport: kiteboarding,
snowkiting, and Arctic exploration. Trip Forman and Andrew McLean offer their expertise and Smith
writes about a group of people planning to break the record time for crossing a portion of Antarctica.
Check out “Kite-Assisted Expeditions Cover New Ground-Fast” on news.nationalgeographic.com
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Dave Kennedy who passed away suddenly Aug. 13,
2004 at his home near El Mirage Dry Lake. Dave came into the kiteboarding world by way of kite buggying and had just launched Windspeed Pro, the U.S. distributor for Peter Lynn kites. Dave had been flying kites for at least 20 years, but had spent the last five years active in traction sports. He is survived
by his mother Betty and his father Charlie along with a younger sister Jodi. He will be missed dearly.
Great Lakes Kiteboarding's new shop for the spring of 2005 will offer kiteboarding camps and lessons, a full line of kiting gear and accessories, and also a board and kite repair center. Check out
www.greatlakeskiteboarding.com.
The 11th Annual Reed's Lake Ice Fly is scheduled for, February 12 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Last
year's event turned out 40 riders and 25 people were taught how to fly kites. This is the oldest Ice Fly
in the country. Check it out at www.mackite.com
Pelton Wind Sports will be hosting this year's Peter Lynn Winter Demo Tour on the following dates
and locations. Ride the latest in Twinskin Technology including the Phantom, Bomba, Guerilla 2 and the
much anticipated Venom! Check out www.peterlynnkiteboarding.com. For event information, contact
Pelton Wind Sports at 303-378-6763 or blakepelton@gmail.com
January
By The Kiteboarder Magazine Staff
Jeremy Pilington and Aaron Hadlow.
8-9 Lake Dillon, CO
22-23 Lake Dillon, CO
11-16 Ivenpah Dry Lake, CA/NV 28-31 Lake Minnetonka, MN
Solo Sports is gearing up for another insane
winter at Punta San Carlos. You can’t go wrong
booking your holiday with these guys. Ride and
learn from the pros at one of Baja’s sickest riding spots. Check out www.solosports.net.
February
4-6 Madison, WI
11-13 Lake Dillon, CO
18-21 Georgetown Lake, MT
25-27 Burlington, VT
San Carlos firing. Photo Clark Merritt
IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) is
now offering a 3-day snowkite instructor certification course for current IKO certified instructors,
and a 5-day training course for new candidate
instructors. For more info, check out www.ikorg.com.
Puerto Rican, Airush pro-rider Danny Cruz, is
taking a break from Kite Beach, Maui and is now
back in Puerto Rico gearing up for the wave season. Check out Danny's site at www.dannycruz.com.
X-RATED 2005 - Check out www.xratedkiteboarding.com for their 2005 schedule of trips to the
Dominican Republic. Trips include: airport shuttle to and from Puerto Plata airport, all accommodations
and breakfast, free clinics, all transport around the DR for day trips, downwinders, and evening entertainment. The hotel they frequent has made many improvements to its property including wireless
internet, its own supply of electricity and a new skate park. Check it out at
www.extremehotels.com/webcam.
Ocean Rodeo continues to expand its distribution worldwide and is proud to announce three new
Ocean Rodeo Distributors: Laguna Sea Sports (Israel), World Focus Cape Town (South Africa), and
Vliegerop Raymond (Benelux).
Zeal Optics is now the official eyewear sponsor of IKO. All IKO pro members (instructors, examiners
and school managers) and kiteboarders certified with the IKO Kiteboarder Card can purchase Zeal
Optics at 60% off of retail for pro members, and 25% off for IKO Kiteboarder Card holders. For more
info check out www.ikorg.com or www.zealoptics.com
continued on page 24
23
411
411
SMACK
Understanding
Wind
By Scott Norby
The oldest voice in the world is the wind. The wind affects our everyday lives in many ways
that we do not realize. Kiteboarders and surfers are more aware of the winds presence.
For many, this means looking out the window to see the trees swaying. For others it
involves reading charts and maps with hopes that there will be enough wind to enjoy a
day on the water. Wind is a very complicated thing to predict. But we would like to encourage you to learn more by giving you a few basics each month. As a surfer I study online
every morning to see the incoming swell. And as a kiteboarder I read the online forecast
daily to anticipate the possibility of wind. Get to know the wind in your local area and you
will be able to predict more effectively.
LOCAL WINDS
Small-scale winds occur as a result of localized differences in pressure or temperature, or
the interaction of large-scale winds with a local land mass. In coastal areas, for example,
local winds may develop on clear, sunny days. As the sun heats the land, the land heats
up faster than the water. The air over the land rises and is replaced by the cooler air from
the sea. This circulation is called a sea breeze, and it generally occurs in spring and summer, when differences in temperature between land and sea are most pronounced. The
reverse occurs at night: the land cools down quickly while the air over the sea remains
warmer and rises. The air over the land is pushed out to sea, creating a land breeze.
DOWNSLOPE WINDS
As wind blows over mountains and sinks down the other side, it creates high pressure and
clear skies. This compression of the air also raises its temperature, resulting in a warm
wind. Several winds around the world are examples of warm downslope winds, including
the Chinook on the east side of the Rocky Mountains and the foehn in Switzerland.
GORGE WIND
Wind forced through valleys will strengthen, just as narrowing the end of a hose will create a more powerful jet of water. In the Columbia River Gorge, winds can become so strong
that semi trucks are forced to the sides of roads, and kiteboarders can be overpowered
on 6 meter kites. Hot inland temperatures east of the Gorge draw cool air from the ocean
hundreds of miles from the west. As this wind funnels up the Gorge eastward it finds itself
being forced between canyon walls. The result is an intense local phenomenon that occurs
in Oregon on a very regular basis during the hot summer months. The reverse occurs in
the winter time when the wind blows from the cold desert to the warmer sea.
Although these are only three descriptions of the wind's diverse personality, we hope that
you are encouraged to read more about the weather. Understanding the wind is a very
good tool in our sport. The most committed kiteboarders in the world know where the wind
comes from and why. In addition, it is good to understand the local wind of any area you
are traveling to. Now get out there and find some wind!
Snowkite
Adventures
continued from page 22
Montana Snowkite Adventures recently
opened their doors at the Georgetown Lake
Lodge in Anaconda, Montana. The lodge has 11
rooms with a fireplace, bar, pool table, foosball Exploration. Photo Frederick Pattou
table and video slot machines. Large picture
windows overlook the lake and surrounding hills where most of the snowkiting
activities take place. The PASA certified staff can get first time kiters up and kiting
in a couple hours, or help more experienced kiters to hone skills and develop moves.
Custom backcountry excursions are also available. The on-site store carries
UltraNectar, Slingshot, Ozone, Dakine, Gath and Protec products just to name a few.
Contact mtsnowkite@yahoo.com for more information.
24
New School
Up and Coming Rider Profile
The Kiteboarder is pleased to announce two new members to its staff: Marina Chang and Gabe
Brown. Marina is the NEW publisher and is in charge of managing operations, distribution, finance,
sales, marketing, promotions, and strategic relationships. She will also play a key role in shaping
editorial content and the overall vision of The Kiteboarder. Before joining the staff, she was a partner in Kitexcite kite school located in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Gabe was previously the West
Coast Editor for Kiteboarding Magazine. He will be handling marketing and business development
along with assisting the editorial staff. Gabe is the Producer for KillaHz, an action sports video production company which recently released one of the hottest new kiteboarding videos: “WindReels
Volume 1”. They are both tremendous assets to the magazine.
The Block Hotel in South Lake Tahoe
recently hooked up the NorCal and Ozone
Snowkite crew with rooms on the strip. This
place was made by snowboarders, for snowboarders and they didn't miss a thing. Each
room is armed with XBoxes and big screens.
Check out www.blockattahoe.com if you're
heading to Tahoe for some snowkiting.
Stormin’ Mike Norman
Hometown: Jupiter, Florida
Age: 19
Height: 5’10
Stance: Goofy and all the way out!
Years Kiteboarding: 3.5
Occupation: Freshman at the
University of Miami
Cross Training: He hits the Cable
Park and wakeboards.
Preferences: He likes bindings and
pulley bar because that is true wakeboard style, and he started as a
wakeboarder.
Sponsors: Best Kiteboarding
Mike’s Dorm Room
Afterparty at the Block
Hotel. You had to be there!
1. Uses the Best Pro 130cm board with
custom inserts to have an 18-inch
“super-wide” stance.
Photo Gabe Brown
7
Minnesota's, biggest snowkite event, US Kitefreeze, is scheduled to take place January 21-23.
Check out kbmag.com for upcoming contest information.
Kiteboarding School of Maui, KSM, recently gave lessons to Scott Niedermayer, from the New
Jersey Devils. Scott was named the NHL defenseman of the year this year. Kiteboarding is the perfect crossover for hockey players. Check out www.ksmaui.com.
Colorado Kite Force is an excellent source for snowkiting lessons in Colorado. Check out
www.coloradokiteforce.com for more information.
Take the kiteboarding adventure of a lifetime to Kenya
and book your Kitesurfari with www.extreme-safari.com
or www.h2o-extreme.com.
We want to congratulate Brad and M'Leigha Lange who
are getting ready to have their new baby daughter Ava.
Brad already has the buzz board set up for her. Also
Brad's business, Seven Sports, located in the keys
Florida has a new launch site.
Check out www.sevenkiteboarding.com
Our spies tell us the US Kiteboard Pro Tour is coming to
a windy place near you this year. Stay tuned to www.uskiteboardprotour.com.
If you are bored at work or want to get amped up before you ride, check out the videos at
www.Kiteflix.com and www.kbmag.com.
Live2KITE has a great program where every time you make a purchase, a percent of your spending is donated to victims of kiteboarding accidents. Ask for Babette at Live2KITE for more information. Check out www.live2kite.com
Paul Menta joined the Ozone International Snowkite Team. He will be offering snowkite instructor
courses this winter and will be on the road with the US crew at many of the Snowkite Freeride Tour dates.
Keith Kallio of Montana Kite Sports hosted the first Snowkite Roundup in Montana on
Georgetown Lake. Ozone, Red Bull and Ultra Nectar were on the scene to help stoke up the crowd.
Strong winds, hard ice and rocking parties turned the weekend into a blur that all will remember.
Guillaume Chastagnol has been working with Apocalypse Snowboards to design his own Pro
Model board for snowkiting. The board is supposed to be a good free-riding board for using with or
without a kite. Apocalypse are the first major snowboard brand to realize the potential of snowkiting.
Florida Kiting and Xrated Kiteboarding are putting on the 2nd annual Jupiter Kite Invasion
January 28-30. Jupiter, Florida is home to some insane kiteboarding. Check out
www.floridakiting.com for more information and driving directions.
Niccolo Porcella is back on the water killing it as usual. Niccolo was one of the first kiteboarding
prodigies. Due to injuries he was forced to take some time off the water. Niccolo is healthy as ever
and recently was sponsored by Takoon international. Keep your eyes open for this young ripper.
3
4
5
3. Helmet to protect his University education from the rails like the “Camel-Toe.”
4. Surfs in his spare time.
5. A mini-fridge to hold his “Diet Doctor
Pepper” since he is under age.
1
Windwing kites are now available direct at www.WindExpress.com. Windwing recently signed,
kiteboarding legend, Flash Austin on their team. Flash will also be helping with R&D.
The Second Annual Therapy Sessions freeride snowkiting event will take place again at Dillon
Reservoir, CO on February 12 and 13. For more information, email james@kbmag.com.
2. Uses all models of Best kites, but likes
the Big Nemesis, the medium Yargas
and the small Grunts.
8
RRD team rider, David Tyburski was recently featured on a Fox/Fuel TV show while he was in
Brazil. Tyburski also just signed a contract with an action-sports athlete management company,
the Wax Group and launched www.davidtyburski.com.
Chris Gilbert has joined DAKINE's R&D team and will be working with the kite division as well
as helping with kite marketing. Chris was the crazy mofo on the cover of the last issue of The
Kiteboarder, launching off the Lexington. Congratulations Chris!
9
6
Two former snowboard industry leaders,
Dave Schmidt, previously the vice president
of global sales for Burton Snowboards, and
Stuart Knowles, Duotone Snowboards, have
teamed up for the global launch of Himaya Sports Sun Protection, a new sunscreen company.
David Tyburski swears by the stuff claiming no eye-sting in the water and slippery residue. Check
out www.himaya.com
www.kbcalendar.com is blowing out 2005 Calendars at 11.99 for two calendars shipped to you.
Offer is good until they are sold out. Get them while supplies last.
By James Brown
6. Plays guitar to swoon the ladies.
2
8. Some of his favorite magazines that
pump him up to ride.
Mike Norman showing style
on the rail in Hatteras.
Photo Greg Gnecco
7. General Ed books to round out his mind.
Photo Josh Miller
9. Window for throwing water balloons at
freshmen.
411
411
NOW BOARDING
Video
Review
Avoid the Ticket Change Nightmare
By James Brown
By Sierra Lake
By Karen Futernick, Ozonetravel.com
SnowKiting Made Easy
Age: 39
This video is a must have for anyone interested in
snow kiting. It is comprehensive and well thought out.
Everyone, from beginners, water kiters making the
transition and even seasoned snowkiters can learn
something. It covers everything from the basics like
setting up, launching and landing the kite, to advanced
jumping techniques. The DVD shows the differences
between foils, inflatables, handles and control bars.
It also covers the different aspects of the sport such as
freestyle, big air and cross-country travel. www.naishkites.com
Street Name: “Chocolate Chip”
Snowkite Addict #2
Changing your ticket these
days can be extremely costly if you don’t
know what you are doing. Sometimes these costs are inevitable.
Having a back up plan before booking your ticket is always the best call. The
following information should help you avoid getting burned by the airline
industry.
Booking Domestic Travel
When purchasing your ticket for travel to a destination within the United
States (normally known as, “domestic travel”), there are some things you
should be aware of, especially if you think you may change your ticket.
Tickets purchased on major airlines such as American Airlines, United
Airlines, etc have more restrictions and more significant penalties than those
purchased on discount airlines, such as Southwest, Jet Blue or Spirit. Make
sure you understand the fare rules associated with your particular fare
before purchasing your ticket! Ignorance is no excuse. Ask the agent about
ticket changes before you book the ticket. Being in the know before hand is
your best travel advantage.
Changing Your Ticket
Before Flight Change: Don’t bail your flight without calling ahead of time to
let the airline know you are changing your flight. If you don’t make your
changes before hand, there’s a great possibility that your ticket won’t be
worth the paper it’s printed on!
▼ Outbound Changes (Your outbound flight is the first flight of your trip):
If you’re on a major airline, you will most likely be charged a $100.00
change fee plus any fare difference that may exist between the ticket you
purchased and the price of the “new” ticket. For smaller, discounted airlines, your charge may be nothing but the fare difference (Southwest
Airlines) to $25.00 plus the fare difference (Jet Blue and Spirit).
Remember, each ticket is different so check the fare rules. Always ask
about flying stand-by. You can sometimes avoid all fees.
▼ Return Changes Most airlines will charge you a $100.00 change fee.
Your best bet is to call the airline ahead of time and ask them what days
are the most open. Again, ask about flying stand-by to possibly avoid fees.
▼ Cancelling your ticket The most important thing about canceling
your ticket is that it MUST be done before the scheduled departure time of
the flight you wish to cancel! If you have an un-restricted, refundable ticket, then ask the agent how to handle your refund. If you have a nonrefundable ticket, which is what most of us travel on, you have exactly one
year to re-use your ticket. You will be charged a fee ranging from $25 $100 and will have to pay whatever difference exists between your new
ticket and the ticket you purchased. If you have a credit, then that money
is available towards the purchase of another ticket; it is not refundable.
This is the latest mind blowing snowkite DVD from the
Semnoz Kite Surfing crew. There is tons of action and
lifestyle footage put to a killer soundtrack. It is shot on
location in Jackson, Wyoming as well as France,
Norway, Switzerland and some secret spots. The top
men, women and juniors from the US and Europe
show the true potential of snowkiting that has turned
us all into “Addicts.”
Home: San Francisco Bay Area
System: RRD, Cabal DC,
UltraNectar, DaKine, Kaenon
Ride: Escape snowboard
Claim: Brought water kiting to the
West Coast.
Photo Gabe Brown
Chip Wasson
“Complete” is a good description of this DVD. It covers
everything about kiteboarding from standard kite and
board skills, gear, rescue techniques, freestyle moves
for beginners to experts and waveriding. Extras include
interviews with top Naish riders as well as board
designer Greg Drexler and kite designer Don
Montague. Look for the DVD at your local retailer or go
to www.kitefilm.com to order.
Detonation
Detonation comes straight from Perth from Reflex
Films Australia. Matt Holder takes you on a kiteboarding adventure to some of Australia’s sickest locations.
Not your typical cast of riders, Felix Pivec, Stuart
Martin, Darren Marshal and Ryland Blakeney explore
the vast coastlines that Australia has to offer. The wave
riding footage of Felix Pivec at legendary Gnarloo in
Western Australia make this low budget production
worthwhile. Check out the trailer in the video section
at www.kbmag.com. Email reflex@arach.net.au for ordering information.
Metropolis
ACL Productions has done it again and come out with
the most progressive kiteboarding video on the market. Metropolis is actually the Cabrinha Team video,
but don’t let that scare you away. Between Pete
Cabrinha’s tow surfing footage, Elliot Leboe’s wave
riding section, Stav Niarchos’ wakestyle segment and
Andre Phillip’s infinite handle pass sequences, there is
enough variety to keep you entertained for more than
one viewing. The clips of Cabrinha’s manufacturing
plant give an interesting perspective into the kite trade. This DVD is a must
see if you want to check out the latest kiteboarding moves.
Check out www.aclproductions.com for more information.
Photo Patrick Nedele
Snowkiting Tips
1 Make sure your equipment is dialed in and comfortable.
3
Clothing, boots, harness setup, snowboard/skis waxed
and sharp, good step-in system w/ comfortable stance.
2
The Complete Kiteboarding Guide
Shout: GO!
4
If you are going way out from where you start, bring
snowshoes and water.
5
Don’t be afraid to use both skis and a snowboard.
When pumping up kite, don’t pinch frozen valves, place
your finger over the top and then quickly plug.
Rig up a relaunch system from the trailing edge of
tube kites.
6
Make an effort to go to places where snowkiting is sick
(Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho) as well
as exploring your local area.
7
Start with a kite size that is nicely controllable first and
work your way up.
411
Competition
Results
Competition Corner
Felix Pivec crushes speed crossing record
By Sierra Lake
The race consisted of the whole tour racing down wind from the island of the Phare
Amédée, to the beach of the Meridian. The wind was blowing a steady 24 knots, with
really choppy seas and rolling swells. Felix was invited by the KPWT organizers to compete, unofficially, in the speed crossing. To the surprise of the organizers and the other competitors, Felix used a
different strategy than the other competitors. Pulling away from the competition in the first eight minutes, Felix
stayed in the lead by choosing to tack upwind, which is initially a longer way to reach the finish line. In doing so,
he avoided the impact zone. The other riders took the straight tack and were forced to go through the impact zone
where they lost the majority of the time. Felix's winning time was (25'55") coming in two minutes ahead of every- Felix Pivec with his support
crew. Photo Sierra Lake
one setting a new official speed record for the race.
MEN
1. Charles Deleau, North
2. Mickael Siret
3. Mickael Fernandez, RRD
4. Manolo Barlet
WOMEN
1. Fabienne d'Ortoli, Cabrinha
2. Gisela Pulido, Airush
3. Coralie Imbert
2004 KPWT Final Rankings
Official 2004 World Champion Ranking
MEN
1. Mickaël Fernandez, RRD
2. Charles Deleau, North
3. Guillaume Mariani, North
4. Soufiane Hamaini, North
2004 KPWT World Champions Announced
By Alexis Rovira
The Kiteboard Pro World Tour held their final event in New Caledonia and announced their, high points, Men, Women
and Junior Kiteboard World Champions for the 2004 season. We know you have never heard of these European riders,
but we figured we would give them credit for their efforts. Congratulations to the new KPWT, world champions Mickaël
Fernandez, Gisela Pulido, Tom Hébert. The KPWT also awarded The Wave Masters champions, Hervé Bouréand and Event Site, New Caldonia.
Photo KPWT
Fabienne D'Ortoli for the 2004 season. Check out the competition section at kbmag.com for more information.
PKRA Announces 2004 World Champions in Brazil
By Alexis Rovira
The PKRA competition season came to an end at the Ceara, Brazil event. Flexifoil's young
gun, Aaron Hadlow earned the World Champion title by placing first in three out of six
events and second in the rest. The kid came on the scene and dominated the older riders
with his arsenal of kiteloop and handle pass combinations. New Zealand's, veteran world champion, Cindy Mosey Aaron Hadlow’s signature
destroyed the women's bracket placing first at every event except Fuerte Ventura where she didn't attend. Cindy is handle pass.
the first women kiteboarder to pull handle passes in competition and has led the Women's bracket for the last three Photo Robert Vreeland
years. For more information on the PKRA, check out www.pkra.info.
Ben Wilson Wins Australia's Infamous Mambo
Merimbula Classic By Ryan Riccitelli
The Mambo Merimbula Classic is a legendary event that's history spans over two decades. The competition is renowned for
its wild parties and hard core riding. Over the last few years the Mambo added a kiteboarding discipline which has become
one of Australia's biggest kiteboarding competitions. This year, Australia's Ben Wilson took the first place prize. From the
rumors we heard, Ben and his entourage also won the “unofficial” biggest party award. Ben is the former Australian
Kiteboarder Magazine editor and is one of Australia's premier wave riders. For more information on the Mambo Classic's
debauchery, check out http://www.acr.net.au/~msc/.
2005 Corona Extra Winter Tour
Kiteboard Pro World Tour 2004
Alcatel Kitesurf Pro
Meridian Beach,
Noumea, New Caledonia
November 1-7 2004
By James Brown
The Semnoz tour organizers are gearing up for another mind-blowing season of snowkiting for 2005.
Approximately 70 riders will come from 10 different nations including USA, Switzerland, England, Germany, France
and Norway to compete in four events. Rider categories will include skiers, snowboarders, men, women and juniors. After the tour stop in Norway last season, it was apparent that the Norwegian guys were super motivated and
had stepped up their skills. Our boys from the US haven't let down there guard either. Alex Peterson and Aaron
Sales spent some quality time in October training in New Zealand where the terrain mirrors that of the Col du
Lautaret in the French Alps. The terrain is mountainous and above tree line, where the jumps are huge since you
can turn your kite and float forever as the slope drops away from you. To place well on the tour, the riders have to
be solid on this kind of terrain in the first and final events held in France. Check out the action on their DVDs
“Wanna Get High” from the 2003 tour and the newest DVD, “Addict” which was released recently.
2005 Event Schedule
Col du Lautaret, France - January 10 to 15
Note: The event in Jackson, Wyoming will not be repeated unfortunately. Let's keep our
Silvaplana, Switzerland - February 7 to 12
eyes open for a solid world-class event site so they will bring the tour back next season!
Geilo, Norway - April 4 to 9
Championship: France - March 8 to 13
For updated tour info check out www.semnozkitesurfing.com. To order DVDs go to sideoff.com or murrays.com.
WOMEN
1. Gisela Pulido, Airush
2. Fabienne D'Ortoli, Cabrinha
3. Sandrine Maunier, Naish
World Champion Junior (under 18)
MEN
1. Tom Hébert, Airush
2. Kevin Langeree, Naish
3. Mallaury Villemarque, North
PKRA Frestyle & Wave Riding
Ceara - Fortaleza, Brazil
November 28, 2004
Freestyle Results
MEN
1. Ruben Lenten, Slingshot
2. Aaron Hadlow, Flexifoil
3. Gianni Aragno, Cabrinha
4. Cesar Portas, North
WOMEN
1. Cindy Mosey, North
2. Kristin Boese, GER,
3. Angela Peral, ESP
4. Ania Grzelinska, North
Wave Riding Final Results
MEN
1. Mark Shinn, Naish
2. Abel Lago, Naish
3. Marc Ramseier, Cabrinha
4. Mallory De La Villemarque, North
WOMEN
1. Kirsty Jones
2. Kristin Boese
3. Angela Peral, North
4. Ania Grzelinska, North
2004 PKRA Final Rankings
Men's Final Ranking
1. Aaron Hadlow, Flexifoil,
World Champion
2. Gianni Aragno, Cabrinha
3. Ruben Lenten, Slingshot
4. Jaime Herraiz,, North
5. Martin Vari, RRD
6. Etienne Lhote, F-One
7. Alvaro Onieva, Wipika
Women's Final Ranking
1. Cindy Mosey, North,
World Champion
2. Kristin Boese
3. Ingrid Koellbichler
4. Angela Peral, North
Mambo, Merimbula Classic 2004
Merimbula Beach, November 25-28, 2004
Open Men
1. Ben Wilson
2. Lee Kavanaugh, Wallabi Point, NSW
3. Jamie Symons, Gold Coast, QLD.
4. Blake Maxted, Redhead, NSW
5. John Messenger, Palm Beach, NSW
6. Damien Leroy, Florida, USA
Senior Men
1. Mat Tobin, Southport, QLD
2. Russell Pel, Nambucca Heads, NSW
3. Scott Balfour, Stuarts Point
4. Rich Stenning, Sans Souci, NSW
5. Buck Ashcraft, Corpus Christi USA
Women
1. Jessica Van den Burgh, Perth, WA
2. Sally Hobgin, Fairlight, NSW
3. Angela Van Hoof Mudgeeraba, QLD
29
Name: Trip Forman Age: 36
Organization: REAL Kiteboarding
Website:
www.realkiteboarding.com
Phone: 866-REAL-KITE
Founded: 2001
Background: Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Sailing, Surfing,
Skiing, Snowboarding.
Position in organization: Co-Founder of REAL
Staff size: 38
Location(s): Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, Cozumel/Mexico
411
Kite Organizations
Go Head to Head
Learning to kiteboard can be dangerous, and trying to figure out where to
get quality instruction is often confusing. Everyone says, “Take a lesson
from a qualified instructor.” What defines a quality instructor anyway? We
took the time to do the research on four of the top teaching styles in the world: PASA, IKO, REAL Kiteboarding and K.I.T.E.S. technique.
The Kiteboarder Magazine doesn't favor any of these teaching styles over the other. We support any legitimate organization spending the
time and money to promote and teach kiteboarding safely.
KB: What does your organization represent and how
does it differentiate from other kiting instructor certification programs offered throughout the world?
will have this issue. We give instructors a 30 student
permit after the course, and we monitor this to see
if they can make the grade. They have 6 months to
complete this, or they have to start over. If we have
an issue with a PASA instructor, most times, we can
work with the instructor and help him or her overcome the problem. We are a non-profit—this is
about the sport, not just the money, so our philosophy is if you don't follow the guidelines, you don't
hold the certification.
PASA: PASA's main concern is safety in the sport for
schools and instructors. I believe all the organizations have
the same goals, we just have different situations. PASA
focuses on the United States market because it's where we
live and are based. We also have many extras in our certification for our instructors that may not be required outside
of the U.S. for insurance and safety reasons.
KB: Do you think your organization has played a role
in the development and popularity of kiteboarding?
How?
PASA: Yes, a major one. Having North America as the
largest growth market for kiteboarding creates a lot of
challenges. We have formed a committee to go to different states to help set up schools for the regulations that
they have, to prevent bans on the sport. I am also working
30
Photo courtesy of IKO
with the Mexican Sports Ministry to help them sort out
similar problems, and PASA is now their accepted certification. At PASA we have a broad range of examiners
which helps us have a variety of views on what's going on.
KB: What were your major accomplishments in 2004
and what are your goals moving forward?
PASA: I would say is that we were instrumental in getting
leisure and pro riders to use kite leashes and have started the trend for wearing helmets in areas with onshore
winds. We had a big growth of instructors last year and
helped push more into the mainstream. I wrote a snowkite
instructional course, and we have already held three
courses to provide a certification for the snow. This year,
we will concentrate more on the helmet issue.
KB: There has been some criticism of “certified”
instructors. This has put into question the validity of
“licensed” instructors. What is your response to this?
PASA: The law of averages says in any organization you
well. When my partner Matt Nuzzo and I started REAL, we
went this direction because there needed to be an easy way
to get into the sport in order for it to grow. Now there is.
Trip Forman: REAL kiteboarding represents the highest
end of kiteboarding instruction. We strive not for numbers
but for the highest quality of service, instruction, facilities
and results. Two examples of this are our Kite Camps and
“On the Fly” PWC coaching programs.These are two teaching methods developed by REAL and then adopted by most
schools worldwide. By pushing the envelope of what is possible, rather than what is accepted, REAL has made learning to ride easier and more fun since our inception.
KB: What were your major accomplishments last year
KB: Do you think your organization has played a role in
the development and popularity of kiteboarding? How?
TF: Yes, I do. In 2004, our schools created over 6,000 new
riders. In year's past we have created similar numbers as
Name: Sandrine Beaudonnat Age: 31
Organization: International
Kiteboarding Organization (IKO)
Website: www.ikorg.com
Phone: 809-240-5432
Founded: November 2001
Background: PR & Business Communications specialist
Position in organization: Communications Manager
Staff size: 5 full time at head office
Location(s): Headquartered in the Dominican Republic
IKO: IKO is an international organization that has developed kiteboarding training certification programs, from
assistant instructors to examiners, which are recognized
and approved worldwide. Teaching content and quality
standards are updated on a yearly basis and more if necessary. IKO provides the only international network for
instructors to work anywhere in the world, with the support, communications and organization tools needed to
do so professionally.
KB: Do you think your organization has played a role
in the development and popularity of kiteboarding?
How?
IKO: It definitely has! Since our inception in 2001, more
than 80,000 people discovered kiteboarding through an
IKO affiliated center. IKO training methods have made the
sport more accessible to the public in a manner which
TF: I'd have to say our media coverage due to people recognizing the quality of our programs and how rapidly the
sport of kiteboarding is growing. In 2004, REAL was featured in Time, Outside, Men's Journal, Sports Illustrated,
Hustler, National Geographic, USA Today, NY Times, and
almost every major newspaper across the country via an AP
news item that went national. On television, REAL was recognized by Outside Magazine and OLN as the #5 Adventure
Camp in the World. To give you a reference by which to
compare, Outward Bound received #9. Moving forward, our
goals are to continually improve our programs and facilities
promotes safety, which is important for the sustainability of kiteboarding.
KB: What were your major accomplishments in 2004
IKO: Our primary goal always is to make kiteboarding
safer and accessible to the masses. Our biggest accomplishment was obtaining International insurance coverage for IKO instructors and schools. We also completed
two books: Kiteboarding Vision, for all kiteboarders and
the Kiteboarder's Workbook, for students. Lastly, we
enhanced our training programs to include assistant
instructors, IKO equivalency programs for other teaching
organizations, and basic first aid & CPR courses.
KB: What do you think about the validity of the insurance and certification programs that PASA offers?
How is it different from IKO?
IKO: I am not familiar with the details of the insurance
that PASA has to offer so I will not comment on its valid-
KB: Does your organization offer insurance and
certifications for instructors? If so what do you
have to do to get it and where is it available?
PASA: Yes we do, the courses are available in all
regions of the USA. You must pass a four day course
to get a temporary permit. Upon completion you are
allowed to have insurance but are only allowed to
teach 30 people until PASA evaluates your progress.
You can't continue until you have the ok. This insur-
to keep REAL on the forefront of “Making New Riders
Everyday”.
KB: Does your organization offer insurance and
certifications for instructors?
TF: Yes, we certify all of our coaches through a
seven day certification program. All insurance is
held within the company and covers all coaches
working for REAL.
KB: What do you think about the validity of the
insurance and certification programs that
PASA and IKO offer? How is your organization
different?
TF: I do not have any experience with their insurance,
so I can't comment on that. I do know that it is far
better to properly certify the right instructor candi-
ity. As for the certification programs, well, there
are differences, but we have worked on an equivalency course for PASA instructors, giving them
the opportunity to become IKO as well.
KB: Do you think IKO's teaching standards are
better than the competition?
IKO: I do not wish to comment on whether our
standards are better than the competition. I think
there is a market for all and that each group meets
the need of its market. Our training certification
programs are recognized and approved worldwide.
KB: Rumor is that IKO does not have the reach
in the United States that PASA has. Why is it
that IKO has had such a hard time getting
insurance in the US?
IKO: It is a fact that there are more PASA instructors in the States, apart from Maui where most
instructors are IKO. We need more US based IKO
ance will cover the instructor, student, shop and Jet
Ski or boat. Contact First Flight for more information
on the insurance.
KB: What do you think about the validity of the
insurance and certification programs that IKO
offers? How is it different from PASA?
PASA: PASA is more centered on the USA, although
we also prepare instructors to teach anywhere in the
world. IKO has limited insurance for the USA. I think
their program is fine, but it's not geared for the USA.
KB: Do you think PASA's teaching standards are
better than the competition? How do you address
schools that are not PASA or IKO certified?
PASA: Our standards are for quality and safety. No
one is better than the other. I am just as happy when
instructors take the time to learn from someone who
has the knowledge and a program. Yes, I feel PASA
has more of a degree program, because the insur-
dates, than it is to cover up that fact with insurance
and hope for the best. Our insurance properly covers
our coaches and also our events like the RED BULL
qualifier event.
KB: Snow kiting is starting to explode. Do you see
your organization playing a role in its development?
TF: We have been riding and teaching on the snow
since the winter of 2000 (not REAL then). Our “Storm
Chasers” Snow Tour has been a big hit every season.
Snow kiting will go huge when the snow industry
officially recognizes it. Currently they have their nose
turned up at the sport and snow kiting is only a subset of the water kiteboarding. Once they take their
head out of their %^&ss and realize how fun it is,
then snow kiting will really explode.
examiners to run the courses, and are currently
working on finding the right, serious candidates.
Because we are an international organization, we
concentrated our efforts on finding insurance that
would cover instructors and schools worldwide.
Unfortunately, this coverage excludes the US. We
have a separate policy for accident, health and liability insurance for US IKO instructors.
KB: There has been some criticism of “certified” instructors. This has put into question the
validity of “licensed” instructors. What is your
response to this?
IKO: Quality standards and student satisfaction
are essential to IKO's credibility. If IKO standards
are not followed, we investigate when the issue is
brought to our attention. The instructor receives a
warning and if the situation persists, he or she is
revoked from the IKO network. We have also
implemented a student feedback system so that
By Marina Chang
ance mandates us to do so. We have been involved
in teaching similar sports since the late 70's—
hangliding, skydiving, ultralight, paragliding. As far
as the other programs, we have instructors take a
PASA course that updates them to our standards
and current USA regulations.
KB: Snow kiting is starting to explode. Do you
see your organization playing a role in its
development?
Photo courtesy of John Holzhall
Name: Paul Menta Age: 38
Organization: Professional Air Sports
Association (PASA)
Website: www.pasakiteboarding.org
Phone: Refer to website for email
Founded: November 2001 (Kiteboarding Program)
Background: Chef, wakeboarder, surfer, WSN examiner, owner
Kite Surf the Earth & Kite House, PR
Position in organization: Master Instructor, Head of Training
Staff size: 9
Location(s): Headquartered in Florida
Photo courtesy of Real Kiteboarding
Photo courtesy of PASA
411 News and Information
Outlook
PASA: I wrote the first manual and certification
course for snow kiting out there last year. I spent a
whole season prior just teaching snow kiting to see
what would work best. We promoted the sport and
did demos at all the US snow tradeshows. PASA will
go in full gear this year to make it even better for the
snowkiters. The growth of snowkiters will help create a full season balance for many schools and
retailers.
KB: Do you see licensing of private kiters or sites
in the near future? Why?
TF: Private sites do work. Our REAL Lesson Center in
Cape Hatteras is a private facility and this operates
efficiently with very little drama on a daily basis. Just
down the island at many public launches, you can
see the exact opposite of this. If your site is private,
you control the access, the riders and the rules. This
controls and guarantees a high fun factor for those
granted access. In regards to public sites, we need to
keep a tight watch on their access and who/how
uses them. Again, if everyone basically practices
common sense and takes 100% responsibility for
their actions, we will be very ahead of the game.
we can monitor, evaluate and follow up as needed
with all the IKO instructors and IKO centers. IKO
recently upgraded its school standards which
resulted in 42 suspensions due to noncompliance
of our requirements. I think this shows that we are
serious about enforcing the IKO quality standards
and ensuring student satisfaction!
KB: Snow kiting is starting to explode. Do you
see your organization playing a role in its
development?
IKO: We just completed our snowkite instructor
training content in cooperation with IKO Examiner
Maarten Huissman from the Netherlands. Maarten
is also a snowboard training master and worked
with instructors from Canada, Finland, and the UK
to develop a comprehensive, complete and international teaching program. The first two courses
offered at the end of 2004 were full, with more
scheduled worldwide this year.
Name: John Holzhall
Age: Born late last century
Organization: CEO/Author Secrets
of Kiteboarding (book and dvd)
Website:
www.kiteboardcenter.com
Phone: 808.276.2667
Background: Blue skies, strong
trades, palm trees, hammock, hot
tub.
Staff size: 37 Schools, 136
Retailers, 27 Distributors, 13
Importers
Location(s): International
One of Hawaii's first instructor's, John Holzall
had little choice but to log massive hours to
develop a safe teaching program for his students. Five years in the making, he released
Secrets of Kiteboarding and launched
K.I.T.E.S. (Kiteboarding International Training
System) in 2003. K.I.T.E.S is available in
book/dvd format and targets kiteboarders,
instructors, and retailers. John believes his
system fills a niche in that newbies generally
travel to find wind and instruction. With the
book/dvd, they can now be prepared before
their lesson and perhaps more importantly,
after, when the rider often has to reproduce
what he learned on his own in a different location and with different gear. K.I.T.E.S. is a
PASS/FAIL system. It has tremendous depth
in safety and gear setup, but the Upwind
Board Drag (UBD) on Multiple Line Lengths
(MLL) is the main point of differentiation. If riders aren't self launching, traveling upwind and
self exiting their first day, they are failing the
system. If an instructor's student is going
downwind, the instructor is failing! Secrets of
Kiteboarding is available at participating retailers, schools and www.kiteboardcenter.com.
31
Send It
2
3
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5
14 15
16
1
6
7
17 18
19
20
24
25
8
9
13
11 12
1. Oahu kite girls ready to ride. Photo Jeff Pfeffer
7. Lou Wainman shows off his new toy. Photo Jimmy Lewis
2. Dimitri Maramenides and Danny Cruz working hard at a photo
shoot. Photo Javier Cruz
8. Bri Chmel watching Julie Simsar’s heat. Photo Kim Kern
3. Hamish Macdonald entertains the Islamorada Sand Bar.
Photo Brad Lange
4. Real Kiteboarding claiming like they own it. Photo Greg Gnecco
5. Good times at AWSI in South Padre, Texas. Photo Tonia Farman
6. Damien Leroy lighting up in the British Virgin Islands.
32Photo Chris Vicari
21 22
10
9. Teague Pilcher sending it in Lyle, Washington.
Photo Kim Calder
10. Renee Hank’s super model look. Photo Lance Koudele
11. Homegrown, Cancun, Mexico. Photo Kevin “Top Hat” Senn
23
26 27
14. Dana Pinto shows off every girls dream quiver.
Photo Jeff Burton
15. Slezak’s after school training program. Photo Greg Gnecco
16. Felix Pivec running amuck in the red light district of Bangkok.
Photo unknown.
17. Joe Cool. Photo Gabe Brown
12. Hiro you’re my hero. Photo Lou Wainman
18. 5 year old up and comer Areland from the Netherlands.
Photo Dad
13. Check out this fish I caught? Photo unknown
19. Margarita, Venezuela loves kiters. Photo Andy Hurdman
20. Hair club for men convention. Photo Adam Koch
21. Otis from Michigan. Photo Brad Knoth
26. James Brown boardslides over Mike Muenzenmayer.
Photo Blake Pelton
28
Send in your best kiteboarding
22. Pete Cabrinha representing a true waterman. Photo Tracy Kraft
27. Dave Alden towing Jeff Swanstrom to the goods.
Photo James Brown
photos: riding, lifestyle or whatever.
23. X Rated Kiteboarding’s standard issue bathing suits.
Photo Neil Hutchinson
28. Wind is the best cure for a hang over. Photo Paul Lang
“Exposed” section and will receive a
The best shot will be printed in the
pair of Martin adjustable straps.
24. Danny Cruz rips his Gibson Explorer when he is not on the
water. Photo Javier Cruz
www.martintechnologies.com
25. Nina Johansson always puts a smile on our face.
Photo Dave Turner
editor@kbmag.com
Don’t forget to send us your caption.
33
Close-Up
Power and Passion
Anyone who knows Chuck Patterson will tell you that he has some of
the biggest balls in the sport. The guy is not afraid to risk life and limb
in pursuit of adrenaline. Whether it is tow surfing into 50 foot plus
waves or snow kiting off cliffs in the Sierra Nevada’s, Chuck is a
maniac and always up for a stunt.
Where did you start kiteboarding? I started kiting with Chip Wasson from Ultra Nectar in
San Francisco about 5 or 6 years ago. I then moved to Maui to really get the sport dialed by
riding with the best in the world. I started on a Wipika Classic 5.0 and a wakeboard, which
I rode at Kite Beach every day. Back then it seemed like that's all you needed—simplicity.
Now, we all have quivers of kites from 20m down to 5m.
What sets you apart from other kiters? My love for riding overpowered in big surf with a
pulley bar.
Chuck Patterson
by James Brown
VITALS
Age: 35
Height: 6’2
Weight: 215 lbs. Stance: Regular
Years riding: 5.5
Favorite Spots: All of Baja's Pacific
coastline, Santa Cruz and Maui.
Favorite Conditions: 6-10ft, hollow
rights, with 20-30 mph side offshore
winds.
Chuck meets his match.
Photo Ryan Riccitelli
Favorite Moves: Off the lip aerials, off
the lip back rolls, kiteloop reentries.
Sponsors: Caution Kites, Rainbow fins, Dakine, O'Neill, Smith
eyewear, Dahui, Reactor watches, Eletic surfboards and
5iveo.com
What is the scariest wipeout you have experienced in big surf?
I have experienced many, and I think it is a true test of survival and
physical strength. Taking beatings from waves over 40 feet is
pretty awesome and humbling in the same way. Sometimes you
need to get slapped to be reminded of the power of Mother Nature.
My worst beating was probably at Peahi (Jaws) a few years ago.The
waves were a solid 25ft from the West. That direction can be scary,
because every now and then, the West bowl will close out the wave
and trap you if you aren't fast enough. Sure enough that's what
happened to me. I had three options—either go for it and get really
beaten, kick out the back and get beaten by the next wave or
straighten out and let the wave blow up behind me and suffer the
avalanche of white water. I straightened out which put me really
deep in the impact zone and I took five waves on the head before
anyone could get to me.
What riders do you think need to step up their game? I'll be the
first to say me. I have been so consumed in my other sports like
tow surfing, working with hosting TV shows and training my team
kids, that it's easy to fall away from the eye of the storm! I'm an old
guy anyway, but I can still hold my own in huge surf and strong
winds.With all the young groms getting so good so quickly, I'm sure
it's a full time job for the majority of pros that started when I did.
Competition is healthy!
Who is your favorite female rider and why? I can't say I have any
favorites because I like them all. There's something to be said
about a girl in a bikini doing a handle pass or a kiteloop!! I'm stoked
to see so many women getting into the sport.
What do you think of the current state of the industry? I think the kiteboarding industry
is slowly building itself up and the kite companies are building better and stronger kites and
boards with the consumer in mind. Once the prices come down or level out and the surf
industry takes note, I think this sport will definitely grow a lot more. Snow kiting should be a
lot easier to grow with less restrictions.
What are your major complaints about the sport? I think there is too much attitude by
some people in this sport and not enough people giving back to ensure the safety and
growth of kiteboarding.
Final comments? Don't ever forget the people who helped you succeed on the way and
always return the favor.
Chuck signs his autograph on a San Carlos lip. Photo Clark Merritt
GEAR
GEAR SET-UP
SET-UP
Kite: Caution 6m-16m
Bar: Airush pulley-bar
Board: 132 Caution-Red Line with
C Patterson fins by Rainbow
Bindings: Dakine footstraps
Harness: Dakine Pyro
Lines: 25m for everyday light wind riding and 20m & 15m for waves
34
Pro Tips
Wetsuit: O'Neill Psycho II 3/2 full for winter and O'Neill shorty for summer
1. Before jumping any trees or rocks, always check for any hidden
dangers like obstacles or shallow water in the landing zone.
4. When traveling overseas with a lot of kite gear, call ahead to check what the
weight restriction limits are and the amount of baggage you can take with you.
2. Make sure you have enough room in the landing zone in case of an
unexpected updraft.
5. Before traveling check the internet for the conditions of the location you are traveling to. This will help you decide what gear to bring.
3. Make sure to pack sharp objects separate from your kites.
6. Inspect your equipment after you ride to ensure your next day of kiting is safe.
Close-Up
Flying Frenchy
Julie Simsar
by Marina Chang
VITALS
In the last year, Julie Simsar has made her name in the US kiteboarding
scene by either winning or placing in the top three of every major
US kiteboarding event. Julie has constantly stepped up her game
learning many of the new school unhooked moves. Lately she is one
of the few women who have added the handle pass to her bag of tricks.
Keep your eye out for Julie at a beach near you, she will probably be
schooling the guys.
Nationality: French/Turkish
When did you get into kiteboarding? I started in Cabarete, Nov 2002 with my boyfriend
and the rest of the instructors. I used to windsurf but quickly got addicted to kiting. I started with a 9m RRD Type 4.
Favorite Moves: High mobes
Is it hard living in the US and being a French citizen? I am French, a real froggy, and I
have chosen to live and kite in the States. What it means is either coming in and out of the
states every three months on a visitor visa, or trying to get an athlete visa for a year. Being
recognized as an athlete in the states is a great advantage as it lets you work and travel
internationally as you wish.
Sponsors: Flexifoil, Kronic Kiteboards, Carrera, Dakine
Age: 22
Weight: 130
Height: 5’7
Stance: Goofy
Years Riding: 2
Local spot: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Favorite Spots: Charleston, SC and
San Juan
An introspective Julie.
Favorite Conditions: 20 knots,
sideshore, flat and waves.
Photo Gabe Brown
Favorite Riding Style: Powered and going for it—whatever it is.
Rumor has it you and Bri Chmel have quite a rivalry—what is that about? I've actually heard that quite a bit, so I am going to start believing it is true! Well, I probably won’t be
the first to tell you that girls tend to be a little wild and competitive with each other. When I
am on the water competing in my 8 minute heat, I am going to try everything to win it, which
has sometimes brought some tension on land. Between Bri and I, it is great because we're
on the same kiting level and push each other constantly. She kicked ass in a few comps,
and I did too. She throws some moves like her unhooked kite loop that just petrify me thinking about it. I go for other moves like mobes. When we get out of the water, let's be honest—doesn't everyone enjoy seeing two blondes fighting?! Is there a kiting soap opera yet?
Why did you leave Globerider and go to Flexifoil kites? I spent a year with Globerider
USA and I really enjoyed it, but I realized there was no international opportunity with them.
The French company was too small, too new and did not want to expand their team riders.
I had a good idea of what kind of kites I wanted to ride in 2005 and what kind of people I
wanted to work and hang out with. I wanted to travel and compete on the international level,
and Flexifoil offered me a spot on the US team.
What moves are you working on right now? Unhooked: slims, mobes, back rolls,
kiteloops and raley kiteloops.
Who do you like to ride with? Joe Wilson, Michelle Baillot, Raquel Arroyo, Antoine Jaubert,
Damien Leroy—the list is exhaustive.
What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I think about the move I want to
learn and try to visualize it in my head. I like to practice on a kite bar hung from a tree. I also
ride my bike and try and stretch out as much as possible.
What are your views on contest? Contests are fun if you attend them with the state of
mind of just having fun.
Where do you see the sport heading? 1. Wave riding. 2. The big jumps and board off
moves will probably stay. 3. The wakeboard style moves are going to become more and
more precise and strict.
What is your most memorable moment? The first time I rode a wave, I finally understood
the addiction!
Who would you like to thank or give props to? Greg Kuklinsky, Flexifoil, Dakine, Carrera,
Grant Good – Kronic kiteboards, Antoine Jaubert and my family.
Julie is known to throw down the hardest unhooked moves.
Photo Robert Vreeland
GEAR
GEAR SET-UP
SET-UP
Board: Kronic Kiteboards 118cm/35cm
Bindings: Straps
Kite: Flexifoil 7, 9, 12 and 15m
Bar: Flexifoil
Lines: 27m
Harness: Dakine Tabu
Pro Tips
Wetsuit: I try to stay away from them.
36
1. Mobes: Don’t be afraid—try it by throwing your legs back like a
raley. This will give you momentum to complete the back roll and
pass the bar.
3. If you want to jump high, hold your edge, pull stronger that you think you
should and let the power lift you. Don’t forget to bring the kite forward again
unless you’re going for a kiteloop.
2. Ride with a friend and stay away from stormy onshore weather.
Use some sort of a quick release and an “Oh Shit” handle.
4. It’s easier to hit kickers with more speed. It allows you to keep your balance.
5. Make sure your bar is tuned and check your lines often.
36
l
i
z
a
r
B
Exploring
the Lagoons
of Cumbuco
Story and Photography by Gavin Butler
Viva Brazil!
A local watches kiteboarding for the first time.
iles of wide of open
M
beaches combined with the
eclectic culture and perfect
kiteboarding conditions 24 hours
a day come to mind when
reflecting back on my trip to
Cumbuco, Brazil.
I had heard many stories about how good the kiteboarding was
in Brazil. That statement in itself is really vague because it is a
huge country with many different riding spots. It's kind of like
saying the kiteboarding in the U.S. is insane. Well, the stories
were true at least for our little paradise in Northern Brazil's
Cumbuco district. Cumbuco is located in Brazil's Ceara State
which is situated on the Atlantic coast just a few degrees south
of the equator. This area experiences almost around the clock
trade winds that blow until well after the sun sets.
The landscape is reminiscent of Star Wars, with creeping sand
dunes, orange sunlight and jagged outcroppings that seem to
evolve in the shifting sands that create them. There is huge
potential for miles upon miles of downwinders, with perfect
size kickers for any riding level. Did I mention the lagoon system? The lagoons sit just back from the high tide mark and
create a kiteboarding flat-water fun park. No matter how hard
the trade winds blow, the water stays perfectly smooth. You
have to see it to believe it.
Screams of joy blew away in the wind as we unpacked and
tested the waters at our own secret spot. Jeff Beige, Bill Kraft,
Alex Shogren, Joseph Carneiro and myself sessioned new
spots like this everyday. One day we pumped up the inflatable
slider and played until the sunset. Beige hit the rail with perfection and Kraft threw giant handle passes in the background.
Amazingly enough, when the sun dropped, the wind continued
to blow. We rode the last remnants of light until the bursts of
flash from the camera were the only light left. Joseph’s huge
handle pass kiteloops backlit by the sun, led the way to darkness. We shared an amazing day at one of the most consistent
and perfect riding spots we have ever explored. This was truly
an experience to remember. ■
— Continue to next page for more on Cumbuco, Brazil.
38
Miles of desolate white sand coastline and lagoons make Cumbuco a dream spot to explore.
39
B
raz
il
Alex Shogren takes advantage of a night session.
The camera strobe lights up Joseph’s Indy tantrum.
Renting a truck is the best way to explore the lagoons.
Jeff Beige sessions a portable rail.
Cumbuco Travel File
Directions:
• Fly to Sao Paulo or Rio and connect to Fortaleza.
There are a few direct flights each day from the US.
• Fly direct from most major airports in Europe.
Location:
• Fortaleza in Ceara State, North Brazil.
• Cumbuco is situated approximately 1/2hr
a halfnorth
hour of
north
the
of
the airport.
airport.
• Taxis from the airport cost about $20.
• The peak season is from September to November,
which is when the crowds start to come. It is usually
windy year-round except for the wet season from
December to February.
Accommodations
• Golfinho Hotel is excellent, with clean rooms, TV,
phone, internet
(when working) and a swimming pool
internet(when
for about $40 a night.. The food is excellent and the
staff is friendly. www.hotelgolfinho.com.br
• There are cheaper places to stay, so do your research
if you are looking for a deal.
• For the ultimate kiteboarding experience, Dunmore
do Sol is the place. With three private, flat, freshwater lagoons, the resort has 20 rooms stocked with
every amenity. Plus, you can’t beat the no-wind, nopay room rate guarantee. Opening Aug 05. Check out
the laundry list of perks at www.kiteflatwater.com.
Transportation:
• You need a car to get around, or you can rent a buggy
and driver. The best option is to rent your own 4WD
for around $70 a day or a buggy for $40 a day. You
can explore the miles of beaches and find your own
private lagoon if you search hard enough.
Riding Tips:
Caption text goes here.
The lagoons are the perfect place for Joseph Carneiro to practice powered handle passes.
40
A kiteloop at sunset defines what soul sessions are about.
• The wind blows a consistent 20-30 knots everyday
and even stronger sometimes. Small kites are recommended so there is no need for an 18m or up.
• The wind direction is usually cross shore or cross on
in the mornings and by 9am it starts to swing more
onshore where it remains for the day.
• There are several lagoons in the area. Cauipe is the
most well known and is just north of Cumbuco. For
the adventurous, you can find several lagoons to the
north and south of Cumbuco. Bring food and drink
since you may be all alone in a private wonderland.
• With hundreds of miles of beaches, the spot is a
downwind paradise. It's up to you to choose the
howhow
far
far you want to go. It is perfect for those who like port
you
sidewant
tack. to go. It is perfect for those who like port
tack.
• side
Paracu
•ruParacuru
about
40 minutes
of Cumbuco
is about 40
minutes
north ofnorth
Cumbuco,
which forms
forms
greatbeachside
beachsidelagoon
lagoonthat
thatisisflat
flatonon waves
low tideonwith
a agreat
the
fantastic
waves
thetide.
outside. Best on a high tide.
outside.
Best
on a on
high
Travel Tips:
•• Be
sure toischeck
outcity
www.ozonetravel.com
Fortaleza
a large
of 4 million people or
thatcallh
1-888-8-2-GO-FLY
for nightlife.
the best deals on Brazil air
as great shopping and
and hotel travel.
• Fortaleza has several internet cafes along the beach
• Fortaleza
is a large
cityrestaurants
of 4 millionlinepeople
that has
at Bierra Mar.
Several
this stretch
of
great
shopping
and nightlife.
downtown
beach.
•• Fortaleza
hasdon't
several
along
the like
beach
Most clubs
go internet
off until cafes
12 am.
If you
to
at
Bierra
Mar. Several
line this stretch of
party,
Fortaleza
is yourrestaurants
spot.
downtown beach.
• Don't drink the local water. Bottled water is a must.
• Most clubs don't go off until 12 am. If you like to
• The local seafood is excellent with lobsters, shrimp
party, Fortaleza is your spot.
and plenty of fresh fish in all the restaurants and
• Don't
cafes.drink the local water. Bottled water is a must.
•• The
seafood
is excellent
withand
lobster,
and
Beeflocal
in Brazil
is also
top quality
it is shrimp
well worth
plenty
of fresh fish in all the restaurants and cafes.
sampling.
•• Beef
is alsopizza
top quality
is wellthat
worth
Thereinis Brazil
an excellent
joint in and
Cumbuco
has
sampling.
tasty pizzas and Calzones.
•• Most
Most restaurants
restaurants and
and cafes
cafes have
have pasta,
pasta, sandwiches,
sandwiches,
salads
salads etc.
etc. Vegetables
Vegetables are
are hard
hard to
to come
come by.
by.
•• The
The local
local beer
beer isis fine
fine along
along with
with the
the Brazilian
Brazilian specialspecialty
ty Camprinha.
Camprinha. The
The local
local “rum,
“rum, lime
lime and
and sugar
sugar drink”
drink”
packs
packs aa punch
punch and
and tastes
tastes great.
great.
•• Most
Most hotels
hotels have
have telephones,
telephones, and
and phone
phone cards
cards are
are
readily
readily available.
available. You
You can
can bring
bring your
your own
own mobile
mobile
phone
phone ifif itit isis set
set up
up for
for aa SIM
SIM card.
card. ItIt costs
costs around
around
$15
$15 to
to set
set up
up aa local
local number
number in
in Brazil,
Brazil, and
and can
can be
be
done
done easily
easily in
in Fortaleza.
Fortaleza.
Caution:
•• Be
Be careful
careful of
of theft,
theft, as
as crime
crime isis high
high in
in Brazil.
Brazil. The
The
locals
locals know
know the
the value
value of
of kiting
kiting equipment,
equipment, so
so be
be sure
sure
to
to take
take your
your gear
gear out
out of
of your
your car
car at
at night
night to
to be
be safe.
safe.
•• IfIf you
go
out
on
the
town,
use
common
sense.
you go out on the town, use common sense. IfIf you
you
are looking for trouble you will find it.
are looking for trouble you will find it.
• If you find a secret spot, check to see if the water is
• If you find a secret spot, check to see if the water is
clean and where the water is coming from that fills
clean and where the water is coming from that fills
the lagoon. Most are all right, but use common sense
the lagoon. Most are all right, but use common sense
when riding a new spot.
when riding a new spot.
• Check the lagoon's depth before riding. There are
• often
Checksubmerged
the lagoon's
depth
There are
rocks
that before
can be riding.
dangerous.
often submerged rocks that can be dangerous.
• Conditions change with the tide and swell along the
• beach,
Conditions
the tide
andbeaches—espeswell along the
so bechange
carefulwith
driving
on the
beach,atsonight.
be careful
driving on the tobeaches—especially
It is recommended
take the back
cially ifatthe
night.
recommended to take the back
roads
tideItisishigh.
roads if the tide is high.
41
2
The Man Behind the Mask
The Kiteboarder Magazine interviews Jimmy Lewis
I
t is amazing how a board designer can have such an impact on our sport. Jimmy Lewis
has played a major roll in the progression of kiteboard design. Over the past 30 years,
Jimmy has shaped custom toys for the world's elite waterman including: Laird Hamilton,
Pete Cabrinha, Mike Waltze, Brett Lickle, Vitor Marcal, Maria Souza, Dylan Grafmyre and the
list goes on. Back in 1996, Lou Wainman hooked up with Jimmy to design some of the early
kiteboard prototypes. Over the years Jimmy has continued to push the envelope in board theory
and evolution. Most people claim that once you ride one of Jimmy's shapes, you will never want
anything else. We caught up with Jimmy early this winter to check out some of his latest designs.
1
4
3
6
7
8
5
11
9
Most people don't
know you build a lot of boards for some of the
world's hardest charging watermen.What have
you built for Laird Hamilton?
though, and I have a good time too. If I ever did get
lucky with any of them, no one would ever know
unless she told someone. I'm not the kind of guy
who likes to talk about it more than doing it.
Jimmy Lewis: I mostly have built sailboards
KB: What is the one thing in the board building
process that you think is most difficult to understand for someone trying to do what you do? For
example, at what stage does the average shaper
falter where you would succeed?
KB: Everyone is always talking about it. What's
up with the crazy ads with the chicks?
Jimmy: When I make a board of any kind, whether
it’s a kiteboard, surfboard, foil board or whatever,
I'm looking for all the lines to flow and blend
together. Those lines are the outline, the rocker line,
the thickness flow, the deck and bottom shape and
the rail shape. When all of these lines are flowing
and blended correctly for the dimensions of any
given board, then you could have a magic shape. It
seems that I have an eye and a feel for this flow and
blend that others don't. It's not that some shapers
screw up. It's just that their vision of a "line" doesn't
seem to have the same effect in the water as mine.
The Kiteboarder:
for Laird. I've made him some foilboards too. The
foilboard that Dave Kalama was riding in the
movie, Step Into Liquid was a board that I made
for Laird.
Jimmy: Doing my own ads is fun and can be creative. The first ad I did with a girl in it was the one
with Melody in the wet t-shirt. I think what I was
trying to get was a little shock value. Not so much
with just her photo but with the text of that ad too.
I DID get lots of attention from that ad and subsequent ads with her in them too. Since then, all of
my ads with girls seem to get the most attention.
That's what advertising is all about. I think that
most riders are aware that I make boards. Plus,
going into the studio with an ad concept, an idea
for a picture and an attractive girl with a good
attitude is really fun too.
KB: What do you have to say to people who are
offended by your ads?
Jimmy: I have only had two people complain to me,
by email, about my ads and I've heard of only two
others who were offended.The reality is that my ads
don't offend the buyers who are mostly over 35 and
male. I have LOTS of female customers too. My
ads do what they're supposed to do: get attention for
my product. Tony Finn (Liquid Force) defined it
perfectly when he was telling me about a guy who
was complaining to him about my ads. Tony told
him that "here you stand with the new magazine in
your hand and ALL YOU are talking about is
Jimmy's ad. I think his ads are working."
KB: Have you ever hooked up with any of your
models?
Jimmy: I don't really know any of the girls who
have been in my ads or calendar except for the
photo shoots and dealing with them after. The reality sometimes isn't what people might think. The
girls always have a good time doing the pictures
42
KB: Is there anything that makes you laugh or
pisses you off when people begin shaping a board
with you for the first time? For example, people
telling you what works?
boards in the Liquid Force line and a few in the
Wipika line. I did the boards for Liquid Force
because I really like Tony Finn, who is the president,
and I did the boards for Wipika because of my relationship with Mauricio Abreu, who has been a loyal
rider of mine since the beginning. Mauricio, along
with Dylan Grafmyre, Lou Wainman, Tomoko
Okazaki and Konrad Bright, would all pay me for
one of my boards before they would ride another.
12
KB: How do you figure out what to charge for one
of your handshaped boards?
13
Jimmy: My boards are about the most expensive on
the market, I think. Both my custom boards and my
production boards. What I don't understand is why
riders would pay ANYTHING for some of the
boards on the market today. These boards that are
pressed out like snowboards with hard, square, thin
rails, terrible outlines and terrible rockers and have
absolutely no shape to them. All the focus is on
these manufacturer's kite sales and nothing goes
into the board design. Board design is just as important as the kite. Get on a good board and you will
feel the difference.
15
17
16
14
20
19
22
KB: Rumor has it you're a closet vocalist and your
Rolling Stones covers sound dead on?
Jimmy: I usually am not too receptive to any input
except length and width. If someone comes to me
for a board, it's because they know already, have
heard from someone about my boards, or they have
ridden one and want their own. When someone
tells me they rode one of my boards and it was by
far the best thing that they've ever ridden, and then
asks me to make it like so-and-so's shape, I suggest
that they go to so-and-so if they want that shape. I
explain the logic to them: "You rode my board. You
loved it. Now you want me to change it so it's like
the one you WERE riding, but didn't like as much
as mine? If you liked my shape so much, why do you
want to change it?" In other words, I don't go to
Mama's Fish House and order a hamburger.
Jimmy: I sing just a bit lower than the volume of my
record player in my shaping room which is full blast.
How can I not sound good in those conditions? A
guy that worked at my shop was telling Brett Lickle
one day, "Jimmy thinks that he sings good, but he
sucks." Brett told him that ANYONE who isn't
afraid to sing in the presence of others sings
GOOD! Brett is my hero.
KB: Can you list the kiteboarding companies in
the past and present who have enlisted you for
board work?
Jimmy: First of all, let there be no mistake: we're
ALL the same-believe me. With me there is just no
facade. And of course, "pervert," is just another one
of these new age expressions. It's like the definition
of a nymphomaniac: that's just someone who gets
more than you do.
Jimmy: I've made boards for Liquid Force, Naish,
Cabrinha,Wipika and Airush. I have my own line
of production boards now, but I have a couple of
10
18
21
23
24
25
KB:On Maui,how can someone find you to build
something?
Jimmy: If someone calls me at my shop, I will give
them directions and they can stop by.
26
KB: People perceive you to be a bit of a pervert.
What do you have to say to that?
1. 16-year old Jimmy glasses his first board on his apartment
roof in Berkeley, CA.
2. Jimmy in his hey day.
3. “Da Fastest” is Jimmy's nickname because many of his
windsurf shapes won speed records.
4. Jimmy Lewis stickers ready to for their shiny new boards.
5. Jimmy shaping one of his classic 9 foot noserider.
6. The 80's.
7. Thousands of boards have been glassed in this room.
8. Jimmy launching off of kitebeach in 1999.
9. Working hard to return email.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Jimmy hand shapes every board.
“Shopy,” keeps a close watch on the factory.
Classic advertisements.
Jimmy's factory in Haiku.
The entrance to the JL compound.
This is where the magic happens.
The smile emanates Jimmy's love for shaping.
The original “Loucifer” pro model.
Standing in front of many of the pro model, prototype
boards that evolved kiteboarding.
19. Niccolo Porcella picks up his new custom board.
20.
21.
22.
23.
The original “Loucifer” logo.
Jimmy Pole boarding back in the day.
Classic advertisements.
Jimmy's brother, John. has been glassing for Jimmy for
over 25 years.
24. Felix Pivec's legendary leopard print board.
25. Final touches on a surfboard.
26. Jimmy’s shipping department.
Photos courtesy of Jimmy Lewis.
43
A Caribbean dream session. Secret Spot, British
Virgin Islands Photo Gabe Brown
South Florida's Andy Hurdman poking out an
indy grab. Miami, Florida Photo Gabe Brown
Dominican Palm. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
exposed
exposed
44
Sam Bell recently appeared kiteboarding in a Coca Cola commercial and is one of the hottest up and coming riders out of Cape Hatteras. Hawaii Photo Jeff Pfeffer
Brian Wheeler is committed to his kiteloop. Columbia River, Oregon Photo Lance Koudele
45
exposed
exposed
46
Western Australia is filled dozens of windy secret
spots. Photo John Carter
Martin Vari slams a section riding strapless.
Hawaii. Photo Pfeffer
Maui kite girls teching their gear. Hawaii.
Photo Kim Kern
Soul rider, Yuri Drexler can give world champion,
Cindy Mosey a run for her money. Maui, Hawaii.
Photo Kim Kern
Caribbean fishing village. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
Andre Phillip slides one his favorite private rails
in Antigua. Photo Nicholas Fitt
Stephen Whitesell takes action photography to
another level. Dominican Republic
Photo Mark Ribkoff
The perfect ending to a summer day of kiteboarding
off Key Biscayne, Florida. Photo Matt Cotton
Santa Cruz local, Dave Broom smashes a Waddell
Creek lip. Santa Cruz, California. Photo Paul Jav
Kiteboarding in front of the ruins of Tulum is
rumored to be incredible. Photo Michelle Zuniga
Even on the small days, the outside reef kicks up
a fun left. Mauritius. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
A glimpse of fear on Chip Wasson's face before
he launches into great white infested waters.
San Francisco, California. Photo Gabe Brown
Baja Sunset. Baja, California. Photo Clark Merritt
Wes Matweyew gapping a creek in Mammoth
Lakes, California. Photo Jason Wolcott
Dessert road into paradise. Baja, California.
Photo Clark Merritt
Kevin “Top Hat” Senn is the world’s most recognizable kiteboarder. Hawaii. Photo Jeff Pfeffer
Billy Blackman rides Jaco Beach – locals had only
reported to have seen one other kiteboarder..
Jaco, Costa Rica. Photo Michael Jordan
Peahi unleashes her fury, December 15, 2004.
Maui, Hawaii. Photo Diego Velasco
47
exposed
Denver Coon headed for a knee crushing landing. Maui, Hawaii. Photo Kim Kern
48
Chris Gutzeit expands the potential of longboarding with a kite. Ventura, California. Photo Jason Wolcott
The paparazzi caught Brendan “Hollywood” Richards kiteboarding at the sand bar this summer. Hood River, Oregon. Photo Jim Semlor
49
exposed
exposed
This KGB has 12 frames-the same number of letters in Dennis Vassillinine's last name. Photo Gavin Butler.
John Amundson enjoying an afternoon wave session.
Hawaii. Photo Jeff Pfeffer
Big air is something that kiteboarding and motocross
have in common. San Diego, CA. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
A silhouetted Jason Slezak hits the rail one last time before sundown. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Photo Gregg Gnecco
Portugal is known for it's amazingly beautiful
kiteboarding spots. Photo KPWT
50
Welcome to Dimitri Maramenidas' back yard in
Nags Head, North Carolina. Photo Bill Mieckle
Moe Goold uses the inside of kite beach to learn all of his unhooked moves. Photo Charles Oreve
51
exposed
exposed
Bucky Ashcraft shows off his Texas pride.
Photo Glenn Hartman
52
The ultimate kiteboarding goddess-she not
only rides, she shoots photos. Photo KPWT
Pattaya, Thailand is renowned for its nightlife
and is a growing kiteboard destination.
With razor sharp, shallow rocks on the inside, Franz Olry races death at Cabo Verde. Photo FX Abonnec
Tracy Kraft is not only an insane photographer, but she can hold her own amongst the Maui crew. Maui, Hawaii. Photo Kim Kern
Jack Webb has never gotten the respect he deserves for busting moves like this-Keep charging Jack. Maui, Hawaii Photo Epes Sargent
53
a
i
g
r
o
e
G Secret Jewel
The shrimp is cheap and bountiful in Tybee. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
Spot
Check
of the South
19th Street
Nick Name: South Tip
Fun sea breeze spot with waves on the
sandbars and shallow flat water inside,
great for learning at low tide.
By Ryan Riccitelli and Tim Malins
Cross Streets: 19th Street and Hwy 80
(literally the end of hwy 80)
Best Season: May-August
Best Direction: SW
Conditions: Can be waves at high tide if
there’s a swell. Flat at low tide. lagoons
between sandbars at low tide for butter
flat conditions. Outgoing tide is best, or the
current may negate some of the wind.
Average Kite Size: 15
Level of riding: All, especially at low tide,
must be able to stay upwind of jetty at
high tide
Launch: Sandy beach, plenty of room
Local Shops: High Tide on Tybee, Rails
and Sails in Savannah
Local Schools: High Tide
Places to stay: Desoto Beach Motel,
Rivers End Campground, assorted B&Bs
Warm, steady winds make Tybee the perfect
Summer getaway. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
L
54
The local crew was in awe of Hamish’s insane kite loops. Photo Lauren Burton
ife is like a box of chocolates,
you never quite know what
you are going to get.
Neil Hutchinson, Hamish Macdonald and I were on a road
trip up to Georgia to escape the South Florida doldrums
of no wind and summer heat. As we stopped off at a
roadside gas station, there was a makeshift stand offering fresh Georgia peaches and boiled peanuts for sale.
Southern hospitality at it’s best along with sweltering heat and humidity and locusts buzzing in
the trees to go along with it. Neil
was raving about this secret little
spot where he claimed the wind
was perfect 13-18 knots cross
shore, and locals that defined the
stereotype of southern grace.
Our destination was Tybee Island which is located at the
mouth of the Savannah and Tybee Creek a.k.a. Bullhead
River. Who would have ever thought that kiteboarding
would invade this secret southern getaway? Shrimp
boats, marsh grass and the random confederate flag
painted a picture of the local scenery as we inched closer to our destination. X-Rated Kiteboarding was scheduled to do a weekend kiteboarding clinic sponsored by
High Tide Surf Shop.That’s right. I didn’t even believe it when
I heard it. A surf shop in Georgia – who would have
thought there were surfable waves let alone wind
to kiteboard in a place like Georgia.
As we entered High Tide Surf
Shop, I was blown away – the
place was indeed a legit surf
shop decked out with everything
a surfer or skater needs – even
Tips: Avoid this spot in peak season during
mid-day (June-Aug), it’s way too crowded
with beach goers. Go in the late afternoon
after wind has thermaled up and the
beach has cleared out. Stay upwind of the
South jetty, the city isn’t fond of kiting
between the jetty and the pier. Watch the
sign posts in the water at high tide.
Fannie’s on the Strand is a good nearby
place to eat with a view of the riding area.
Tybee Lighthouse
A lighthouse on Tybee was one of the first public structures in Georgia. Completed in 1736 by
William Blithman of cedar piles and brickwork.
Its 90 foot height made it the loftiest in
America. Destroyed by a storm, it was replaced
by another built by Thomas Sumner in 1742
which Oglethorpe called “much the best
Building of that kind in America.” It was almost
entirely rebuilt in 1757 by Cornelius McCarty
and James Weyms. In 1773 John Mulryne built
the third lighthouse on a third site. The Mulryne
lighthouse forms the base of the present structure, making part of it of Colonial construction.
In 1791 Georgia ceded it with 5 acres to the
Federal government. Partially destroyed by the
Irish Jasper Greens of Savannah during Union
occupation of the island, it was repaired and
today is one of the famous lighthouses on the
Eastern seaboard.
– Georgia Historical Commission, 1958
55
Kiteboarding Association invited everyone down to Cafe
Loco where we got our first dose of southern hospitality. Tim
Malins and Joel, the owner of Cafe Loco donated tons of
food. Shrimp, beer and Kiteboarding videos played for hours
while everyone talked shop.
2nd Street launch.
Lightwind kiting Photo Ryan Riccitelli
The next three days were filled with wind and riding. At
one point the wind came up to at least 30 knots while
Hamish was on the water with a 9 meter kite. Hamish
entertained the few remaining beach goers with 25 foot
jumps that kept him suspended in the air for what seemed
like minutes. As the wind gusted his kite almost ripped in
half and he was forced to ditch his gear. The wind was so
strong that the only kite small enough for me to ride was
an old two line 5 meter kite that was being used for teaching. As I got on the water, I felt like I was in Maui sessioning Kite Beach. Even though this was a fluke anomaly,
Neil, Hamish and I agreed that Mother Nature even graced
us with her version of southern hospitality.
Spot
Check
2nd Street
Nick Name: Anchor, Ambulance Chaser’s
A versatile uncrowded spot - Tybee’s
unofficial Kite Beach
Cross Streets: 1st or 2nd and Butler Ave
Spot
Check
Polk Street
Nick Name: Back of the island
The West wind spot, it’s basically
crowd free, with a fisherman or two
and an occasional jogger. Wind can be
gusty but can be smooth when it fills in.
Best Season: Fall
Cross Streets: Polk St. and Bay
Best Direction: NE, SE anything with
some E in it
Xrated Kiteboarding gave lessons all weekend long
on the local Tybee beaches. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
Conditions: Waves on NE, relatively flat on
SE
Level of riding: All levels
The “river” side was Hamish’s favorite flat water spot. Photo Lauren Burton
Local Schools: High Tide on Tybee, Rails
Tips: Park on the street by meters. Don’t
try to be clever about scamming a free
parking space – you will get towed or get
a ticket. Avoid the small jetties marked by
poles to the N a couple streets. High Tide
Surf Shop is within short walking distance.
Best Direction: WSW, W, NW
Conditions: Flat
Average Kite Size: 11 on NE 15 on SE
Launch: Sandy, plenty of room to rig,
avoid marked jetties to the N
Best Season: Fall, Winter
“
Average Kite Size: 9-13
Shrimp boats, marsh grass and the
random confederate flag painted a
picture of the local scenery...
Level of riding: All levels
Launch: Sandy with plenty of room at low
tide, beach can be small at high tide
”
by California standards. The owner Tim Malins worked for Powell Peralta Skateboards during its hey
day and nostalgic skate memorabilia of Tony Hawk, Mike McGill and other skate legends covered
the walls. Tim wanted to ride and quickly rushed us down to the beach to get on the water.
Despite the wind being light, Hamish was the first on the water throwing down his usual arsenal of kiteloops and handle passes. This place was no joke. 2-3 foot waves were breaking along
the coastline offering little kickers to boost off of. As the evening grew near many of the locals
came down to grab an evening session. Sam Byrd, the local hot shot blew us away when he
decided to boost the rock pile jetty. I don’t know if he was just showing off for us, but the guy was
throwing it down Georgia style until the sun went down. Later that night, the Tybee Island
Tips: Park on grass by Tybee Water Dept.
Enter at trail at the end of Polk St, do not
drive to beach. Rumor has it that the city
will be building a parking lot in the area
soon. Rig small here, the W wind tends to
be gusty, and the conditions can change
rapidly.
Places to stay: Rivers End Campground is
close by on Polk at walking distance.
North Jetty
Nick Name: Lighthouse
Nice uncrowded spot when you don’t
want to deal with onshore wind on the
ocean side of the island.
Tybee Tips:
Cross Streets: Medin and Taylor
• The most reliable season for wind
is May-August for the thermal sea
breezes, although other times of
the year can yield the cooler
Northeasters.
Best Season: Fall and Winter
Best Direction: E, NE, NW if you can stay
well upwind of the jetty. Don't ride here if
there is any S in the wind.
Conditions: Flat on the inside, some
waves on a NE
• Keep in mind that much of the
shoreline on Tybee is rounded,
therefore you really need a little
bit of onshore direction in the
wind. Side-shore wind can easily
become side-off if you go downwind.
Average Kite Size: 10- 14
One of our local guides, Sam Byrd spent the entire week showing us where to kite. Photo Lauren Burton.
Launch: Sandy with plenty of room at low
tide, beach can be small at high tide.
• Tybee has a huge tide difference.
The water can be flat at low tide,
whereas at high tide surf can be
chest-high or more on the same
day.
• Obey lifeguards. The local police
chief is in charge of the lifeguards
and has been very receptive to
kiteboarding so far – some smiles
and handshakes will go far to
keeping it that way.
Level of riding: Intermediate-advanced,
novice if you can stay inside.
As the weekend came to an end, we had explored almost
every side of Tybee Island. The shape of the island offers
insane riding conditions for almost every wind direction
and the local kiteboarding crew claimed we had only
scratched the surface of its true potential. As we drove
away in the green X-Rated Van, a.k.a. the Mystery
Machine, we felt as if we had hit the lotto. I never would
have expected to smack a wave in Georgia. Neil never
We never would have thought we would be riding little waves in Georgia. Photo Ryan Riccitelli
expected to ride powered up on a seven meter and
Hamish never expected to get a short line, kiteloop session that he was longing for. As we drove further down the
road I started thinking. Imagine how many backyard spots
there are in the United States with dedicated local crews
and secret spots waiting to be discovered. It’s one of those
feelings that make you feel happy to be alive and to be a
part of such cool sport. ✜
Tips: Park at the North beach parking lot
by the lighthouse, take the North walkway
to the beach. Walk NW past the jetty.
Launch well away from the jetty. Don't go
out very far unless you know you can stay
upwind. Inside of the bay is a good safe
area for newbies if they don’t venture out
far. The North Beach Grill is close by in the
parking lot for some good food and drinks
after a session.
57
20?
Finding religion in Utah.
Photo Gustav Schmiege
What is this:
20 Questions?
Q&A
As any kiteboarder can attest, we are constantly hammered with
questions about the sport. I think I’ve pretty much heard them all.
The other day I was talking with our publisher Marina Chang who
has yet to try snowkiting. She had some very thoughtful questions
that sparked some answers that I know you will find informative
if you want to get into snowkiting. We passed this information to
20Gabe Brown and Alex Peterson who are also knowledgeable about
snowkiting and this is what we came up with.
By James Brown
1
How hard is it for a water kiteboarder to learn to snowkite i.e. time, different skills, etc.?
If you have kite skills, then the other half of the equation is learning snowboard/ski skills.
If you already know how to kite on water and snowboard/ski, you will be up and riding
in minutes. There are other snow-specific skills that need to be learned like how to
reverse-launch a kite without getting yanked. If you have no snowboard/ski skills, but
you are a competent kiter on water, then you could most likely get up and going within
a couple of hours. You might consider taking snowboard/ski lessons at a resort first.
2
How hard is it for an intermediate snowboarder/skier to learn who has no
kiting experience?
A new rider with good snowboarding skills could go from the trainer kite to a kite just
large enough to pull them along the snow within a couple of hours. You don't need to be
as powered to get moving on snow as you do on water, so the ability to handle a really
powered kite isn't necessary.
3
What do you think about intermediate water kiteboarders teaching themselves to snowkite?
I say, go for it! Go find yourself a nice, wide open meadow and a small kite and get
schooled. Start by riding unhooked until you really feel you have the hang of it. As we all
know, there are many factors that we may not be aware of when learning to kite and
snow has some unique challenges. Many riders will take things into their own hands and
could potentially get hurt. A good rule of thumb is to take things slow and start with a
smaller kite than you would for water. At the very least go with someone who has
snowkited before.
4
Is the learning curve for snowkiting similar to learning on water?
Snowkiting is undeniably easier to learn, because you can start out with a smaller kite
and you can walk to it at any time rather than having to swim. It is way easier to tack
upwind on the snow because your board doesn't slip downwind like on water, although
some edging skills are still necessary.
5
Which are better, foils or inflatable kites.
Both types of kites will work and they each have pros and cons
Romain Fabretti pulling a one-footer in Norway Photo Wareck Arnaud
Alex Peterson defying gravity in Tahoe. Photo Gabe Brown
The newer four-line sheetable foils work great for snow. These kites allow you to depower the kite on the fly, completely kill the power instantly and reverse-launch by pulling
on the back lines. They aren't damaged as easily as an inflatable if you crash it and you
don't have to pump them up in the cold. They also pack down small for backcountry and
cross-country expeditions. They work best for cruising and jumping off of hillsides. The
downside of some foils is that they tend to fold in gusty wind because they don’t have
a rigid frame.
If you ride both water and snow, inflatables allow you to kite year-round without having
to get used to the differences between kites. Inflatables tend to have faster steering
characteristics which give better pop for jumps on flat terrain. If you ride an inflatable,
you will need to have a kite that is set up with a reverse-launch system. Any kite can be
retrofitted with a 5th line that attaches to the trailing edge if it doesn’t come that way.
Many companies are finally starting to see the benefits of this type of launching system
for both water and snow. The downside of inflatables is that you have to pump them up
in cold weather and they are more prone to damage on the hard snow.
-continued
58
Thomas Bordeau in snowkiting paradise. Photo Frederick Pattou
59
SNOW
Q&A
Guillaume Chastagnol lets his actions do the talking. Photo Wareck Arnaud
6
20?
Do you need less wind to snowkite than you do to kite on water?
The snow is very fast, especially the more packed down it is. A fresh dump of more than
a few inches can make it slower, yet it still takes less wind to get moving. The interesting thing about snow is you don't need as large of a kite but you can also hold down a
bigger one. Let the conditions determine your kite size. Make sure that your board/skis
are waxed correctly for the snow temperature to make the board slide more efficiently.
7
Brian Schenck gets tweaked. Skyline, Utah Photo Gustav Schmiege
Amaury Couvreur poses as a table top. Photo Wareck Arnaud
Do you use the same size kite for the wind conditions that you would use
when kiting on water?
As I mentioned before, you can use a smaller kite to get moving on snow. Start out small
and work your way up if you aren't sure. The speed that you can achieve on snow gives
you the advantage of more apparent wind which helps with whipped jumps. The increased
apparent wind doesn't make a huge difference though, so the kite size will need to be
close to the same size as for water, because it still needs to lift you off the ground. The only
exception would be if you have hills to jump off, then you might be able to get away with
a slightly smaller kite. Keep in mind that you will drop faster than you would if you had a
larger kite. The fact that the hill is dropping away with you gives you more hang time.
8
If I am riding a foil on the snow and ride inflatables on water, how do I know
what size foil I need?
Most foil kites are more powerful than inflatable kites if you go by the “advertised” sizes.
Typically, foils use a bridle system and an optimized wing shape that maximizes the
amount of canopy that is effective for pull and lift. So, for example, you could use a 10m
foil in winds that you would normally fly a 14m inflatable. The exception is the bridle-less
four line foil kites like the new Peter Lynn models that are less powerful than an inflatable of similarly advertised sizes. They have a large range of depower capability which
make them good for gusty mountain wind. For these kites you would probably use a kite
that is one size larger than an inflatable.
9
Damien Pattou pokes his nose at his camera toting father. Photo Frederick Pattou
Jeff Kafka at Grass Lake. Tahoe, California. Photo Rob Vreeland
What is the difference between learning on a snowboard versus skis?
Skis are easier in many respects. You have two edges to leverage against the pull of the
kite. They also give you more stability for riding over tracked out or icy terrain and they
allow you to land jumps easier because you can step quickly to adjust for imperfect body
position. Skis allow you to take a smaller kite. You can skate with skis to help create
apparent wind. They also allow you to step backwards if the wind is light or has lulls that
make your kite want to fall. The difference with skis is that they are heavier than a snowboard and the positioning is awkward if you are used to riding sideways on water.
Snowboards can be more difficult to hold an edge in crud. That aside, they are more
simple because you can't get crossed up like with skis. Plus, they are similar to riding a
twin tip on water. Most of the moves on water translate directly to the snow.
10
What is the best way to set up your snowboard or skis for snowkiting?
Set up your snowboard bindings so they are the same distance from each tip. The hole
pattern on most boards allows you to move the base plates forward and back. Set them
up in a comfortable duck stance so your toes are pointing towards the opposite tips.
Somewhere between 5 and 15 degrees should work. Make sure that your heels aren't
hanging off the heelside edge too much. The same goes for your toeside. If you have
large feet, consider buying a wider board. If you use skis, the standard binding setup is
your only choice. Consider buying a newer model twin tip ski that is stiff and wide.
Modern bindings that have heel and toe releases in three directions (side, up and diagonally) will be the safest option.
11
Do you need to set up your bar or lines different for snowkiting?
You can leave your bar set up the same as for water. I have made a few adjustments to
my lines for safety. First, check to make sure your lines are in perfect condition so that
they won't break during a jump. I have lengthened the leader lines from my bar so my
board edge will not cut into my flying lines. Luckily I have never had my board cut a line
while in the air, but I have cut a few sets of lines while getting dragged on the ground.
Also, colored lines show up best on white snow. You might consider swapping out your
lines with Q-Power Line since they seem more durable and thicker than standard lines.
Always keep your lines wound up whenever you are not using your kite so no one will
ride over them. When you put away your kite, keep your lines attached, then roll up both
the bar and lines inside the kite.
12
60
What is better, a waist or a seat harness?
It comes down to personal preference just like on water. Use whatever is most comfortable. Some waist harnesses ride up more than others. Try different ones with your winter clothes on. A seat harness will not ride up and may help keep snow from going down
your pants.
61
-continued
SNOW
Q&A
13
20?
When first learning to snowkite, should you wear pads and a helmet?
Are there any other special accessories?
Wearing a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads is a very good idea no matter whether you
are a beginner or an expert. Helmets are required for competitions with good reason. If
you want to wear your harness close to your body, which gives better fit, you can get a
jacket specifically designed for your harness hook to poke through from the inside.
Check out Ultra Nectar's snowkite jacket. Good, durable gloves that fit well with grippy
palms and precurved fingers help to grip your bar. Check out the Dakine Cobra GT with
Gore Tex and leather palms. Pants with a bib and suspenders help keep snow from going
down your pants and up your back. Polypropylene/Thermax undergarments and glove
liners help insulate and wick moisture away from your skin. We have gotten hooked on
riding with our iPods too. There's nothing like rocking out to your favorite tunes while
you ride. Bring a small avalanche shovel like the Dakine “T-Handle” for digging up snow
to weight down your kite, build kickers or dig your buddies out of an avalanche.
14
What are the major challenges in learning to snowkite?
It's actually really easy. If you already have kite skills, you just need to have your kite set
up to reverse launch it and learn to do it correctly. Basically you reverse it off the snow
just high enough to turn it and send it to the side of the power window without sending
it straight up in the power zone, which can launch you. If you are used to an inflatable,
but want to use a foil kite, there are a few differences in how you launch and land the
kite. Once it's in the air, the newer four-line sheetable foils turn and handle similar to
inflatables. Learning the board skills is the only other skill that you need.
15
Is snowkiting better or more fun on flat ground, rolling hills or mountains?
Mountainous terrain is no place for a beginner. Start out in the open on a lake or field
and work your way up to more challenging terrain. You can have fun on any variety of
terrain, which is the beauty of snowkiting. The major difference to kiting on water is that
you can jump off slopes. Big air contests on water are a joke compared to how big you
can jump on snow. Also, there are also huge possibilities for exploring and traveling
large distances.
16
Synchronization at Skyline. Utah. Photo Gustav Schmiege
Chasta road gaps over Nick Nedele on Togwatee Pass in Wyoming. Photo Patrick Nedele
Charging a ridge. Photo David Sims
Alex Peterson spins to win. Tahoe, California. Photo Gabe Brown
Can you use kites when going downhill?
Sure, you can go downhill with a kite. You can leave it in a neutral position like you would
if you were surfing a wave or you can turn it at any time you wish to catch air. Turning
it directly down hill can peel you away from a large steep hill, so you have to beware of
that if you want to stay grounded. You are in a three dimensional world and can go anywhere you want which is amazing.
17
Can snowkiters mix with snowboarders/skiers on the slopes, or will they
need their own area?
Downhill skiing resorts are definitely not a place for snowkiting. Most ski slopes are narrow and lined with trees. The skiers would not be used to having kiters going up hill
either. They would be skiing at much higher speeds than us in general and if your kite
fell across the slope, you could clothes-line a skier-very bad idea. There are plenty of
open places to ride away from the resorts.
18
Sunset solo session. Photo Bertrand Boone
What are various things you look for in a site and what are some common
hazards to watch out for?
Find an open area like a lake or field to start out and look for wind that is steady. Make
sure you look for any obstacles before you start riding. Common things to look out for
are trees, shrubs, rocks and barbed wire fences. If you are on a lake, you need to be
aware of the depth of the ice, which can vary. Early or late season, warm spells and
warm springs can leave a frozen lake with open areas while it is thick enough to drive
a car on somewhere else. Avoid areas with rotor or mechanical disturbance. In other
words, obstacles like trees, buildings or mountains can cause dangerous disturbances
to wind.
19
What are the first easy moves to try when snowkiting?
The progression is similar to kiting on water. What comes to mind is riding toeside,
jumps with grabs, back rolls, front rolls and raleys. Take it easy at first until you get the
feel for the wind conditions and as always be aware of changing weather.
20
62
Does it hurt when you land wrong on hard pack or ice?
Sure it can hurt. Stay within your limits and work your way up slowly. You can be a little more daring if you have lots of soft powder on the landing. Wear pads and always
wear a helmet. Check all your equipment for wear and don't leave your lines lying out
on the snow where someone can ride over them with their sharp edges. You don't want
any unexpected equipment failures while you are in the air.
63
Progression
Words by Gabe Brown
Bear downwind slightly to create some planing speed.
2
Hit the ramp and throw your head back. The rest of your body will follow.
3
At the apex of your roll, open your shoulders (this will slow down your rotation) reach down with your back hand and grab
in between your feet (indy).
4
Use your head and your grab to pull you and your board around the rest of the way.
5
When you've completed a full rotation, release your grab and finish the trick by bringing the board around to toeside.
6
Ride towards your kite a bit on the landing to avoid skipping out.
Photos Stephen Whitesell
This trick can be done off of the flat water but is best lined up off of a piece of chop.
>
with Ben Meyer
1
> >
Indy Back Roll to Toeside
UNODOSTRESCUATROCINCOSEISSIETEOCHONUEVEDIEZUNOD
Photos Ryan Riccitelli
You can also land this trick on your toeside edge. Just release the grab and bear slightly downwind on your landing.
64
Andy starts this trick with his kite low for good power and pop.
2
He loads his toeside edge against the kite and pops bringing his knees upwards.
3
He reaches down and grabs Indy (between his feet on the toe edge).
4
Andy releases his grab and comes down for a smooth heelside landing.
>
with Andy Hurdman
1
> >
Toeside Ollie Indy
65
Progression
> >
>
Surface Handle Pass from Blind
with Mark Doyle
1
Doyle lands with his front hand on the bar, riding blind.
2
He pulls the bar in to his hips, tensioning the lines and getting ready to pass the handle.
3
Just before passing the handle he releases his edge just slightly towards the kite to give him the
slack to pass the handle to his rear hand.
4
Once he has the bar in his rear hand he shifts his body and is now riding away on his toeside.
Photos John Bilderback
In this finishing move, Doyle lands blind, passes the handle and rides away toeside.
UNODOSTRESCUATROCINCOSEISSIETEOCHONUEVEDIEZUNOD
1
For this move you need your kite really powered. Put your kite at about 45 degrees and move your
hands to the middle of your bar.
2
Bear a little downwind for speed and then load against your kite right before you pop off the water.
3
Doing this move unhooked will help you get laid out and help you get all the way
around, landing blind.
4
At the top of your jump, halfway through your rotation, release your front hand so
that you can land blind without getting pulled off balance.
5
As you let your hand drop towards the water, let your body
follow it. This will pull you the rest of the way around.
6
Land blind trying not to give the kite too much input.
Frontside 540
with Jeff Biege
66
>
Jeff does this trick unhooked and powered (without sending his kite).
> >
Photos Gavin Butler
67
Product Watch
By Gary Martin
▲
Freestyle Series
Cobra GT
This is Dakine's top of the line, fully insulated, Gore
Tex glove designed for comfortable riding all winter
long. The low profile performance fit makes it the
perfect choice for snowkiting.The gloves incorporate Dakine's pre-curved "Rol Bak” finger construction, adjustable hook and loop wrist closures, waterproof neoprene wrist cuffs and a special nose wipe
thumb panel for those "runny-nose" days.
Type Wave
The Type Wave is exactly that-a kite specifically designed
for wave riding. The Wave System's 5th line depowers
the kite allowing the kite to adjust to the wind range needed to ride waves. The Type Wave comes with the “Zipping
Power Control” system which allows you to adjust the zippers and tune the kite to fit all wind and wave conditions.
RRD's new, “Windows Construction” panel system is
designed to better resist impact in waves and helps make
repairs less expensive.
Dakine
Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12, 15m
BTS Bag
Pricing: Starting at $805.00
The new BTS Bag is perfect for the kiteboarding traveler. The bag
is designed so you can unzip it into two bags to help avoid overweight baggage charges. The split-level design allows easy access
to all contents and the heavy-duty urethane wheels make it easy
to wheel through the airport. The BTS is available in Black only.
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
Suggested Retail $69.99
▲
www.dakine.com
Caution
▲
Litewave has released his
2005 line of boards: the
Freestyle Series. This year's
boards are shorter and wider
than the 2004 line and have a
deep concave bottom that
benefits high speed control. If
you are into big-air, tricks, and
wake-style
riding,
the
Freestyles are the best
Litewave boards for you
Sizes: 115, 125, 145cm
Spitfire II
Pricing: $599.00
www.litewavedesigns.com
Pricing: $160.00
Straight out of Santa Cruz, the 2005 “Spitfire II” is sure to
turn heads this year. The flame graphics and shark proof
construction ensure extra performance. The new features
for 2005 include a smaller LE and thinner struts for
increased performance, a spinning leash, an all new
quick release depower loop, a 5th line attachment point
and dual reinforced bladders made of “Premium Medical
Grade Polyurethane.” All seams are “glued and triple
stitched” and are built to take beatings.
www.dakine.com
Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20m
Sizes: 140cm long X 44cm wide X 40 cm tall (2 pcs. 20 cm. ea.)
H20 Audio
▲
Waterproof MP3 player housing
Now you can go kiteboarding while jamming to your MP3
player. The H20 Audio is a waterproof MP3 player housing
designed to allow easy access to control all the MP3 player functions. The unit is submersible up to 10ft/3m and
comes with a waterproof headset and silicon earplugs.
www.cautionkites.com
Suggested Retail $149.00
www.h2oaudio.com
Boardworks
▲
Spectrum II Kites
Amundson
Customs
The T2 Small is just like the name.
The small, wide twin tip is
designed to get on plane early and
glide through those light wind
spots. The price includes: pads,
straps, fins and shipping. The T2
design works well in the 100cm to
135cm size range. All kite boards
are custom made to your specifications.
Liquid Force
▲
Union Binding
With the research and development of high
performance wakeboarding as a backbone,
the crew at Liquid Force have created the first
kite specific binding to meet the performance
demands of wake style riding. The Unions are
equipped with a slick heel piece for easy
entry, a simple white style, comfortable laceless craeton rubber support, and are super
lightweight. Take a close look at any rider
strapped into bindings—chances are you’ll
see these foot shackles on their feet!
www.amundsoncustoms.com
Sizes: custom
www.liquidforce.com
Building upon the success of the
Spectrum, Liquid Force’s Spectrum II
kites leave virtually nothing else to
be desired. With a new leashless
Spinning Powerlock™ safety system, increased depower ability, a
slightly lower profile for maximum
pop and hang time, two-pump
inflation system, taped and triple
stitched seams and other major
reinforcements, the Spectrum II
meets the demands of the best
pros in the world, yet are stable and
predictable enough for beginner
kiteboarders.
Yancey Spencer 6’2” Fish
Best
Best
▲
Grenade Release
Pricing: Starting at $999.99 complete
The “Grenade Release” is a quick release system that can
be used on any Best bar. On regular Best bars, it is the primary safety system located on the depower line. When
activated, the kite and bar are still connected by the backup wrist or harness leash. The new Best Swivel Bar, has
the swivel built into the Grenade Release which is the
secondary release system activated by pushing the
"Grenade" away. When this release is triggered on the
Swivel Bar, you are totally disconnected from your bar and
kite.
www.liquidforce.com
Sizes: 45, 55, 60cm
Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20m
▲
Liquid Force
▲
RRD
▲
Dakine
Litewave
▲
For most of us, winter means less water time and more dreaming about riding. Some of you have crossed over
to the snow and are enjoying the best of both worlds. Whatever your situation, we recently launched Product
Watch to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest gear releases. We have asked every manufacturer to
submit their latest product releases to be featured on www.kbmag.com. The Product Watch section will constantly
be updated and is the ultimate resource for product information.
▲
Tempest
Best Kiteboarding recently launched the
Tempest kite which is designed for riding on
the water and snow. Best has taken their current design and reinforced it to handle the wear
and tear of snow kiting. The modifications for
snow include a reinforced leading edge, stopper balls in each valve and a 5th line,.
Sizes Available: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17m
www.bestkiteboarding.com
The Yancey Spencer is built with
Boardworks’ Epoxy Thermal Lamination
process, using EPS core, 9 lb PVC sheet
foam, and Epoxy foaming resin. The board
is hand laid up and then placed in a press
to cure under pressure at a high temperature. The result is an extremely durable,
light, and tight surfboard. The Spencer
6’2” fish’s weight and durability and are
key for early planing, and hard slashing
turns and make it a great board for strapless kiteboarding.
Size: Nose 13-1/8”, Mid 21-1/8”, Tail 151/2”, Thick 2-3/8”, Fins Tri Fin/Futures
Finbox
Suggested Retail $575
www.cabaldc.com
Pricing: Carbon bar starts at $69.99
Pricing: Swivel bar starts at $99.99
69
Academy
8
Operator Error
Essential Tuning Tips
To Keep You Flying Straight
Photos Nick Bowers
Who really wants to tune a kite? Can't we just hook up the lines and go? Unfortunately, it's not that easy these
days. We decided to make it simple for everyone by coming up with this short list of eight tuning options that
should be considered whether you are setting your kite up for the first time, tuning up for a pure wave session
or getting ready for a light wind downwinder.
One of the leading causes of accidents and injuries in kiteboarding is operator error. Most kiteboarders never intend on
having a problem. Once the adrenaline sets in many riders loose their common sense. A lot of injuries and accidents
could have been completely avoided if the pilot followed a few simple rules. The following is a list of tips that might help
you avoid a potential kiteboarding accident.
By Nick Bowers
Front lines too long.
1
Frontlines too short.
Perfectly tuned.
Front and rear line length.
Front and rear line length tuning is essential to the performance of new kites. It is safe to assume that any 2004-2005 kites fly best on their front lines. When you
unhook, the kite should be perfectly trimmed with even front and rear lines. The wingtips should be parallel and not flared. If the wingtips flare when the kite is
flown unhooked the kite is over sheeted and will not fly properly. This can kill the kite's power and cause stalling. It is key to have control over the kite when
unhooked for launching, landing, and maneuvers.
2 Line length evenness.
When setting up your new or used kite, make sure the right and left line lengths are the same. In order to ensure this, first pre-stretch your lines before flying the kite.
After your lines are pre-stretched, make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the kite does not pull to either side and flies balanced in the neutral position.
3 Front line positioning.
On the newest kites the leading edge will have multiple pigtails. The furthest forward or towards the leading edge promotes faster turning, more depower, and
allows the kite to push further to the edge of the wind window increasing upwind ability. As you move the frontlines back it causes the kite to sit deeper in the
window, giving it more power and hang time. This can have a negative effect on upwind ability but is a great light wind trick to squeeze the last drops of power
from your rig.
4 Rear line settings.
Rear line settings allow you to change the leverage applied to the wingtip, which in turn alters the kite's turning speed. The settings closest to the trailing edge
provide the most leverage resulting in the fastest turning speed. This is best for advanced riders that need a fast kite for waves, kite loops and other advanced
maneuvers. As the trailing edge lines move toward the leading edge the kite will turn slower. This is best for beginners and anyone who wants to slow their kite’s
turning speed.
5 Bar sizing and type.
Another way to tune the turning speed of your kite is to change your bar size or type. First off, it is best to use the manufacturer's recommended size. The general rule in bar size is simple: the bigger the bar, the more leverage on the wingtips resulting in faster turning. The smaller the bar the slower the kite will turn. If
you can't control your 8m because it is turning too fast for your taste, simply try a smaller bar. Conversely, if your 20m isn't turning fast enough, try a bigger bar.
6 Proper inflation.
Proper inflation is another major factor affecting kite turning speed as well as stability and relaunchability. Most leading edges should be inflated to 6 to 8 psi.
Consult the manufacturer if necessary to ensure that you get the most out of your kite. Soft leading edges diminish kite-turning speed. In addition to the loss of
turning speed, the kite will be more susceptible to pulsation or jelly fishing in gusts, and can also impede the kite's relaunchability.
7 Line length.
Different line lengths are becoming more and more popular among all levels of kiters. There are two main reasons why people are changing line lengths from the
traditional 30m sets all the way down to 10m sets. The shorter the set, the shorter the power stroke. This gives the rider more control, but makes underpowered
riding impossible. Short lines are also used for beginners making it easier for them to control the power of the kite. The longer the lines, the longer the power stroke.
27 to 25m lines seem to be the choice of the majority of kiters. However, 15 meter lines are also great for huge kite loops, waves, and overpowered conditions.
8 Static power strap.
Use the static sheeting strap. When riding in overpowered conditions use the strap to increase your rig's depowerability. Again the kite should fly perfectly
unhooked with the static strap all the way out with parallel wing tips. When things get crazy, pull in the strap which will shorten the leading edge lines allowing
you to fly unhooked in overpowered conditions.
70
By Rick Iossi, FKA
Nick Bowers shapes Squall Kiteboards and is a PASA certified instructor who has taught hundreds of kiteboarding lessons. He is sponsored by RRD, Dakine and Half Moon Outfitters. Check out www.squallboarding.com
1. USE DISTANCE
4. ANTICIPATE TROUBLE AND USE COMMON SENSE
Keeping a realistic distance from other riders, beachgoers and
obstacles is your best defense.
Know your surroundings. Pay attention to what is going on around you and the conditions that
you will soon be riding into. Variable weather and tunnel vision can ruin your day of kiting.
2. PREFLIGHT, THEN PREFLIGHT AGAIN
5. AVOID SQUALLS AND EXCESSIVELY GUSTY WEATHER
Know your equipment! Understanding what size kite to rig for the
conditions, how to set it up and how to preflight your gear is
imperative to avoiding accidents and injuries.
Squalls and excessively gusty weather are the leading causes of severe accidents and
injury. Check forecasts and real time weather before you go out. Once you are out, if you
see dark clouds moving in, GET OFF THE WATER before the weather changes.
3. RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
6. KNOW YOUR SAFETY SYSTEM
Never ride conditions that are above your skill level. If it looks
sketchy, it is sketchy. Be realistic with yourself before you endanger
yourself and those around you.
The latest gear is equipped with a variety of safety system combinations.
Every kiteboarder should know exactly how their system works. Practice activating it
with minimal hesitation.
CONCLUSION
Your safety on the water can be significantly affected by the choices you make as a rider. Know your game, carefully build experience, ride responsibly,
use safety gear and anticipate trouble before you ride. This strategy will help you to avoid OPERATOR ERROR.
Analyze This...
Control Freak:
Flexifoil CBX50 Control Bar
A Comparative Look at 2005 Control Bar Systems
# of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade)
Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade.
I
Best Carbon Swivel Bar
Cabrinha RECON Gen2 Bar
Liquid Force 2005
Powerlock Control System
Bar Sizes: 45cm, 55cm
By Brian Wheeler
t's that time of year again when all of the fresh new gear starts making its way into the magazines. With so many
new innovations, it's hard to know who is doing what. The 2005 control bar systems are looking better than ever,
and after carefully examining 15 different manufacturers, we put together a comprehensive guide to walk you
through some of their comparative aspects. We looked at features, price, safety, performance, upgradability, compatibility, tips, sizes, etc. However, due to the short nature of this article, many of the comparisons are very brief. We listed each
manufacturer's website to help you further your research. If you have any additional questions, contact your local shop,
online discussion forum or a local team rider.
Airush Air Ride Bar
durable and lightweight carbon construction, easily activated primary and secondary
safety releases, and a comfortable grip.
Spinning Leash? Yes.
Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5lines after upgrading)
Maintenance: Keep all parts clean.
Relaunch: Reach above the bar (not below)
to grab the 5th line. This should make the
process of relaunching easier.
Special Instructions: Adjust the chicken
loop line to have minimal throw if you want
to ride unhooked. Check your release system and understand how to deploy it. Low
cost of 5th line upgrade. ($79)
Caution Spitfire II
Streamlined safety, greater range, faster
turning, and swimless relaunch are some
new capabilities that Naish's Shift System
delivers. Due to its 5-line design, the rider
can handle pass with the comfort of a full
safety system and spinnable leash function.
Other key features include: a pull pull trim
strap, Da Tickler (a dongle style shackle
that attaches to spreader bar), and flying
lines designed with multiple safety features
(foolproof style connectors and color-coding).
Bar Sizes: 18”, 20”, 22”
# of lines: 5
MSRP: $274 ($159 bar only)
Swimless relaunch? Yes.
www.gaastrakites.com
Works w/ what type of kite? 5-lines
Flexifoil's CBX50 Control Bar was designed
with ultimate rider flexibility in mind. This
single bar can be set up in three different
modes: 5th line, spinning leash safety, or reride wrist leash. Other key features include:
multiple safety releases, a high traction grip,
a landing handle integrated into the spinning
leash system, and a center line that is highly
resilient to wear and tear.
Globerider 360 Spinning Bar
The 2005 carbon Powerlock bar eliminates
the need for an additional fixed loop. With a
simple twist of the wrist, the center line
locks into or out of a locked position. In
emergency situations, the kite can be
immediately depowered by pulling a single
quick release located just above the loop.
The emergency release will work even
when the bar is in the powerlocked position. In addition, the safety leash spins with
the bar because of a swivel, also located on
the centerline just above the loop. Lines are
pre-stretched and color coded.
Bar Sizes: 50cm
Bar Sizes: 43cm, 51cm, and 58cm
Special Instructions: Visit www.flexifoil.com
for all sorts of tips. The 5th line upgrade kit
takes relatively little effort to install and at
$95 is fairly inexpensive.
Swimless relaunch? 5th line attachment,
and a medium/high aspect, allow for a
swimless relaunch.
Airush's Air Ride Bar features a very clean
safety system that can be configured as a
spinning leash setup or traditional re-ride
system (with wrist cuff or harness clip). The
bar comes with 10m leader lines with a
good selection of flying line length options:
20m, 25m, 27m, or 30m (leader length
included). Other key features include: low
drag lines, multiple safety releases, a
releasable harness line, and the option to
upgrade with a 5th line.
Best's Carbon Swivel Bar features a highly
unique spinnable leash system so you can
ride unhindered, and it incorporates a highgrade ball bearing swivel that automatically
keeps your front lines untwisted. Other key
features include: a large diameter chicken
loop, a power strap sheeting system, lightweight carbon construction, an ergonomic
bar diameter, and Best's new high grade
and innovative spinning leash and chicken
loop release system, the Grenade.
Bar Sizes: 38cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm, 65cm
Bar Sizes: 45cm, 55cm, 60cm
Cabrinha's revamped 4-line RECON
Generation 2 control bar offers safety and
performance features such as: an immediate depower capability, a spinning leash
system, swimless relaunchability (only
when used with Cabrinha kites), a line detwisting mechanism, and an easily
adjustable security system. It is available in
two models: the Carbon Powerlock and the
Alloy Powerdrive. Other key features
include an innovative power locking device,
a very plush grip, 2.2cm carbon or alloy
construction and an ergonomic bar shape.
# of lines: 4 (or 5 after upgrading)
Bar Sizes: 40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm
The Spitfire II control bar system features
high performance and hassle free components such as: a spinning center line leash,
a stainless steel lined center hole (allowing
for friction free sliding of the PVC coated
center line), and a swivel that allows the
rider to keep the lines tangle free and the
leash out of the way for aggressive worry
free riding. Other key features include: low
stretch lines, lightweight and bomber carbon construction, multiple safety releases, a
durable power adjustment strap, an oh-shit
handle, and safety features integrated into
the lines such as foolproof connection
points and pull tabs.
# of lines: 4
Spinning Leash? Yes, but only if you attach
the leash to the chicken loop.
Swimless relaunch? Yes (but only with
certain kites).
Bar Sizes: 43/53cm and 53/63cm (two
bars, each adjustable 10cm)
# of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade).
(5-lines after upgrading)
Maintenance: Hook your bar up to a tree to
check line length and chicken-loop settings.
Special Instructions: Lock the leash onto
your chicken loop to allow easy bar spins.
Also, be sure to use the chicken loop w/ the
dongle to gain the ability to spin the bar w/
leash. Pick a line length that suits your riding style (10m, 15m, 17m, and 20m to add
to the 10m leaders).
MSRP: $195 ($158 bar only) 5th line
upgrade price tba
www.airush.com
(5-lines after upgrading)
Maintenance: Keep the bar free of sand.
Special Instructions: Make sure the lines
are hooked up properly before going out.
Pre-rigging has to be requested, otherwise,
you're left to set the bar up on your own.
Add on the 5th line upgrade to gain additional performance.
MSRP: $135-155, ($80-100 bar only)
www.bestkiteboarding.com
Works w/ what type of kite? Works best
with Recon equipped Cabrinha kites. If used
with other 4-line kites, you will lose the
security functions and the ability of swimless relaunch.
Maintenance: Make sure to keep moving
parts clean and sand free.
Special Instructions: When launching or
landing, make sure the “Tap Out” feature is
active and you'll be able to immediately and
easily depower the kite if needed. If the Tap
Out feature is turned off, be sure you know
how to manually deploy it.
MSRP: Carbon Powerlock: $337-342
Alloy Powerdrive: $285-290
www.cabrinhakites.com
Gaastra Defender Control Bar
Globerider's 360 Spinning Bar system
offers several features including: a spinning
leash system, a swivel to keep the front
lines untwisted, a safety system that allows
handle passes, an adjustable bar length
(+/-10cm), a releasable harness line, chicken loop quick release and other highly useful features.
Special Instructions: Lines can be attached
at multiple attachment points to set up your
bar for your riding style. Keep sand off, dirt
out, and dog away from your bar.
MSRP: $219.99 ($119.99 bar only)
www.liquidforce.com
Maintenance: Be sure to keep the swivel
clean and free of sand and dirt.
MSRP: $224.99 ($155.99 bar only)
www.cautionkites.com
North 5th Element
Maintenance: Use the adjustable stopper
ball to change the 5th line length when
needed.
Special Instructions: Purchase the 5th line
conversion kit (price tba) and gain the luxury of swimless relaunchability, full depower
capability, and the added performance of an
enhanced wind range. Adjust the bar to
match the size kite you're using; short bar
for small kites, wider bar for large kites.
The Defender Control Bar was designed
with primarily two things in mind: safety
and functionality. The bar has an integrated
spinnable leash system so that all kiteboarding maneuvers can be done without
the leash winding around the leaders and
flying lines. Other key features include: a
high-grade swivel (to keep lines untwisted),
MSRP: $369.95-$389.95 (no bar only)
www.naishkites.com
Works w/ what type of kite? Does anyone
make a 2 line kite anymore? The powerlock
bar has 4 lines for a 4 line kite.
Special Instructions: Adjust the middle
depower line and PVC tubing to a length
that is comfortable and be sure to lower the
knots on the rear line leads the same
amount to keep everything in the same
ratio. Seamlessly add on to this bar with
Caution's very own 5th line upgrade kit
(price N/A) and gain wider kite range, swimless relaunchability, and other high performance abilities.
Special Instructions: If suddenly overpowered, grab the 5th line in one hand and then
re-grip the bar (with line in hand). You
should then be comfortably powered to
head in. Older Naish bars can be retrofitted
with a 5th line upgrade kit ($219.95).
MSRP: $230 (bar only price tba)
www.flexifoil.com
Maintenance: Be sure to monitor the
length of the 5th line; it tends to stretch at
a different rate than the flying lines. Adjust
when needed.
Naish Shift System
North's 5th Element control system delivers
substantial advantages to riders of all levels,
such as: swimless relaunch, an increase in
the kite's wind range, and the ability to perform all moves with a full safety system. The
5-line design also offers a spinnable leash
function. Other key features include: an
adjustable bar length, an innovative harness
line, a pull to power adjustment strap, an
ergonomic bar shape, and flying lines integrated with multiple safety features.
Bar Sizes: One size but can be configured
as 48cm or 57cm
# of lines: 5
MSRP: Price tba
www.globeriderkites.com
Adjustment: If the kite feels funny, chances
are the 5th line is too short. Check and
make appropriate adjustment (so all lines
are same length). Don't roll kite entirely on
73
Analyze This...
Workbench
by Nick Bowers
Control
Ozone Frenzy Carbon Bar
Freak:
-continued
it's back; instead roll it part way and use an
outside line. This way there's no chance for
the kite to lay in an unresponsive state. If
the kite stalls or falls, pull the nose line to
regain control. This is particularly helpful
when the wind gets funky and kites drop
from sky.
Bar Sizes: 19”, 23”
Special Instructions: Upgrade to either the
Surefire Spreader Bar or the Surefire
Spreader Bar Pro to gain the function of a
spinning leash and high-grade shackle system. When relaunching and using
Slingshot's 5th line, (“One Line” price tba),
you can prevent the 5th line from being tangled around the bar by locking it into its
own cleat. Adjust the stopper balls to match
your riding style and arm length.
Spinning Leash? No.
www.sskiteboarding.com
Windwing S.A.F.E.
www.northkites.com
Ozone's Frenzy Carbon Bar offers many of
the features that you'd find on a control bar
designed for traditional LEI kites (Leading
Edge Inflatable). Some of these features
include: a spinning leash system, sheet cleat
style power adjustment system, leashless
safety system, low friction center hole (to
reduce chicken loop wear), multiple safety
releases, and lines designed with three levels of safety features. If you use the bar with
some of Ozone's kites (and other foils as
well) you'll gain substantial performance
such as the ability to reverse relaunch.
# of lines: 4
Swimless relaunch? This bar was
designed for foil kites on land or snow.
When used with the Frenzy or other
sheetable foil kites, no assistance is needed for self or reverse launching.
sandpaper and a sanding block to clean up chips and gouges in the fin. It is helpful to move the fin against the sanding block rolling it side to side as you sand it to maintain a symmetrical and smooth edge. Cleaning up the fins edges
can help prevent unwanted fin cavitation, thus improving the fins tracking and over all performance.
Problem: You have extra fin holes in your board.
Solution: Use surf wax to plug the unused holes. This way if you change your mind you can easily reuse the holes
Bowline knot
Use a sanding block to touch up damaged fins.
MSRP: tba (to be announced)
kite. Mark the chicken loop line on both sides of the bar when in the position you would like the bar to be fixed at.
Disassemble the chicken loop and tie one knot. Rethread the chicken loop line through the bar and tie the second
knot on the other side of the bar on the mark you previously made. The bar shouldn't move more than an inch.
by removing the wax plugs. Surf wax is also good for boards without rail grip for board off maneuvers. Make sure you
scrape off excess wax to avoid it melting and making a mess. The wax residue left after scraping is usually all you need.
Use wax to fill extra holes.
Problem: You want to convert your old chicken loop to a fixed four line.
Solution: Tie two simple stopper knots in your chicken loop. First, find desirable position for optimum trim on your
www.robertoriccidesigns.com
Use two knots to convert your chicken loop to fixed.
Slingshot Profire Carbon Bar
Works w/ what type of kite? 4-line foils
with Ozone style de-power system, but can
work with any 4-line inflatable (modification
may be required).
Special Instructions: If you want to ride
unhooked, add a wrist leash system or
chicken loop leash. If used with Ozone
kites, make sure to match up the numbered
connectors to prevent improper rigging. Add
a harness line if you want to ride fixed.
www.flyozone.com
Figure 8 knot.
Problem: Your fins are nicked and chewed from riding.
Solution: Your fins take all kinds of abuse and may need touching up with a little sandpaper. Use moderate grit
Special Instructions: For the 5th line safety
system to function properly, the Depower
Adjustable Ball must be set furthest away
from the bar. When catching a wave, make
sure you have enough speed to catch it.
Depower the kite as the wave pushes you
forward, then re-engage the power of the
kite when needed. The kite is unresponsive
when the 5th line is fully engaged; sheet in
to regain steerability.
the appropriate knot can prevent weakening the line, and can also make undoing the knot a breeze. A good knot to
use for “stopper knots” is the figure eight. It stops everything, keeps the line strong, and is easily undone even after
being subjected to extreme loads. For non-slipping loops, use the bowline. For detailed information on how to tie
these knots check your library or go to www.apparentwind.com/knots/.
With Ocean Rodeo's Modular Bar the kiter
has the ability to customize this standard
bar to their specific requirements and skill
level by easily adding and arranging the
modular accessories. Add-ons include: a
5th line setup, oh shit handle, wrist cuff reride system, and handle pass set-up. Other
key features include: carbon composite
construction, centerline leash system, the
Punch Out system (release the chicken loop
by thrusting bar forward…sensitivity is
adjustable), and a secondary chicken loop
release method.
Problem: You are unsure of what knots you can trust.
Solution: When modifying our equipment, often times we are required to tie knots for various purposes. Knowing
# of lines: 5
MSRP: $329.95
Ocean Rodeo Modular Bar
while on the wave and tap into more of the
natural power of the wave. By pushing the
bar out, a pulley system depowers the kite
(potentially to the point of complete depower). This 5-line system also offers the benefits of: swimless water relaunch, increased
kite performance, greater range of your
kite, instant 5th line adjustments, and safer
launching and landing. Other features
include: a foolproof connection system and
an optional beginners safety leash.
RRD Wave Bar System
Special Instructions: Add the 5th line module and gain swimless relaunch, enhanced
kite range and other performance boosters.
$10-20 for most modules, but the 5th line
module is $46. Use the Punch Out when you
need to disconnect quickly. Fine tune the
sensitivity of the Punch Out system by
adding or removing the spars.
The 2005 Profire Carbon Bar affords the
kiter an assortment of plush features such
as: a center line swivel to keep lines
untwisted, pre-stretched flying lines,
adjustable stopper balls (to customize the
amount of chicken loop throw), a smaller
diameter grip, oh shit handles on both side
of bar, high-grade hardware for power
adjustment, lightweight bomber carbon
construction, and a highly wear resistant
chicken loop. The Knuckle Saver is another
luxury, one that will limit the amount of
wear and tear your fingers sustain. The stock
bar utilizes a standard re-ride leash system.
Works w/ what type of kite? Windwing
Rage II and Outrage, and will work with
other 4-lines but with reduced capabilities.
MSRP: CC-SAFE: $310-$332 (no bar only)
B-SAFE: $190-204 (no bar only)
www.windwing.com
Part of a line of products designed to excel
in the surf, RRD's innovative Wave Bar
System allows the rider to release wind
# of lines: 4
Spinning Leash? Not without upgrade.
www.oceanrodeo.com
Special Instructions: Don't be shy when it
comes to depowering the kite. It's designed
to maintain steering abilities when completely depowered. If you're an experienced
kiter, spend the extra bucks and buy the
Cruise Control model (CC-SAFE). The extra
performance is worth it.
Bar Sizes: 17”, 20”, 23”
MSRP: $260-290 ($160 bar only)
Windwing's new and innovative S.A.F.E.
system (Simple, Aerodynamic, Four-line,
Extended-range) is offered in two versions:
CC-SAFE and B-SAFE. Each system features a 4-line design that allows for full
depower of your kite and retention of full
steering at all times. The CC model features an adjustable two-stage pulley
power adjustment system so that when
you take your hands off the bar it will
remain in that sheeting position. You need
to push the bar out to engage the SAFE
system. The B model will automatically
depower the kite when you take your
hands off the bar. Other key features
include: a spinnable leash system, highgrade hardware, a tapered composite
shape with raised EVA grip, multiple safety
releases, extended wind range of kite, and
reduced time swimming to water relaunch.
Brian Wheeler is our editorial intern from Bellevue, WA. and wrote this review as a project for his journalism class. Brian spent weeks compiling this information and deserves an “A.” Check him out in the
Exposed section. Brian is sponsored by North, Da Kine, Airtime Kite and Hammersurf apparel.
Nick Bowers shapes Squall Kiteboards and is a PASA certified instructor who has taught hundreds of kiteboarding lessons.
He is sponsored by RRD, Dakine and Half Moon Outfitters. Check out www.squallboarding.com
Photos by Nick Bowers
Yard Sale
The winner of the best wipeout shot wins a Dakine Interval backpack.
Bill Blackman is about to take a vicious beating. Photo Michael Jordan
Sean Richman
misses the loop.
Photo Gabe Brown
Slippery grip! Photo courtesy of KPWT
This probably looks as bad
as it feels. Photo Frederick Pattou
Franz Olry gets stuffed on the rocks at Cape Verde.
Photo F-X Abonnenc
Ejected! Photo Paul Jav
Dylan Thompson and
Nate Johnson learn a
valuable lesson in space.
Snowkiting donuts! Photo Frederick Pattou
Photo Lance Koudele
Shannon Best goes head first
into six inches of water.
Photo Chris Vicari
76
Pete Goodrich splats at the mouth of Columbia River.
The fishing boat gets rolled onto shore in Africa.
Photo: Mark Bishop
Maintenance
Parking Lot Bladder Repair
KITE PAGES
California
Action Watersports ....................................(318) 827-2233
Board Sports..............................................(415) 929-SURF
CaliKites ....................................................(619) 522-9575
Captain Kirk’s ............................................(310) 833-3397
Chennel Coast Kiteboarding ......................(805) 276-2901
Davenport Surf & Sail ................................(831) 421-6051
Delta Windsurf Company ............................(916) 777-2299
Helm Sports ..............................................(650) 344-2711
Kite Country ..............................................(619) 226-4421
Kite Wave ..................................................(213) 344-6034
Kitenow, Inc. ..............................................(650) 248-6660
Kites Etc ....................................................(562) 592-5483
Kitesurfari ..................................................(714) 378-0468
KiteWindSurf..............................................(510) 522-WIND
Lake Tahoe Kiteboarding ............................(877) 769-5483
Live2Kite ....................................................(415) 722-7884
Malibu Kitesurfing ......................................(310) 430-KITE
Manta Wind & Water Sports ......................(858) 270-7222
Mission Bay Aquatic Center........................(858) 488-1000
Monkey Air ................................................(310) 457-6896
Murrays......................................................(800) 786-7245
OOTO Kite School ......................................(650) 960-1721
Santa Barbara Kiteboarding Company ........(805) 560-6138
Sky Kitesurfing School ..............................(925) 455-4008
Vela............................................................(800) 223-5443
Wave Rave Snowboard Shop......................(760) 934-2471
West Coast Kiteboarding ............................(619) 200-9519
Windsport ..................................................(858) 488-4642
Windsurf Diablo..........................................(510) 778-6350
Xdream Sportz ..........................................(760) 944-9247
Xstreamline Sports ....................................(310) 518-1972
Xtreme Big Air............................................(805) 773-9200
Colorado
Colorado Kite Force ....................................(970) 485-3300
Fuze Kiteboarding ......................................(303) 683-5033
Inferno Snowboard Co. ..............................(970) 259-8669
Larsen’s Ski & Sport ..................................(303) 423-0654
PKS ............................................................(970) 376.3159
Connecticut
Orbit Marine Sports ....................................(203) 333-3483
Tri State Kites ............................................(800) 510-0865
By Jeff Howard
Many times we find ourselves with a slow leak or popped bladder from a twist.
Some of these blowouts can be repaired on site. Some may be a little more
difficult. The following is the step by step process on how to get the bladder out,
repaired, and reinstalled in a short period of time at your riding area.
1
Step One: Extracting the Bladder
• Determine which side of the bladder the leak is located on.
• Lay the kite out flat, deflating the struts so the leading edge casing lays as flat as possible.
• Using a flying line from your bar, attach one end to the end of the bladder with the leak,
using a larks head knot. This will make reinstalling your bladder easy.
• Locate the leading edge opening for removal and installation of the leading edge bladder.
This is usually located near the center of the kite and will either be a zipper or Velcro.
• Pull the bladder out through the opening until the bladder end is removed. Your flying line will be fed into the
bladder casing from the tip of the kite as you do this. Make sure to tie off the line end to something while you
are patching the bladder so that it doesn't get pulled back into the kite unintentionally.
2
Step Two: Repairing the Hole
Tie a larks head to the Pull the bladder out
end of the bladder.
through the opening.
• Slightly inflate the bladder to locate the hole. If you cannot locate the hole, you may need to remove the entire
bladder and inflate it completely.
• If the leak is 1/2” or smaller, the patches provided with your kite will work fine. If it's larger, you might need to
purchase bigger patches from your dealer or repair center. The large patches can repair slices as big as 4”.
• When installing a patch, make sure there are no wrinkles in the bladder and that the surface is flat, clean and
dry.
• If the leak is a pin hole, you can cut the patches provided into 4 pieces which will work fine.
Bladder and canopy repair patches.
3
Step Three: Reinserting the Bladder
• Once the holes are patched, deflate the bladder laying it flat with the seams to the sides. Then stack the bladder starting at the center pulling the tips toward you.
• Tie a flying line back onto the end of the bladder and slowly pull the bladder back into the opening till the valve
lines up with the hole in the casing. If you removed the bladder completely, repeat the process for the other side.
• Close the main access, as well as the Velcro end closures at the tips, making sure the end of the bladder comes
all the way to the end of the casing. If you have excess bladder at the ends, slightly shake the bladder so it drops
back into the casing. Most bladders are made slightly oversize so they fill the area completely when inflated.
Lay bladder flat and apply patches.
• Inflate the leading edge, making sure everything inflates smoothly and that the bladder did not get twisted during installation.
Hints for success:
Feed the bladder back into kite.
■ Friends are very helpful in doing this process, so remember, being an ass on the water makes for no friends on the beach.
■ If you find a good size slice in your bladder, more than likely there is a cut in the casing, which needs immediate attention. If you
are in the middle of nowhere and you need to ride, a cut in the casing up to 1” can to be temporarily repaired with Duct Tape.
Make sure material is completely dry when applying the tape.
■ Most bladder rips are straight rips or cuts. If you can't do the repair using a patch, a good repair center can reseal the blowout
with a sealer and save you a LOT of money. You don't always have to replace it.
■ Use common sense! If it doesn't look correct more than likely it's not.
Close velcro at tips
78
Jeff Howard owns and operates Prokitesurf.com, the longest running kite repair center in the USA. Prokitesurf is also the first repair center to provide repairs guaranteed for the life of the kite.
Photos courtesy of www.prokitesurf.com
• If repairing a strut, use the same process. The only difference is that you attach your line to the valve and remove
the bladder from the end of the strut.
Florida
7 Kiteboarding............................................(305) 654-4055
Ace Performer ............................................(239) 489-3513
As the Wind Blows ....................................(850) 982-9463
Big Kite Miami............................................(305) 303-4107
Butter Kiteboarding ....................................(321) 303-4099
Delray Beach Watersports Rental ..............(561) 279-0008
East Coast Kiteboarding ............................(954) 295-5778
Extreme Kites ............................................(904) 461-9415
Extreme Sports ..........................................(321) 779-4228
Florida Kiting..............................................(561) 373-4445
Ft. Lauderdale Kitesurfing Co. ....................(954) 410-5419
Hydrotherapy..............................................(850) 249-9463
Island Style Wind & Watersports ................(941) 954-1009
Island Surf and Sail FL ..............................(954) 927-7002
Kite Surf the Earth......................................(888) 819-5483
Kite World ..................................................(321) 725-8336
KiteMare ....................................................(877) 829-0015
KitesurfUSA ................................................(954) 816-0944
Miami Kiteboarding Inc. ............................(305) 345-9974
Sandy Point Progressive Sports..................(386) 756-7564
Sea & Sky Sports ......................................(850) 598-3735
Waterplay ..................................................(800) 841-1225
Watersports West ......................................(888) 401-5080
Xrated Kiteboarding....................................(888) 401-5080
Georgia
High Tide Surf Shop ..................................(912) 786-6556
Savannah Sails and Rails ..........................(912) 232-7201
Hawaii
Action Sports Maui ....................................(808) 871-5857
Aloha Kiteboarding Academy ......................(808) 637-5483
Caveman Kitesurfing ..................................(808) 389-4004
Extreme Sports Maui..................................(808) 871-7954
Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport ..................(808) 871-4981
Hawaiian Watersports..................................(808) 262-KITE
Kailua Sailboards ......................................(808) 262-2555
Kite High ....................................................(808) 637-5483
Kiteboard Center ........................................(808) 276-2667
Kiteboard Maui ..........................................(808) 870-2554
Kiteboarding.com ......................................(866) 488-5483
Kitesurf Maui..............................................(808) 873-0015
Maui Kiteboarding Lessons ........................(808) 242-8015
Naish Hawaii Ltd. Shop ..............................(808) 262-6068
The best resource for schools, retailers,
and associations in the U.S. and Caribbean.
Off Da Lip ..................................................(808) 395-5543
Reinhard Elischka ......................................(808) 877-6226
Iowa
Seatasea ....................................................(319) 743-7922
Idaho
Ground Zero ..............................................(208) 26506714
South Valley Kite Sports ............................(208) 721-0526
KITE PAGES
Illinois
Chicago Kiteboarder ..................................(312) 804-5482
Windward Sports........................................(773) 472-6868
Kansas
Water Cooled Trading ................................(913) 710-4406
Louisiana
Wind Works................................................(504) 433-3005
Massachusetts
Cape Cod Kite School ................................(508) 364-6162
Dr. Gravity’s Kite Shop................................(508) 430-0437
Bob Smith Wilderness House......................(617) 277-5858
Inland Sea..................................................(508) 398-1333
Sailing & Ski Connection ............................(843) 626-7245
Powerline Sports ........................................(978) 388-8974
Skyhigh Kiteboarding School ......................(508) 259-2728
Maryland
H2AIR Productions......................................(301) 802-0295
Kite Loft ....................................................(410) 289-7855
Michigan
Broneah Kiteboarding ................................(231) 392-2212
Detroit Kiteboarding ..................................(248) 245-5016
Great Lakes Kiteboarding ..........................(586) 822-6511
Grand Bay Kite Co ......................................(231) 929-0607
Kite Kraft....................................................(517) 652-2961
MacInaw Kite Co. ......................................(800) 622-4655
Minnesota
Scuba Center Wind/Kite..............................(612) 925-4818
Board Sports ..............................................(218) 833-8200
Best equipped Center in the Caribbean!
• Rescue/Training Boat
• Radio Helmets
• 50% off lessons w/new gear
Email: info@kitexcite.com
Web: www.kitexcite.com
Cabarete, Dominican Republic ..............................(809) 571-9509
Mississippi
Gulfsport Windsurfing ................................(228) 863-5525
Get Air........................................................(228) 209-1204
North Carolina
Blowing in the Wind ..................................(910) 763-1730
Hatteras Island Sail Shop ..........................(252) 987-2292
Kiteboarding Hatteras ................................(252) 995-5000
Kites Unlimited ..........................................(252) 247-7011
Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding Centers ..................(877) FLY-THIS
Real Kiteboarding ......................................(866) REAL-KITE
Ride Hatteras ............................................(252) 995-6755
New Jersey
Brave New World........................................(732) 899-8220
Extreme Windsurfing ..................................(610) 807-9493
Island Surf and Sail ....................................(609) 494-5553
Nevada
WindPower Sports......................................(702) 220-4340
Kitesurf Vegas ............................................(702) 493-9245
New York
Curtis Sport Connection..............................(716) 627-2247
Kitewise ....................................................(646) 734-3027
Main Beach Surf & Sports ..........................(631) 537-2716
Myers ........................................................(716) 751-6511
New Skool..................................................(516) 563-8330
Windsurfing Hamptons ..............................(516) 283-9463
Ohio
River Sports ..............................................(440) 333-8138
Red Sky Surf & Snow ................................(419) 536-3204
Windsurf Ohio ............................................(440) 951-5253
The best resource for schools, retailers,
and associations in the U.S. and Caribbean.
Washington
Seattle Kiteboarding Center........................(206) 779-3272
Urban Surf..................................................(206) 545-9463
Wiley Water Ski ..........................................(206) 762-1300
Wisconsin
Coontail Watersports ..................................(715) 385-0250
Fish Creek Kite Company ..........................(920) 868-3769
Guild Works................................................(608) 273-1817
Kite-Riders ................................................(608) 273-1817
Milwaukee Sailing School ..........................(414) 350-0702
North Winds Kiteboarding ..........................(414) 698-7012
Southport Rigging Company ......................(262) 652-5434
The Board Shop ........................................(262) 248-1703
Wyoming
Hoback Sports............................................(303) 733-5335
Caribbean
Bahamas Kiteboarding ..............................(242) 525-6151
Caracol Kiteboarding Center, DR ..................(809) 571-0680
Dare2Fly, DR ..............................................(809) 571-0282
Kite Park, DR..............................................(809) 571-9748
Kitexcite, DR ..............................................(809) 571-9509
ProKite, DR ................................................(809) 571-0880
Pura Vida, DR ............................................(809) 862-0485
Kite Antigua................................................(268) 727-3983
Kite St Croix ..............................................(340) 773-9890
Sky Riders, St. Lucia ..................................(758) 454-3418
Tornado Kite & Surf, St. Lucia ....................(758) 486-0545
Associations
IL-Chicago Kitesurfing Group
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/
IL-Kitesurfing Chicago
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/
TX-Central Texas Kiteboarding Association
www.centexkiteboarding.com
CA-California Kiteboarding Assoc.
http://www.calkite.org/
CA-Central Coast (CA) Kiteboarding Assoc.
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA/
CA-San Diego Kiteboarding Assoc.
http://www.sdka.org/
CA-San Francisco Kiteboarding Assoc.
http://www.sfkitesurfing.com/
CA-Sherman Island Kiteboarding Assoc
http://www.calkite.org/siko.htm
CA-Southern California Kiteboarding Assoc.
http://www.scka.org/
CO-Rocky Mountain Kiteboard Association
http://www.TocoSports.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmka
FL-Florida Kitesurfing Association
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FKSA/
FL-BKSA - Tampa Bay Kitesurfing Association
http://www.tbksa.org/
GA-TIKA - Tybee Island
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/tikakiteboarding
HI-Hawaii Kiteboarding Association
http://www.hawaiikiteboardingassociation.org/
MN-Minesota Wind Info and Forum Group
http://www.windancing.com/
OR-Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA
VA-Virginia Kiteboarders Association
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VAKB/
WA-Seattle Kitesurfing Association
http://www.seattlekitesurfing.org/index.htm
Great Lakes Wind info and Forum gGroup
http://www.lakawa.com/
MAKA- MidAtlantic Kitesurfing Association
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/M-A-K-A/
Midwest Kiteboarding Assoc.
http://www.midwestkiteboarding.com
NE Kiters Association
http://www.neka.us/
United States Kitesurfing Assoc.
http://www.maui.net/~hotwind/uska.html
“World Cup Kiteboarding on a World Cup Beach”
Email: info@caracolkiteboarding.com
Web: www.caracolkiteboarding.com
Cabarete, Dominican Republic ..............................(809) 571-0680
Oregon
2nd Wind Sports ........................................(541) 386-4464
Air-time ......................................................(541) 387 3910
Big Air Windsurfing ....................................(541) 348-2213
Big Winds ..................................................(888) 509-4210
Brian’s Windsurfing/Kitesurfing ..................(541) 386-1423
Cleanline Surf ............................................(888) 546-6176
Floras Lake Windsurfing ............................(541) 348-9912
Hood River Waterplay ................................(541) 386-WIND
Kite-Line ....................................................(888) 714-9849
All Surf Industries ........................................(503)239.8973
New Wind ..................................................(541) 387-2440
Pacific Wave ..............................................(503) 861-0866
Storm Warning ..........................................(800) 492-6309
Wind Guide ................................................(541) 490 4401
Puerto Rico
Kitesurfing Puerto Rico ..............................(787) 728-8716
Real Kiteboarding PR ................................(866) REAL-KITE
Rhode Island
Northwind Sports ......................................(401) 254-4295
South Carolina
Half Moon Outfitter ....................................(843) 881-9472
South Dakota
Peak Sports................................................(605) 341-5445
Xtreme Sports & Recreation ......................(605) 225-5441
Texas
Air Padre Kiteboarding ..............................(956) 299-WIND
Cline Street Sailboards ..............................(512) 937-5000
Corpus Christi Kitesurfing Inc. ....................(361) 960-4359
Kitemare ....................................................(727) 741-5483
Mongani Sky Pirates ..................................(361) 992-9623
Pro Kitesurf ................................................(361) 883-1473
S. Padre Island Kiteboarding ......................(956) 245-8343
S. Padre Kiteboarding ................................(956) 761-1434
Warming Hut Ski & Board ..........................(972) 234-6088
Windsurfing Sports ....................................(713) 291-9199
Zero Gravity Kiteboarding ..........................(361) 949-0266
Utah
Cloud 9 Soaring Ctr....................................(801) 576-6460
Virginia
Southeast Expeditions ................................(877) 943-8548
The Kite Pages is a free resource directory for US and Caribbean kite retailers, schools and associations.
For your free listing, please email kitepages@kbmag.com with your name, address, phone number and email address.

Tips to get you on the snow Tips to get you on the snow

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