TheKiteMag Brand Guide 2016

BRAND

2016

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CONTENTS Intro 2 Naish 3-11 North 13-22 RRD 23-30 Cabrinha 31-38 CORE 39-46 CrazyFly 47-54 Liquid Force 55-62 Nobile 63-70 Slingshot 71-76 Airush 77-82 Wainman 83-88 Axis 89-94 Best 95-100 Blade 101-106 BWS 107-112 Epic kites 113-118 F-ONE 119-124 Gaastra 125-130 Ocean Rodeo 131-136 Ozone 137-143 SU-2 144-148 Zeeko 149-154 Flysurfer 155-158 Peter Lynn 159-162 Mystic 163-168 ION 169-174 Ride Engine 175-178 Neil Pryde 179-182 O’Neill 183-186

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WELCOME TO THEKITEMAG BRAND GUIDE 2016…

So, what’s it all about?

Well, our aim with the brand guide was twofold. First we wanted to give you an insight into the history and some of the inner workings of the main brands who work pretty hard to produce the fine products that enable us to get on the water and pursue the sport we love. So at the start of each section you can find out a little bit about their background, where they get their R&D done, and what they are working on right now.

Then we wanted to give them the chance to showcase and to take us through some of their most prized products, as well as giving us a flavor of their overall line-ups. So the following pages of each brand’s section take a closer look at their current range of products.

Yes, in this modern age we may have that useful tool known as ‘the internet’, but nothing beats having everything in one place. So you can kind of think of this as a browser with 29 tabs open; it just feels nicer and doesn’t hurt your eyes. So get stuck in, you can easily compare and contrast what’s on offer, and then decide exactly what you want to spend next month’s pay packet on…

And it is this kind of insanity that the kit within these pages permits… Aaron Hadlow: inverted and fully committed at this year’s King of the Air Photo: Bianca Asher | 2

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NAISH

THE BRAND

Naish began in Kailua on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 1977 when Robby’s father, Rick, began shaping windsurf gear in their garage.

Naish pioneered the sport of kitesurfing with the first modern four-line, inflated strut kites in 1999 and has since developed many of the sport’s now standard features. More than three decades after winning his first World Title, Robby’s passion for board sports is stronger than ever, living by the motto that “every day on the water is a good day”!

BRAND HQ

Naish is based on the North Shore of Maui, Hawaii and the vast majority of their R&D takes place on Maui itself. They also test around the globe and on Oahu where they can find the varied conditions that are critical to perfecting each season’s line of products. Being based on Maui gives Naish a twelve-month season and a pretty broad base of wind and water conditions to work with.

Most of the Naish international team riders head to Maui a couple of times a year and participate as a key element to ongoing development testing. Naish also sends equipment to team riders in different parts of the world for further testing in varied conditions. On top of all this, Naish has a host of local riders and kite schools that are the ultimate testing resource, as they spend just about every day on the water putting their gear through more abuse than most, which allows for good durability feedback. Naish believes that living and developing gear on Maui gains the key R&D team a competitive edge, boosting both their riding abilities and their design with more hands-on time with prototypes.

MAIN NEWS FOR 2016

It’s been a busy season for Naish so far, and there are a lot more releases lined up and plenty of exciting plans beyond that. Right now the Park HD has been stealing a lot of headlines, and with new releases scheduled throughout the year it is going to continue to be exciting times from Naish.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NAISH KITES Sizes

Pivot

Freeride / Wave

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Alana

Women’s Freeride / Wave

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Park HD

Freeride / Freestyle

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Torch

Pro Performance Freestyle

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Draft

High Performance Freeride / Big Air / Race

7, 9, 10.5, 12, 14, 17

Ride

All-Around Freeride

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Trip

Travel / Freeride / Wave / Foilboard

8, 10, 12

Fly

Lightwind Freeride

15

Xeon

Beginner / Trainer

1.3, 2

TORCH

ALANA 5 |

PARK HD

Best for…

PIVOT

Kites

PIVOT

The Pivot is ideal for a wide range of riders and styles. Its ability to turn on a tight axis without an aggressive pull makes this kite perfect for nailing jumps, charging the next big swell and everything in between. A huge confidence booster when learning new moves, the Pivot’s predictable power delivery, direct bar feel and intuitive steering puts riders in control at all times. The medium aspect ratio supports substantial low-end power, great upwind performance and that sought after “sheet-in-and-go” feel.

ALANA

Fitting a wide range of skill levels, the Alana provides smooth, adaptable performance for all-around wave and freeriding. Based on the popular Pivot and designed for women, this easy-handling kite excels in a variety of wind and wave conditions, while remaining responsive and dynamic. Predictable power development, direct bar feel and intuitive steering put riders in complete control and a medium aspect ratio supports substantial low-end power for easy jumping, great upwind performance and remarkable “sheet-inand-go”.

PARK HD

Designed for aggressive freeride and freestyle riders, the all new Park HD is now in High Definition, thanks to its open arc and high aspect ratio of 4.6.

It fuses high performance with easy handling for an incredibly forgiving ride in nearly every condition.

The static bridle platform provides great acceleration through turns, crisp bar feel and ensures stability – even in extreme conditions. Unhooked, the Park HD delivers a great “pop and slack” combination, which helps riders nail their next big trick. While hookedin, riders will appreciate the instant power and lift generated when jumping.

TORCH

Designed by Naish for hardcore freestyle riders demanding a fast-flying C-kite, the Torch delivers precision performance for hooked and unhooked riding. Utilizing a reduced leading edge taper and rigid arc, the kite is engineered for increased performance in high winds, outstanding control and stability in all conditions. The solid feel of the Torch will instill kiters with confidence and trust, helping them push their riding to the next level.

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RIDE

This two-strut, incredibly lightweight kite is great for everyday kiteboarders looking for ease and simplicity. Its open center section provides superior low-end performance and creates a luffing effect while maintaining smooth power delivery through turns. Reduced surface area in the wing tip, combined with sweep, allow the kite to rotate with minimal drag on the water, which results in very easy water relaunch. This, along with a slightly flattened arc, provides more lift for easy jumping and “sheet-in-and-go� feel. The latest update for the Ride features re-oriented struts and seams, allowing for improved efficiency and better airflow throughout the kite.

TRIP

The Trip is a cutting-edge, strutless kite that is ideal for intermediate-to-advanced riders who want a versatile kite that will work beyond expectations. Its simple, no-strut design delivers the wind range of a larger kite while retaining the fast, precision-turning of a smaller kite. The Trip provides incredible low-end, yet manageable power, while its immediate and direct bar feel allows for easy jumping, wave riding, foiling and cruising. In addition to that, the Trip packs up 30% smaller than a kite with struts, making it the perfect travel companion.

FLY

TRIP

RIDE

DRAFT

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NAISH KITES

DRAFT

The Draft creates insane lift for boosting big airs and logging in unmatched hang time. Its advanced airfoil design helps it excel at hooked-in riding, upwind performance and speed.

A reduced leading edge taper adds rigidity to the wing tip, which places the axis of rotation close to the center of the kite and results in sharp turning and a precise bar feel. This year, the reshaped wingtips heighten responsiveness and refined bridles provide faster turning, lighter bar pressure and, most importantly, even bigger airs.

FLY

The Fly is an exceptionally lightweight freeride kite designed to provide a smooth yet powerful ride in light-to-marginal wind conditions. The two-strut design provides easy handling in low winds and exceptional low-end power. A reduced leading edge taper adds rigidity to the wing tip. This places the axis of rotation even closer to the center of the kite, resulting in sharp turning and precise bar feel. Improving water relaunch, the Fly utilizes a swept-back wing tip and anti-stiction window. Riders can practice their latest moves and progress their riding no matter how light the wind may be, making the Fly an essential addition to any quiver.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NAISH TWIN TIPS Best for…

Sizes

Mega

High Performance Freeride

132, 136

Monarch

Pro Performance Freestyle

130, 132, 134, 136

Dub

Performance Freestyle / Freeride

132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142

Motion

Performance Freeride

134, 138, 142

Hero

All-around Freeride

135, 140, 145

Grom

Kids Freeride / Freestyle

124

Alana

Women’s Freeride / Freestyle

130, 134

Orbit

Lightwind Freestyle

152, 162

HERO

MOTION

DUB

MONARCH

Twin tip

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MONARCH

The Monarch targets riders looking for a cutting-edge design with energized freestyle performance. It delivers very direct power for upwind drive and explosive freestyle pop on-demand. Gradually tapering rails produce outstanding grip, powerful flex and directional stability. Lightweight, double-layer basalt fiber yields incredible strength-to-weight ratio and uniquely responsive flex – decreasing chances of distortion under the extreme loads of hard landings. Its 3D bottom shape provides increased tracking and great edging, while a reduced concave in the center section improves water entry and optimizes flex in between the rider’s feet.

DUB

The dub offers riders the best of all worlds: superior freestyle and freeride performance with the advantages of a wakestyle-inspired design. Ideal for aggressive wakestyle riders using footstraps, this board delivers insane drive, edging and pop. The new and improved rocker provides upwind performance and increased speed while maintaining a smooth ride – even in large chop. Its tapered rails reduce weight in the tips, defining the edges for increased grip and solid directional stability.

In addition, the 3D bottom shaping utilizes center razor channels for increased edging performance and a flat center with increased V in the tips for controlled sliding.

MOTION

The Motion is for riders looking for a high level of versatility in one “do-it-all” design. This board offers everything from freeride and freestyle performance to twin tip wave riding functionality. Its surface area, full rocker, new beveled razor channel rails and responsive flex provide balanced power, superior edging, soft landings and a smooth ride in chop. The added fin beam in the tip section adds rigidity to the fin mounting area, thus increasing the edging ability of the board. Its solid pop and directional stability should help riders of all abilities take their riding to the next level.

HERO

Delivering reliable, all-around performance, the Hero is designed to take riders to the next level and is the ideal user-friendly freeride board. The outline, rocker and flex have all been engineered to provide a forgiving ride and on-demand control. Its single-concave bottom shape is most pronounced in the midsection for incredible tracking, while its outline blends moderately parallel rails with a progressive curve at the tips for easier edging control.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NAISH SURFBOARDS Best for…

Sizes

Global

Performance Wave

5’2”, 5’8”, 5’10”, 6’0”

Alana

Women’s Wave

5’6”

Skater

Versatile Wave / Freeride

4’10”, 5’2”, 5’6”

Custom LE

Performance Strapless Wave

5’7”, 5’10”, 6’0”

Mutant

Small Wave / Lightwind

5’5”

Alaia

Lightwind Freeride

5’9”

ALAIA

MUTANT

SKATER

GLOBAL

Surfboard

GLOBAL

The Global is designed for riders who demand total confidence for powerful strapped or strapless riding in any surf conditions.

With more rail volume in the front for increased lift, the Global is responsive and forgiving in bottom turns due to thinned-out rails in the tail section, allowing the rider to efficiently power up for a snap off the lip, while still holding high speed down the line. It has a slightly narrower tail and straighter outline in the tail section yielding more power, grip and stability than its predecessor. Utilizing the thruster design, it delivers the best combination of speed, control and drive regardless of wave size and wind conditions.

SKATER

This modern shape is ideal for beginner-to-advanced kiters ready to take their directional or strapless riding to new levels, in any surf conditions, with the option of riding strapped if desired. The durable honeycomb construction provides outstanding impact resistance in unison with the full deck pad.

A pulled-in outline in the tail section and wider angled channel produce a tight turning radius and more snap – packing the maneuverability of a larger surfboard into a convenient, travelfriendly shape.

MUTANT

New and easy-to-ride, the Mutant is ideal for strapless or strapped riding in small waves, flat water and light wind conditions. The compact outline, with its wide nose and tail, provides early planing and unparalleled light wind performance. Thinned-out rails and relatively low rocker contribute to fast upwind speeds, while controlled driving off the front foot and a loose and playful feel off the back foot make wave riding a breeze.

ALAIA

True to its roots, the Alaia takes it right back to when surfing began in Hawaii. It is shaped out of a solid dual-wood core with a surf design that has been refined for a seamless transition into today’s kiteboarding. Then, capped in fiberglass, it’s both strong and durable. It has amazing up wind performance and is super fun and playful. Its performance shines brightest in light to marginal winds.

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THE BRAND

North Kiteboarding was founded in 2000 and is part of Boards & More (which has a history back to the very first days of windsurfing). It now has a team of over 80 staff who work on developing, realizing and distributing products for customers who love their sports as much as B&M do.

North Kiteboarding was conceived in the US by Ken Winner and Jaime Herraiz, two outstanding characters in the development of the sport.

Once the current boss and CEO of B&M, Till Eberle, joined the club, the brand took off and hasn’t looked back. Till Eberle is the engine and entrepreneur of North Kiteboarding. He started the company and has turned it into a world-leading brand. He is hands-on with the development process and, being an engineer, product development and ensuring that products are of the highest quality are his main aims.

North Kiteboarding is True Kiteboarding and wants to offer the bestfunctioning and best-looking products in any niche of kiteboarding.

BRAND HQ

The B&M offices are based in the south of Munich and comprises a core bunch of passionate kiteboarders alongside the business professionals. This core makes the work carried out by people all over the world possible. Kite development for the Rebel, Neo, Juice and Dyno takes places on Maui with Ken Winner (and Sky Solbach helping with testing), then Ralf Grösel works on the Vegas, Dice and Evo. Then the kites and boards are tested by our team riders all over the world – from Munich to Hawaii, South Africa to Italy and Mauritius to France.

Overall B&M is a truly global operation.

MAIN NEWS FOR 2016

For 2016 North have surfboards in three different constructions – the new Light Team Construction (Pro Surf, Pro CSC, Pro Kontact); the Classic Construction (Wam, Woohoo, Whip CSC, Nugget CSC) and the Tough Technology construction (Nugget TT, Quest TT), which is a really durable construction now in its third generation. With twintips, the main developments are four new and different constructions. The Premium Performance Construction (Team Series, Team Series Hadlow), the Textreme Carbon Construction (Select, Spike Textreme), the Premium Construction (Jaime) and the Biax Fiber Construction (Gambler, X-Ride, Soleil, Spike, Gonzales). With the kites, the oldest kite in the range, the Rebel has had a resurrection. The unique feel of the fifth line in combination with five struts and the unbelievable sheet and go acceleration are refined to the max by Ken Winner. The Dice has a higher delta angle on the tip, which results in a better low end performance, and the biggest news is the arrival of a new one-strut kite… | 14

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NORTH KITES

All-round performance freeride

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16

Vegas

Top end wakestyle and freestyle performance

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.5

Dice

Versatile performance freeride

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Neo

Wave riding devotees

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Dyno

Racing and lightwind

7, 7, 10, 13, 15, 18

Juice

Accessible lightwind fun

15, 18

NEO

Rebel

VEGAS

Sizes

REBEL

Best for‌

DICE

Kite

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REBEL

The 2016 Rebel is the ultimate kite for huge jumps and massive hangtime. There have been quite a few changes across the range this year to ensure it still delivers the maximum performance across all the sizes. The smaller sizes in the range now feature a lower aspect ratio, which makes them smoother in gusty winds whilst also improving the turning speed of the kite.

The middle sizes in the range offer the perfect blend between turning speed, handling and jumping ability. The profile and aspect ratio of these kites has been tweaked to offer amazing performance. The 12m to 14m kites now have a higher aspect ratio, which offers higher jumps, longer hangtime and better power delivery with a smooth bar feel. The big 16m Rebel shares a similar shape and profile with the 14m, but the bigger 16 has more of an emphasis on low end power and jumping ability, replacing the Rebel 18.

DICE

Now in its third generation, the Dice has redefined versatility and performance. No matter what your style this kite has you covered – it’s perfect for wakestyle and freestyle allowing you to pull the latest moves and tricks with ease. With a fast progressive turn and dynamic handling it is also amazing in the waves offering excellent drift down the line. For 2016 the leading edge has been swept back further to offer superior low end power. A lot of work has been put into the struts this year, they are now thinner, making the kite faster and improving its jumping capabilities. The bridle has been optimized to make the structural profile even stiffer. Additionally, the struts have been further reinforced to offer better durability and there is a new Anti-Snag design on the leading edge tips to ensure the lines and bridle won’t get tangled in the event of a crash. Lastly, the Dice has been fitted with our improved Lazy Pump system for better airflow that will ensure you are the first person on the water.

NEO

The Neo’s the definition of a high performance wave kite.

Thanks to the design concept behind the Neo and the power it delivers, riders are able to use at least 1-2sqm less in comparison to other kites. This advantageous aspect further enhances its already rapid turning abilities, effortless float down the line, and responsiveness to handling. Taking wipeouts into consideration, we’ve made the Neo incredibly easy to relaunch so you can get up and away before the next wave hits. The new Anti-Snag leading edge tips will keep the kite tangle– free no matter how bad the crash. For 2016 Ken Winner has been tweaking the geometry of the Neo to achieve even more depower, whilst still maintaining the famous low end power delivery. This provides an intuitive feel to the hands, leaving you to concentrate on the wave rather than where the kite is.

VEGAS

The Vegas is the ultimate freestyle weapon used by North’s Pro Team with much success on the world stage. However, it is a great kite for ambitious riders too, boosting huge airs and providing great rider feedback. With it’s insane hangtime, it’s no wonder Aaron Hadlow used the Vegas to become the King of The Air as well as take his assault on the World Tour.

For 2016, the profiles have been optimized to offer a more consistent pop, in addition the tension in the canopy of the kite has been improved, which leads to a higher structural stiffness and smoother ride. The new 3D-shaped canopy panels offer a cleaner airflow, whilst the new strut reinforcements increase the durability of the kite so it can handle the beatings dished out by the Pro Team. The Anti-Snag is a new design for the leading edge tips, reducing the risk of lines tangling and the 2016 Vegas also benefits from North’s improved Lazy Pump inflation system for even better airflow.

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NORTH MONO

NORTH EVO

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NORTH KITES AND TWIN TIPS

NORTH MONO

NORTH EVO

The Mono is a lightwind specialist. It has an outstanding low end range, with the 5 and 7m models working particularity well with surfboards and lighter breezes. Use the power of the kite to catch the wave, then crank the depower and shred the wave with zero pull. Its light weight allows the kite to drift and hang in the air as you ride down the line. The Mono has a comfortable and forgiving feeling via the bar – softer than the Neo but still progressive. The turning speed is quick, and the kite is also great for freeriding offering easy jumping and excellent hangtime. Relaunch is excellent and with the reduced weight it is of course the perfect travel companion.

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The Evo is the all-round maestro from the North Kiteboarding range and is guaranteed to get the job done. North have done things different by sticking with 5 struts instead of 3. Their 5-strut design has been refined year after year and through that platform they have achieved a kite that offers up an exceptional wind range, great stability, superior depower and progressive sheet and go characteristics. If you’re looking for one kite to do it all then look no further, the Evo will have you flying high like Tom Hebert, coming in hot at the line-up and slashing waves or simply freeriding. There are many kites out there that claim to ”do it all” but the Evo truly delivers.

Best for…

Sizes

Gambler

Wakestyle

136, 139, 142

Team Series

Wakestyle /Freestyle

135, 138, 141

Team Series Hadlow

Wakestyle / Freestyle

140

Jaime

Freestyle / Freeride

130, 133, 136, 139

Select

Freeride

132, 135, 138, 141

X–Ride

Freeride / Wave

132, 135, 138, 141

Soleil

Freeride

128, 132, 136

Gonzales

Freeride

130, 134, 138, 142, 151

Spike

Freeride / Lightwind

141, 153, 163

Spike Textreme

High performance Freeride / Lightwind

153

SELECT

JAIME

Twin Tips

JAIME

The Jaime has been in the North Kiteboarding range for over 10 years now; it’s a fantastic freeride and freestyle machine that perfectly reflects the way Jaime Herraiz rides. It’s the perfect board for riders who are looking for a great freestyle board without the unforgiving stiffness that some of the top end pro models have. For 2016 the Jaime has a new shape with a wider outline making the pop even better and the landings even easier. It has a slight slant towards freestyle this year and features a new Carbon Beam construction, which gives the board a lively and eager feeling on the water.

The bottom features a Quattro-V bottom concept, this offers superior grip whilst helping to smooth out the landings too.

The Jaime is fast, yet smooth, with enough pop to excite the most demanding of riders.

SELECT

The Select sets the standards for freeride performance, incorporating the most advanced construction techniques and technology with a fast, dynamic shape. It is the lightest, fastest and most responsive kiteboard in the North range and is perfect for freeride and freestyle riders looking for the ultimate machine to take their riding to the next level.

At the same time the board is fast and responsive, it is also exceedingly easy and forgiving to ride, due to the slightly softer flex characteristics. The board is constructed using Textreme Carbon which is 30% lighter than a standard carbon weave. This material offers superior flex and durability characteristics, whilst making the board extremely direct and responsive on the water. The Select is the ultimate kiteboard, it is as simple as that… | 18

GONZALES

X-RIDE

TEAM SERIES

GAMBLER

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NORTH TWIN TIPS

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GAMBLER

The Gambler is North’s park and wakestyle board, ridden by guys like Tom Court and Craig Cunningham as well as by Colleen Carroll. This is the go-to board for our riders looking to hit the park on the kite or cable. Tough, strong and packed with performance it delivers whatever the conditions. The board has a fair amount of rocker, as you would expect, it also has a stiff to medium flex pattern which not only offers amazing pop, but also just the right amount of flex for riding rails and sliders. For 2016 there is a new bottom shape and a step up double concave that offers amazing grip, enabling the Gambler to be ridden without fins. The Slick Base ensures the board will take as much abuse as you can give it in the park, it also allows you to tap and stall on just about any feature you can find. Then the Track system is positioned in one line, so boots can be ridden on both edges to increase the lifecycle of the board. If you want a board that excels at wakestyle, the Gambler holds all the cards...

TEAM SERIES

The Team Series is aimed at top-end freestyle riders and is the ultimate board for the competitive rider looking for the ultimate in pop! Used by riders like Reno Romeu and Stefan Spiessberger on the world tour, the Team Series wears has proven credentials at the hidhest level. The board is exceedingly stiff to offer amazing pop and there is also a strong torsional stiffness to ensure precision riding no matter what the water surface is doing. For 2016 there is a new wakestyle base which offers improved grip so you can ride without fins. In addition this base shape helps to break the surface tension making landings smooth and easy even when you are coming in hot from a super powered trick. The Team Series also features a Step Double Concave with Trailerfin construction to provide massive grip and pop. If you want to beat the competition, you need the competitive advantage, and Team Series can provide that.

X-RIDE

The X-Ride is one of the most popular boards on the market and is the choice board of riders all over the world. It is designed to be ridden about 3cm longer than your standard board. The increase in the rocker line helps to make the X-Ride extremely smooth over choppy water. The outline shape is also a little narrower in the tips, which allows the board to carve amazingly well. Lots of riders have the X-Ride as their twin tip wave board as the rail-to-rail turns are easily executed with great control. The rail shape and increased length gives you unsurpassed grip and upwind performance.

For 2016 there is a new 2 Channel mono concave bottom shape, which improves the ride even more. The softer flex makes the ride really forgiving but the board will still pop allowing you to boost airs and have some soft landings. The X-Ride has been designed to be the ultimate all-round kite board, as happy in the waves as it is flying through the air.

GONZALES

The Gonzales is one of the easiest to ride kiteboards around.

In the smaller sizes it is smooth and forgiving, and the larger sizes are perfect for beginners and larger riders. When you are first learning this sport you need a board that will help you to progress and make that progression as fast as possible. The Gonzales does just that while still retaining great performance so you won’t grow out of it quickly. The Gonzales combines a soft flex pattern with a forgiving outline, which creates its unique feel on the water. The wider profile provides a stable platform whilst helping to get the board up on the plane early.

There are five sizes in the range so there is a board to suit everyone, no matter what your level of riding is. Kitesurfing shouldn’t be hard, and you shouldn’t be hard on yourself, get a Gonzales and make it easy.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NORTH SURFBOARDS Surfboard

Best for…

Sizes

Pro CSC

All-rounder

5’3, 5’5, 5’7

Pro Surf

All-rounder

5’8, 5’11, 6’2

Pro Kontact

Bigger waves

5’10, 6’1

Whip CSC

All-rounder

5’2, 5’4, 5’6

WAM

All-rounder

5’7, 5’10, 6’1

WOOHOO

All-rounder

5’8

Nugget CSC

Light wind and small waves

5’2

Nugget TT

Light wind and small waves

5’2

Quest TT

All-rounder

5’10

WHIP

The Whip CSC is the perfect all round surfboard in the Compact Surf Concept range. It is easy to ride and forgiving and the rail design combines with the modern outline to cut through chop effortlessly. On the wave it is great for carving smooth turns but it will also allow you to ride it aggressively with a more top to bottom style. The compact shape allows you to really throw the board around on the wave while maintaining total control. For 2016 the Whip CSC features a new double concave bottom profile in the nose area, this helps to stop the board from digging in when dropping down steep wave faces. The double concave deck shape gives a perfect connection from the rider to the board and also adds even more control over the board. Sky Solbach has also refined the way the boards are scaled in size, so the smaller boards are now even better suited to smaller riders. If you want a surfboard that can handle it all, from small euro chop to overhead barrels the Whip CSC is the obvious choice.

WAM

For 2016 the WAM features a brand new shape. The new board combines a wide squash tail with a broader more high performance nose shape. This effectively increases the overall rail line while increasing the surface area of the board.

The benefits of this new shape are numerous; the new WAM is more stable, far better upwind and gets planing in lighter winds much faster too. The WAM is a great all-rounder that is suited to a wide range of conditions. The board offers superior balance and control over a more traditional shape, making it great for learning to ride in the waves. The superior balance and control will also allow the more advanced riders to get the maximum performance from the board. The WAM is great for radical snaps and has a fantastic ability to surf both vertically in the pocket and with smoother carving arcs on larger waves. If you want an all-round surfboard, in a traditional style with a modern twist that can handle a wide variety of conditions, the new WAM has got it going on.

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PRO CSC

The Pro CSC is a radical change of direction for the Pro Series. The 2016 design has been refined even further to keep the board at the very cutting edge of the sport. It excels in small to medium sized waves, offering predictable grip and stability while still enabling you to explode off the lip and link fast snappy turns on the wave. Yet although the Pro CSC is at the very top of North’s range it is still very easy to ride whilst also being forgiving, making it suitable for a wide range of riders. The deep double concave in the nose helps to separate the water and prevent the front of the board from burying on big steep waves. The top deck features a scooped double concave area under foot. This lowers the center of gravity on the board as well as increasing the contact area of the foot, both of these attributes hugely increase grip and control. The lightweight construction and compact shape also make the Pro CSC perfect for airs and freestyle tricks. If you want the ultimate surfboard to progress your level in the waves and in the air the Pro CSC is it.

NUGGET TT

This is the the third season the Nugget has been offered in the North Kiteboarding Tough Technology construction. Tough Technology is a moulded technology that utilizes a super tough top sheet similar to that used in North Kiteboarding Twin Tip to create an incredibly durable skin that is highly resistant to dings and scratches. In short, the Tough Technology Nugget offers the same Nugget shape in an ultradurable construction! So it is a great light wind wave board, which allows you to have fun in waves even if conditions are not amazing. It’s easy to do your first steps strapless and even on flat water it will put a smile on your face due to the planing performance and the upwind strength. Rough conditions – tough technology!

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NUGGET TT

PRO CSC

WAM

WHIP

RRD 23 |

THE BRAND

RRD – Roberto Ricci Designs – was born in 1989 between Maui Island (Hawaii) and Tuscany (Italy). In the very beginning, the brand was registered as RRD Roberto Ricci Designs in both Italy and Hawaii as proof of the direct connection between the Hawaiian surfing traditions and Italian creativity and the design typical of Roberto Ricci and his team. The core business at that stage was strictly technical oriented.

Roberto was a professional windsurfer and was designing and building custom boards only for professional windsurfers looking for the best boards to win contests in both the wave and racing disciplines. Everything was devoted to the pursuit of performance.

Then, in 1993, there was a turning point. From Roberto’s passion and know-how began a new project and a new brand based in Grosseto (Italy). 1994 saw the first RRD windsurfing production boards coming out on the market, it was the YEAR 0 collection. At the same time Montecristo srl was founded, a new company in charge of producing and distributing RRD Clothing and focused on a new concept of lifestyle called “perf-romance”, a marriage between pure sportive performance and romance, passion and feelings. Year-after-year the brand has kept growing and now, after 21 years, RRD develops and produces a full range of kites, kiteboards, windsurfing boards, sails and rig components, SUP boards and surfboards – as well as wetsuits, clothing, bags and other accessories! At its heart is Roberto’s technical skill and ability in managing a very experienced team that is non-stop busy with research and development with the sole aim of building the very best gear. It is this that has led RRD to become one of watersport’s market leaders.

BRAND HQ

RRD HQ is in Grosseto, Toscane, Italy. But Roberto Ricci moves to his house in Scarborough, Cape Town from December until March every year, together with his team riders, to do testing, R&D, photo and video shoots. Those are the spots where most of the work is done, but RRD are working year round on their R&D, and makes sure that all the gear gets tested globally in different conditions by their team riders, shapers and designers.

WHAT’S NEW

Non-stop research and development: RRD has lots of new things in the pipeline! There is a lot of development at the moment in the kiteboarding department. RRD doesn’t work with a standard new yearly product line, they bring out new products as soon as a model has been improved upon, or they have come up with a totally new products The most recent development is the Global Bar V7 which was recently released and is one bar for all their kites – simple, functional, safe and durable. And with RRD’s exclusive ‘rigid thread’ lines. Then there is the all new Fifty/Fifty split board for the easy travelling. Then RRD are generally trying to expand their range of different boards, both in twin tips as in surfboards, and there is also a hydrofoil on the horizon.

So it is fair to say that it is busy times for Roberto and the rest of the team at RRD! | 24

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // RRD KITES

Best for‌

Sizes

Emotion MK1

Travelling / Simplicity

6, 8, 10, 12, 17

Vision MK4

Freeride / Beginner

5, 7, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15

Passion MK8

Freeride / Beginner

3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17

Obsession MK8

All-round / Big Air

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

Obsession Pro MK2

Pure freestyle

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

Addiction MK5

Lightwind / Race

7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19

Religion MK6

Wave

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12

25 |

OBSESSION MK8

RELIGION MK6

PASSION MK8

VISION MK4

Kite

VISION MK4

Introduced five years ago as an “entry level” all-round kite, the Vision has received tremendously positive feedback. If is a really versatile, easy to use, fun, responsive and predictable kite that will allow you to freestyle, waveride or go fast on a freeride board both upwind and downwind. It is a true all terrain machine. This year RRD have improved the finer details on the kite and have introduced all the various new features as on the other kites in the range, such as the B.U.S.T system, double reinforcement tape around the leading edge closure to further extend lifetime of the kite and a segmented trailing edge reinforcement to prevent fabric wearout. So if all you need is a simple life and only want to use only one kite for everything then the Vision is the kite for you.

RELIGION MK6

The Religion is a kite synonymous with waveriding. A bullet proof construction, mixing the body construction between 40% heavy duty Dacron fabrics and 60% lightweight canopy, creates superior crash resistance and a huge lifetime. The new MK6 design also allows a bigger range of use with an improved high and low end. There is also more power, better lift during jumps and an enormous, progressive de-power that will stop the kite’s power exactly when you need it. It is a throttle in your hands, gearing up your rides when you need power and completely releasing it when you use the speed of the wave. A perfect kite both in onshore and offshore conditions and tested thoroughly all over the world.

PASSION MK8

The Passion V8 is fantastic kite for all-round freestyle and big air with its pure and easy to handle power and amazing stability. It is also stable enough to practice your freestyle surf moves… The MK8 has been re-designed with improved durability and the number of struts has been reduced from 5 to 3… This has made the kite significantly lighter and has improved the low-end considerably. So the new Passion has improved performance and stability, but still maintains that distinctive ‘Passion’ feeling that has made it such a popular kite in the RRD range.

OBSESSION MK8

RRD’s iconic big air kite has been completely re-designed this year. After long consideration on how to achieve an even lighter, faster, more powerful yet easy to de-powered and stable kite, their design team has come up with a very simple yet very refined design concept. Taking out 2 struts from the previous versions and making the Obsession a full 3 struts kite has been the base of this new concept. Then the foil profile has also been changed, achieving a new kite that floats better in the air and brings a more direct type of feeling on the bar. Thanks to a new profile and a tighter leech tension The Obsession MK8 now also achieves better hang time, more stability and a greater range of use.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // RRD TWIN TIPS

Best for‌

Sizes

Poison LTD V3

Freestyle Pro

135, 136, 137, 138, 140

Poison V3

Freestyle

135, 136, 137, 138, 140

Juice V2

Wakestyle

135, 138, 143

Bliss V3

Freeride / Freestyle

135, 136, 137, 138, 139

Fifty-Fifty

Freeride / Freestyle

138 x 40.5, 138 x 42

Placebo V5

Freeride

136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 142

BS 45 V4

Lightwind

145

BS 45 Pro V4

Lightwind

145

10 Knots

Lightwind

146

FIFTY FIFTY

BLISS V3

PLACEBO V5

POISON LTD V3

Twin Tip

27 |

POISON LTD V3

The most popular freestyle board in RRD’s twin tip range, the new outline is based on the one designed for the new wakestyle board program, the Juice V2. It features a totally straight line in the mid 45 centimeters of the board, creating a perfect area to push hard when trying to edge and go upwind as hard as you can. The tip area has also been narrowed down, increasing top speed and allowing a quicker direction change, therefore increasing the pop. Then the LTD technology brings the weight down by a staggering 20%...

BLISS V3

The Bliss V3 has a completely new shape. It’s well conceived as a freeride all-round board, able to perform at its best in all kinds of water and wind, granting a fantastic sensation of security while riding. It is not just for cruising though, the surprise appears once you really push this board freestyling.

There is an good amount of pop due to the medium flex, which also creates a perfect recipe for easy landings. Deep bottom channels also increase grip and stability of riding, allowing the Bliss to go fast and really track upwind before you load up and boost some serious air…

PLACEBO V5

Developed specifically for freeriding, since its first introduction the Placebo represents accessibility, thanks to its generous width and length and also the well-tuned flex and response dynamics. The Placebo V5’s biaxal fibers layup and profile design creates the perfect mix of comfort and fun with a sporty feel on the water. It slices through chop and turns smoothly under your feet allowing precise turns with firm grip and bite.

FIFTY FIFTY

This kiteboarding format is getting more and more popular for those who travel often by plane, or for those who want to have a short bike trip to the beach in total comfort. The shape is specifically designed along the middle split of the board that is naturally stiffer than a conventional board. Then slightly wider tips and a very thin rail profile create a great combo for pure freestyle sessions or exhilarating freeriding in both light and strong winds. The split system is extremely simple and the board can be assembled by screwing in the carry handle as this works as the ‘connecting part’.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // RRD SURFBOARDS Sizes

Assopigliatutto K V2

Lightwind / Freestyle

5’8

Chiatta K V2

Small to mid-size waves

5’8

Huevo K

Small surf / Freesyle

5’5, 5’7

Barracuda K

Strapped in powered

5’8, 5’10, 6’0

Salerosa K V2

All-round

5’8, 5’10, 6’0

Maquina K

All-round

5’6, 5’7, 5’9, 5’11, 6’1

K Pro

Performance surf

5’5, 5’7, 5’8, 5’10, 5’11

POP Ltd

Progressive freestyle / Small waves

5’2, 5’4

POP

Progressive freestyle / Small waves

5’2, 5’4

C.O.T.A.N

All-round

5’2, 5’4, 5’6, 5’8

Mini Maxi K

Lightwind / Small waves

5’2

Balena K

All-round

5’5, 5’7, 5’9

POP LTD

The POP Ltd is a remarkable board employing all of the very latest technologies to create an incredibly light and durable board. This is the perfect stick to use when conditions are not quite “ideal world” and you want to ride strapless and practice those new freestyle tricks on flat water or small surf.

It’s a pleasure to ride the POP with light winds when you need some meat under your feet to get going. Landing jumps on this board is easy with the soft rails and wide outline, and the POP Ltd makes any conditions fun and still allows you to ride in small surf with speed and with great potential for above the lip maneuvers.

29 |

MAQUINA V2

Best For

POP LTD

Surfboards

MAQUINA V2

The Maquina is the classic thruster. It is the board you want to be riding when you want to have a totally reliable shape that will never let you down. Designed to be ridden hard and to be used in all conditions, the shape is ‘classic surf’ and it has many years of surfboard evolution that it has been able to draw on. Construction is with a PU Core with a lightweight stringer covered with Silmar™ polyester resin for layup and Reichold™ resin for finishing, with E and S X-cel® glass bottom and deck layup. So this is top end construction for top-end surfing.

SHIFT

This top-of-the-range wetsuit offer extreme flexibility where pattern design is combined with the best available neoprene in the market. Fully constructed with Superstretch limestone neoprene, the Celsius Pro is the wetsuit made with the least number of panels in RRD’s collection. Less panels mean more flexibility. Then the Pro and is pure fabric taped on the inside only on the seam joint areas which allows even more flex.

CELSIUS PRO

CELSIUS PRO

SHIFT

The Shift is designed for full-power riding. It features a flatter lower back section, a pre-shaped internal plate reinforced with fiberglass battens, spreader downhaul, kite hook and a knife. For maximum flexibility and molding to the contours of your body, the inner is EVA and neoprene. This is a harness that is incredibly comfortable and you can have complete 100% confidence in‌ | 30

31 |

CABRINHA

THE BRAND

Cabrinha provides premium kitesurfing equipment and premium service worldwide to people with a passion for the sport, from people with a passion for the sport.

Inspired and driven by Maui-based waterman, Pete Cabrinha, the company became a subsidiary of the Pryde Group in 2000. Pete is not only the name behind the brand, he’s also the brand manager of the division working with chief kite designer Pat Goodman, the engineers, and the R&D and test team through the entire process of development, and oversees the graphic design and marketing department. With the support of a vast distribution network, selling and servicing over 40 countries worldwide, the company has climbed the ranks to become a leading kitesurfing brand, earning a great reputation for consistently producing high performance, high-quality, good-looking kitesurfing products.

BRAND HQ

Cabrinha’s heart and soul is on Maui, Hawaii, which has been credited as the birthplace of kiteboarding. With Pete at the helm, the R&D, engineering, graphics and marketing facility is located just a few minutes from Kite Beach which is perfectly situated for testing and for lunch break sessions for the passionate crew of kitesurfers they employ. The commercial and accounting department is in Hong Kong and their own state of the art production facilities are located in China.

With this set up, paired with the vast sales and distribution network (including other subsidiary retail locations all over the world), it’s fair to say Cabrinha has an incredibly broad circle of passionate people working to ensure you have the most fun you can each time you get out on the water.

WHAT’S NEW

For 2016 Cabrinha gave the Switchblade kite which sits at the heart of their line a complete overhaul. A combination of an entirely new platform, new profiles and refined bridling, give the Switchblade a huge boost in performance. By redistributing the canopy area they were able to increase the overall efficiency of the design and make the kite more agile and stable. Then the new FX kite is designed to bridge the gap between competition freestyle and performance freeride. The aerodynamic profiles are not quite as lean as a full-on competition freestyle kite, but not as full, knuckled and draft forward as you find in a freeride kite. It’s a blend between a traditional “C” shape and a hybrid freeride kite. It delivers predictable power but flies fast enough through the window and will slack off when you throw unhooked tricks. There is an all new Chaos kite and control system which are purpose built for competition, with an aggressive high aspect C shape tuned to fly through turns rather than pivoting through the wing tips. Then finally there is the Double Agent foil board which is a fun new product for Cabrinha that doubles as a surf skate. The user friendly board is perfect for anyone who wants to get up on the foil quickly and it’s more likely to ride away from a wing breach or nose dive than the super high performance race foils. When configured with the foil system it will have you flying in well under 10 knots… | 32

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CABRINHA KITES

Kite

Best for…

Sizes

Radar

Versatile freeride

3.5, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14

Switchblade Performance freeride

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

FX

Freestyle / Performance freeride

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14

Chaos

Advanced freestyle/wakestyle

7, 9, 11, 13

Drifter

Waves

4.5, 5.5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13

Contra

Lightwind

13, 15, 17

Velocity

Freeride / Race

7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18

SWITCHBLADE

The legendary Switchblade is now in its 11th year of evolution and it delivers the spot on performance its fans have come to expect. Undergoing a full redesign this year, Pat Goodman met the challenge to increase performance without compromising the legendary SB feel. The answer came in a combination of an entirely new platform, new profiles and refined bridling, giving the Switchblade a huge boost in performance. By re-distributing the canopy area they increased the overall efficiency of the design to make the kite more efficient, agile and stable. The refined profiles give it a boost in performance, being noticeably faster flying… further enhancing upwind performance. The lighter bar pressure combined with the faster profiles is noticeably more fun to fly and helpful for those starting to do un-hooked maneuvers. Then the A and B setting give the Switchblade a completely different feeling in flight. You really get the best of both worlds with two kites in one. The “A” setting has a noticeably lighter bar pressure and a dynamic, lively feel. This setting will be the favorite for most riders with intermediate skill levels and above. For a more direct, powerful traditional Switchblade feel, the “B” setting is for you.

DRIFTER

The Drifter has always excelled at delivering flawless ‘slack line drift’. This is what allows the kite to stay aloft and drift with no power while you actually surf the wave.

New for 2016 is an additional bridle setting for offshore surf conditions that opens up the wingtips and allows the kite to fly forward in the window when sheeted out. The onshore setting provides a more traditional “maximum drift” down the line behavior. The Drifter has the ability to get you up and going with a short depower travel and allows you to drop in, accelerate, then dump the power completely to snap or carve turns. Its design allows it to be there when you need it… and get out of the way when you don’t. This has put the Drifter kite at the top of its class by delivering a perfect blend of the best elements of surfing and kitesurfing, making it the choice of four-time World Wave Champion Keahi De Aboitiz…

33 |

FX

The FX kite is designed to bridge the gap between competition freestyle and performance freeride. With a wider wind range and more versatility than a traditional “C” shape, the FX is a fun kite to fly. It’s perfectly suited to perform at the highest level of competition, but also forgiving enough to make learning technical moves much less difficult. It has the ability to take your freestyle riding to a higher level but comes with the excellent drive and pull that you typically see in a freeride driven design. It is designed to fly through turns rather than pivoting, so it produces power all the way through a kiteloop. It gets through a kiteloop really quick and is able to fly uphill and recover before you get close to the water.

Many hours went into working on the bridle to make it short, compact and pulley-less which gives it a very direct feel, but keeps the light bar feel. The depower travel on the FX kite is quite short, but, it’s linear so it doesn’t have any real hard spots. It’s forgiving and has a comfortable sweet spot and has more drive than a super aggressive freestyle kite.

RADAR

The Radar was designed to be the best relaunching and easiest kite to use on the market. Over the years it’s evolved into a very versatile and lively freeride / crossover kite. The high sweep and low aspect ratio make it light and maneuverable, while remaining well-balanced with a big sweet spot on the sheeting. A simple bridle and thinned profiles keep the power in check, while providing all the park and ride power you’ll need. For 2016, Cabrinha improved the low end, increased the stability and broadened the overall wind range. It’s better for jumping and unhooking and is geared slightly more towards maneuverability with a light feel. Because it has less power in the turns, it also works nicely in small surf. It turns fast, but keeps the power in check, is light at the bar, super responsive, and relaunches just by turning the control bar.

For a weekend warrior looking for a maneuverable light kite, the Radar is the perfect choice.

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SWICHBLADE

FX

DRIFTER

RADAR

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CABRINHA TWIN TIPS

Best for…

Sizes

XCaliber

Competition Freestyle

132, 135, 138, 141

Ace

Freestyle

133, 135, 137, 139

Custom

Progressive wakestyle

133, 136, 139, 142

CBL

Wakestyle / Park

136, 139, 142

XO

Women’s freestyle

127, 130, 133, 136

Tronic

Freestyle / Big Air

137, 141, 145

Spectrum

Freeride

136, 140, 144, 148

Stylus

Lightwind

145, 155, 165

Atom

Younger riders

127

ACE

TRONIC

SPECTRUM

XCALIBER

Twin Tip

35 |

XCALIBER

TRONIC

SPECTRUM

ACE

The XCaliber is a world class competition freestyle twin tip. Its high performance comes from the extensive use of structural carbon that stiffens the flex pattern, for increased response and explosive pop. The XCaliber’s performance rocker line allows for monstrous drive into powered freestyle tricks while retaining excellent upwind performance. The double concave with cantered rail panels shift into a quad concave tip bottom shape. This channels the water flow for maximum edge control, board response, and smooth landings. The progressive 3D molded top and bottom shape gives added dimension to the board. A single pour, ultra-bond liquid polyurethane elastomer around the entire board is the ultimate impact resistance material and helps with rebound and vibration reduction. Designed to provide quick bursts of speed, incredible pop, and the upwind ability to keep your performance spot on.

The Spectrum has been re-engineered from the ground up with an all new design for 2016. As the name suggests, it really is designed to cover the whole spectrum of kiteboarding. It has an extremely wide range of use, in an extremely wide range of conditions. A new, thinner rail gives it clean water release for better upwind ability. The much lighter weight design has a single to double concave bottom shape, which promotes water flow and upwind performance. The outline makes it excellent in choppy water and maintains enough surface area for great freestyle pop. Its fast rocker line gives you the sharp and responsive feel. Standing out in any crowd, this smooth and responsive board delivers excellent freeride/ freestyle characteristics.

The Tronic is a unique, all-around performance, freeride twin tip that loves to carve through waves or throw big air. Its narrower tips deliver power control for carving with ample width between your feet to help with early planing. The quad concave to deep V tip bottom shape puts the control where you need, between your feet. Its tips flex naturally to hold power to boost and grip the water so it won’t skip out through turns and carves. It has been fine tuned to be forgiving in choppy conditions for a smooth ride while still being able to deliver amazing rail-to-rail carves. The Parabolic Rails™ provide a stiffer center section while delivering a responsive tip and tail flex. The volcanic basalt fiber construction keeps the weight to a minimum while retaining high durability and the performance rocker line helps initiate G-force for turns when banking off waves or redirecting in the flats and smooths your ride.

The Ace is Cabrinha’s most versatile board to date with its avant-garde design aimed at high level, freestyle performance.

Its fast rocker provides razor sharp responsiveness and stability for landings. A quad concave to quad V bottom shape, and an advanced, lightweight freestyle composition make the Ace the ultimate freeride/freestyle performance board. It has a low spin weight, great edge hold, amazing pop, and makes smooth landings ultra-predictable. The Ace is the perfect go to board for high performance, all-around freestyle riding.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CABRINHA SURF/FOIL BOARDS

Sizes

Phenom

All-round surf

5’5, 5’8, 5’11

Proto

High performance surf

5’7, 5’10

Secret Weapon

Freestyle / Lightwind

5’2, 5’6, 5’10

Double Agent

Fun skate style / Foil

5’2

DOUBLE AGENT

SECRET WEAPON

PHENOM

PROTO

Surf/Foil boards Best For

37 |

PROTO

The Proto is our advanced surfboard model. The shape lends itself to stronger winds and side shore surf conditions. The Proto is capable of surfing larger waves than the Phenom or Secret Weapon, and the thruster set up is ideal for down the line, side shore surfing. Its narrower outline and straighter rail shape is perfect for pushing turns at higher speeds, yet the generous use of rocker makes the board loose and snappy off the top.

PHENOM

The Phenom takes a step towards the performance end of the surf chain while keeping its easy to ride characteristics.

The Phenom is our widest board with the highest volume.

The combination of width and volume makes this board extremely versatile in the surf as well as the flat water freestyle arena. The Phenom is developed with Cabrinha’s multi-Kitesurf World Champion, Keahi De Aboitiz. It has a five fin box configuration that allows the rider to choose the right set up for the conditions

SECRET WEAPON

The Secret Weapon is a modern spin on a retro-surf design.

The rounded nose and wide tail make this board extremely friendly to ride in real world conditions. It is fast and lively on waves of any size. The aggressive swallow tail and quad fin configuration gives this board its edge and attitude. The Secret Weapon is excellent at making the most out of subpar wind and surf conditions. Even when the surf is flat, the Secret Weapon becomes the ideal board to throw down your freestyle game.

DOUBLE AGENT

One board. Two faces. The double agent is Cabrinha’s fun performance hydrofoil board that converts into a surf skate directional. When mounted with one of their foil systems you’ll be up and soaring in well under 8 knots. The aluminum mast and fuselage, compression molded deck, and fiberglass wings offer the most solid and durable ride available. The low aspect front wing design allows for slower planing speed which helps get you up on the foil plane early. When configured with the four surf fins it doubles as a fun bump and jump style directional board.

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CORE 39 |

THE BRAND

Search “Fehmarn” and you will find the home of CORE. A global, full line, manufacturer of kiteboard equipment. And builders of advanced, German engineered, gear for the coolest sport on the planet.

CORE is all about engineering and quality. We pride ourselves on safe and efficient engineering solutions. Solutions that incorporate materials from leading European suppliers even if it costs more. It is this unrelenting drive for perfection and investment in high quality materials that has made CORE a global powerhouse.

BRAND HQ

Fehmarn, a sunny and often windy island in the Baltic Sea, is home to CORE’s Headquarters. It also happens to be an island perfectly suited for kiteboarding research and development. Picture dozens of kiteable beaches dotting this island for every possible wind direction. We use our location to our advantage, especially when it comes to development and testing.

Year-round, passionate, CORE product developers with decades of experience split their days between computer modeling and “board meetings” on the beach. Relentlessly testing and getting feedback from the CORE community. But this often isn’t good enough and so we test our product around the world in as many different kiting conditions possible to bring you the best-engineered kite possible.

WHAT’S NEW

Lots! But you will just have to trust us on this one. You may recall how busy CORE was in 2015 with the release of our new bestsellers; the XR4 and Fusion 2. The launch of our Specialized line of kites for hardcore C-kiters and wave addicts. The new pump that everyone made fun of at first until they actually tried it. And finally, with ExoTex, a new innovative Dacron we are using on all our leading edges. The market responded with two big thumbs up so we plan on doing it again in 2016.

So, stay tuned.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CORE KITES

Freeride, Big Air, Wave, Race

5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.5

XR4 LW

Lightwind Freeride, Lightwind Freestyle

15, 17, 19

GTS3

Freestyle, Wave, Freeride

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

GTS3 LW

Lightwind Freeride, Lightwind Wave, Lightwind Freestyle

15, 17

Section

Wave, Surfstyle

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Section LW

Lightwind Wave

12, 14

Impact

Freestyle, Wakestyle

7, 9, 11, 13

GTS3

XR4

IMPACT

Sizes

XR4

Best for‌

SECTION

Kite

41 |

XR4

The XR4 is CORE’s 4th generation of their bestselling, highly versatile XR power delta bow kite, and comes in white and black colorway with ExoTex-equipped struts for extra stability, the Intelligent Arc flight control system that modifies the airfoil on demand for a more controllable power/depower, a unique safety system and an intelligent trim system that allows the rider the option to adjust the back line tension, bar pressure and the kite turning speed.

Delivering control and confidence in gusty conditions and power when it’s needed most, the XR4 is a great all-rounder, with cruising, racing, waveriding and Big Air in its arsenal and an ability to adapt to any riding level. Hangtime is key, and the XR4 truly delivers in this department, with powerful boosting capabilities. As with the XR4, the LW version uses the Exotex Dacron to improve airflow by reducing the leading edge and strut diameters while still providing more stability and a more agile flight.

GTS3

The GTS3 is CORE’s bridled, three strut C-kite with a future-C shape for snappier turns and a consistent pull at the bar. The three struts give it more twist than five, translating as faster turns and less weight to aid slack line drift. Perfectly suited for unhooked freestyle, freeriding and waves, the GTS3 is essentially 3 kites in 1. It is as at home pulling kiteloops as it is carving amongst a decent swell, there’s both power and predictability, making the GTS3 a kite that can be trusted in most conditions. Plenty of tech is stuffed into this C-kite, and the LW version also features a lower profile, rounder tips, thinner tubing and the use of CORE’s patented light weight material, CoreTex Light, making it a playful but precise option for lighter days, while retaining the GTS3’s agile, freestyle character.

SECTION

The Section is CORE’s pure wave kite, designed for wave fanatics. With three struts, a lightweight construction and ExoTex Dacron fabric for improved stability and feedback, the Section is a perfectly balanced and reliable partner in the surf. The three strut frame provides excellent balance between flexibility and weight, and uses the least Dacron of any CORE kite to increase the weight saving. The ‘Surf Profile’ airfoil gives it a slightly lower aspect ratio to improve slackline drift, and the short bridle system improves the bar feedback, helping to anticipate your next move. Designed to remain stable and in the air in even the most challenging wave conditions without stalling, the Section can be ridden strapped or strapless with trust and speed. The Section LW takes all of the above and tweaks it for smaller waves and lightwind days. It features a slightly higher aspect ratio than the Section, Radical Reaction Tips and the three strut construction means you can expect controllable drift and precise turning ability from a very agile kite.

IMPACT

The Impact is CORE’s pure C-kite, a dedicated freestyle/ wakestyle kite with a deep C-shape making it an extremely precise, controllable kite that works without compromise whether riding hooked or unhooked. Featuring slightly longer tips than the GTS3, the Impact keeps a more classic C-shape, giving it consistency and predictable pull through transitions, transferring confidence to the rider. The square wingtips give the lines further direct control, as does the five line setup with no bridles or pulleys. The Impact also features CORE’s custom trim system, adding to the ability to customize your flying style.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CORE BOARDS

Board

Best for…

Sizes

Fusion 2

Freeride, Freestyle, Wave

133, 135,137, 139, 141, 144

Fusion 2 LW

Lightwind Freeride, Lightwind Freestyle

147, 152

Choice

Freestyle, Freeride, Wakestyle

134, 137, 139, 142

Bolt

Freestyle, Wakestyle, Slider style

140

Ripper 2

Wave, Surfstyle, Freeride

5’6, 5’8, 5’10, 6’0, 6’2

FUSION 2

The 2nd generation Fusion can be ridden in a wide variety of conditions and suits most riding styles. Be it choppy, glassy or out amongst the waves, the Fusion 2 takes the premium design elements of CORE’s previous freestyle/freeride boards and fuses them together to create an all-rounder board that’s versatile and packed with the latest engineered tech, such as CORE’s signature Cartan carbon to increase pop and durability, a CNC milled wood core and a diamond 3D surface contour, directing the torsional forces toward the edges to reinforce the balance between flex and rigidity.

The underside features a hydrodynamic contour, made up of a double concave, V-shaped hull and progressive channels which extend into the tips, optimizing the smoothness of the ride. The board comes with CORE Union Pro Pads and straps, giving the rider nine different stance options and three pad insert options to increase customization options. The Fusion 2 LW editions (147, 152) are agile and have thinner rails, V-keel, and the light carbon construction make this the ideal go-to board in marginal conditions.

CHOICE

Whether in boots, straps, or simply freeriding, the Choice gives you exactly that – optimum choice and control of your riding style. CORE’s Cartan proprietary 30° Biaxial carbon fiber weave optimizes the board’s torsion and dynamic longitudinal flex, giving it more bang for the buck. Stainless steel V4A thread inserts are laminated into a reinforced base plate that sits deep in the core of the board, making the hold for the bindings/straps ‘bombproof’. The six channel tips are made up of two full length outer channels and four progressive inner channels that increase lateral support giving excellent grip and the option to ride with or without fins, and the forgiving rocker means that landings are smoother. This is a highly compliant board that will take pretty much any heavy maneuver you want to throw, and offer full control throughout.

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BOLT

The Bolt is a board built for riders who GO HARD, be it rails, sliders, kickers or heavy chop. Created with wakestyle in mind, it features CORE’s new PTEX Pro Fix Grindbase, a high-modulus polyethylene that is inspired by snowboards and gives superior sliding abilities over rails and water features. The deck features two-layers of Cartan carbon, adding extra strength to support any added stress from the fixed bindings, meaning this board is happy to take a beating.

The Pro Rocker – an extra 2cm across the board – helps with landings while the flat base is perfectly suited for rails, with the delicate mono concave removing any chop-friction, and the six progressive channels meaning you can ride without fins. Boot inserts are solid, with the reinforced base plate set deep in the board, and extra lamination on key areas for increased strength and durability, and still providing three different boot stance options.

RIPPER 2

If you’re after a shortboard that’s forgiving in all surf conditions, CORE’s Ripper 2 is a great option. It features a closed cell PU Active Foam Core for increased water resistance and dynamic flex, a carbon fiber-enforced deck kick pad, double stringer and multi-layered glass construction using a high-tech fiberglass and resin top coat that has allowed the board a more precisely tuned shape that’s reminiscent of classic shortboard design but with additional strength. With the perfect balance of width and concave, the Ripper 2 can be ridden strapped or strapless, defying chop between rides, while the moderate tail rocker and slightly increased volume in both the nose and tail give the board increased speed which it holds through the lulls. The rails are soft in the middle and sharp at the tail for powerful cutbacks and heavy turns, and they’ve given it a blunt nose: safer, smarter.

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RIPPER 2

BOLT

CHOICE

FUSION 2

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CORE BARS

SENSOR 2/2+

SENSOR 2/2+

CORE’s Sensor 2 bar series features a clean, simple design in favor of maximum functionality with minimum fuss. The light 230g unibody bar has a rigid, direct, anticipatory feel with deep contoured EVA grips for comfortable hold on long sessions.

The bar has an internal grade 5 titanium alloy truss reinforcement. The SSF (Supported Single Frontline) safety system is exclusive to CORE – when the 2-way Rotor quick release is activated, the kite will release all its power, and gently drift with the leading edge facing down and nose to the wind until the front tube touches the water. The kite will stay in a ‘drift launch position’ (nose to wind) until you are ready to relaunch. Untwisting after kiteloops is simple with the Auto Untwist system – front line twists occur below the Sensor 2 bar, and when the bar is pulled in, a below-the-bar swivel unravels the lines. The safety leash is short at 50cm long, with an ergonomic fit, and the loop/stick set is designed to move out of the way when hooking and unhooking, and prevents unintended unhooking too. The Sensor 2+ replaces the standard 24m lines with CORE’s Vario lines: 18m long with an additional with 2 and 4m extension, giving it extra room for experimentation.

SENSOR PRO

SENSOR PRO

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CORE’s Sensor Pro bar has been in development for three years, and is the only titanium trussed, carbon fiber unibody bar on the market. The bar itself comes in at a featherweight 200g of 100% carbon fiber, with an aircraft quality, grade 5 titanium trussed core, making it a stiffer bar than the Sensor 2. The Sensor Pro also features CORE’s exclusive Tectanium Lines, designed by Liros, who are the market leaders in specialized aeronautical and sail cordage. Their innovative emulsion (protective coating) process means that the Tectanium lines will resist abrasion, dirt and UV radiation better than ever. They give virtually no stretch, and are 400% more resistant to elongation and feature 50% greater breaking strength. The lines are also 10% thinner and therefore more aerodynamic. These lines come in the same sizes as the Sensor 2+ bar, with base 18m lines and two extensions of 2 and 4m, so that you can fly your Sensor Pro bar with 18, 20, 22, or 24m Tectanium line lengths.

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CRAZYFLY

THE BRAND

CrazyFly was founded by Jozef Bukovcak who started making windsurf boards back in 1989. The CrazyFly brand was born ten years after Jozef made his first surfboard. CrazyFly Kiteboarding was officially founded in 2001 and since that moment, CrazyFly has only focused on Kiteboarding.

Jozef, the founder and owner, built CrazyFly from zero to a global brand supplying over one hundred countries. CrazyFly products are a true reflection of Jozef’s rich experience in design and manufacturing, attention to detail and a lifetime passion for watersports. He always strives for perfection and pushes his team to bring out the best products for kiteboarding.

CrazyFly is a family business and Jozef’s family has helped him along the way. At the moment there are eight members of Jozef’s family working for CrazyFly, including his wife and four sons.

BRAND HQ

In August 2013 CrazyFly moved its production and offices to a new, custom built facility in Nemsova, Slovakia. It is where all of their products are developed and where all CrazyFly twin tips, control bars and accessories are built with passion, consideration for the environment, and to the highest possible quality.

Jozef Bukovcak is also the head designer of all CrazyFly products, and along with his R&D team, continuously work on prototypes which are initially tested by three main test riders: Kihwan Kwon, Tommy Gaunt, and Petr Pechi Pechacek. These riders are on the water every day in some of the best kiteboarding locations including BVIs, Aruba, Philippines, Australia, Egypt etc. Then selected prototypes are tested by the CrazyFly team riders all over the world.

WHAT’S NEW

Starting with kites, the Sculp and Tango have new shapes and Double Ripstop canopy. The flat-Delta Sculp kite offers better hangtime and more power while sticking to its core all-around nature. Changes to the open C-shape of the Tango moved it towards performance freeride and wave which is where the kite really excels. The board range has several changes and three twin tip boards (the Raptor, Addict and Shox Green) have completely new shapes and construction.

CtazyFly have also added a brand new pad and strap system called the Hexa Binding, which offers luxurious comfort and unlimited adjustments. In the surfboard line they have introduced the Strike, a brand new model with a cut off nose shape, and PU core construction. On the softgoods side, CrazyFly have brought out a new range of clothing, board bags, and travel bags. All are designed and developed with the needs of kiteboarders in mind and produced from the finest high tech materials. | 48

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CRAZYFLY KITES AND BAR

Freeride / Freestyle

5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Tango

Performance Freeride / Wave

7, 9, 10.5, 12, 14

Cruze

Light wind

15, 17, 19

CRUZE

Sculp

SICK BAR

Sizes

SCULP

Best for…

TANGO

Kite

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SCULP

The Sculp is a versatile all-around performer, suitable for a wide range of riders and styles. The canopy is now made from Double Ripstop for improved rigidity and long lasting durability. The transitions between heavy duty Dacron base and the canopy are in round shapes, rather than sharp angles and straight lines, to spread tension more evenly. Weight has been reduced by 10% even though the kite is stronger.

It delivers consistency in all riding disciplines and offers incredible wind range. With a re-designed shape the Sculp delivers more hangtime and power for 2016, while sticking to its true ‘all-rounder’ core values. The Flat-Delta shapes makes it incredibly smooth, stable and predictable in the air, with progressive power delivery. Precise turning and easy control make it an extremely user friendly kite to fly, but push it harder and the Sculp will deliver. Clear-cut kiteloops and floaty boosts make it ideal for riders progressing into freestyle, and riders learning new tricks will also appreciate Sculp’s easy relaunch. The Sculp: One world, One kite.

TANGO

The Tango was completely re-worked for 2016. The canopy is now made from Double Ripstop for improved rigidity and long lasting durability. The transitions between heavy duty Dacron base and the canopy are in round shapes, rather than sharp angles and straight lines, to spread tension more evenly. The Tango also has a brand new shape and has moved towards high performance freeride and wave riding. The Tango is a unique kite with a revolutionary feature invented by CrazyFly: the Nifty Bridle System. This feature allows the rider to easily switch between two riding modes: performance freeride or wave. Changes are easily and quickly made directly on the bridle and influence the flight characteristics of the kite. In the air the Tango feels completely different on each setting. On the wave setup, the kite has very smooth turning and flight characteristics, and won’t backstall when you ride the wave out in front. It is very easy to control with soft turns and feels very light in the air, flying with you down the waves to be there with power when you’re ready. On the performance freeride setting the Tango turns on and becomes very dynamic and loves boosting and floaty jumps with amazing hang time. It turns quickly with predictable power and moves exactly where the rider wants it to go. Powered kite loops are perfectly executed and the Tango provides amazing upwind abilities on this setting. The 2016 Tango: Anything you want

CRUZE

The 2016 Cruze is a dedicated lightwind kite coming only in 15, 17 and 19m sizes. With a Flat-Delta shape, deep profile, and high aspect ratio, the Cruze generates a lot of power even in marginal wind conditions. Despite its larger size, the Cruze maintains the agility of a smaller kite thanks to its shape. The squared wingtips ensure stability as well as quick and precise turning for a kite of this size. To maximize performance in the lightest sea breezes, weight has been stripped down wherever possible without sacrificing the rigidity of the kite.

Simple bridle and rock solid construction result in a very user friendly light bar feel. The lightweight and rigid construction of the kite also make water relaunch incredibly easy, even in light wind conditions. Regardless of its light wind nature, the Cruze works great for heavier riders looking for a powerful freeride kite and boosting sessions and delivers consistent power with ultimate upwind capabilities for the best light wind experience. The 2016 Cruze: Light wind special.

SICK BAR

The 2016 CrazyFly Sick Bar is a state of the art control system blending together safety, comfort, durability and simplicity. With safety being the top priority, the Sick bar has a single front line flag out. It ensures 100% depower of the kite in all situations when the safety is triggered. The Sick Click push away quick release conforms to the French safety norm AFNOR NF S52-503. It can be easily triggered with low force in all conditions. Re-loading the Sick Click system is fast and easy, even in difficult conditions. The CrazyFly Sick Bar can be used in two safety modes: standard and suicide. The standard safety mode provides 100% safety in all situations. For 2016 CrazyFly have also introduced a brand new premium leather grip for unmatched comfort and durability. The swivel is integrated under the bar, where it is easy and comfortable to reach for untwisting the front lines after a rotational trick or a kite loop. Making things simple and clean, they have covered the safety line and the center line in a PU tube. The PU tube prevents all wear and tear of the central line and allows for smooth sheeting and handling of the kite. The depower trim cleat is strategically placed above the bar, where it is easy to reach for making adjustments on the go. The bar itself has a full carbon construction, making it one of the strongest and lightest bars on the market. The Sick Bar is the first and only bar made 100% in Europe in the CrazyFly factory, and is made from European materials and components only. The Sick Bar is topped with high quality pre-stretched Liros® Dyneema flying lines made in Germany. The 2016 CrazyFly Sick Bar: Simple and Clean.

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RAPTOR LTD

ADDICT

RAPTOR

BULLDOZER

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CRAZYFLY TWIN TIPS

Twin Tips

Best for…

Sizes

Raptor LTD

Freeride, Freestyle

132, 136, 140

Raptor

Freeride, Freestyle

132, 135, 137, 140

Elite

High-end Freeride

136

Addict

Freestyle / Wakestyle crossover

136, 139, 142

Bulldozer

Freestyle / Wakestyle crossover

135, 140, 143

Shox Green

Freeride Eco-board

132, 136, 140

Girls

Female-specific Freeride

132, 135

Allround

Versatile Freeride

135, 138, 145

Cruiser Double

Tandem Freeride

154

Cruiser

Light wind Freeride

145

Cruiser LW

Ultimate Light wind Freeride

154, 160

Skim

Light wind Funboard

135

RAPTOR LTD

The Raptor Limited is CrazyFly’s high performance freeride/ freestyle board designed for intermediate to expert riders. It is a full, carbon-fiber constructed board with a CNC shaped wood core, that is both light and strong, and helps deliver pop, durability and a smooth, soft ride even in testing conditions.

The Gullwing Double Concave Channels add extra control for hard turns and easy transitions. It also offers enhanced grip for upwind riding, extra power for loaded jumps and aids stability in trickier landings. The Raptor Limited works with CrazyFly’s Hexa Bindings which are comfortable without losing board sensitivity. The new insert position makes the Raptor Limited compatible with wake bindings also.

RAPTOR

This is the tenth year for the Raptor, and CrazyFly have marked the anniversary with a full rebuild. The New X Carbon construction combined with the multi axial fiberglass layup makes the Raptor more stiff and responsive in offaxis directions, whilst giving extra pop and not feeling too rigid and adding to the comfort level. There is a new multichannel bottom shape and V-tips, adding extra grip without compromising speed and aiding upwind riding and power loading for jumps. In addition, their new Step Cap deck technology means the board has thinner rails, which also helps edging ability and upwind riding. The new Light Up sidewalls have been strengthened and made lighter. Deck graphics are bright and attractive, and this board works with Hexa Bindings as well as being compatible with wake bindings. For intermediate to advanced riders.

ADDICT

The new CrazyFly Addict jumps in where the Pro Tour and the Nuke bowed out, a freestyle/wakestyle crossover board aimed at the advanced to expert rider. Construction is solid, with both bulletproof Kevlar and X Carbon layers providing extra strength and durability. Optimized flex adds to the solid pop, and the larger rocker makes landings forgiving.

The Addict’s flat deck works best with wake bindings, but is also compatible with the new Hexa Bindings. The Light Up sidewalls are lighter and stronger. The four Right Angle Channels at the tips increases traction for ‘load and pop’ trickery, and offers the option of finless riding at cable parks or on the open water, while the new Edge Control Track on the bottom of the board enhances grip, upwind riding and tracking ability. The board comes equipped with 3cm Razor fins for increased grip if required.

BULLDOZER

The Bulldozer is a Kevlar/Multiaxial glass construction freetyle/wakestyle crossover board for the intermediate to expert rider. It’s solid: the Uni-directional Kevlar runs the length of the board, providing added strength and pop. This is backed up by the Spread Tow Carbon reinforcement in the center of the board which can be seen through the transparent finish on the deck. The board is also built with Multiaxial fiber glass, giving additional pop without being too rigid.

Underneath, the Bulldozer has a Quattro concave shape, providing extra grip with enhanced edging, added comfort and forgiving landings. Toward the tips, the concave evolves into a Hexa concave for added stability and extra load and boost. The Bulldozer is equipped with 3cm Razor fins.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // CRAZYFLY SURFBOARDS Best for…

Sizes

Classic

Classic surf

5’10, 6’0

Strapless

New School Freestyle

5’8, 6’0

Strike

Strapless Freestyle

5’4

ATV

Surf All-rounder

5’10, 6’0

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STRIKE

CLASSIC

ATV

STRAPLESS

Surfboard

ATV

STRAPLESS

CLASSIC

STRIKE

The ‘All Terrain Vehicle’ from CrazyFly was designed and developed by Tommy Gaunt, no stranger to solid waveshredding. As the name suggests, it is highly versatile amongst both large and small waves, having been developed in a wide range of conditions. This sandwich construction board uses a variety of layers to increase strength, including an EPS core, a 5oz fiberglass layer, another 6oz high tensile E-Glass layer, a bamboo veneer and fiberglass under-heel reinforcements. The ATV has a medium rocker, that gets you up and planing early while enhancing speed. On the water and the ATV retains grip and stability, and has plenty of down the line drive. The ATV has five Futures fin boxes, and the rider can choose between Thruster and Quad set ups.

CrazyFly’s High Performance surfboard, the Classic, has a new shape for 2016, giving it increased volume and better rider control due to re-worked rails and tail. The Classic reaches high speed efficiently, and is smooth and stable between the waves, adding to rider confidence. Ideally suited to down the line surf in side shore conditions. The sandwich construction and high tensile fiber glass, with under-heel fiber glass reinforcements make the Classic a highly durable board that can be thrown around with full confidence.

The CrazyFly Strapless 2016 was designed with input from freestyle strapless rider, Petr Pechi Pechacek. It is the lightest board in the CrazyFly range, with a degree less fiber glass in the hull, but remaining durable and strong with the high tensile coating and bamboo veneer under heel reinforcements. It is designed specifically for newschool, strapless riding in small surf with light wind conditions. It has a small amount of flex, and also has the most volume of any board in the CrazyFly range, and with its slight rocker, wide outline and thruster set up, this board gets up and riding easily and efficiently, no matter the conditions, although it’s best adapted to smaller waves. Being the lightest board in the range, it is also ideally suited for strapless airs.

The Strike is CrazyFly’s strapless freestyle trick board, and it sits best in medium to small surf with light winds. The snub-nosed shape allows for high velocity top and bottom turns. Despite the cut nose, standard volume is retained and centered under the foot positions for increased rider control on the board. This, combined with a straighter outline and Thruster/Quad setup, means the Strike rides well through choppy conditions, and is stable and fast when heading upwind. Pop is solid, and the Strike is ideal for strapless air trickery

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LIQUID FORCE

THE BRAND

Founded in 1995, Liquid Force quickly became the leader in wakeboard products and apparel. Soon after, in 1999, Liquid Force entered into kiteboarding and set a benchmark in design and product progression. Starting off with revolutionary twin tip board designs by Jimmy Redmon, LF twin tips became the go to board for progression.

Soon after LF launched kites in the 2 line days and rapidly progressed to industry standard and 5 line designs. Liquid Force is dedicated to relentless innovation, progressive design, maximum functionality and unparalleled quality.

Liquid Force is headed by visionaries Tony Finn and Jimmy Redmon.

Their passion in wakeboarding flows directly into the kiteboarding products and marketing. On a day-to-day basis Global Brand Manager, Gary Siskar, and kite designer Julien Fillion lead the charge in building superior and top performing products for kiteboarders of all levels.

At LF relentless innovation, quality and performance are the focus which runs deep in their DNA. They strive daily to bring products to kiteboarders that make kiteboarding more fun and safer, and offer all cost options: from high end to affordability. Their design team and skilled R&D group consist of riders of all levels, and their processes ensure that LF is at the cutting edge of product development and lets them offer one of the broadest offerings of kiteboarding products.

Whether you’re a first time rider, World Tour specialist, surf charger or foil lover: Liquid Force has what you need.

BRAND HQ

LF kiteboarding is a truly “global” brand. They have offices in California, Denmark, Canada and Hood River. Main testing locations are in Hood River, OR, Mancora, Peru, and Maui, HI. LF ride and test worldwide, from the beaches of Maui, to the long point breaks of Peru, to time in the Cape Hatteras Slicks to the river chop of the Gorge in Oregon – they put all their products through their paces.

WHAT’S NEW

This year has seen Liquid force consolidate some of their best known products. The Envy has had some tweaks and iconic products such as the HiFi and the Echo have been tuned up. All of the boards have had a visit from the graphics department and are looking insane and LF continue to push their unique brand of cool kiteboarding… | 56

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // LIQUID FORCE KITES

Sizes

Wow

Waves

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

Envy

All-round

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15

Solo

All-round / Lightweight

4.5, 6.5, 9, 12, 15.5, 17.5

NRG

Freestyle / Freeride

6, 8, 10, 12

HiFi-X2

Freestyle

5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15

SOLO

ENVY

WOW

Best for…

HIFI-X2

Kite

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HIFI-X2

Designed with input from future World Champion Christophe Tack, the HiFi-X2 is the kite of choice for the planet’s most demanding freestyle and competitive riders. Whether you’re into new school technical tricks, massive kiteloops, or old school freestyle, this five-line, true C-kite is engineered to help you evolve and perform like never before. Last year’s HiFi was so good that Tack didn’t want to change much to the 2015 model. However, the HiFi-X2 features a number of subtle refinements, such as a symmetrical panel layout for extended longevity and uniform stretch. Additionally, this legendary kite uses less Dacron material, which means less weight, better durability, faster flying, and a slightly crisper feel. Overall you can expect the same high-caliber performance as before: explosive pop, controllable slack, light bar pressure, and a direct, precise C-kite feel. With the HiFi-X2, you can ride like a champion.

ENVY

It’s the 6-year anniversary for the Envy, officially thrusting the kite to a legacy status! The Envy is the anchor of the LF kite line highlighted by versatility and ease of use from the beginner to the pro rider. The design staff, lead by Julien Fillion, took a hard look at 6 years of history in the kite to bring the 2016 Envy to life. What LF did was to provide more user adjustability options, that when combined with a refined wingtip profile increases bar feel and response, so you now have a kite that will satisfy any freeriding, freestyling, connoisseur. Rock solid stability, easy on / off power delivery and a lightweight bombproof construction that will inspire confidence and progression at any level.

WOW

Offering silky smooth sheet-and-go power delivery, exceptional maneuverability, and instant response, the WOW gives you the precision and freedom needed to position yourself right where you want to be. The WOW lets you focus on the wave, rather than on the kite. The WOW is not just a surf-oriented kite though. It’s stacked with freeriding traits, including stellar lift for big boost and long glide, pivotal looping for air transitions and gentle down-loop landings, a small LE for banger upwind performance, and ultraresponsiveness for fluid, carving turns. Additionally, all of these characteristics, coupled with the WOW’s graceful drift, make it a powerful choice for an enhanced and simplified foilboarding experience. So whether you’re looking to log laps at your favorite break, or wanting all-time freeride fun, this kite will WOW you with its next-level performance.

SOLO

With the Solo, the LF design team started by working intensively on numerous strut-less kite designs which took several months of testing and countless prototypes. These kites proved to be extremely lightweight with a great amount of raw power and possessed a very direct feel but there appeared multiple compromises in the performance that overshadowed the benefits of the Strut-less kite design that they were simply not willing to accept. The SOLO evolved through multiple iterations from half struts to battens that eventually led to a very thin, low profile center strut. So the Solo is an ultra-lightweight, single strut design that offers incredible efficiency, stability and wind range with the added benefit of pack ability for travel...

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // LIQUID FORCE TWIN TIPS

Best for‌

Sizes

Carbon Element

Freestyle / Wakestyle

136, 139

Element

Freestyle / Wakestyle

133, 136, 139

Legacy

Freestyle / Freeride

135, 139, 143

Aloha

Women Specific

130, 135

Echo

All-round

133, 137, 141, 144

Focus

All-round

134, 138, 142

Drive

All-round

134, 137, 140, 143

Over Drive

Lightwind

142, 148

Edge

All-round

136, 146

FOCUS

ECHO

LEGACY

ELEMENT

Twin Tip

59 |

ELEMENT

Designed by legendary wakeboard and kiteboard shaper Jimmy Redmon with input from World Tour rider Christophe Tack, the lightweight Element features an ultra- shallow concave center with quad-channeled tips, delivering explosive pop, fast landings, upwind projection, lightningquick response, and full-bore freestyle/freeride performance.

LEGACY

Based on the legacy of Liquid Force’s most popular kiteboard of all time (the Influence), the Legacy delivers a cutting- edge overhaul. Jason Slezak and Jimmy Redmon put their heads together in designing a board providing a similar feel as the Influence with thinner and lighter design for unrivaled performance. The Legacy’s advancements include a progressive rail concave for added edge hold and enhanced durability, a full double concave for more efficient riding, and a state-of-the-art flex profile for eating choppy conditions, softer landings, and more powerful takeoffs.

ECHO

Designed by Brandon Scheid and legendary wakeboard and kiteboard shaper, Jimmy Redmon, the Echo features the most advanced shape and design of the LF profiled wood core lineup. The result? An aggressive rider’s dream board: high rocker, explosive pop, pillow-soft landings, bullet-proof durability, the optimal blend of flex and rocker for deep rail presses, a deep triple concave running through the center for added grip and smooth, responsive feel, plus state-of-theart, fluted concave at the tips for accelerated water flow and faster riding.

FOCUS

The Focus is packed with performance-enhancing features, delivering a banger versatile feel for all- around riders.

For outstanding pop-and- release performance and fast and efficient upwind riding, this low-rocker, medium flex board has a flat bottom with mid-grip channels and channeled tips.

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HAPPY FOIL

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // LIQUID FORCE FOIL BOARDS

HAPPY FOIL

Liquid Force Happy Foil will bring happiness to your kiteboarding life! Their commitment to the hydro-foiling relationship has resulted in them expanding the performance category of their hydrofoil line. The Happy Foil offers next level performance in a freeriding design. It has a lightweight and durable multipurpose molded board with an adjustable track mast mounting system, longer cord length, thinner profile mast, multi position fuselage and medium profile aspect wings which will have you running with the fastest hydro crew at the beach while keeping foiling fun!

ROCKET FISH

ROCKET FISH

Evolution, progression and succession highlight the performance of the extremely affordable and easy to use Rocket Foil. This hydrofoil setup is an ideal addition to any kiteboarder’s arsenal of equipment. As highlighted by a multipurpose adjustable mast mounting system board, thin profile mast, adjustable fuselage and low aspect bomb proof polymer low aspect wings. These qualities make this the best freeriding set up in Liquid Force’s Range.

FOIL FISH

FOIL FISH

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The foiling bug got the guys at LF kite pretty good... Fast, silent, smooth: basically flying!

What’s there not to like about riding a foil? So with this in mind the LF Foil Fish was designed with 3 main objectives. 1. To be easy to use, 2.

Built for progression, and 3. Affordable. They accomplished all three by thinking outside the standard thought process of where the foil masses are going and through pushing the engineering staff and challenging the designers to think differently. And through relentless pursuit they hit their objectives. This is the foil for the people!

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NOBILE

THE BRAND

Nobile are a Polish company from Bielsko-Biała and are a family business founded by Dariusz Rosiak. They do everything by themselves and are fully responsible for all elements of their board production. The world of kiteboarding is always changing, and the competitors’ and riders’ skills are becoming ever higher, while the tricks are more powered and demanding than ever. It requires the hard work of engineers from their R&D department to be ahead of these changes and to always deliver the best products which suit each riding style. This is why Nobile is searching for innovations, the best materials and correct technology at every stage of the design and development process.

WHAT’S NEW

Nobile have been very busy, here are some of their latest innovations…

T5 Kite. Nobile’s goal in the T5 development process was to focus on durability and stability. The new T5 has a tougher construction that makes it even better for gusty wind conditions and for wave riding.

The kite is generally more stiff and holds its shape better during movements. These changes make the T5 a good kite for most riders and also a good kite for schools.

Nobile’s new IFS is built from light EVA foam. So they are light and also don’t absorb water. Their major advantage though is the comfort and the ability to adapt to any foot shape. 3 strips in the straps enable free shaping geometry in order to fit the user’s foot perfectly. In addition, by changing the setting in three different positions, you can adjust them to any foot size.

NHP Splitboard. Having a splitboard removes any hassle during long kitesurfing journeys. But the most important thing is what this board does on the water – after assembling, it’s 100% NHP but with slightly enhanced flex. The level of technological advance is truly impressive.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NOBILE KITES

Best for‌

Sizes

50 /Fifty

All-round

5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14

T5

Freeride / Wave

5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10, 12, 14

No. 1

Training

3.5

Mr. Big

Lightwind

17

Rookie

Beginner

2

NO.1

T5

MR. BIG

Kite

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T5

The T5 was designed to keep a smile on a rider’s face. It is fast, truly user-friendly and responsive, plus it has autorelaunch capabilities. This latest version brings even better performance and takes a step forward in freeride-oriented kites. The reshaped profile makes the kite more predictable, with a more direct feeling. It also improves wave performance and the huge wind range and stability in the air makes this kite one of the most versatile kites on the market.

NO.1

MR. BIG

Mr. Big is a serious lightwind kite and, when others are building sand castles, you will be ripping on the water. This kite has a huge surface with a flat shape generating real power.

A six-strut construction ensures stability and keeps the kite in profile in the air. With exceptional upwind maneuverability the kite is a pleasure to fly and the feeling at the bar is very precise. Nobile’s new large valve helps you with pumping this jumbo kite, and if you really want to kite every day, you need this kite in your quiver…

This classic 4-line kite is the perfect introduction to kiteboarding and is designed to meet all the requirements of beginners or those looking to get a taste of what it’s like to fly a kite. Unlike other training kites it is also designed to be used on the water for body dragging and for those first few tentative runs with the board. And it can also be used by advanced rider on those days when it is really howling...

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Pantone 2935 C Pantone 286 C

Pantone Cool Gray C Pantone 282 C

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INFINITY SPLIT

Pantone Black C

OCEAN CRUSER

FLYING CARPET TANDEM

FLYING CARPET SPLIT

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NOBILE BOARDS

Boards

Best for…

Sizes

T5

Freeride

131, 134, 137, 140

NBL

Freeride / School

130, 134, 138, 142, 146, 150

Flying Carpet

Lightwind

160

50/Fifty

Wakestyle

134, 138, 140

NHP

Freeride / Freestyle

130, 134, 138

NHP Carbon

Freeride / Freestyle

134, 138

2HD

Freeride / Freestyle

134, 137

XTR

Lightwind / Freestyle

140, 143

T5 WMN

Freeride

128, 131, 134

NHP WMN

Freeride / Freestyle

129, 132

Flying Carpet Tandem

Freeride / School

163

50/Fifty WMN

Wakestyle

131, 134

50/Fifty Junior

Wakestyle

126, 130

NHP Split

Freeride / Freestyle

130, 134, 138

Flying Carpet Split

Lightwind

160

Flying Carpet Carbon Split

Lightwind

160

NHP Carbon Split

Freeride / Freestyle

134, 138

FLYING CARPET SPLIT

The split version of the Flying Carpet allows you to travel by plane without any extra charges. It’s one of the lightest boards on the market in this size – this is achieved through the use of APS technology and the “airlight” core. Many years of collaborating with kiteboarding schools and experienced instructors has resulted in an outline which allows the user to have great fun and ride comfortably on such a big board.

While others pack up and head home, you will still be on the water.

FLYING CARPET TANDEM

It’s not just parachute jumps that are available in tandem now! The Tandem Flying Carpet offers the chance to feel the taste of kitesurfing for anybody who wants to try it.

This two-person board is designed for training sessions and recreational riders. The construction is reinforced, with an additional insert set.

INFINITY SPLIT

The first waveboard in the world which can be packed as standard luggage. Now you can travel to the most beautiful kite destinations without having to worry about oversize baggage charges. The top of the board is covered with EVA foam, which is incredibly comfortable and provides good control for strapless riding. Then the thin deck gives you exceptional board feeling and control while performing maneuvers.

OCEAN CRUISER

The Ocean Cruiser is shaped for pros, groms and surfers who want to improve their skills. A full rocker board with deep single to double concaves, narrow nose and a balanced tail lift. This board comes with a rounded squash tail. This tail makes the board more responsive and easier to turn, and also helps to maintain the speed. The perfect day for when conditions turn on…

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T5 WMN

NHP SPLIT

NHP WMN

50/FIFTY

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NOBILE BOARDS

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50/FIFTY

This is the board chosen by Nobile’s pro-team, as well as many other professional competitors who push the limits in kiteboarding. The APS 3D technology gives an insanely stable ride, even at high speed, and these are the features you need the most in the middle of the action. Plus the 50/Fifty has unbeatable pop and control during landing after extreme maneuvers. Lace yourself up tighter and get ready for action.

NHP WMN

This is Nobile’s NHP model designed specifically for women.

The combination of beautiful design and top-performance enables kitesurfing to become another dimension, something out of this world. You do what you like in any given moment spent on the water. Freedom and comfort in all conditions are the priorities which set the direction while designing this model.

NHP SPLIT

There are many advantages to a splitboard… The removal of any hassle during long kitesurfing journeys as well as the other advantages in everyday use are guaranteed to instantly convert you. But the most important thing is what this board does on the water – after assembling, it’s 100% NHP but with slightly enhanced flex. The level of technological advancement will definitely surprise you. And Nobile’s innovations in this area have been leading the way for more than ten years.

T5 WMN

This updated construction of the T5 for the 2016 season provides females with more confidence while having fun on the water. This model was designed and tested by girls from our team to guarantee full harmony in riding, jumping and landing. Having easy riding and hassle-free fun is the main aim of this board.

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SLINGSHOT

THE BRAND

Slingshot Sports has been a leader and innovator in the kiteboarding industry from day one, which traces back to 1999, in the action sports mecca affectionately known as The Gorge. Brothers Jeff and Tony Logosz founded the brand at a time when kiteboarding was just in its infancy, reserved for athletes willing to take a beating and be the test dummies for early-era gear. Slingshot built a reputation early on as an edgy brand willing to take the lead and take risks to succeed in its goal of constant progression and innovation. Over the years, Slingshot has remained a pivotal player in the kiteboarding industry, both in the technical innovations they pioneered and in the athletes they fostered as they pushed the sport to new limits. The Logosz brothers remain at the helm of Slingshot today – Jeff as the CEO and Tony as the lead designer – and although it is one of top kiteboarding brands in the world, the company has maintained a family-run atmosphere and remains located in the same small town where it all began.

BRAND HQ

Slingshot headquarters is located in Hood River, Oregon, in an airy office overlooking what is commonly known as the birthplace of kiteboarding. Located in the Pacific Northwest just east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is a natural wind tunnel that creates some of the strongest and steadiest summer winds on the planet. Hood River is a genuine epicenter for the sport, and having the world’s greatest testing grounds just a stone’s throw away from the headquarters is an invaluable asset to Slingshot’s R&D process. There’s really no better place on earth to test the bomber, high-performance gear Slingshot has built its reputation around. Additionally, just a short drive from their headquarters is Slingshot’s twin tip factory, where all of the brand’s wood-core kite and wakeboards are manufactured. Having this factory so close to home gives Slingshot almost immediate turnaround for R&D. They can design a board in the morning, have it built by lunch and be testing it on the water that same evening. There’s really no substitute for that level of control and intimacy with the process.

WHAT’S NEW

Slingshot is generally always working on something new and exciting. For 2016, one of the developments they’re most excited about is a new foil program they are rolling out called Foiling Flight School. This program is the first of its kind in kiteboarding and features three supplemental masts of varying lengths that can be changed-out as a beginner foiler builds skills and confidence. Much like starting with a small kite to learn the basics, Foiling Flight School allows newcomers to start with a short mast, then increase in length as they improve. Slingshot claim this program will make foiling accessible to more people and will take much of the pain, frustration and intimidation out of the learning process.

Slingshot is also excited about the ever-evolving lineup of team riders they’ve enlisted to carry the Slingshot torch. In early 2016 they announced the return of Youri Zoon to Slingshot’s international team, and to the kite that he won two world titles on – the RPM. Combine Zoon with the likes of their dynamic Brazilian prodigy Carlos Mario, wave guru Patrick Rebstock, park specialist Sam Light and amazing female shredder Karolina Winkowska and they’ve certainly got a lineup worth writing home about. Undoubtedly it’s going to be an exciting year for Slingshot… | 72

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // SLINGSHOT KITES

Best for…

Sizes

Rally

All-round

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

RPM

All-round

4.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Wave SST

Surf

6, 8, 10, 12

Turbine

Lightwind

15, 17

Fuel

Freestyle

7, 9, 11, 13

WAVE SST

TURBINE

RALLY

RPM

Kite

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RALLY

The most versatile and user-friendly kite in Slingshot’s lineup, the Rally has continued its dramatic rise to the top since introduced to the market in 2011. Available in sizes 5-12 and 14 so kiters can build their perfect quiver, the 2016 Rally incorporates an open Delta-C profile, a direct-connect pulley-less bridle system, beefed-up surf-tough seams, fine-tuning attachment points and a number of other unique feathers to make this the ultimate all-around weapon of choice for kiters across the spectrum. Updates to the 2016 Rally include relocated attachment points and a slight change in geometry, which increase handling and steering speed, reduce bar pressure and bring back a feel similar to the popular 2012 version. These updates compliment the Rally’s unrivaled wind range, low-end power, hang time, upwind performance and bombproof construction that has kept Slingshot at the leading edge of the industry for the last 15 years.

TURBINE

The 2016 Turbine redefines the meaning of light-wind kiting. With its Open Delta C profile, five-point cascading bridle system, mini-strut technology and optimized aspect ratio and leading edge diameter, the 2016 Turbine will not only get you out kiting in winds as low as five knots, but you’ll have a blast doing it. This combination of critical design characteristics favors ultimate efficiency and optimized control and handling, giving the Turbine its renowned low-end power and grunt while maintaining the turning speed and efficiency that makes it a supreme light-wind performer. Back by popular demand for 2016, the Turbine is offered in two sizes – 15 and 17 meter – to give riders the freedom and flexibility to fine tune their light-wind weapon of choice. The 15 meter is designed for lighter or more efficient riders, surfboard riders, foilers and slightly stronger winds, while the 17 meter has the ultimate low-end range and a bit more power.

WAVE SST

The Wave SST (Slingshot Surf Technology) features a Compact-C canopy and compact direct-connect bridle that looks like a cross between an RPM and a Rally, but is tuned to perform exactly how you need it to in the waves. Built with significant upgrades to Slingshot’s already bombproof construction, the Wave SST is sturdy enough to take a pounding in the surf, but light enough to track magically downwind, downloop on a dime and whip across the window at the flick of a wrist. The Wave SST is equipped with a modified version of Slingshot’s revolutionary new shock-absorbing IRS bridle (featured on the 2015 RPM), which provides instant feedback and response, unrivaled stability and is condensed enough that it can’t get wrapped around wingtips if rolled in the surf. Although built specifically for surf, the Wave SST is also an outstanding kite for easy-going strapless riders and the rapidly-growing faction of foil boarders due to its incredible depower, feather-light feel and unrivaled turning characteristics. For customized performance, the kite features three trailing edge attachment points which result in more or less bar pressure and sensitivity depending on which point is chosen. With a shape that favors serious downwind drift, unbelievable turning speed even when fully sheeted-out and a feather-light feel when shredding down the line, slashing faces and bottom-turning, the Wave SST has set a new standard for what a wave kite can do for its riders.

RPM

The RPM is the renowned all-around weapon of choice for world champion tricksters, soul-searching surfers and casual weekend-warriors alike. Returning as the flagship kite on Slingshot’s legendary lineup, the 2016 RPM is loaded with exciting and innovative features that will again place this kite at the top of the food chain and uphold its reputation as one of the most versatile and rock solid kites ever produced. Last year Slingshot introduced the Intuitive Response System (IRS) Bridle – an industry-first innovation that replaced bridle pulleys with a low-profile bungee setup that improved steering speed, response and general high-end performance. Feedback on the IRS Bridle was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. The 2016 RPM comes equipped with the same system, which gives riders a more fluid connection to the kite and gives the kite improved stability and smoother, more reactive performance. In addition to the industry-leading IRS bridle, the 2016 RPM features upgrades to its already bombproof construction, including a tougher, more durable diamond leech trailing edge and a new DP 175 Dacron leading edge and strut material. These upgrades compliment Slingshot’s proprietary tri-tech protection, making this one of the toughest, most durable kites on the market.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // SLINGSHOT BOARDS Surfboard

Best for…

Sizes

Tyrant

All-round surf

6’0

Celeritas

All-round surf

5’6, 5’8, 5’11

Screamer

Surf / Freestyle

5’2, 5’4, 5’6

Angry Swallow

Surf / Freestyle

5’2, 5’4, 5’6

Freestyle / Wakestyle

135, 143

Vision

Freestyle / Freeride

138, 140

Widowmaker

All-round

136, 140

Asylum

Powered freestyle

134, 138, 141

Misfit

Freeride

132, 136, 142, 146

Crisis

Freeride

134, 137, 141, 146

Glide

Light wind

149, 159

Super Grom

Younger riders

125, 130

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REFRACTION

Refraction

VISION

Sizes

ANGRY SWALLOW

Best for…

SCREAMER

Twin Tip

ANGRY SWALLOW

With a stubby, truncated nose, wide midsection and threefin swallow tail, the 2016 Angry Swallow’s anarchic design breaks the mold of modern kite surfboards. Based on Slingshot’s T-Rex hybrid model, the Angry Swallow offers riders an unparalleled mix of stability and all-condition wave performance with a snappy, responsive and freestylefriendly feel that only a board of its size and shape can provide. New this year, the Angry Swallow has a narrower midsection, redesigned tail and drawn-back stomp pad and insert. These changes allow for tighter, snappier turning and a more aggressive stance for riders, with or without footstraps. Although an excellent all-around board, the Angry Swallow shines in marginal wave conditions, when more traditional boards tend to struggle. With the performance of a larger board in a small package, the T-Rex design is also an excellent choice for travel. Back by popular demand for all of Slingshot’s 2016 surfboards is the three-fin setup incorporating the innovative new FCSII keyless fin system that enables riders to insert and remove fins with ease, and without the need for tools.

SCREAMER

Unorthodox by design and radical by performance, the 2016 Screamer appeals to the new-era of kiters who want both solid wave performance and progressive freestyle capabilities out of the same surfboard. The board’s unique shape is based on Slingshot’s T-Rex design, the most notable feature of which is a wide, snub-nose. Offered in 5’2”, 5’4” and, new to 2016, 5’6” lengths, the Screamer’s stubby shape significantly reduces front-end weight, thus making strapless airs, spins and flip tricks easier than with more traditional shapes. Meanwhile, the board’s parallel rail outline, “pulledin” thumb tail and single-concave rocker make it a fast, stable and slashy choice for all-around wave riding. New this year, the stomp pad and tail inserts have been moved back over the fins to allow riders a more aggressive stance and attack, whether riding strapless or strapped-in. A 5’6” length was also added to the lineup, providing an excellent option for lower wind, smaller swell or larger riders.

REFRACTION

Built to satisfy the high demands of elite Slingshot team riders, Sam Light and Karolina Winkowska, the Refraction Pro Model provides the type of explosive performance and field-tested consistency that the hardest-charging kiters demand. Modeled from Slingshot Wakeboarding’s popular Whip board and then tailored to the specific needs of both Sam and Karolina, the Refraction was born. Garnering DNA and influence from the most progressive riding from each aspect of kiteboarding, the Refraction is the peak of true twin tip performance. Features include a progressive rocker profile (2.4 inches), subtle V spine, Slingshot’s proprietary Fasttrack mounting system, and inverted NACA TECH channels for ultimate pop and edge control.

VISION

Slingshot blends high tech manufacturing with classic wood core construction in the 2016 Vision. This freeride and freestyle twin tip is built around a Pacific Albus wood core, which gives the board unmatched flex and resilience, and is then infused with Slingshot’s exclusive manufacturing techniques that include laser cut NACA TECH channels, a rugged DURA base, Fusion Sidewall, Chined Rails and an inlaid Fasttrack mounting system. These features, and the board’s elliptical concave and continuous rocker shape, combine to create an unparalleled all-around freestyle board that accelerates through the water with ease, cuts upwind efficiently, provides insane pop and soft landings and is durable enough to withstand abuse of the world’s hardestcharging kiters. Like all of Slingshot’s twin tip boards, the Vision is built proudly in the United States with high-quality materials sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Construction includes an all-wood Atomic Core that provides outstanding flex, performance and durability. Slingshot’s exclusive Fasttrack mounting system is integrated into the core of the board and gives riders ultimate control when mounting footbeds or boots.

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AIRUSH

THE BRAND

Airush Kiteboarding was born on the shores of Maui in 1999 as one of the first brands in the industry. Focusing on accessories at first, many of the legends such as Lou Wainman, Rush Randal, Elliot Leboe and Mauricio Abreu flocked to Airush to help develop the next generation of products. This DNA of research and development still exists today. Since then, Airush joined the powerhouse watersports group, Starboard, and their elite brands of Starboard Windsurfing, Stand Up Paddle, Surf,Apparel and Severne Sails.

The mantra of the group is to focus on product development, innovation and quality – bringing inspiration to wind and waves. Delivering industry firsts and patented technology by all of these brands while filling the needs of every discipline of riders. Brand Manager, Clinton Filen, heads a team of passionate visionaries who strive to create product for the riders enjoyment while pushing the boundaries of design, durability and performance.

BRAND HQ

With ample wind, immense swell, and the whole spectrum of conditions, Cape Town, South Africa has become one of the most iconic locations for kiteboarding globally. For Airush, it is home and where all aspects of the brand are created from product through to marketing. Located on the coast, Airush Headquarters is a one-of-a-kind facility where an idea can be built, tested, changed, and tested again in a matter of days, not weeks. This instant feedback gives the Airush brand a unique advantage to continually strive to produce the most ideal and innovative products on the market. Although Cape Town is a fantastic hub for the brand, Airush finds that it is essential to stretch out and prove their products globally. During the year, you will find prototypes being tested through Spain, Brazil, Thailand, Australia and even in Bali, Indonesia which kite designer, Mark Pattison, considers his second home.

WHAT’S NEW

For 2016, Airush Kiteboarding is excited to announce the next generation Dyneema Load Frame. The next generation Dyneema Load Frame takes the biggest innovation in kite construction to a whole new level and is combined with the Technoforce D2 by Teijin, for the ultimate mix of durability and lightweight performance. The focus is to take the stress and load away from the canopy and onto the Load Frame featured on all of our kites except the DNA. A stand out product for Airush is the all-new UNION kite which has been the magazines favorite for all-around advance performance. This kite is so versatile for riders looking to enjoy the surf, loops n’ boosts, and freestyle/wakestyle.

A perfect blend of comfort and performance.

Then for 2016, the Airush range features Collections, an industry first to organize products into key categories that fit the riders style. The Progression Series is geared towards the first time kiter, ideally for riders learning their first sweeps and getting totally hooked onto the sport. This range is based off of Airush’s extremely successful products to give the rider equipment they can grow into instead of growing out of quickly. The next level is the Core Series. This Collection features products that are primarily focused on the all-around rider – whether it be freeride, big-air, freestyle or waves.

The Team Reefer series showcases the desire to connect more strongly with the environment and reflect the values of pushing the riders abilities. Then the Team Black series brings Airush’s premium Freestyle and Wave technologies to the rider who wants the lightest and most responsive products on the market delivering no compromise. There is also the Diamond Series which is a range of products by Airush and Bruna Kajiya with the idea to create a collection that offers a combination of all disciplines with female specific attributes.

Then finally the 6 Knots + Race and Lightwind Collection encompass a range of products designed with flatwater and lighter wind conditions in mind. | 78

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // AIRUSH KITES

Female specific

5.5, 7, 9, 12

DNA

Entry level

4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17

Lithium

All-round

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17

Union

All-round

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

Vantage

Speed

7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17

Wave

Waves

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

Razor

Freestyle

5.5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15

UNION

Diamond

WAVE

Sizes

LITHIUM

Best for‌

RAZOR

Kite

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LITHIUM

As the do-all kite in the Airush range, the Lithium has been proven to meet the requirements of riders looking to do a bit of everything from freeride, jumping, looping and waves. With amazing park power, stability and ease of use, the Lithium is the ultimate all-round kite. The focus of wingtip and strut layout in conjunction with the Delta Hybrid design insures the quickest response throughout the air as well as instant relaunching capabilities. The next generation Dyneema Load Frame takes the biggest innovation in kite construction to a whole new level and is combined with the Technoforce D2

by Teijin, for the ultimate mix of durability and lightweight performance. For wave performance, this optimized weight is essential for improved drift stability, while the load frame makes all the difference when additional durability is required.

RAZOR

The 2016 Airush Razor keeps the dedicated C-Kite feel and performance that wakestyle and freestyle riders demand. The focus was on increasing the performance characteristics, specifically mind-blowing pop, unhooked ability and kite looping. But the Razor also has great range, along with comfort for everyday freestyle riders. The next generation Aramid Load Frame takes the biggest innovation in kite construction to a whole new level and is combined with the Technoforce D2 by Teijin, for the ultimate combination of durability and lightweight performance. Considering size specific changes for 2016, the 5.5 m has been refined to add better stability and gust response by lowering aspect ratio and increasing profile depth. A new 15m size has also been added; this extra-large size has been tweaked to have lower weight by optimizing the size of the reinforcement panels and the LE diameter with the result that it feels like a smaller kite.

UNION

By starting from scratch with the all-new kite model for 2016, the Union sets out to unite the key Freestyle characteristics of the Razor, with the key characteristics of Airush’s Wave kite and the Freeride abilities of the Lithium. The next generation Dyneema Load Frame takes the biggest innovation in kite construction to a whole new level and is combined with the Technoforce D2 by Teijin, for the ultimate mix of durability and lightweight performance. For wave performance, this optimized weight is essential for improved drift stability, while the load frame makes all the difference when additional durability is required. The result is a superbly balanced kite that excels in the broadest range of conditions, satisfying your demands no matter what the discipline.

WAVE

The 2016 Airush Wave Kite introduces a new level of refinement for this groundbreaking design. The unique design was engineered specifically for the wave enthusiast, this enables the kite to fly forward in the window when required, keeping the rider deep in the pocket, steering immediately no matter where it is in the window, then sitting back and drifting in the turns when more stability is required. Refinements in the chord length, wingtips and canopy layout make for a smooth power delivery and fluid steering consistent across the range, while the V3 bridle system maintains even tension throughout the kite enabling perfect steering even when depowered and sheeted out. The Wave responds perfectly to rider input and allows you to get into the perfect position on the wave, no matter what the wind conditions, taking your riding into a new realm. And the Wave is equipped with the new Dyneema load frame.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // AIRUSH BOARDS Best for…

Sizes

Diamond

Female specific

131, 134

Livewire

Freestyle / Wakestyle

135, 138, 140, 142

Livewire Team

Freestyle / Wakestyle

135, 138, 140, 142

Apex

Top-end freestyle

132, 138, 140

Apex Team

Freestyle

132, 135, 138, 140

Switch

All-round

132, 135, 138, 140, 145, 155

Vox

Entry level freeride

157

Square One

First sessions

135, 140, 145

Surfboard

Best for…

Sizes

Compact

All-round

5’7, 5’9, 5’11

Converse

Quality waves

5’9, 5’11, 6’1

Cypher

Onshore / Lightwind

5’4, 5’6, 5’8

COMPACT

CONVERSE

APEX

SWITCH

Twin Tip

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SWITCH

There’s a good reason why the Switch has been Airush’s best-selling twin tip board year-after-year. It’s an incredibly versatile and comfort-oriented twin tip they make and the Switch can be enjoyed by all riders — from beginner to advanced. The 2016 model offers a reduced weight for a more precise feel, a new 3D deck for optimized flex, and a wider outline for enhanced upwind performance. The 2016 Switch Board includes the 2016 Airush AFT Strap and Pad System, Premium G-10 Fins, and molded ergonomic board handle and hardware. It also includes the extremely comfortable AFT strap and pad system.

COMPACT

The Compact is designed to be the ultimate all-round wave board to perform in real world conditions. The outline features a relatively far forward wide point which has improved the drive through the bottom turn, while the more pulled in nose has ensured you do not lose any of that classic Compact throw around factor. The V bottom in the tail area allows for smooth rail to rail transitions, while the wider nose area and flatter entry rocker and tail rocker of the board (compared to the Converse), helps increase planing speed over flat sections, maintaining the low end of a much longer board. The Patented Active Construction has proven itself as the absolute benchmark in surf constructions, with the lightest weight possible achieved through the Active Stringer and Flexible Carbon Sandwich Construction.

APEX

Suited from intermediate to advanced aggressive riders, the 2016 Apex delivers a unique combination of high rocker, increased width, and Airush’s new Venturi Concave.

Additionally, this state-of-the-art board utilizes an asymmetrical 3D deck shape, which – when all put together – ensures a more balanced response, enhanced user-friendly feel, and added comfort while riding at high speed. The 2016 Apex Board includes the 2016 Airush AFT Strap and Pad System, Premium G-10 Fins, and molded ergonomic board handle and hardware.

CONVERSE

The Converse is Airush’s dedicated down the line shape, developed without compromise to destroy any wave you put in front of it. The Patented Active Construction has proven itself as the absolute benchmark in surf constructions, with the lightest weight possible achieved through the Active Stringer and Flexible Carbon Sandwich Construction. The high tail rocker works together with the ¾ hip section and the rounded pin tail to maximize the maneuverability enabling massive off the top snaps and tight driving bottom turns. The higher entry rocker through the nose enable the Converse to fit vertically into the steepest wave section and combines with the narrower nose width, to pull the nose around when setting a rail in a bottom turn or driving a more powerful full rail top turn.

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WAINMAN

THE BRAND

Wainman Hawaii is a Maui based wind and watersports brand with a unique approach to product design and development which has been the key to our success. Our products are a result of passion, dedication and commitment aligning with the company strategy and goals. We are inspired by legends of the sport, fueled by wind, and by water. Our focus is on creating cutting edge design and providing the highest quality products for watersports addicts. The creative process of our products, from conceptualization to fruition – including global distribution and marketing – is done entirely in house.

Nothing is a coincidence and everything is real.

BRAND HQ

Wainman Hawaii R&D is based in Maui, Hawaii for the majority of the year. During the summer months various locations globally become the R&D headquarters dependent on the product and stage of development. Various premier manufacturing production facilities (in Europe, China and Dubai) are used to produce our products. Primary Wainman Hawaii distribution centers are located on the USA mainland and in Europe.

WHAT’S NEW

Wainman Hawaii have several exciting products in the pipeline. Firstly, we will be releasing the ManiaC 2.0 that has been refined to perfection to be the ultimate C-kite. Then we have the updated and improved Rabbit (Rabbit 3.1) scheduled for release in 2016 too. We will also have our new kite models: a lightwind kite, El Nino, and our new big player, the Magnet.

The Magnet will be a dedicated all-round freerider with 5 struts and plenty of great features. Then there is something planned for wave riders too. So we have a lot going on and it’s going to be an exciting few months for Wainman Hawaii.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // WAINMAN KITES

Sizes

Rabbit Gang 3.0

All-Round

5, 6.25, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 14

ManiaC 2.0

Freestyle/Wakestyle

6.5, 8, 9.5, 11.5, 14

RABBIT GANG 3.0

The 3rd generation of the Rabbit has gone through a defined and strategic modification process while maintaining the previous Rabbit generations’ unique feel and performance characteristics. Wainman’s R&D team enhanced the performance in each size, while focusing on improved construction and features of the complete package.

Improved upwind and jumping performance combined with the legendary Rabbit power delivery, stability, relaunch, depower abilities and wind range provide a truly unique kite. The entire Rabbit Gang 3.0 range offers a single point inflation system (Rabbit Air Flow - RAF), durable construction, adjustable bar pressure, direct and responsive handling and a proven safety system. The RG 3.0 package is completed by the re-engineered “RG 3.0 control bar” and the all-new, redesigned RG 3.0 kite bag.

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MANIAC 2.0

Best for…

RABBIT GANG 3.0

Kite

MANIAC 2.0

The ManiaC was conceptualized around the proven and classic C shaped traction kite design. Reengineered and tested to perfection by the product designers, this innovative combination of old school and new-school performance characteristics, the ManiaC is an unparalleled performer for freestyle and wake style providing amazing stability combined with smooth power delivery. This mystical machine provides riders the radical performance characteristics that are expected from a pure C shape: generating amazing pop, direct feel and control, unhooked performance with flawless slack, hooked in boosting and freeride spirit, and of course a great mega loop!

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // WAINMAN BOARDS

Best for…

Sizes

Joke

High Performance Freestyle / Wakestyle

134, 138, 142

Joke Pro

Wakestyle / Park

138, 142

Cruzer

Freestyle / Freeride

131, 136, 141

Machete

Lightwind Freeride

148

Magnum

Big Wave

5’7, 5’10, 6’0, 6’2

Gambler

High Performance Wave

5’7, 5’10

Passport

Strapless Surf

5’8, 5’11

87 |

GAMBLER

PASSPORT

MAGNUM

MACHETE

JOKE

CRUZER

Board

JOKE

The new JOKE is an evolution of its popular and award winning predecessor, with an exceptional blend of high performance characteristics combined with ease of use. The JOKE’s claim to fame is the industry first ‘3D’ bottom shape that is made by the convex bubble placed on the center of the board. This provides soft and effortless landings allowing you to continue riding even after awkward positioning during landing. With a lighter and slightly stiffer construction, the new JOKE also boasts deeper bottom channels for superior upwind performance and double deck contouring for optimal pop and reflex. This high performance all-round board provides every kiteboarder a blend of performance that is unique and exciting, from freestyle to charging wakestyle in the flats, hitting the sliders, cruising at your local beach or even carving the waves.

CRUZER

The new Cruzer is back in a lighter weight and is a refined version from its popular first generation predecessor. Designed as a versatile all round board that a rider can grow into, the new Cruzer adapts to the style and performance needed from all riders. Perfectly positioned below the high performance all-rounder Joke board, the Cruzer was developed to meet the freeriding needs that are demanded by every kiteboarder, from first jumps through to high performance freestyle. The new Cruzer boasts effortless upwind performance, smooth and easy riding combined with single deck contouring for optimal reflex, also assisting in easier grabbing and carrying.

MACHETE

A new and dynamic addition to the Wainman Hawaii twin tip collection, the Machete was conceptualized and designed by the R&D department to meet the growing demand for lightwind boards. With a light weight yet durable construction, the Machete’s thin rails cuts through the water like a knife.

The board boasts incredible efficiency that is required in light winds and is optimal when used with a large kite. With a perfected outline and minimal flex essential for light wind performance, the board gives the rider the necessary stability without compromising efficiency. Low drag due to small fins and a low rocker line ensure amazing upwind performance.

MAGNUM

The Magnum is Wainman Hawaii’s big wave weapon of choice, created by legendary shaper Sean Ordonez, who has over twenty years in the business, giving it a modern, ‘handmade’ shape but with classic surf features. It is a timeless board with a development process resulting purely from Sean’s Ordonez surfing passion. Regardless of the water conditions, this classic but very modern shape delivers the best experience to those who prefer supreme high-speed handling combined with an unmatched surfy feel in turns.

The perfect moments with the Magnum would be those epic big wave days with side-shore wind conditions.

GAMBLER

The Gambler is part of a new generation of stabler boards with a wider profile suited to all conditions and all riders.

Developed to be enjoyed for everyday strapped or strapless fun riding, this board should be ridden 4-5 inches shorter than your classic surfboard. Designed for a more explosive riding style than the narrower and faster Magnum, Gambler’s insane surf characteristics and unique rocker line allows for radical performance even in light winds. The magic aspect of this progressive modern shape is the thrill and excitement it delivers, even in conditions that are considered average.

A great choice for everyday fun with high performance capabilities.

PASSPORT

The Passport is a dedicated strapless board for any experience level in all conditions. Created from a surfer’s point of view, the Passport has been designed to ride strapless, and the lower rocker line than in the Gambler makes it plane faster and therefore well suited to a smaller kite. Usually ridden 4-5 inches shorter than your normal short board (and ¾-1 inch wider), this dedicated quad fin surfboard is very light and can be surfed without a kite when the waves are firing and the wind is not cooperating. Use the Passport everywhere you want and wherever you go. This is a perfect choice for the world travelers, combining features of pure surfing and kite surfing in one universal design.

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AXIS 89 |

THE BRAND

We invented kiteboarding back in 1964 long before anyone else had even thought of it. Just kidding, since 1998 one of our founding members and Head of Product Development Adrian Roper has pioneered kiteboard design with many of today’s industry standards, and continues to lead the way in board design refining timeless concepts and integrating new technologies.

At AXIS we put the work in to create only the best products for your kiteboard experience, why? Because we can, and we ride them too. AXIS Kiteboarding is a growing family with roots at the beginning of our sport, our products represent the best on offer and fuel the stoke of kiteboarders and watermen all over the world. So join us and see for yourself that AXIS Boards will be the only board you will want to ride!

BRAND HQ

We at AXIS are a sophisticated global team, starting the design and development in New Zealand. We test our gear in some of the most diverse conditions in the world. Either in our home turf in New Zealand, or in Australia, California, Canary Islands, South Pacific, Egypt and our secret facility on the moon. AXIS Boards are produced in the most respected factories, and distributed through select boarding shops and schools across throughout the globe. Our official Headquarters are shared between Christchurch, New Zealand, and West Coast, California.

WHAT’S NEW

AXIS is a brand that focuses on satisfying nearly every level and style of kiteboarding today. With 18 different categories of boards, from kids specific performance sticks, to beginner, intermediate, wake and high-end full carbon and ultra-light wind boards, even wave twin tips, we cover mostly every twin tip style on the water. With our New Wave flexible surfboard (incredible for freestyle wave on the size 5’4”) strapless, and strapped programs we offer a complete surfboard line for surf disciplines.

Our tandem board is being used across schools and families worldwide, spreading the kiteboarding stoke. Our wake style boards are being used in kickers and sliders all over. Our Maroro Foil program will be available in spring and will make foil boarding easy for everyone, without needing to keep on changing foils each time you want to get better and go faster. Our team is dedicated to make the best boards, foils and accessories ever built. We are not your typical kiting brand. Our members are professional engineers, materials specialists, craftsmen, artists, and musicians who are passionate about kiting and gear. Every moment we breath it’s about how to make our products better.

Keep a look out for our new line of kiteboarding products, but also ask about the AXIS SUP, race-winning carbon Paddles, surfboards, wakeboards, speed kiteboards and accessories coming in the future. | 90

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // AXIS BOARDS

Freestyle

133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 148

Liberty

All round

134, 137, 140, 145, 150

Division

Freeride

128, 133, 135, 138

Limited

Freestyle

132, 134, 136, 138, 140

Patrol

Lightwind

144, 148

Ultra

Lightwind

144, 148

Twin Wave

Wave

148

Tandem

Doubling up

148, 152

Billy

Wakestyle

140

Tranq

Wakestyle

142

Grom

Young rider

115

91 |

DIVISION

Vanguard

LIBERTY

Sizes

TWIN WAVE

Best for‌

VANGUARD

Board

VANGUARD

The Vanguard is a freestyle machine. This board wants to be pushed to the absolute limits. With its explosive pop, incredible tracking and smooth landings the Vanguard will deliver top performance in all conditions and excels as you do. The 2016 Vanguard retains the outline, channels and rocker of the 2015 model, but we have radically redesigned the profile with our new FAT Rail. Thick and rounded in the center and tapering to fine tips, the FAT Rail gives a more stable, settled and balanced ride, while dramatically increasing the strength of the board. This board is fast, light, flexible, and is available in a range of sizes so you can get the size that feels like it was custom made for you.

LIBERTY

The 2016 AXIS Liberty gives you the freedom to pursue your dreams, if your dream is to get up and ride! The Liberty is designed for beginners to intermediate riders. Its soft, forgiving nature makes this the perfect board for entrylevel kiters and people who require all-round performance.

The construction is fiberglass and a Paulownia wood core, providing a great board at a competitive price. The Liberty’s flex helps you to cruise through chop with ease, then the flatter rocker line requires less power from the kite making it easier to get up and plane quickly. This advances the progression of new kiters and allows more advanced kiters to have speed on tap! This board comes equipped with the bright colored (so you can see spot the board easier on the water) AXIS Universal Traction System footpads/straps, and the bright yellow AXIS fins which are the highest quality G10 we use across our complete product line. Get on the new Liberty and explore the freedom of kiteboarding!

TWIN WAVE

The 2016 AXIS Twinwave is a unique twin tip that has been designed specifically for the waves. The concept is not a new one, actually a kickback to the roots of twin tips. That’s right Axis is OG and know that there are those of you who want waves on a twin tip. The V Spine bottom profile and the tucked rail allow this board to glide effortlessly from edge to edge. The Twinwave is a directional twintip, with the tucked edges tapering into a harder edge at the tail. There are also multiple fin placements to accentuate the directional aspect of the board, or you can simply ride it as a standard twintip.

The Twinwave is dedicated to the waves but also excels in the chop – it is the perfect transition from a twin tip into the progressive and dynamic world of surfboards. Kawabunga!

DIVISION

The AXIS Division has a straighter outline in the middle and is more curved in the tips making it smooth and stable, instantly comfortable, and a blast to use. The bottom shape is less complicated than some of our more aggressive freestyle models but still provides good grip. In addition, the new rocker line allows the AXIS Division to glide over the water which, coupled with the bottom shape, reduces the drag of the board and makes it faster with better upwind ability. The outline, flex, and bottom shape allow this board to butter through chop and still deliver when it is pushed to the next level. On the smaller sizes the AXIS Division has been highly revered by our younger riders and female riders because it is very light and has the correct amount of pop that lighter riders need to achieve their goals. The Division is super comfortable to ride. Ride it for the first time, and it will feel like the best board ever. | 92

TRANQ

This board was designed by Alex Lewis-Hughes to do what he likes best: everything! The 2016 Tranq has undergone a complete rebuild, but should still be a familiar ride. We’ve kept it’s versatile outline and rocker, and tweaked the channel shapes and rail to give a smoother faster ride with quicker acceleration, less torsional flex and softer landings.

The new thick PU rails transform the feel of the board, and come from the factory slightly rounded. You could tune the rails more yourself for an even softer ride. The thick rails allow the paulownia wood core to be thicker through the center of the Tranq which results in a stiffer board with less torsional flex and a flatter deck to keep even the crappiest binding baseplates sitting flush. The rails taper towards the tips, allowing flex for those interested in getting bendy on rails. Heavy duty P-Tex top and bottom sheets have been screenprinted with the purest blackness for durability and extra badness.

RĀKAU

KAPUA

BILLY

TRANQ

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // AXIS BOARDS

BILLY

The 2016 Billy is the product of hard work, dedication, drive, and skill. It is the collaboration between the pro kiteboarder, Billy Parker, and AXIS Kiteboarding’s master shaper, Adrian Roper. The Billy has been in the works for several years and is specifically designed for hitting features, such as kickers and rails, as well as taking extremely high impact landings.

For this reason we recommend only using boots with this board. The construction features dual inserts for custom boot placement, a P-Tex grindable base (like a snowboard) for steezy slides and easy repairs. The Billy is built tough! Being designed by two high level individuals, their collaboration of expertise shines through when you experience the ride and performance of this board. Sunday Bob and the cruisers may not notice a thing, but for the dedicated wakestyle kite low park frother, the Billy will be your ticket to stomp.

Board

Best for…

Sizes

New Wave

True surf versatility

5’8

Rākau 5 fin box

Powered strapped riding

5’4, 5’7, 5’9, 5’11

Rākau 3 fin box

Big waves

6’0

Kapua strapless quad

Strapless performance

5’4, 5’7, 5’9, 5’11

Maroro 5’1” convertible

Surf or foilboard

5’1, 5’9

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KAPUA STRAPLESS QUAD

The Kapua is born from the desire for a featherweight surfboard that can stand up to the punishment of kiting. In an industry first this board is built using a high performance polypropylene fiber called Innegra which has outstanding impact and compressive strength properties. This results in a surfboard that is strong but light, so light that we named it ‘Kapua’, a Maori word meaning cloud. Each board is hand laminated with pigmented epoxy resin, so no two boards will ever look exactly the same. The Kapua also features a carbon fiber patch to further reduce compression under your front foot, which we’ve covered with a trippy white pattern to stop the black carbon melting your wax on a sunny day. Our global surf team have been testing, tuning, breaking and refining this family of shapes until we can’t think of anything left to improve. Wax it up or fit our optional front deck grip. Whatever floats your boat. Each board comes fitted with an AXIS tail pad and a set of Futures fins.

RĀKAU

Surfers have been calling their boards a ‘stick’ forever, and long before then the Maori people had their own word for a stick, Rakau. It also meant ‘weapon’. In 2016 we introduce this wooden weapon, the AXIS Rakau. Designed for powered strapped kitesurfing, this versatile collection of boards will take whatever you can throw at them. The EPS core has a 6mm Paulownia stringer, PVC reinforced deck, and tough oak veneer with 6 Oz. glass on top and 4 Oz glass below. The 6’0” is a dedicated thruster for the big stuff, but the smaller shapes have 5 PVC reinforced futures fin boxes, and can be ridden Thruster or Quad. Versatility. The boards come fitted with an EVA deck grip and a leash plug. Sharing the same finely tuned family of shapes as the Kapua, the Rakau is the board to grab if you want to ride powered up, bust some big air, drop into the gaping maws of the ocean itself, or just enjoy the security of knowing your feet are happily strapped to your ‘stick’. Rakau, it’s wood, it’s good…

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BEST 95 |

THE BRAND

Best Kiteboarding was founded in 2003 out of a passion for wind and water. The sport was still in the early stages of development and expensive to get in to. Best’s founders decided to change this by introducing new distribution strategies. Within a short time Best became major players within the market and have been growing ever since. Best’s philosophy is all about dedication to the sport, quality, innovation and customer support. Its roots are still carried in the companies claim “Ride with us” and reflected in Best’s main goal: to create gear for every rider and riding style while ensuring the highest possible customer satisfaction.

Best achieves this goal by working together with the best riders and developers of the world.

BRAND HQ

Best’s HQ is located in Berlin. Further offices and warehouses are located in Barcelona, Lisbon, Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Hatteras, New York and San Francisco.

The R&D team is based at Cabo da Roca in Portugal but constantly traveling the world, chasing wind. Cape Town, Tarifa, Sri Lanka and Brazil are only a few of the regular place visited throughout the year.

WHAT’S NEW

The number of Waroos and Yargas still flying today proof that Best kites are built to last! To improve the performance and quality even further, Best have run an extensive number of long term tests. This resulted in a number of changes, such as their Dual Strut Head Reinforcements to reduce wear and tear, an innovative Vibration Dampening System for a smoother air flow along the trailing edge which increases stability and performance, more segmentation along the leading edge for enhanced control, and a 3D Foam Bridle Deflector that minimizes the risks of death loops.

Additionally Best equipped its bars with the original Iron Heart IV Quick Release system while reinforcing the bar stick’s core with a premium alloy steel. As for the boards, Best switched the production back to Europe to make use of the latest machinery and high tech materials.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // BEST KITES

Kite

Best for…

Sizes

TS

Highest performance for all riding styles

5 / 6 / 7 / 8/ 9 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16

ROCA

The best kite for an incredible freeride experience

4 / 5 / 7 / 8/ 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 14 / 17

CABO

Excellent down the line drift and direct steering optimized for riding waves 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 11 / 13

GP

Explosive boosts and a ton of line slack for freestyle tricks

TS

CABO

ROCA

GP

The TS is Best’s flagship kite. Controllable power meets outstanding performance to match the highest expectations of all freestyle, wakestyle, freeride and wave riders. Thanks to a huge depower this kite easily absorbs gusts and has a huge wind range. The TS is the choice to push your limits and do it all – if you want to boost big, slice the glassy face of a wave or kiteloop then you need a kite with fast and direct steering which the TS has. With medium to high bar pressure, the kite follows the riders steering impulses with instant responsiveness and maximum agility. There is incredible pop and great line slack to nail your trick and the TS hurls you out of the water to provide plenty of time to initiate and finish all tricks – from basic handle passes to the most advanced freestyle tricks. The TS really does do it all.

The Roca is a new kite from the Best and the ultimate freeride weapon. The Roca’s direct and fast steering combined with the medium to high aspect ratio results in a kite that is “built to boost”. Radical jumps have never been easier as the wide canopy surface acts as a parachute so you slowly descend back to the water in full control enjoying enough hang time to finish your tricks. Despite this incredible lift, the Roca can be easily tamed thanks to the delta shape with swept wing tips, and the kite has a precise and wide depower for flawless “sheet and go”. The Roca also comes with impressive relaunch capabilities and is packed with fresh new features such as the revolutionary Vibration Dampening System for a perfectly pitched profile stability. The Roca is also your kite of choice for traveling as a two-kite quiver will cover pretty much all conditions…

97 |

7 / 9 / 11 / 13

Drop into the biggest waves, glide along the glassy faces of pumping swells, and escape the whitewash when you need to.

The Cabo easily tows you into the best waves of your life and then patiently sits and drifts at the edge of the wind window for you to enjoy the ride. Excelling in freeriding too, it will then get you back to the action. The delta shape with swept wing tips provides maximum agility and responsiveness and the fast steering smooth downloops transition to support your riding instead of ripping you off the board. The Cabo’s light tri-strut design is built to follow your movement without having to worry about the kite falling out of the sky. The Cabo has been tested all over the world – in the biggest Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean swells – and has proven itself and performed in all conditions.

The GP is the weapon of choice for dedicated freestyle athletes. It was developed in cooperation with world champions and is an elite C kite for boosting explosive jumps, megalooping and nailing freestyle tricks with plenty of slack after the pop. It is a great kite for unhooking and is perfectly trimmed and calibrated so that the rider can fully concentrate on their pop instead of worrying about controlling the kite.

After the pop, the lines instantly slack to allow the most technical and advanced handle pass tricks. This year’s model is even gruntier with a wider aspect ratio to take you higher than ever before. Launched in the air, you can either enjoy its hang time, loop it in neat small circles or throw a massive mega loop. Either way, you are in for some radical action.

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GP

CABO

ROCA

TS

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // BEST BOARDS AND BARS

Twin Tip

Best for…

Sizes

Armada

High performance freeride

131, 135, 138

Admiral

Performance freeride

133, 135, 137

Spin

Freeride

134, 139, 144

Breeze

Lightwind

145, 158

Procreator

Freestyle / Wakestyle

135, 139

Profanity

Wakestyle

137, 141

ARMADA

The Armada is made for those who prefer a board with the performance of a professional competition board but with the comfort of a freeride board. It is light, durable and aggressive while providing a flex this is easy on the knees. The new version has a stronger but thinner 3D top deck and comes with new designed Prime pads and straps. This new setup is a staggering 400 grams lighter than last year’s version…

Best shaper Franz Schitzhofer has really fine-tuned the board over the last seven years and it has evolved as materials have grown better and more high tech manufacturing has become available. Today’s version of the Armada is made in Europe using high tech machinery. The Supremo Paulownia wood core is cut with a laser guided CNC machine to provide a precise base that is merged with a rare unidirectional Carbon Tech Fiber which enhances the board control while keeping the weight low. All that combined with bombproof block inserts allow the rider to use the Armada with boots. And the Armada has passed intense long term tests so it comes with a lifetime warranty…

99 |

SPIN

The Spin is all about getting the most out of every freeride session. It is very light, flexible and can take a beating. It also flies upwind and eats up chop. Thick box rails make it a favorite for jumping and holding an edge and this new setup is also about 400 grams lighter than last year. It has a an advanced three stage rocker, 3D shock absorbers and a Supremo Paulownia wood flex core so it easily absorbs heavy chop and hard landings, making it ultra-comfortable to ride – perfect for long freeride sessions. Then the concave bottom provides early planning and excellent upwind characteristics to help you get around efficiently. G10 fins are included and provide the perfect grip so you can edge harder, go faster and jump higher, and ABS box rails make the board super solid and durable so it’s an ideal travel companion that you can expect to share endless sessions and adventures with.

RED BAR

Get the most out of your TS, Roca and Cabo with the new Best Red bar. The cleanest and most efficient front line safety system, the proven Iron Heart IV Quick release system and extremely strong 22 meter lines make it the best and safest bar you could possibly ride. The original Clam Cleat® allows you to power and depower your four line kites to have exactly the power you need to perform. The Best Red bar comes with built-in Backline Adjusters inside the floaters so you can easily trim or adjust your setup, and it exceeds all international safety standards due to the proven quick release system featuring the original Iron Heart IV. In case of releasing the kite the reversed pin protects your hand while the single front line safety kicks in and the kite flags out to fall gently from the sky – completely powerless. There is no way the Red will fail you, no matter how hard you shred…

BLK BAR

The Black bar with its loaded fifth line is fine tuned to match the incredible freestyle performance of the GP. It is super tough, safe and designed for handle passes and kite loops.

To mega loop a kite in 30+ knots takes courage and the right gear, and the Black bar performs here. Each single line has a breaking load of 490kg and the bar is reinforced with ultrastrong alloy steel that improves the steering and makes the bar incredible durable. Lastly the center line is 9,8 mm thick – basically unbreakable. This bar is the toughest Best bar there is. All you need to do is stop thinking and commit!

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101 |

THE BRAND

Blade is all about creating the perfect kite for each kiteboarding discipline. We don’t do boards, accessories or anything else other than kites, and it all stems from our desire to give each kite our full attention, focusing on details that will improve it to the point of perfection. This allows us to bring a large collection of kites to the market, making sure every rider will have at least one kite that feels like it was tailor-made to fit his or her style.

BRAND HQ

Imagine an ideal beach. Large strip of sand, beautiful waters, ideal testing conditions, hardly any people at all. Now climb up the small cliff and walk for 100m – there are our offices!

Sitting atop an amazing Mediterranean beach, our offices in Israel are conveniently located to allow us to test our kites yearround in all kinds of conditions: wavy, flat, choppy, light wind, strong and gusty. Testing our kites in all conditions is extremely important for us, as kites tend to fly differently in different places. Plus, having the opportunity to go out for a thrilling kite session during their lunch break is a perk most employees in the world will kill for.

WHAT’S NEW

Last year we made a crucial decision that helped us grow by leaps and bounds. We decided to stop making boards and instead concentrate on expanding our kite collection. This means that 2016 will be packed with new and exciting releases.

We recently released the Tiny Beast – a kids kite that comes in sizes 4 and 6. This small kite was specially crafted to perform well in light winds, providing the future stars with great stability and effortless relaunch.

We have also introduced the High Score kite, which is our new Freestyle/New School kite, and we are currently working on the Old School kite that is scheduled to be out in Spring. This is a new 15m kite that will give a whole new meaning to Old School tricks. Last but definitely not least – this year all of our kites come with the new Blade 2nd Gen pump, as well as the new Blade Max Flow inflation system, which guarantees 44% quicker inflation then previous years. | 102

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // BLADE KITES

Best for‌

Sizes

Trigger

All-rounder

5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14

Fat Lady

Light wind

17

High Score

Freestyle / Wakestyle

7, 9, 11, 13

Skinny Boy

Pure wave riding

6, 8, 9, 12

New Guy

Gateway trainer

2.5

Tiny Beast

Kids all-rounder

4, 6

HIGH SCORE

TRIGGER

FAT LADY

Kite

103 |

TRIGGER

The Trigger is Blade’s bestseller, and has enjoyed 8 years of evolution. Highly responsive and valid in most styles, the Trigger combines efficient power delivery with fast turning ability and a dynamic profile. Accessible for riders from beginner through to expert, the Trigger is a worthy kite for skill building at all levels. Three struts to enhance turning speed and responsiveness, the Trigger has a small leading edge, giving the rider the sensation of a smaller kite in terms of handling but strong in performance. The steeper profile aids boost performance, with extra thrust attained from the deep contours, making the Trigger a big booster that enjoys considerable hangtime. As with all Blade’s new kites, the Trigger features their Max Flow Inflation system, meaning your kite will be inflated in almost half the time, and a resulting higher leading edge, pressure thanks to the Dacron construction, will improve kite performance. It also has Blade’s ‘Reflex Relaunch’ system, which forces a downed kite’s wingtips out of the water and toward the edge of the window, facilitating relaunch.

FAT LADY

This is the 3rd generation of Blade’s Fat Lady lightwind kite, which ssees several improvements. These range from a reconfigured bridle attachment on the leading edge, allowing the kite to fly further toward the edge of the window and aiding upwind performance, through to wingtip profile, which has been increased, adding to the power and reaction of the kite in hard turns. The Fat Lady is an ideal kite for freeride and freestyle in less than optimum conditions, for beginners through to experts, with plenty of efficient power delivery to keep you upwind. The ultra thin leading edge on the Fat Lady reduces drag friction, which in turn aids the speed, responsiveness and turning ability, which are all high. Boosting isn’t compromised even in marginal conditions, while the low aspect ratio combined with Blade’s Reflex Relaunch design mean getting your kite back in the air is simple and efficient, as is the kite inflation with their new Max Flow Inflation system.

HIGH SCORE

Blade’s core freestyle kite, the High Score, follows on from its predecessor, the Mist, retaining many of its standout qualities and adding more. Aimed at the freestyle/wakestyle market, this significantly powerful five strut C-kite is designed with Blade’s unique RPG (Reliable Power Generator) Profile shape, which delivers power beyond the initial boost and then throughout the trick. This, combined with the ‘Power Lift Profile’ of the kite, giving added lift and longer hangtime, makes this a great kite for big air tricks with forgiving landings. The sharp, contoured wingtips are designed to add extra stability and aid smooth landings, and yet remain very powerful in the turns.

The engineered balance between the short bridle and the power generated by the kite makes unhooked riding stable and reliable. | 104

NEW GUY

SKINNY BOY

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // BLADE KITES

SKINNY BOY

The 2nd generation Skinny Boy is Blade’s ‘wave dedicated’ kite which improves upon the standout qualities of the first. This three strut kite has enhanced speed and responsiveness, and has a reduced 4-point bridle system, minimizing the size of the leading edge while maintaining the depower performance of a 3-point system. Turns are fast, efficient and precise, while control is reliable and reactive. The Max Drift feature in the Skinny Boy adds stability and keeps the kite in position when riding downwind, providing fun, manageable drift in side-off and onshore conditions.

Depower control is by way of Blade’s Insta Depower, giving easily managed power delivery throughout maneuvers.

NEW GUY

Blade’s ram air trainer kite is ideal for those beginning in the kitesurfing world. The super simple setup means that this 2.5m kite can be unpacked and launched in seconds, and is designed to give kite newcomers confidence without compromising safety, providing a carefree gateway into the sport. It is structurally designed to stay in the air from around 2 knots upward, with enough power at the edge of the window to prevent stall. The kite material is a durable ripstop designed to minimize wear and tear on the beach. The New Guy comes attached to a 45cm bar and does not need to be inflated, meaning that beach setup is minimum fuss and the kite is easy to launch.

TINY BEAST

TINY BEAST

105 |

Blade’s Tiny Beast is an all–rounder kite built with beginner to intermediate children of between 3055kgs in mind, and engineered to specifically work in light to moderate conditions, in winds of 10 to 13 knots and upward. The shape and profile of the 3-strut kite is designed to allow maximum stability, while increased depower ability adds to the safety factor. The kite is stable and reliable, and is designed to not lose power at the edge of the window due to its unique wingtip shape, and the increased profile at the tips. The Reflex Relaunch design forces the wingtips from the water making relaunch effortless.

This is enhanced in light wind conditions by the increased curvature on the leading edge, making this an extremely reliable and safe kite for the younger, lighter riders amongst us.

UNIBAR

The 2nd generation Uni control bar sees many refinements from its predecessor, the core of the bar is made from a single aluminum mold, and Blade have reinforced the durability by treating it with a new heat treatment and sand blasting technique.

The bar’s rigidity has also been increased by using a new nylon formula coating, with no addition to the weight, and the profile of the bar has been refined by experts in kinesiology (the study of mechanical body behavior), leading to an advanced, ergonomic shape and better leverage for increased turning speed. The bar length is easily adjustable, ranging from 44cm to 52cm, and the EVA embossed grip pad provides a strong, comfortable outer layer with plenty of grip, while a composite material similar to the nylon coating on the bar is used for the Quick Release core.

Line holes are provided for easy replacement with any 6mm Spectra Lines. The silicon coated, double-molded QR slider deactivates with 4kgs of pressure, working at a minimum load pressure of 5kgs and a maximum of 200kgs. The chicken loop lock is made out of a tough TPE-X material, set at a slight angle as standard but is adjustable, as is the cleat, easily modified to the appropriate bar throw setting. The bar is fitted with Austrian Teufelberger FL-14 and FL-10 series lines. The middle lines are fitted with the FL-14 model, which are slightly thicker but stretch 70% less than standard ones. The FL-10 is used for the outer lines, which lowers the overall weight and still maintains integrity.

| 106

Photo: Stu Gibson

107 |

THE BRAND

BWSURF was born from Ben Wilson and Dano See’s love of wave kitesurfing. Ben, a former professional rider and Dano, kite and windsurf designer, saw a gap in the market for purpose-built waveriding equipment – the kind of gear they wanted to ride. Together they created Ben Wilson Surf (now BWSURF) with a view to developing simple and functional gear to attract more surfers to the sport.

Today BWSURF remains the only surf-specific kite company in the world and strives to bridge the gap between surfing and kiting by building incredible products, creating inspiring imagery and sharing their wealth of experience.

BRAND HQ

Although BWSURF is a comparatively small company, its team are scattered across the globe – Australia, USA, China and Belgium.

Likewise the R&D is conducted globally with gear tested and refined in the large, windy conditions of Fiji (Cloudbreak), California, in the smaller, mushier stuff in Europe and Australia, and everything in-between in the Philippines and China. BWSURF also has a wide network of Team Riders and Ambassadors who provide invaluable product feedback and local support. It’s all about creating a global community of passionate and friendly people who love the water and want to have a say in what they ride.

WHAT’S NEW

2016 marks the end of the Noise Kite era. From this year onward BWSURF will be focusing on two kites – the TDZ and Æneema. These two designs cater for the full spectrum of surf styles and conditions and, as always, the aim is to keep kiting as simple as possible. You don’t need ten different kites, you simply need the right one.

The TDZ is for pure wave riding and has the signature ‘Drift’ quality in spades. It’s built for Ian Alldredge’s style and the strong winds at his local break. It’s the kite you want in heavy waves and strong winds when you’re going big. The Æneema retains that surf-specific ‘Drift’ quality but has lighter bar pressure and faster turning that excels in ALL conditions and skill levels from small and light to massive walls and heavy winds at Cloudbreak.

The brand’s range of boards is focused on high-performance, quality materials and proven shapes. BWSURF believes that less is more, and when you’re traveling it’s good to pack light – one board and a couple of kites. The DHD (Darren Handley Designs) range hasn’t been overengineered and is great to ride, surfing in the morning and then kiting in the afternoon. | 108

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // BWS KITES

Sizes

Æneema

Waves / Freeride

8, 9, 11, 13

TDZ

Waves / Freeride

6, 8, 10

TDZ

Best for…

ÆNEEMA

Kite

ÆNEEMA

TDZ

The Æneema belongs to a new realm of hybridized kites that sits beside the Ian Alldredge TDZ as a go-to for the full spectrum of conditions. BWS head designer Dano See has created a featherweight kite that is stable, fast turning and suits a ‘sheet-in-and-go’ style of riding. The Æneema’s direct on/off power and forward-flying profile is fast, responsive and delivers smooth power at a moment’s notice. Turn the power off and let the kite drift while you carve up the face or flick it on and cruise through mushy sections. The power is there when you need it and the signature BWS ‘drift’ also lets you ride the wave when you want to. Everything we create is designed and built for wave riding. The AEneema has been tested in Europe, Australia, Fiji and Mexico with a range of conditions and testers. And the verdict? It is the ultimate all-rounder.

109 |

The TDZ kite is designed with pro rider Ian’s style and home conditions in mind. This means it suits fast turning, powerful, on and off wave riding conditions. The kind of ‘not perfect’ conditions that Ian rides in every day on his home turf of California. It excels in clean to gusty winds and all directions while still providing the ultimate downthe-line drift needed for surfing with a kite. It features an allnew no-pulley bridle system with a fixed setting for faster turning, increased kite feedback and a more stable top end – just as Ian desired. The TDZ also has a faster profile than the Noise Pro, which makes it faster through the sky, quicker to respond and smoother in gustier conditions. The TDZ kite is high performance all the way but still user-friendly enough for the every-day rider.

Photo: Stu Gibson | 110

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // BWS SURFBOARDS

Best for…

Sizes

DHD Ben Wilson

All conditions

5’8, 5’10, 6’0

Rawson TDZ

All conditions

5’11

DHD White Noise

All conditions

5’9, 5’11, 6’1

DHD WHITE NOISE

RAWSON TDZ

DHD BEN WILSON

Surfboard

111 |

DHD BEN WILSON

Ben Wilson’s signature model works in everything from average small conditions and fairly light winds all the way up to perfect conditions and medium to strong winds. It’s all round high performance oriented. Darren has worked with Ben to create a board to suit his style. The BW DHD has good width and volume, making it really user-friendly and easy to paddle yet having a deeper rocker than the other boards in the range for steeper waves. It comes with Carbon tail patches that strengthen the tail of the board for when you are landing hard from big moves. The Carbon Bottom Strip is added to slightly stiffen the feel of the board. The BW DHD also has the FCSII 5 fin system, giving you the option to quickly change from quad to thruster, no fin-key required. The key difference on this board is its ability to quickly accelerate and provide the stability you need when riding bigger waves.

DHD WHITE NOISE

Ben has been working with Darren Handley for years to bring this board to life. All of the DHD boards are specifically designed for kitesurfing whilst also providing the performance required for a stand-alone surfboard. The world’s best surfers (Mick Fanning, Steph Gilmore) ride Darren Handley’s boards so you know their performance is second to none. The DHD White Noise features additional crosshatched Hexcel glassing and carbon to help resist breakages and dings and the latest FCSII fin system for lightning-fast fin removal and can be configured as a quad or thruster, depending on your personal preference and conditions.

Photo: Franck Gazzola

RAWSON TDZ IAN ALLDREDGE

This board has been developed over 3½ years to work perfectly for Ian’s size, style, and local conditions. He’s a fast, powerful rider and his home conditions are typically on the heavy side with large waves and strong, gusty winds (and Ian normally upsizes his kites to ensure he’s always lit up and can boost big airs). The board features a slightly wider nose and wide point forward for momentum and edging control.

The wider Squash tail is still thin for bite and hold, but offers more efficient planing at lower speeds combined with nice tucked edges for the last 18” of the rail in tail. The bottom offers a well-blended medium rocker and the contour is a 1/8” single concave throughout with a slight double concave in tail for nice lift and control. Then the FCS-II 5 fin box setup offers the rider the ability to go from thruster to quad giving the board greater versatility in more surf and wind conditions. This is a true one-board quiver.

Photo: Glen Duffus

| 112

EPIC 113 |

THE BRAND

Dimitri Maramenides began EPIC kiteboarding in 2010. Having worked for several other kite companies as a team rider, his philosophy was to release new equipment when he felt it was a genuine improvement on the previous version. His vision is to help fellow kiters by being honest with them and providing a top quality product coupled with amazing customer service. For this reason, EPIC release their kites by “generation”, and it usually takes 22 to 30 months to produce the next generation.

At the heart of EPIC is their comprehensive demo program. Dimitri travels the world allowing kiters to try out their equipment. Due to the popular demand of this they have recently enhanced their demo program so interested riders can have a demo kite shipped right to their door which is ideal for riders in remote locations with little access to shops or testing facilities.

BRAND HQ

Dimitri is 100% Greek but decided to base EPIC in North Carolina right on the water (exactly where the Wright Brothers flew the first plane). The main reason for this is the weather which allows Dimitri to test the kites and boards in different conditions. When he’s not at home, Dimitri travels all over the world doing demos and testing the equipment in different type of climates to ensure that he is prouducing the very best kites and board that he can.

WHAT’S NEW

Right now EPIC have their new 5G kit rolling out. The Renegade received additional boosting and hang time, while the renowned Screamer has faster turning and improved low end for pop and huge boosting. The Junior Pro line is also growing and now comes in both 4 and 8 meter sizes. The lightwind Infinity boasts enhanced lift, upwind drive and 15% faster turning than the earlier model. The Renegade 5G 13-meter Limited Edition now enjoys great upwind performance, nearly auto relaunch and a lively feel. All kites are designed with high quality materials, reinforced construction processes and a large diameter inflation systems (Speed Valve Inflation System) to get you on the water faster. There is a new 5G bar just around the corner, then there have also been changes to the graphics. Then the line of twin tips and surfboards compliments all of the kites... | 114

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // EPIC KITES

Best for‌

Sizes

Renegade 5G

High Performance

6.5, 9, 11, 13LTD

Screamer 5G

Big Air

7, 9, 10LTD 12, 14

Surf

Waveriding

5, 8, 12

Junior Pro V2

Younger riders

4, 8

115 |

SURF

SCREAMER

RENEGADE

Kite

RENEGADE

The Renegade 5G is one of the most versatile kites in EPIC’s range, functional in most styles and terrains (including mountain slopes) and this continues for its fifth generation. The Renegade has an in-built ability to switch between wave and freeride, as it features these options as pre-managed settings on the adjustable bridle attachment points, with the waveride setting sitting deeper with better feedback when depowered, and Freeride allowing the kite closer to the edge of the window for wakestyle and big air boosting. The durable three strut design and intuitive flight characteristics make this an extremely stable kite to ride with, with consistent positional feedback and fast and precise in the turns. Power is easily turned on, with access to drift, boost and hangtime at the fingertips of advanced riders.

EPIC’s new Speed Valve system uses a large inflate/deflate valve to allow for faster rigging, and there is an additional valve on the Leading Edge, easing pressure in the event of crash, and thus preventing LE blowout. Relaunch is extremely user-friendly, and EPIC claim the Renegade 5G is the easiest kite to relaunch on the market. This is a highly functional, reliable kite. Lightwind options are available in the Renegade 13 LTD and the Renegade Infinity.

SCREAMER

EPIC’s Screamer kite is back in its fifth guise, and it remains a high performance kite for the intermediate to advanced riders who love an intuitive kite that specializes in big air and lots of pop. As a result of testing and pro rider feedback, the 5G version of the Screamer has been refined to be faster in the turns, with increased boost and hangtime capabilities, with the engineered wingtips allowing for speedier mega loops. The bridle in the 5G features the new Ronstan high performance pulleys, and the cone shaped struts aid solid trailing edge performance. The pop in the new Screamer is explosive, power delivery is smooth and it has excellent upwind capability. The new Speed valve allows quick inflate/deflate when rigging, and there is an extra valve in the LE to relieve pressure in the case of a heavy crash.

SURF

The Surf is the latest model in EPIC’s kite range, and sits neatly between the fifth generation Renegade and Screamer kites. It has a unique Leading Edge design, and a deep profile which allows the Surf to sit back in the window, allowing for impressive power and drift, with efficient upwind ability, while the low aspect ratio allows for smooth, pivotal turns and excellent relaunch capabilities. The kite is reinforced in critical areas, allowing durability and confidence in crashes. The Surf comes fully kitted on 22m lines with EPIC’s XTEND bar which is responsive and gives good positional feedback should your kite be behind the lip. Amongst other accessories, the Surf also comes with a set of 18m lines for wave-specific riding. | 116

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // EPIC BOARDS

Best for…

Sizes

Spartan V3

Freestyle

129

Droid V3

Freeride / Wakestyle

135

Oxygen V2

Lightwind, All-round

135

Junior Pro

Younger riders

115

Surf Reef

All-round, Wave

5’7, 6’0

OXYGEN V2

DROID V3

SPARTAN V3

Boards

117 |

SPARTAN V3

The EPIC Spartan V3 is an ultra-lightweight, high performance wood core board for hardcore freestylers in the intermediate to pro range, designed by Dimitri Maramenides himself. It has a full concave with SBS rails and flexible tips designed for maximum pop and utmost efficiency. In the V3, there is an additional large sweet spot for super forgiving landings. The Spartan is smooth and responsive when riding, and has plenty of upwind drive. Turns are sharp and powerful without losing edge, and the load and pop is solid. There are built-in Grab Rails for die hard board-off fans, with ergonomic-fit grab handles. Build is solid with the wood core, triple glass laminate and reinforced with EPIC’s “secret ingredient” – so it can take some hard riding.

The Spartan V3 also features the new, redesigned footstraps and pads for increased grip and comfort. As with all Epic twin tips, the Spartan comes with a set of 4cm fins, straps, pads, grab handle and grab rails.

DROID V3

The EPIC Droid V3 is a lively, versatile, lightweight board aimed at novice to advanced wakestyle/freestyle riders.

It features a strong wood core and a deep concave, with variable flex and just the right amount of rocker, making this a stable board that rides smoothly, gets up to speed efficiently and slices through the chop with ease. Although lively on the water, the Droid feels predictable and the power balanced, making control responsive and maintainable. Pop is effortless and riding on the progressive edge is fast and solid. The Droid V3 comes with the redesigned adjustment straps with plate pads and toe grip. It also happens to be Dimitri Maramenides’s board of choice…

OXYGEN V2

The Oxygen v2 is a lightwind, performance all-rounder board for novice to advanced riders, fully ridable in winds as low as 8 knots when paired with the right kite. The Oxygen is built with Wood Core Tech and advanced glassing technologies borrowed from the snowboarding industry, providing a powerful, responsive board that is stable and predictable.

Planing is simple and fast, while the edging is consistent and unlikely to skip out. There is plenty of pop, even in light winds, while the flat rocker, wood core and flexible tips offer a comfortable ride in all conditions. The ultra-light and comfortable EVA pads feature a ‘fast lock’ system.

| 118

F ONE 119 |

THE BRAND

F-ONE is a French company specializing in the production and distribution of kitesurfing and SUP equipment. It was founded in 1996 by Raphaël Salles, and the company has evolved steadily over the years and continues to grow. As one of the pioneers of the sport in France, and then helping it to evolve internationally for more than 20 years, Raphaël (a former professional windsurfer) has always developed and designed equipment for kitesurfing. By developing a range of equipment characterized by constant innovation, safety, comfort and maneuverability, the F-ONE mission is to meet and exceed the expectations of all those who are passionate about kiteboarding.

BRAND HQ

The F-ONE offices are based in south of France in Perols, close to the sea. It is the perfect playground for the R&D team. Raphaël Salles, Mickaël Fernandez, Robert Graham, Charles Bertrand and Paco Isoardi develop all the products in the F-ONE range. Raphaël and Micka work on every product, while Robert specializes on kite development, Charles on kiteboards, SUP boards and foil, while Paco is on accessories development. Raphaël and Micka test all products before they launch, with Raphaël testing the equipment at spots all over the world, with the team riders’ input also key to development. Before production, Raphaël oversees the final modifications and tuning of every product.

WHAT’S NEW

For 2016, F-ONE worked on the 9th edition of the Bandit, featuring profile refinement and work on the swing of the kite to improve the depower. The Trust benefits from TECHNOFORCE™ double rip stop from Teijin, and a lot of improvements which give it more comfort and stability. They’ve also focused on the Diablo foil kite for 2016 which has been at the top of podiums throughout 2015. Their twin tips get the new Platinium3 Bindings (an F-ONE exclusive) as do some models of the new Lite Tech. The bindings feature three tuning axis available to tweak them into your optimum riding position. For surfboards, a new size appears into the Mitu Pro Model range: the 5’4. The Signature remains a 100% surfing shape, and they have also launched a new hydrofoil with associated foil boards, available in three different widths and in Carbon (47 and 49) or Standard (47 – 49 – 51) constructions. It is exciting times at F-ONE! | 120

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // F-ONE

Twin Tip

Best for…

Sizes

Trax HRD Carbon

High Performance Freestyle

135, 136, 137, 140

Trax HRD

High Performance Freestyle

135, 136, 137

Trax HRD Girly

High Performance Freestyle

135, 136

Acid HRD Carbon

New school freestyle

132, 133

Acid HRD Lite Tech

New school freestyle

132, 133

Acid HRD Girly

New school freestyle

132, 133

Acid Next Generation

Youth New School

127

Spicy

Wakestyle

138

Unik

Freestyle/Freeride

134

Next

Freeride

138, 140

Next LW

Lightwind freeride

148, 150

Surfboard

Best for…

Sizes

Mitu Monteiro Pro Model

All round surf

5’4, 5’6, 5’8, 5’10

Signature

All round surf

5’8, 5’10

Fish

Light wind surf

5,6, 5’10

Long distance gun

Long distance, race and downwinders

6’7

121 |

Sizes

Diablo

Foil kiting

6.4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18

Bandit

High Performance

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17

Trust

Freeride

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13

BANDIT

This is the 9th edition of F-ONE’s popular and continually evolving kite. This generation sees further profile refinement and improved depower. The canopy of the kite is now smoother, which enhances the stability and performance of the Bandit, with improved reliability and steering. The kite is also lighter than its predecessor, and the 170g Dacron on the leading edge has been removed in favor of two layers of 52g canopy fabric. The bar feeling is direct, intuitive and has a clean setup. You will experience good speed control and traction even in strong winds and the new Bandit offers more boost and hang time, with the kite flying faster through the window during loops. For unhooked riding, the stability of the Bandit and its ability to fly close to the edge of the window enables better pop with progressive traction through the handle-pass moves.

TRUST

Best for…

BANDIT

Kite

TRUST

F-ONE’s fast freeride kite returns for 2016 – the Trust is a delta C-shape kite designed for all conditions and riders, with intuitive steering and predictable response.

In the high wind range, the Trust doesn’t pull laterally and can be placed higher into the wind, making upwind riding exceptionally comfortable and stable. Regulated power delivery means the kite is less likely to stall when underpowered, and when fully powered up the speed control allows for precision carving and a smoother ride though choppy conditions. The Trust’s Delta C-shape geometry allows for easy relaunch capabilities, with its Auto Relaunch system letting the Trust relaunch intuitively. The Trust is built with TECHNOFORCE™ Teijin and has new reinforcements and a more balanced distribution of the tensions across the canopy fabric. A series of arches in the leading edge improves stability and performance in the kite, while the one pump valves have also been improved. | 122

SIGNATURE

TRAX HRD CARBON SERIES

ACID HRD LITE TECH

DIABLO

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // F-ONE

123 |

DIABLO

The F-ONE Diablo is the foil made famous by team rider Maxine Nocher’s multiple wins around the racetrack, and is a highly developed foil kite, with fabrics and construction borrowed from high end paraglider production. When F-ONE decided to start the foil kite program it was because they were able to collaborate with a state of the art designer and factory from the paragliding industry. Gin Gliders Paragliding are a leading brand and the Diablo was designed by their main designer, Gin Seok Song, and then tested and developed by two previous paragliding world champions: GIN test pilot Hans Bollinger and the F-ONE designer Robert Graham.

They used advanced design and manufacturing technologies that have been acquired through many years of paragliding, and this experience enabled them to quickly build a kite that has already placed F-ONE team riders on the podium of international competitions. It’s quite difficult to quantify all of the design and construction features present in the Diablo, but when you fly the Diablo you can feel the passion, energy and knowledge that has gone into its development and production!

ACID HRD LITE TECH

The F-ONE Acid HRD is the ultimate new school kiteboard.

To meet the requirements of today’s freestyle, F-ONE have changed the construction, opting for a new type of wood to strengthen the impact zones and better absorb shocks while maintaining an optimum weight. Short and wide up to the tips, with extreme pop for better jumps and landings, its double concave prevents leg splash and absorbs vibrations.

The rocker line and bottom shape are designed to facilitate landing and give your body a lesser impact and the Acid HRD LITE TECH allows for sharp edging, great release and insane pop. The Acid is aimed at riders who are pulling low kite wakestyle moves and is all you need to excel in this area…

TRAX HRD CARBON SERIES

The Trax is F-ONE’s iconic twin tip. Acceleration is insane yet remains controllable in any circumstance and you can expect incredible drive, earlier planing and an even better upwind performance coupled together with a carbon construction for an ultralight feel and increased pop. The F-ONE Trax HRD Carbon works for you as it absorbs all vibrations instead of passing them onto your legs. It has astounding stability and precise edging. Its 3D bottom shape, composed of a double concave shape, lateral V and channels, makes this F-ONE’s fastest board. Having also recognized the trend for wider boards, F-ONE have also developed a special 42cm wide model made for freestyle, which is also a great board in light wind conditions.

SIGNATURE

The F-ONE Signature is compact, stable and responsive and works well in all wave conditions. 2016 sees the introduction of a new 5’8 model for increased turning agility, with the 5’10 remaining for the slightly larger ride or for big waves.

The Signature features F-ONE’s Camel Deck shape, in which the volume has been maximized through the middle section of the board, lessening toward the tail to keep the rear foot low for better control. The bottom of the Signature features a single concave in the front half, which evolves into a straight V at the fins. This provides a smoother run through chop with increased balance, while the V adds responsiveness. Rails are rounded and have a little more volume toward the nose, making the board more forgiving in tougher conditions. The Heel Shock Absorber on the deck makes for a softer ride and increases durability. The Signature boards come with a quad fin setup for maximum pivoting ability and great grip in aggressive carves.

| 124

125 |

GAASTRA

THE BRAND

Gaastra was one of the first watersport brands ever. It was established in 1897, and entered the scene as one of the first brands to kitesurfing in 2001. As holders of their own sailcloth factory, as well as kite and kite-accessory factories, Gaastra’s highest priority is the bulletproof quality you will find through all our product range. The success of Gaastra always was and will be the teamwork, and working with the best people in their areas. With their background and access to the factories and all different kinds of materials and manufacturing processes, Gaastra will always be pushing their different sports to their next level.

BRAND HQ

Gaastra´s heart are their own factories spread around Asia where new ideas are grown and people are working hard to realize new projects. Urs Hungerbühler is the “brain” behind Gaastra Kites, living half the year in Taiwan controlling the production process, and half the year in Tarifa in the south of Spain testing and developing. With Mario and Roy Rodwald, Gaastra is working with two big names in kiteboarding who started to put all their energy into the new face of Gaastra in 2015. As one of the big global players Gaastra has main distributions but also test centers across the world testing and developing right at the heart of this fantastic sport.

WHAT’S NEW

When Urs Hungerbühler extended the team with Mario and Roy Rodwald in 2015, Gaastra had to reinvent themselves to implement all the new ideas into the 2016 product range. With 4 totally redesigned kites in the range there is the perfect kite for every rider (Spark, Pure, Pact, Jet). There are also two bars adjustable in width and line lengths, as well as three waveboards (Sly, Flash and Solar) and 3 twin tip Boards (Watts, MR and Blend) which top off the most comprehensive Gaastra range ever. | 126

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // GAASTRA KITES

Freeride

3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Jet

Performance freeride

7, 9, 12, 15, 18

Pure

Wave / Freeride

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Pact

Wakestyle

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

PACT

Spark

SPARK

Sizes

JET

Best for‌

PURE

Kite

127 |

JET

The new Jet is all about high performance riding. The high performance profile delivers incredible upwind ability combined with a huge wind range. You want to be the first up and riding? This is your kite. You want to travel with very little gear due to the high end depower? This is your kite. The extremely light and strong five-strut construction ensures a long life and delivers very stable handling. Along with the improved performance, relaunch qualities have also been improved, although the kite’s real appeal lies in the highspeed profile which provides incredible hangtime and direct feedback.

PURE

For 2016 the Pure strikes with a completely redesigned crossover concept. The expanded C-Shape construction offers fast turning with precise and direct steering. This is why the Pure is the ultimate setup for ambitious freestyle and wave riders! Explosive and predictable pop combined with solid slack invites you to go bigger on your next move.

Furthermore the kite recovers quickly on big kitelooops in order to ensure a soft landing. Direct feedback and precise steering are equally important for unhooked tricks and perfectly timed cut backs and bottom turns. Then, no matter whether you are riding strapless or with straps, the good drift abilities of the Pure are essential for every wave rider. For 2016 Gaastra also enhanced the quick relaunch and the big wind range characteristics.

PACT

Uncompromising world class wakestyle is what the Pact is designed for. World class freestyler Mario Rodwald gave three essential qualities for the kite: perfectly predictable slack, massive but controllable pop, and precise bar feedback.

After a long process of testing and fine tuning, the Pact was created. The true C-Kite construction is equipped with five struts and a fifth line to hold the aggressive profile in shape.

Explosive horizontal kiteloops can be landed safely as the Pact quickly recovers to 12 o´clock. Additionally there is also an extra small 5th line wakestyle Bar in Gasstra’s range.

For best upwind, depower and big air characteristics use the freestyle setting, then use on slow and the wakestyle settings for maximum control on unhooked tricks…

SPARK

The Spark’s new lightweight three-strut construction ensures very stable flight characteristics and easy control. This means the Spark provides the rider with progressive bar pressure and direct feedback. Relaunch is extremely easy just by pulling one side of the bar. The kite is designed for all conditions and is characterized by its low-end and high depower abilities.

Fast reactions on steering impulses combined with an enormous amount of hangtime also make this a great kite for Big Air, and the Spark has predictable pop which invites advancing riders to really lift off. Then there is stable drifting while lines are slack ensuring perfect handling when wave riding. So the Spark is the ultimate crossover kite. | 128

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // GAASTRA BOARDS

Freestyle / Freeride

136, 139, 142

MR Signature

Freestyle

135, 138, 141

Blend

Freeride / Lightwind

135, 142, 148

Solar

Wave / Freeride

5’3

Flash

All-round surf

5’6, 5’8, 6’1

Sly

All-round surf

5’8, 6’4

129 |

SOLAR

Watts

BLEND

Sizes

MR SIGNATURE

Best for…

WATTS

Boards

WATTS

The Watts is defined by its double concave channel and wood core construction which make it the perfect crossover between freestyle and freeride. It not only has a huge range of uses but can handle a massive wind range. The wider tips and the double concave deliver incredible upwind abilities and early planing at the same time. The controlled pop is perfect for huge boosts but also suits unhooked tricks, and big controlled carves with some extra spray. A smooth but direct board with a huge range of uses.

MR SIGNATURE

The Rodwald Signature is a high performance freestyle board.

Together with 3 x European Champion Gaastra developed a premium construction that doesn´t cut back on anything. The wood core and carbon stringers minimize weight and deliver huge pop and direct feedback. Mario added an extra stringer throughout the whole top to prevent negative flex when riding in boots, and the board has several stance options to ensure you have one that suits you perfectly. The continuous rocker and the fiberglass construction absorb even the heaviest landings. Furthermore, the channel and concave construction allows you to ride smaller fins and provide maximum control on landings. Outline and rocker are designed to cut through chop smoothly. This is a board designed to take your riding to the next level.

BLEND

The Blend is the ultimate weapon for light winds. No matter if you want to be first when a light sea breeze kicks in or you want to blast through some moves on the lake this board provides super early planing. The wide tips, flat rocker and straight outline provide maximum upwind abilities, and the handling is easy and also suits beginners on their first time on the board. This is the perfect board to keep in your truck and guarantees a good session in any and all conditions.

SOLAR

The wider shape enables a rider who has just transitioned from a twin tip board to a directional to easily learn both tacks and jibes while it still feels like a true wave board to the pro rider. Designed to work well in clean or blown out surf this innovative board has a single to double concave planing surface with an ever so slight V tapered off in the tail section.

The 5 Futures fin boxes allow you to choose if you want to ride this board as a quad or thruster. While this design will work very well in the waves, its reduced rocker and longer flat section make it the perfect board for lakes. While its overall shape allows for radical turns it also is designed to get you going in light winds and will be just as fun to use on lakes as your primary bump and jump machine.

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131 |

OCEAN RODEO

THE BRAND

Originally started as a drysuit company in 2001, Ocean Rodeo quickly jumped into the kiting arena and has not looked back on either front since.

As the only Canadian brand in kiteboarding and based in the Pacific Northwest, our climate and conditions are extremely demanding.

As such, Ocean Rodeo provides a full line of performance inspired products, with an emphasis on safety, innovation, ease of use, and top tier quality.

Ocean Rodeo has a number of industry firsts to its credit, including the chicken loop’s push away release, flexible board construction, leashless board recovery, world’s first surfing drysuit, and captive zip self-donning drysuit technology.

We design, build, test, redesign, re-test, and re-think every product we make in order to ensure you the most performance-oriented wind and water experience.

BRAND HQ

Hailing from Victoria BC, Canada, our home shores are rugged.

There are few sandy beaches, with rocky log strewn landscapes being pounded with winter storms being more the norm. As such, our testing environments are harsh, and our products must endure it all.

Surfers, sailors, kiteboarders, windsurfers, kayakers, beach lovers, water lovers… We are waterfolk one and all. Our R&D happens all the time, we don’t really take breaks on this. Every one of us that’s able to use a product will test it, from sales, to designer, to CEO. We rarely get to use our finished products, as we are too busy testing and refining the next version. Everyone’s vehicles are full of prototypes!

WHAT’S NEW

We have a lot going on for 2016. Our Flite kites are getting lighter every year, pushing the boundaries for low wind LEI kiteboarding, and with the 17m being so fun, we decided to release the market’s largest pump to date with our ‘Big Pump’. Finally we will have a new board scheduled for release this spring to complement our hottest board of 2015, the Mako Duke. | 132

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // OCEAN RODEO BOARDS

Best for‌

Sizes

Mako Duke

Wave funboarding

165

Mako Twin Tip

Freeride

135, 140, 150, 165

LT-138

Freestyle

138

Origin

Freeride

142

Origin Lite

Light wind freeride

159

LT-138

MAKO TWIN TIP

MAKO DUKE

Board

133 |

MAKO DUKE

The Mako Duke makes history as kiteboarding’s first funboard, and is the result of four years R&D to create a new type of directional kiteboard. The deep concave allows the thruster fin setup to sit further back, creating a looser feel when pivoting the tail in slower speeds, and allowing for harder carves off the rail at higher speed. The concave also ensures the board travels fast and smoothly over chop with less friction at the nose, creating a more stable ride that is ideal for transitional footwork and landing tricks. Low rocker at the tail enhances switch possibilities. The Duke has a full EPS core with a biaxle fiber glass weave lamination and a “Rampart” skin for toughness and durability, completed with a full EVA grip deck on top. The Duke comes in at just over 3.5kgs.

LT-138

MAKO TWINTIP

Ocean Rodeo’s best selling freeride twintip, the Mako, has had a full rework and features a deep 18mm rail to rail concave that provides smooth, fast progress through chop and intensifies power in turns providing deep and dependable carving ability, which is aided by the rounded tips, tapered ABS down-turned rails and an engineered rocker line. The dependable rail makes boosting powerful and responsive.

The new generation Mako is thinner and lighter than its predecessors, with a rugged, snowboard-style construction and a strong wood core that gives a faster flex response, with a Duraclear top and bottom coating for enhanced durability.

The Mako 135 and 140 are ready to ride in conventional twintip mode while the 150 and 165 can be set up for twintip or Mutant-style riding. The Mako comes with contoured 3D EVA foot pads and new adjustable straps.

The LT-138 is built for professional, precise freestyle riding, and contains a carbon-reinforced wood core to compensate for heavy, aggressive riding in all manner of conditions. Full length bottom channels smooth out the chop while the 3 stage rocker system enhances the board’s load and pop. The LT-138 comes complete with fins, board hardware, pads and straps.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // OCEAN RODEO KITES AND KIT Sizes

Prodigy

Freeride/Wave

5, 7, 9.5, 12

Flite

High Performance Light Wind

8, 10, 12, 14.5, 17

Razor

Fast Freestyle

7, 8, 9, 10, 12

Storm

High wind, high performance

5

FLITE

Best for…

PRODIGY

Kite

PRODIGY

FLITE

The Flite is Ocean Rodeo’s high performance light wind kite, and this latest incarnation has had a significant weight reduction and redistribution after the R&D team reassessed every element of the kite construction in each weight class, without affecting the high end light wind performance and durability. This has led to each kite being uniquely tuned toward light wind performance. The larger sizes loop easily and maintain forward flight through lulls, while the smaller sizes deliver good freeride performance, snappier loops and solid vertical lift with significant hangtime.

BIG PUMP

The Ocean Rodeo Big Pump carries a 2.9L chamber capacity and a high airflow piston within the main body for easy inflate. A removable pressure cap allows for high capacity or high pressure, and there is a convertible single action valve which is designed to give double the PSI. The Big Pump also comes with a reliable pressure gauge, kite leash and three attachment fittings.

135 |

BIG PUMP

This is the 4th generation of Ocean Rodeo’s best selling freeride/wave kite, the Prodigy. It is their lightest model yet, and is built around a strong 3 strut design that works within a large wind range and maintains stability in tricky conditions. The short length bridles reduce the chance of bridle tangles while steering even when the kite is depowered, making difficult landing and launching easier to manage. The Prodigy’s Direct Depower System allows for an almost complete depower of your kite and is designed to fully roll over and disable your kite in the event of an eject or total depower. On-water reset and relaunch is engineered to be extremely user-friendly in all conditions. Power delivery is strong and dependable, and the kite is stable in the window when fully powered up. Boosts are powerful, simple and effective, with substantial hangtime and a gradual, ‘floaty’ landing. Variable line lengths allow the rider to adjust their lines from 10-25m, with shorter lines resulting in a direct, snappy feel and easier control, and longer line lengths delivering a larger power stroke and increased loft.

Best for…

Sizes

Heat

High Performance Heat Effiency

XS, S, M , MK, L, LK, XL, XLK, XXL, XXXL

Soul

Refined Technical Performance

XS, S, M , MK, L, LK, XL, XLK, XXL, XXXL

Ignite

Drysuit/Foul weather gear

XS, S, M , MK, L, LK, XL, XLK, XXL, XXXL

Boss

Boat operator safety drysuit/Foul weather gear

XS, S, M , MK, L, LK, XL, XLK, XXL, XXXL

HEAT

The HEAT is Ocean Rodeo’s high performance one-piece drysuit, created with VENTOR drysuit-specific material which is both waterproof and contains a salt-water resistant non-porous hydrophilic PU breathable membrane. It also features their own engineered Captive Zip1 design, which allows the wearer the ability of choosing “Full Drysuit” or “Stand-by” self entry modes, which are both attainable while wearing your PFD. Worn in Full Dry mode, the HEAT remains 100% dry and breathable. When unnecessary, Standby mode can be achieved by opening the T-zip Masterseal main dry zip and doffing the neck seal. With the outerjacket rezipped, the suit becomes a well-ventilated jacket and pants that offers full protection from the wind and rain. Critical areas are managed with an extra 200 Denier abrasion overlay. Other features are the outer chest pocket, adjustable and removable suspenders and Polytex UV resistant seals.

The HEAT is available with attached dry sock booties and Polytex UV resistant ankle seals.

SOUL

HEAT

Suit

SOUL

Ocean Rodeo’s original one-piece drysuit is both flexible and efficient, built using VENTOR Tri-Ply breathable, waterproof fabric which is salt-water resistant and highly durable, with a 200 Denier Nylon/Taslan abrasion layer and a DWR outer layer finish to repel water, while allowing sweat release from inside. The SOUL features their engineered Captive Zip1 design, which allows the wearer the ability of choosing “Full Drysuit” or “Stand-by” self entry modes, which are both attainable while wearing your PFD. The seals are built with Polytex UV resistant material, and the main and crotch relief zips are German-made T-zip Masterseal dry zips. The knees, buttocks and crotch have extra protection with 420 Denier abrasion-resistant overlays, and extra boot cuff overlays in the lower leg area. The SOUL also features warming hand pockets, inside jacket stash pocket, removable hood, adjustable and removable suspenders, reflective piping and is available with attached Polytex UV resistant ankle seals.

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OZONE 137 |

THE BRAND

Ozone are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of kites and paragliders, we are created around a small but dedicated team of passionate riders and pilots. The Ozone team share the same outstanding passion for nature, exciting sports and progress. The amount of research and testing carried out by our skilled team each year is more than your average kite company. Every single Ozone kite design is an original concept and is the result of extensive research. Whether it’s a high performance kite or a school kite, our test riders understand the rider’s needs in every aspect of the sport.

We pride ourselves with top of the line manufacturing in our own factory where we only use the highest quality materials suited to the job, just one of the many reasons to purchase an Ozone kite.

Although we think the most important reason is the “Ozone feeling” that we strive to cultivate in each kite model we design. This feeling sets our kites apart from the competition and it is this that has made Ozone famous and unique around the world.

BRAND HQ

Ozone is truly global with Team HQ members based in the UK, France, Spain and New Zealand. Our primary design base and home is Raglan, New Zealand, which is famous for its amazing left handers. Rob, Torrin, Dom, Matt, Nick and Andy – our graphic designer – are all based in Raglan. During the New Zealand winter months Rob, Torrin and Dom head to Mauritius for the ideal testing there and normally spend a month in the EU. So our designs are tested in all conditions and, most importantly, a wide range of locations from glamour conditions to the more ‘average’ places. So all of our kites are really put through their paces before being signed off for production. Then Iain and Hannes head up the management, sales and marketing from Barcelona and keep us well connected to the other side of the world.

WHAT’S NEW

We are all extremely excited for 2016. The hard work and effort we have put in over the last few years will really be evident for 2016.

The new range with all new kite models and our version strategy have been very well accepted already. The guys are working on some really exciting new products and kite designs so we are really looking forward to the development this year. We have recently released our brand new Enduro kite, which takes over where the Catalyst left off, while the Catalyst returns to its roots as a more beginner focused kite. | 138

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // OZONE KITES

Best for‌

Sizes

Catalyst V1

Entry Level

4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14

Uno

Training

2.5 / 4

Enduro

Versatile freeride

4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14

Reo

Waveriding

4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

C4

Freestyle

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

Edge

High performance freeride

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19

Zephyr

Light wind

17

Chrono V2

All round performance

7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18

R1

Race performance

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19

ENDURO

CATALYST V1

Kite

139 |

CATALYST V1

The Catalyst V1 is designed for entry level and intermediate riders. Ozone took a completely new approach towards this design to create a fun filled kite for new comers to progress to becoming solid intermediate riders. The Catalyst V1 has a unique Leading Edge arc and sweep shape, combined with a simple pulley-less bridle offering you freedom and flexibility on the water. It’s a confidence inspiring, fun and easy kite to ride that will make your progress in the sport fast, safe and enjoyable. If you drop your kite in the water the re-launch of the Catalyst V1 is simple and intuitive due to the unique shape of the leading edge. By turning the bar or using the Re-launch Balls on the leader lines, the kite will easily roll over into the re-launch position ready to take off from the water. The Catalyst V1 Release System features our proven Front Line Flag Out release, the same release system on the entire Ozone water kite range. When the Chickenloop is released the kite will flag out to one front line, immediately stopping all power delivery from the kite. The Catalyst V1 is constructed with quality proven Teijin D2 canopy material and Teijin Dacron providing a crisp feel and a strong kite.

ENDURO

The Enduro V1 design is inspired by the 2015 Catalyst which has been refined into this all-round kite improving performance for the intermediate to advanced rider looking for a kite that can really do it all. The Enduro V1 bridges the gap between Ozone’s range of kites, offering all the essentials for freeriding, freestyle and wave riding. It incorporates an Open-C shape and a swept arc, delivering a large wind range, direct response, intuitive handling, boost for jumping and drift in the waves. For freeriders whether you’re riding a twin tip, surfboard or foil board, the smooth power delivery, refined predictable handling and comprehensive de-power allows you to relax and enjoy the ride. In the waves, the handling, de-power and drift opens up a world of opportunity and for surf freestyle the progressive handling with smooth lift make spinning and airborne tricks easy to learn and land.

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ZEPHYR

CHRONO V2

C4

REO

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // OZONE KITES

141 |

REO

The Reo has been specifically designed for surfing waves with a kite. In its third version, the Reo V3 has become an iconic surf kite. The Reo V3 is the same kite design as the much loved Reo 2015 model, with fresh new colors and the new Contact-Water Control System with soft bar ends to help protect your surfboard against knocks from the bar. The Reo V3 is advanced in design yet simple to let you focus on surfing the wave. Versatile performance makes all conditions, from on-shore slop to cross-off barreling reef breaks, fun and easy.

The relatively low aspect kite design combined with fast direct handling generates consistent power to get around sections in a wave. Finely tuned profiles and wing shaping offer unmatched drifting characteristics - as you ride down the line the Reo will float allowing more concentration lining up the next section.

Hooked or un-hooked the Reo V3 performs – simply trim in with the de-power cleat before unhooking and the Reo V3 will fly and float with you down the line.

C4

The C4 is well known for its explosive pop and drop, boosting huge airs and massive kite loops. it meets top-level wakestyle and freestyle riders needs, while maintaining ease of use and control in all conditions. Now in its 6th design version, small refinements have been made, including adding a new 5-Line conversion option improving the kites unhooked characteristics for advanced riders. Refined canopy profiles aid kite stability, and the progressive forward-driving turn generates consistent power and lift while boosting airs and kite loops. When it comes to hitting kickers and sliders, the C4 V6 gives you confidence, providing a smooth predictable pull allowing you to focus on your line. As with all Ozone products, we pride ourselves with top of the line manufacturing in our own factory using the highest quality materials. The C4 V6 is constructed with quality proven Teijin D2 canopy material and Teijin Dacron providing a crisp feel and a strong kite.

ZEPHYR

The Zephyr is a ground breaking kite and is a lightwind kite that truly delivers both performance and handling. The Zephyr V4 brings fresh new colors and printing to the very popular 2015 design. New ultra-strong lightweight bladders have been incorporated which reduce weight and improve light wind performance even further with lighter steering and faster turns. Incorporating elements of the performance dominating Edge V8 along with the ease of previous model Zephyrs to fly and relaunch, the Zephyr V4 has a crisp powerful feeling and a direct positive bar feel, with instant power delivery and superior up-wind performance. There is no question that the Zephyr V4 will get you out there enjoying whatever aspect of kiting you prefer on the day. If you are looking for an all-round one-kite quiver and often ride in light winds, the Zephyr V4 is the kite for you.

CHRONO V2

The Chrono V2 is the ultimate all-round foil kite delivering outstanding performance on all surfaces – water, land or snow; covering all riding styles from freeride, light wind, boosting, foiling and racing. The design goal with the second version was to take the original Chrono’s high performance characteristics and make it easier to use for riders looking for all-round ability in any conditions on any surface. The Chrono V2 is more stable and easier to inflate; additionally this model has thicker sheathed Dyneema bridle lines to reduce tangles on the ground. Experienced riders will find themselves at home with the Chrono V2. On the water the Chrono V2 large sizes are light wind monsters with loads of power and are easy to jump and stable. Due to the abundance of power and efficiency, gaining upwind ground is easy and in light winds it is impressive how high and floaty jumps can be. When the wind picks up and you are looking for serious height the smaller sizes really shine.

| 142

SU 143 |

THE BRAND

The very first SU-2 kiteboard was produced in 1999. In those days the market was in its infancy. Unsure of which direction to go, it was a time of improvisation and experimentation. SU-2 tested lots of new designs and enjoyed surprising and unexpected effects. After a couple of years of challenging work, testing tons of various materials, SU-2 presented their first high-tech boards which are unique, complex and different from any other boards on the market. At first just hugely popular in Poland, SU-2 are now becoming recognized all around the world. The success of their boards was achieved with no marketing tricks. They have never advertised, and they decided that the best form of advertising is having positive opinions from satisfied customers. Once they ride them and like them, they become addicted to them. Then, they share this revelation with their friends. And it has been working like that – like a domino effect – for the last ten years.

BRAND HQ

Mariusz Karaźniewicz is the main inventor and designer of SU-2 Kiteboards: a true magician in the field and a walking encyclopedia of board design. He could give endless, fascinating lectures about the boards’ construction, technology and the best materials to use. He keeps improving his models, designing new projects, and personally testing their use in the most extreme conditions. He is a perfectionist and always tries to reach the ideal. He constantly wants better and more – even when he has already created a true masterpiece. For the distinctive artwork, Mateusz Obarek is the design head and project team manager in SU-2 Kiteboards. He is famous for his uncompromising approach to art and has been building brand and company images for years.

WHAT’S NEW

The new Kitebird collection of boards unites the functionality of equipment with the finest art. The design increases the emotions every kitesurfing enthusiast is so dependent on. Then in all of their boards, SU-2 have the Hyberbolic Paraboid Concave – HPC – a bottom shape which minimizes the drag and improves speed, durability, and upwind and lightwind performance. The bottom looks like a flat Pringles crisp or a saddle. The concave is deeper than other boards; the SU-2 average concave is 5mm but in the case of big boards it might reach 8mm… Then at the spine of SU-2 boards is a hybrid center core. Depending on required stiffness and flex they use different materials including oriental wood, carbon and glass. SU-2 have also now released their new Hydro 2 Foil which brings the ultimate foiling experience to this incredibly addictive discipline. | 144

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // SU2 BOARDS Boards

Best for…

Sizes

Grand Kitebird

Lightwind / Freeride

148, 158, 168

Big Kitebird

Freestyle / Freeride

140, 145, 150, 155

Pro Kitebird

Freestyle / Freeride

134, 138, 142, 146

Kitebird CL

Freestyle

132, 136, 140, 144

Kitebird 3D

Freestyle

132, 136, 140, 144

Bigfoot Yeti

Lightwind / Freeride

148, 158, 168

Bigfoot

Lightwind / Freeride

140, 145, 150, 155

Prorider 3D

Freestyle/ Freeride

132, 136, 140, 144

Prorider CL

Freestyle/ Freeride

132, 136, 140, 144

Proseries

Freestyle/ Freeride

134, 138, 142, 146

HYDRO 2 FOIL

HYDRO 2 FOIL

With a carbon mast and incredibly high end production values, the Hydro 2 is a top-end foil. It’s perfect for this new dimension of kitesurfing accompanied by unlimited freedom.

A foilboard allows you to ride wherever you wish, with no limits and no care for gravity, no matter if you are upwind or downwind. The Hydro 2 is the perfect foil to experience the true foiling feeling on…

145 |

GRANDBIRD SPLIT

A revolutionary new 3-part splittable board that ensures maximum pleasure at minimum effort. The Grandbird Split can easily be packed down and offers incredible fun in lights winds, as well as enabling you to easily travel on an airplane without incurring additional charges. So easy traveling, easy riding, and a revolutionary new split system.

What’s not to like?

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // SU2 BOARDS

BIG KITEBIRD

A legendary SU-2 model. Today it amazes everybody the same way it did when it first arrived on the market.

It is ideal for training: for both beginner kitesurfers as well as lightwind and heavier freestyle enthusiasts, it caters for all needs. The big surface ensures stability, and the modern shape brings comfortable riding and easy jumping. It is fun to ride, even in the lightest of wind and is incredibly light and maneuverable.

KITEBIRD CL

This board ensures extreme emotions and unlimited possibilities. It is dedicated to riders in foot straps and is ideal for newschool maneuvers. It is light and stable but easy for jumping and it offers great pop.

It enables quick responses and really high jumps, and every single detail has been designed for rough, aggressive performance. This design will help you discover a new dimension of kitesurfing.

KITEBIRD 3D

An ideal board for perfecting one’s skills and mastering subsequent levels of competence, the Kitebird 3D caters for beginner and intermediate users’ needs. Although it’s light and has excellent ability to jump, it ensures stability in every condition and offers great pop. It is also very fast upwind and is ideal for those who love to keep their kite low and ride in boots.

PRORIDER 3D

The Prorider 3D is a flagship SU-2 product with a great reputation. This is the best board for beginner and intermediate riders, thanks to its accessible credentials. The board is very forgiving and helps intermediate riders to develop and to polish their skills and help take their riding to the next level. It is characterized by high maneuverability and medium pop, and is recommended for all those who want to begin their adventure with a kite...

PROSERIES

This board is constructed to match the expectations of the broadest possible group of riders. It is designed both for freeride and for freestyle and ensures that you maintain full control at high speed and during all maneuvers. Its outline, rocker and stiffness provide everything you need for all conditions and it is a perfect fit for the beginner or intermediate rider and is guaranteed to ensure huge progress whatever your level.

147 |

MODERN LINE

KITEBOARD LINE

| 148

ZEEKO 149 |

THE BRAND

The Zeeko Kiteboarding company is run by founder and director, Nicolas Caillou, who learnt to kiteboard in 1998. Following his previous position as the Brand Manager to one of the biggest kiteboarding companies in the world, he left in 2008 to start up his own brand, and Zeeko Kites was born. Involving himself heavily in both the R&D and marketing processes, Nicolas professes to have just the one goal: to create and develop the most performance-oriented, most reliable, and the most fun kites to ride on the planet. With Nicolas’s PhD in mathematical model analysis combined with his high level of kiteboarding expertise (he’s a former French Racing Champion), Nicolas is aiming to develop products at the very highest level of the sport, from freestyle to racing. He is almost certainly one of the most experienced rider/kite designers in the world, giving him the appetite and the position to push both himself and the limits of the Zeeko products.

BRAND HQ

Zeeko Kiteboarding is based in the South of France, where the winds compete with some of the best and the strongest in the world. All the Zeeko R&D is based around Montpellier, and all the products are designed and tested by Nicolas himself in strong, gusty wind spots such as Leucate, or in steadier winds such as those at Beauduc, Camargue (arguably one of the most famous French kiteboarding spots there is). There is also a strong Zeeko test team composed of freestylers, racers, hydrofoilers and waveriders, who travel the world year round, testing and validating the gear as they go. Tests are performed on the gear almost every day, and the team test around 70 prototype kites a year, and approximately 50 boards per year.

WHAT’S NEW

For 2016, all the Zeeko inflatable kites use Double Ripstop Teijin cloth, while the 2016 Notus REV is the perfect allrounder kite of the new range. Also for this year, Zeeko have increased their product range by introducing a full range of boards (twin tips, surfboards, hydrofoil) as well as a full range of kites: the Notus Rev, the Notus AIR dedicated hydrofoil and the Helios, a foil kite/hydrofoil that is dedicated to racing…

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // ZEEKO KITES

Best for…

Sizes

Notus REV

Freeride, Freestyle, Wave

4, 5.5, 7, 9, 10, 12

Notus AIR

Freeride, Hydrofoil

8, 12

Helios

Dedicated Hydrofoil

8, 10, 13, 18

NOTUS AIR

HELIOS

NOTUS REV

Kites

151 |

NOTUS REV

Zeeko’s Notus REV 2016 retains its ultra-freestyle spot in the market with the latest incarnation, combining high performance freestyle/freeride, wave riding and hangtime.

Following the revolution of the 2015 Notus REV Zeeko worked to improve the lifetime and strength of the kite.

This has been achieved using new reinforced struts and a Double Ripstop Teijin fabric, making the kite more durable and rigid (and 30% more tear resistant than before), all while keeping the Notus REV at the same optimum weight, but with increased responsivity. The 12m has been created as an optimized light wind practice kite, while the other sizes retain their own individual characteristics.

HELIOS

The Helios foil-racing kite is built for one thing and one thing only: winning. This high performance foil kite has been in the R&D process for two years, and Zeeko have now released details… The Zeeko Helios combines durability with high tech performance attributes, and is built with 49 individual cells and bombproof construction. It is built to be easily relaunchable and easy to handle.

NOTUS AIR

The 2016 Notus AIR kite is a brand new kite straight from the R&D department of Zeeko. The hydrofoil concept is booming, and Zeeko, pioneers in the carbon and alloy hydrofoil building, introduce a new kite that is 100% hydrofoil dedicated. This new riding experience, described as ‘riding on a flying carpet’, enables you to ride in very light winds (less than 10knots) and at very high speeds. Also, riding in super light wind requires the development of kites that are as light as a feather, designed to have a very wide wind window. The Notus AIR is born… It has a single strut, lightweight reinforcements, and the profile is designed to give the best glide in the air. The kite is optimized to ride with or without 8m extension lines, perfect for very light wind experiences. Riding with the 8m extension lines increases the power to the equivalent of riding a kite that is 3m bigger.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // ZEEKO BOARDS

Best for…

Sizes

Bhoot Twin Tips

Freestyle / Freeride

134, 135, 137

Slash Surf Boards

Strapless Freestyle / Wave

5’2, 5’4

153 |

FREERIDE CARBON FOIL

ALLOY FOIL

SLASH

BHOOT

Kites

BHOOT

The Bhoot, the freestyle/freeride board range by Zeeko, reaffirms its versatility for 2016. Zeeko have kept the same three sizes from the previous generation – distinguished by the rider’s weight and riding style – and the construction was improved. Thanks to its unique shape and high performance technology, the Bhoot allows plenty of progressional riding in both freestyle or freeride. The new construction of the Bhoot range, as well as featuring a new 3D top deck which allows for precision launches and comfort through choppy conditions, is now built with a solid, 100% wood core, giving it a the perfect ratio of durability to light weight construction.

SLASH

Zeeko Kites presents the second generation of its World Wave Board, ideal for beginners through to professionals.

Built for strapless freestyle and wave riding, the new Slash boards come with a squared-off nose, which gives the boards more stability with a better distributed volume as the rider is more centered, as well as making it far more travel-friendly.

The Slash range has a progressive rocker to add extra control in the waves. The bottom channels are in place to facilitate blind landings, and the top channels give extra grip for board grabs and other freestyle trickery. And – if that wasn’t enough – it also double as a foil board…

FREERIDE CARBON FOIL

This is the third generation of Zeeko’s hydrofoils and shows the evolution as a result of Zeeko’s exhaustive R&D and vast amounts of experience in foil production. There is a carbon mast and carbon fuselage which is 25% more rigid due to its design. It is also available with 3 different front wings to suit Racing; Wave/Freeride/Beginner and Speed/Jumps. There is also an adjustable yaw effect to tailor the foil to your precise requirements as you are learning or depending on what you are using the foil for, and the foil is also developed and built 100% in the EU.

ALLOY FOIL

The R&D Zeeko department designed a brand new foil in the 2015 range: an alloy foil at a remarkable price point designed to complement the carbon series. The front and back wings of the alloy foil are inspired by the shape of the Carbon Series, allowing you to increase the performance by simply changing mast and fuselage. The alloy foil has very good speed potential, thanks to its stability, and is highly scalable, so you will learn to foil and improve without being limited by its performance. The alloy foil is fully removable and comes with a strengthened case which protects each element of the foil and allows for easy storage and transportation.

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155 |

FLYSURFER

THE BRAND

Flysurfer Kiteboarding, a brand of Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG, is based in Marquartstein, Germany. Since 2001 innovative and high quality products for kite sports have been developed, produced and distributed through a service orientated reseller network worldwide.

Flysurfer has a unique kite and kiteboard product portfolio mix which consists of several different technologies: closed-cell, opencell and single-skin foil kites, as well as inflatable kites. They also have an innovative approach to kiteboard development. Whether you kite on land, snow or water, irrelevant of style, age, wind and weather conditions – once you are touched by our fascinating sport, you just want to kite every day.

BRAND HQ

Flysurfer develop three brands: Skywalk Paragliders, Flysurfer Kiteboarding and X-Gloo Inflatable Event Equipment. Kite and board testing is done on mountains, land and local lakes, as well as on the Mediterranean and in the North Sea. And by their riders who travel all over the world…

WHAT’S NEW

After successfully releasing their newest high performance addition to their LEI range last year with the BOOST, Flysurfer are not sitting still. They have just released the SPEED5, the latest chapter in the ten year success story that is the SPEED, a closedcell foilkite for Big Air and hangtime, which is the ultimate allround performance kite for water, land and snow. Then there is the SONIC-FR, a pure racing machine, with unmatched performance, upwind angle and speed, but still in a package that is easy to handle for expert riders, and finally the PEAK2, Flysurfer’s single skin technology depower kite. This is not meant for water, but for land and snow use. It is a kite which does not have a bottom sail but still has depower and is therefore extremely light and flies in the lightest breeze, creating new possibilities for kitesports, and opening up new areas through allowing kiteschools to teach on very light days.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // FLYSURFER KITES

Sizes

Sonic-FR

Racing

9, 11, 15, 18

SPEED5

All-round

6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21

Speed4 Lotus

All-round performance

6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 21

Viron2

Training

2.5, 4, 6, 8

Peak2

Single-skin versatility

4, 6, 9, 12

Boost

High performance

7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18

Cronix

All-round

6, 8, 10, 12

SONIC FR

PEAK2

SPEED5

Best for‌

BOOST

Kite

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BOOST

The BOOST convinces with simplicity and is Flysurfer’s high performance L.E.I kite. Designed with double 3D shaping and pre-tensioning technology it is built for everyone. Whether you love massive airs or high paced racing. Aeronautic engineer Andreas Hanrieder did extensive research and testing using modern CFD simulation programs to build this super-efficient kite. The BOOST is your L.E.I rocket waiting for take-off. Airstyle, big air, max-speed or megaloops, do whatever you want and set new limits. You can also get the most fun out of your light wind sessions with the LW-Editions. Their weight reduction, higher aspect ratio, unmatched relaunch abilities and adaptive airfoils will give you a unique advantage on those lighter days.

SONIC FR

The SONIC Full Race is optimized for competition with merciless performance on all terrains (Water, Land and Snow). The sheer force of this pure racing machine gives you speed thrills, goosebumps and more, with the kite cutting through air at angles into the wind never seen before. It also offers the most extreme lift and hangtime any Flysurfer kite has ever delivered, now combined with sophisticated handling, in a unique super high aspect- ratio, closed-cell ram-air foilkite. Only the best and most optimized fabrics have been used to achieve maximum performance, minimum weight and incredible stability.

SPEED5

The SPEED5 is the ultimate kite system for the highest allround performance on any terrain and for every ability level.

The SPEED5 is a true multi-talent on the water. This big-air and hang time giant also appeals due to its characteristics as a chilled cruiser and a simple re-launcher. On land, the SPEED5 is the first choice for freestyle kite land boarders and buggy-kiters. The strong material and its robust construction is ideal even for your roughest sessions. The SPEED5 is also a safe companion for snow kiting. Even in gusty conditions its stability and reliable performance ensures pure stoke.

PEAK2

The Flysurfer Kiteboarding R&D team always tries to give kitesports more variety. It was through allowing themselves the room and opportunity to achieve truly innovative products that they created the first Single-Skin kite. For years Reinhart Paelinck worked to achieve his dream to build the world’s most versatile kite. Flysurfer had high expectations to improve this unique product even more – and they knew it could be achieved through combining the expert knowledge of their paragliding and foil-kite development team. Now, with the PEAK2, Reinhart and Flysurfer have made the next leap forward. The PEAK2 has unmatched low-end, enhanced stability and even more performance – but it still comes in a lighter and smaller package!

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PETER LYNN

THE BRAND

Our mission is to make all kite disciplines accessible and enjoyable for everyone. At Peter Lynn we are kiteflyers at heart, and have been for over four decades, which makes us the oldest and most trusted kite brand in the world. Peter Lynn himself (born 1946) is a New Zealand kitemaker, engineer and inventor and is renowned for the invention and for the popularization of kite sports. He is considered to be one of the founding fathers of power kiting and kitesurfing.

Peter Lynn Kiteboarding is owned and operated by the Netherlands based holding company Vliegerop BV; an international company active in fun and extreme sports. At Peter Lynn Kiteboarding we have our own development team, with dedicated designers for both water and land kites, and with international sales and marketing based in the Netherlands. Peter Lynn entered the LEI market in 2011 with two dedicated kiteboarding kites after several years of development and showed the kiting industry that 40 years of experience really means something. By the end of 2012 the second generation of Escape and Fury were introduced, with both kites being further refined. At the end of 2013 a third kite was released, the Swell. This completed the range and reviews by international magazines have been nothing short of stellar.

At Peter Lynn we take pride in our strong Dutch belief in honest, uncompromised and no-nonsense products. A belief that ensures we solely use the best possible materials and innovative construction methods, in order to deliver only products that meet the highest quality standards in every aspect. Peter Lynn Kites are only released when we feel that they offer a significant improvement over previous models. We refrain from launching new products each year that do not express our vision of innovative and cutting edge kite design. Our kites are thoroughly tested in a variety of conditions on different surfaces all over the world and scrutinized in every aspect by the most demanding riders.

WHAT’S NEW

For 2016 we launched an entire new range of kites. This range has all been renewed and redesigned – these kites did not only just received just a new color. Many kiters are influenced by today’s kite brand marketing which blurs the real knowledge about kites and can leave many kiters not very well informed. We were really satisfied with the improved performance of the previous generation Escapes so we took a good look at how we could improve upon this shape and design. We decided to focus on the “nose” of the kite design to maximize its poppy freestyle performance. This focus resulted in a kite that enables you to pop harder and boost bigger, and gives you more time to get those tricks perfected.

The 2016 Fury is a total redesign of the kite. We started from the ground up with a completely new shape and canopy profile. Of course the design goal of the Fury was maintained: a fast, stable and hard performance machine for those who go big and with speed! We spend a lot of attention on keeping the kite predictable and stable while still remaining able to deliver insane airtime at just a bar pull away. Then we will also be launching a complete redesign of the Swell. Beyond that we are working hard on numerous projects as well so we will have plenty of surprises over the coming months. | 160

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // PETER LYNN KITES

Kite

Best for…

Sizes

Swell

Wave and freeride

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

Escape

Freestyle and wakestyle

5, 7, 9, 11, 13

Fury

High performance freeride and speed

6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17

ESCAPE

SWELL V2

SWELL V2

The Swell is a wave and freeride kite that excels in all conditions, good or bad. It is more than a wave specific kite – the Swell has great low end power and great upwind drive. Its well-balanced 3 strut design and responsive handling also makes it an extremely fun freeride option, more than capable of handling kiteloops, big boosts and smooth landings. By combining great stability with fast turning and smooth drift, the Swell delivers all the characteristics you need to focus on carving up the face and slashing the lip. The Swell´s specially designed shape allows it to be flown at a higher angle of attack (powered up), and gives it superb low end power and an incredible high end range. By using a 3 point cascading bridle with a single low friction ring the Swell offers the best of two worlds: quick turning and a huge depower range.

ESCAPE

The Escape is made to make you look good, the Escape makes it easy to bust out your most radical moves. Aimed at ambitious riders who want a kite that pops hard and boosts big, the Escape is the ultimate freeride / freestyle machine that delivers its power in an intuitive and reliable way. Every kite session should inspire you to push your riding while having a blast on the water, and the Escape gives you the ability to progress with success.You can decide: fly it smooth for a lazy afternoon sesh, or whip it around for some blistering freestyle action. The kite’s stability, direct handling and controllable performance all contribute to the feeling of trust and safety when pushing yourself to the next level.

FURY

FURY

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The 2016 Fury is built for those who go big and ride hard. But most of all it is built to provide you with everything you need to have mind blowing sessions every time you go out to play. It is built with maximum performance in mind, and this fantastic piece of engineering will maximize your jumps, provide you with massive airtime, have you screaming upwind and makes you ride at teeth grinding speeds. All of this insane performance is delivered in an easy, predictable and reliable way so that you will always feel in total control. Then the extremely rigid 5-strut frame combined with its high Aspect Ratio and high performance profile, also make it the perfect tool for boosting big air.

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MYSTIC

THE BRAND

The Mystic journey started in 2002. A group of kiteboarders and windsurfers who loved everything in the extreme wanted to go after strong winds and bigger waves in harsher conditions. Passionate as they were about kiteboarding and windsurfing they felt that the majority of the existing equipment on the market was holding them back, so they decided to break out on their own and fill the gap. They set out to create kite and windsurfing equipment that was durable and able to support a rider in extreme conditions allowing the rider to go harder, faster, higher.

At Mystic we now have a team of 40 people working for the brand, creating products for everyone who is as passionate about the sports as themselves.

BRAND HQ

Mystic HQ is based in the Netherlands in a little town called Katwijk, close to the Dutch coast. Perfectly located relatively close to the harbor of Rotterdam and very central in the business district of the Netherlands.

At Mystic we pay close attention to all the small details. All components of all processes are performed at the head office. From designing the new clothing collection, the latest technical developments, making all media / marketing communications, shipping our goods all over the world, everything is controlled from our headquarters in Katwijk.

Products are tested by our development team here in the Netherlands, no better place to test the warmth of a new wetsuit than in the cold North Sea. Also our products are tested by our team riders all over the world. Some team riders are very closely involved in creating new products. Their knowledge on what they need on the water and the technical knowledge of the designers combined make the great products we have...

WHAT’S NEW

We have lots of new exciting things going on for 2016. We bring a whole new clothing collection, fit for on the water, on the beach and everything in between. New colors, new fits, perfect for the coming summer season.

As for the technical items, we have a few surprises in stock this year. We will bring a completely new harness into the market, the Legend. A super lightweight harness made out of one layer and special material for an extremely comfort feel. Next to that our wetsuit range has been updated with lots of new colors and designs for the summer. Then we have many new signature products, developed together with our team riders. Also we bring a top notch SUP collection, very technically designed and specially engineered to fit different weather types. | 164

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // MYSTIC KIT

Two years in the making, the Legend is a single layer harness all new to the Mystic line up. At its core is an entirely new and unique Mystic Concept – the Flymould. Think of a traditional harness, then throw away all of the various layers and combine them into one single piece. This is a one-of-akind harness which combines simplicity together with a new construction method to completely prevent complete water absorption... The Mystic R&D team developed the material with the ideal density to give perfect body grip with or without a wetsuit, and this minimalistic approach makes the Flymould a revolutionary step in the world of kite harnesses!

MAJESTIC HARNESS

LEGEND HARNESS

LEGEND HARNESS

DIVA BRUNA KAJIYA HARNESS

The special Bruna Kajiya version of the Diva harness is the ultimate harness for female riders. With a specialized female shape in the anatomical backplate, and soft edging, it’s the perfect fit for the female body. It features double power leash rings, battle belt waist closure and comes in a unique Bruna Kajiya colorway.

MAJESTIC HARNESS

The Majestic harness is Mystic’s flagship, multi-use harness – the best in their range of waist harnesses. It’s loaded with excellent features and the latest technologies, including a memory foam back panel, for extra comfort and a personal fit. The pre-shaped nature of the harness grips your waist, providing the ultimate hold and unbeatable support. Mystic harnesses do not ride up, and the spreader down system is just one area that stops this happening.

The voltage series has been developed for riders who wants to wear a suit with a clean and sophisticated look. It’s packed with a lot of nice features and the tone on tone color combination makes it a beautiful wetsuit. The suit is made of full M-Flex neoprene, is 100% glued and blind stitched, and the front zip construction provides easy entry.

MYSTIC PONCHO

The new Mystic poncho is made from terry fabric, and has a large hood and wide arm openings. It’s water absorbent and features a small front pocket and the embroidered Mystic logo. It comes in four separate colorways.

DIVA LONGARM SHORTY

Perfect for those days when the air’s a bit chillier in the morning and when you want to keep the sun off in the afternoon, the Diva Longarm short is built from 100% M-Flec Neoprene, is 100% GBS and has a Glideskin thin neck construction.

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DIVA BRUNA KAJIYA HARNESS

VOLTAGE 2/2 FULLSUIT

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DIVA LONGARM SHORTY

MYSTIC PONCHO

VOLTAGE 2/2 FULLSUIT

SHADES SWEAT

FORT TEE

SINGLET

SHADES SWEAT

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // MYSTIC APPAREL

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ION 169 |

THE BRAND

ION is a brand run by passionate people, whose big love has always been watersports. Launched back in 2004, ION focused on wetsuits and neoprene products for the international windsurf, kitesurf, surf, SUP and wakeboard scene. The product range also includes accessories, harnesses, travel gear and an apparel collection. ION’s unique combination of high quality products wrapped in a progressive style and design has found fans all over the world – and ION have become a major global player for wetsuits and harnesses in the wind and kitesurf world.

In late 2012, ION took the same approach to the world of bikes, and launched a separate bike division with functional cycling gear, clothing, accessories, gloves and protection.

Looking back on ION’s quite short history, it is fair to assume that the future won’t be boring …

BRAND HQ

ION is part of Boards&More – a leading company for windsurfing, kitesurfing and SUP equipment. The B&M offices are in Austria and Germany and comprises a core bunch of passionate kiteboarders alongside the business professionals. The marketing and product development for ION as well as for NKB, Fanatic and North sails are based in Oberhaching, Munich and their products are tested by dedicated watermen and women all over the world.

WHAT’S NEW

ION have continued to innovate and develop their ever expanding range of top quality products designed to meet all of the needs of the kiteboarding community.

Their wetsuits have seen improvements every year and now benefit from their new Plasma Plush lining, as well as their Quick Dry lining. Power Seams ensure improved stretch and durability and the new Ninja Spine offers even more movement… With their harnesses, the new Wire Tec technology is proving revolutionary in helping to distribute the load around the whole back and ensure maximum comfort and longer sessions.

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BRAND GUIDE 2016 // ION WETSUITS AND HARNESSES

ONYX AMP

STRIKE SELECT

The Strike Select is the Don of high-tech wetsuits. Shred in style, crash in comfort and revel in the luxury of Plasma Plush lining and the brand new Water Gate 3D construction. The larger Single Lined back panel results in outstanding freedom of movement, while the Power Seam gives great stretch and protection of the seam for a longer lifespan. Having completely overhauled the panel layout with less seams, ION promise more warmth and stretch than ever before.

ONYX AMP

A modern twist on the timeless classic, the ONYX AMP takes on a mélange of contrasting colors and a zipless style on selected models. The combination of our renowned Hot Stuff lining and new Ninja Spine makes this suit the perfect blend of quality, comfort and protection. With improved positioning of the chest zip on the zipped version and additional tape sealing on the inside, this is a suit with a lot of swagger, but it’s up to you to do the performing.

ISIS AMP

APEX SELECT

Get ready to sink into the cushiest harness ever created. The Apex Select features new technology and innovation to further enhance its performance.

The new Wire Tec disperses direct pressure points, while the X-Spine has been reworked to complement its overall function.

STRIKE SELECT

The ultimate suit for surf chicks with a shed load of flow, the front zip creates a stylish vibe while the sophisticated panel layout completes the smooth Isis Amp. High-tech features – including the new and reduced Single Seam in the lower leg – give mind blowing freedom of movement. Durable and warm, you’ll fall in love with this suit the moment you touch the water.

HUMMER HADLOW

ION took the legendary Hummer and finely tuned it for competition riders.

5 time World Champion Aaron Hadlow has high demands and specific needs to suit his powerful freestyle riding style. Another must have is uncompromising support, which is accomplished via the Support Setup feature. Radical moves need a radical design.

This is a harness aimed at freestyle trick masters such as Airton Cozzolino.

Thanks to the Downforce feature, the Madtrixx is also well suited to waveriding fanatics as it doesn’t ride up. The new Neo Belt and refined outline provide huge freedom of movement, whilst the Cross Link feature ensures a comfortable and effective load distribution across the back.

NOVA DIAMOND

The Nova Diamond incorporates high tech features, it’s easy to use and highly effective when it comes to support. The new Wire Tec disperses direct pressure points, the X-Spine has been reworked to complement its overall function, whilst the outline is designed specifically for women.

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ISIS AMP

MADTRIXX

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APEX SELECT

NOVA DIAMOND

MADTRIXX

HUMMER HADLOW

VECTOR VEST

The Vector Impact Vest reflects the specific needs of kitesurfers, offering excellent protection in all the places where it is needed, ensuring optimum protection for progressive kiters. There is segmented padding to ensure that you have protection where you need it most and you can go into your toughest moves with maximum commitment.

MAGMA BOOTS

ION’s Magma boots have all the features you need to keep you extremities warm through the winter months. The external split ensures a precise fit while, with the Segmented Sole, creative and strategic cuttings have been integrated into the sole to enhance the flexibility in critical areas of the foot.

GEARBAG TEC GOLF BAG

Just the ticket to squeeze you past check-in at the airport, the Gearbag Tec golf bag is feature packed with space for a minimum of 1 twin tip board and 3 kites, and of course there’ll be space left over for boardies or bikinis so you have all you need for a trouble free trip away.

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LACE ZEISS

ION MAIDEN CAP

GEARBAG TEC GOLF BAG

VECTOR VEST

MAGMA BOOTS

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // ION ACCESSORIES

ION MAIDEN CAP

Not just a clever play on words, the ION Maiden cap is a top quality A-Frame Snapback cap with a premium fit which is guaranteed to bring you plenty of kudos as well as functionality…

LACE ZEISS

These quality sunnies are built from top tech materials such as Grilamid TR 90 for the frame, which is an exceedingly light and durable plastic that will maintain its shape under all temperature changes, and ZEISS lenses which are made in Italy by the legendary experts at Carl Zeiss Vision Sunlens, the company that pioneered high-performance optics back in 1846. Keeping your eyes safe and you looking cool…

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RIDE ENGINE

THE BRAND

Ride Engine is a grassroots brand founded three years ago by waterman Coleman Buckley. Fresh out of college, a 27-year-old Buckley quickly turned his attention from the schoolbooks of Stanford to the wind and waves of Santa Cruz. As an avid tinkerer, Coleman began dissecting and modifying kiteboarding harnesses in an attempt to make them more comfortable and functional for the surf-heavy style of kiting he and his friends were enamored with. After a great deal of experimenting, testing and collaboration, a completely unique custom-shaped hard-shell harness emerged, and Ride Engine was born. Word of this game-changing new harness spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before Buckley was consumed with simply keeping up with orders in his makeshift production facility. In 2015, Buckley and Ride Engine joined forces with 7 Nation, an umbrella company that was able to provide the additional resources needed to refine the Armor harness, expand to other products and introduce the brand to the world. Several versions of the first production Armor Harnesses were released in 2015 and a full line of men’s and women’s wetsuits hit shelves in early 2016.

BRAND HQ

Ride Engine’s core research, development and testing operates out of Santa Cruz, where Buckley and many of his original collaborators call home base. With Mother Nature’s greatest playground – the mighty Pacific Ocean – just a stone’s throw away, R&D is more of a lifestyle than it is a duty for the Ride Engine crew. Additionally, as such a new brand, a good deal of product testing also occurs in the field, all over the world, by the crew of talented Ride Engine team riders. There’s really no better way to develop bomber gear than to put it in the hands of the best athletes in the world and cut them loose. As a 7 Nation subsidiary, the business end of Ride Engine is headquartered in Hood River, Oregon.

WHAT’S NEW

With Ride Engine, the better question is: what isn’t new? They launched three versions of their first production harnesses in the second half of 2015, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. At the same time the harness was making its way around the world, they were polishing the final details on their first lineup of high-end limestone-based neoprene wetsuits, which launched in early 2016. Now, as those suits are beginning to appear on lakes, beaches and breaks across the globe, they’re working on the final touches of a full line of travel and accessory bags, and on a line of wake vests, all of which will be released late this year.

Lastly, while they’re still busy introducing the Armor harness and educating people about its unique features and benefits, they are also busy working on next year’s model which promises further innovations... Things are happening fast for Ride Engine and, as their motto says, they are always working hard to enable you to “ENJOY THE RIDE.” | 176

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BAMBOO FOREST ELITE

REBSTOCK PRO TEAM SERIES

HEX CORE SERIES

APOC 3/2 FRONT ZIP FULL

APOC 2/2 LONGSLEEVE SHORTY

ELARA 4/3 BACK ZIP FULL

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // RIDE ENGINE APPAREL

ELARA 4/3 BACK ZIP FULL

Designed and built with superior warmth and comfort in mind, the women’s specific Elara series features all of the same high-end materials and construction as Ride Engine’s male suits, but with an attractive splash of color and style to set it apart. The Elara’s easy-entry back zip design comes in two thicknesses, 4/3 and 3/2, with both thickest at the core and tapered at the extremities to balance warmth and flexibility where they are needed most. Both versions feature an interior liner of plush Poly Fleece to help retain body heat and minimize water absorption. The 4/3 is extensively lined with this material, in the front and back core and the entire midsection, while the 3/2 is lined exclusively in the front chest panel for core warmth.

APOC 2/2 LONGSLEEVE SHORTY

The 2/2 Apoc long sleeve shorty is perfect as a shoulderseason suit or to add a little extra protection and flotation during your long summer sessions. This is a suit you’ll hardly know you’re wearing - it’s comfortable, light and extremely flexible. The front-zip closure and neck gasket keeps water out and provides low-profile entry/exit while allowing for a zipper-free back panel.

APOC 3/2 FRONT ZIP FULL

Ride Engine developed the Apoc series with close collaboration from athletes who know exactly what they want, and need, from their equipment. Ranging from our warmest suit, the fully-sealed, fleece-lined, Apoc 5/4, to our sealed 4/3 and 3/2 full suits and 2m shortys, the Apoc is a full-range front-zip lineup designed with the utmost attention to detail to keep users warm and comfortable as they pursue their water-bound passions. All suits in the Apoc series are front-zip and feature internal neck gaskets to reduce flushing; the 5/4 and 4/3 suits have internal poly-fleece lining for added warmth and water retention and all are made from limestone based neoprene.

HEX CORE SERIES

Ride Engine’s Armor harness features a revolutionary design that will forever change expectations of how a kiteboarding harness should look, feel and perform. The core of the Armor is an ergonomic hard shell designed around hundreds of precision molds and contoured to distribute load evenly across the lumbar and hips and lock the harness low on your back where it’s supposed to be. The result is a lowprofile, form-fitting harness that will dramatically improve your entire kiteboarding experience. The Hex-Core harness is made from our Hex Honeycomb Core technology and is the most flexible of our three models, making it a bit more forgiving and universally fitting. Don’t let that description fool you though; this is still a rigid, form fitting harness that will lock firmly in place like no other.

REBSTOCK PRO TEAM SERIES

Rider collaboration is a key component to Ride Engine’s ethos. We have worked closely with some of the best kiteboarders in the world to refine the Armor’s revolutionary design, and that collaboration truly shines in the stunning Team Series lineup. Utilizing compression molding technology to layer fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar, the Pro Team Series models are light, stiff and extremely durable, making this an excellent choice for hard-charging kiters like Patrick Rebstock, who is front lining our Pro Team collection in 2015. The Pro Team series is designed for precision fit, rugged performance and a durability that will stand up to the toughest punishment.

BAMBOO FOREST ELITE

Form and function synergize with our high-tech and eye-catching line of Elite Carbon Collection harnesses.

Constructed with double carbon fiber and Kevlar, the Elite model is our lightest, strongest and stiffest of the three harnesses. Visually stunning, we’ve made these high-end harnesses works of art as well as finely-tuned tools for fun.

Simply put, we’ve redefined the meaning of the phrase “state-of-the-art,” setting new standards for next generation kite harnesses in the process. Suggested pairing of the Elite Carbon harness with the all carbon bar and rope setup creates a riding experience unlike anything else available on the market. This streamlined system is enticingly lightweight and low profile. Once riders try this fluid, direct connection to the wind, they won’t want to go back.

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NEIL PRYDE

THE BRAND

NP is a line of aesthetically engineered water-sports equipment that has earned its respect from the water. NP was developed to enhance the performance and appearance of an increasingly thirsty breed of explorers and adventurers, who are not just looking to push the boundaries, but to blur them as well. As a sub-brand of NeilPryde and part of the Pryde Group, which was established in 1970, NP can tap into a deep well of engineering experience and multi-sport testers. Besides the full time staff employed at the brand, NP brings in ideas and resources from its sister brands Cabrinha, NeilPryde and JP-Australia in order to engineer athlete-approved products with specific features for every wind sport.

BRAND HQ

NP head office is officially in Hong Kong, alongside other Pryde Group brands. However, the design, engineering and testing teams are spread across three continents, spanning from Munich to Maui to New Zealand.

WHAT’S NEW

There are two key developments for 2016: the Tracker and Halo spreader bars and Armor-Skin neoprene material. Tracker and Halo are innovative new extensions of the S1 spreader bar. Designed with kiteboarders in mind, they solve some of the common riding problems and provide more varied kite connection options.

Then we have our Armor Skin which addresses the issue of wind chill which can be a huge factor when participating in wind sports. Doublelined neoprene – the most frequently used kind – is made of laminated layers for warmth and durability but doesn’t address the wind-chill factor. Double-lined wetsuits absorb water creating additional chill due to evaporation from the suit’s surface. Mesh or Skin neoprene is a good solution to wind-chill due to its water-repellent surface but it is not as durable. Armor-Skin materials allow for both of the important properties to be combined – the durability and warmth of a double-lined wetsuit and the wind-chill protection of a mesh suit made possible by the waterrepellency of the top SDS layer.

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S1 TRACKER

S1 HALO

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3D HARNESS

SPARK

SERENE FRONT ZIP

MISSION BACK ZIP

EDGE WIND

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // NEIL PRYDE KIT

EDGE WIND

Edge Wind is the ultimate wind-sport wetsuit that combines warmth and wind-chill protection with stretch and durability.

Featuring the innovative Armor-Skin neoprene, Fireline insulation, heat-trapping Matrix Mesh and full P-Skin tape, the Edge will keep you toasty warm on the coldest of days.

Take your performance to the next level.

MISSION BACK ZIP

The Mission BZ was built for unrestricted freedom of movement and superior warmth. Designed for multisport use, it is constructed with Apex-Plus neoprene and loaded with features such as the ultra-warm Fireline insulation and P-Skin taped seams. The Mission provides the ultimate combination of warmth and flexibility.

SERENE FRONT ZIP

Designed for female athletes that demand only the best, the Serene is a wetsuit that fits perfectly, looks great and includes NP’s top materials and technologies: Apex-Flex neoprene, the ultra-warm and lightweight Fireline insulation and odorbeating Bamboo Charcoal inner lining.

SPARK

The Spark is loaded with many of NP’s finest features and materials offering a high level of flexibility and comfort.

Super stretchy Apex-Plus neoprene ensures maximum comfort and maneuverability while the chest and back feature Apex-Mesh closed cell neoprene that dramatically reduces wind chill resulting in increased warmth. All that in a package that won’t break the bank.

3D HARNESS

The 3D offers maximum support due to its unique pre-bent shape that comfortably wraps around your body. The Back Base system provides support where it’s needed most, while the cushioned interior matches the concave shape of your lower back perfectly.

S1 HALO

S1 Halo replaces the traditional hook with a simple closed loop. It is aimed at intermediate to advanced kiteboarders who ride permanently hooked. This incredibly simple connection prevents “foul hooking”, landing line snag and there is no longer a need to use the security finger. With the pivoting point being much closer to the body the torque load experienced during turns or toe-side riding is significantly reduced.

S1 TRACKER

S1 Tracker is a pivoting hook which reduces the torque load experienced when a kite starts pulling with a side vector to the body. The spring powered hook effectively makes the connection point much closer to the rider, negating sideways forces experienced during turns or toe-side riding. The hook self-centers once the load is removed, making hooking in after performing unhooked tricks easier.

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O NEILL

THE BRAND

O’Neill is the original Californian surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand. It was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O’Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the first neoprene surfing wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California.

He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after.

BRAND HQ

AREA 52 in Santa Cruz is O’Neill’s exclusive R&D research facility is staffed with full time engineering, design and prototyping teams who work closely with the best water based athletes to push the limits of wetsuit technology. AREA 52 allows O’Neill to hand-build and refine multiple rounds of prototypes in the same fashion that Jack himself pioneered over sixty years ago.

Extensive prototyping, fit checks and testing in frigid waters of Northern California provides unparalleled insight when creating the best fitting and most functional wetsuits. With over 60 years and countless industry firsts later, O’Neill’s commitment to leading innovation continues more strongly than ever.

WHAT’S NEW

Our warmest, top of the range TechnoButter 2 (TB2) has been filtered down the collection to feature in more styles than ever before, plus we are continuing to offer our team-developed TBX neoprene in the HyperFreak Comp Series. TBX is the lightest, most flexible neoprene in the O’Neill collection.

Then for 2016 O’Neill will be offering a wide array of unique UV protection products that keep you sheltered from the sun both in and out of the water. As well as the UV line we are also introducing our new Compression Series which provides base layer support for your more active muscle groups.

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SLASHER COMP VEST

WOMENS SUPERFREAK

HYPERFREAK F.U.Z.E.

HYPERFREAK COMP

PSYCHO ONE

PSYCHOFREAK

BRAND GUIDE 2016 // O’NEILL WETSUITS

PSYCHOFREAK

The Psychofreak blends the best features from the Psycho 3 and Psychofreak of the past. The lightest firewall ever produced with O’Neill’s TechnoButter 2 Air-Insulation and rapid drying TechnoButter Neoprene make this highly innovative, technical design the very best in performance wetsuits.

PSYCHO ONE

The Psycho One minimal seam madness is now available in F.U.Z.E. and Z.E.N. Zip Closures. The ultimate high-performance cold water wetsuit. Built with ultra gooey TechnoButter 2 Neoprene and ultraminimal seam styling offers unrestricted mobility, enhanced durability and incredible fit. The Psycho One will raise your performance level to new heights.

HYPERFREAK COMP

All new, fully sealed, lightweight performance wetsuit featuring O’Neill’s zipless Entry Neck, New superstretch TBX Neoprene and O’Neill’s exclusive TBX Split Neoprene Tape. Crazy comfort, warmth and performance at an amazing value.

HYPERFREAK F.U.Z.E.

The Hyperfreak Series is constructed with super soft TechnoButter 2 neoprene. It has clean graphics, insane color blocking, with light and flexible GBS seams. Featuring lumbar Seamless Design (LSD), unfinished cuffs, and durable Krypto Knee Padz, the lightweight, quality materials and attention to detail make this another team inspired favourite.

WOMENS SUPERFREAK

The insane Super Freak. Now warmer than ever and built with super stretchy UltraFlex DS neoprene. The Superfreak keeps the water out and keeps you warm like no other wetsuit ever offered at this price level.

The Superfreak is available in F.U.Z.E. and hooded Women’s models. More freaks of nature from your friends at O’Neill.

SLASHER COMP VEST

The O’Neill 2016 vest line up defies convention and sets a new industry standard for performance driven technology. Our Exclusive Nytrolite Foam is more buoyant, 3 time lighter, drier and offers better impact protection than conventional foam. You can hit it hard and not hurt yourself. The King of the Air awaits…

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THEKITEMAG – BRAND GUIDE 2016