Check out the brand new Rebel 08 action video clip
source: www.northkites.com

Labels: north, product, video

By Brian Teichgraber



Around December I decided to upgrade my quiver of second hand kites that I bought as a beginner to new SLE (Supported Leading Edge) or Bow kites. Now that I consider myself as an intermediate kiteboarder I started my quest for the kite that would best suit my needs, cost, performance and build quality. After testing 9 kites 6 brands I decided on the Ocean Rodeo Rise, why? Here is why.



When I eagerly opened the OR bag and pulled out the kite and had a first glance, I could see the kite was well made. I pumped up the Rise which has the speed inflation system - which means you pump up the entire kite - leading edge and struts in one go (I like the one pump systems). Once the kite was fully pumped up and the struts where pinch locked I inspected the build quality and it was very well made much like or exactly like my Ocean Rodeo One – made for the West Coast. The Rise has a Dacron shock strip (SXS) running across the entire kite, a third of the way from the LE. This strip helps the kite absorb and not rip when you misjudge your aerial maneuver and crash your kite hard. If the shock is great enough to rip the Rise the SXS will stop the rip containing it to the first third allowing the rider to be able to fly the kite and get back to the beach. The Rise has a skeletal structure (Dacron frame – 3D construction) the Wing tips, leading edge and trailing edge are made of Dacron, which makes the kite very durable - West Coast tough.

All of the struts are integrated with the leading edge which is very well double stitched – very nice – well thought out. The Rise features Leading Edge bumpers and scuff pads where they should be and a nice feature are on the ends of the struts and tail end of the leading edge there are line deflectors. The Rise comes equipped with self rescue handles and bridal storage velcro on the leading edge of the kite. The bridal system is color coded for left and right as are the pig tails which are kook proof – so you cant get the flying lines backwards.

The bar construction is Hybrid: carbon composite with a Stainless Steel center bushing and the bar ends are fiber reinforced nylon. The grip on the bar is color coded EVA foam for bar end recognition and there are line keepers on both ends to store your lines. Hidden rear line adjustments, stopper ball, easy eject, front line swivel, trim line leash at the chicken loop and a removable donkey round up the bar, The emergency release is easy to use and to reset in or out of the water.



The kite bag is well thought out and offers a back pack as well as a duffle bag carry set up. The bag unzips to allow storage of the kite with the struts still inflated, side storage for the bar which comes in its own storage bag and an external pump holder.

I’ve had the kite now for a couple of months and have flown it in a verity of conditions from full lit at up to 35 mph to under 16 mph. The kite was at its limit at 35 or it could have been me at my limit with roughly 16 inches of de-power strap hanging off of the bar but it was a hoot. The kite handled gustsw with no problems and flew very well for me. (I have been using the Rise mostly at the Squamish Spit in winds around the 20 mph mark and the rest of this review is based on those conditions). Turning was fast but not as fast as a couple of the other kites I tested. De-power strap was very easy to access – you didn’t have to lean and stretch to grasp the line, it is right at your chicken loop very easy to find and very simple to use.



There is a bridal mod for this kite as there are for many other kites, after I added this mod the kite did turn noticeably faster than without the mod. I tried the kite with all of the different settings ( there is a school or max de-power setup) I found the school setting to be to slow but max de-power which is not to my liking so I would recommend leaving it on the factory setting. This kite is very grunty and you will not have to sine the kite to much to initiate your water start. Jumping for me seems to be a progression as I am still learning to do tricks but it seems that every time I do jump, I go higher and farther. Whether it is the kite or me getting better, who knows, but I can tell you the Rise encourages me to trust it more every time I jump. The jumps are floaters with the bar being your throttle - by pulling in on the bar my landings have been soft but if you push the bar out to much its a quick descend to a possible yard sale.

Speaking of yard sale the rise re-launches with ease just pull on either of the rear lines and the kite will launch effortlessly. On one occasion the kite did fall LE down and facing into the wind, so I just pulled in on one of the rear lines. After it starts to spin you will have to reach for the other rear line to complete the rotation but not to worry as the kite spins it will catch the wind and want to re-launch. On one occasion I had to re-adjust my foot straps so I dropped into the waist deep water and made sure the stopper was adjusted I could park the kite with the wing tip on the water and I could let the bar go and the kite stayed right where I left it, still flying and ready to go – it made the job of adjusting the straps easy and quick. At the other end of the wind range it was 14 – 16 mph and it flew very well and didn’t want to fall out of the sky I had no problems generating enough power to get going on my light wind board not to bad for a 210lbs person. I think the sweet spot for the Ocean Rodeo Rise 12m is in the mid 20 mph. As a 210 lb person that’s my go to kite.

Source: Brian Teichgraber

Labels: ocean rodeo, product, review, rise

The “What I Really Like About This Kite” Review
by Craig Myers, kitesurfing since 2001

The Rise is a totally new kite for Ocean Rodeo. Flying a new design at the beaches here in Seattle is a great feeling. Its uncharted territory and you are the explorer!

This kite flies wonderfully and inspires rider confidence right from the time you pump it up from one nozzle on the leading edge. That’s cool! This refined SLE seems to handle all terrains and conditions like a traction machine. Its hard to believe a kite this size can pull like this! I’ve flown it about 10 times now in steady winds from 12 to 20kts and one short session in 10 to 30! I kept waiting for it to drop in 10 to 30, but it stayed close to the edge and was smooth as it absorbed the pressure peaks while I peed my suit! It smoothes out the gusts, locks into the low end, and is like one huge elevator ride in the top end of its range.



What I thought was weird about this kite at first is now one of its best features. The crazy amount of sheeting range for this kite. The bridle and bar create a super stable, “power on” feeling with the Rise. It begs you to push it hard because its so intuitive to fly and easy to relaunch. You can really be specific when you sheet this bar thanks to the seamless stopper system. It really lets you fly the kite efficiently off the knot, without fear of getting over loaded. Its so easy to adjust, and bomb proof since there are no moving parts.

Combine these characteristics along with legendary durability, a custom product made locally, and you start to get the idea… I really like this kite!

Source: Craig Myers

Labels: ocean rodeo, product, review, rise

In the beginning it was simply pure enthusiasm and interest in improving performance that inspired a couple of guys in Sri Lanka to design and produce the first prototypes for friends and allies on the waves.

Satisfaction led to demand and it soon became clear that the next step was inevitable. The new label faith-kiteboarding was launched.

Faith-Kiteboarding has been around since 2006 and the quality of design and shape and excellent performance have proven that the kites are very competitive in an ever-expanding market. Within a year distributors have been found for Switzerland,Germany, Dubai and most recently following extensive testing in Tarifa, the traditional Mecca of kite-and windsurfing in Europe, Spain and France.

Faith-kiteboarding is running two lines of kites and various related products

1.The original of the species is the Elements, a kite which impresses above all with reaction speed, incredible lift and depower. A kite for the experienced rider interested in pushing the limits which has already proven itself in the Spanish kitesurfing championships. If you rock the waves, you´re gonna love it!


2.The latest addition to the Faith family is the Essence, a hybrid kite that offers enormous hang time, is very fast and has a big wind range. The Essence is an all-rounder whose comfort and reliability make it ideal for both tricks and instruction.


This is only a fraction of what Faith-Kiteboarding has to offer.
Harnesses and bars tailored to suit the kites complete the product range.
In addition, the purchase of a Faith kite guarantees its proud owner membership in the Faith community and discounts in the Kiteboarding-, and Wellness Events organized by elements (pvt) ltd in Sri Lanka.


The Elements Kite Events are organized on a regular basis on Sri Lanka´s endless tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean offering great kiteboarding,fine local cuisine, romantic sunsets and relaxation, yoga, various massages and much more!



If you are interested, check us out on:

www.faith-kiteboarding.com

www.elements.lk

To convince you how good the kites really are, we would love to have you test them. We can meet up on your local beach and let the kites speak for themselves!

Why the name faith?
Because faith is essential for life. The things we can not see are the reason for our being.

source: Marc and Karin Bobbay of faith-kiteboarding.com

Labels: camp, company, kite school, travel