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Gear Preview 08 - Airush DNA kite
 Innovation in Simplicity
The key to the DNA performance is its hybrid design which offers optimized relaunch, depower, and safety characteristics.The real innovation, however, is the absolute simplicity and unbelievable performance that makes the DNA perfect foreither the first time buyer or the advanced rider looking for ultimate ease-of-use.For 2008, bar pressure has been reduced on the bigger sizes while maintaining the focus on stability and ease of use. The new strap-adjust control bar ensures easier trim for less experienced riders.
- Easiest kite in our range, fun for every rider and represents great value for money.
- Easy adjust 25m dedicated DNA flying line set allowing you to quickly reduce flying lines from 25m to 15m for safer learning.
- New trim system more oriented towards simple trim and quick depower.
- The DNA focuses on maximum stability in a kite.
- Super functional performance combined with engineered simplicity.
- One kite to cover as many conditions as possible
Labels: airush, company, product, technology
Gear Preview 08 - Airush Protoy board
 Icon Technology
The Protoy showcases our newest technology, engineered for contest versatility. Our most advanced range features Spinal Core Ii and Custom X that includes an all-new smaller size Exile/Protoy for 2008 which combines the awesome light windperformance of the Exile with the all-round performance of the Protoy. Unique double concave bottom and flip tip ends effortlessly soak up chop while still ensuring the softest landings.
User
Dedicated freestyle rider looking for zero compromise in performance.
New for 2008
- Spinal Core II featuring poplar wood I-beam construction.
- New shapes for 2008
- All new Exile S 135 x 44cm
- New AFT Footstraps and Footpads with Autolock for easy installation and repositioning.
 Labels: airush, preview, product, technology
All new North Rebel 08
 Check out the brand new Rebel 08 action video clip source: www.northkites.comLabels: north, product, video
The 12m Ocean Rodeo Rise Review
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 14m Rise LW Review
 The “What I Really Like About This Kite” Reviewby 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
The Kiteboarder - July/August issue available
 Get the latest edition of The Kiteboarder Magazine at your local kite shop or school! Get it quicker by subscribing at www.thekiteboarder.com. August is our most info packed issue yet featuring: -
11 Backwoods spots around North America -
Exclusive Interview with Hamish MacDonald -
Pro Riders Set Ups and Gear Tips -
Wave Surfing Instructional 101 -
Analyze This Tests and Reviews 8 Products -
New! Designer’s Speak Out in Designer’s Corner
source: www.thekiteboarder.comLabels: magazine, product, service, story, technology
Cabrinha Crossbow3 and Contra3 2008 product info.
 Cabrinha releases Crossbow3 and Contra3 2008 product info. Download the Crossbow3 PDF file HERE Download the Contra3 PDF file HERE source: www.cabrinhakites.com 
Labels: cabrinha, company, product, technology
Naish Kiteboarding Launches 2008 Sigma Series
 The anticipation for the release of the 2008 product line from Naish Kiteboarding has reached its climax with the launching of the first kite in the Sigma Series: The Helix. The Sigma Series shaping is quite simply the future of kiteboarding...the shape of things to come. With a radically improved design, the Sigma Series is an entirely different concept than any other kite that has come before it. Building on the tradition of superior Naish quality and performance, the Sigma Series sets a new standard of innovation and design. What is the story behind the Sigma? Naish has spent the last year preparing to share their greatest kiteboarding achievement with all of the information that you could wish for. The new Sigma mini-site is full of tech sheets, photos, videos, PDF downloads, wallpapers, technical drawings and explanations of the new line. The Sigma Series has put a “whole new angle on kiteboarding” and it begins with the first kite to be released: The Helix. The Helix utilizes its new Sigma Shaping and the revolutionary new Geo-Tech to provide solid response through the entire depower range. The new shaping provides a wider wind range, quicker turning, more efficient profiles, and increased overall performance that will make you wonder what you did before Sigma! The Helix is the ultimate high performance ride that excels equally in all areas. It is the greatest combination of user-friendly and high performance ever created. source: www.naishkites.com
 Labels: company, naish, product, technology
2007 online Naish Kite lineup
 Go to www.naish.tv to see the newest Naish video to hit the airwaves. Go into a detailed look at the entire product line for the 2007 kites. The Boxer SLE, the Torch, the Shockwave, and the Raven are all explained in detail in this 3 minute movie. Click here to learn more about the complete 2007 Naish Kite lineup: www.naish.tvsource: naish.tv Labels: company, naish, product
Flexifoil Ion2 12.5 m kites have issues
Flexifoil Ion2 12.5m kites purchased between 1st May 2007 and 30th June 2007 have had the front toggles sewn at 30 degrees off from the correct orientation which causes a reduction in strength when flown in 5 line mode. No problems have been found with kites flown in 4 line mode. Please note that no other sizes of Ion2 in the range are affected. If you intend to use your kite in 5 line mode, or want to take up the offer of the free modification, please return your kite only (no bag/bar/lines/pump) to your closest Flexifoil Repair Centre where a reinforcement will be added to take the 5th line loads in one of two ways... Two modification options: 1. Fast-fix - a fast modification for demanding riders. You will be able to see that the kite has been fixed, but you will receive your kite back within 10 working days. 2. Flexifoil-Quality-Fix - a more involved modification which will be un-noticeable to the untrained eye, but will take up to 30 working days. Please remember to include your full name, address and phone number with the package and to include a receipt for your postage costs. Once your kite is ready to be returned to you the Flexifoil Repair Centre will call you to arrange for reimbursement of your postage costs. Kites should be sent to: ProKiteSurf 623 N. Chaparral St. Corpus Christi TX 78401 USA Tel: +1 (361) 883-1473 source: www.kitesurfnews.com Labels: announcement, company, product
SwiMP3 surf waterproof MP3 player
 The SwiMP3 Surf is a waterproof MP3 player for surfers, paddlers, kayakers, kite boarders and wake boarders to enjoy music while enjoying their sport. Finis, the Livermore based swim equipment and apparel provider, released the SwiMP3 Surf waterproof MP3 player. Water sport enthusiasts can now enjoy what dry land athletes have enjoyed for years, the ability to listen to their music while they enjoy their sport. Having success with our original SwiMP3 and realizing other water sports enthusiasts need a waterproof player as well, it was a natural product extension The SwiMP3 Surf swimp3.com/surf is a waterproof MP3 player designed for the surf industry and other water sports. The player is fully waterproof and includes comfortable waterproof ear buds, a neoprene arm strap and can hold 4 hours of music. The extended battery life allows for 10 hours of continuous playback. "Having success with our original SwiMP3 and realizing other water sports enthusiasts need a waterproof player as well, it was a natural product extension," said Finis President John Mix. Finis realized the market was lacking an MP3 player that was waterproof, compact and could withstand the rigors of extreme water sports. These days almost everyone owns a MP3 player, but few can afford to risk exposing it to water, even with a special case. The original SwiMP3 introduced in November of 2004 uses bone conduction to transmit high fidelity sound underwater. The SwiMP3 Surf is for those water activities where the head is not always submersed. Arrow Team Rider Drew Reid was an early adapter, "The tunes are great when you're waiting for your wave and even better when you're riding."
Hawaii swim suit maker Honey Girl pro riders and paddlers have also been using the new players and are featured in some great female surf shots showing the Honey Girl pro riders, the Honey Girl surf friendly bikini's, and the SwiMP3 Surf. source: www.swimp3.com Labels: product, review, technology
Wild Thing II - Powerful Freeride – Freestyle Kite
 It took star designer Michael Nesler two full years to develop the new JN Wild Thing2. The briefing seemed a tall order: keep the performance of the multiple test winner and world champ predecessor, improve it, add the wind range of modern bow kites and achieve maximum 5th line safety. Nesler soon realised this was not possible with a C or bow design and had to come up with something new and groundbreaking. The WT2 is packed with features such as the patented Floating Batten Technology, Rounded Circumflex Tips and High-Pressure Struts, but real innovation came with the engineered Perfect Wide Arc front tube and Natural Shape Canopy profile. The WT2 reaches the same wind range as bow kites without a bridle by flying extremely deep into the wind window while still keeping a perfect laminar airflow around the canopy.  The results for the rider are simple: the WT2 is a high-performance, extremely easy to use all-rounder kite. The WT2 is the flying proof that user friendliness, flying speed, superb jumping performance and World Cup wake-style performance are not mutually exclusive. Outstanding light-wind ability, maximised wind range, extreme lift, enormous upwind capacity, fast turning speed and high speed potential will amaze beginners and pros alike. The WT2 has proven its contest performance: Mike Blomvall: 5th place at PKRA Italy, June 07 (despite a foot injury); Leander Vyvey: 1st place at Netherlands Open 07; Heiner Brandstötter: 1st place at Swiss Open 07 and 1st place at Austrian Open 07. CBS 3+1 evo Every WT² comes equipped with the new CBS 3+1 evo bar system. In addition to the longer depower, the new and higher position of the V-bridle is a fundamental improvement that gives the kite a clear line setup, more stable flight abilities, faster reactivity plus a wider wind range.  Available sizes: 6, 8, 10, 13, 16.5 For more information please contact: info@jn-kites.com source: www.jn-kites.com Labels: company, product, technology
Holy Bat-Dreams
Windwing is pleased to announce the launching of one Bat-Ass-Kite!!! Available in 9m, 12m and 15.5m sizes, these revolutionary kites display high-tech innovation and redefine performance, safety and simplicity. All, while maintaining the level of thrill and excitement one would expect from a Batmobile . . . like a bat out of hell!
Emerging from an obscure R&D cave, the Batwing is one of the most avant garde Windwing flying machines ever built. Boasting major changes, the Batwing delivers four breakthrough innovations. Thereby delivering unique form and a measurable function while enhancing your kiting experience... the Batwing's exceptional virtuosity is evident when one looks skyward.
1) Foremost on the Batwing is the use of Windwing's new ABS Kevlar and carbon Aramid fiber scrim material that scallops the trailing edges of the kite and it's wingtips. The shape of the scallops provides the Batwing with its dynamic appearance, which is the result of a specific functional innovation. The Batwing supernaturally named itself....
The functional innovation of the scalloped Batwing material evolved from the simple conclusion that different materials have different frequencies of vibration. In theory, as the kite moves through the air, the difference between the soft spinnaker cloth and the stiffer laminate material acts like dimples against a polished golf ball. The strategically placed and shaped trailing edge on the Batwing, dampens flutter to provide a stable surface to recapture the laminar airflow for smoother wake release. The result is a livelier "slippery" kite that flies faster, goes up wind better, generating more lift in less wind while holding shape where (and when) it counts. The Batwing flies forward, backward, upward, downward and enjoys all of the characteristics of the Caped Crusader. With incredible de-power and precision control, free parking anywhere in the wind-window can be found with easy self-launch and self-land options at minimal risk.
2) Swallow Tail: The cutout notch at the center strut is designed to give the Batwing a high aspect feel with low aspect power. The swallow- tail separates the kite in half and changes the load -point away from the trailing edge. This stabilizes the kite, as the notch creates unique, dynamic aileron-like protrusions that allows flow and twist at the center of the kite and gives the Batwing a self-adjusting reflex capability in all conditions.The design process of our pioneering Swallowtail technology has evolved to a larger cutout on larger kites which makes for some serious skywriting….
3) Bob Batten: (Windwing's unique wingtip, which is found on the larger Batwing sizes). We baptized this innovation formally as the "Bob Batten"(complete with holy water). Inspired by Boardingbob's idea of having a Venetian blind-like substrate to serve as built- in battens,this added rigidity not only helps prevent deformation for heavier riders, it gives the wingtip a direct-drive leverage to turn the kite. In larger kites and in lighter winds, this efficiency is absolutely crucial. No biffs…
4) Multi-Inflation-System with a Clamp (MISC): will greatly improve the quality and safety of your kiting experience. These optional inflation systems can be quickly installed or removed from the Batwing. The new clamp allows the tube to be pinched, isolating each bladder, preventing total deflation of the kite.
These four key innovations make the Batwing the safest, most technically advanced performance driven kite in the world (and that ain’t no guano)! With delivery available at the end of May, be the first Superhero on your beach with a Batwing, and the last kite flying when the wind dies! Take the Batwing Challenge with our 30- day money-back guarantee. And...if you are the first on your beach, we'll give you a discount!
Looking for Teamriders and Beach Reps! We want to put a Batwing on every beach from here to Gotham City. Send your resume (name/location and qualifications) to: info@windwing.com
source: windwing.com
Labels: company, product, technology
Review: Ocean Rodeo’s EZ-Stopper Kit
A review by Brian "Mossman" Teichgraber Ocean Rodeo EZ-Stopper conversion kit comes complete with everything you need to upgrade your bar to a new 2007 model. I received my EZ stopper from Ocean Rodeo and within fifteen minutes it was installed.  The kit includes instructions, a new trim line (with a cut off mark for the earlier 2007 bar model), one EZ–Stopper, some tape, and an additional leash attachment pigtail, which will enable you to use your 2006 leash. The leash attachment point is now at the chicken loop which makes for a clean, user friendly set-up … no more funny stoppers with a weed eater line connecting them together … everything is simple, effective and very clean.   Depending on how much you have used your 2006/early 2007 bar you may have some trouble undoing the knots. I used some warm water and two small steal knitting needles to pry them loose (the same method used to get knots out of your kite lines). The instructions are not entirely clear on how to disassemble your gear. Step one simply states “Remove old trim line”. The first step for me was to unwrap the lines to a fixed point, after which I removed the safety leash and the bungee part of the leash. Once this was done I removed the main emergency velcro eject from the trim line at the chicken loop exposing the factory clove hitch knot. This is where you will need the knitting needles to pry the knots loose. Unfortunately, this is the most time consuming and frustrating part of the upgrade (my knots seemed to be welded together) and would recommend indulging in a cold beverage at this point. Remember to keep the lower stopper ball … pull hard to free the old trim line through the stoppers as it has a line plug, and then pull the trim line through the pulley bottom stopper ball and trim cleat, put the old trim line away (it will not work with the new system because of the line plug).   If you are upgrading the early 2007 bar, you will need to: - trim your line to the indication tab and then rewrap the end with the supplied tape. Make sure to leave the extra tape on the end.  For 2006 bars these steps should help: - pull the new trim line through the trim cleat on the chicken loop and through the black spacer (where the safety Velcro release would go) and then through one of the holes in your bottom stopper ball.  - from there, go through the bar up through the EZ-Stopper, making sure the oval holes are pointed towards the pulley and not the bar, and around the pulley back through the EZ-Stopper and back through the bar. - proceed through the bottom stopper and to your chicken loop attachment point. - at that point I checked my line lengths and determined where I would tie my knot, which is very close to the new trim line length (but it is best to check it). - finish off the line with a clove hitch knot … make it neat and tidy so that it does not have extra line hanging out … cut the remaining tape off.  - attach the 2006 leash connector to your trim line loop and then with a larks head attach your leash. - reinstall the velcro safety release and your done. I have used the 06 One EZ-Stopper upgraded bar on my OR Rise and felt no difference from the 07 OR Rise bar to my 2006 OR One bar with the upgrade kit (a good thing). When I had to eject the kite, the new system depowered the kite 100%. I found that it was way easier to get the bar back and reset and re-launch. The old 2006 system would flag the kite out (attached at the pulley) and you would have a line issue when trying to get the bar back to reset. The stopper took a little getting used to as far as pushing past or through it, but it can be done by using a hand or finger as well as the bar. What I did notice with the EZ-Stopper Upgrade is that the whole system is cleaner, easier to use, and simply makes more sense than the old system … plus I have a neat little resting place for my bar as I am cruising with no bar pressure whatsoever. For the price it is well worth making the upgrade to your old OR 2006/07 bar. Simple, effective and very clean, the Ocean Rodeo EZ-Stopper system works well. Source: Skypilot 'Mossman' Labels: ocean rodeo, product, review
Win a new 2007 Naish Thorn Kiteboard
 Naish is giving away it's most popular kiteboard! Now you have a chance to take one home for your very own. Starting now, you can fill out a short question and answer form and get your name on the list to try and win the board. The random drawing will be held on the 15th of July, so you have more than a month to sign up. To sign up for the drawing, click here. To learn more about the Thorn go to www.naishkites.com. source: naish-email.com Labels: naish, product, raffle
The Ocean Rodeo RISE - 2 Kites In 1
 Ocean Rodeo is proud to introduce the world's first kite designed for both advanced to expert riders and beginners! Featuring our unique Convert Attachment Points schools can easily tame the turning speeds of this incredible kite and teach to their students on a simple to fly, easily relaunched kite that produces immediate grunt and low end power. Students can purchase the kite they learned on and easily convert the kite back to its factory settings for an incredibly responsive ride once they learn the basics! Don't just trust us, read what SBC Kiteboard magazine has to say about the 2007 Rise: The new Rise answers the call for performance. The Rise is a four-line SLE packed with power and manoeuvrability. Designed for demanding riders.  Setup, Safety & Features The Rise starts up with a single-point inflation system. Ocean Rodeo's new SLE bar has lots of travel available and is worth adjusting the stopper ball to your own comfort zone. Relaunching is on the easy side. On Water The Rise makes it to several individual testers' all-round top-pick lists. Lots of range, power and pull go along with balanced steering that pushes testers into some of the session's more powerful moves. The 12 m2 Rise has more than enough energy to pull our lightweights in less than 10 knots, and enough control to be one of the last 12s on the water. The Rise flies steadily and remains stable in gusts, making for a solid wind range. It's the type of kite that loves being ridden with the board edging hard. The smooth power rolls through fast turns and kite spins, making the Rise easy to jump for intermediates. The Rise has big boosting power and will work for freestyle. Best Suited Our bigger testers got the most from a 12 m2 session on the Rise from its abundant horsepower. Still, our medium-sized testers discovered its well-rounded handling and energetic performance, making this a perfect freeride-freestyle kite. "Nice low-end power with good turning speed. Great for someone learning Kite Loops." Mikeal Lanoe If you want any more information on this exciting new kite please contact our offices today! John Zimmerman Sales Manager Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc 250-544-4969, ext. 233 NA Toll Free 888-544-4969 source: oceanrodeo.com Labels: ocean rodeo, product, technology
New Jeremie Tronet Movie Trailer
Ocean Rodeo goes DIRECTIONAL!
 Its official, in 2008 Ocean Rodeo will offer a directional surf style kite board. Final product launch will take place during Surf Expo in September. We’ll keep you posted on the evolution of this new board. The base shape was inspired by OR team rider Philippe Alengrin of France (pictured riding an early proto). Philippe's goal was to shape an "all around" wave board, keeping it simple . With the base shape complete Richard Myerscough traveled to Asia to finalize construction techniques to ensure production boards are up to OR “built tough” standards. source: oceanrodeo.comLabels: company, product, surf, technology
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