We will be adding to our site new 'How to's' every week and we will start at the very beginning for all the newbie Kitesurfers or wanabe kitesurfers, Ok well here we go!
This time we are going to cover bow kites.
Getting Started - Bow Kites
With the advanced mechanisms and Kitesurf equipment that are used in Kite Surfing today, it is no wonder that the types of kites used are also evolving. One of these types is the Bow Kitesurf Kite.
Bow Kites were designed by Bruno Legaignoux. They are inflatable kites that have a bridle. Bow Kites are usually flat and with a concave trailing edge. The Bow Kites was first patented in France on March 2004 and in Canada and US on February 2005.
The earlier designs of Bow Kites have a lot of drawbacks. These kites can get inverted and are not that stable. Moreover, they can be difficult to re-launch.
Bruno Legaignoux took the bridle on the leading edge concept and improved it much further. Since a Bow Kite has a wider wind range compared to a C-Kite, it is more suitable for beginners. Its de-powering range allows for safe use and is great for wave riding. Another good feature of a Bow Kite is that it works well for all kinds of kite surfers.
With the advancement in technology, modern Bow Kites have more features than the earlier models, making Kite Surfing safer and a lot more fun. Nowadays, Bow Kites come with light bar pressure and better L/D ratio, and are very easy to re-launch. Moreover, they cannot be inverted easily and they are more stable.
Bow Kites are the newest and most innovative when it comes to kite design. Because of their huge de-powering range and safety mechanism, Bow Kites are used by a lot of kite surfers. They are actually used in Kite Surfing lessons. Keep in mind, though, that it is important to seek professional advice so you will know what type of kite suits your needs and ability level.
Thanks for reading and we hope this helps you.
S2AS Team
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
How to Kitesurf: Getting Started - Location Check
We will be adding to our site new 'How to's' every week and we will start at the very beginning for all the newbie Kitesurfers or wanabe kitesurfers, Ok well here we go!
This time we are going to cover location checks.
Getting Started - Location Check
Before you start with Kite Surfing you need to check first the wind Conditions and the location.
We will first discuss a few common terms that we will use throughout the instructions.
When we talk about onshore wind, the wind comes from the sea and blows towards land. With offshore wind, the wind blows from the land towards the sea, while side shore wind blows over the beach, parallel to the shore.
When we talk about a position or course relative to the wind, the terms upwind and downwind are used.
When you arrive at the beach, check first where the wind is coming from, feel it blowing against your hands or look at flags or trees around you. Look around the place and see if the area is large enough. There should be a safe distance from all obstructions. Should anything go wrong and you are dragged downwind, you will need time and space to correct your mistake. You need to check the shoreline as well. If you should end up downwind after a kite surf session, (and a beginner usually does end up downwind), this must be a safe place to land. Clearly, this is a dangerous situation you don’t want to end up in a jetty.
Kitesurfing Tips and Tricks
1. Most accidents happen while standing on shore. Whenever the area you’re standing on is flat, the wind will be constant and move horizontally but when it hits an obstacle, it will change direction and can produce some very dangerous situations.
Just like when moving water that goes straight up in the air hits a rock, the wind will also create turbulence when it hits an object. A kite surfer can be lifted meters high up in the air, can fly about 30 meters downwind and will end up against a steel fence. This accident is the result of the wind hitting the sand which causes it to change its direction and produce an upward current lifting everything in its path.
Do not launch or ride near rocks, trees, power lines or in a crowded area!
2. Offshore winds can be dangerous primarily because the wind is almost never stable, which makes it difficult to control the Kite Surfing Kite. Moreover, if you get into some sort of trouble, you will not be blown back to the shore but out to the open water. You will need a rescue boat to help you.
Learning how to check the wind condition and the location of your kite surfing session can prevent you from experiencing any accidents during kite surfing.
For more info on Kitesurfing or Kitesurfing Lessons please take a look at our website www.s2as.com
This time we are going to cover location checks.
Getting Started - Location Check
Before you start with Kite Surfing you need to check first the wind Conditions and the location.
We will first discuss a few common terms that we will use throughout the instructions.
When we talk about onshore wind, the wind comes from the sea and blows towards land. With offshore wind, the wind blows from the land towards the sea, while side shore wind blows over the beach, parallel to the shore.
When we talk about a position or course relative to the wind, the terms upwind and downwind are used.
When you arrive at the beach, check first where the wind is coming from, feel it blowing against your hands or look at flags or trees around you. Look around the place and see if the area is large enough. There should be a safe distance from all obstructions. Should anything go wrong and you are dragged downwind, you will need time and space to correct your mistake. You need to check the shoreline as well. If you should end up downwind after a kite surf session, (and a beginner usually does end up downwind), this must be a safe place to land. Clearly, this is a dangerous situation you don’t want to end up in a jetty.
Kitesurfing Tips and Tricks
1. Most accidents happen while standing on shore. Whenever the area you’re standing on is flat, the wind will be constant and move horizontally but when it hits an obstacle, it will change direction and can produce some very dangerous situations.
Just like when moving water that goes straight up in the air hits a rock, the wind will also create turbulence when it hits an object. A kite surfer can be lifted meters high up in the air, can fly about 30 meters downwind and will end up against a steel fence. This accident is the result of the wind hitting the sand which causes it to change its direction and produce an upward current lifting everything in its path.
Do not launch or ride near rocks, trees, power lines or in a crowded area!
2. Offshore winds can be dangerous primarily because the wind is almost never stable, which makes it difficult to control the Kite Surfing Kite. Moreover, if you get into some sort of trouble, you will not be blown back to the shore but out to the open water. You will need a rescue boat to help you.
Learning how to check the wind condition and the location of your kite surfing session can prevent you from experiencing any accidents during kite surfing.
For more info on Kitesurfing or Kitesurfing Lessons please take a look at our website www.s2as.com
How to Kitesurf: Getting Started - Wind Conditions
We will be adding to our site new 'How to's' every week and we will start at the very beginning for all the newbie Kitesurfers or wanabe kitesurfers, Ok well here we go!
First up we are going to cover wind conditions.
Getting Started - Wind Conditions in Kite Surfing
Wind conditions vary from time to time and it is important that you know how to assess the wind. If you are just starting out with Kite Surfing, a basic understanding of the wind conditions may well be enough.
Before we further discuss how you can assess certain wind conditions, let us first discuss some terms you need to know.
1 Onshore winds blow from the water directly perpendicular to the land.
2 Offshore winds blow from land toward the water at any angle.
3 Side shore winds come directly parallel to the shoreline.
4 Side-onshore wind is a combination of side shore and onshore winds.
5 Upwind refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing.
6 Downwind refers to the direction the wind is blowing towards.
To help you determine whether the wind condition is suitable for Kite Surfing", follow these steps:
First, check where the wind is coming from. Feel the wind blow against your hands or look at flags and trees. Look downwind and check that there are no obstacles in the beach and that the area is large enough. Should anything go wrong and you fall downwind, you’ll need time and space to correct your mistake.
Also check the shoreline. If you should end up downwind off your kitesurf session, this must be a safe place to land. Clearly, this is a dangerous situation and you don’t want to end up in a jetty.
Tips and Tricks
1. Side shore winds allow you to travel away from and back toward the beach without fear of getting blown out to sea or back into the launching area. If you drop your Kite Surfing Kite, you don’t get blown out any further from land.
2. An angle toward the beach less than 45 degrees can be a favourable wind direction because you can still travel away from and towards the beach. If you drop your kite and have to swim in, the wind will push you slowly toward the shore.
3. Avoid onshore winds as this wind will continually try to blow you further inland. Unless you can ride upwind instantly, the Kite Surfing Kite is going to blow you back onto the beach in a matter of seconds.
4. Offshore winds can be very dangerous. First, because the wind is almost never stable and this makes it difficult to control the kite. Secondly, if you get in some sort of trouble, you will not be blown back to the shore but out to the open water. A rescue boat will then be needed to help you.
5. Another thing that you need to take note of is wind direction and the smoothness of the wind. Direct offshore winds have the possibility of you being flown out to sea while direct onshore winds have the possibility of you being thrown against beach objects. Cross-shore wind directions are widely considered to be the best.
6. Avoid the following: thunderstorms, gusty winds, off-shore winds, directly on-shore winds, downwind obstacles, power lines, trees, other kite surfers, other water users, underwater obstacles, piers, boats, winds too strong for your kite size among others.
7. Know the expected weather for the day.
8. Know how to determine wind speed and choose an appropriate Kite Surfing Kite.
9. Know the hand signals to communicate with other kiters on and off the water.
10. Know how to perform Self-Rescue if the wind changes directions or switches off.
Different Kite Surfing Kites have different wind ranges. Some kites may have a wider wind range while some may have a narrower wind range. You don’t need the exact speed and direction of the wind, but it pays if you have a very good idea of how strong it is and where it is coming from.
A Wind Meter is very helpfull to determine the wind speed BEFORE you head out to sea.
For a great range of Kitesurf Boards and Kitesurfing Kites have a look at our website www.s2as.com
Thanks for reading and we hope this helps you.
S2AS Team
First up we are going to cover wind conditions.
Getting Started - Wind Conditions in Kite Surfing
Wind conditions vary from time to time and it is important that you know how to assess the wind. If you are just starting out with Kite Surfing, a basic understanding of the wind conditions may well be enough.
Before we further discuss how you can assess certain wind conditions, let us first discuss some terms you need to know.
1 Onshore winds blow from the water directly perpendicular to the land.
2 Offshore winds blow from land toward the water at any angle.
3 Side shore winds come directly parallel to the shoreline.
4 Side-onshore wind is a combination of side shore and onshore winds.
5 Upwind refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing.
6 Downwind refers to the direction the wind is blowing towards.
To help you determine whether the wind condition is suitable for Kite Surfing", follow these steps:
First, check where the wind is coming from. Feel the wind blow against your hands or look at flags and trees. Look downwind and check that there are no obstacles in the beach and that the area is large enough. Should anything go wrong and you fall downwind, you’ll need time and space to correct your mistake.
Also check the shoreline. If you should end up downwind off your kitesurf session, this must be a safe place to land. Clearly, this is a dangerous situation and you don’t want to end up in a jetty.
Tips and Tricks
1. Side shore winds allow you to travel away from and back toward the beach without fear of getting blown out to sea or back into the launching area. If you drop your Kite Surfing Kite, you don’t get blown out any further from land.
2. An angle toward the beach less than 45 degrees can be a favourable wind direction because you can still travel away from and towards the beach. If you drop your kite and have to swim in, the wind will push you slowly toward the shore.
3. Avoid onshore winds as this wind will continually try to blow you further inland. Unless you can ride upwind instantly, the Kite Surfing Kite is going to blow you back onto the beach in a matter of seconds.
4. Offshore winds can be very dangerous. First, because the wind is almost never stable and this makes it difficult to control the kite. Secondly, if you get in some sort of trouble, you will not be blown back to the shore but out to the open water. A rescue boat will then be needed to help you.
5. Another thing that you need to take note of is wind direction and the smoothness of the wind. Direct offshore winds have the possibility of you being flown out to sea while direct onshore winds have the possibility of you being thrown against beach objects. Cross-shore wind directions are widely considered to be the best.
6. Avoid the following: thunderstorms, gusty winds, off-shore winds, directly on-shore winds, downwind obstacles, power lines, trees, other kite surfers, other water users, underwater obstacles, piers, boats, winds too strong for your kite size among others.
7. Know the expected weather for the day.
8. Know how to determine wind speed and choose an appropriate Kite Surfing Kite.
9. Know the hand signals to communicate with other kiters on and off the water.
10. Know how to perform Self-Rescue if the wind changes directions or switches off.
Different Kite Surfing Kites have different wind ranges. Some kites may have a wider wind range while some may have a narrower wind range. You don’t need the exact speed and direction of the wind, but it pays if you have a very good idea of how strong it is and where it is coming from.
A Wind Meter is very helpfull to determine the wind speed BEFORE you head out to sea.
For a great range of Kitesurf Boards and Kitesurfing Kites have a look at our website www.s2as.com
Thanks for reading and we hope this helps you.
S2AS Team
Monday, 16 March 2009
A Simple Take on Kite Surfing
Kite surfing is a thrilling water sport which involves the rider being propelled over the water on a kite board by hanging on to a huge, controllable kite. Kite surfing has taken off in the last decade with the advent of snowboarding and wake boarding along with the increasing popularity of wind surfing. The board, the kite, some water and a good breeze are pretty much all you need to enjoy the sport, but to be safe and get the most out of this sport, you really want to make sure you are doing it right which is where Surface 2 Air Sports (S2AS) come into play.S2as are stockists of all the latest and greatest kite surfing equipment; kite boards, kites, harnesses they even do full kite surfing packages to get you started with a whole set. Most importantly S2AS offer kite surfing lessons at there 3 kite school locations in Poole, Brighton and Kent and best of all they are all avid kite surfers themselves so they are experienced in, and passionate about, what they do. Ask any Kite surfer and S2AS will normally always garner a positive review from them.
Back to what makes kite surfing so good. Well there are the physical benefits; Kite surfing will get and keep you fit. The total body workout is a great for conditioning. As you hanging on to the kite and control it strengthening your arms and torso you are guiding the board over the waves with your legs giving them a full workout simultaneously. You will be building muscles all over your entire body while experiencing the exhilaration of kite surfing.
Then there is the thrill, and it is a completely unique experience. The speeds, the feeling, the rush; it is different to anything else you've tried before. You don't need to wait for the right wave, the wind does it all for you, and that wind can be a harsh mistress to tame, but when you do...WOW!
Maybe you have only watched a kite surfer before or you are simply looking for a new challenge. Well if you are going to try it, then your best bet is to try Surface 2 Air Sports, they will ensure you get the full feel for this awesome extreme sport, with all the help and training you'll need to get the most out of it.
Friday, 6 March 2009
2009 RRD Obsession 9m Review
"A BIG thanks goes to S2AS, especially Justin for answering all my questions with no BS and sending me the demo kite to try – Top Bloke!
It was a random beach chat, you know similar to the ones about peeing in your wetsuit etc. When I found myself comparing the Slingshot Rev to Marmite as I think you either love it or hate it – me I like marmite, but not too keen on the Rev. However, if I was to think of an advert to describe the RRD Obsession it would be Pepperami…. it can be a bit of an animal!
The Equipment:
The kite, well it is Italian by design and this is apparent when you unfold and pump it up as it is ‘bling’ right down to the metallic red strut end protectors. However, the design is not all for show and there are some nice touches like the solid surrounds at the valves, plus it all looks very well put together.
When laid out you can see the delta inspired shape and this becomes even more evident when pumped up with swept back wingtips and a quite substantial leading edge. The bridle is very compact and the rear lines have a direct connection with the ‘flap’ that extends beyond the wingtips that I assume acts like a mini ‘V’ bridle and provides a solid stable attachment.
The bar supplied with the demo was last year’s design with the updated touches for 09 and the main difference apparently for this year will be slightly longer to increase turning in larger sizes - not a problem for the 9m, but more on this later and on the bar which came with short (20/22m?) lines.
As an aside the bag although not hugely important, in my opinion is brilliant, not just an afterthought but a functional well designed piece of equipment (those Italians) with excellent padding that would be great for travel and you could easily get 12m and another smaller Obsession in there.
The Flying:
First thing you notice when you get the kite up is just how quick and responsive it is and I don’t think this is just a consequence of the short lines – it is fast full stop! RRD describe the bar pressure as medium, however I actually found it light, but in no way vague as it is still very direct. Also while flinging it about on the beach you notice the power it has, especially from 11 in the window and how ‘grunty’ it is when moving.
On the water it took me a little bit of time to get used to the speed as it is really fast, in transitions you could almost loop the kite so a little time to adjust was required. Early in the session the wind was light and here you notice the kite has good low-end power for its size and I could hold ground when others were on 11m Revs. You can also position it quite far forward in the window and really hack upwind on it, which is good because after you start to jump with it you will need this ability!
Jumping the obsession is crazy and you feel it in your core as it literally rips you off the water and then up, but unlike other kites that can do this it also has good glide and float – it is pretty effortless to jump good on this kite. The kite is also really stable making it easy to generate pop and when doing tricks and grabs it just sits there well behaved and you can feel exactly where it is. Also if you do drop it the delta inspired shape means that it is super easy to re-launch and it always seems to be waiting on a wingtip for you. As I don’t unhook (yet) I cannot comment on that aspect of the kite, but I would hazard an un-educated guess that the stability would make the kite good for this.
When the wind picked up it, was easy to depower and the adjuster/cleat was in easy reach for me (shorter riders or groms might struggle when at full power though), however what I did notice compared to other kites I have tried recently is that the power is maybe not as progressive with sheeting. It can go from not a lot to BANG! power and I think this is partly due to the extended throw on the bar to allow for more depower compared to the Type 9 (which I have ridden).
This could be helped greatly with a stopper that would also be very useful to spin the bar against to untwist the lines against without it totally killing all the power in the kite. Also the throw without it can be quite large, however, Roberto did state in a recent interview on AS news that the bar will soon ship with an adjustable push through stopper – good.
The Conclusion:
Final thoughts are that I liked the kite and it would only be better with a stopper on the bar, as without it I found the throw too much and it was annoying when un-spinning the bar. However, I feel that similar to when I tried the Type 9 that it is maybe too much performance for me currently – it was like going to one of those days out and getting to ride a performance car that is thrilling on a track, but you would not want to commute in it. A few other riders rode it and everyone generally liked it and all loved how it jumps, but the consensus would be that it was the ‘younger’ wakestyler’s kite and that it had potential hooligan tendencies to scare of us ‘older’ freeriders (hooligan was the exact words of one rider, but this same guy said he has not gone as big so easily)!"
It was a random beach chat, you know similar to the ones about peeing in your wetsuit etc. When I found myself comparing the Slingshot Rev to Marmite as I think you either love it or hate it – me I like marmite, but not too keen on the Rev. However, if I was to think of an advert to describe the RRD Obsession it would be Pepperami…. it can be a bit of an animal!
The Equipment:The kite, well it is Italian by design and this is apparent when you unfold and pump it up as it is ‘bling’ right down to the metallic red strut end protectors. However, the design is not all for show and there are some nice touches like the solid surrounds at the valves, plus it all looks very well put together.
When laid out you can see the delta inspired shape and this becomes even more evident when pumped up with swept back wingtips and a quite substantial leading edge. The bridle is very compact and the rear lines have a direct connection with the ‘flap’ that extends beyond the wingtips that I assume acts like a mini ‘V’ bridle and provides a solid stable attachment.
The bar supplied with the demo was last year’s design with the updated touches for 09 and the main difference apparently for this year will be slightly longer to increase turning in larger sizes - not a problem for the 9m, but more on this later and on the bar which came with short (20/22m?) lines.
As an aside the bag although not hugely important, in my opinion is brilliant, not just an afterthought but a functional well designed piece of equipment (those Italians) with excellent padding that would be great for travel and you could easily get 12m and another smaller Obsession in there.
The Flying:
First thing you notice when you get the kite up is just how quick and responsive it is and I don’t think this is just a consequence of the short lines – it is fast full stop! RRD describe the bar pressure as medium, however I actually found it light, but in no way vague as it is still very direct. Also while flinging it about on the beach you notice the power it has, especially from 11 in the window and how ‘grunty’ it is when moving.On the water it took me a little bit of time to get used to the speed as it is really fast, in transitions you could almost loop the kite so a little time to adjust was required. Early in the session the wind was light and here you notice the kite has good low-end power for its size and I could hold ground when others were on 11m Revs. You can also position it quite far forward in the window and really hack upwind on it, which is good because after you start to jump with it you will need this ability!
Jumping the obsession is crazy and you feel it in your core as it literally rips you off the water and then up, but unlike other kites that can do this it also has good glide and float – it is pretty effortless to jump good on this kite. The kite is also really stable making it easy to generate pop and when doing tricks and grabs it just sits there well behaved and you can feel exactly where it is. Also if you do drop it the delta inspired shape means that it is super easy to re-launch and it always seems to be waiting on a wingtip for you. As I don’t unhook (yet) I cannot comment on that aspect of the kite, but I would hazard an un-educated guess that the stability would make the kite good for this.
When the wind picked up it, was easy to depower and the adjuster/cleat was in easy reach for me (shorter riders or groms might struggle when at full power though), however what I did notice compared to other kites I have tried recently is that the power is maybe not as progressive with sheeting. It can go from not a lot to BANG! power and I think this is partly due to the extended throw on the bar to allow for more depower compared to the Type 9 (which I have ridden).This could be helped greatly with a stopper that would also be very useful to spin the bar against to untwist the lines against without it totally killing all the power in the kite. Also the throw without it can be quite large, however, Roberto did state in a recent interview on AS news that the bar will soon ship with an adjustable push through stopper – good.
The Conclusion:
Final thoughts are that I liked the kite and it would only be better with a stopper on the bar, as without it I found the throw too much and it was annoying when un-spinning the bar. However, I feel that similar to when I tried the Type 9 that it is maybe too much performance for me currently – it was like going to one of those days out and getting to ride a performance car that is thrilling on a track, but you would not want to commute in it. A few other riders rode it and everyone generally liked it and all loved how it jumps, but the consensus would be that it was the ‘younger’ wakestyler’s kite and that it had potential hooligan tendencies to scare of us ‘older’ freeriders (hooligan was the exact words of one rider, but this same guy said he has not gone as big so easily)!"
Monday, 2 March 2009
Naish Helix 9m & 12m Kite Test
Size Tested: 9 m2, 12 m2
Style: Four-line SLE
Wind range: 14-28, 10-22 knots
What’s new: Direct Response Steering, Geo-Tech-generated C shape, reduced number of struts, lower aspect ratio, low-drag wingtips, re-engineered bridles
The kite that spawned the revolutionary Sigma series last season takes charge in 2009 as a totally redesigned kite. This year’s Helix offers faster turning, superior glide, great upwind ability, easier relaunch and a more direct bar feel with a fifth-line-friendly option. With a lower aspect ratio and gruntier back-in-window feel than its Cult counterpart, the Helix has many Naish Torch freestyle kitesurf riders taking another look at the Sigma shape.
Bar setup and safety systems
The bar pulleys of last season have followed the industry trend of extinction on Naish’s new four-line SLE control system, which is used with both the Cult and the Helix models this year. Impressive new features include a new front-line attachment system with anti-twist line swivel. Also, rather than relying on the depower capability of both front lines, the leash is connected through a mini fifth-line leash to a single front line, ensuring complete single-line flagging. New bar ends have bar-size adjustment capability, a great feature for multiple-sized kites used with a single bar.
Key kite features
Naish’s attention to detail is always evident. Its industry-exclusive features include the Octopus inflation, an internal single-point inflation system, the Delta-cut two-ply trailing edge and internal Aramid leading-edge seam reinforcements. The easily identified Sigma shape has advanced for 2009 with new low-drag wingtips, Direct Response Steering and the Geo-Tech C shape that alters the kite’s stability and turning style.
On-water performance
The Helix is a completely different kite this year, with performance that appeals to what most advanced riders are looking for in an SLE kite. Whether it’s the lower aspect shape, fewer struts or the steering design features that were added, this year’s Helix feels much more like a C kite.
The testers were impressed by the smooth pull, quick and reactive steering, and excellent depower as well as the solid unhooked performance. Although it takes longer to find the sweet spot to boost some big air than its Cult counterpart, when you hit it right this kite has excellent lift and glide. The feedback you get from the Helix is the perfect balance between too much and not enough. Water relaunch has also been improved, with a simple steering-line pull that provides faster results.
Like the Cult, the Helix pulls fast and smooth, and it’s quick to react to steering input at all levels of depower. Its fast pulling speed and good upwind capability make it a good kite for the racing crowd.
Reality check
This Helix may depower slightly less than last year’s model; however, the added stability, quicker turn reactivity and direct bar feel more than make up for it. If you need more instant depower, there’s always the Cult.
Bottom line
The Naish Helix was a test favourite in both sound and ocean sessions for its great all-terrain performance, wind range and smooth unhooked capability, which was absent from last year’s Sigma. It more than satisfies the demands of the dedicated C-kite freestyle rider who has held out from using SLE’s in the past.
Style: Four-line SLE
Wind range: 14-28, 10-22 knots
What’s new: Direct Response Steering, Geo-Tech-generated C shape, reduced number of struts, lower aspect ratio, low-drag wingtips, re-engineered bridles
The kite that spawned the revolutionary Sigma series last season takes charge in 2009 as a totally redesigned kite. This year’s Helix offers faster turning, superior glide, great upwind ability, easier relaunch and a more direct bar feel with a fifth-line-friendly option. With a lower aspect ratio and gruntier back-in-window feel than its Cult counterpart, the Helix has many Naish Torch freestyle kitesurf riders taking another look at the Sigma shape.
Bar setup and safety systems
The bar pulleys of last season have followed the industry trend of extinction on Naish’s new four-line SLE control system, which is used with both the Cult and the Helix models this year. Impressive new features include a new front-line attachment system with anti-twist line swivel. Also, rather than relying on the depower capability of both front lines, the leash is connected through a mini fifth-line leash to a single front line, ensuring complete single-line flagging. New bar ends have bar-size adjustment capability, a great feature for multiple-sized kites used with a single bar.
Key kite features
Naish’s attention to detail is always evident. Its industry-exclusive features include the Octopus inflation, an internal single-point inflation system, the Delta-cut two-ply trailing edge and internal Aramid leading-edge seam reinforcements. The easily identified Sigma shape has advanced for 2009 with new low-drag wingtips, Direct Response Steering and the Geo-Tech C shape that alters the kite’s stability and turning style.
On-water performanceThe Helix is a completely different kite this year, with performance that appeals to what most advanced riders are looking for in an SLE kite. Whether it’s the lower aspect shape, fewer struts or the steering design features that were added, this year’s Helix feels much more like a C kite.
The testers were impressed by the smooth pull, quick and reactive steering, and excellent depower as well as the solid unhooked performance. Although it takes longer to find the sweet spot to boost some big air than its Cult counterpart, when you hit it right this kite has excellent lift and glide. The feedback you get from the Helix is the perfect balance between too much and not enough. Water relaunch has also been improved, with a simple steering-line pull that provides faster results.
Like the Cult, the Helix pulls fast and smooth, and it’s quick to react to steering input at all levels of depower. Its fast pulling speed and good upwind capability make it a good kite for the racing crowd.
Reality check
This Helix may depower slightly less than last year’s model; however, the added stability, quicker turn reactivity and direct bar feel more than make up for it. If you need more instant depower, there’s always the Cult.
Bottom line
The Naish Helix was a test favourite in both sound and ocean sessions for its great all-terrain performance, wind range and smooth unhooked capability, which was absent from last year’s Sigma. It more than satisfies the demands of the dedicated C-kite freestyle rider who has held out from using SLE’s in the past.
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