2009 Slingshot RPM 10m Review

At a Glance

The RPM is a totally new kite from Slingshot for 2009, it is aimed as a crossover kite filling the gap between the Fuel and the Rev, the Fuel being their classic all time C kite and the Rev being a punchy flat style speed demon.

One of the main remits of the Slingshot RPM is to deliver excellent unhooked kitesurfing abilities yet still offer the ease of relaunch and depower of a bridled design. Youri Zoon, their pro rider from Holland, is currently giving Aaron Hadlow a run for his money using a stock RPM range of kites, so that says something about the freestyle capabilities of the kite.

As usual when you pull the kite out of the bag you can’t help but be impressed by the build quality. Whilst a lot of smaller brands are upping their game this year, the top guys are putting together kites that are setting standards. The RPM has plenty of panels, extra stitching and overlap in load areas and lots of Kevlar wear patches on stress points. The bridle on the kite is minimal and short and there is a direct connection on the back lines. Graphics have improved over the Rev, which we felt was a little plain, the RPM sports some standout attention to detail, which is always good to see on a top end product like this. Of course the infamous Slingshot One Pump is present, the system that most other systems now follow, you can be sure it is tried and tested!

The Bar

The biggest feature on the new bar is without a doubt the double strength front lines, these 800lb beasts ensure that you should never snap a front line. The bar also features the Centre Safety System which allows the kite to flag out on the front line in an emergency, so it is good to know these lines shouldn’t ever fail you. The bar itself features O Shit handles and a chicken loop depower cleat. There is a stopper ball as well for those long sessions on the water. The chicken loop is the same as last year and the release works really well, just be careful not to grab it by accident when hooking back in though as it can release.

On the Water

The RPM feels like a larger kite for its size, the wide wingtips and open C shape arc giving it lots of low end power. This kite really does seem to have a huge bottom end range and, coupled with a kiteboard, you could easily have the 10m as your biggest kite if you weigh around 80 kilos.

The other instantly noticeable feature when you have the kite in the air is just how smooth it is. In gusty conditions it just seems to deliver the same sure footed power throughout, it doesn’t tug and drop back in the window; it sits there perfectly poised. It is almost spooky how smooth this kite is. Don’t be fooled though as the power is there when you need it and once you start moving the kite around the window in anger you can really start to see it’s potential.

Kite loops are a very meaty affair, the RPM delivering plenty of yank through the turn, it is predictable though and you won’t find this kite power spiking at the wrong moment. When powered up it cruises upwind with ease and jumps with the best of them, a solid pull from the water is met with a floaty glide of a jump.

Perhaps the most impressive thing though is the unhooked performance of the RPM. Being very stable and poised it allows the rider to unhook without worrying about the kite doing anything strange. It just sits there and continues to pull. Bust out your trick and you’ll come in to land to find the kite exactly where you left it. It is almost as solid as going to the cable tow! Something that will appeal to a lot of riders.

Suited more towards the experienced freerider or the freestyler looking for the benefits of 4 line simplicity and the depower of a bridled kite the RPM is sure to set a few hearts racing. The power and grunt rule it out for the beginner to be honest, this is a powerful beast with top end performance up its sleeve that is just waiting to be unleashed.

Pros
Huge wind range, great low end, and equally impressive top end. Very stable, a great platform for unhooked tricks. Stellar build quality that really sets the standard in modern manufacturing.

Cons
If you unhook a lot you may end up changing the chicken loop or modifying it, the red pull knob is just too easy to activate when you are grabbing the loop to hook back in. If you’ve suicide leashed directly to the chicken loop then this can cause problems.

Overall
Yet another great kite surfing kite from Slingshot, the team in the states are really pulling out all the stops with their manufacturing and also their designs. The RPM fills the void for the performance-bridled kite that can be used as a freestyle weapon. If you have got the skills then this kite will excite and enthral!

For more information visit www.s2as.com or go to www.slingshotsports.com

Naish Haze XL Kite Board Review

At A Glance

The Haze range of kiteboards from Naish has for a long time been aimed squarely at the entry to intermediate level of kitesurfer. This year is no exception, with these kite boards offering a more forgiving flex pattern and outline than some of the other boards in their line up.

However, the XL range in the Haze series is slightly different again. These kiteboards are designed to be light wind weapons and the dimensions of the 135 certainly reflect that. The board is a whopping 44.5 cm wide! The outline is very square and the width carries right through to the tips.

The board has a fairly flat rocker and is also pretty stiff in the mid section with a small amount of flex in the tips. These are not characteristics you would immediately associate with an entry-level board, but you have to remember these are precisely the sort of qualities you need in a light wind machine. Another cool thing about the Naish kite boards this year is that they all have very similar graphics. The red and white is very distinctive across the range and will appeal to most riders. From a distance anyone will think you’re riding an altogether more high performance and expensive model too!

On the Water

We tested the NaishHaze XL in a variety of conditions to see how it performed, not just as a light wind beast, but also well out of its box in stronger conditions. In lighter airs, as you would expect, the board is pretty good. Those dimensions alone will testify to the fact it should get going super early. And it does. In the slightest puff with a decent sized kite the board has enough surface area to get riding. Heavier riders out there will find it could be the answer to those marginal conditions they have been struggling with.

It also carries its speed through the lulls too. The stiff mid section combines with the flat rocker line to help keep the board moving when the wind drops that little bit. In short, a great board in the light airs.

Throw bit of wind into the mix and the Naish Haze XL reveals some impressive performance characteristics. It is very fast in a straight line and also has excellent pop. If you have enough bulk this board will be much more than a light wind machine, it can easily handle big winds and only really becomes uncomfortable when it starts to become small kite weather.

Pros
An excellent light wind machine, bigger riders will love the Haze XL as it offers an awful lot of versatility with some impressive performance.

Cons
The Haze XL 135 does what it is described to do, sure if you are super lightweight it will be a handful when the wind gets up, but then you shouldn’t be on this board. It is a light wind machine for all and if you have a bit of bulk then it will be much more than that.

Overall
Excellent build quality and a good broad out line and shape combine to make this a great board for when the wind isn’t blowing. If you’re a heavier rider it also packs some serious performance too.

For more information visit www.s2as.com or www.naishkites.com

F-One Trax 4 Kiteboard Review

F-One Trax 4 Kiteboard 136 x 40 Kitesurfing

At a Glance

The F-One Trax Kiteboard has been a part of the F-One Kiteboarding line up for some time now, it is their performance freeride board aimed at the kiter looking for speed, comfort and performance in an easy to ride package. Last year the Trax 3 was very popular and having seen the Trax 4 and ridden it we would say that once again it looks set to be a winner. The graphics are rather mellow compared to the F-One Acid Kiteboard. There is a fair bit of technology going on with the Trax 4, it has a very thin wood core at its heart which enables the team at F-One to develop a very thin core which is then laminated in fibreglass, new for this year is a Twist Carbon Control section, which helps to control the lateral twist of the board. The concave and step down the centre of the board is back and the rails have been inverted to help with rail to rail carving. The footpads and straps are excellent and the new mounting system makes it a breeze to put the pads on the board.

On the Water

The Trax of past years has always been a favourite due to its smooth forgiving ride, and once again the Trax 4 feels very surefooted and easy to control, even in the heaviest of chop. The flex ensures the board soaks up most of the bumps and the channel and concave help smooth out the rest of the ride. Whilst the board is smooth and easy it also has a darker side. Power up the edge and drive some speed into the Trax 4 and you will find it is able to carry an impressive turn of pace. Once again even at speed the board feels easy to control and perfectly poised. The 136 sounds like a big size, but with the straps set up wide you don’t really notice the length. Anyone over 6 foot tall would get a lot out of the 136, even if it sounds bigger than your normal ride. The pop and jumping is impressive, although the tips lean towards a more freeride profile they still displace enough water to get you well and truly airborne. Landing on the 40cm wide base is easy too and the concave also helps soak up some of the shock meaning powered tricks can be landed at speed with ease. The 136 is very early to get going, aided by the channel it also flies upwind with ease. Once again we expect this to be a very popular freeride board in 2009.

For
Classic styling, wood core, very fast and easy to control, great for jumping and for doing powered freestyle moves and very quick upwind.

Against
We struggled to find any gripes with the Trax, it works and works really well.

Overall
If you want a freeride board that gives a good turn of performance, is forgiving and easy to ride then the Trax 4 will fit that bill.

For more information go to your local S2AS Kitesurf shop

Review: Dakine BTS kiteboard Travel Bag with wheels

DAKINE BTS KITEBOARD BAG (with wheels) 140CM


You may ask what BTS stands for, if you ask Dakine it means “beat the system”. On first appearance the Dakine BTS bag is similar to the Dakine Airwagon in the fact it is a large coffin bag. Its dimensions are 144cm x 44sm x 28cm and so will actually fit a slightly larger board than its title suggests. There is a ton of room and you will happily get 3 kites, 2 boards and all the miscellaneous bits and bobs you can think of. The bag is also fully padded, providing all round protection from the unscrupulous baggage handlers and comes with heavy duty poly urethane wheels. The BTS has an easy open zip point on both the bottom and top so if you want to access the bag quickly and you don’t have to dismantle it. There are also a plethora of straps and handles that can be used along with a couple of address displays. The bag is of the highest quality and comes with their 2 year warranty. All of this, although impressive is only half of the story as the name suggests there is more to this bag than at first seems.

Upon closer inspection you will see that the BTS bag will actually split into 2 separate bags. The obvious advantage of this is at your check in, with the BTS bag gone are the days of arguing over the excess while the airline attempts to charge you a fortune all you have to do is undo the buckles on the bag and Hey Presto. you have 2 separate bags. These 2 separate Kitesurf bags are now half the original weight and should easily full under the baggage allowance radar. The attachment mechanism for the bags is simply buckle straps and it is both easy and quick to do.

Having used this bag for the last couple of years there is another major benefit. If you are going on a flight where the weight allowance is silly small or just away for the weekend and you only want to take a couple of kites and a board then you can just take one half of the bag. This can be either section wheeled bottom or non-wheeled top. If weight is an issue that the top non-wheeled section is a life saver, it is still fully padded but without the wheels it is very lightweight meaning you can maximise your allowance with your kit.

Overall the BTS is probably the best all round kiteboard bag on the market, as a whole bag it will take loads and loads of kit but can also save you from being stung at the airport. The ability to separate this bag gives it amazing versatility so it doesn’t matter where you going, for how long or the weight limits the BTS will always perform.

Kitesurfing Lessons why & where should you take them

So why and where should you take kitesurfing lessons: Kite Schools

Kitesurfing has been attracting a lot of people of all ages. Now, there are approximately 150,000 to 200,000 kite surfers worldwide. Most of them are in Europe and North American East Coast. The challenge of piloting the kite in the sky and steering the board on the water encourages people to engage in Kitesurfing.

Although a lot of instructional materials are available online, it would be better to enroll in a Kitesurfing School. (S2AS have kitesurfing schools in Brighton, poole & Kent) With formal Kitesurfing lessons, you will be assisted by professional and experienced kite surfers from the IKO & BKSA. They will also demonstrate the different skills and tricks in Kitesurfing. They will share some firsthand experience and insights that help you understand what the sport really is. Listening to their stories can increase your interest and passion towards Kitesurfing.

There are things to be considered before enrolling in a Kite School. Above all considerations, the school itself must be credible enough to organize Kitesurfing lessons. It should be credited by the BKSA or IKO (both would be best) All Surfac2Air Sports kitesurfing Schools are both IKO & BKSA, An organization that is composed of Kitesurfing associations, schools, manufacturers, and instructors that have agreed with the standards in teaching Kitesurfing. This ensures the quality and safety of Kitesurfing training or lessons offered by the Kitesurfing Schools and independent professional kite surfers. They also work with large insurance companies and help Kitesurfing Schools and instructors to have a wider insurance coverage.

Of course, instructors should be licensed by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO), a network of all Kitesurfing stakeholders, especially trained professional kite surfers, and examiners. It promotes high quality and safe teaching of Kitesurfing. It is a venue for active interaction between kite surfers, professional or trainees, worldwide.

You may also opt to take group Kitesurf lessons classes. You can invite your friends and family members and hire a professional kite surfer. Although this might be more expensive, you may get more time for training and learn advanced skills.

The price should also be taken into account. Kitesurfing Schools differ in fees for a formal Kitesurfing lesson. Some schools accept only few students at a time for a more focused training. Others include equipment rental in the fee.

PLEASE NOTE: S2AS Kitesurfing schools offer kitesurfing lessons at many price options and the price will inc all the equipment needed on the course for your kitesurfing lessons.


With all these factors to bear in mind, it is essential to do some research first on the different Kite Schools so you can determine which school meets your needs.

S2AS KITESURF SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING AREA'S OF THE UK.

Kitesurfing Lessons in Brighton
Kitesurfing Lessons in Poole
Kitesurfing Lessons in Kent

MASSIVE DAKINE BAG SALE ON NOW!

S2AS massive Dakine Bag sale, S2AS are the number one retailer for Dakine bags in the UK, with a wide range of Dakine Travel, Dakine Skate, Dakine Surf, Dakine Snow and Dakine Camera bags you’ll be sure to find the perfect Dakine bag at great sale prices.

Each Dakine bag is made from tough material and is reinforced underneath for when the terrain gets a little rough. High quality many of the Travel Bags come fitted with urethane wheels which roll smoothly from each destination.
Dakine Bags are fully padded so you’ll be sure to keep those valuables safe, with all bag having different accessories including skateboard, ski and snowboard straps, fluid reservoirs and many different shaped compartments and pockets for every extreme sport accessory you an think of.
Dakine bags are built to last with materials tough enough to handle the worst conditions and terrain, so due to the bombproof construction of Dakine bags, whether your dragging it around the streets of Tokyo or hiking up the glaciers of the French alps Dakine bags will always remain intact with you’re your essential gear inside safe from whatever conditions your throw at it.

Dakine have many different backpacks for different riders and extreme sports, Such as the Dakine Heli BackPack with its built in fluid resivior this bag created a new category or backcountry snowboard and ski packs. To the Dakine Jordy Smith which features skate carry straps and external padded laptop sleeve, an insulated cooler pocket and a fleece lined sunglass pocket.
Dakine truly have created a bag for every rider, terrain and condition that that the world has to offer.
Overcome the elements with Dakine Bags.