The variety of Electra Bikes at S2AS

Many people today enjoy bicycle riding outdoors to get fresh air and exercise. There are a number of different styles of bicycles available on the website of S2AS. The Electra bikes at S2AS come in styles designed for both male and female riders. The basic frame style is created as a cruiser so the item will handle well on all types of terrain. These bikes come with wider mountain bike style wheels in the classic twenty-six inch size so they will grip the surface area better while moving. The women's custom cruiser has a frame made of steel and is available in colourhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs of yellow or powder blue.

The women's bike created as the Daisy Cruiser comes with twenty-four inch wheels and has colourful daisy prints placed on both fenders, around the main stem base and on the seat. The seat is fully padded and comes on a steel post with the electra custom spring in the saddle. This item comes in a delightful shade of yellow and includes a bell on the handlebars. The Super Deluxe model created for men comes in aqua or navy blue and has the Shimano coaster brakes on the back wheel. This model has a steel fork with a lightweight aluminium frame and comes with a rear rack for carrying small items.

The 3i Gents bike for men includes a front basket with wood slats, a handlebar bell and rear rack. This bike has a distinctive looking frame with a larger midsection complete with the printed logo of the company. This item also has top of the line Shimano brakes and offers the ease of a twist handle speed changer. This item is available in a light tan colour with red highlights. A variation on this model is the 8D Gents bicycle in white.

There is also a version of the Super Deluxe model available for women that also includes the rear rack for toting various items such as books. The Gypsy cruiser for women has a front basket made out of wicker and fully lined for protection. This festive looking bicycle comes with streamers attached to the handle grips and is available in an emerald green colour with a white padded seat. This item has a lightweight aluminium frame and Shimano coaster brakes. This item is a 3 speed bike with twenty-six inch wheels designed to safely transport the rider from one location to another.

THE KITE SHOW EP 2

Roll up Roll up.... Its finally here the guys who brought you Episode 1 of the Kite show are back, check it out below and this episode has world famous Ruben Lenten on the film.

Whats in THE KITE SHOW:

Episode 2 comes at you from the beaches of Cape Town, South Africa. With regular presenter Annelies hunting out wind in the Cape Verde islands, Jim recruited the one and only Ruben Lenten to help out with the presenting. We hear from him on his ankle rehabilitation, his own show — On The Loose, he gives some key tips on mega-loops and provides some unique insight on the riders featured in this episode.

Packed with features, we catch up with Alex Pastor and Bruna Kajiya on their 2010 PKRA World Tour campaigns, Progression provide some invaluable advice on learning to ride unhooked, there’s info Best’s awesome new Profanity board, we kick off our Move of the Month Champions series (vote at http://www.thekiteshow.tv) and John Bilderback lays on an awesome action clip to close things out, exclusive to The Kite Show.

Airush have put one of their top-of-the-range freestyle twin-tips, the FS Team, made in full carbon up for grabs as a prize this episode! Tell us what Alex Pastor’s favourite move is for your chance to win, here:http://www.thekiteshow.tv

The Show
Mixing original video content with the best news and entertainment stories from the world of kiteboarding, The Kite Show is written and presented by Kiteworld Magazine editor, Jim Gaunt, shot and edited by Craig Sawyer of Blue Juice (2010/11 BKSA videographer) and shot, packaged and supported by Rob Claisse, MD of Progression and Fat Sand. Thanks also to William Milne of Boomting Productions for his help shooting the Ruben interviews this episode

Thanks for reading

S2AS Team

NEW SHINN GINTRONIC Kiteboard

Kiteboarding made easy. The new Shinn Gintronic is so ridiculously easy that some might call it cheating. Bi-Lateral flex mould, exaggerated constant curve rocker, super tolerant outline, the Shinn Gintronic defies chop, flies upwind and planes on a summers breeze, whilst all the time allowing you to think about what you need to do, not what your board allows you to do. This board refuses to be catergorised, it’s not freestyle and it’s not freeride. Could it be the worlds first funride board?
Directed towards any level of kiter who wants to ride and play the Gintronic fills a previously open slot in the Shinn range with no strings attached.
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The 3D shaping of the deck moulds on all Shinn boards is a blend of functionality and form. The Squoval mould, first bought to you on the Monk, is designed to provide you with the ultimate in comfort and control. It's unique ovalized, central platform creates extreme amounts of tail flex through both axis yet maintains rigidity underfoot to ensure early planning performance and upwind ability are un-hindered. It's no wonder some testers call it the magic carpet
Easy planing combined with hard charging performance delivered in a manageable and fun way,the Shinn Gintronic kitesurf board really does have the best of all worlds. perfect for beginner to intermediate riders.

For more info call S2AS on 01303 268269 or 01202 738448
or check out s2as.com

Win A Takoon Reflex

To Celebrate the Launch of the new Takoon Reflex Kite Takoon Are offering you the chance to Win a brand new 9m Takoon Reflex, simply follow the Link Below and fill out the questionnaire to be in with a chance.

Takoon Reflex 9m kitesurf Competition

Takoon reflex 9m hybrid c kitesurfing kite.

The Takoon Reflex is an all new kite for the 2011 kitesurf season, it is a hybrid "c" kite design which brings the benifits of c kites together with the simplicity and safety of hybrids and bow kites.

The new Takoon reflex design is focused on versatility and control. The kite has a very broad range thanks to its 4 strut design hybrid c shape and moderate aspect ratio.

At the heart of the Takoon Reflex is it's "c" shape to give direct bar feel and consistent power across the window.

The leading edge bridle allows for maximum power and support to the canopy while allowing the kite to de power on demand making it a very efficient and safe kite whilst the positioning of the struts in the four strut design maximise the kites stability and afford it plenty of low end power and allow you to push further into the window and cruise effortlessly upwind. boost is provided in ample amounts for those massive jumps and the swept tips ensure the kite is as fast and reactive as possible making it ideal for new school freestyle or wave riders.

New for 2011 the Takoon Reflex.

Takoon Have steadily been increasing their product line, and the products keep getting better and better as the research and development team push the products forward and the range of quality kites and boards grows to meet the needs of riders in any discipline.
The reflex is a welcome addition to Takoon's kite line up for 2011 bringing with it a whole new meaning to power and versatility.
The Takoon Reflex Is based on a "hybrid C Kite" four strut design with a moderate aspect ratio and offers the ultimate in control ability and stability. The hybrid nature of the kite allows the kite to have the feel of a c kite with constant bar pressure and consistent power across the stroke.
Modified bridles ensure efficient power delivery by keeping the leading edge supported and efficient de-power without making the bar throw any longer.
the specific placement of the four struts, without a center strut allows for massive low end grunt and effortless boost, as well as up wind ride ability and increasing its wind range to make this a truly versatile kite.
swept tips and a moderate aspect ratio allow the kite to have the best re launch ability of any kite in the Takoon range.
The speed, grunt and lift makes it perfectly suited to advanced freeride and progressive, new school and wake style disciplines.

Point 65 Kayaks

So As Summer Hits and we Look at spending more time outside and on the water, the hype grows around our Point 65 kayaks, now Sit on top Kayaks are nothing new and have been making watersports accessible to the masses in an ever growing and popular trend. But normal drawbacks have remained, how to transport your new Kayak to the beach or what to do with it while at home or in the long winter months. point 65's award winning designers have been hard at work and have come up with the safest, most reliable and easy to use system for making kayaks portable on the market today, with the Point 65 martini and the point 65 tequila. Both use a super easy take down system that uses secure and reliable ratchets to clip the sections of the Kayak together quickly and easily.
The tequila is a sit on top fun and sport kayak that is at home in most enviroments on the water providing a sturdy and secure platform for all your activities from touring to fishing
The Martini is a Sit in kayak again providing a sturdy and strong platform for anything from cruising about to playing in the surf.

The kayaks can be sailed as a single unit for solo adventures or thee take down ability adds the extra luxury of being able to add a centre section to make the kayak into a tandem For increased Group activity.

Point 65 Kayaks are now available from Surface To air Sports
Check out S2AS.COM
or Call 01303 268269 or 01202 738448

Vanessa Procter joins the ranks at S2AS

S2AS are proud to announce that we have just signed Vanessa Procter to the Team for 2011 Vanessa is one of a kind with the wide array of Extreme activities that fill her free time check out her bio below, And Welcome Vanessa.

We look forward to seeing lots of you in 2011.

Name: Vanessa Procter

Age: 24

Top Sports: Kite surfing, snowboarding, climbing

As a career-driven woman, my working life focuses on analysing global media reputations. Outside work, I feel most at home trying to harness and conquer nature’s elements with my loves being any activities that provide a challenge to me both physically and mentally. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not trying hard enough.

I may as well throw my rent money away on the weekends as I’m normally away being buffeted by wind and waves, kite surfing, battling currents in a kayak, tearing up dirt on a horse or motor bike, lead climbing on as challenging a rock face as I can find or some other adrenaline-filled sport. Rain or shine, snow or heat-wave, if you want to find me,

I’ll be out in the wilderness somewhere pushing my limits to breaking point, discovering new adventures and living my life to the full. It can pretty safely be said, therefore, that I am incredibly energetic and active. My weekends are filled with adventures all over the country, from South Wales to East Sussex, Scotland to Cornwall.

Kite surfing is one of my more recent obsessions. I am pretty sure everyone who has experienced the thrill of tearing down the coastline with a kite strapped to their waist will agree that it doesn’t take long to get hooked on the sport. Since the first moment I launched a 9m Nobile S.L.E down in Poole Harbour and felt the wind transform the kite into a powerful engine, I knew there was no turning back.

What do I do to relax? Well definitely don’t give me caffeine; I literally go insane on that stuff, to the point that those who know me will ask me not to have a coffee (unless they fancy a quick marathon with me). When I do find rare moments of relaxation you’ll find me chilling on the beach watching the sunset or fuelling my love of spicy food in the kitchen. I like combining relaxing and refuelling with a love of cookery, and I especially like trying to satisfy my 'pudding stomach'

15 Facts About Me

1.I love eating Frozen Sweetcorn

2. Sharks are my favourite animal

3. I have roasted marshmallows over running lava on a volcano

4. I have eaten Lionfish

5. I used to believe shouting ‘mint sauce’ at sheep made them cry

6. I have shared a bed with a 1.3meter Carolina Corn snake

7. My face is on the box of a monopoly board

8. I won 2nd place in Miss Student UK in 2007

9. I make my own jewellery out of shells and coconuts

10. My dad taught me how dangerous electric plugs were by making me poke one

11. My dream car is a Bowler Wild Cat

12. I have eaten a fish’s eyeball and still-beating fish heart

13. I was hospitalised with dehydration at the same time as Michael Jackson

14. I have done 3 solo sky dives

15. I’ve swum with over 66 Caribbean reef sharks at one time

SLINGSHOT RPM 2011

Ok the wait has been long but its almost over, I have just been told that the new 2011 Slingshot RPM Kites are due to dock on the 18th of March so we should have them very very soon.

In the mean time i have added a few more video's of the new 2011 RPM for you to have a look at the kite is just amazing.

Remember if you have pre ordered with us we will call you when they come in and ship on 24hrs delivery for FREE.

We also have the following sizes for demo if you havent yet tried the new 2011 RPM Kite.

Angelo

S2AS Team

01202 738448

The new Shinn Monk get RAVE reviews

Something dropped though my letterbox on Saturday which will put a smile on all our faces; the new issue of Kiteworld.

They have had the Shinn Monk, for over 4 months, a long time certainly, yet the tests were certainly worth waiting for;

- "This is a dream kiteboard"

- "They (the testers) just could not believe the performance they were getting from it".

- "The Monk charges upwind like nothing we’ve seen."

- "Out of interest we got a few other riders on this and every one of them loved it, from our intermediate girlfriends, just learning to jump and carve, to seasoned freestylers visiting Capetown. No one had a bad word to say."

- "Intermediates jumping on this won't understand just how good it is and how lucky they are to have one, but anyone who has owned a few twinnies will do. Boards often get better and better the flatter the water. This is just good at everything all the time."

It's a fantastic test, and deservedly so, I could not have written anything more complimentary myself.

Shinn Monk – kiteworld test issue 50.

The Hype;

This is a freestyle board for the mere mortals among us. The monk offers untamed sailing without the limitations normally associated with this kind of riding. Hyperflex tips (created using shins new FS mould) and a new constant curve work together to create the easiest to access (yet limitless) ride ever seen. A Backdoor into the high performance world of kiteboarding or simply reality personified? You decide.

Test team notes;

First thoughts of the test team was that the Monk was going to be quite an average board for intermediate riders. Really robust, it looked and felt really big in the hands and had a huge gorillas face on the bottom. The looks on the faces of every one of them when they came in from their first run told a different story though. They just could not believe the performance they were getting from it. Starting with the pads and straps which are all new from Shinn, the pad itself is enormous, luxurious and very thick, slightly thicker in the heel than the toe, with an indent for grip. The pad is also thick and very easy to adjust with two velcro straps underneath the main top Velcro covering. Fitting the average mans foot very well, if you have small feet you can get grip but have to push your feet a little further in. (Please note that on the next delivery all boards are available with smaller straps if required) Super comfortable though and without any pinching on the sides of your feet either and the top strap offers huge coverage for virtually the whole of your foot.

The 135 gets up and going incredibly smartly, rides fast and soaks up any choppy lumps and bumps without a second thought. If you look at the outline of the board, its actually very wide in the middle, unlike a lot of modern square freestyle boards. This massively benefits the Monk in its carving ability. Combined with the flex pattern in the middle of the board, that wide section and more narrow tips means that you can really gouge a turn without catching the tips and the flex holds right the way through the turn, only pushing back seemingly when you are ready for it to do so when you have completed your carve, rather than spitting you out of your turn too early. There’s grip right through the turn, which perhaps doesn’t make for sliding from heel-to-toe as simple as on other boards but in every other aspect it’s hugely beneficial.

The Monk charges upwind like nothing we’ve seen. With such good fluid and grippy carving abilities you also wouldn’t expect the monk to pop so well, but it really does. The relationship between the rocker, flex and stiffness in the tips provide a beautiful mix of newschool and freeride. Super fast but controlled to ride, when you load it up you get a fantastic punch off the water and then absorption on landing. Out of interest we got a few other riders on this and every one of them loved it, from our intermediate girlfriends, just learning to jump and carve, to seasoned freestylers visiting Capetown. No one had a bad word to say.

Summary

Shinny says this year instead of making mall incremental improvements he thought he’s experiment and start off at the extremes. He hasn’t given us any more information, but whatever he’s done it works. This is a dream board. Intermediates jumping on this wont understand just how good it is and how lucky they are to have one, but anyone who has owned a few twinnies will do. Boards often get better and better the flatter the water. This is just good at everything all the time.

KW liked; The subtle blend of new school pop with freeride comfort and agility

KW disliked; The Plastic spacers between the board and the head of the screw are quite weak. (these have since been replaced with bespoke shinn finwashers)

For more info or to demo the Shinn Monk Kitesurf board call us on 01202 738448

The Kite Show

Roll up roll up...

The kite show has hit town and boy is it cool.

In this issue:

Lewis Crathern S2AS Team Rider is again Jumping crazy objects.. on his 2011 Slingshot Fuel and check out the move of the month!
Jim Gaunt from Kiteworld mag is one of the guys involved so you know its going to be very informative. Anyway enough of my blabber.. check it out.


Thanks for looking

S2AS Team

New Wainman Kiteboards

Ok so must of you all know about the 2011 Wainman blunt Kiteboards but what you may not know is whats changed? and how the new 2011 models differ from the new 2011 Wainman boards, Well read on and your see..enjoy.

What's physically new?

a.Available Sizes:
125 x 39 cm
130 x 40,5 cm
135 x 41,5 cm
137 x 43,5 cm

New Wainamn Blunts have slightly different sizing available comparing to what they had last year. There is no more 120 size, as it was not a popular size.
Size 125 and 130 have now bigger brother of a TOTALLY New 135, which is their scale up, with the identical rocker-line and aspect ratio (proportions).

New 137 size is a new version of the old 135. To add even a bit more of the planning surface and distinct this different shape of board from its 3 smaller cousins we made/named it a 137. It is proportionally wider than the smaller Blunts and has less rocker. Those 2 different changed parameters, make this board a perfect LIGHTWIND machine or the all-round boards for really big guys.

b.Manufacturer

We changed the factory of the Blunts this year as the old facility due to its technology wasn't capable of delivering hi quality boards when it comes to their durability and long-lasting. With new factory we are starting from the safer end – with the much stronger and bit heavier board but will be gradually working on the improvements and try to deliver even a lighter board, same as last years.

c.Core and Lamination

The core in the new Blunt is redesigned. It consists more of the wood part in it and less foam. Foam in the freeride board's core is generally a good thing as it reduces the rebound of the board a lot and delivers lots of stability, however foam used in the whole surface of the board, with such a thin core as Blunt's brings too much of the breakage risk. Those risks were still acceptable when Blunt was a limited edition custom board, but when it entered the global mass market with big expectations when it comes to its long-lasting durability it needed to be changed and improved.
The new core is still partly made of the foam (now it is high HD PU foam – high density polyurethane) but only on the toe and heel side, along the edge. In the center of the board, through its whole length and thickness there is a wooden core made of the Poplar.

Lamination in the new Blunt is also redesigned. Without revealing to many of the production secrets we can only say that board's lamination is still done using the epoxy resin and the highest quality European fiberglass layers but now in a new, redesigned proportions, which effects in the proper stiffness and flex pattern of the board with this new core and which as the combined effect provides super durability against any riding/landing damage!

d.Topsheets

New Blunts are made with a bit thicker and way more durable top sheet materials. Old Blunt's super-light weight was a result of using different materials, but they were not resistant enough against high heat or UV rays.
With the changed top sheet material this now is not a problem and board will survive better a long exposure to the UV rays. It also gained a lot more of the anti-scratch resistance.

The bottom sheet is still, as last year, made in the hydrodynamic, matt finish, which results with better waterflow performance.
Top of the board is covered with the extra UV protection clear coat lack, which additionally protects the board and also gives a better look to it.

e.Sidewall

We also changed the sidewall in the New Blunts and now the edge is made of the stiffer ABS material. This will add extra durability to the board as there is way less chances now that the crack will start on the edge and follow to the center resulting in the breakage. This change might probably take away some of marketing effect of a soft flexi edge but it is a decision of the R&D Department that had to meet big durability expectations that the mass market demands from the new version of the Blunt.

Another good news is that this change didn't take away the round shaping of the rail itself, which most of cases takes place when using ABS by other brands.
The rail is still rounded and the production department is constantly working on improving the esthetics of how they do it.

One change in rail shaping is that the tip now is not fully rounded, as it used to be.
This is because the water flow is better when the water that is released from underneath the board meets the sharp edge of the tip.

f.Fins

Now Blunt is delivered with the new Claw fins, of 50mm size (1,97 inches) and that is the standard for all the New Blunt sizes.
New shape of the fins, developed by WH R&D Department, makes them carry even less drag and have even better gripping ability with good, quick release while jumping.

For new fins we changed the diameter of the screws. Instead of the metric 6 thread now we introduced the 5mm thread that let us reduce the thickness of the fin.
Please note this change when you are providing customers with the spare parts for Blunt boards!

g.Footstraps

For all new TT's this year we changed the footstraps as well.
We still are making them in the ergonomic, reduced size shape that can well fit smaller feet and hold huge ones well, but now we improved the mounting system in them. Starting now we introduce the new plastic piece with the molded 3D shape that provides much easier mounting and better foot holding.

The new system includes one more interesting feature, that is the angle adjustment. Depending if your foot's arch is high or low you can adjust that by rotating the mounting elements on the pad before tightening them down. Updated pads have the special gripping surface that will maintain this chosen position, and the properly rotated mounting elements will custom fit rider's arch better and make riding in new straps more comfortable!

h.Graphics

In order to underline the Blunt's Spirit continuation we designed new graphics close to the old ones and based them on the triangles as well. However we decided to get rid of the weakness symbols in it as well - in the middle  - imagine a huge fist shaped with Wainman Hawaii's logo that punched the old graphic with a huge force!
Despite this huge impact the New Blunt is still in one piece, however the well organized triangles now are in the mess and if you look closer you can see the 3D in them and some terrains formed! Inside of the gap you can see new dimension that is uncovered by the punishing fist bringing new, very organized and well programmed order. Of course Matrix scheme is an old one however we thought that after that many years it is finally cool to use it. Those who used it right after movie's success were in our feeling maybe a bit cheesy and using it now is a bit like a real tribute to its “out of the box” idea, which we all really liked 

2.What's physically same as before?

a.Shape

New Blunts have the same shape as their ancestors. The same outline, rocker-line (one exception is the above mentioned 137 rocker-line) and the same 3D shape of the whole board. This shape is the key of Blunt's character and we of course maintained it the way it originally was designed.

Continues single concave of the bottom improves the waterflow through the board's bottom directing it from its whole surface towards the tip.
As the result minimalized drag, upwind and smooth landing are still same features that the new board has.

Thin, chop cutting rails are as well the same, which provides superb edge holding and freeride comfort.

b.Stance

We kept the same stance options with the pre-angle positioned inserts to provide stance anatomically safe for knees and adjustment option for those with shorter/longer legs to adjust the width between feet.

c.Fin position.

Fin position is still the same, matching Blunt's shape and resulting in no eye-spray, and nice skatey feel of the board that releases the edge quickly when needed.

d.Full quiver of accessories

As usual, new Blunt comes with the padded board bag, tool bag, screwdriver and set of pads, straps, fins and all hardware.

3.How is New Blunt feeling wise –SUMMARY:

Of course the best way to understand the board well is take it for a good test by yourself and have all your sales staff do the same.

Below you will find our testrider's observations matching R&D's goals.

a.CHARACTER
Those who rode old Blunts a lot when comparing them to new ones will feel that the new board is slightly softer. This is because this year we are introducing another TT, The Joke, which is a stiff all-round board targeted for more of the advanced or wakestyle riders. That enabled us to make new Blunt a bit less aggressive with this softer flex targeted more for a mellow freeriders rather than for the crazy boosters.
Blunt is not anymore our only Twintip and so this year it rides a bit differently. However this difference is small and will be felt only when customer would cross test old and a new board the same day.

With that softer flex the new Blunt is a bit more forgiving, softer in landings and handles gusts better. However, on the other hand, some riders might feel that it doesn't boost up that high as it used to or provide the wakestyle pop as before. However those differences are very small and for the average freerider they are unnoticeable. For such targeted customer new Blunt will be a way better, smoother and more forgiving board! For those who will really miss it we recommend to try The Joke board!

b.NEW CONSTRUCTION BENEFITS
New construction of The Blunt is definitely more durable than last years. This won't be noticed by rider during the first session but after some time for sure it will be appreciated.
What you can feel from the first touch is that new Blunts are slightly heavier.
This is the result of introducing the new more durable construction.
However we all want to take a good care of our gear but in the reality many customers don't focus enough on that and that is why we really improved the inside and outside durability of Blunts.
More scratch/ding/damage resistances are new features that makes New Blunt a safe investment for freeride customers and this is how it should be explained for those who ask.

c.CHOP CONTROL
New Blunts cuts really nice through the chop and makes no eye spray just like its ancestor. This feature is definitely well appreciated by all freeriders that have enough of the salt water in their eyes already from some other boards that they had! ;)

d.UPWIND
New Blunts have very good upwind characteristic. As they are designed to be also good landing and chop cutting boards, they are not “course-racers” and so don't expect the miracles from them and winning with racing boards, when it comes to going upwind. However even slightly underpowered, in a gusty wind, you can be sure you will head upwind and be comfortable on the water because of that good skill.

e.HOLDING EDGE
Due to their shape, flex pattern and thin rails Blunts hold the edge really well. This famous feature of those boards is of course still present now and what more, it was even improved.
With slightly changed flex characteristics now the board holds the overpowered moments and absorbs the vibrations at higher speeds even better.

f.LANDGINS
Because of the shape of the bottom and its flex Blunt lands really soft and compensates the shock of the landings. It absorbs the energy of the landing rider really well and that's why it is a great board for the hooked-in jumps. However it lands really well the occasional unhooked jumps as well, of course, and all you need to do is to direct the board more in-line in order not to catch the sharp, thin rail.

g.TURNING
To be a good freerider board needs to turn real nice. That for sure is the case with the Blunt. With the redesigned core and slightly improved flex the turning on New Blunts is even better. It holds the rail great throughout the whole turn and if you need to make a sudden switch and let go the rail you just have to unlock the edge. This really makes the Blunt a great all-in-one freeride board with which you can even ride real waves when your surfboard is not with you at the trip.

For any more info on the WAINMAN KITEBOARD RANGE give us a call on 01202 738448
S2AS Team

Ben Wilson Noise First Review!

I've ridden the Ben Wilson Noise 8m Kite for a couple of months now and have grown to like it more and more.
First time I blew it up I was surprised at how narrow it is a big difference compared with current delta kites. However once in the air it feels great. very positive feedback from the bar and you can move it around with one hand no problem. The bar is very nicely put together with decent end floats and one of the best swivel/releases I've seen. As you would expect wave riding is a dream, The kite floats downwind easily and combined with the easy turning allows you to concentrate on the wave instead of the kite.
Peter

How to do a Backside Re-Entry On a Kite SurfBoard

How to do a Backside Re-Entry by Ben Wilson

Back-side reo’s are one of may fav all time turns, I love them both surfing and kiting.

1. When setting up for a back-side reo you want to have as much controlled speed as possible

2. Make sure you get your feet in the sweet spot on your board before you start the bottom turn.

3. The more vertical you want to go, the more you need to draw out your bottom turn.

4. Eyed off the lip by looking over your leading shoulder during the bottom turn. (Remember the amount of back foot pressure is directly related to how tight the turn is you want to do)

NOTE: The most important thing about doing a un-hooked turn like this is kite position – you need to be doing the turn while you have no power in the kite, so it’s all about having the kite set up in the optimal position before you do the turn. The best way to do this is by keeping your kite low and moving in the same direction as you at the same speed as you while just doing subtle adjustments and by visualizing and anticipating your turns well before doing them.

5. Once you reach the pinnacle of your turn and changed your upwards direction to start heading back down, exchanged all your back foot pressure to the center of your board by lowering your center of gravity.

6. If you don’t bring your weight forward to head back down the wave you will stall and fall out the back of the wave.

7. As you head back down the wave flatten out the board to avoid nose-diving and keep your knees bent to absorb the drop. Remember keep your kite down low and forward to help so you don’t ride underneath it.

Ben Wilson uses the Noise Surf Kite

Ben Wilson Kites hit the UK Shores

Ben Wilson Kites hit the UK.

Here at S2AS we always try to bring you the best fresh new brands and we have done it again..

Introducing BEN WILSON SURF

The new Noise Kite from Ben looks to become one of if not the best wave riding kite we have ever seen here at S2AS the kite is called the Noise kite. check it out i have put some videos below:

Enjoy.

Ben Wilson Noise Kite

The Undertow Kite bar and lines

If you want to keep upto date with Ben's progress check his facebook page here: Ben Wilson facebook page

Hope you liked this post.

Angelo

S2AS Team

Flexifoil Hadlow Pro Freestyle Board

2011 Flexifoil Hadlow Board Review (138x40)

Reviewed By Pete Jones of Forcesix.com

First Impressions
The 2011 Flexifoil Hadlow board is currently only available in a single size (138x40), which will be spot on for anyone around 6 foot tall and 80Kg. It's a little narrower than most boards of this length at 40cm, and has a surprisingly large amount of rocker (45mm). It comes with some very nicely finished low profile fins, yet comes without any straps or pads allowing the rider to choose what they are most comfortable with. The Hadlow board has a significant amount of flex, and when laid out on a table, its interesting to see that the fins don't touch at all, unlike on most boards.
The Flexifoil Hadlow Freestyle board has a regular upper deck shape with 4mm square rails all round and a raised reinforced centre section, together with a large single concave on the underside which tapers out toward the tips. The whole package has a look of quality to it, with good quality printing on top and bottom sheets and significant attention to detail. The Hadlow has 2 positions for pads and straps, which are spaced no wider than on most boards of this size, but does come without any mountings for a handle, should anyone out there be bothered by that!

On The Water
I have to admit my biggest reservation about this board was the rocker, I've never got on with slow boards or ones which accelerate slowly or feel like they're dragging a big bunch of seaweed beneath! Thankfully I was very pleasantly surprised with the Hadlow, it accelerates very quickly and attains a very impressive top speed especially considering its considerable rocker line. Despite having small fins it tracks extremely well in a straight line and is also incredibly easy to switch from heel to toe-side once the board has been flattened - it really does have the best of both worlds in this regard.
The ride is very comfortable in all conditions thanks to the combination of flex and rocker and there's also little spray to report. Its also a very easy board to ride, and will cause no issues to any riders of level intermediate or above. Due to the low profile fins and high rocker which clears them from the water further it can be ridden in incredibly shallow water without snagging, which is great for maximising your upwind tacks.

The Hadlow is a great board to pop off the water or to boost with, the tail can be loaded up giving you a lot of spring off the water, helping you to go that extra bit higher. For unhooked pop, you need to modify your technique slightly if you're used to a traditional stiff wide-tipped board, but its capable of really flying hard off the water (as you'd expect of a board such as this). Backrolls and pop off kickers are also made very easy due to the large scoop of the board. Landings are comfortable and grippy, with the flex helping to soften the landing considerably.

Summary
The Hadlow freestyle board is certainly an intreguing board which rather than focussing on on aspect of performance to the detriment of all others, brings performance across the whole spectrum. It's easy to ride with great directional stability, yet is simple to switch from heelside to toe; it has a large rocker which gives comfort in chop and waves yet retains excellent speed and acceleration and offers great pop and comfort and control in landings. The only significant downside is the fact that it currently only comes in one size, but if thats not a problem for you then rock on, this board's a beauty!

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Dimensions
Weight
Rocker
Centre Width
Tip Width
Rail Depth (centre)
Rail Depth (tips)
Concave Depth
Tip Flex
Overall Flex
Fin Size
Stance

138x40cm
Light
Medium-High (45mm)
40cm
30cm
4mm
4mm
5mm
Medium
Medium
35mm
62 & 65cm approx.

For More info Visit SURFACE TO AIR SPORTS or call:
01303 268269 (Kent) or 01202 738448 (poole)

S2AS Dakine Luggage Winner

The S2AS Competition To win a set of Dakine Luggage has come to an end and the Grand Prize Winner Amy Hobbs Is "over the moon" With her brand new set of Darkwater Colour Dakine Luggage Set. We hooked Amy up With A Dakine Split roller Travel Bag Which features A split level storage space of 100L. A Dakine Heli Pro Dlx 20l Backpack By Dakine which features everything you need for your time on the slopes, Ski and board carriers make the bag as multi-use as possible while holding an insulated Dakine Reservoir to keep you hydrated on the mountain. Also we Gave Amy the Dakine Low Roller in the Dakine Darkwater Colourway so she has a brand new complete Matching set of Dakine Luggage.
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For More Info on Dakine Products or snowboarding gear Visit S2as.Com
Or call 01303 2268269
01202 738448

Xenon Infra Kitesurf Board Review

2011 Xenon Infra Review (136x41)

First Impressions:
The Xenon Infra came as a bit of a surprise when I first saw it, as I was expecting a board very similar to the LaLuz with less flex; but as it turns out its pretty different. Instead of the mostly two-dimensional design of the LaLuz, the Xenon Infra Kiteboard has a more complex upper deck shape, with 3mm rails all round, raising up to a thick, stiff central section. The upper deck is finished nicely in a glossy black and white finish, whereas the underside is matte, it also has much less concave than the LaLuz.
The new pads seem to be a considerable improvement on the 2010's and feature heavily contoured footbeds with soft comfy straps. They give a very nice connection to the board when you slip your feet in, and was eager to try them out on the water.


On The Water:
The first thing you notice about the Xenon Infra kitesurf board is the increased stiffness compared to the LaLuz - this gives a much firmer, more connected ride, somewhat at the expense of comfort in choppy conditions; having said that, it was fine out in the waves, but the reduced flex meant it took a bit more effort to clear the breakers.
The Xenon Infra jumps onto the plane quickly and easily with little drag, and flies along with a good top speed. Its also a board with which you can cut very high upwind when you really commit to it. It seemed a capable board to gybe despite the wide tips, which flex to give it increased agility. It rides very well in a straight line, and takes a little effort to slide from heel to toe - much like the Xenon LaLuz which uses the same fins.

The new pads and straps are a great improvement, and gave good hold even with wetsuit boots on. There is a nice impression into which the ball of your foot rests, and once you spend a little time getting the straps the right tightness, your feet won't be coming out in a hurry!
As the Infra is Xenon's high-end freestyle board, I had to put it through its paces a bit! The increased stiffness of the Infra means it loads up well, and pops nice and high, and the flexible tips and 5cm fins work well to give stable landings. Being a stiffer board the landings feel somewhat harder than the LaLuz, but this exactly what you'd expect. The Infra is clearly a board tailored for maximum performance when the conditions are at their best, yet remains reasonably comfortable in the waves or chop.

In Summary:
The Infra is a board which gives maximum wakestyle performance in good conditions, it pops hard, lands well, planes early and flies upwind well with a good top speed. If you're after a board which will give freestyle performance in all conditions in comfort, then check the xenon LaLuz out, but if you regularly get to ride on the flat stuff and demand cutting edge performance, then this is a board you'll definately want to check out

For More info call: 01303 268269 Kent Store
01202 738448 Poole Store

Or Visit S2AS.COM

2011 XENON LA LUZ REVIEW

2011 Xenon LaLuz Review (132x40)

First Impressions:
I reviewed the 2010 Xenon LaLuz only a few weeks ago, so was very interested to see what changes the 2011 version brings. The most significant change is the straps and pads which are entirely new. The footbeds are now highly contoured and have additional holes to allow the pads to be set at your desired orientation.
The 2011 board also features new graphics, with a predominantly white design on both top and bottom, with tasteful flashes of blue and red.
Another minor change is that the rails which were square on the 2010 LaLuz are now rounded in the centre of the board.

On The Water:
The new Xenon LaLuz feels similar to the 2010 version, very light underfoot, lively and responsive, and provides a very smooth ride. Like its predecessor it planes very early, has a very good top speed and flies upwind well too.
The fins are largely unchanged (just cosmetic differences), hence the LaLuz continues to ride in a straight line with great stability; sliding the board around to toeside takes a little effort as before, but is no issue when you expect it.
The new pads are a big improvement, and when correctly adjusted are comfortable and lock your feet in very well - they give confidence to commit to the next big move. Similar to the 2010 version the LaLuz is great in the chop and carves very nicely too - this board really is a great all rounder.

As for freestyle, the 2010 tradition continues - the board really springs you off the water for both hooked in moves and unhooked pop (its better suited to popping upwards off the water rather than edging hard against the kite), and the landings are as impressive as ever. It really softens all landings very nicely and grips the water well at this critical moment to help keep you ontop of the water rather than in it!

Summary:
The 2011 Xenon LaLuz Kitesurf Board retains all the excellent properties of its predecessor whilst making welcome improvements to the straps and pads. It remains a board which any intermediate/advanced freestyler or freerider will appreciate its ability to perform in a wide range of conditions. For peak wakestyle performance in flat conditions check out the Xenon Infra, but the LaLuz really is THE freestyle board for the masses!

For More info Call Surface To Air Sports on 01202 738448 Poole
01303 268269 Kent


Review by forcesix.com