Shinn The Monk Kiteboard

I hit up Ireland's South Coast on a recent road trip and was lucky enough to have the Shinn Monk Kitesurf Board in tow. The monk found itself at home in every condition the South Irish sea could throw at me, from calm flat waters to choppy waves the Monk handled the conditions like you would expect a gorilla to handle swinging on branches - totally at ease!

The monk was quick to gain its King Kong reputation in the world of kiting for its incredible freestyle skills. I could see the source of this status was clear from the moment I experienced the ecstasy of my first session on the Monk. It is a wicked board with some serious visual presence; with a face like that you would expect the performance to live up to its look, and da

mn it does!

The board carves effortlessly in all conditions and with total elimination of spray. It manages to turn the most strenuous of conditions into the most pleasurable session, regardless of how choppy the sea is. The flex and profile of the board seem to be perfectly tuned to suit any riding style and whatever riding conditions you might be faced with. It carves beautifully through the chop, and it's got that balanced sensation that you'd expect from a directional board, not a

twin-tip kitesurf board

The monk's versatility is probably my favourite characteristic, whether you're going for an underpowered approach when learning new tricks or going big with the kite powered up, as a rider you feel the board just wants to adapt to whatever you give it. This does a lot for your self confidence, the board is fast and punchy when you want it to be, but also forgiving when you get it wrong. When you push for a hard edge, the rail does the work for you, it wants to be ridden hard, fast and stay up-wind.

The wake-style pop of this board is just immense, it holds so much speed as you carve, if you like aggressive edging then you'll love the monk.

The pads are really comfortable and easy to tune to your own requirements, riding all day

doesn't lead to any pressure points or discomfort, the name 'sneaker' does it justice.

I would say the graphics on the board are best contrasted to 'marmite'. You'll either love it or you'll hate it! I'll let you decide, however I can assure you that it won't be long before you find a soft-spot for the Monk, as every kiter has room for one of these beasts in their lives!

Vanessa Procter

S2AS Team Rider

For More info Call S2AS on

01202 738448 Poole

01303 268269 Kent

01273 746836 Brighton

Cabrinha Switchblade 2011

Cabrinha Switchblade

The more I spend strapped to these babies the more I fall in love. I’ve been out on the 9m & 11m 2011 Switchblade for about 20 hours in a wide range of conditions and have nothing but good to say. Before I continue, I’m a 62kg female with no financial ties to Switchblade, so you’re only getting the truth from me!

You’ve probably all heard it’s the “premier wakestyle kite worldwide” … “shining as an excellent all round freeride and freestyle kite” but in reality does it live up to these bold statements?

I have to say, I think it does! From the moment I opened it up I could see the Cabrinha Switchblade has been well thought out. It comes in an awesome bag, there are hazard warnings all over the place to make sure you don’t screw up and the over all presentation shines quality. The graphics on the kites don’t scream for attention but they sure do look good, and it is unlikely they will offend anyone. So over all appearance is a hit.

First things first, inflation. The Switchblade’s have a universal inflation system with a one-way valve. Meaning no faffing around with multiple sections or rushing to get the valve cap on before all your pumping effort escapes. Sometimes it’s the simple things.

In the air kudos goes for the Switchblade’s super light bar pressure and wickedly easy handling. But all of this is outshone by its flying performance. They seem to have managed to get just the right combination of turning speed and power efficiency to make it an epic ride. But the major standout for me is when it comes to jumping. The hang-time is mental; in fact it should probably be called a paraglider instead of a kite. The super light bar pressure means you can really send the kite aggressively up to 12 o'clock, pull the bar down, and just float around. It's awesome.

It loops like a much smaller sized kite and it jumps like no other kite I’ve ever flown. Given that it is incredibly stable and predictable in the air landing jumps, rolls etc is just that much easier. This, for lack of a better description, results in a pretty awesome kite.

Another massive bonus with this Cabrinha’s is their wind range. Apparently the efficiency of this kite actually led to the creation of the “two kite quiver” (where two kites will handle the needs of most riders). Only needing two kites definitely helps out the finances . I’ve been out in occasions where other riders have been putting up 12-14m kites and I’ve been buzzing about on a 9m (I am small…but I’m not that small!). This also goes the other way; I have been out on the 11m, when others have been on 9-10m kites. I’ve had the 11m out in some mentally gusty conditions, the sort of gusts where it actually felt like I was trying to ride on a fat mans anal gases…proper gusty. Anyway, the Switchblade seemed to swallow the gusts whole, making a painfully gusty wind condition a lot more manageable.

As far as safety goes I’m not sure they come with more depower than this kite. The Switchblade’s have a crazy on demand depower ability. You can fully depower the kite at anytime by simply throwing the bar or in Cabrinha’s words “placing the bar into the Override mode”. A neat trick with this kite: when you need a quick break, pop the kite down to the side of the wind, throw the bar and it will just sit there like a little puppy (or should I say big puppy…) until you’re ready to power up and head back out. So no need to land your kite for a rest. The depower system give you the confidence to pull new tricks and then they go wrong you don’t end up suffering the extreme consequences of a powered kite. I love this ability (it’s also pretty handy if the wind picks up and you’re suddenly over powered!).

Finally, I have to mention the bar! It has a wicked recoil system. Cabrinha have added a simple spring to the bar, which without sacrificing the high end wind range or the kite’s ability to handle gusty conditions makes the depower controls easily accessible. It basically stops the bar sliding out of reach so everything sits neatly in reach and you can also un-spin the bar without having to hold onto it. Uber cool.

To sum up, I love the Switchblade and I highly recommend. The end!

By S2AS Team Rider Vanessa Procter

For more info cal S2AS on
01303 268269 Kent
01202 738448 Poole
01273 746836 Brighton

NEW SLINGSHOT TURBINE LIGHT WIND KITE

New to the Slingshot Family the Slingshot Turbine Kite.
The turbine is a 17m Light wind Kite Designed for those looking for an extended wind range Kite either for your weekend racing or combined with a slingshot glide for the most light wind fun you can possibly have.

Slingshots latest Light Wind Weapon the SLINGSHOT TURBINE Blends Light wind ability and high performance taking your kiting to a new level and opening up a whole new wind range meaning you get more time on the water at your favourite spots.

Slingshot's revolutionary open Delta C shape means what you get from the turbine is the performance advantages of a c kite, with constant power to hand, a stable and predictable flight path and direct bar feel combined with a maximised wind range, Enhanced Upwind Ability and 4 line set up with safety advantage over other kite set ups.

3 Strut Design Means the canopy is light and will re launch in the lightest wind, while split strut design reduces flutter and increases the Stability and ensures the canopy profile is unphased by anything making it super efficient in the air.

Modified Bridles ensure the kite turns fast on its tips and keeps bar pressure to a minimum while remaining as stable as possible for the most efficient power delivery possible.

Low Profile Wingtips keep it quick and responsive while turning on it wingtips and moving fast through the air. one Pump makes it a breeze to inflate and Tunable custom setting enable you to custom tune the turbines performance and settings to your personal riding style.

Legendary Slingshot Construction and attention to detail make the Slingshot Turbine the Must have kite in your quiver.

For More Info Call:

01303 268 269 Kent

01273 746836 Brighton

01202 738448 Poole

Kitesurfing Harness sale

Its No Secret that a good set of equipment can make or break a good session out on the water and a good harness forms an integral part of having that feeling of faith ans security in your equipment, pushing you to go bigger and further than ever before.

A Suitable harness should be your first interest and investing in a good solid harness that fits well and is suitable for what you ride should be your priority. Here at s2as we stock the best harnesses in the world and carry a full stock of Mystic and Dakine Kitesurfing Harnesses.

So at the start of our season and with a little hope for a descent wind forecast we're reducing the prices of our 2010 harnesses for a limited time, so that you can get the most out of your sessions in the coming weeks.

Harnesses Like the Dakine Storm Seat Harness and the Mystic Warrior 2 Waist harnesses
The Mystic Warrior 2 Waist Harness is a high performance waist harness with a focus on the highest level of performance without compromising on Comfort or safety. While the Storm Seat Harness is a comfortable seat harness for the performance freerider with features which encourage fast progression and confidence.

Check out our Range of 2010 harnesses Now, Here

For more info Call S2AS On
01303 268269
01202 738448
01273 746836

Flexifoil Hadlow Wakestyle Board

Flexifoil Hadlow Wakestyle Kitesurf Board 2011

SUPER LIMITED EDITION - ONLY 100 IN THE COUNTRY -

From time to time a game-changer product comes along, this year its the all new 2011 Hadlow Wakestyle Board from Flexifoil. Designed and perfected by Aaron Hadlow and the late, great Colin McCulloch, Aaron is again creating a fine line behind wakeboarding and kiteboarding

The Wakestyle board is accessible enough for any rider using or wanting to use bindings. With its smooth cut through chop, comfortable ride and fast aggressive performance, it’s a great ride for those looking to push themselves in wakestyle riding, rails and cross over to cable parks.

Designed by Hadlow himself, the Hadlow Wakestyle board is aimed squarely at riders using bindings to offer a new standard in performance. With a long list of features and intricate special designs, in its class, this really is the best performing board you can ask for!

The Most Advanced Channel System on the Market

Completely unique and perfected down to the last millimetre to maximise grip and optimise water flow, the Wakestyle board’s base channel system completely locks in whilst edging but gives a loose feel whilst flattening off for superb handling. A deep, strong quad concave in the base of the board enhances grip, with specialised channels running along the heel and toe edge and on the tips of the board creating a fin-like effect that allows comfortable riding, even without fins. Aaron’s Wakestyle board gives you the option to hit rails and not catch a fin whilst sliding.

Purpose Built Fin Systems

The Hadlow Wakstyle fin is specifically designed for this board, taking a smaller shape to perfectly adapt wakestyle tricks. This board is also perfect without fins due to its unique channel design, allowing you to ride the rails and sliders with ease.

Super High Strength Core

The Wakestyle board is designed to be stiffer and thicker than the HADLOW Freestyle board, optimising it for bindings, and with an in built stiffening structure adding even more strength across the deck. We have added a ‘grind base’ bottom surface so if you do decide to hit some rails it will not break or deteriorate as quickly as conventional boards. This board has been built to cope with all the abuse Aaron can throw at it, we’ve challenged him to break it but it just keeps on going!

Riding style

The ideal tool for full on wakstyle freestylers and cable park riders, but also a great board for intermediates to develop their popped and wakestyle tricks

Suitable for

Intermediate to professional level, or those looking for a cross-over board perfectly suited behind a boat, cable and kite!

The Package

The Flexifoil HADLOW Wakstyle comes as the board and fins only. This gives you the versatility and choice to install whatever boot or binding you want allowing the board to be catered for comfort and to the consumers preferred setup.

For More Info call one of our stores on:

01202 738448. Poole

01303 268269 Kent

01273 746 836 Brighton

Flexifoil Hadlow Wakestle Board

Slingshot Wakeboarding

S2AS are proud to be one of the biggest stockers of Slingshot Wake Products in the UK.
The high Quality and performance of the slingshot wake products mean they are popular than ever and with systems like seistec's system 2.0 Wakeboarding is more accessible to a bigger range of people. Product innovation is a high priority for Slingshot wake to make sure they stay ahead of the game and continually advance the sport and the 2011 is business as usual for us with the NEW Slingshot Wake 2011 Wakeboarding Range, w
ith Everything from Slingshot option Bindings, Slingshot R.A.D wakeboard Bindings And the full Range of 2011 Slingshot wakeboards.
Here's local Rider Dave Knight Riding Glasfyrn Wake Park on His 2010 Slingshot Recoil Wakeboard and Brand Spanking 2011 Slingshot R.A.D Bindings

Get down To s2as to find out more about the 2011 wake range or call
01303 268269 S2AS Kent
01202 738448 S2AS Poole
01273 746836 S2AS Brighton

2012 Never Summer Snowboards

Since the company's formation, Never Summer have been gaining momentum and recognition in the market place and have fast gained a reputation for quality boards with premium features. The board range has slowly grown to include boards for all riding styles, whether your a park destroyer or all mountain freerider, there is a board for you.
For the 2012 Season there is a New addition to to the Never Summer Range, The Proto CT.
the Never Summer Proto CT, Featuring Never Summer’s patented Rocker and Camber technology and TheVario Power Grip sidecut – a flat section in the middle of the board, then a shallow radius followed by a deeper radius. This gives the board more contact points with the snow and therefore offers a grip advantage over more traditional sidecut profiles.

As The Proto CT is one of the top of the range 2012 Never Summer snowboards it comes fully loaded with all the tech we come to expect from NS plus as it is part of the high end carbonium range – it has extra carbon laminate rods, a superlight core and a sintered 5501 base. The Proto CT is true twin all mountain freestyle board. It is to the Evo what the Heritage is to the SL. This will no doubt be the most wanted board next season.

This is a super versatile board that will be capable of charging the mountain, hitting big booters in the backcountry and running through the park . It is a true quiver killer. Available in shops to buy from September the board will be set to dominate the market. It will be available at a standard width and a mid-wide. Sizes include 152, 154, 157 & 160. The mid-wide sides will be 152, 155, 158, 160.

For more info call Surface to Air Sports

Call

01303 268269- Kent Store

01202 738448 Poole Store

01273 746836 Brighton Store

Mystic Code 1 Review

New From Mystic Kiteboarding The Code 1 harness is built for the 2011 season and features many advanced features not found on any other harnesses on the market today. The Biggest New feature Is the addition of a Boa system To allow micro adjustment for the best possible fit. The harness is set to take the market by storm, being one of the most practical and best fitting harnesses we've ever seen. But don't just take our word for it, here's a review by board-mag.com.

Talk the Talk: As with anything new and unseen, no matter the industry people will always be cautious of new products that do not necessarily follow a trend. The Code 1 is no exception to this. Why will you pay £25 over the Warrior 3 for this harness? Personally for me the answer was pretty simple. Since last year I have had issues with back pains and sciatica, these pains seem to be worse when kiting so I thought I would swap out my older generation harness for something that could promise amazing back support “out of the box”. Trying the harness on against other harnesses in the Mystic range it feels very similar to the new Mystic Warrior 3 Harness, the outline and materials used – along side Mystics exceptional design and build quality put something in your hands (or around your waist) that oozes premium.

Like all other Mystic harnesses the Mystic Code 1 Harness comes complete with a spreader bar, a spreader bar pad and a line hook knife that tucks away neatly inside the spreader pad. On the Code a small tool is also provided for maintaining the BOA system on the back of the harness.The Mystic Clicker Bar system is an industry leading technology that Uses a single click system to securely close the bar opening and allow the easiest donning and taking off of the harness.

In terms of adjust-ability the Code feature’s everything the Warrior 3 has on offer. The front velcro powerbelt, click in spreader bar, side adjustment and the webbing which feeds through under the spreader bar to stop any chances of it riding up. One of the key things on this harness that it can basically be ridden as a stock Warrior 3 without touching the BOA.

The next key point is the fact that it has the BOA! It does feel strange the first time you lock in and turn that dial clockwise but its a sort of ooohh in amazement feeling, or ooohh this is odd – but nice. It really grips around the back and sides like nothing I have ever tried before. Infact, its quite incredible to know how loose a harness is normally dispite thinking you have it super tight. The BOA is really easy to use and is indented into the back of the harness so that it does not stick out enough for it to catch on anything it shouldn’t. To tighten the harness the dial needs to be turned clockwise, it is really easy to do with very little friction so doing it yourself, and even when riding is a breeze. To release the harness pull the dial out, away from your back and within a second it completely slackens off. Mystic do recommend rinsing out the system in fresh water often to help maintain the BOA. For anyone who looks after their equipment this is nothing new.

I would highly recommend you try the Code 1 when it comes to renewing your harness, If you find it hard to justify the price increase over other harnesses when shopping online get yourself down to your local S2AS kite shop and try one on, you will not regret it.

Mystic code 1 review by board-mag.com

For more info call s2as on
01303 268269 Kent Store
01202 738448 poole store
01273 746836 Brighton Store

Kitesurfing Shoreham Guide

The Surface 2 Air Shop in Brighton is just a stones throw from Hove’s kitsurfing area, and although this is a fantastic riding spot, it is more for the intermediate-advanced kitesurfer as the launching and landing area is smaller and the water deeper. Fortunately, we have a great variety of top class beaches to choose from in the area, and our IKO/BKSA qualified kitesurfing instructors find that Shoreham Beach has great conditions for a beginner to start their kitesurfing education.

So what about the ‘actual’ conditions? What the weathermen say and what actually happens are not always the same thing, but if you have a bit of local knowledge, which will follow, and keep an eye on the forecast you can greatly increase your chances of having a rockin’ session.

Below is a summary of the conditions we find at Shoreham Beach, and some helpful tips and advice to enable your kitesurfing lessons and sessions to be as safe as possible; and also to help you work out what are the optimal kitesurfing conditions.

The kitesurfing spot at Shoreham Beach is located around 20 minutes drive from Brighton along the coastal road. See directions below for details.

An area of the beach has recently been zoned and managed by the Shoreham Kitesurfing Club to make kitesurfing as safe as possible. The kite zone covers an area 100 meters either side of ‘kite roundabout’, which is situated on the junction of Old Fort Road and Shingle Road at Shoreham Beach.

There is some free parking located near the kite zone and also a car park at the end of Ferry Road where the parade of shops are.

There are public restrooms for all needs, and a café to keep you fueled for your sessions. The local kiters at Shoreham are friendly, and always happy to offer advice or give you a launch. Being one of the best kitesurfing beaches in the area, you will find kiters of all levels, always giving you inspiration and entertainment for the non-kiter.

Winds

Shoreham Beach, like Worthing and Lancing to the west, benefits from local summer sea breezes from May through to September. The wind will pick up in the afternoon as the sun heats the land and can drop off rapidly as the sunsets.

During the winter months Shoreham experiences the full variety of wind conditions from gentle breezes to 50knt+ days combined with overhead surf (only for the experienced and fearless!). However, if you are determined to get out there and make the most of the conditions, then you should try and get out a couple of days before the storm to enjoy the building winds, or the day after a storm has passed to catch the swell generated.

The local prevailing wind is from the SW, and even though in the summer the wind might start off from the NE, with the local sea breeze kicking in, you'll often find that the wind will swing round to the SW and blow a steady F5+ (though BE CAREFUL if sailing late on a summers evening, as the sea breeze will die as quickly as it kicks in).

Anything from the south can provide good conditions, although a southerly wind will be straight onshore and can prove a challenge to get off the beach, and to keep ground once out. This direction is not recommended to kite in! Easterly winds are few and far between, and often come with a chilly Scandinavian airflow, although it does usually offer smoother water conditions. Northerly winds are a NO GO, as they blow offshore!

Currents

You will not find major problems with currents at Shoreham when the tide is low, although at high tide there is a trough close to the beach that can be about 6ft deep and have a strong rip circulating within it. This turbulence makes it quite difficult to enter and exit the water especially if there is a swell running. Kitesurfing at high tide with a large swell is not advisable and should only be considered by experienced riders.

Tides

On all South Coast shingle locations high tides can be rather more demanding for launching and landing, and getting past the shore break. This is why we at Surface2Air advise that you kite three hours either side of low tide to get the best conditions, or to have your Kite surfing lesson.

At low tide Shoreham offers a sandy beach with plenty of room to rig, shallow water to practice and flat to choppy water, which regularly gets super fun wave ramps that are either wind or swell driven.

If it hits the fan…

Should you have a problem out at sea there's usually plenty of craft out, and on a good day there will almost always be other kiters on the water. If you have to dump your kit and swim, there's a good chance it will get washed in further down the coast - but always advise the Coastguard if you abandoned any kit out at sea!

Obstacles

The kite zone stretch of beach is free of groynes and obstacles. Make sure that you take care when launching/landing on the pebble beach and do not kite too close to the breakwater arm of Shoreham Harbour. There is plenty of space west of this structure so there really is no reason to be near it.

Optimal conditions for our Kite Surfing Lessons.

We run our kitesurfing lessons in Brighton at times when we have the best mixture of winds and tides, and if we’re lucky a little sunshine. We schedule our lessons for when we have a good SW wind, and at three hours either side of low tide. A south westerly wind at Shoreham is cross-onshore from the right, which means that no matter what happens you will not end up in France. With a low tide there is a large area of exposed sand making the beach much wider and safer to practice kite flying skills.

After the area of exposed sand the water stays shallow for quite some distance giving the student the perfect environment to practice body dragging and water start skills. The designated kitesurfing zone has a good distance downwind for safety.

How to find the Beach…

Coming from our Kite shop in Hove you head along the coastal road (A259) towards Worthing. At the Shoreham Airport roundabout, take the 1st exit and follow the road (Beach Green Road) around to the left for around a mile and then after the green turn right onto Beach Road. Follow this east for another mile until you reach ‘kite roundabout’, which is situated on the junction of Old Fort Road and Shingle Road. This stretch of beach is the kite zone… enjoy!

2011 Flexifoil Inflatable Kite Range

Flexifoil have been making and selling kites for coming up to 40 years now! Fast forward to this 2011 season and you'll see a very exciting line-up for water, land and snow kiters, two of the most exciting releases are The Proton 2 and The Ion 5. These are Flexifoils' flagship all terrain kites and this year they truly are kites to consider!

Flexifoil Proton Second Generation

The Flexifoil Protons 2nd generation has been built from the ground up this year. It has all the familiar Proton character but offers so much more, it is presented in stunning form with clean lines and amazing new graphics, the Flexifoil Proton 2 is set to dominate the market. Predictable flight pattern and super easy re-launch make the kite well suited to building your confidence on the water whether your tackling waves or riding the flattest spots.

Flexifoil have been conducting extensive research and development and finely tuned the kite to perfection, weight reductions and trailing edge modifications create a smoother, more predictable flight, whilst bridle shortening and wing-tip alterations increase relaunchability and turning speed. Flexifoil Have made the Proton 2nd Generation a stable and reliable kite giving anyone the confidence to Get out on the water and practice.

Flexifoil Ion 5

The Ion has always been Flexifoils high performance freestyle and freeride hybrid kite. This year this is no different, this is still the classic Ion, perfect for all-terrain use, but has been tweaked to give you the best possible performance. The R&D Team have kept the strong blend of C-Kite feel and Hybrid performance of the ION and focused on improving the accuracy and construction techniques of the Leading edge, struts and canopy.

This years model has more reinforcement patch material and a stronger leading edge construction, so whether your self launching on land or slamming the kite in the surf for the tenth time you can feel confident knowing that the build quality on this kite is second to none!

Push your kiting further with the Flexifoil Ion 5

All of the new 2011 Flexifoil range is now available at all of the s2as, drop by or get in touch:

Kent: 01303 268269
Poole: 01202 738448
Brighton: 01273 746836

Team Rider Lewis Crathern

Lewis Crathern, Sponsored By Slingshot is expecting a busy season and as the weather warms up the drive to get into the water increases.
The Wake Cable offers some kind of solace to us all then there is no wind and Lewis is no exception, spending time on the the cable On his Slingshot wakeboards. The new hove cable is merely a stones throw away from Surface to air, Brighton wakeboarding and kitesurfing store.
With the weather getting better the conditions we will all be hoping to spend more time on the water, and with Britains climate, S2AS has the full range of O'Neill Wetsuits in for the 2011 season.
Lewis is Hoping to run clinics across the country to help promote the sport and generally help out with any kitesurfing issues you may have.

But for now we wish you all good wind and Epic Cable days.

TAKOON TEAM TOUR SOUTH COAST 5th - 8th MAY

Ok Guys, its confirmed that The Takoon Team Will Be With us On the 6th MAY in our Hythe store
The 7th May in our Brighton store and the 8Th May In our poole store.
Youre all invited to come and ask questions, look at and fly all the awesome new Takoon 2011 gear and Get up to date info and a little bit of knowledge from the Takoon Pro's

See you In our Hythe Store on Friday
Our Brighton Store on Saturday or Poole on Sunday

Hope to see you all there Guys.

S2AS Team Rider lex Balladon

Team Rider Lex Balladon Has been making the most of the good weather and Spending some quality time on the cable.
After placing 3rd in the pro womens comp at the spring jam She's ready for the seasons activities Riding the Uk Scene for slingshot wake Lex is Doing a fine Job of competing Across the country.
So if you, like Lex want to make the most of the season and get out on the water you should check out Surface to Air for all your wakeboards, Wake bindings and wakeboard accessories and kitesurfing equipment for the summer season.

Check out lex's Blog Here