Slingshot Z 2012 kitesurf kite Review

Ok we have a new 2012 Slingshot Z kite for demo below is our take on the kite,

The kite we have on demo is a Slingshot Z 9m size and after some playing around we got it dialled in. Even in the 9m size the kite fly’s great in light winds. The low aspect design of the kite will make it great for beginners - Intermediates as it sits deep in the power zone and has lots of grunt for light wind and low end pull to help you get going early. The Slingshot Z Kite kite DOES not stall easily like the Slingshot Key had done from last year. Slingshot have fixed this problem and the kite actually fly’s great unhooked.

We were able to get up and ride this 9m kite in about 12mph of wind on a 137 Slingshot Crisis kiteboard and actually make it back up wind. Over all the Slingshot Z kite should be a good cheap kitesurf package with the Slingshot crisis kiteboard and a great addition to the all ready world renowned slingshot line up.

Technical Information:
So they call this Z kite a “Bucket-C” Profile…The kite is cut with a very low aspect shape (wide and short) and a lot of curve to the sail so it will sit back in the window and pull hard even with less relative wind. The curve will make it very stable in the air because of the dihedral effect of the lifting surfaces on either side of the main lateral sail. The trailing edge of the kite is scalloped which looks great, and it also came up off the water very easily even in the light air. The design has no pullies unlike the Slingshot Key 2011 and the Slingshot RPM 2012 but other than saving costs this isn’t a big deal as Slingshot pullies don’t fail like other brands. The bar is the Z bar and line set which is very similar to the Key bar and lines set up. There is no center bearing like the compstick bar.



And it comes with a great new Blue kite bag!







What Slingshot says about it:
Announcing the first “Spherical-C” Profile. The fresh, versatile design of the Z kite gives consistent pull with controlled power and unmatched versatility. Stable and predictable in virtually all conditions. The Z kite produces huge boosts with good control and effortless relaunch.



The Z kite is loaded with the latest innovative features. However, it’s most important feature is the “plug and play” usability you will experience everyday. This includes features like our industry first pully-less bridle that delivers a direct feel, enhanced responsiveness, and unmatched upwind performance. Additional unique features like our Spherical-C Profile and Axis Wing Tip allow the kite to easily roll up off the water into relaunch. Like our other kites, the Z has been optimized for maximum range to suit all kinds of riding conditions.

BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED RIDERS Newly introduced kite boarders looking for plug and play convenience while aspiring for stable sessions in the largest variety of conditions.


PACKAGE INCLUDES
Z Kite
Z Control Bar
Kite Backpack
Bladder Repair Kit
Quick Start Guide



Kite with confidence. All conditions, all the time.

HIDDEN LINES - ft. Youri Zoon, Kevin Langeree and Nick Jacobsen

Two world champions and the craziest stuntman in kitesurfing set out to travel the destinations on top of their bucket list. While re-discovering the essence of kitesurfing, the hidden stories behind their dreamlike lifestyle's are told. Along the way they find themselves in unexpected situations and magical moments.

Hidden lines will take viewers on a kitesurfing adventure full of action, travel, stunts and fun.

After making 'Cape Sessions' with Kevin Langeree and the 'RECORDED' series with Youri Zoon, EyEFORcE productions decided it was time for something new, something unique. In the world of kitesurfing, the last few years viewers have been overwhelmed with webisodes of pro athletes. With 'HIDDEN LINES' EyEFORcE wanted to create a full length kitesurfing movie experience that would appeal to both kitesurfers and the general public.

Kevin and Youri are two longtime rivals, and they have been competing against each other for many years. After Kevin won the world championship in 2009, and Youri in 2011, shooting this movie together was something nobody expected to be possible. Maybe it would have never happend, if it wasn't for their mutual friend Nick Jacobsen joining them on this trip. Nick became an instant legend in the kitesurfing world after jumping from a huge crane in Cape Town in 2011, and was geared up to bring some crazy stuff into this movie.



The riders could choose the destination that they had always dreamed of. Kevin was aiming to score some waves while road-tripping in Chile, while Youri wanted to go on a sailing trip, looking for Caribbean vibes and perfect freestyle conditions. Because Nick desired nothing but fun filled days, Nitro City proved to be his perfect playground.

HIDDEN LINES will premiere during the kitesurfing world cup (PKRA) in Scheveningen, after which it will play in venues around the globe.

The Snow Centre - Hemel Hempstead - 2012 Update!

The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is one of the UK's finest indoor snow slopes and the closest to London!.  

 

As Britain’s newest indoor skiing, snowboarding and Snowsports destination, The Snow Centre is designed to deliver the alpine conditions every skier and snowboarder dream of. Here you’ll find a huge 160m main slope as well as the largest indoor lesson slope in the UK. Both slopes are over 30m wide and maintained with a pristine snow surface – perfect for all your indoor skiing and snowboarding needs! 

Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are welcome. We’ve created a wide range of lessons and passes, making sure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, just beginning your Snowsports journey or simply want to have a whizz down the slopes on our Rubber Ringos, you’ll find it at The Snow Centre.

CLICK HERE to view online interactive prices!

2012 Dakine Renegade Harness Review

The renegade harness has been around for a few years. It shares a lot of features with Dakine's premium harness - the Pyro, yet the main outer shell is of a generally softer and more flexible combination of materials. 

It comes complete with everything you need - a spreader bar, pad, dual bladed hook knife and rear handle pass tubing.

It has a nice simple attachment system - an elasticated belt with 2 overlapped Velcro fastenings, on-top of which the spreader bar attaches via a buckle system. The tightness and height of the spreader bar can be adjusted via two webbing straps on each side, and can also be loosened to assist with getting it on and off.
There is also a tie down strap and spreader bar pad to prevent the harness hook from causing injury on heavy wipe-outs. It also comes with an easily accessible hook knife situated in the bar pad for use in emergencies.

The Renegade feels a nice comfortable fit and I had no issues with it on even prolonged sessions. The soft edges mean it doesn't have any problems digging in and causing discomfort. It's also a very lightweight affair and can optionally be used with the sliding spreader kit for surf or for making toe-side and blind riding a piece of cake.

If you're after a lightweight, fully featured waist harness with all the trimmings, you won't go far wrong with the Dakine Renegade.

For more info, check out Dakine's site or on S2AS Kitesurfing Shop

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Youri Zoon Talks about His Gear and the PKRA

Youri Zoon Talks about His Gear and the PKRA

 
John Bryja: Congratulations on winning the first PKRA event for 2012 in Morocco. What do you think of the new PKRA scoring format?
Youri Zoon: I think it's a very good way to push things forward in the heats, especially with the live scoring system. It will make a big difference.

 



Did you adjust your riding style for your heats?
Yes because you can only do 12 attempts, and only the best 7 tricks will count. I use my time now to do bigger and more technical tricks, rather than doing more smaller tricks that would be good in the overall impression (the system we had before).

A big upset today. What happened in the heat against Liam Whaley?
Yea biggggg upset. I was just riding like a bag of .... Incredible and I was feeling pretty good for the event strong wind really my thing. Mayby just a bad bad day.

Under the new scoring is it harder to recover from a bad start to a heat?
Nope, Normaly is easier to recover youself since you only have to do 7 good tricks.
Alex Pastor is riding boots this year, do you think straps give you an advantage over him in certain conditions?
I think boots or straps has it advantage in certain conditions. When it's light or gusty I think straps will have some advantage but when it's a bit choppy boots might work better.

Are you planning to wear boots for any of the events?
Sliders and kickers I ride boots 100% for sure, and maybe in the future freestyle as well. Never say never.

What board are you riding this year?
I still ride the same board as last year, it's a production Brunotti Youri Zoon model . In 2013 I will ride a little bit bigger one. My stance is 48 cm. My board doesn't have that much rocker which makes it a fast board, and I like to go big!

Do you switch back and forth between Slinghsot RPM’s and Fuels, if so when and why?
I have been riding the Slinghsot RPM since it was out in 2009. I like the kite a lot and it proved itself in a lot of different conditions. I like the 8/9/10 meter kites the most.

Do you notice any improvements over last years kites?
Yes the kites are way more efficient and move a lot better. Also they are easier to ride.

What trick would you consider your secret weapon, and what were the keys to learning it?
Mmm I think I win most of my heats because I try to ride as powerful and fast as possible, and sometime's taking a lot of risk but the judges reward this as well.

Describe the trick list of your perfect heat:

Frontmobe 5
Blindjude 5 or 7
Backmobe 7
317
Kgb 5
Slim7
Kiteloop 7 

That would for me would be the best heat. If it's gonna happen one day... we will see.

Thanks Youri, best of luck during the double eliminations later this week.
Thanks.

North Kites at S2AS

Since launching way back in 2001, North Kites quickly became one of the top three suppliers on the market; this was thanks to their innovative design and very high quality, here at S2AS we have an awesome selection of some of he brands very best kites.

Now available is the North Dyno Lightwind Kitesurfing Kite 2012, this kite comes in three colour choices, green, purple and blue. Depending on the size of the kite you require will determine the price, the prices for the Dyno Lightwind Kite are as follows:

10 m - £1,159.00

13 m - £1,269.00

15 m - £1,359.00

17 m - £1,449.00

This amazing kite has numerous great features; sure to keep you entertained for hours on end you won't be disappointed. Features include the ultra light wind design, which ensure the kite feels like a small kite yet is still powerful, also the kite is very versatile and will fly on either four or five lines, and for an additional £325.00 you can purchase either the 2012 North Trust 5th Element Bar or the 2012 North Trust Bar Quad Control.

Another fantastic choice would be the North Vegas Kitesurfing Kite 2012, again this kite is available in purple, blue and green and the prices depend on your chosen size:

5 mtr - £758.00

6 mtr - £798.00

7 mtr - £848.00

8 mtr - £888.00

9 mtr - £928.00

10 mtr - £968.00

12 mtr - £1,048.00

14 mtr - £1,148.00

This special competition kite is perfect for newschoolers, and the great features lie in the versatility of the C shape kite, a simple adjustment on the kite's wingtip offers 3 great varied settings. Get yours online today from S2AS.

Don't forget here at S2AS we have a huge range of North Kites and other North products, view them here today.

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S2AS Launch New Store: Brighton Beach Cruisers

Located on the Brighton seafront, Brighton Beach Cruisers is the South Coasts premier Electra Bike retailer and cycle hire specialist.

We are a premium retailer of Electra Bikes and you can hire them our for as little or as long as you need, there's nothing better than cruising down the Brighton seafront with a classic Electra Bike.

We specialize in:

Bike Hire       Bikes       Bike Accessories       Power Kites       Longboards       Sunglasses       Go-Pros

 Head on over to our website to check us out: www.brighton-cruisers.co.uk

Also see what the latest buzz is on our Facebook Page.

 
Brighton Beach Cruisers
15 Victoria terrace,
Hove,
BN3 2WB