London Freezes Over - The London Freeze Festival 09

"Well the London Freeze '09 has been and gone, and it was awesome! Hard to sum up what it is like, but the undertaking itself is amazing. I mean, come on! It had a 30 metre high slope (Actually it was bigger but i forget the exact dimensions) of real snow! In the middle of London's Battersea Power Station! This isn't some European or American skiing resort, this is an urban jungle that's lucky to get a few days of snow a year, which makes it so much more impressive. Glad to see the things we can pull together and achieve in the UK when we want too! Go GB!

Speaking of which Ben Kilner, one of our Winter Olympic hopefuls did pretty well against some very stiff competition, finishing a respectable 14th out of over 50 competitors, though he'll have to push harder next year in Vancouver, but then again this wasn't exactly a massive competition, but more of an exhibition, but that isn't to say the guys out there took it easy and there spectacle and competition was intense!

I freely admit I watched less of the skiing events, but those I did see were very good, I guess I'm just a one board guy.

So that left the music, and it was hella good! I most of the boarding, little of the skiing and every little bit of the partying and music! That alone was worth the price of admission, the atmosphere was amazing, the music baning and the crowd so up for it. Oh and as it fell on Halloween there were plenty of peeps dressed like freaks, though it wasn't as embraced as much as perhaps it could have been, but a bit more pushing of the fact might have helped.

All in all it was a blast and anyone who missed it - missed out, I know several people who have now decided they might grab themselves a snowboard and see what it's all about themselves.

If your curious about it all, then pop over to the website www.londonfreeze.com for a whole slew of vids and pics of the events and a run down of the results."

Jay

World Snowboard Day 2009

For the fourth year running, the World Snowboard Day returns on the 20th December 2009. The day itself is a celebration of snowboarding across the globe, currently with 39 events planned across 19 countries including obvious places such as Canada, USA, China, France, Sweden, Austria and Italy as well as more surprising but just as exciting places such as Serbia, Bosnia, Ukraine, Moldavia, Georgia and Russia. The number of events and countries may change over the next month or so as more join up, so it’s best to visit the website for more information.

What is World Snowboard Day then? Well as stated before it is a celebration of snowboarding, with professional snowboarders and novices alike coming together across the world to revel in their favourite pastime, hitting the snow! It also a great promotional tool, allowing the uninitiated to get a feel and look at what snowboarding is about and what it can offer you.

It’s also a place for the pros to showcase their stuff, and there will be plenty of competitions and shows put on for the fans, along with plenty of amateur events so everyone can have a go. There will be places to get some lessons for true beginners and expect some wild atmosphere and great music wherever you are as well.

It’s also a good place for manufacturers to show what new snowboarding gear they have to offer, such as their latest snowboards, or snowboarding clothing, protective snowboarding equipment and more. So expect to see names such as Forum Snowboards, K2 Snowboards, Ride and much more at least at some of the events, if not all of them.

Unfortunately the UK doesn’t have any events planned at the moment (though this may change as more venues are added), but there are plenty of places offering holiday packages to most of the destinations events are being held at, and as World Snowboard Day falls on a Sunday, why not make a weekend break of it, there are bound to be plenty of build up parties and events to the day itself and will make for a hell of a time.

Wold Snowboard Day is on the Sunday 20th December and is going to be an amazing day, for full information and to keep up to date visit www.world-snowboard-day.com.

Need some good snowboarding gear before the big day? Visit www.s2as.com for a great range of snowboards, snowboarding equipment and snowboarding clothing.

The 2010 Naish Helix is Upon Us!

We reviewed the 2009 Naish Helix way back at the beginning of the year and we have to say we loved it. For the more advanced rider out there it was easily one of the most exciting kites to come from the Naish Sigma Series. We loved the build quality and it had all the usual Naish features like one pump; we loved the way this kite was all about power and lots of it!

Well the 2010 Naish Helix is here and we have included a video of just what this baby can do. We hope to have a review up soon, weather permitting, but if you want to let us know your thoughts on Naish's new monster, just drop us a line at info@s2as.com and if we like the review we will publish it on our blog (and our site).



If you want to get your hands on a 2010 Naish Helix, visit our site, www.s2as.com where we have the Helix and a huge range of new 2010 kite surfing kites, or pick yourself up a bargain from our 2009 kite range.

Slinghot Fuel 2009 Kite Review

At a Glance
The Slingshot Fuel is arguably the kite with the oldest heritage on the market today. There isn’t another kite out there that has held the same name, or the same fundamental design concept. Sure the Rhino is still called the Rhino, but the actual design of the kite is so far removed from the original C shape beast that you can’t really argue the heritage case.

Over the years the Fuel has become synonymous with high performance and power. It has set the benchmark in the past as a kite surfing kite that needs to be tamed and only certain riders are up to the job. It has never been for the feint hearted.

Back in the day guys like Ben Wilson and Jeff Tobias were pushing the limits of this kite around the globe. But as ever the old makes way for the new and now it is the turn of Ruben Lenten to fly the Slingshot torch. He has been riding the Fuel for a few years now but 2009 sees for the first time the kite being designed around the rider. It is his signature pro model kite that you will be getting your hands on. Rest assured the build quality is up to its usual Slingshot standard, and we doubt Ruben would settle for anything but the best!

The Bar
The kite comes with three options for the bar, you can opt for the Lenten Pro Model, which comes with 4 lines and just the O’Shit handles for safety. Or there is a 5th line version, which gives you all the advantages of a 5th line set up. Lastly is the 4 line Profire Control Bar. Which was the set up we used.

The Profire bar uses a Centre Safety System, which allows the kite to flag out on one of the front lines when it is engaged. This assures complete depower and also is designed so that the kite won’t twist when it is deployed allowing you to reengage the system and carry on your session. The bar itself oozes quality and there are some great graphic detailing on it. We know it isn’t all about the colours, but it does make it very easy on the eye!
In the Air
We had had a few warnings about the Fuel before we rode it, tales of pro riders getting spanked by it when they weren’t paying enough attention. So we treated the kite with all due care and caution. What we found was a super stable canopy that pulls like a train. It actually isn’t all that scary once it is in the sky either, just as long as you leave it their tracking through the window. The real fear gets switched on when you start to engage it in a loop, but more about that later.

Obviously designing a kite for Ruben it is going to have certain characteristics and we would say that unless you are at the top of your freestyle game and looking for the tools to match the skills then look away now. As a free ride kite you will find it fairly slow and sluggish in the turns, this isn’t a kite that turns on a sixpence. But if you want to smash out handle passes all day long and need a kite that will sit in the window exactly where you left it at take off then this is what it does exceptionally well. It really hardly moves and takes a fair bit of rider input into the bar to get the kite to turn with any real pace.

Jumping is good and the kite really launches the rider off the water and gives some impressive float for what is essentially still a c-shape design. And of course while you are up there it would seem a shame to not engage the true nature of the beast and chuck it into a loop or two. Of course being an 11m it doesn’t lend itself to Rubens trademark Mega Loop too well, but you can kite loop it and discover the ridiculous power it generates in the turns. It is bordering on the very scary to insane, the smaller kitesurfing kites in the range are of course faster and the really small kites are designed with high wind big tricks in mind. The 11m though does what you’d expect it too, pull like a truck and keep on pulling without moving too much in the window throughout your move.

Pros
If you want to ride top-level freestyle and demand the qualities you would expect from a kite designed for those duties then the Fuel fits the bill very well. You also have the exceptional attention to detail and build quality too.

Cons
A lot of riders used to ride Fuels and they weren’t so specific in their nature, this year if you aren’t dedicated to freestyle then consider the Slingshot Rev or the Slingshot RPM; the Fuel is definitely a dedicated machine.

Overall
Rubens first Pro Model kite and it does exactly what you would expect it to do, don’t be fooled if your skills aren’t up to it. The Rev delivers far more bang for your buck in terms of the free ride stable.

The London Freeze Festival 2009

Following on from last year’s huge success, The London Freeze festival returns again this year and aims to make last year pale in comparison. Quite a tall order especially as organisers are predicting around 10, 000 visitors each day over the festival weekend, but based on last year we’re sure these figures are about right.

The extreme winter sports festival, based at Battersea Power Station, is an amazing undertaking, utilising around 500 tonnes of real snow for its competitions and events. This snow will be the building blocks for the 32 metre high slope where the pro skiers and snowboarders will be battling it out to show who it the best for the delight of the crowd. It’s not just about the slope though as the whole site will be turned into a winter village.

A few of the familiar faces competing will include British snowboarders Ben Kilner and Dom Harrington, along with famous ski and snowboarding names from around the globe.

Of course a festival isn’t a festival without music and there are some big names there to keep the energy going on and off piste. Pendulum and Example will be taking the Friday night slot with headliners Orbital. Other names include Friendly Fires, Eagles of Death Metal and Chase & Status amongst many more. Oh and remember that Saturday is the 31stOctober, so if you fancy dressing up there is a retro-themed Halloween party to throw something different into the mix.

Snow if you are mad on snowboards, snowboarding, skiiing, winter sports, music or just having a goof time, then there is something for you there.

Interested? Then visit www.londonfreeze.com for further ticket information.

Tickets are priced at £35 for a day pass, £85 for a season pass (3 days), with a child’s day ticket at £15 and a child’s season ticket at £35.

The London Freeze festival at Battersea Power Station runs from 30th Oct - 1st Nov

Olympic Dreams Become Reality for UK Snowboarder Ben Kilner

Ben Kilner, Britain's top male snowboarder, is finally set to swap his pipe dreams for a real taste of Winter Olympic action.

The 21-year-old is on the brink of qualification for the half-pipe at the 2010 Games in Vancouver after a blistering year.

Not that he has done it the easy way. After turning down a place at university in an attempt to qualify for Turin in 2006 he agonisingly missed out before dislocating and fracturing his knee in 2007.

But speaking from the top of a glacier in the Austrian resort of Hintertux, where he is in the middle of a two-week training stint, Kilner insists all the hard work has been worthwhile.

'I've always had the Olympics as the dream,' said the boarder from Banchory, Scotland.

'It was always a bit of a dream that seemed miles away but now it's here. I've got two more qualifying events to go.

You have to be in the world top 40 to qualify for Vancouver and at the moment I'm 23rd so I'm in a good, secure position and one more qualifying event should do it. A medal is my top, top goal but top 15 is more realistic.

I'm looking to pick up as much experience as I can before the 2014 Games.'

Kilner, who started the year as an outsider for qualification before a string of impressive World Cup results, including a ninth-place finish in Italy, admits at times it has been a difficult path.
'Yeah, it was a tough choice to become a pro boarder.

Ever since I got my first sponsor I had to make the decision that I would have no time for education. I was very wary.

I had just finished my exams but decided to sacrifice university and aim for the 2006 Olympics. But my parents have been more than supportive and given me plenty of guidance.'

That support would have been tested to the full after a heavy fall while warming up for a World Cup event in Calgary, fracturing and dislocating his knee.

'It was just a heavy impact fall but I was out in the backwater and had to be airlifted into hospital,' he recalls.

'It was absolutely agonising, excruciating. But I recovered and was actually boarding again, before having an MRI scan on the knee as it still just didn't feel right. It was then I was told I had a bit of bone which had dislodged and lodged itself between the joint.'

But I was able to walk out of hospital two weeks after surgery and have forgotten about it since really. Snowboarding is such a high-risk sport, you're going to fall to learn. You suffer so much aches and pains you just forget about it. Just get on with it.'

Ben Kilner will be competing at London Freeze from October 30 until November 1 at Battersea Power Station. Tickets available at www.londonfreeze.com

Click here to visit the original article at www.metro.co.uk

Cold Beaches? The Hit The Slopes!

It seems summer is definitely over as the cold weather creeps in and the dark nights draw in. Autumn is well underway and winter is round the corner and only the bravest are going to hit the waves for some action is the cold climates of dear old Blighty (A salute to those that do; you are hardcore, but quite insane as well!).

With this in mind we will start looking at snowboarding with our blogs and articles, though we will still try to post a few kite surfing kite and board reviews to help you make choices for the 2010 season (as well as a look at the 2009 kit out now).

We’ll take a look at the latest snowboards, safety gear, snowboard clothing and equipment.

We also want to hear from you, our customers and readers. If you have any reviews you want us to post, about products we stock or products we don’t (many of our kite reviews are of products we have tried and tested, but we don’t stock ourselves, but we believe in being informative, not bias) then please send the through to us and we will endeavour to post them an give a thanks an credit to the author (so please include your name and if you have a site or blog include that too by all means).

We will keep posting as long as you keep reading.

The S2AS Team

Starkites SBow 8m 2009 Kite Review

At a Glance
The Starkites SBow 09 is now in its fourth generation, being the initial kite surfing kite that put Starkites on the map as a manufacturer back in 2006.

Originally it was developed as an entry-level kite, Starkites having close relations with the IKO looked at developing the perfect kite for getting started in kite surfing. Since then the SBow has evolved over 4 years into its current incarnation.

The kit is now much more of a freeride design, still perfect for learning on, but also being very adept at turning its hand to waves, jumps and even freestyle. Jan Marcos Riveras used the SBow solely for his challenge to take the KPWT wave tour crown.

This year Starkites have really stepped up their game in terms of construction, the kite features one pump, plenty of reinforcements and extra panels and stitching in all the right places. The kite itself is a very flat design using fairly extensive bridling to help the leading edge keep its flat arc.

The Bar
At first glance the bar looks very well made and it is certainly well designed. There is an excellent spinning safety system that can either be used as it is supplied, or you can adjust it to a handle pass leash style set up. The de-power is an above bar pull webbing system, but it is easy to reach and works well. The chicken loop is moulded so it fits into the bar, which makes hooking in and out easy and the whole set up looks very clean and well thought out.

The bar itself, in the hands, feels comfy and the grip is tack enough to ensure it won’t slip when you are pulling kiteloops in high winds.

In the Air
The 8m SBow has a surprising amount of power for such a small kite. At the bottom end of its wind range it delivers plenty of grunt to get you up and riding earlier than you would expect. With the pulley 2:1 bridle system the kite also delivers a lot of depower. More importantly this depower is from a very short “throw” of the bar. You don’t have to move the bar very far away from you to achieve a loss of power. This takes a little getting used to at first, but will be a confidence building safety feature for the more tentative rider out there. You really can switch the kite off with minimum input from the bar.

The downside of this is that you can get caught out doing kiteloops, if you sheet out a little too much mid loop the kite looses power and steering and leaves you heading for a splash. If you are going to kite loop this kite then make sure you keep the bar pulled in the whole way round. If you do this you’ll find it loops with a smooth turn and develops an impressive tug.

For a freeride kite it also delivers some blistering jump performance. When at the top end of its wind range the hangtime is immense and we enjoyed quite a few over-powered sessions on the 8m. Upwind is excellent too, the thin leading edge profile allowing the kite to attack the edge of the window and drag you upwind at speed.

Pros
Well built, impressive bar set up and excellent freeride characteristics, good jumps, great upwind, quick efficient depower.

Cons
While that depower is great for learning and safety its on/off nature will take a little getting used to. Once you have the kite dialled in though, the performance will surprise you.

Overall
The SBow is a great freeride kite that will be happy in a lot of different situations. Beginners, intermediates and people who want something safe in a big wind will appreciate the SBow

For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.starkites.com. For more information on kite sufing, kite surfing equipment or kite sufing lessons visit www.s2as.com

Learn to Kitesurf DVD Gets a 5 Star Rating From the S2AS Team

Fat Sand Productions have updated and will shortly release a new edition of their best selling 'Kiteboarding Beginner' instructional DVD, bringing quality instructional content to the hundreds of new beginners eager and excited to learn our amazing sport.

Featuring all the new types of kit available on the market today (c, bow, hybrids and delta, four and five line kites) and filmed in the beautiful backdrop of Sharm El Sheikh with two of the UK's most talented and accredited kitesurfing coaches Christian Harris and Karine Navital.

The DVD has been completely re-shot with clearer, high quality footage and many more angles. The filming and editing style still bear all the much loved progression trademarks; detailed technique breakdown, common problem analysis, split screens, slow motion repeats and graphic overlays - all proven at aiding faster development.

The techniques and tricks covered in this DVD are now much more focused around the specific needs of beginners in those critical first stages of development. Rather than squeezing a fast progression to jumps and carves within the 2.5hrs running time, we have included a greater depth of coverage and analysis of those key beginner stumbling blocks such as water starts and up wind riding.

Rob Claisse, CEO of Fat Sand, describes this key decision; "We wanted to focus on equipping beginners with solid set of skills, knowledge and technical know how, helping to develop a generation of competent and confident riders in our sport. So many people get frustrated and rush through these vital stages, leaving holes in their knowledge which hold them back later down the line. We wanted to offer a complete learning resource that could support beginners at every step of their progression and get them up and riding as quickly and as safely as possible, to then progress onto intermediate tricks and techniques which feature in a new intermediate volume 1 DVD." (release date late-September)

The Progression kiteboarding Beginner DVD contains over 2.5 hours of content, with chapters on equipment & terminology, kite setup, launching & landing, water re-launch and self rescue, body dragging, water starts and first runs, staying up wind and sliding turns.

The drive and focus behind the Progression DVD's has always been to help people move forward, stay motivated and get the most out of their sport. Six years and many DVD sales later we are proud to be doing just that but don't take our word for it, hear what just some of our beginner customers have had to say:

"My enthusiasm in the sport has been increased as I have gained extra confidence from watching your DVD" - Michael, Australia

"The best kiting tutorial I've come across so far" - Raul, Luxembourg

"I love Progression Beginner! Awesome!" - James, UK

"The DVD really breaks down each technique into it's component parts to make it really clear what I should and shouldn't be doing" - Will, UK

Visit S2AS for your copy or for more information on kite surfing lessons.

We Ask Naish a Few Questions About 2010.

Q&A with Damien Girardin from Naish International

Overview
Damien Girardin recently sat down and answered a few commonly asked questions regarding the design intent behind the new 2010 Naish Kite line-up.

Questions
1) "What are the differences between the Naish Cult, the Naish Helix and Charger in terms of riding?"

"The Naish Cult is the ultimate tool for all-terrain riding, and is unmatched on the market for stability, broad sweet spot, and linear bar pressure. It is the easiest Naish kite yet.

The Naish Helix provides a more engaging kiting experience. It will generate more power in the turns, and yanks you more out of the water when you jump. It is a more powerful kite overall, and is faster turning.

The Naish Charger is similar to the Naish Cult in terms of performance and ease. But it’s bar pressure is more “proportional” to the angle of attack of the kite making gusts and lulls more apparent. You’ll be amazed by the stability and smoothness compared to other Delta kites, none of which has our Geo Tech Construction. The Charger’s relaunch is automatic and gives novice kiters the ability to launch their kites in the most challenging conditions."

2) "Why has Naish designed the Charger without the Sigma Outline?"

"The non-Sigma design has some interesting elements, like water relaunch and the way it engages in turns. We improved the concept by adding Geo Tech. The main flaw we found in other Delta kites was the lack of stability at low angles of attack. By adding our exclusive Geo Tech construction, we’ve been able to stabilize the kite tremendously. For Delta kite enthusiasts, the Charger clearly provides something new."

3) "Why is Geo Tech absent on the new Helix?"

"We designed the Helix with Power Foil Canopy instead of Geo-Tech because we were looking for extra juice and power. With advanced riders in mind, the Helix’s new power foil moves more while riding. It provides an extra touch of power at crucial moments when sheeted-in."

4) "Why does the 2010 Naish Cult have a more pronounced Sigma outline in comparison to last year’s model?"

"The increase in the Sigma enables the LE to twist at the kite’s center. This allows the rider to induce a pivot turn when wanted. Therefore, the Naish Cult steering capabilities have expanded, and can now do either pivots or tight radius turns. This simply makes the kite even easier to control and steer."

5) "Why does the 2010 Naish Helix have a reduced Sigma outline in comparison to last year’s model?"

"Again, the Sigma outline allows the kite to pivot more from the center. By reducing the Sigma, the kite pivots less from the center and turns more around the wing tip. This generates more power through the turn. With the Helix, that is exactly what we were looking for…a more aggressive pull in the turns."

6) "Can I put a fifth line on a Naish Charger, Cult, and Helix?"

"Yes. All three of these kites allow for a fifth line to be connected to the pump leash attachment point on the Leading Edge. The Universal Control system is also designed to allow a fifth line system. However, that option will only suit fifth line enthusiasts. Most riders will much prefer riding these kites with only four lines for performance and simplicity, which is how they are meant to be ridden."

7) "What did you do to improve low-end performance?"

"In order to have the kites fly more efficiently in lighter winds, we spent a great deal of time adjusting the foil’s profile and the LE diameter. We had incredible success as we optimized the profile. The end result is a kite range that flies faster, turns quicker, and generates very efficient low-end lift.

We also increased the length of the flying line extensions that come on the bigger Helix, Cult and Charger kites. The 13.0 to 16.0 kites come with 7m extensions. While, the 9.0 to 12.0 kites still come with 4m extensions."

8) "How does the Naish Torch depower so well without any bridles?"

"The Naish Torch is a kite that depowers by flying to the edge of the window. Compared to other kites, the Torch’s foil profile is thinner, and its LE diameter is smaller.

These two characteristics allow the kite to fly further forward in the window, and get there fast. This gives it the ability to depower quickly. We can confidentially say that it has more depower than most bridled kites."

9) "Will a Sigma kite accidentally launch itself when sitting on the beach?"

"No. Not when positioned properly like any kite. A Sigma kite actually sits on the beach in windy conditions as well as non-Sigma kites, because the wind forces the center portion of the LE to stay down."

10) "Are the 2010 Control Systems compatible with last year’s kites?"

"Yes, absolutely."

11) "Why is the trim line so long on the Universal Control System?"

"The long trim line allows for full depower of the kite when the bar is pushed all the way up. High depower is crucial and the number one safety benefit on any kite. Our trim line allows the rider to easily handle situations that could be potentially dangerous. If a rider wants to adjust the reach, he/she can easily set the “stopper” at the desired height, while keeping the ability to push it up with the bar when needed."

For more info on the Naish 2010 kite and kite board line up, give us a call or come in and see us in one of our kitesurf shops in Brighton, Poole or Kent.

Poole: 01202 738448
Brighton: 01273 746836
Kent: 01303 269828

Xenon La Luz 132 x 40 Kiteboard Review

At a Glance
When we first got our hands on these new kiteboards from Xenon we were immediately impressed. The styling is just so tasteful and the finish is superb, every time we have had them down on the beach people have commented on the look and styling, which is clean and will appeal to lots of riders. With a wood core and a 3 year warranty you can be sure that inside the boards have been thought about too.

Fixtures and fittings are also to a high standard and the La Luz features an upgrade on the footpads over the Rayo, they have an air core, which compresses and helps the pad mould around your foot. The straps are super comfy and easy to adjust and the 5cm G10 fins finish off the product giving it a real feel of quality. The La Luz features a full carbon laminate too, giving it some extra stiffness and improved flex and reflex characteristics over the Rayo.

On the Water
The La Luz is stiffer than its more freeride orientated brother the Rayo, this kite board is aimed squarely at the freestyle and performance market and when you put it on your feet you can see why. It has a big top end speed and the more wind you throw at the board the faster it goes; seemingly knowing no limits. It isn’t the comfiest of rides in the chop, the stiffness which makes it fast means it crashes through lumps rather than bending around them. But the speed is intense!

Loading up the edge of the board to pop you can really feel it explode off the water. It displaces buckets and launches you into the air with a force that can catch you unaware. Make sure you are ready for it! The 132 is 40cm wide too so when you come down to land there is plenty of board underfoot to make sticking those tricks easy.

Upwind the board flies, all that speed makes it easy to load up the back leg and drive the board to windward. If you are a good rider who wants something that has limitless performance yet is still reasonably forgiving then this would be a good choice for you.

Pros
Speed, speed, speed! If you want to go high you need to go fast, the La Luz is a really quick kiteboard with excellent pop to boost you out of the water for technical freestyle manoeuvres.

Cons
Bigger riders may find the 132 a little small, and may find the 42cm wide 135 a little big in terms of the width.

Overall
A great top end performance freestyle board with awesome graphics and styling, it should appeal to plenty of riders and will offer you a solid, fast, exciting ride!

For more information visit your local dealer or visit www.xenonboards.com

Takoon Sutra 129 x 40 Review

We haven’t seen a kiteboard from the boys at Takoon for some time here. So we were quite excited when the Sutra first arrived at the office. The graphics and design of the board make it a definite standout from the rest. The black and gold colour way making it look super smart and the matching pads and straps just being the icing on the cake.

This kite board is aimed at the higher end of the market. Experienced riders looking for a high performance board that can handle whatever they throw at it. There are four sizes in the line up a 126 x 38, 129 x 38, 129 x 40 and a 132 x 40 so there should be one out there to suit you. Especially if you are a light weight rider or someone looking for a high wind board that can hold down some power.

On the Water
Whilst the Sutra looks good we were interested to see how it performed on the water rather than how many heads it turned! The board is very lively and even though quite short compared to some of the others the width helps it to get going early enough. There is a three-stage rocker line with a flat section in the middle that also helps it to get up and going early on. This rocker line also adds to the boards top end speed. The Sutra is pretty quick in a straight line especially when powered up. It is also fairly stiff in terms of flex, which enables it to deliver some serious pop to the rider when you want it to. The tips by comparison to some boards aren’t super wide so the Sutra also lends itself well to rail to rail carving. In the waves it is also easy to throw about and the 5cm fins give you plenty of grip when you need it.

The Sutra is one of the only kiteboards in the test to have a flat bottom, this adds to its top end speed and helps it to get going early but does make it a little hard on the really powered landings. Especially with the stiff flex characteristics. Through the chop the sharp rails help you to cut through the worst of it and considering the flat rocker line and stiff flex the board feels surprisingly comfortable underfoot. It is equally at home in the freestyle arena as it is in the waves and as long as you know what you are doing you will get a lot out of the Sutra no matter what conditions you throw at it.

Fixtures and Fittings
The Sutra comes as standard with 5cm G10 fins which give you plenty of bite when you need it. The pads are of a good size and comfortable on the feet. The straps have good adjustment and match the colour of the board, so the whole package looks really well put together.

Overall
If you are experienced and want some performance in your riding then the Sutra would be well suited to both freestyle and wave riding, definitely a good all rounder with a solid lean towards the freestyle arena.

For more information visit www.takoon.com

North Rhino 09 Kite Review

At a Glance
The North Rhino is one of the oldest kitesurfing kites out there in terms of pedigree. While the name has remained the same the kite has undergone many changes over the years and is a far cry from the original powerhouse Rhino first put into production back in 2001. The kite isn’t drastically different from its 2008 form however, more tweaks than glaring differences have been made here.

The kite retains the “missing” centre strut design which puts a big flat power section in the middle of the kite. The bridle is still accompanied by the 5th line, but the bridling on the kite this year has been simplified. The 6-strut design features some large battens on the trailing edge near the wingtip to aid airframe stability.

The build quality is up to the usual high North standards; plenty of reinforcement patches on the wear stress points, and quality materials have been used throughout.

The Bar
The North Rhino flies on the tried and tested North 5th Element Bar, this has been in the North kites range for a number of years and has had many tweaks and improvements over the years.

The Iron Heart safety release makes a welcome return, ensuring that if you do need to get out in a hurry you can. The trim cleat is back too, this allows you to not only adjust the depower, but also trim your lines to the right lengths by pulling the rope through the back of the cleat. This allows you to set up the bar and kite in a more personal manner and it works really well.

Naturally the bar itself is of a very high quality with comfortable bar ends to keep your hands in place during kite loops.

In the Air
The Rhino is billed as the ultimate freeride kite, but it is also used to devastating effect by the race team. One thing is for sure this kite is fast and very quick through the air. Coupled with a quick board you will be flying past your mates.

The bar pressure is positive enough to let you know where the kite is at all times without being so light you don’t get any feedback. Turning on the Rhino is also precise and direct, the kite responding quickly to input from the bar and the rider. One thing we did find was that the leading edge needs to be inflated pretty hard to avoid the wingtips folding in the turn, this is a kite you really want to fill with air. A quick note should also be made to say once inflated, leave it for a minute to let the air flow to the struts then give it some more pumps. On a couple of occasions we found the leading edge had lost pressure, of course the pressure was just spreading through the kite. Inflated properly the Rhino is a demon piece of kit. The extra turn of speed allows you to get some serious hangtime, the jumps are really floaty and you get a true sense of flying with the Rhino.

The last thing that impressed us, although we weren’t surprised, was the upwind ability. The Rhino flies upwind well and the large flat section in the middle of the kite provides plenty of power even at the bottom of the kites wind range.

Pros
Great pedigree, fantastic build quality with lots of attention to detail, fast powerful and great at jumping, the North Rhino 09 reminds of the Rhino’s of old, and that’s a good thing!

Cons
Just make sure you pump the kite up hard and ensure to add a little extra, it takes a few seconds for the air to get to the struts, and if you don’t close the valves off then you will find you lose a little pressure.

Overall
A very high performance freeride kite surfing kite, this will reward the more experienced riders out there with some huge airs and fast pace. If you want to go racing as well then this has to be the kite of choice.

Best Waroo 09 Kite Review

At a Glance
The Best Waroo has been one of the most popular kitesurfing kites on the market for some time, and with good reason. It has in recent years become one of the kites that just “works” whatever you decide to throw at it. The low price made it a hit with kiters and word spread.

Last year, in 2008, the kite was somewhat of a revelation, kiteloops, freestyle, waves, freeride you name it, whatever you threw at it the kite performed. This year the 09 Waroo has a tweaked bridle aimed at giving you more depower and the usual beefy construction, something that in recent years has really come on leaps and bounds. With the Waroo you can be assured it will survive a nasty wipeout or two with enough reinforcements to install confidence in the canopy.

The Bar
The new Best bar is really something to pay attention too, one of the best thought out set ups we have seen in a while. It is packed with features; there are landing handles on both front lines allowing you to land the kite safely on your own. Oh Shit handles on the rear lines add extra safety, the chicken loop release is also very easy to activate and to reset. The chicken loop uses male/female shaping to ensure it won’t twist when you unhook and the bar ends are super comfy for kite loop tricks. It really does ooze quality.

In the Air
Last year the Waroo really set the benchmark in terms of a freeride kite surfing kite. We were keen to see how it would fair this year and can report we were not disappointed!

The kite comes with plenty of user settings to enable you to set it up how you want it to ride. You really can set it to be slow or fast and also vary the bar pressure. We set it on the fast turning points and were very impressed with the speed of the kite this year; it really does turn with a blistering pace. This translates into some huge air and hangtime. The kite really rips you off the water and boosts you super high. You can hover the kite over head and still have time to redirect it forwards in time for the landing. The bar pressure while adjustable on the kite felt fine on the fast settings, not too hard or too soft. Giving you enough feedback to know where the kite was at all times.

Upwind the Waroo also flies well with the thin leading edge allowing it to really penetrate the window and drag you upwind with it. Unhooking with the new bar is excellent as the chicken loop sits exactly where you would expect it too in just the right place to pull the bar in and hook back in. We were also pleased to see the kite delivers a good loop too; one of our favourite features from the 08 kite. Pull on the bar and send it through the window to find a decent consistent pull on the kite.

Pros
The 09 Waroo is an awesome freeride kite, great jumps, easy to unhook and excellent upwind. With good depower too the Waroo won’t disappoint.

Cons
We have said it before and we’ll say it again, we love one pump, We have heard for 2010 Best may be introducing an external style system as opposed to the internal one they used on some kites in 2008. We would love to see a one pump Waroo.

Overall
Fantastic bar, great kite, what else is there to say, once again the Waroo does exactly what you ask it to, pure and simple.

For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.bestkiteboarding.com

Slingshot Lunacy 132 x 41 2009 Review

At A Glance
Ruben Lenten has been riding the Fuel from Slingshot for seven years! Famously he was riding Brunotti kiteboards for a while, but a couple of years ago he switched to Slingshot sticks and last year they produced his first ever Pro Model kiteboard, the Slingshot Lunacy.

This year the board has undergone some changes and improvements. The main one being the technology that has been borrowed from Slingshot’s wakeboard construction techniques. The kite boards are actually made at the Slingshot wakeboard factory in the USA and come in three sizes, the 129, 132, and 135.

The construction used is dubbed FRT, which stands for Future Response Technology. This kite board promises to have improved flex, rebound and pop over previous models. The graphics have undergone a major change too and you can’t argue with the appearance of the board; the white and gold looks pimp.

The outline and shape is similar to last year and you can tell from the super wide tips that this board has been shaped with freestyle firmly in mind.

On the Water
The Slingshot Lunacy is a thorough bred freestyle machine, and you must remember this board has been designed with one person in mind. When you consider that person is none other than Ruben Lenten, one of the most hardcore and aggressive riders out there, you will get some idea as to what this board is like.

First up it is very fast in a straight line. You almost don’t notice just how quick you are going until you load up the edge and explode off the water. But it isn’t as simple as that. The board needs to be ridden very aggressively to achieve the maximum performance. It isn’t a forgiving ride at all and we found it quite hard to get the most out of it. On flat water though, one you are tuned in, there really isn’t a limit to its performance, except perhaps your own riding ability! Landing tricks is really easy on the super wide platform, but getting into them when the board is going at Mach 10 can be a little tricky!

Out of the flat water and into serious chop the Lunacy isn’t quite as at home. The stiff mid section makes it an effort on your knees and this kiteboard is by no means easy to ride.

Experts only need really apply here. In fact if you’re young, dumb and Dutch it is probably perfect, which of course is the whole reason for its existence. As older, slower riders we still prefer the Misfit, as it is easier to ride and much more forgiving than the Lunacy.

Pros
Insane performance - it’s called the Lunacy after all! If you are an expert rider looking for the ultimate then search no further. Especially if you like to ride super fast and powered.

Cons
Very specific freestyle machine and definitely not for the mere mortals out there!

Overall

If you like the way Ruben rides and you think you have the balls to ride like him, give the Slingshot Lunacy a go.

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

from iksurf mag..

Best Ouija 134 x 41.5 Kiteboard Review

Last year the Drive kite boards were firm favourites in the Best kite board line up; aimed at the rider looking for a high performance board that wasn’t too technical to ride. We rode the Drive 131 Ltd and we were very impressed with it this time last year. It was fast, one of the fastest boards we rode last year in fact and delivered excellent pop.

This year the Drive series of boards have been replaced by the Ouija line up. There are just two kiteboards this year in the Ouija range, a 129 x 39 and this 134 x 41.5. Last year one comment we had about the 131 Drive was that it was a bit small for the larger freestyle rider. Seeing a 134 is a very welcome thing, especially if you’re bigger than the average kiter!

The board is made using lightweight snowboard construction with an ABS rail; a gloss top sheet sets it apart from the rest in terms of finish. A CNC machined wood core sits inside and the top deck is simple and smooth, no cut outs or step caps here!

On the Water
The Ouija is the one of the widest kite boards in this recent test and this helps it to really get going early on. Even for the heavier riders out there the 134 will have you up and on the plane super quick in the lightest of airs.

The rocker line is fairly flat, although it is continuous. This again helps the board eagerly get going when the wind isn’t howling and helps it maintain its speed through the lulls. The outline of the board I fairly square with wide tips, this shape really lends itself to getting good pop off the water. You can really load up these tips and the edges to resist a serious amount of pull from the kite. Then when you release you really get thrown up into the air on the Ouija. The flex is fairly stiff with a little more flex in the tips and this again helps to launch the board and the rider. The super wide outline and size of the board make landing tricks really easy, there is just so much platform to come down on that you’ll be landing tricks you have been crashing for ages in no time.

One of our favourite features of last year’s kiteboard was the speed and we are pleased to say the Ouija is still quick in a straight line. The flat rocker and sharp rails allow it to accelerate with some pace and when it is at speed the concave bottom help to give the rider a little more control. The board handles the chop well too, the sharp rails really cutting through the roughest of stuff. The width of the board doesn’t lend itself to rail-to-rail carving but there is the Spark line up that caters more for the freeride market.

The Ouija is definitely a freestyle beast and in the right conditions it will impress even the most hardcore of riders. Some of you out there are still riding small boards, and the size of the Ouija may seem off putting. But with modern style kites and the depower we now have you no longer need a small board and something this size will just allow you to pop harder and to land you tricks far easier. If you are a lightweight then perhaps go for the smaller model. But otherwise go big; you’ll definitely love it!

Fixtures and Fittings
The straps and fins are excellent and easy to fit onto the board. The foam pads are comfortable but are quite small. If you have big feet you may want to change them to save your toes or heels hanging off the edges!

Overall
A definite improvement over last years Drive 131, the extra size is very welcome indeed. The Ouija is definitely more suited to freestyle than freeride but it has a huge range being able to get going very early on and still hold down buckets of power. The speed and pop will be sure to excite.

For more information go to your local dealer or visit www.bestkiteboarding.com

JN Prima Donna 3 Kite Review

At a Glance
The Prima Donna 3 is a pure freestyle machine from JN, aimed at the kiter looking for consistent reliable top end performance. In its third year the Prima Donna has undergone some more tweaks to keep it at the top of its game. The profile for this kitesurfing kite has been opened out a little to give it more low-end power; wider larger wingtips help the kite to turn faster and the Floating Batten Technology is back to help create the ultimate profile shape even when the wind is gusty.

The construction has also stepped up a gear too; this year the kite features One Pump which is a really good addition, there is also a new patented cutting technique that allows for less seams at the tips of the kite, allowing for better rigidity and improved airflow, it also increases durability.

Available in 6 different sizes 5m, 7m, 9m, 11m, 13m and 15m there should be a size to suit every quiver when it comes to this kite surfing kite.

The Bar
We were supplied with a JN Switchcraft bar, there is a new one coming out soon which has different colours for the grips, but the features remain the same. There are O Shit handles on the rear lines for added safety and of course the Prima Donna is a 5th line affair so you have all the security you need should things go wrong. The quick release is a well built and thoroughly engineered affair and it works well even when it is sandy. The interesting thing about the Switchcraft bar is that you can changed the length of the bar by loosening the ends with a screwdriver and twisting them, by using the different rear line attachment points you can actually get 4 different lengths out of the 1 bar; great if you want to have several kites and just use one bar. There is also a stopper ball which you can adjust using a hexagonal key.

In the Air
Last year we enjoyed riding the Prima Donna 2 as it had a very smooth predictable feel about it; the C shape giving it a direct feel in the turns that was very responsive. To the naked eye the kite doesn’t look all that different this year but there are quite a few tweaks so we were keen to see how it would perform.

In lighter airs you can really feel the wider arc profile working to create even more low end power, which was something last years kite never lacked. The 11m is very powerful and we were out riding it when others were on 12 and 13m kites and still tearing it up. The turning is precise and direct and a little faster than last year. It is the turning speed that makes this kite so fun to ride. You really can put it exactly where you want to for every trick and also generate huge lift when you send it back through the window. The jumping and hang-time on the JN is fantastic and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who dares to push it as hard as they can.

Unhooked the Prima Donna 3 really comes into its own. It is so stable and well behaved when you unhook it really inspires confidence, allowing you to push even harder knowing the only barrier to improving is yourself and not the kite. Definitely a kite for the more experienced free rider or freestyle junky, as the performance will easily be tapped into. If you are an intermediate looking for something a little different to the usual bridled style kites then the Prima Donna 3 has a forgiving side that you will enjoy too.

Pros
Low end power, smooth direct turning and response, immense hang-time and perfect for freestyle tricks!

Cons
We’d love to see a stopper ball that you could adjust a little easier; sometimes it is great to be able to use this feature on the fly. That said though the de-power throw on the JN is quite short, so it isn’t too much of an issue.

Overall
The construction is much improved and features like One Pump and the great bar set up will be sure to attract a lot of riders. With top end performance that you’ll struggle to run out of, this kite should be putting smiles on the faces of riders all season long.

For more information go to www.jn-kites.com and for info on kites, kitesurfing lessons and everything about kite surfing, come to www.s2as.com

North Evo 9m 2009 Kite Review

At a Glance
North is a brand synonymous with quality and even though the Evo is their budget kitesurfing kite, it is still head and shoulders above the smaller brands in terms of build quality.

Last year the Evo was launched and it was a grunty powerhouse that needed a little care and attention when it came to the set up. This year the kite has been tweaked some more to improve it even further. The bridle has been made much simpler and shorter, the strut connections are even beefier, and easily the most solid connection we have ever seen for a strut. And the kite has been made 5th line compatible meaning you can chose between a standard 4 line set up, or opt for the added safety of a 5th line set up.

The graphics look really good on the Evo and there are some nice attentions to detail in regard to the reinforcement. The kite has been very well made and any stress points have been over-engineered to ensure a long life for the kite.

The Bar
You can choose between the standard 5th Element bar, which has been a favourite of North riders for years now, or opt for the 4-line Scepter bar. Going for the 5th line option adds the extra safety, makes the leading edge even more stable and also gives the kite a slightly more direct feel. In 4 line mode on the Scepter bar the kite has a softer easier feel to it. There is a new front line safety system on the 4 line set up so if it does all go wrong you can easily get the kite to flag out and completely depower. After trying the kite in both set-ups we preferred the 4 line setting purely for ease of use. We often feel that having a bridle and a 5th line is just extra hassle. One of the biggest complaints riders have about hybrid kits is the bridle, so why over complicate by adding a 5th line to it too? We didn’t notice any real performance advantages and with the front line safety system in place on the 4 line set up we felt it perfectly adequate. But it is personal preference of course!

In the Air
Last year we grumbled that the North Evo took a bit of setting up to get it flying right straight out of the bag. We are pleased to report that this year the kite works on the standard Scepter bar right from the word go. No need to play around with the cleat to get the line lengths just right. The 2009 Evo is set up perfectly at the factory.

The Evo is often overlooked as a performance kite. In a range that includes the Rebel, Rhino and the Vegas it sometimes doesn’t appear on a rider’s radar. And that is a shame. Because the Evo is an awesome freeride kite, in fact it is pretty amazing at just about everything you throw at it. The kite has lots of low-end power, which means you can get away with using a smaller size, and a smaller size means you get a faster kite that you can throw around the window much quicker. A faster kite means the kite will move quicker through the air and this leads to some epic jumping capabilities. But whilst the kite is very quick it is also very stable and will happily track along in a straight line when left to its own devices.

Of course while the Evo packs a great performance punch it is also a very easy kite to fly. It is stable and forgiving, which means the beginners out there shouldn’t overlook it. You could quite easily learn with this kite, especially as it is so easy to relaunch. And yet once you had mastered the art of getting up on the board you could keep on using this kite for a few seasons to come and never really grow out of it. Of course the fantastic workmanship in the build will also ensure that it lasts that long too! Unhooked the kite works well and as a freestyle machine it excels again, giving the rider a c kite feel, especially when rigged in the 5th line mode. If you want to freeride and go big, stick with the 4 line set up, but if you want something with Vegas like qualities, with the added bonus of a super easy relaunch then the Evo in 5th line mode should do the trick.

Pros
Fantastic build quality, very stable and easy to fly with a simple relaunch. The Evo also has a bucket load of performance just waiting to be unleashed.

Cons
The Evo still doesn’t have one pump, which is a shame as although it is a budget kite, there are far cheaper kitesurfing kites that come with one pump as standard. Yes it is very well made, but one pump would turn this into a package that we wouldn’t be able to find fault with.

Overall
Perhaps the perfect all round kite, from beginner to expert the North Evo has something to offer. You won’t find quality like this on many other kites, the bar is excellent and the whole package is perfectly finished off.

For more info visit www.S2AS.com or www.northkites.com

2010 RRD Obsession 12m Review

At A Glance
RRD have a wealth of experience in the water sports industry and their products have always been highly regarded. They have had some popular kitesurfing kites over the years with the Type series and the Obsession first made an appearance last year in 2009. Billed as an all round machine to replace the very popular Type 9 it featured an SLE style set up with regards to the bar and bridle.

The kite was very popular and those of you who loved it will be pleased to hear that this year it has been tweaked rather than revamped. The chord depth has been reduced slightly and it is a slightly higher aspect design than the previous year. A new panel layout ensures there is plenty of strength where you need it and the profile has changed slightly too.

The kite is still finished to the usual exceptional standards with some fantastic detailing that really sets the RRD apart in the looks department. There are also plenty of reinforcements at all the major wear points.

The Bar
All RRD kites work off the same bar, so you can just buy one bar for your entire quiver. It is a neat idea. A new 2010 bar is still in development so we were riding with the bar from 2009. It comes packed full of features including an excellent above bar clam cleat depower strap. The bar itself is made from carbon fibre and the centre hole features an aluminium block that has been polished to reduce friction on the depower rope. There are also O’Shit handles for added safety and the bar ends are covered in a softer material so they are easy on your hands and non-slip for kite loops.

In the Air
Power and poise would be two words that sum up the Obsession. For a 12m kite it has a fantastic low end, but it also feels perfectly balanced in the sky and is very predictable in its behaviour. The bar pressure isn’t too heavy and delivers enough feedback for the rider to know where the kite is at all times without wearing out your arms over a long session. The higher aspect outline also helps the kite to fly upwind, something that is really handy for whatever style of riding you are doing, and if you like kiteloops then you’ll be wanting this feature!

The Obsession is quite surprising when you first send it back round the window. We got caught out a couple of times when we first tried looping it. It delivers a hell of a tug, even in lighter airs! The jumping performance is also really good, the speed of the kite, even for a 12m, enables the Obsession to be quickly powered back over your head developing great lift and hang time.

Unhooked the kite has improved greatly and now feels much more balanced, you will need to pull in on the depower strap though otherwise it has a tendency to back stall. With the strap trimmed correctly it is perfectly well behaved. There are a lot of riders out there that will get a great deal from this kite; intermediate to advanced free riders as well as freestylers will enjoy its versatility. Wave riders will like the fast responsive turns and no doubt everyone will love the easy forgiving nature of the kite.

Pros
Impressive performance and very versatile; The Obsession will help a lot of riders improve their skills. Great detailing and finish on the kite.

Cons
The Chicken loop feels a little dated, especially on such a well polished bar. It is perfectly functional, but we are keen to see if it will get an upgrade on a future bar.

Overall
A fantastic kite surfing kite with some great improvements over last year’s popular design, a huge wind range, fantastic handling and lots of power when you need it makes the RRD Obsession a real contender.

2010 RRD Poison Limited Edition (133cm x 41) Review

At a Glance
The Poison is a dedicated freestyle kiteboard from RRD, aimed at the top end of the market looking for the ultimate in performance. It features a snowboard style laminated wood core with a fully wet sanded polished finish. The overall look is pretty stunning especially with the polished effect. There is a step cap construction in the tips and the board has a very thin edge profile; perfect for cutting through the chop. The tips are very wide, as you would expect from a board of this style. The board comes equipped with RRD’s Screw-it system, which makes putting the straps on a breeze. You don’t even need a screwdriver! Just twist the plastic pieces into place and then put the strap on top. Easy and simple!

On the Water
We always say that one of the first points of contact, the footpads, can make or break a ride on a kite board. They need to be comfortable, offer plenty of grip and also allow the rider to still feel connected to the board beneath, rather than giving the feeling of being sat on top of it. The new Screw-it foot strap and pad system from RRD fills all these criteria perfectly and offers a super comfy connection to the board. Plenty of padding for those big powered moves and also lots of grip so there is no chance of the board flying off your feet after you pop for a trick.

The board itself feels super crisp under foot, the stiff mid section making for a fast ride. In the chop the thin rails cut through it, but this board really comes into its own in the flat water where it can reach lightening pace. The pop is excellent with the wide tips giving the rider a huge platform to boost off and also offering a super wide and stable landing platform. Upwind the board flies too, those sharp hard rails allowing it to point really high. If you like a fast crisp board with bags of pop for your freestyle then the Poison certainly delivers in those respects.

Pros
Good looks, excellent fittings and some fantastic top-end freestyle performance make this a awesome kiteboard; great pop and excellent upwind ability.

Cons
No complaints from us on this one, free riders will probably prefer a more all-round chop killing machine, but if you want freestyle then this is perfect kite board.

Overall
For freestyle heads out there the RRD Poison offers a perfect balance of speed and pop with a huge landing platform to help you nail those tricks.