Awesome new 2011 SHINN Kitesurf boards now in stock

An overview of the awesome 2011 Shinn kiteboards range That are now on sale at surface to air.
Check them out, this year SHINN have been working really hard on making their boards stand out and become the best board at the best price and here at S2AS we love them.

The Monk
top end Freeride / Freestyle crossover
This is the board that started the current hype about Shinn in the industry. Suitable for all aggressive riders; those who like to charge around with their hair on fire. It's a board that is very easy to ride fast and hard in the worst conditions imaginable. If you are aggressive with your riding you will find nothing that gives as much performance, ease and comfort in the worst chop, soup and surf you can find, with NO spray in the face, NO back leg burn and NO knee pounding. it's so easy and comfortable to ride but encourages the rider to kite faster, carve harder, and you can ride like this for hours longer than a normal board... Suitable for both freestyle and freeride styles.




The new Luigi

top end Freeride
Using the same rocker and hull shape as the Monk it shares very similar characteristics. NO face spray at all, superbly comfortable in the worst conditions, and much more suited to mainstream freeride riders. Planing earlier it has a wider power range, it's better upwind, and it feels as happy at slow speeds as it feels at high speeds. The new Luigi is the better board for the mainstream rider; it's the same technology refined for people who do not kite at the ragged edge all the time. It's the board that you can ride all the time beginner or expert.


The Gintronic

Mainstream Freeride
The Gintronic is actually the same hull, rocker and deckmould as the Monk, but it's internal flex pattern and outline shape has been tuned to make it the easiest board of the three to ride. Like the others it's superbly comfortable in the roughest water and has the greatest power range, powering extremely early and powering upwind. It's a board that will forgive the most obvious riding mistakes and offers the most performance for the least amount of technique. Priced to compete with the mainstream twins it brings this technology to price level eye to eye with the rest of the industry.




The new Player
newschool freestyle
This is a standalone shape that shares no commonality with the above. It is intended to be a freestyle board for those who's style of riding is unhooked. Lets not beat about the bush; last years board was as hardcore a twin as I have ever seen, and whilst this years is a lot more forgiving and comfortable when hooked in it's still a dedicated freestyle riders board.

The SHINN range looks great this year, so for advice or to try one out for yourself call surface to air sports on:
01303 268269 (Kent)
01202 738448 (Poole)
01273 746836 (Brighton)

Images courtesy of Shinn.

2011 Takoon Chrono Kitesurf Kites Now In

The Takoon brand name is not one that most recognise despite once leading the way in bow kite design, this is something that Takoon Kitesurfing is looking to change and here at S2AS we couldn't be more happy, Being the primary stockist in the UK we have got our hands on all of the 2011 Kitesurf kites and I have to report they just keep getting better and better. The chrono is a particular eye catcher this year after being party to the recent WIN of Julien Kerneur on the French race championships. The first thing you notice about the 2011 Takoon Chrono Kite is the Quality of the package with all of the spares you need just in case and enough space in the bag to put your kite away on even the windiest days. The canopy and struts are covered in an eye catching print that will really set you apart on the beach.
Takoon have been working really hard over the last year to improve the Chrono and transform it into a super stable fast and powerful freeride and race machine as the sport grows by the day.
The "Diamond control bar" is re-designed for the 2011 Chrono and it has really come on with Cousins lines and a real quality feel to the item. The trim is supplied via a simple clam cleat system that sits above the bar and out of harms way.
The Chrono is a fast and powerful kite and you will score some decent air time if you dare to go for it and will be the happiest kiter on earth. The Takoon Chrono goes far into the window and will just keep pulling, the de-power is accurate and works really well.
The kite is still really stable and powerful enough for you to throw all the basic unhooked moves plus the shape at the top of the chicken loop fits into the bottom of the bar allowing hooking in a lot easier.This kite is clearly not designed for unhooked freestyle but will still satisfy most riders.
This kite should appeal to beginners and intermediate riders alike because of the huge performance available when you want it whilst having massive de-power available on tap.
We have the full range of 2011 Takoon kitesurf kites at S2AS now get in touch, you won't regret it.


Images copyrighted to http://www.hanglos.net/

IKSURF MAGAZINE AWARDS ARE UPON US AGAIN, S2AS Nominations

So last year the Iksurf magazine awards were a hit and a huge response in all of the categories proved a huge success for many including XENON kiteboards who's LA LUZ board picked up the prize for "best twin tip"
Now as the voting starts again we have thought long and hard about the best brands the world has to offer and of course they can all be found at S2AS we have all ready started voting and here's what the members of our team voted for!!!!

Best Kite Category

SLINGSHOT RALLY - Slingshot and S2AS introduces the Rally! Slingshot have extracted the C kite DNA from both the legendary Fuel and RPM and added a third element of the Delta shape to create the worlds first Open Delta C kite. The Rally and the new open delta C kite platform to deliver all of the desirable features of a Delta kite coupled with the performance and feel of a C kite. The Rally is the choice for the beginner that does not want to out grow his or her kite within months - a kite that you can grow into as opposed to out of. Proven Delta features, such as low end power, responsive pivotal turning, endless lofty hang time, effortless re-launch and unbelievable wind range are matched with C kite predictable power and uncompromised stability. The 3 strut design of the open Delta C harnesses and delivers smooth efficient power through the turn and offers a light weight balanced build for maximum flight stability. Slingshot’s first pulley-less bridle lends itself to a direct feel, enhanced responsiveness, and unmatched upwind performance. The range on the Slingshot Rally kite has been optimised for maximum low end grunt. This means riding in lighter wind speeds with smaller size kites and you'll notice bigger boosts with longer hang times. The turning speed combined with the pulley-less bridle lets you tap into a top end range that translates into complete control when the wind picks up. Fine tuning the Slingshot Rally kite is easy with the Slingshot custom fuel injection (CFI) attachment point. CFI changes the overall feel and bar pressure enabling you to tune the Rally to meet your personal ridding preferences.

FLEXIFOIL HADLOW PRO
Fresh for 2011 is the new HADLOW by Flexifoil. An evolution of 2009's Hadlow Pro, the 3rd generation of Aaron's world class signature kite see's retention of the C-kite performance that the series is reputed for, with a strong element of accessibility added for this year's iteration.

Having already nailed the hardcore freestyle attitude of the HADLOW kite, Aaron has focused on opening the kite up to a new market through the development of an innovative and unique depowered kite setting. With the kite now capable of achieving over 50% more depower under the alternative setting, the versatility of the HADLOW kite across all conditions, be it freestyle, wave or snow, more than matches its precision, speed and power through the air.

2011 also brings a refinement in the freestyle attitude of the kite on both settings, with a much more solid feeling throughout; the HADLOW now produces even more pop on demand to make your tricks more explosive. On the smaller sizes, the speed and feel combines to get the kite down and more extreme into megaloops, but stays fast enough to stop you from dropping out of the sky. On bigger sizes, overall handling is improved to give you more confidence and ease into and out of tricks, whether hooked or unhooked.

Best Twin Tip Board

Xenon LaLuz

Last years Winner has remained fundamentally unchanged and you can see why, super light weight construction and super simple design work make the Xenon La Luz an appealing kitesurf Board from the start, it's when you ride it for the first time you slip your feet into the memory foam pads and notice the amazing amount of flex making for explosive pop and super responsiveness. It is obvious that Laluz basic parameters as pop, speed, and upwind ability are outstanding, but the way it lands makes everybody score more tricks than ever before. The Combination of big rocker, deep concave, variable flex and wide tip/tail area result in lively, responsive board with direct feel and no loss at comfort of riding.

Hadlow PRO freestyle Board

The Hadlow Pro Kitesurf Board Is a True freestyle machine but also proves to be an excellent ride for anybody at any level. Aaron and the team have been working hard to make his whole range of kites and the board to be open and available to everyone on the water and we think they've succeeded! the board is nothing short of awesome and features, an ultra thin lightweight construction that is super tough. A three stage rocker down the centre line, combined with normal rocker on the deck provides extra strength and a smoother, gripped ride for locked in landings, Performance Maximising Tips maximum pop.

s generated through optimum width and flex on the tips. Aaron Hadlow won last years Awards as the best male rider, he knows what he's doing when it comes to Kitesurfing and it shows in his Products.

Best Brand Category

SLINGSHOT
One of the biggest and best labels in the business with one of the longest and most prestigious histories in the sport. Slingshot is constantly at the forefront of design and development for their range of Kitesurf and wakeboard products and this year is no different, achieving a level of design and features in their products that any brand would be enviable of , across the range From the Slingshot Key Kite through the Rally Kite, The RPM Kite and the Slingshot Fuel the design is flawless, both visually stunning and an unimaginable quality providing a kite for any situation wind speed and style of riding, giving you all of the safety, security and most importantly FUN you need, The size of the Slingshot Organization hasn't watered down the company's ethic employing purists to the cause to ensure the service is spot on so you can be

sure your new Slingshot kite, kiteboard or wakeboard is backed by the best in the business. Earlier in the year Lewis crathern jumped the famous Brighton pier on the 2011 Slingshot Fuel and it goes to show when we trust our life, our cash and our enjoyment to a kite brand none does it better than Slingshot.

Check out all of the products mentioned here and more at S2AS now and make up your own mind and place your nominations in the IKSURFMAGAZINE AWARDS HERE

How to Service your snowboard

Snowboard Repair & Maintenance | Waxing & Deburring Snowboards

A large part of the existence of a rider incontestably revolves around his Snowboard. However, frequent use of the Snowboard results in damage to the Snowboard's base and edges ranging from small scratches to major cuts. To minimize this occurrence, you need to take time to keep your board in good condition. In this section, here are some Snowboard Tuning Instructions and helpful Snowboard Tuning Tips.

Home Tuning vs. Board Shops

You will be surprised at all the things you can easily do yourself. Basic Snowboard Tuning, maintenance and repair can be done at home with the right tuning kits. However, if your board has taken serious damage like deep gouges in your base, you're better off leaving the repair to S2AS by bringing it to our Snowboard shop in the UK.  Snowboard Shop Poole

Convex and Concave Bases

The base of your Snowboard should be totally flat, not rounded. If your edges are higher than your base, then your base is concave. On the other hand, if the edges are lower than your base, then your base is convex. You can easily check the rounding of your base by placing a flat surface against your Snowboard and checking if there's light coming through the front view of your base. Convex or concave bases are not that easy to fix. It would be better if you leave these operations to a Surface2Air Sports. If you try to do it at home with just files and scrapers, you will probably end up with an uneven surface.

Fixing Burred Edges & Edge Tuning of Snowboards

A Snowboard with sharp edges will help you in turns and will improve your general grip and edge control in the different snow surfaces. As you use your Snowboard for longer periods of time, the edges will start to wear off, and become rounded and burred. Edge Maintenance is easy as long as you do it on a regular basis (e.g. every after riding), especially since small imperfections are easier to fix. Each Snowboard has two edges:

• The Base Edge: the metal edge at the base of your Snowboard
• The Side Edge: the metal edge at the side of your Snowboard

Here are the Steps for Tuning your Snowboard:

Deburring Use a carborundum or diamond stone and drag it from the Snowboard's tip to the tail of the edge. Repeat the movement until all nicks and burrs are gone and the edges are smooth again.

Base Edge Tuning Tuning edges is best done with a file. Start off with the base edge of the Snowboard. Still, take care with filing. Make sure not to file the base of the board and only file as little as needed. Side Edge Tuning After filing the base, you can file the side edges. Use a small file so you won't have a hard time filing the sidecut of your Snowboard. Special edge files will make it easier to determine the angle that you are filing in. When it comes to tuning your edges you have a couple of options: Base edge angle is 0, side edge angle is 90 degrees. Most boards come from the shop with these angles leaving you with enough options to change it. Base edge angle is 0, side edge angle is smaller than 90 degrees. This gives you a sharper side edge which will increase your grip on turns in snow. This setting is handy for icy conditions. Base edge angle is larger than 0 degrees, side edge angle is 90 degrees. This dulls your side egde decreasing your grip but increasing your boards grip. It will also make it easier to make turns. Base edge angle is larger than 0 degrees, side edge angle smaller than 90 degrees. By tuning both edges you can actually maintain the 90 degree in your edge but with a repositioning. Some people find that in this way, they can profit from both effects: more speed and easier turns.

Beginners and even intermediate riders profit most from keeping their edges the way they got them when they bought the Snowboard. Don't do any major changes in the angles of your edges unless you're certain you know what you are doing. Edge Detuning You will want to detune the tip and tail edges beyond the effective edge. Detuning the tip and tail edges will prevent your Snowboard from catching too early in turns. Smoothing the Edges Once all the basic deburring and edge tuning and detuning has been done, you can use a whetstone to smoothen out all the edges.

Base Maintainance

The base of your board needs to be smooth to keep your Snowboard gliding perfectly. These are the steps for basic base maintenance:

1. Base Cleaning
   1. Wipe off all the dirt of the surface with some cloth.
   2. Apply a special base cleaner to the base of your Snowboard. Special Snowboard base cleaner will dissolve the wax and bring all kinds of impurities to the surface.
   3. Let the cleaner evaporate for about 15 minutes and wipe the surface again.
2. Base Repair If you have small gouges in your Snowboard surface you can repair those using a P-Tex candle. As explained above, larger gouges should be repaired by the experts. Light one end of the P-Tex candle and let drops of P-Tex into the gouges. Let the board and the P-Tex cool down and then use a scraper to scrape off the excess P-Tex and smoothen the surface.
3. Waxing The most common misconception about Snowboards is that, with today's high-tech board bases, waxing is no longer necessary. On the contrary, those who wax their Snowboard regularly and properly, glides better. To know the benefits of waxing your Snowboard and more information about waxing, go to our Snowboard Waxing section.

How to Wax Your Snowboard There are several different ways to wax your Snowboard. The easiest way is to let someone else (like your local Snowboard shop) do it. But, if you prefer to wax your board yourself the following are steps to guide you on how to wax your Snowboard. Although there are different kinds of wax for different purposes, a general Snowboarding wax will do the job in most cases.

	Applying the Wax Hold the wax bar against the hot iron and let the wax drip on the Snowboard. Set the iron on a heat that will cause the wax to melt, not to start smoking.
	Spread out the Wax Once you have dripped some wax on the board smooth it out with your iron. Apply a thin layer to the entire base of your Snowboard. Allow the wax to cool off and get into the base.
	Remove excess Wax and Smoothen Use a Plexiglas or plastic scraper to remove the excess wax. Now polish your base with an abrasive pad to smoothen out the surface.

Getting the Tools...

Go to Surface2Air sports to get the tools you need.

Surface2Air Team rider Lewis Crathern Jumps Brighton Pier

Lewis Crathern S2AS Team rider Does it again!

Ok so the biggest kite surf news this year was Lewis Crathern Jumping Worthing pier amazing job and just to watch the video was unreal...

Well that’s so out done now... Lewis Crathern S2AS Team rider has just smashed that feat by Jumping BRIGHTON PIER! yes that's right Brighton pier now if you have ever been on that pier your know just how big and wide it really is.. let me tell you.. it has a good selection of fair ground rides on it.. inc a Roller coaster! That’s how big it is.. with super strong winds hitting the south coast what better time was there? see the video footage of it here..

Brighton Kitesurf Pier Jump Video

A big thumbs up to Lewis for pushing the sport of kitesurfing and once again making the world news to open up our sport to others.
Lewis has his own website here check it out Wind Machine

More info here from Kiteworld mag (The only kitesurf mag to buy)

Lewis called the office about 1.30pm and said, 'Jim, alright? I haven't got long, but just wanted to let you know you might want to be down the Palace Pier at 2pm' Understood!

Having jumped Worthing Pier, causing a media frenzy last year, we'd had a hunch that Lewis might be eye-ing up Brighton's monstrous pier for similar aerial antics. We rounded up the guys from Progression / Fat Sand to get down there too to film it and had all angles covered. It felt weird scrambling around the pier with cameras trying to work out good angles and camera settings for one chance in such terrible light. Unsuspecting people on the pier were looking at us funny, but they were about to get a shock! We hoped.

Lewis needed a high tide to help reduce the height of the pier somewhat and a ballistic westerly wind to boost him the required height and distance. If anything it was too southwesterly and bloody grim by 2pm, squally, raining and dark. Lewis went out for a warm up and some practice jumps, but pretty soon we saw him round the pier and come in downwind near his van.

The conditions weren't right. He said,"I was on my six but I could feel it just wasn't holding me up enough. When I did Worthing pier I was on my seven and could barely hold it down." He went back and swapped his 6m for a 7m.

The sun came out and ventured out for another look. I couldn't see anything from the downwind side of the pier apart from a few glimpses of him getting closer as he tacked backwards and forwards sussing things out. Rob and Ash were in prime thrill-seeking position right in the middle of the pier. Here's how Kiteworld MD Rob saw it:

"We were looking down on him as him came closer and closer to the pier and clearly see his face . He was getting tighter and tighter into the corner and soon he would have to choose to jump or bail onto the beach. His practise jumps hadn't seemed big enough, but I could tell from his positioning that this could be the run. My adrenaline was pumping just watching, he must have been on fire! A really good ramp came up in front of him and I knew he was going to launch. Knowing this stretch of water, I have to admit I was absolutely shitting it. He was so close to the pier, any mistake would have seen him in the railings. He launched and flew straight up over our heads and cleared the chip shop by a big margin. Awesome."

When we saw him minutes later on the beach he had a huge grin but just said, 'Right, I think I'm going to just go home now and have a bath.' Followed closely by a large session we're sure.

Huge respect Lewis. Don't try it at home - Lewis is not only a nut case, he's one of the most highly skilled riders on the planet. Congratulations! Paparazzi please form an orderly queue outside 'Vanzie'.

check out Fat Sand's Progression DVD's

Learn to Kitesurf dvd

Equipment Lewis was using is as follows:

Slingshot Fuel 2011
Slingshot Misfit 136
Dakine Pyro Harness

Thanks for reading
S2AS Team

The new Dakine Heli Pro DLX with S2AS

So who are DAKINE and how long have they been around and more importantly why should i buy DAKINE bags?

Derived from the Hawaiian Pidgin word for ‘the best’, Dakine have been manufacturing and producing sportswear and sports equipment for alternative sports since 1979. With the extreme sports market covered from surf, skate, snowboard, ski, kite, windsurf and bike,
We are authorised UK retailers of Dakine which means that we stock the full range of Dakine luggage as well as other items from Dakine. You will find some awesome Dakine backpacks here as well as many other brands top quality items.

Here is one of DAKINE'S best selling Snowboarding bags.
The Dakine Heli Pro DLX 20L backpack is Dakine's top of the line for compact resort and backcountry backpacks. It combines a variety of ski and snowboard carry options with a comfortable back system to make a comfortable, comprehensive backpack for short day tours and backcountry sessions. With two board carry options, ski carry, axe slot and goggle pocket, the Dakine Heli Pro DLX is a fully featured rucksack. You can carry all your safety gear, lunch and other essentials securely and comfortably whilst getting on with enjoying the your day on the mountain.

Surface2Air Sports has the UK's largest range of Dakine products.

Forum Holy Moly Snowboard Review

The Forum Holy Moly is the most eye catching snowboard of the 2011 season. The graphics are standout luminous orange, yellow and blue colour-ways and the boards construction is like nothing you have ever seen and one of the most rad to ride forum snowboards of all time

the manufacturers bill the 2011 Forum Holy Moly as the best park board in the world. It includes every technology imaginable to make you go higher, faster, jib and land easier. Combo Platter combines the aggressive ollie-pop and control of camber with the forgiving playful feel of rocker, ending the rocker vs. camber discussion forever. With Booter Boosters NexTreme for carbon enhanced ollie-pop, Buttercup in the tip and tail to provide a catch-free ride and the absolute fastest base and lightest wood core possible, the Forum Holy Moly would cost hundreds more if any other brand than Forum Snowboards had the ability to build it.

The Review of the 2011 Forum Holy Moly snowboard

the 2011 Holy Moly Snowboards are available at S2AS in sizes:
Forum Holy Moly 155
Forum Holy Moly 158

program: freestyle/park and pipe

Andreas Wiig’s move from Nitro snowboards to Forum last season was big news for Forum but put a lot of pressure on Forum’s engineers to create something special for the man of the moment to continue his X-Games winning streak on. Like all of Forum’s graphics this season the Holy Moly’s lick of paint looks great,and this 2011 snowboard is not different it’s only when you find out the rough looking blade is a sketch of a prison shank, designed to symbolize a weapon made of the best materials available that you realize Forum means business with this Park Eating Snowboard.

There are a number of new technologies being used on the Holy Moly including the raising of the start and end of the effective edge and risers at the bindings that kink the edge upwards at the feet, Forum call it the Combo Platter. as soon as you put Bindings on you immediately become aware of how stiff the Forum Holy Moly is between the bindings, both along its length and witdth and the nose and tail are no softer. Pop is pretty explosive and run in lines to jumps were really stable if a little robotic, especially as the scoop nose and tail reduced any catchiness. So the forum Holy Moly is a great snowboard for big jumps with all of the stability and pop of a stiff cambered board reminiscent of the chillidog profile on some of the other Forum Snowboards. Carving and working short aggressive turns is hard work, working against the stiff camber takes effort which is more than rewarded when you hit the kickers and sliders and jib round your favourite park this snowboard is a dream with its new "really fast" sintered base which seems like it can withstand a direct hit from wiig himself! this 2011 Forum Snowboard is one of the best snowboards for the most competant park riders with 100% composure for throwing down big spins and inverts and then sticking steep landings in style.In our opinion the pinnacle of Forum's game in the park, we realise that this is not everybodys ideal of snowboarding and so do Forum with the whole range covered, the Holy Moly is daddy to the softer more all round and less dedicated Forum Scallywag encompassing the technology of the 2011 range and filling in the gaps in the more freeride end of the market. if you live in the park the 2011 Holy Moly is the board for you!

now in stock in all of the lary new colourways at S2AS call 01303 268269 or go online at s2as.com to check it out and find the board of your dreams!

S2AS Team

Hadlow 2011 Kite Reviewed by S2AS Team

The New Flexifoil Hadlow Pro 2011 review by S2AS Team


Well, to start I’d like to say that I have had both the 2008 Flexifoil Hadlow Pro and the 2009 Flexi Hadlow pro and I have been fortunate enough to have had my hands on the 2011 model Hadlow kite after a month of riding this kite these are my personal views.

The Flexifoil Hadlow pro kite just seems to get better every year. Aaron Hadlow and Flexifoil team together have obviously listened to all of the feedback from Aaron and the buyers from the last couple years and have tackled all of the issues that they’ve had to make a SUPER KITE!

In the previous models of the kite, some of the problems that riders had was of course… the relaunch! Let’s face it, those of you that have ridden it will know, it was a bit of a bitch to get back off the water especially in choppy conditions.

The leading edge would fold in half every now and then making it really hard to get off the water making people reluctant to try new tricks as it took a while to get back up in the sky.
For this year, the leading edge has been made 2.5% thicker, making it stronger and less prone to folding. Having a slightly thicker leading edge also makes the kite more stable in the strong winds. I was out on the 11m Hadow Pro in roughly 18mph, decked the kite and thought, shit, this I going to take a while, grabbed one of the outside lines, yanked it, and the kite just popped out the water! Didn’t even hesitate. I was so impressed.
The relaunch has improved a considerable amount.

I recently took out the 7m Hadlow Pro in around 35mph at Camber Sands in Kent, and the kite just did exactly what I wanted it to do. Because I had the kite set up in 4 line mode which has 2 support lines to the leading edge the kite is SO SOLID in the sky, it does not jellyfish or wobble, if a big gust came through, it just flew further in the window.

Looping the Hadow Pro was awesome, I think with the slightly thicker leading edge the kite definitely feels a bit slower on the turn in the smaller sizes (still very fast) making it easy to get nice and low in the window, but because the kite drives to the top, it catches you every time.

One of the problems I think that Flexifoil and Hadlow had with the previous year kites was the fact that it was so full on! The bar depower throw was very short and the kite had very little depower, making the Hadlow Pro kite only accessible to a really small amount of people.

This year, that has all changed!! The bar throw is now customizable with a stopper ball, which you can set before you go out with an allen key that comes with the bar. And the kites new shape and design straight out the bag also has more depower.

Not only is the kite more user friendly for any kitesurfer on the standard setting, but the kite now has something sooooo revolutionary, in my opinion its genius. You have the option of adding a very small bridle on the kite which if you add on, (only takes 2 mins) it offers over 50% more depower to the kite! It gives the kite so much more wind range, and it also opens the kite up to a much wider audience.
With the Hadlow bridle, pretty much anyone can get it out the bag and take it for a spin this C kite has changed kitesurfing for the better.

It’s also fantastic for people that want to start getting into freestyle but don’t want such a full on kite, they can start off with the Hadlow bridle on the kite, making it really user friendly, and if they make a mistake they don’t get smashed about on their suicide leash, the kite just depowers, and they can get up and try again.

Once of course they’re comfortable with the kite and have improved, they can then take off the bridle and all of a sudden have a whole new kite, with even more freestyle performance.

Having the bridle on the kite also opens the kite up to any waveriders or If people want to use it on the snow!

Think of being on your 7m, the wind is absolutely HAVIN’ it and it gets to the point where you can hardly hold on anymore, all you have to do is simply come in, put the bridle on and head back out and enjoy the kiteboarding session!

For me, this is going to be the kite of the year, anyone looking for a C kite that has a good wind range, without lacking any performance, this is most definitely the kite to go for the Hadlow Pro.

If you’re looking for a kite that isn’t going to hold your riding back in any way, and want to push yourself and your riding to the limit, look no further.

I have all sizes available in the kite for people to try, 7m, 9m, 11m, and 13m.

If you like any more info on the kite or would like to arrange to take the kite out for the day

Please call me on – 01303 268269

See you on the water

George

S2AS TEAM

Stage 3 Prototype Wetsuits for Kitesurfers

The S2AS / Spartan team have been developing a specialist Kite surfing wetsuit.

Phase 1 - the development of the Spartan Vortex 3/3. This wetsuit met lots of the requirements but we still needed a better ballooning solution. The wetsuit also required more flexibility in the shoulders. The team also felt that Kitesurfing required a different type of neck seal to ensure no water penetration. There was huge debate and experimenting with a vertical zip versus the over the head zip in front. The final conclusion was that this type of suit seal is uncomfortable for a kiter and that the vertical zip felt more comfortable.

Phase 2 - the development a 3.2. We experimented with a fluid weld on the inside and out of the wetsuit. And concluded that the internal weld was an expensive waste of time. It gathered sand, was uncomfortable and felt cold almost like it was forming a bridge. This phase saw the development between and over neck internal barrier versus the back barrier with no over the head solution. We found that the over the neck solution proved easier to put on and felt very comfortable. We also noticed that it made a better seal and agreed that the Pro Kitesurf range would have over the head internal barriers.

WE considered some padding on the shins and are considering it on the entry suit but the pro Kite surfer will be beyond this protection requirement.

The wetsuit worked well in terms of flexibility and comfort and preventing water entering. The osmotic holes by the foot allowed water to escape and reduced ballooning but the debate went on and more testing was needed

Phase 3 – the introduction of the Pro Kite wetsuit. The development of the summer suit has taken some time and a lot of attention to detail. The team has agreed that the suit should have a large single chest and back covering for warmth, as the single lined material is the only true defense against cooling from evaporation, which is the problem with a double lined material.

The rest of the suit would be double lined with long arms, ¾ legs, a vario neck seal, overhead barrier, sealed vertical zip, super flex materials in the arms and shoulders, more durable materials around the lower half of the suit. We are testing this suit and believe we will have exactly what a kite surfer wants and needs from a suit.

We will keep you posted

All the best from the team

John, Mark, Angelo, Oli and Stefan

Never Summer SL Snowboard Review

Never Summer claim the SL is their all-mountain, do everything dominator of a snowboard. well... they’re not wrong. Enough damping to eradicate any of those unwanted vibrations you get when the snow’s hard and crusty, a rocker/camber hybrid profile that makes carving a dream and backcountry riding effortless and a powerful but manageable flex that rewards aggressive riders with great edge hold and plenty of pop. The Never Summer SL is a great snowboard for riders who want to ride everything and anything as long as there’s plenty of carving to be had.

What Never Summer Say:

An extremely agile, high performance freestyle board that does it all, the Never Summer SL is not only versatile, but offers powerful edge to edge response and maintains a forgiving tip and tail. If you want a board that excels in the park, on groomers, or on backcountry kickers, this is it.

Year: 2011

Available Lengths (cm): 151, 153, 155, 158, 161, 164

Riding Style: All Mountain

Specifications:

RC rocker / camber profile
STS Pretensioned Fiberglass
BI-Lite Fiberglass
Carbon VXR Laminate Technology
NS Custom Flightcore
RDS 2 Damping System
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 base
P-tex Tip and Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge
3 year warranty

The Never Summer SL Review:

The SL is Never Summer’s all-mountain snowboard aimed at the rider who is looking at boards like the Burton Custom or k2 Slayblade, a snowboard to lay waste to everything from park to powder. It has a directional twin shape, biaxial glass, extensive carbon reinforcement and more damping than a bouncy castle.

Like other Never Summer snowboards the SL uses Rocker and Camber technology, rocker between the bindings and camber at the nose and tail. The result of this match made in heaven is a softer longitudinal flex between the bindings and a stiffer and super poppy nose and tail. For intermediate riders raising the nose and tail off the snow means the SL is very stable when it’s kept on a flat base and ridden down all types of snow conditions, despite using a slightly firmer than moderate torsional flex, the SL initiates carves quite easily and on an edge the SL was extremely capable. Personally, I really enjoyed the way the board’s sidecut worked well with the softer rocker area between the bindings, I felt I could really work the SL into hard carves… and then there’s a reminder that you’ve got camber in the tail as it pops you out. The feel is almost identical to that of the Never Summer Raptor, just a little less powerful. The softer waist also means it’s remarkably easy to work the fairly firm flexing SL into tight turns on steep terrain. When you open up the SL snowboard the ride is smooth and refined, there is no snowboard manufacturer on the planet that does damping quite like Never Summer, the SL rides like a Rolls Royce Phantom on air suspension. Another great thing about the SL is the crazy float it packs, there’s no need to put all of your weight on the back of the board or set your stance back, it just seems to work in the pow.. freeriding is something the SL just eats up.

On the freestyle front, the SL was fine off kickers, as I mentioned earlier, there is plenty of carbon reinforcement in the nose and tail, so you’ve got a nice helping of pop. Carving into spins was predictable, but for those with less experience I think the SL has too much grip, so there’s no way you’ll be able to cheat and slide frontside spins off transitions. Unfortunately I didn’t get to ride the SL in the pipe, but I’m certain it would smoke it. If you want to ride rails, short of the odd board slide and box press the SL is probably too stiff to work, I’d look at the Never Summer Evo if rails are your bag.

If you’re a confident intermediate or advanced snowboarder who enjoys carving hard on groomers, getting expressive in the powder and hitting booters of all shapes and sizes in the park and off piste, you should check out the SL. The SL feels quite like the Custom flying V which is no surprise as they use similar technology. Comparing the two, the SL needs a stronger / heavier rider to get the most from it, but the damping means it’s a more refined ride at high speed and on sketchy snow. Choose the SL if you want to ride everything but freeriding is your main-stay and the Burton Custom Flying V if pipe and booters are your bag.

Other boards to look at:

Ride Society UL Snowboard

K2 Slayblade Snowboard

Never Summer Evo Snowboard Review

Never Summer Evo 2011 Snowboard Review

Ok so your looking for a new Snowboard and your want a Freestyle Park snowboard.. read on...

The Never Summer Evo 2011 snowboard has received a lot of attention over the past season. Firstly, Olympic pipe slayer Greg Zebrowski took a Never Summer Evo to the Olympics without even being offered a contract with Never Summer Snowboards. He was so stoked on the product that he was prepared to ride it for free. Secondly (and probably more significantly!), when the annual snowboard test can about we tested 16 of 2011’s park/freestyle snowboards on a test to determine the best park snowboard of 2011, the Never Summer Evo was by far the best on the test. If you want to ride everything from the most technical rails to the most towering superpipes the Never Summer Evo 2011 should be on your shortlist.


What Never Summer say about the Evo:

Designed for advanced freestyle riders, the twin tip Evo is the perfect board for shredders who spend most of their time in the pipe and park. Extremely light and easy to butter, the Evo provides high speed stability and durability not usually associated with freestyle snowboards

Year: 2011

Available Lengths (cm): 142, 148, 151, 153, 155, 158, 161

Riding Style: Freestyle/Park

Specifications:

RC rocker/camber profile
STS Pretensioned Fiberglass
BI-Lite Fiberglass
Carbon VXR Laminate Technology
Press Flex Core
EDS Damping System
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 base
P-tex Tip and Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge
3 year warranty

The full review of the Never Summer Evo 2011:

The Never Summer Evo is one mega fun freestyle stick. It felt good from second i put it on my feet, amazing for buttering & pressing and also held an edge very well at pretty high speeds. In the park, the Never Summer Evo was easy for spinning and jumping around off transitions of all shapes and sizes. One of the big surprises was how able the Evo was through the slush and how controlled it was on hard pack snow. When I took the Evo in the park, it felt very catch free on boxes and rails. Flat land tricks felt effortless and to be honest I found it hard not to keep shredding the Evo for the rest of the day, unfortunately I had tons of other boards to get through. The Never Summer Evo just feels right in every way; you really need to test it to understand how sick it is. I’m definitely getting one!.. in fact im keeping this one! The EVO is a must try board for any budding freestyler. A treasure of a jib board in my opinion and it definitely put a large smile on my face! The rocker in between the feet and camber on nose & tail sounded a bit weird to me at first but after testing, I must say I’m hugely impressed by how easy the RC technology makes presses and popping tricks! Sure the Evo is expensive for a jib board but then again Aston Martins are expensive for sports cars. The best thing about it is that pretty much anyone can have fun on the Evo and that’s what its all about!

other Snowboards to take a look at:

Nitro Sub Zero Snowboard

Ride Kink Snowboard

Forum Scallywag

K2 Parkstar

Wainman 2011 Kitesurf Equipment

Most have already seen or heard about the new Wainman kiteboard collection from Wainman Hawaii, either in person or while following reports from the S2AS Rabbit Gang tour on our website, and we also know that you have been waiting anxiously for them and so we are happy to inform you that new Wainman Hawaii surfboards are becoming available.

Wainman BLUNT II Kiteboard
Continuing the huge success of the 1st Blunt kiteboard edition, we are pleased to present the new and improved Wainman Blunt II with a changed construction, new graphics and accessories. The new Blunt, produced in Austria, is slightly heavier but now "totally" bomb proof. Still, this is the same great, skinny board, as dragless, as smooth, as edgy, and as sick for strapped freeride as the original Blunt was. No matter if it's flat, wave or choppy water – the Blunt will do the job! Blunts will be supplied with 5cm fins, new thermo foam pads and straps, grab handle, tool bag and of course board bag. New Blunts are available in 4 sizes: 125 x 39 cm; 130 x 40,5 cm; 135 x 41,5 cm; 137 x 43,5 cm.

Wainman JOKE Kiteboard
Though this wakestyle oriented revolutionary kiteboard is causing many pro-riders wanting to switch their sponsors, it is also great all-round board for intermediate riders. The most revolutionary board in Wainman Hawaii range and probably the most innovative on the market, on the first look gives you the thought of a wakestyle/newschool board and though our inspiration in designing this kiteboard, was to make Niccolo’s great riding even better, but in the end Wainman have also perfect tool for advanced/intermediate amateurs who want to make a progress. Fast riding, insane pop, finless riding and the smoothest landing in the industry. These features together with pretty big rocker gives direct feel and top performance. Wainman Jokes will be supplied with shorter 4 cm fins, new thermo foam pads and straps, board bag, tool bag and is ready to be ridden with wake bindings. Jokes are available in 3 sizes: 134 x 40,5 cm; 138 x 41,5 cm; 142 x 42,5 cm.

Kite SURFBOARDS
Wainman Hawaii is proud to present new series of surfboards shaped by famous waterman from Hawaii - Sean Ordonez. The greatest shapes and high technology used for production of those waves toys, are so good that Niccolo, Bertrand use with no effects to their riding production ones instead of their previous custom boards. But in fact not only pros will feel the difference but specially average rider will appreciate them. This time we are coming up with 3 models (8 sizes all together): Magnum - continuation of our classic last year surfboard model, Wainman Gambler Surfboard – new style shape, which refers to last year WIDE series and Wainman Passport - new shape, designed for strapless and paddle surfing.

We have no doubts the Wainman actual selection of kiteboards and surfboards will cover demand of almost 100% riders. Everyone can find the most suited board for his need and have as much fun as possible. We are sure that same way Rabbit kites are changing kite standards in the air, Wainman boards will do the rest and change people’s expectation to those piece of equipment that usually stays in the water.

For more info and technical details about Wainman BLUNT II, Wainman JOKE, and the Wainman SURFBOARDS (Magnum, Gambler, Passport) please go to www.s2as.com

thanks for reading
S2AS Team

So its Finally here:

Hi guys thanks for keep checking back to our S2AS Blog to see how we are getting on, We have been keeping a nice little secret from you guys.. sorry,
We have spent 4 months building a new S2AS website and its done. so take a look at the new site at www.s2as.com it has been fully updated with some of the following:

2011 Snowboards
2011 Kiteboards
2011 Sea Kayaks
2011 Oneill Wetsuits

these are just a few bits for now.. sign up to the new newsletter too and we will keep you updated with our offers before anyone else.
thanks for reading
S2AS Team

Slingshot Rally kite 2011 Review

Slingshot Rally Review by Angelo S2AS team

Ok so after five days testing the new Slingshot Kites and kiteboards this is the one kite that really blew me away, I was testing the rally kite in the Gorge, USA this is the testing ground for 3 of the Worlds top brands due to the varying conditions found in the Gorge.

As I pull the rally out of the bag the innovations on the kite this year are plan to see the biggest one being the return of Split strut and I’m a huge fan of this, more info about this later in the review, The bar and lines is the Comp stick bar with 700lb line this is about 30% stronger then other kite surf brands lines as standard, Also the Pig tails on the end of the lines have been re vamped this tells me that Slingshot is a company who listen to there customers as previous years pig tails had no problem but after a bit of use they looked very warn.

Other Features on the Slingshot Rally Kite:

One Pump – No need to pump up your struts separately and gives perfect pressure to each part of the kite un-like a single pump system

CSS – Slingshot’s Centreline Safety system the best Re-ride System on the market very clean and works time after time

Split Strut – Adds two connection points from the canopy to each strut one on each side of the strut this makes the strut part of the canopy and does three things really well..

1, Extra lift due to the tighter canopy when jumping what it does is hold the tension in the canopy more then normal to create more hang time,

2, Twice as strong as a single canopy to strut connection hence surf proof so if you do drop the Slingshot Rally in the surf your more likely to get it back out in one piece. It also improves the up wind drive of the Rally due to the canopy being more aero dynamic than other kites helping the kite to fly closer to the edge of the wind window.

Ok so I thought we should get the kite on the water asap to see what its really like the wind was blowing about 20 knots and I had a 10mtr Rally Delta kite.

Renowned for gusty winds the gorge is far from forgiving to kites that are not stable in the sky so I was to say a little nervous… but Slingshot tell me that the stability of the kite is amazing good so just get out on the water and give it a try.

So I’m connecting the lines to the kite and I can see the very small bridle has NO pully’s, Wow we have become so used to pully’s on kites that I did not even bother to check.

So just to make sure I was not about to launch a kite that a factory has released with no pullys in error I asked Slingshot “you sure this kite does not need pullys?” nope its perfect without they said.. as they said that two kites on the inside of the Sandbar fell from the sky and I’m not talking unknown brands these kites are big players in the industry, As if I needed reminding how gusty this place is on the inside.

Great but I've got to get out so one of the guys from Slingshot launches me and immediately I can feel the responseness of the kite with no pullys, its just so precise with the kite above my head (not the best place to have a kite in gusty conditions like these) I put my feet in to the straps still sitting on the sandbar powered up the kite and sent it… The kite lifts me off the sandbar about 10 feet in the air and down into the water.. (water starts like this still turn heads) I rode away to find some clean wind so I could test the re-launch and stability within 40-60 mtrs the gusty wind had gone and the conditions were strong but clean..

So the first thing I do is what 90% of beginners do wrong they over fly the kite when trying to learn to jump so I did this and the kite lost power now this is the point the kite should fall from the sky.. but not this time the Slingshot Rally kept its shape and rocked back in to the wind window to regain power above my head.. Only the very flat kites normally do this and the Rally is far from a flat kite It’s a Delta Open C kite.

So super impressed with that I then un hooked the kite with it above my head and tried to make the kite over fly by pulling the bar from head height down to chest height but the kite just did not want to over fly. Even with the kite fully sheeted out, so at this point I was more than happy with the stability of the kite time to check out the kites performance on the water..

So to start when testing a new kite the key things that need to be tested are as follows:

Stability

Kite Speed

Safety System

Re-Launch

Build Quality

Up Wind Performance

So the first one Stability we have already covered so with that does I moved on the testing the kites speed in the air and though the turn.

Now the kite does turn very fast for sure faster then the Slingshot RPM but at the same time you have good feel of where the kite is even though the loop and I’m sure this is down the fact that’s there’s no pullys on the kite as for kite loops it kite loops well but not like the RPM or the Slingshot Fuel however with the kite flying fast though the air you can see where the huge lift comes from and also the low end power because you can sign wave the kite with ease to create good apparent wind.

Safety well if you have never flown a Slingshot kite from the last 2 years your missing out for sure because they have by far the best center line safety system on the market, Slingshot call it the CSS (Center line Safety System) This is a true Re-Ride system, Lots of center Safety systems from other brands say they can re-ride if activated on the water out of your depth, but after testing over 90% of them I can tell you this is NOT the case 9/10 times your in for a long swim back to the beach but with the Slingshot CSS no swimming is needed. As you fire the Slingshot Css the bar goes around 10mtrs away from you and the kite fully 100% depowers and will hit the water. Then your in the water with the kite down and to be honest just to look at it you would think.. no way I’m in for a swim back to shore but your not.. just pull the safety line until you get back to the bar then hook yourself back in and you will see the safety line feed it’s self back though the bar until it has got to the end of the line, then the kite will be leading edge down in the same position as if you just crashed the kite. So now just pull on the outside line and up the kite will go. This whole process takes no more than 30 seconds. Now that’s very good for any re-ride system

The Build quality on the Slingshot Kites have always been one of if not the best in the world well the Rally Delta kite is no different and to add the construction Slingshot have re-issued the Split strut feature in the Rally kite so for all of you that do not know what split strut is and what benefits you get from having this feature in the kite first off it helps upwind performance how? Well the strut is actually part of the canopy so this makes the kite more aero dynamic and helps the kite to fly further forward in the wind window and in turn helping with de-power and up wind performance. Then it adds to the strength of the kite all other kites on the market have one connection from the canopy to the strut well the Rally has two one each side of the strut.

Now all that lift I was talking about early on in this review some of the extra lift is down to the Split strut too by having two connection points to the canopy instead of one this will make the canopy tighter and in turn hold more power in the canopy hence giving you more lift.. Remember when you jump this kite make sure you have a lot more space down wind that you would normally be happy with because the float you get when jumping the rally is unreal.. did I already say this? Haha that’s how good the lift is.

So what does the kite perform like unhooked? Is it as good as the Slingshot RPM? or even the fuel? well if you want a quick answer..

NO however I don’t think Slingshot even wanted it to be as good because if you want good wake style and unhooked performance 90% of kitesurfers will look at the RPM Kite but saying that it does unhook well a lot better than the Slingshot Octane. Unhook this kite and it will not pull you off your edge but if your looking for an all-round kite and want to learn to unhook then the Slingshot Rally Delta is the kite for sure its easier to learn on and not as aggressive as say the RPM and Fuel so as a starting block perfect.

There is always a trade off Slingshot tell me you can not get any kitesurf kite that offers top end performance/wind range and unhook performance its just not possible and any one who tells you there kite does that is wrong. I think Slingshot have made this kite to fit perfectly in with the range they have at the moment

Slingshot Key – beginner weekend warrior

Slingshot Rally – Intermediate lives by the water gets more water time

Slingshot RPM – Intermediate- Advance Wake style/unhooked

Slingshot Fuel – Power house – freestyle

I think Slingshot have pulled off one of the best kites I have ever seen from the company in years

So if your keen to try the new Slingshot Rally give us a call at Surface2Air and we can arrange a demo for you.

Poole: 01202 738448

Naish Cult 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 12m, 9m
Style: Four line Sigma shaped SLE hybrid.

Voted Best Inflation System!

The Naish Cult returns for its third evolution in design with new “Geo Tech Generated C-shape” and simplified bridles to enhance turning and bar feel. This All-Terrain, do-it-all kite attracts both beginner and seasoned kite veterans.

Bar and Safety Systems
For more info on the Naish Universal Control System read our review on the Naish Helix or click here.

On the Water
The third-generation Cult shows improvement in direct control with quick turning and more positive and direct response. While the overall stability gears itself towards more intermediates than beginners, which is a slight change from previous years. The trade off in direct control turning, as well the enhancement in positional feedback were some definitive upgrades from last year’s Cult.

This kite’s depower capability is also at the top of the fleet, as it can eliminate power and pull almost instantly and at arm’s length. The Cult is ideal for the progressing rider because of its excellent stability in the air with no tendency to backstall, and for its quick, single steering line pull, water relaunch. The shape of the leading edge allows for less suction while face down on the water and the kite easily pivots onto its wing tip with a simple steering line pull, an awesome feature for water relaunching in surf and heavy currents. These relaunch characteristics combined with the fast and smooth pivotal turning make the Cult deal for wave riding or for tearing up any condition for that matter. In fact, the Cult remains in a class of own because of its ability to pivot turn quickly even while completely depowered.

It also has ample jumping capability that’s easy to access, with decent glide and smooth pop. Over previous years, this year’s Cult also feels slightly more comfortable when unhooked, although true powered freestyle riders will prefer the unhooked feel of the Helix. Overall, the Naish Cult remains a true classic that can satisfy the broad spectrum of riding styles and skill levels that it’s intended for.

Reality Check
Naish side pull cleat takes a certain technique to adjust trim efficiently. Light bar pressure takes some time to get used to.

The Bottom Line
The Cult got all the good things that last year’s Helix delivered and more. With quick pivotal turning, smooth delivery and nimble flying character, you can take the Cult anywhere and it has performance that doesn’t quit.

Cabrinha Crossbow 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 13, 11, 9 m
Style: Seven Strut BOW kite

The Crossbow started the BOW revolution and remains a powerhouse of speed and control, versatility and security. Positioned in the formidable Cabrinha line-up, as their freeride/race kite, the Crossbow is the dominant force on the race circuit and in the hearts of free riders.

Bar and Safety Systems
Cabrinha’s IDS (Intelligent Depower System) has been upgraded this year with the landing leash line located inside the plastic tubing of the trim system. Also a welcome addition, the Overslide IDS unit acts as a stopper ball to stop the bar from travelling out of arm’s reach while un-spinning the lines. This Overslide Unit also keeps the depower trims trap adjusters within arm’s reach. The IDS safety system was a trend-setting design which adopts a two-stage approach to safety. The first stage being, the 90 per cent depower available from simply allowing the bar to travel the trim line’s full distance, or what Cabrinha calls Interactive Depower on Demand.

The secondary stage of safety, they call Absolute Depower, is engaged by pulling the quick-release trim loop, or the pin housing on it and that allows the bar to travel up the mini fifth line to 100 per cent flag the kite from the front bridle system. Cabrinha has a clean, streamlined bar design with a nicely textured and small diameter grip and the bar ends are soft and made of EVA so they help float the bar. A new retrofit pro kit is also available for the IDS system which eliminates some safety but improves the turning performance and feel of the kite.

On the Water
The Crossbow has all the elements to make it a winner on the race course and it can branch into the all-terrain/free ride category with easy-to-access flying character for any level rider.

The first thing you notice about the Cabrinha Crossbow is the rock-solid shape it delivers, with the seven struts and compact bridles it sits confidently above head and there’s absolutely no tendency of back stalling or any other funky issues.

The speed factor is immediately noticed as gusts translate instantly into speed with simple sheeting adjustments. Steering isn’t really required to keep the Crossbow in overdrive, as simple sheeting adjustments will seem to keep the kite in the fastest lane. The Crossbow sits solidly on the edge of the window and delivers excellent upwind suction. Bar pressure is moderate and ensures that the rider always knows where the kite is in the sky.

Steering the kite through transitions, the Crossbow delivers smooth and powerful pull. It doesn’t have super quick turning but the smooth pull and easy drive of this kite more than make up for it. The upward loft and long glide of the Crossbow are unmatched in the right hands, and anyone looking to stay up in the air longer than their friends should consider this kite.

Depower makes it a capable wave kite but it’s more suited to free ride blasting and big air, long float jumping. The IDS system has great safety features and quickly water re-launches the kite with a short pull of the steering lines.

Reality Check
The Crossbow is the ideal race kite but isn’t as versatile for other disciplines as some of the other kitesurfing kites in the racing field.
Bottom Line
If easy access to speed and smooth power delivery is what you’re looking for the Crossbow delivers on all fronts. Its stability and wind range are second to none.

Naish Helix 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 9, 12 m
Style: Four line, Sigma power foil

The Naish Helix has been radically redesigned for 2010 as it pushes the envelope in an attempt to produce performance that will bridge the gap between C-shaped and bridled kites.

This year’s Helix incorporates the “power foil canopy” within the sigma outline. The result is punchy speed, super fast turning and precision handling that make the Helix the exotic sports car of the kitesurfing world.

Bar and Safety Systems
The New Universal Control System is redesigned to include new safety elements of a “through the bar” front line leash system. With the leash attached to this three metre single centre line, the kite becomes completely flagged off a single front line when engaged. There is the secondary option of the new wider webbing leash connection, which depowers the kite by doubling up the long trim line.

The Smart Loop Quick-release Trim Loop is easily engaged and refitted and houses the trim cleat on its side for easy access, below-the-bar trimming. The bar is packed with industry-leading features like adjustable length bar ends, flared stainless centre hole, and comfortable ergonomic grip. The overall feel and features of this control system are among the best on the market.

On the Water
When the Helix first came out two seasons ago it set new standards of performance for fast turning, and precision steering, but many remained sceptical and found comfort in a more familiar feel. This year’s Helix is back again with a similar effect.

The Helix was probably the fastest pulling and quickest steering kite of the test. It can turn quickly and generates some aggressive power through the first half of the turn, but pivots quickly out of it. The multiple steering settings can also let you adjust the speed of the turning dramatically.

Depower comes on quickly enough, but not as smoothly as this year’s Naish Cult. The steering is faster than the Cult and there’s more direct positional feedback from the control lines. This a kite that speeds forward to the edge of the window very fast and often needs to be tamed with some steering input.

For jumping the Helix requires the right timing, but when you get it right jumps are high and long. Powerful, Raleys, Kite Loops and unhooked pop make the Helix a capable new school freestyle kite but not for the light of heart. The sweet spot is narrower and the precision steering requires an experienced rider’s input. The turning is fast and there is plenty of depower to catch the odd wave session. Water re-launch is very quick, as the rounder shapes lets it pivot and roll easily. The Helix can deliver aggressive performance it but it takes time to dial in the precision power ban and overall turning quickness of this kite. It will be admired by the more advanced riders that will use the Helix to push their capability to new levels.

Reality Check
In severely gusty conditions the Helix is not as smooth to control as some of its rivals. This is a kite flyer’s kite and it likes to be flown by the aggressive rider.

Bottom Line
The fast driving, and lightning fast steering of the Helix will appeal to the advanced riders that want to challenge their skills with a kitesurfing kite that can outperform them.

Nobile N62 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 10 m
Style: Delta shape, three strut hybrid

Voted Best Relaunch!

The N62 is the second generation of the Nobile kite that guarantees its riders maximum safety and confidence as they take their riding to the next level. The Delta Evolution shape gives a reduced aspect ratio, and a lightweight three strut design offer superior stability, direct handling, and instant re-launch.

Control Bar and Safety Systems
The Nobile four line control bar is covered in our review of the Nobile T5; for more information click here to read that review.

On the Water
The Nobile N62 feels direct and responsive, with quick pivotal turns and depower that comes on within arm’s reach. This kite really proves why the delta shape has gained such popularity over the past couple of years. It feels solid and comfortable in flight and builds confidence quickly with its ease of use. Compared to some delta designs the N62 has less length and sweep in the wing tips and uses a lower aspect three strut frame. The result is a kite with a good balance of top-end performance and simple point-and-go flying character.

The long centre strut with its deep chord and canopy depth give the N62 good low-end power and grunt and lends stability even through gusty winds or erratic bar input. With great stability, the N62 flies with a smooth predictable style. It sits back in the window slightly keeping stable and giving constant feedback from the kite. This is also a great kite for wave riding. With the quick pivotal turning and the excellent drift and sink back character the N62 simple control can let you concentrate on riding the waves.

With less wing tip than some of the other Delta shapes out there, there is a crisp and direct feel to the pivotal turning of the N62. It will drive you to the right spot on the wave and keep you there. Water re-launch is super fast also, with easy pivoting of the N62 wide centred body. Quick and nimble with plenty of get-up-and-go, the N62 is ideal for both progressing rider and advanced wave riders.

Reality Check
The N62 design doesn’t boost the biggest height jumps, and it isn’t as quick upwind as some of the faster pulling, and higher aspect deltas.

Bottom Line
The N62 is a grunty point-and-go kitesurfing kite that lets the rider concentrate on simply riding. It has sufficient versatility and performance to satisfy the progressing rider into more advanced stages.

Nobile T5 2010 Kite Review

Size Tested: 10 m
Style: Four line SLE hybrid

The latest incarnation of the Nobile 555 line has been renamed the Nobile T5 and is equipped with a new look and new bridle configuration to optimize direct steering, re-launch capability and balanced bar pressure. This kite is suited to a wide range of riders that want access to big jumping, high powered manoeuvres, good levels of depower and delta-like re-launch capability.

Bar and Safety Systems
The Nobile four line control bar is boldly colour coded with comfortably smooth EVA grip and some finger shaping. The bar ends are cushioned with a silicone bristle, which protects the hands nicely. There are inside connection points on the bar ends to shorten the bar length for the convenience to fly large and smaller kites on the same bar.

The system uses the above-the-trim strap system with a pull/pull configuration with an easy to grab to repower handle that is covered in PVC tubing. The unique fulcrum trim loop is the industries’ only 100 per cent moulded trim loop; designed to disassemble with the same force even as the load increases. The construction of the loop has the advantage of never deforming, and the donkey stick is easy to move out of the way for freestyle.

The primary safety leash is a fifth line running through the depower stopper ball and up to Nobile’s exclusive INOX swivel which then flags a single front line for 100 per cent depower. There are also emergency kill handles on both bar ends for that added safety. Overall, Nobile has all the safety basics covered in a streamlined system that’s easy to use and maintain.

On the Water
The Nobile T5 has much improved low-end power over its predecessors and that kite was a powerhouse in its size range. The T5 delivers direct steering and moderate bar pressure with good positional feedback from the back lines at all times. Even when depowered, the kite responds well and can continue to steer the kite with better precision than some comparative models. The new direct connection bridle system has no pulleys and separated rear and front bridles system, which makes this year’s T5 quicker turning, with more direct power and response than its predecessor.

The new T5 emerges as the high-powered, big-boosting kite of this category. It also has some decent unhooked capability but is not a true park throw down freestyle SLE. Depower is acceptable and comes on progressively within arm’s reach. The short throw of the trim line also keeps the adjustment straps within easy reach. A quick adjustment of the front trim lines and the T5 sits forward in the window for some good unhooked fun.

Water re-launch works effectively with appropriate wind levels, the kite respond easily to a quick steering line pull. Of all the all-terrain free ride kites in the test the T5 may seat itself at the head of the pro powered freestyle jumping machine table. Free riders that want some good low-end power and real boosting capability should look to the T5. The good low-end power of these kitesurfing kites and overall wind range can reduce the number of kites you need in your quiver.

Reality Check
Having a narrower shaped harness hook is more ideal for the shape of the fulcrum trim hook. The style and function of this fully plastic moulded loop is loved by some and puzzles others.

Bottom Line
The Nobile T5 is a high-powered and big-boosting SLE that will satisfy the demands of the more advanced rider. Great improvements over the last model with better direct handling and faster turn initiation.

Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag