September 2004 USA $4.95 2 3 Definedefine Your Your Rideride - with Three Lines to Choose From, You Can’T Go Wrong

Say that 10 times fast!

Skip Wunderlich Photo: Jeff Pfeffer

September 2004 USA $4.95 2 3 definedefine your your rideride - with three lines to choose from, you can’t go wrong

Huge lift & Pop & grunt Simple, safe, power for with fast predictable, those handling for & with great seeking competition all around ultimate power moves performance upper-end & new & value performance school riding sizes 4 - 6 - 8 - 9 sizes sizes 10 - 12 - 14 - 16 - 19 6 - 8 - 10 6 - 8 - 10 - 12 - 14 12 - 14 - 16 - 18 - 20 16 - 18 - 20 - 25 - 30

what’s your style?

for spec & tech visit www.naishkites.com

robby > x4 12.0 + naish 6’4” surfboard photo > stephen whitesell paula > photo > kim hack

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Contents September 2004

Features DepartmentsDepartments

40 Road Tripping South Australia 10 Think with Andre Phillip Out of a Cage by Hudson Godfrey Smith Two young Australians take their dream kiteboarding trip with one of the world’s 14 Launch best riders. Hamish Macdonald hits one of the biggest gap sliders in kiteboarding history. 50 Exposed Insane photos that will make you dream 34 Close-Up of riding. Getting to know Jason Slezak Meet Sonia Fischli who rides better than 46 Lou Wainman: Pioneer or Punk? most of boys. by Ryan Riccitelli Inside the mind of one of kiteboarding’s 68 Progression most controversial riders. Damien Leroy shows you six sick sequences

74 Analyze This The Kiteboarder Magazine takes a closer look at five killer new products.

Cover Shot 85 Tweak McCore Skip Wunderlich searches for the cover up off the coast of Hawaii.. Photo Jeff Pfeffer

Contents Shot Mark Doyle ignites the skyline during an Islamorada sunset session with a huge Slim Chance. Photo M’Leigha Lange Photo: Brad Lange

Out of a Cage

Four shades of electric blue water in the middle of the Caribbean. I was kiteboarding on a soul trip with a few friends. Usually I am the one shooting photos in places like this, but this particular trip wasn t about work. Brad Lange, soon to be publisher, was standing on our guide boat taking some shots of me and Andy Hurdman for the memory album. Andy was doing insane kite loops and I was doing my best to copy him along the leeward side of this remote sand island. This was one of those moments that sticks in your mind until you are resting in your grave. We had flown down to an Archipelago island chain in the middle of nowhere. There were no cars, cell phones and most of the people didn t speak English. We char- tered a fishing boat to play water taxi, helping us explore this tropical wonderland. Every morning we sipped strong South American coffee and mapped out our day s

Subscribe adventure. Every night we would drink Moheto s and embellish the stories of car- nage and accomplishments. To order, go to www.kbmag.com As our little plane departed the postage stamp runway, something had changed One Full Year(6 issues) for $19.97 inside of me. Maybe it was the tranquil blue water that surrounded us or perhaps the fact that my friends wouldn t allow me to work on this trip. We clocked more than thirty hours of water time and ate and drank like royalty. Somewhere between that small island chain and the mainland I came to a realization. I had almost passed up this trip because I was so busy. My mind started racing as I tried to imagine what I would have been doing if I wouldn t have gone on this trip. I definitely wouldn t have learned those front roll kite loops. I probably wouldn t have stepped on that urchin. My arms surely would- n t feel like noodles after a week of solid riding, and I know that I wouldn t have had that life changing moment of clarity that dream trips can do for you. As our plane landed on the tarmac in Miami, it was back to reality. The last seven days gave me a chance to refocus and energized me to make some necessary changes in my life. So let this be a lesson to all of us. Next time your friends ask you to go on trip and you think you are too busy, make the time. Life is short and precious and you never know - that trip might end up changing your life.

NEW for 2005 Back by popular demand. Available at www.kbcalendar.com Ryan Riccitelli [email protected] 10 100% Kiteboarder Owned and Operated September 2004 • Volume 1 • Number 1

EDITOR RYAN RICCITELLI [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR JAMES BROWN

COPY EDITOR M LEIGHA LANGE

TECHNICAL ADVISOR GARY MARTIN

SAFETY ADVISOR RICK IOSSI

ILLUSTRATOR CARL LOS PRESTON

CONTRIBUTORS James Brown, Tonia Farman, Sonia Fischli, Karen Futernick, Greg Gnecco, Hudson Godfrey, Casey Houtz, Neil Hutchinson, Rick Iossi, Martin Kirk, Chris Kjos, Brad Lange, Hamish Macdonald, Gary Martin, Matt Nuzzo, Jeff Pfeffer, Carl Preston, Alexius Rovira, Jason Slezak, Jody Talifero, Damien Wright, Lou Wainman

PHOTOGRAPHY Luke Anear, John Bilderback, Mike Ellis, Dan Gavere, Greg Gnecco, Erik Hedin, Paul Jav, Klutz, Tracy Kraft, Brad Lange, Jeff Pfeffer, Ryan Riccitelli, David Sims, Mike Stephen, Dave Turner, Stephen Whitesell

SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected]

PUBLISHER BRAD LANGE 305-393-3883 [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES MARINA CHANG [email protected]

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 164 Ocean Drive ¥ Tavernier, FL 33070 WEST COAST OFFICE 1050 Chinquapin Ave #2 ¥ Carlsbad, CA 92008 MOUNTAIN STATE OFFICE 1360 S. Ivy Way ¥ Denver, CO 80224

INTERNET 12 WWW.KBMAG.COM Angle one – After 10 tries, Hamish indy’s over the gap and front side board slides the entire ghetto gap. Photo Brad Lange

AUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNC

“I was sketchin every time I came up to it, I was scared shitless, but even if I would have spent a month in the hospital it would have been worth it. Sometimes passion supercedes stupidity.” Hamish Macdonald, Slingshot Team Rider

Ghetto Gap Afternoon

Rider: Hamish Macdonald Location: Islamorada, Florida Keys Move: Unhookedboardslide Indy over the gap to front side

Ingredients: 22 -- KickersPicnic tables 1 - 30-foot floating dock, 1 - 20-ft Gang Plank 2 - balls made of steel 1 - screw loose

“The commitment Hamish showed to pulling off this move is beyond words. One wrong move and he was done. I watched him rag doll off the side several times, yet he kept going back for more.”

LAUNCH Ryan Riccitelli, Editor/Photographer “The Kiteboarder Magazine”

Angle two – After about 16 tries, Hamish throws in a handle pass off the end. Photo Ryan Riccitelli 14

AUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAU NCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCH LAUNCHAngle three – LAUNCHThis is the other LAUNCH perspective of the indy over the gap. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

“Some people asked me what we were doing. I told them we were ‘playing’. Others asked me why we were doing it. I told them ‘because we could’. I realized that if you don't get it, you don't get it. There's something about doing something just because its a challenge. It's what drives board sports. You are competing against yourself. Who cares what your level is as long as you are charging and having fun. As for Hamish, we've got to build a bigger box." Brad Lange, Publisher/Photographer “The Kiteboarder Magazine”

LAUNCH...the making of

Summary: On a typical breezy Florida Keys afternoon, Hamish Macdonald, Brad Lange, Ryan Riccitelli and Paul Caswell decided to break the monotony by constructing one of the biggest gap sliders ever to be hit in kiteboarding. Hamish, known for his fearless approach to kiteboarding committed Hamish broke his favorite Hamish wrecks himself. Photo Ryan Riccitelli himself to be the test monkey in this experiment. After three board on his second run hours of construction and all the cameramen in place, and still rode away from Hamish made history by sticking the first pass. On his third this one. Photo Ryan Riccitelli pass, he almost came up short on the gap and snapped his board yet still managed to slide all the picnic tables and the gang plank. After about an hour he was nailing the gap and pulling handle pass threes. Just as his confidence exceeded him, he caught an edge on a barnacle ridden gang plank, smacked his head and exfoliated his back thus ending this great day of kiteboarding.

Facts: No, we don t recommend stupid stunts like this, but Hamish is a professional rider and volunteered to do it for some sick photos. Yes, we know he should have been wearing a helmet, but Hamish didn t want to. His choice ultimately. Yes, we know he was riding without a leash, but we planned ahead and had experienced spotters on the beach in case it got away.

Hamish wrecking himself from another angle. Photo Brad Lange 16 411411 News and Information

70’

Risking his life, Pete Cabrinha charges down this 70 foot monster. Photo: Tracy Kraft Pete Cabrinha wins $70K at the XXL Big Wave Awards By Ryan Riccitelli

eteran waterman Pete Cabrinha towed into a 70-foot bomb at Jaws in Maui V last winter, which won him the prestigious Billabong XXL Big Wave Award. Billabong holds the XXL every year which challenges and awards surfers to ride the biggest waves. Pete s 70-foot wave not only broke the Guinness World Record previously held by Brazilian Carlos Burle for a 68-foot wave at Maverick’s, but he also earned himself $70,000 dollars, which equates to a grand per foot. Pete accepted the award at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, CA in front of a huge crowd of the who s who of professional surfing. At 43 years old, Pete has a long history of pioneering windsurfing, tow surfing and kiteboarding. He and his tow- in partner Rush Randle are highly respected in the sport and it is honor to have guys like this involved in kiteboarding. Reliving that January 10th swell Pete explained, It was the first time I surfed Jaws this winter and it was on a brand-new board, so I asked my partner Rush to tow me into a little warm-up wave. But when we took the jet ski outside of the break this set came in and we basically claimed it as ours. Most people go right at Jaws, but on this day some of the lefts looked bigger and cleaner so that’s the way I went. The board ended up working pretty well and when I Pete graciously accepts his 70K pay off. Photo: Tracy Kraft kicked out, Rush looked at me and went, "Holy crap, Pete...that was a bomb! If you don t recognize the name, Pete Cabrinha is the founder of Cabrinha kites and plays a major roll in the research and development of Cabrinha products. His experience on and off the water has helped Cabrinha kites grow into one of the major players in the kiteboarding industry along with evolving the sport to where it is today. Props also have to be given to legendary water sports photographer Erik Aeder Last years XXL Big Wave Award was won by Makua Rothman after being towed for snapping the prize winning shot of Pete dropping into the 70-foot monster, into a 60 foot plus wave at Jaws by his tow-in partner and kiteboarder Ryan which earned him $5000.00 bucks. Based in Maui, Erik is one of the premier Rawson. At 20 years old, Rawson is also an extremely respected waterman. It s kiteboarding photographers and his shots have painted the history of the sport great to see the elite of the sport crossing over and helping kiteboarding get the 18for the past five years. respect it deserves. For more photos, check out www.billabongxxl.com. 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information Ticket to Ride How to Keep Your Beaches from Getting Banned By Rick Iossi

Kiteboarding is just a word but the stoke that it delivers goes far beyond that. Speed, power, freedom, flight, it’s almost better than sex well almost. It always leaves you wanting more. Have you ever wondered what if it all stops? What if the lifeguards, rangers or whomever says, NO MORE KITEBOARDING HERE. They recently did it in Orange County, CA and Padre Island National Seashore, TX and have done it in the past in Maui, HI and in Miami, FL. Fortunately, in these cases, conditional access was restored. Currently they are threatening to do it in Chicago, IL and several spots around the United States. So what are we going to do? We need to educate our fellow kiteboarders to work together and promote the safety and sustainabil- Kevin Young surrounded by his many creations at Dakine Headquarters. ity of our kiteboarding beaches. What are the leading Remembering a Legend: causes of bans? Kevin S. Young Most of the time bans are caused from public By Ryan Riccitelli COMPLAINTS and the PERCEIVED HAZARDS OF Average Joe KITEBOARDING. Usually these stem from one of Kevin S. Young s impact on the kiteboarding and windsurfing world is incred- the following issues. ible. I remember the first time I met Kevin several years ago at the Dakine 1. Launching, riding & landing too close to headquarters in Hood River while he was sitting at his design table tinkering Not feeling like shore & bystanders with one of his many harness innovations. I had seen him earlier that day at the Gorge Games and never put the two together that he was the guy who the kook. 2. Runaway kites designed so many of the products that helped people get on the water wind- Flying your kite above bystanders is a highly risky move and one of the major causes of public complaints. Photo: Klutz By Alexius Rovira 3. Incidents, injuries and fatalities create the surfing and kiteboarding. A year later I saw him at the King of the Air in Maui perception of hazard. with the same smile on his face where I told him I wanted to put him in the Showing up at your local spot for the first Local Legends section of my previous magazine. He laughed quietly and time is a defining moment in your life that This may sound like a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo, but bans and harsh restric- Just an Average Joe. Photo C.J. AVOID COMPLAINTS and go out of your way to be friendly to bystanders and told me that he was not a legend and that I should save it for someone else. you ll always remember and possibly tions are real. If you or your kite bros don’t give a damn, you may well ride your- other water users. Annoyed windsurfers have triggered several bans which is bizarre Unfortunately we lost Kevin to cancer on March 13, 2003. Kevin you were want to forget. Hopefully you will end up laughing about it with your friends later self right off the beach and someday be begging the local government for anoth- considering how many kiteboarders come from windsurfing and still do both and will always will be a legend to many of us. We miss you very much and on. Every kiteboarder has experienced this and it reminds you of the first time you er chance. Many riders, say not me, this is bogus, but we are all guilty of sports. Killing them with kindness goes a lot further than arguing with ignorance. you will never be forgotten. drove with your parents in the car. The white-knuckle grip you had on the wheel making poor decisions at one time or another. For some riders, the thought COMMUNICATING with the other kiteboarders is the best way to learn about what as you tell yourself Oh please don t screw up and wreck the car. I am just an never occurs until a ban. However, for Everyone, access is never more important is going on. Even if you are at a new spot, don t be afraid to ask questions about average kiteboarder and these are a few tips that have helped me get on the until it has been LOST! water safely. launch procedures or the local conditions. Most importantly, if you see someone What do we do? doing something stupid, talk to them as diplomatically as you can. No one wants First, find out as much about the place as you can — searching online is a good the beach to get shut down. first step. The local kite association, kiteboarding shops, schools, lifeguards, park Do we blow off this wakeup call and just keep riding however we want and deal rangers and the locals will all have good information. Being cocky won t get you GET INVOLVED! Always remember, there is power in groups. If you don t already with the problem when it blows up into a ban, or do we ban together and police Maui Kiteboarding points with the locals, especially if you screw up later on. Remember, the more have one, form a club, an association or just get the local kiteboarders together our fellow riders to follow and promote some simple precautions. Here are some people you talk to, the better off you will be. Who knows, you might even make for a BBQ. This is the perfect time to go over what you have to lose and the sim- ideas for you to think about when riding at your local beach. some new friends. ple steps it will take to keep things going. Figure out what problems are going on, Goes to Hollywood USE DISTANCE, when you launch, land and ride. A downwind buffer of 100 ft. come up with some fixes and then pass the word around. An association or club By Martin Kirk If you are new to kiteboarding, make sure that you have taken some lessons and is a start but 300 ft. or more is even better. You shouldn t have any people or is only as effective as you make it. Take the time to get involved or risk having know how to set up your kite correctly. Practice setting up your kite on a day with ABC Family filmed the latest episode for its hard objects in this zone especially when launching and landing. your ability to ride taken away from you. no wind, plenty of room and no one around. Don t be shy about asking someone reality program "Switched" on Maui in late knowledgeable in the sport to help you out — especially if you re unsure. Better to STAY OUT OF DESIGNATED SWIM AREAS. In many areas this means staying Many of the points we mentioned are mundane, yet kiteboarders around the world July. The concept of the popular TV show is out 400 ft. or more from the shore. Know the local guidelines before you get ask, than to be sorry later on. I have yet to find someone that won t help, because are ignoring them. If you are still reading this article then most likely you are one two individuals exchange or switch families nobody wants to see anyone get hurt or have their local spot banned. on the water. of the few we do not have to worry about. None of us want to be burdened with and sports, and live the other’s life for several TAKE PROFESSIONAL LESSONS and be extremely careful to stay well away telling some yahoo kiter or perhaps the best rider at your beach what to do, yet if days. The star from Maui was Denver Coon (sponsored by RRD, Da Kine, and Finally, having a pre-launch checklist is a great way to make sure that your kite is in from everyone and anyone while learning. we do not communicate the reality of bans and closures, your local beaches will Trilogy Ocean Sports). Denver’s switch-mate was Cassandra Woodburn from Los good shape and rigged correctly. This includes checking the chicken loop, looking be shut down. Kitebeaches.com has a lot of useful, specific information about kite for worn or damaged lines and no cuts or rips on the kite. Make sure that your ALWAYS USE A RELIABLE KITE LEASH. Angeles. Cassandra is in a popular hip hop and singing group. Cassandra beaches around the world. Check out the safety guidelines and comprehensive foot straps are firmly secured to the board and your safety system is working prop- Use common sense and ride safe. Be aware of your surroundings and gear. hooked up with Kiteboarding School of Maui to learn to kiteboard while Denver list of kiteboarding associations later in this issue. They could potentially help erly. This could save you from getting hurt or having to swim back to the beach. Your incident, accident or fatality may well effect a lot more than just yourself. took dancing and singing lessons and performed at Universal City in LA. That save your beaches and your life. episode will air in September and the specific air time will be revealed on the Alexius Rovira (NOT pictured above) has been riding for one year and lives in San Diego, California. Alexius Most accidents can easily be avoided by taking a look at the bigger picture. will be writing his personal tips that have helped him progress as a recreational kiteboarder. If you have website, www.abcfamily.com. any questions for him, please email [email protected] 20 411411 News and Information Contest SMACK

PsychologyPsychology Industry News and Gossip By Carl Preston On May 23, Chip Wasson, Steve Gibson, and Jeff Kafka, completed the 28 mile crossing from the infamous great white shark feeding ground of the Farallon Islands through the Golden Gate Bridge landing in San Francisco at Crissy Field. Each man was riding a 4 foot board and powered solely by kite. Landing on the Farallones is prohibited so the riders had a support team of two boats with a crew of experienced kiteboarders to create the right conditions for an open ocean launch in the shark-infested waters. For the complete story of their unprecedented feat check out the news section at www.ultranectar.com. Raging Nation productions is putting the finishing touches on its soon to be released film, Concept of Motion. This highly anticipated follow up to Fluid Revolution will feature wave riding from Maui, the Oregon Coast, and California as well as snow kiting footage from Mammoth Mountain, CA and Lake Tahoe, Nevada. For more info check out www.ragingnation.com The Naish team has recently returned from Barbados where they were shooting the new Naish team video entitled 13 Days. The movie was actually shot in 13 days of 24 hour a day wind conditions. The film features never before seen footage of the team kiting virgin coast, hurling themselves from a 50 foot sea cliff with kites, as well as Robby Naish’s very special kite body boarding. Check it out at www.naishkiteboarding.com Tronolone Productions premiered their latest creation "Jaws Underground" at the Maui Film Festival to a sold out crowd. A representative of Tronolone Productions had the chance to meet with activists Bill Maher and Woody Harrelson and found that they expressed an avid interest in Kiteboarding. Keep an eye out at your local beach for some unassuming gentlemen hanging out at the lesson van. The designers at Flysurfer have been working overtime and have created a new Kiteboarding weapon called "The Psycho 2" which has a completely new profile. The kite jumps insane and is When it comes to contests, winning isn’t really what it’s all super stable. It is available in sizes: 7m,10m,13m,17m . For you light wind warriors, a huge 21m and a limited edition 26 meter will be available by the time that you read this!!! Check them out at about. It’s more about making the other guy LOSE! In order to www.flysurfer-usa.com or www.flysurfer.de make this happen, you have to get inside his or her head. Here It may surprise you to learn that Lake Tahoe, CA is home to some of the best snow and lake kiting in are a few tips to keep in mind for your next big event. the country. LTKB runs complete instructional and demo programs for experienced riders. Lessons and camps run all year and are taught on Lake Tahoe and at the neighboring Lahontan and Washoe 1. Inflate the largest kite you have – 30 meters or more no matter how reservoirs. They offer a 10 step online lesson guide which helps shorten the learning curve for any strong the wind is blowing. You should also have a custom-made 50 one new to the sport. Check out www.ltkb.com for more info and a nation wide photo competition. meter for when it gets REALLY light. Cabrinha is proud to debut its latest, the Cabrinha Contra with Pro Span™. The Contra is a new breakthrough in performance light wind kiteboarding. A departure from the traditional arc design of 2. Tout yourself as the best kiter around and throw out some names of an inflatable kite, the Contra implements a new design to produce the power equivalent of a kite maneuvers no one has ever heard of... “I stomped a triple freeway over- that is 1.5 -2.5 square meters larger in size. Be on the lookout for demo opportunities in your area. pass,” or “You should have seen the 60 foot Orange Peel I did yesterday...” For more information on the contra check out www.cabrinhakites.com Long time Tele skier, Ken Lucas, 3. Hire some local escorts to accompany you to the contest (male or has joined the Ozone Snowkite female) and have them hanging all over you while boasting your prowess team. He chose the Frenzy as his both in and out of the bedroom. This is sure to take even the most snowkite for his mountain adven- seasoned competitors mind off his game. tures throughout the US and Europe. Most recently Ken has 4. Roll up to the site with a helium tank or two and fill all your bladders (for taken his kites to the Northwest's that extra pop). This will peak interest enough to break their concentration. Cascade range logging many kite- powered first ascents. 5. Let everyone know you’re not afraid to grab your “Big Tindy” in public. North kiteboarding sponsored an This will make them think twice. Think of anything to get them worried event on Jetty Island in about you, so they don’t pay attention to themselves. Washington state on June 19th Ken Lukas puts his that included a full day BBQ, 6. Break out the big guns for the riders with that iron constitution you can’t Frenzy to the test. expression session, demonstra- Photo courtesy of Ozone break. Say something to the effect of “Lou is going to ride in this con- tion of the 5th Element, and clin- test and he is pissed off that you stole one of his tricks.” or “Robby ics presented by North kite Naish said you are a poser and need to go back to the cable park...” designer Ken Winner, and board shaper John Amundson. SouthEast Expeditions on Virginia's Eastern Shore is taking a limited number of reservations for Of course, if you are going to resort to any of this nonsense you had better Fall Kite Expeditions through the uninhabited barrier islands of the Virginia Coast Reserve. be able to back it up. Remember, any trick you do is good as long as you Experience the best undiscovered kiteboarding location on the East Coast. Also from October 23rd do it BIG. - 24th SouthEast Expeditions will be hosting the Mid-Atlantic Kite Swap at the Sunset Beach Resort in Cape Charles, VA. Join them for a full weekend of riding, partying, and yes, a little techin' We hope we didn’t offend anyone with this raz on contests. We are just out. Call 877-9-GET-LIT for details. trying to poke some fun and hopefully get a chuckle out of you. Many of the Cabrinha is proud to announce the recent addition of Gianni Aragno to its international team. professionals out there pushing the contest scene never get the respect Currently ranked 2nd on the PKRA tour Gianni is proving to the world that he is a force to be reck- they truly deserve — props to you. oned with. Check out the tour at www.pkra.info

continued on page 24 411411 News and Information

Shop Talk SMACK continued from page 22

The Caribbean has a new Wipika Distributor working furiously to supply even the smallest By The Kiteboarder Magazine Staff Kitesurfari islands with the Wipika kiteboarding equipment needed to make a kiteboarding holiday in by Alli Moloney paradise stress-free and fun. The hallmark display cabinet was recently launched in Cabarete, Location: Huntington Beach, CA (S. Calif.) With so many internet sites out there, it is hard to separate the good Website: Kitesurfari.com Dominican Republic. For more information check www.elitekiteboardingcharters.com Hey Kiteboarding Maniacs, Ron Poon Mike Okayama Trip Forman recently placed 2nd in the 635 mile Newport to Bermuda Yacht Race. Racing with from the bad. We want to ask our readers to submit their favorite Email: [email protected] Don’t forget to check your AIRSTROLOGY before hitting Telephone: (714) 378-0468 his Dad and sister, Trip’s finishes in this race since 1990 have included a 1st place finish, two kiteboarding sites dealing with: news, equipment, weather, travel or 2nd place finishes and two thirds. the winds – knowing what’s in the stars for you can make all Address: 18822 Beach Blvd. #112, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 the difference in your kiteboarding! anything else that you find helpful. Please send your submissions to Owners: Mike Okayama & Ron Poon Cabrinha’s Antoine Jaubert won the recent Red Bull Qualifier that was held in St. Maarten. [email protected]. Antoine will be on his way to Maui this fall to compete in the 2004 Red Bull King of the Air. ARIES: This is an excellent month for your creative expression - take your For information on all of the qualifiers and their results go to www.redbullkingoftheair.com moves and go wild! You may find some tension building in your personal life www.kitebeaches.com This site has tons of information on kiteboarding spots this month, and the best cure for it will be to actively pursue fun and recre- Heading to South Florida? Be sure and check out East Coast Kiteboarding School located in ation. On the 31st, take someone you love kiteboarding - a sure hook-up. around the globe. It’s definitely a great resource. Fort Lauderdale. East Coast Kiteboarding is now expanding its operations and offering weekend Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 8, 9, 18, 19, 27, 28 kiteboarding camps. All camps and lessons stress safety and run 7 days a week year round. www.kiteforum.com This site is one of the leading kiteboarding forums on gossip, Check out www.eastcoastkiteboarding.com for info on lessons, camps, clinics, safety and other TAURUS: Plan for a busy month – and don’t forget to leave some time for kiteboarding! It will be your best bet for overcoming any feelings of being over- news, gear and all sorts of propaganda. Caution: Don’t believe everything you read. South Florida news. whelmed. The energy release you’ll get from regular kiteboarding this month If you make it up to the Columbia River Gorge this summer, be sure and check out the 1st Friday will also help to prevent any arguments that may be brooding in tense energy at www.riccitelliphoto.com Ok we have to plug our editor’s site because there are tons home. No worries - just fly! parties. Held the 1st Friday of every month in the summer, the whole of Oak St. has their doors of sick photos from around the world and he never gives himself credit. We hope open late with refreshments, libations, and even entertainment. So far this summer, two stand- Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 2, 10, 11, 20, 21, 29, 30 you enjoy. outs have been Storm Warning with their fashion show complete with a runway out onto the GEMINI: You have an inner glow that shines so much this month that people sidewalk, and Big Winds with a show of Brazilian drums and head spinning break dancers. are noticing. Other people see it, why don’t you? Try checking your reflection in the water next time you’re kiteboarding, which in your case – the sooner the www.cobrakite.com/kitesurf.html Check out their Introduction to Kiteboarding. This Nina Johannson and Litewave better! If you’re feeling confused, there’s nothing like kiteboarding to sort it all is a great resource for beginners. Dave did a complete tour of the out for you. Just let it go and get some air! The rest of it will work itself out. east coast in late May. They Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 4, 13, 14, 23, 24, 31 managed four sensational days www.refdesk.com This site has tons of weather related links. of riding in Hatteras followed by CANCER: Staying behind the scenes and quietly doing your own thing seems sessions in Virginia Beach, Long to be what the stars have in mind for you for this month, that is while you’re www.ikiteboarding.com This site is a great resource with a plethora of kiteboarding Beach Island, NJ, Sandy Hook, not feeling the burn to earn. Enjoy the peace that can be found in kiteboarding. Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 6, 7, 15, 16, 25, 26 information. The definition of plethora is “a superabundance; an excess.” NJ, Long Island, NY, and Cape Kitesurfari is well stocked with all the current gadgets and gizmos. Cod, MA. LEO: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Slow down and listen to your body. Take at least some time off work for kiteboarding. You’ll be glad you did. You’ll see that you www.kiter.com This site has a ton of cool rider profiles and photos to check out. The Omaezaki Big Air Pro Do you guys ride and how often? can express yourself and socialize while engaging in your very favorite sport sponsored by Frill Queen in (kiteboarding, of course). Let the wind take you, while you imagine your Definitely! We try to kiteboard as often as possible. If we are not in the shop Japan was held May 1st -4th at birthday wishes being granted. or giving lessons, we are out kiteboarding at the local beaches. Omaezaki Beach, Japan. The Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 8, 9, 18, 19, 27, 28 finals were held in 30 knot winds Nina explores the mainland. Photo Dave Turner VIRGO: Keep moving forward! Watch out for any negative tendencies to get Why did you get into selling kiteboarding equipment? and resulted in some very excit- yourself down. Don’t get down – get UP, in the air! This is a great month for When we got into this sport 3 years ago, we were always trying to find ing competition! Coming in first you to be seen, so get out with your kite and sparkle, but don’t forget to go GROM PROFILE ways to sneak away from work to go kiteboarding. Kiteboarding was so place was Oahu’s very own John Amundson followed by Moehau Gould, Greg Drexler, and home when you’re done and appreciate what’s waiting for you there. addicting that it made us rethink our current jobs and how we could incor- Elliot Leboe. Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 2, 10, 11, 20, 21, 29, 30 Name: Ian Alldredge Ozone pro rider Guillaume 'Chasta' Chastagnol signed up to the International RedBull Team! porate the sport into everything we do. We kept asking ourselves, “Why not LIBRA: Lucky Libra, the stars say that beautiful strangers and uplifting expe- Age: 15 make kiteboarding part of our lives and do this everyday?” And the answer The Snowkite Super Session held in Austria mid March was where RedBull finally saw Chasta in riences await you in August. You’re more likely to find both when you go kite- action The top honchos at RedBull saw his impressive style and gave him Wings with no hesita- boarding. Enjoy the adventure and healthy competition you’ll find on the Hometown: Santa Barbara, California was our company, Kitesurfari. tion! Check out www.flyozone.com or www.redbull.com water. By the end of the month, you’ll see sparks flying everywhere, maybe What is your background? between you and that beautiful stranger you met kiteboarding. Education: Sophomore Baffin Island - Chris Hilliard, a veteran snowkiter and outdoor product designer, led a team of Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 4, 13, 14, 23, 24, 31 Before we started Kitesurfari, we were both business consultants for large firms. extreme skiers to explore the fjords of Canada's remote Baffin Island. The team used Ozone Transportation: My Dad and Corky Cullen Frenzy's to power their journey. The posse spent 17 days out on the sea ice, of which only 3 days SCORPIO: It’s time to learn some new tricks, Dog. This month is all about What is the key to your shop’s success? were not kiteable due to extremely strong winds. The team established base camps and used the growth and learning, as well as big-time good fortune. People watching you Other Sports: Surfing, skateboarding, kites to pull themselves across frozen sea ice, as far as five to seven miles to the base of the kiteboard will notice your amazing magnetism and sex appeal. Intense energy is The key to our success is our service. We go the extra step for customers. pushing you full speed ahead, and that’s great, because ‘ahead’ is where you snowboarding granite spires, searching out first descents of steep couloirs in the Sam Ford Fjord area. Due to Photo: Ryan Riccitelli Whether it’s going overtime during a lesson, letting people demo equipment want to be. However, don’t let this intense energy disturb your loving relation- Photo: Ryan Riccitelli prevailing wind direction the group dealt with a head wind every time they moved base camp, Sponsors: Liquid Force before they buy, or staying open late to setup gear, we make sure everyone ships. What’s the good of having it all, all alone? making upwind travel difficult with sleds. But the team was rewarded with an amazing down- Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 6, 7, 15, 16, 25, 26 Local Spot: Ventura-C street, Leadbetter is taken care of. winder on their last day. Chris and the boys loaded up the sleds and covered the 22 miles of the exit route in 1 1/2 hours. The top speed during the trip was 38 mph. "We didn't scratch the sur- SAGITTARIUS: It’s time to trade your old kiteboarding ways in for new Music: Strung Out, Pennywise, AFI, and some 2 Pac What makes your shop different than the rest? face. The potential for epic XC rides is there." The team is planning a 2005 trip where they will ones. Make the leap of faith and get some air like never before. However, you’ll need to focus on staying centered and healthy if you want to come out on top. I think it is because we can relate to our customers. We are not professional lead a new group on a snowkiting adventure through Baffin's back country. Best Move: Relaxing at the beach and uhhhhhhhh…I like eating fruit-snacks You may also be more accident prone than usual, so slow down and look both athletes or do we pretend to be. We are just average guys that love the ways before the leap. Use any intense energy you’re feeling constructively – and candy. sport like them. Our goal is to make sure they have a fun and enjoyable focus it on the kiteboarding level you want to reach and get there. Set Up: Liquid Force Spectrum 12; 18'' power-lock stock bar, 136 Drop time learning the sport like we did. Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 8, 9, 18, 19, 27, 28 board, Dakine Tabu waist harness What gear do you stock? CAPRICORN: Emotional outbursts can be soothed as well as prevented this month by kiteboarding as much as possible. Venus is encouraging you to Riders you look up to most: Felix Pivec and Corky Cullen We carry a full line of kites, boards and accessories from Cabrinha, Liquid improve your health, another perfect reason to stop delaying on what you know Force, Airush, Flexifoil, Flysurfer, Hana Crew, Underground, Jimmy Lewis you want to do – KITEBOARD! All your natural levels of desire are pumped What do you like about kiteboarding? Waves, going big and the lack of limits and Dakine. We also have our own line of clothing and accessories includ- this month – focus this energy into kiteboarding so you don’t lose your head over passions of the heart. Where do you see the sport going? Hopefully nowhere because I think it is ing shirts, board bags, footstraps, footpads and board handles. Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 2, 10, 11, 20, 21, 29, 30 wonderful how it is What do you think about the future of kiteboarding? AQUARIUS: This is the perfect month for you to break all those bad habits Surfing or Bodyboarding? Surfing that are holding you back from your best kiteboarding. From little imperfec- Kiteboarding is the fastest growing water sport at the moment. However, tions while you’re kiteboarding, to letting your health go, to too much partying Speedos or board shorts? Speedos the future of the sport is being threatened as kiteboarding gets banned at or junk food, you’ll find all your bad habits changing into good ones. Joy and many beaches. We must all work together by being responsible and obeying kiteboarding skills will begin to flow into your life. Is it true you were dating a ballerina and you dumped her because she Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 4, 13, 14, 23, 24, 31 the rules to ensure that access to beaches remains open to kiteboarding. wanted you to go to her recitals? Ya PISCES: Moon madness rocks your world this month. Expect big airs and What tips can you give any newcomer to the sport? love at first sight. This is a great month to express yourself and have tons of fun! Let go of any nervous energy and increase your harmony through kite- Take lessons! Taking lessons from a certified instructor is the best way to boarding. You have the drive to succeed and you are likely to score on any goal learn about the equipment and the proper techniques required to kite safely. Baffin Island. Photo courtesy of Ozone you set this month – so set your sites on BIG AIR! Best Days to Kiteboard: AUGUST 6, 7, 15, 16, 25, 26 25 agencies allow you to make appointments, which may save you countless NOW BOARDING hours in a cold, sterile room with uncomfortable chairs, an old television showing Jerry Springer reruns and lots of strange people. Don’t Get Burned by your Passport If you need a NEW PASSPORT IN A HURRY AND YOU’RE NOT NEAR A PASS- By Karen Futernick PORT AGENCY – You can overnight all required information, completed documents (see website for full details) and associated fees to the National Passport Center from any passport acceptance facility. When traveling abroad for your kiteboarding holiday, probably the most impor- If you need to RENEW YOUR PASSPORT – There are certain requirements for tant document you need to bring with you (assuming you have an e-ticket!) is renewing your passport by mail. Simply visit your passport. And not just any old passport, of course – rather, one that is www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html for further informa- current and matches the name on your travel documents. Here is tion. Remember to allow 6 weeks for delivery. some basic information that will help you procure one. If you need to RENEW YOUR PASSPORT IN A HURRY – Same deal Planning ahead will save you money and aggravation, as “IN A HURRY” above. Same process, same expedited service and should help you get through both foreign and US fee, different forms. immigration with ease. PASSPORTS FOR MINOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 – If you need a NEW PASSPORT –You can apply for your Effective July 2001, there are now special requirements for passport (that is, submit the completed, required forms obtaining a passport for children under the age of 14. For and fees) at either a passport agency or one of 6,000 complete details, visit the passport services website. passport acceptance facilities nationwide, including Remember, EACH AND EVERY PERSON, REGARDLESS OF Federal, state and probate courts, many post offices, some AGE, NEEDS HIS/HER OWN PASSPORT. libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. (Agencies and acceptance facilities stock forms, as well. For those who are somehow unable to complete the task of You can download the forms off of the internet at: http://trav- procuring a current passport on his/her own, there are pri- el.state.gov/download_applications.html.) Allow 6 weeks to vate agencies that, for a convenience fee, will handle receive your passport. everything for you. A few to check out are www.priority- passports.com and www.passportexpress.com. If you need a NEW PASSPORT IN A HURRY – You can apply in person at the nearest passport agency. To locate one near you, For further information, visit visit the passport services website at www.travel.state.gov/pass- www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html or call the National Passport port_services.html. You must present your travel documents Information Center at 1.877.487.2778. (tickets or airline-generated itinerary) showing that you will be departing within Travel tips brought to you courtesy of www.ozonetravel.com – 14 days. Expect to pay about $60.00 for expedited service. Most passport The Kiteboarding Travel Company. Competition Corner Gorge Games 2004, Hood River, Oregon HatterasHatteras ConditionsConditions ++ KansasKansas CrowdsCrowds == Virginia’sVirginia’s EasternEastern ShoreShore KITEBOARDING BLOWOUT KITER-CROSS EXPRESSION SESSION BIG AIR Men Men Men Men 1. Cory Roeseler 1:14:10 1. Adam Koch (Naish, RedBull 1. Amery Bernard (ASI/Cabrinha) Adam Finer (North) 2. Jim Bison 1:21:32 2. Chris Gilbert (Naish, RedBull) 2. Jeff Roberts (Slingshot) Women 3. Adam Koch 1:22:31 3. Brian Lake (RRD) 3. Shannon Best (Bestkiteboarding) Sonia Fischli (Cabrinha) 4. Rainer Leuschke 1:22:36 4. Dery McIntyre (Caution Kites) 4. Denver Coon (RRD) SPECIAL PROPS Women Women Women Bertrand Fleury (Slingshot) for hucking SouthEast Expeditions 1. Renee Hanks 1:36:44 1. Bri Chmel (RRD) 1. Bri Chmel (RRD) most insane kite loops seen in Gorge yet. 2. Gail Zaccai 1:49:28 2. Sonia Fischli (Cabrinha) 2. Sonia Fischli (Cabrinha) For more contest information check out 3. Carolyn Anderson DNF 3. Stacey Boggs (Slingshot) 3. Rebecca Walters (RRD) www.gorgegames.com 4. Bri Chmel DNF PKRA Best Kiteboarding World Cup, Cabarete, Dominican Republic Men Women BEST TRICK Women 1. Jaime Herraiz (ESP) 1. Cindy Mosey (NZ) Men 1. Cindy Mosey with a front Mobe 2. Aaron Hadlow (UK) 2. Angela Peral (ESP) 2. Susi Mai with an unhooked forward 1. Jaime Herraiz with a Mobe SouthEast Expeditions is Virginia’s Only Full Service Kiteboarding Center 3. Jose Luis Ciriaco (DOM REP) 3. Kristin Boese (GER) to kiteloop to surface handle pass. 2. Alex Tritten with blind to Mobe 4. Martin Vari (ARG) 4. Ingrid Köllbichler (AUT) 3. Ania Grzelinska with an unhooked TRIPS • GEAR • SCHOOL 3. Gianni Aragno with a grabbed flat 360 360 to toeside to surface handle pass. 5. Ruben Lenten (HOL) 5. Daphnee Laliberte (CAN) For more information check out – Gianni Aragno (ESP) – Ania Grzelinska (POL) www.gogetlit.com Toll Free (877) 9 GET LIT www.pkra.info Skunked!? Product Watch By James Brown

TIPS TO FINDING WIND 5 LIQUID FORCE DROP SEASPECS AMUNDSON By Gary Martin YT5 130cm and 136cm Extreme Surf Sunglasses Somehow, you discovered kiteboarding. You tried it and now… The YT5 is for the person who wants an efficient The drop was designed by the legend, Jimmy These lightweight Sunglasses are killer for your you’re hooked! It occupies your thoughts night and day, and Is it blowing? Where? Did it blow yesterday? Will a wind pager drive me wave riding kiteboard. The board is designed with a Lewis. These boards have a concave bottom, round peeps. They even float for when you blow up on the very strong high density polyurethane foam core rails, and proportioned flex. The old school graphics water. The Polarized polycarbonate lenses provide when the wind is blowing, you can’t wait to get out and ride. crazy? How high does my blood pressure rise when in route to ride? Weather and a spruce stringer. The lamination is triple the with a painted stringer look clean and simple and 100% UVA and UVB protection and they come with Right!? Unfortunately the wind doesn’t always cooperate, so we conditions vary everywhere in the world, but if you pay attention you will begin strength of a normal surfboard. The fins that come the board can be ridden with sandals, footstraps or an adjustable strap, microfiber bag, and a solution have to figure out what to do until it blows again. We will bring boots. that repels water spots on the lenses. These glass- to notice what makes it blow in your area. It might be storm fronts, afternoon with the YT5's are pressure molded carbon fiber you “Skunked!?” each issue to give you ideas of things to do to and riders have the choice of FCS or Future Sizes: 130 x 39.4 cm and 136 x 30 cm es are excellent for all active water sports. thermals, or trade winds. How long does it take for a marine layer to burn off? help pass the time. So rather than stand around complaining, Systems. This is the same construction used on the Sizes: one size fits all big wave tow boards and is very durable. MSRP: $500 complete with LF Adjustable pads, make the most out of it! This issue features some practical Why does it blow from the northwest. What is the Pacific High? What is a straps, and handle. MSRP: $70 advice, but we will be throwing in some more exciting things to Sizes: 5’ TO 5’-6” Catalina Eddy or a Northeaster? How do the distance between the isobars influ- $450 Board and fins. www.seaspecs.com do as well. ence wind strength? MSRP: $680 POLY www.liquidforcekites.com $780 EPOXY Inspect your gear For starters go and buy a barometer. A barometer measures the barometric www. amundsoncustoms.com pressure. A fall or rise in barometric pressure means a weather change. Control Bar Typically when barometric pressure falls, winds increase, the larger the drop the ■ The grip tends to take abuse. Athletic tape works well to wrap it up. stronger the wind. If you live by the ocean you will notice that the barometer ■ If your chicken loop has a quick-release, make sure it is seated doesn’t move that much, maybe 1-2 points, where as inland the pressures can firmly and releases properly. change much more. The point is to understand how these changes in pressure ■ Check the line that runs through your bar. It gets worn eventually because of the constant friction and your full weight on it, so affect the winds. replace it before it might break. Before iwindsurf.com/ ikitesurf.com you needed to be much more aware of the Lines conditions, but today you can set your pager or phone to go off at predetermined ■ Inspect the knots and larks head loops on both ends for abrasion. speeds. However, there comes a point when too much information becomes SPEEDMATE NSI LITEWAVE ■ Inspect the entire length of the lines for abrasion. Common areas confusing. Try to relax. Maybe you don’t need to go to the “windiest” spot that WW-1 Weather Watch Pro Pro Tech Helmets Litewave Pro Straps and pads of wear are close to your bar where your board edge rubs (especially for snowkiting with sharp board edges), where your lines paged you to have a great day. Weather is not a mystery, be observant and dis- The Weather Watch Pro is a complete weather sta- Two styles available – the Ace Wake has a high The Pro Strap is constructed with a tennis-shoe- cross during spinning tricks, where your leash or stopper attaches cover the patterns that make it blow in your area. tion on your wrist or can be worn around your neck. density injection molded shell. The '04 helmets have style material and features include double overlock and close to the kite where the lines rub on the ground. Replace The Swiss-made impeller helps determine the cur- been redesigned with an interior fit system, rear 2" velcro closures with integrated pull tabs and them before they break under load. rent, average, and maximum wind speed. One of head lock fit system and removable cupping ear hardware covers that also have tabs for easy Kite the impeller fins is magnetized and highlighted in guards with water channels. The Ace Water has a access. The brushed surface is designed to provide Check List green and serves as a compass, which allows you high density injection molded shell with new interior maximum traction. ■ Inspect the canopy. It helps to hold the kite up with a light source to mechanically determine wind direction. The dis- fit system. Both models offer ultra-light protection Sizes: one size fits all behind it, in order to easily spot tears or small pinholes. 1. Check all your local TV stations in the morning and night to see wind play is backlit and the unit is water resistant. and are certified to CE EN 1385 water sports safety standard. Both models come in: Red, Yellow, Blue, MSRP: $75 / set ■ Inspect the struts. The leading edge and tips can receive a lot of direction and velocity and make a mental note of the cloud conditions. Sizes: one size fits all Is it sunny, foggy with clearing, raining? Is the barometric pressure Silver, Rubber Black. The Ace Water is also avail- abrasion from sliding around before and after launching. MSRP: $150 able in White. rising or falling? Boost footstrap ■ Inspect the stitching. Look for broken stitches or spots where the www.speedtech.com 2. Get a barometer and watch it daily. Note the patterns when it blows. Sizes: S, M, L, XL stitching has pulled and stretched large holes in the fabric. This is a lightweight version of the Pro Strap, and is 3. Get a weather radio (Radio Shack has cheap ones), they will give you MSRP: Ace Wake $60 built with the same tennis-shoe-style material. The Board current weather, wind speeds and a forecast for your area. Ace Water $40 Boost is only adjustable by screw driver. ■ Check for loose screws on your bindings, fins and grab handle. 4. Get a good wind gauge so you know what is the actual wind speed. www.nsipadz.com Sizes: one size fits all ■ Check for damage to the board and seal any damaged areas 5. Get a good pair of binoculars. Look for whitecaps, wind lines, low clouds. MSRP: $36 / set with epoxy. Next time you are at a spot waiting for the wind to come up watch for www.litewavedesigns.com the signs! 28 Because this is our first issue, we did not have a bunch of letters to choose from. We ended up going to our website and pulling some of the feedback we received from our online contest and free trip give away. We have not yet ended the free trip give-away and Tips from an O.G. Letters want to encourage you to enter. Please feel free to send any questions or concerns to By Jeff Pfeffer [email protected]. You might just see it printed in our next magazine. Name: Skip Wunderlich Age: 38 ■ More Girls! ■ Celebrate Diversity We just started a new section called tips from an O.G. Street Name: “the ferret” which focuses on a non pro rider who rips. From the feed- Dear Editor: Dear Editor: back we are getting, we will start to incorporate more aver- Roots: Chronic skating and surfing since the days of clay Please do a story on girls in the sport (there's not I want to see DIVERSITY! The other kite magazines are age Joe and Jane riders in the mag. Our Send It section is wheels and single fins enough!)--I can help you out with that. Besides being a 100% focused on current trends. Pulley bars and handle for everyone to send in their best shots of their local spot Hood: North Shore, Oahu passionate kiteboarder since 2002, I am a sales rep for passes are cool, but there are a lot of other great styles no matter their skill level. – Ed. KiteChicks, who make clothing for on and off the water out there too. There are also a lot of different things Affiliations: OffDaLip.com, Gaastra, Kaenon, FCS, Low Pressure Hawaii, for girls in kiting (like long boardpants and rash vests). We going on with kites on the snow--much more than just ■ really have the corporate mission to encourage women in sliders, kickers and jumps. There are people using kites Attention Deficit Kiteboarder System: Gaastra Stealth for serious adventure. Several different expeditions have the sport and organizing lots of special activities around Dear Editor: used kites to travel to the South Pole. Others have used Ride: Homegrown 4’6" x 14.3" mutant 4 fin. the world--especially for women. Here is our website if kites instead of dog sleds to travel into remote parts of What do I want to see? Well, pictures work the best for Claim: Survived sailing from Guam through Indonesia with you would like to get a first impression for yourself: Baffin Island to score some historic first descents on me--easy to look at and entertaining. I guess you can’t www.kitechicks.com. If you'd like more personal info you insane peaks. A family did a crossing of the Greenland have a magazine full of pictures, so you need to make crazy captain Jimmy Hall who spends every chance he gets can surely email call. Good luck with the mag! Ice Cap, and used kites and skis for about 35% of the the articles readable. I don’t usually even read them even swimming with giant sharks and paragliding off volcanoes Photos: Jeff Pfeffer Aloha Nouwen Faska, Netherlands travel. The list goes on and on. Kites are amazing. Yes, though I write for the Australian Kiteboarder magazine Shout: Keep an open mind and be humble. dudes with tattoos are ripping, but moms, dads and kids each issue. I think that the articles could be more inter- Our goal is to promote more women in the sport and to are also out there on water, snow and land, and they're esting to get mine and others attention. They shouldn’t Skip’s Wave Riding Tips help motivate more women to get into the sport. We need having just as much fun as everyone else. Yep, a kiteloop be long at all. They should just tell people what they your help. We need all the women in our sport to get in gone wrong can really whoop your ass, but 70 below want to hear and that’s it. That’s what some of the Starting Out – Wave riding is all about flow. If you're just learning, all you need Hitting the Lip – Be ready to turn your kite back toward shore before you hit front of the cameras and send us riding photos. They are in zero at the South Pole can whoop you, too. And of Melbourne groms here think to. If we see an article that’s is a knee high wave. Try to find a little spot with no one else around away from the lip--a little sooner than you think. It’s good to keep the kite ahead of you course it's not just about who's the most bad-ass, it's short supply. Please keep us informed of any upcoming too long like the travel stories in Australian Kiteboarder other kiters, surfers and swimmers. and not let it get too high before you turn it back. This will help prevent you events. – Ed. just as much about who's having the most fun. There's from bogging out or getting blown out the back of the wave. much more going on than just handle passes, and I think Magazine that are like three pages long about what peo- Learning Rotation – When you do progress to your local hot wave spot, try to a lot of people would be stoked to read about it all. ple did each day, I don’t even bother looking at it. I just take your turn in the wave riding rotation. This mean that on the way back out you Linking Turns – Don't worry about getting a little slack in your lines. Keep your want to hear the highlights like how smashed they got at ■ No Trustafarian Attitude Berry Spencer, Hood River go around the lineup, not through it--even if this means going downwind a little. flow and try to link your turns into one fluid ride. Think of it like surfing. If you night and some kiting they did. When they crap on about Dear Editor: Bottom Turning – Set up your first turn by fading deep into the peak with your develop a smooth style, the radical moves will follow. Wow! We had to print this because you are speaking the the wind speed and the wind direction, it just sucks. kite low while reading the wave and moving slow. Drop into the wave then I would like to see more stories that cater to the 25 and truth. We would love to have you help us out. There are a Why would I care about what direction it was blowing in crank your kite back and roll into a smooth carving bottom turn. older crowd. We are the ones that actually make a liv- lot of insane dimensions to this sport. Our biggest chal- Barbados on the 6th of May 2003? I wasn’t there? Pretty ing to afford kite gear. We don’t want to read about lenge is finding qualified people who are interested in help- long opinion, but I hope it helps. snot nosed, trust fund babies that cop attitudes and ing. Give us an email and lets do a story on this. Please Michael Norton, Queensland, Australia have no regard for sailing etiquette, surfing etiquette or continue to send us your ideas. – Ed. plain people etiquette in general. Thanks for your response Norts! Also, thanks for helping out with our first feature on Australia. Yep…we ran six pages on Donna Green, CA ■ Local Heroes your little travel gig. We know that many people can’t relate Dear Editor: We couldn’t agree more and hope you enjoy this first issue. to sliders and kickers like the younger groms do just like we Our goal is to tailor our editorial to the average Joe or Jane I want to see more local riders killing it! A story of pros know that you might not relate to gear, weather and travel kiteboarder and help them become better riders. Please going to places that we normal humans can also go is articles like some of the older readers. Our goal is to make email us any editorial suggestions. – Ed. hard to relate to. I kite right in Boston Harbor. When I this magazine so that everyone gets a little something out of see stories of some group of pros killing it in some crazy it. Hopefully you will find something in it worth reading— place like Madagascar, I am never going to go there. even if it is about you and your buddies. – Ed. Miguel Roque, MA

Video Review By James Brown Kiteboarding 201 Dream Rating: $$$$$ Rating: $$$$$

If you want to impress your friends, go buy this video, Once you get past the ‘romance novel’ DVD cover, you use your rewind and slow-motion buttons then go out will be treated to a look at the lifestyle of world champi- and start ripping. Shannon Best explains each move in on Martin Vari. They don’t waste any time getting to sick easy to understand terms and breaks them down step- riding from trips and contests around the globe. by-step. They cover the hottest moves like multiple rota- Highlights include a cliff drop, jibbing a rock overhang tions, board-offs, unhooked moves, riding blind, handle and all the latest moves like kite loops, handle passes passes and kite loops. You can watch in split screen mode or full screen which and sliders. A brief history of the early days of kiteboarding in Maui is comple- is a nice feature. Split screen shows video clips of the moves being performed mented by some classic footage and interviews with Martin and his friends add by various riders on the left while Shannon explains the moves and shows you some flavor. It also features riding by Jaime Herraiz, Will James, Jeff Tobias and body position on the right. Full screen shows the example clips while you listen Andre Phillip among others. Bonus tracks include Martin’s birthday party, a slide to Shannon’s explanations in the audio track. show, Brazil footage, an extended version of the early days and the general It comes in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. mayhem that goes hand-in-hand with the kiteboarding lifestyle. Order online at www.tronolone.com or pick it up at your local kiteboard shop. Send It

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1. Jaime Herraiz says ouch! 15. Top Hat, Kenji and Riccitelli 2. Joe Bidawid, Lou Wainman and Neil Hutchinson 16. Hamish Macdonald wakes up. 3. Pacific Coast Highway 17. West Side, Maui 9 10 4. Martin Vari and Jeff Tobias harassing a grom. 18. Nina Johansson 5. Marigold Zoll 19. Woody Harrelson, Bill Maher and Shanti Berg 6. John Amundson’s wins in Japan 20. Karen in the Dominican Republic 7. Elliot Leboe, Mauricio Abreu and “Jaywatch” Sniffen 21. Chris Tronolone 8. Florida Left Coast Groms 22. Who whiffed one? 9. Ventura, C Street Locals 23. Will someone teach me to kiteboard? 10. Xrated Kiteboarding Women Teamriders 24. Hamish Macdonald Dockslide. 11. John Doyle in Texas Send in your best kiteboarding photos: riding, lifestyle or 12. Sea of Kites, Oahu whatever. The best shot wins a free “The Kiteboarder 13. Dave Burden Kiteboarding in Croatia Magazine” T-Shirt. Don’t forget to send us your caption. 12 13 14. Martin Vari showing his feminine side. [email protected] 23 24 Close-Up Jason “Slezy J” Slezak by James Brown Close-Up Sonja Fischli by Jody Talifero Slezak Style VITALS Fischli Charges It VITALS Jason Slezak, better known as Height: 5’5 Weight: Just under 200 lbs. If this is the first time you’ve Age: 30 Weight: Light enough to jump high “Slezy J” is one of the more Stance: Goofy Years Kiting: 4 seen or heard of Sonja Fischli, Height: 5’5 Stance: Goofy stylish riders on the water. Clocking many don’t worry, because it’s not the last. Local spot: Cape Hatteras, NC Years Kiting: 3 Local spot: Dominican Republic hours on the hill as a snowboarder gave him One look at the photo below and you can and Florida the skills to rise up in the kiteboarding world. Favorite Spots: The Slick and slider park here at home see why... this woman is not afraid to Favorite Spots: Florida Keys, Brazil Jason has never really cared about competition Favorite Conditions: Flat, flat, flat water! CHARGE...and we’re not talking about using results and he is at his best when you see him Photo Ryan Riccitelli her credit card at the local mall. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Favorite Conditions: Flat water and waves ride during a soul session or travel trip. No matter what kiteboard, Favorite Moves: At the present time, I am into anything landing blind and unhooked Where did you start kiteboarding and why? Cabarete in the summer of 2001 because Favorite Moves: Jumps out of blind, blind rewind kiteloop skateboard or snowboard he rides, he’s always smiling and having fun. I was tired of windsurfing. Sponsors: Real Kiteboarding, Liquid Force Kites and Boards, Sponsors: Cabrinha Kiteboarding, Hana Crew Kiteboards, Where did you start kiteboarding and why? I started at Dakine and 12 Influences? The Cabarete locals www.ozonetravel.com Cape Hatteras in the fall of 1999 because after seeing a Music? Manna, Chill Out short promo video of Lou Wainman and Elliot Leboe just going huge, I was hooked... I had not even ridden and I What sets you apart from other kiters? Nothing, I am like everyone out there. was hooked! Who do you like to ride with? Chuck and Hamish McDonald Influences? My two younger brothers, my family, friends, Who do you think rips and why? Shannon Best, because he keeps up with the young and music. riders Music? Hip Hop. What do you do off the water to help you on the water? Work on my set-up What sets you apart from other kiters? My hair. Views on contests: Good to promote the sport and fun to see all the other riders Who do you like to ride with? Sam Bell, Moehau Goold, Views on the industry: Should work more together and not against Andre Phillip, Jeff Tobias and Ben Wilson. What do you like best about kiting? Who do you think rips and why? All of the crew above To feel the power of the kite and have fun out there with friends rip... because on and off the water they know how to HAVE FUN! What is in your future? Go to Brazil. Work on handle passes. What skills are you working on right now? Kickers, Biggest challenges? Getting my boyfriend to come to Brazil. sliders, everything unhooked, waves and style... Memorable moments? My first trip to Brazil with Jeff, Kim and Alex. Florida in the fall What do you do off the water to help you on the of 2003 with hurricane swell, where Hamish and I went for it. Islamorada contest when I water? Build sliders. split my kite into two pieces after competing for 30 seconds. Views on contests: They need to consist of less drama Do you have a training schedule? The wind gives me the schedule. and more fun. Jason Slezak plays with fire. Photo Greg Gnecco, realkiteboarding.com How often do you get to ride? As often as it’s windy and not too cold. Views on the industry: It would be nice if everyone could What other sports do you, or did you do? Snowboarding stop bitching for a little while and focus on making good quality products. Biggest challenges? I try to keep kiting simple, fun and alive rather than teched Who would you like to thank or give props to? My boyfriend Chuck, he joins me wherever the wind takes us. What is in your future? I hope to continue traveling, riding, out and dead. and having fun with my friends until the end of time. Memorable moments? I was lucky enough to spend this past winter kiting in Where do you see the sport heading? Growing and growing Puerto Rico with my late, great friend, Matt “M2” Raincock. Final comments? The staff of The Kiteboarder Magazine are doing lots of good stuff for Do you have a training schedule? If it’s windy I ride, if not I find something the sport. GEARGEAR SET-UPSET-UP else to do, every day, 12 months a year. Board: Liquid Force 136 Drop What other sports do you, or did you do? Snowboarding, surfing, skating, and wakeboarding. Kite: Liquid Force Spectrum GEARGEAR SET-UPSET-UP Who would you like to thank or give props to? Moe and Dre, for making kit- Bar: Liquid Force stock bar Board: Hana Crew Matrix 120cm ing look so damn good. Asa at Liquid Force, for all the gear, and Matt Nuzzo & Lines: 27m Trip Forman from Real Kiteboarding for having the vision. Kite: Cabrinha Nitro Helmet: Capix Where do you see the sport heading? Downwind. Bar: Cabrinha Powerlock Bindings: Liquid Force Strap Suctions or Ultra Suctions Final comments? When it comes to kiteboarding and kiteboarding gear, I will Lines: Shorter lines for wave riding Harness: The sickest one (LF) steal a quote from the late M2... “Mo simple, mo better” We miss you M2! Fins: Rainbow - Hana Crew Model Sonia has always been know for jumping HUGE. Photo Ray Klutz

1. When learning a move, commit to trying it ten times during a session. 3. When riding blind, remember to keep your eyes on the horizon and not on 1. As you start doing moves try to practice the tricks in both 4. Be familiar with your safety system and ensure that it is working correctly. your feet. directions. You will improve much quicker. 2. When picking a kite for a session, don’t pick the kite that makes 4. Try riding 20 meter lines in the surf. 2. Hang a bar on a tree and practice moves with it before you try 5. Don’t forget to have fun. It’s not about trying to impress others by doing you completely overpowered. It is easier to learn with a properly 5. Widen your stance and see if it helps you grab and land more easily. them on the water. crazy stuff. powered kite. 3. Adjust your set up to make it work for your size and your style. 6. Check out the website www.kitechicks.com. It’s by girls, for girls. 34 Pro Tips Pro Tips 35 Thanks to all the sponsors who helped support the 2004 Velocity Games. Photo Brad Lange

Day One: Free Ride The sessions were insane that day with 25+ winds complete with kickers and sliders. Many of pros were going off while oth- It isn’t Just about a Competition: ers were being strategic and saving it. Toward the end of the day, as the light got good, some cameras came out and of course the action stepped up. Andre Phillip blew everyone away with his powered, grabbed KGB with a kiteloop. This was the best free-ride session of the event with everyone on the water Velocity Games pushing each other. Damien Leroy has some smooth moves Photo Mike Ellis 2004 By Brad Lange The 2004 Velocity Games was packed with sun, fun, music, skating, food, and most importantly, plenty of wind. The gulf winds were cranking in Corpus and we were pretty amped to see all of the top pros go off on small kites. We rolled up just in time for the end of the riders meeting. Martin Vari, Andre Phillip, Jaime Herraiz, Sheldon Plentovich, and the rest of the who’s who of kiteboarding were all in attendance waiting to unleash their new moves.

The first day was one of the sickest Sky Solbach tweaks a roast beef grab. Sonia Fischli sends it bigger than freeride sessions of the event. Photo Brad Lange most men. Photo Brad Lange Photo Mike Ellis

2003 men’s pro winner Andre Phillip blew minds during the free ride sessions. Day Two and Three: Battleground Photo Brad Lange Competitors battled it out heat after heat over the next few days. Jaime Herraiz and Aaron Hadlow were doing some nice “both hands on the same side of the bar” unhooked, mental kiteloops, with raleys and S-bends. The kiteloop handlepass was one of the hottest new tricks on the market. Shannon Best was throwing textbook slim chances in both directions. This was a sure sign that the level in kiteboarding is still pro- gressing and it doesn’t show signs of stopping.

Jason Slezak grinds the half pipe. Photo Brad Lange

Shannon Best placed second with his textbook slim chances. Photo Mike Ellis

Kevin “Top Hat” Senn makes sure the rails are up to Texas standards. Photo Mike Ellis

36 Young gun, Aaron Hadlow’s bag of new school tricks earned him the win. Photo Mike Ellis

The Final Over the four days of the event there was plenty to keep everyone enter- tained, including bands, vendors, a half pipe and the beach scene. The BBQ brisket tacos from the old school Winnebago family helped fuel many of the riders to new heights. The men and women, amateur and pro heats were run continuously until the final showdown. Sheldon Plentovich, Julie Simsar and Sonia Fischli had the crowd on their feet. Fischli’s huge kiteloops showed tremendous heart and commitment. However, Plentovich’s consistency and smooth style earned her the win. The Men’s pro final also went off. Shannon Best, Aaron Hadlow and Dave Tyburski went head to head while the crowd watched with anticipation. Young gun, Aaron Hadlow edged out the older pros with insane, grabbed, handlepass kiteloops representing it for the future groms of the sport.

Jaime Herraiz – 4th, Aaron Hadlow – 1st, Dave Tyburski – 3rd and Shannon best – 2nd accept their checks. Photo Brad Lange

US Open Kiteboarding Championship Results

Mens Pro Kite

Jason Stone grabs a session after three 1st Aaron Hadlow days of building the kicker and slider 17 year old Dennis Vassellnine Photo Brad Lange 2nd Shannon Best stepping it up. Photo Brad Lange

Jaime Herraiz gets inverted. 3rd Dave Tyburski Photo Mike Ellis Sickest Trick Aaron Hadlow Women Pro Kite 1st Sheldon Plentovich 2nd Julie Simsar

Jaime and Andre play Baywatch. Jason Slezak with his signature Indy air. 3rd Sonia Fischli Photo Mike Ellis Photo Brad Lange Outlaw Reflection Davey Blair The 2004 Velocity Games was your typical event — no event is perfect. As Juniors I drove away I began to think about the bigger picture of riders coming 1st Sam Medysky - Canada together from around the world and pushing the progression of the sport. Many spectators were able to capture a glimpse of the adrenalin and 2nd John - Brazil extreme nature of kiteboarding. The women’s heats showed that kiteboard- 3rd Gunner - Florida ing isn’t just about the boys and the younger groms stepped it up and are now dominating the sport. With that thought, a big smile crossed my face, Eddie Hall - South Padre, TX because it showed me that kiteboarding’s future is only going to get better. Road Tripping the South Coast of Australia

Andre Phillip shows some Antigua style with Andre Phillip off the coast of South Australia. Words: Hudson Godfrey-Smith Photos: Luke Anear

I never imagined that I would end up spending two weeks road tripping and hitting the best spots between Sydney and Melbourne with Andre Phillip, the PKRA’s number two rider!

40 41 Nort’s throws down a textbook unhooked roll to blind.

Andre gouges a Newcastle section.

Andre flew all the way from Antigua to blow up the Australian kiteboarding scene and show us how ridiculously versatile kiteboarding can be. From strapless wave riding, powered wake style to hitting rails, Andre showed us where the sport is heading and pushed our riding to new levels. Despite the almost unbelievable power and energy of his style, Andre was one of the most chilled and relaxed guys off the water. His attitude was positive and it was no surprise that he was stoked to be riding in Oz.

Departure Newcastle and Caves Beach We started the trip in Sydney with Andre, Michael The forecast failed to deliver for us at Fingal Bay, Norton (a.k.a. Norts) and myself packed into the but Newcastle was better and Caves Beach provid- Tawoon Bay Dream Session previous few days to a solid 4 to 6 foot. The sun was out with the hot NE winds blowing well over Cabrinha van with more kites, boards and other ed some sweet little 2-3 foot waves with about 12- 20 knots and we were treated to some great side-off wave riding on 10 and 8.5 kites. Norts and One of the best days of the trip followed at Tawoon Bay, toys than you could poke a stick at. Our options 15 knots cross shore. Andre was out first on his Andre were having a dream session because the lefts were their natural surfing direction. near Gosford. Rated by Andre as one of the sickest spots were endless and with a few days to kill before the surfboard, no straps and unhooked, he was oozing he’s seen for kiting, this place shines when the wind is photographers arrived, we decided to head up with style as he slashed the small waves effortless- SE and the swell is up. We started in the light wind north from the ‘big smoke’ to Fingal Bay, ly. Norts and I took a more conventional approach, Merimbula Rail Session again with surfboards cruising in and out of the 3 foot Newcastle and The Entrance in search of the best wake styling in the flats and using the waves as a point break. By late afternoon we were powered up on Still buzzing from the session, we drove straight from Green Island Point to Merimbula. We had riding this part of the country had to offer. kicker for extra pop into back mobes, front mobes, 14’s and 12’s and Andre was firing. The predictability of last been in Merimbula in November for the annual Mambo event and had built a huge rail, more and flat 3’s. the point break, the long flat water section leading up to the waves and the deep water in the channel downwind made the setup perfect for hitting the ramps and launch- Andre in the middle of one of his ing into his arsenal of ridiculous mute grab mobes and classic unhooked S-bends. off-axis 360 handle passes. It was great just to watch, but on the water there was a definite energy you don’t feel every day and everyone was going for it. There is something about Andre’s riding that is tough to describe. It’s probably a combination of his smooth, casual style and his explosive power in every trick while his kite is at 45 degrees or lower. I guess it’s pretty obvious from his riding that this is the way the sport is heading for the top riders. This only pushed me and Norts to follow suit.

Back to Sydney After a cold windy onshore day at Long Reef, we went back to Sydney where we met up with the photographers and headed south towards Melbourne, stopping a few hours later at Green Island Point. The swell had risen the Southwest Australia has dozens Nort’s rips on a skatey as well. of open spots like this to ride. Andre sessions the Merimbula rail. few and far between. We ended up riding every day until Andre had to leave. Our travels together took us along the south coast from Sydney and fortunately we were able to enjoy a variety of conditions including: The Down Low insane wave action, awesome flat water sessions, killer rail sessions and on Down Under everything in between. Norts was enjoying every minute of having Andre over and summed up the trip best, “Spending time with Andre Phillip in Check out www.travelmate.com.au for all travel and accommodation Australia was definitely one of the best few weeks of my life. Not only inquiries throughout Australia. was he an influence on the water, but off the water he was every bit as fun to hang out with. His unhooked moves are so technical, yet executed Location: Fingal Bay Best Season: November-March with such style and ease It’s no wonder he’s among the best in the Best Direction: NE world.” Type of Riding: Insane glassy riding behind the sand spit with waves coming through the bay from the south which are side shore further down the bay. Level: Advanced riding when the waves are big, yet safe for all levels most of the time. Thanks to Cabrinha for making it possible, photographer Luke Anear, video Weather Check: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/ Accommodations: Fingal Bay Hotel, Fingal Bay Caravan Park guru Warren Melling, Norts’ parents for letting him come, Stuie and Emma for putting us up in Newcastle, the SHQ boys for the barbie at Kitebeach, and Location: Newcastle all the Melbourne crew for the stoke. Best Season: Australian Summer is best, November-April (You can still kite in Winter in Lake Macquarie) Best Direction: NE, SE, W, SW Type of Riding: Waves at the ocean beaches, flat water in the lake. Level: Beginner to advanced Weather Check: (Websites) http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/ Accommodations: The local area has tons of places to stay. than 3.5 feet high and about 15 feet long, at Short The next day the wind was the same as the preced- Tips: Wear a leash at any local beaches and stay away from the red and yellow flagged Melbourne Sessions areas. Point lagoon. We slept like babies that night and ing day. Norts had taken a page from Andre’s book The rail session with Andre was insane but it was woke up the next morning with the same NE wind in the previous two weeks, pulling fast, powered Location: The Entrance from the day before, already filled in at 20 to 25 time to move on to Melbourne. The Surf back-to-blinds and making a couple front-mobes. Best Season: November to April knots. Headquarters (SHQ ) crew down there had sorted Some of the local guys were throwing high, boosting Best Direction: SE and NE out a Beach Party at Kitebeach Brighton. We rolled handle passes and kiteloops in the strong, gusty Type of Riding: Waves After grabbing a quick “breakie” we headed to Short up in the “Arvo” just as the sea breeze was filling in Level: Intermediate to advanced wind and having a crack at some rails that were set Weather Check: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/ Point, not sure if the slider was still there or if the to a solid 20 knots. Surprisingly there weren’t a authorities had yanked it. Luckily we found it intact, up. Andre schooled everyone by hitting the three Accommodations: The local area has tons of places to stay. whole lot of riders on the water, but I guess the rails lined up in a row, one after the other, as though Tips: Do not kite close to shore between the lifesaving flags. Wear a kite leash unless and were told that the council thought it was some in big surf. numbers were on the beach enjoying the beers and they were one long rail. kind of sand dredging apparatus. Andre quickly set beautiful women while waiting for Andre to hit the Location: Tawoon Bay out on a mission to do a blind handle pass on the water. As he rigged up and went out, the crowd fol- rail – hitting the up-ramp normal, sliding to front Best Season: November to April lowed to the edge of the beach to watch. Andre Never Ending Session Best Direction: SE side as he hit the top section and doing a handle blew everyone’s mind and the beach almost went Type of Riding: Glassy flat inside with waves breaking off the point on the outside. pass out before coming off the end and landing in silent as he threw down every trick in the book. After two weeks of solid riding, Andre, Norts and I Level: Intermediate to Advanced only 2 inches of water. He ended up nailing it twice decided to bail the rest of our travel plans and stay Weather Check: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/ with his kite low and the style and speed of a snow- Accommodations: Close to The Entrance there are tons of places to stay. in Melbourne to catch up on some much needed Tips: Very small bay, can only accommodate 5-6 riders at once, leash must be worn, boarder or skater hitting a rail. rest. The wind kept blowing and getting rest was on the weekend the lifeguards are out with the red and yellow flags so much of the flat section is off limits.

Location: Long Reef Best Season: Australian Summer and Nov to April Best Direction: S to SE Type of Riding: Waves Nort’s unhooked. Level: Intermediate to advanced Weather Check: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/ Accommodations: Sydney has tons of places to stay. Tips: Do not kite close to shore between the lifesaving flags, wear a kite leash unless in big surf.

Location: Sandy Point Best Season: Year around except Australian Fall. Best Direction: SE to SW Type of Riding: This is the place where Yellow Pages set the world speed record for a sail powered craft. It is really flat and gets nuclear windy. There are waves on the ocean side which can be great when the wind is SE. Level: Intermediate to Advanced (You should be confident of going upwind as there is no regular rescue service and the downwind side of the inlet is inaccessible wilderness.) Weather Check: www.bom.gov.au Someone lost the keys to the van. Accommodation: Sandy Point Caravan Park Tips: Park above the high tide mark otherwise your ride will get bogged when the tide comes in.

Location: Melbourne Best Season: October to March Best Direction: The summer seabreeze is S-SW and there are spots all up the bay from Frankston to Mentone to Brighton to St. Kilda. Type of Riding: Choppy water around the bay beaches, but nice and flat behind the piers at Brighton and St. Kilda--watch out for the boats though. Level: Beginner - Advanced Weather Check: http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/~awatkins/bay.html tells it like it is. Accommodations: Melbourne! It’s all about cafes, restaurants and nightclubs and of course there are never ending accommodation options. Tips: Check out www.traqua.com for more information. Hudson shows off his raley.

Hudson slugging gear to another flat water paradise. 44 45 In the early days you were quoted as saying you would never ride Name: Lou Wainman for a windsurfing company and then you ended up riding for Naish. Nickname: Bone head What changed your mind? Age: 29 Naish became a kiteboarding company. I guess I saw windsurfing compa- Years Kiting: 6 nies dying left and right which motivated me to look elsewhere for support Sponsors: Mom & Dad and ideas. Background: Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Influences: Smiles, wind, family, friends and Helene Wainman While riding for Naish you unleashed one of the first signature kite Most memorable session: Luckily, I have too many to list. lines in our industry, the virus and then you quit. What were the Nightmare session: Luckily none reasons for your departure? STATS Props: Positive people and the U.S.A I m just me - reasoning my own way every day. Looking back at things Underground: RED BULL that don t matter now is pointless. It is safe to say we were both right. In Words: What s up Fadi! the end it worked out. So, that s all that really matters. You have received a lot of bad press because you do not like to Ryan Riccitelli: You have been rumored to be extremely hard to work with. compete. Why don’t you like competition? Is this true? I found the competition scene stressful. I chose to spend my time thinking about the future. I am sure I would have won a few and lost a few too. I know Lou Wainman: Nice question! I work with myself all the time. It seems to be I made the right choice for me. If anybody has a problem with that, I have two extremely hard and long, so I would have to agree. Ha seriously, It is easy to work words for you and they are not Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas. with me. Just pay me a lot of money and get out of my way - easy. Is the rumor true that you are not into jumping and why? What do you think about the current state of kiteboarding and the industry that That is Not true. surrounds it? There is a state of kiteboarding? Cool! Where? Primarily older people run things in You were one of the first guys to ride a wakeboard behind a kite. our sport - just like everything else. Older people are pretty damn smart, so that s How did you put the two together? good I guess. The industry is growing fast. It s a huge drug and too much fun for one It made sense from my experience wakeboarding. man to have. Many of your powered handle passes that got no respect three and half The bio hazard symbol seems to be your signature, what kind of statement are years ago are now the trick of the month. How do you feel about this? you trying to make? I got the respect. I am lucky I had the opportunity. There are a lot of guys Be funny and be happy! who deserve a lot of credit - guys who paved the way for me, and if I was involved with paving the way for new guys, then I can say, alright! Cool! Lou and Elliot used to be synonymous in the early days of kiteboarding. What happened between you two and are you still friends? Is it true that you and Bertrand Fleury were the first guys to really Elliot and I are close friends. We still share the same goals. Together we achieved blow up the kite loop scene? our first, which was to share kiteboarding internationally. Bertrand Fleury was the first guy to do it right. Bertrand was one of the first guys to never quit when it hurt. He deserves a lot of credit for always Who were your first sponsors? pushing the limits further. He is proof our sport rocks. LouLou Wainman: Wainman: My family continued on next page Lou Wainman lands at Kite Beach, Maui a beach that he helped pioneer in 1997. Pioneer or Punk? Words: Ryan Riccitelli Photos: Erik Hedin Lou Wainman is arguably one of the most controversial riders in our sport. Over the last six years he

has pioneered much of the equipment and moves that have helped progress and evolve kiteboarding.

Some may call Lou a visionary dreamer while others may call him a punk with a bad attitude. Whatever

your opinion, no one can deny that kiteboarding would not be where it is today without his influence.

One thing you must respect about Lou is that he speaks his mind and loves to ride.

46 Lou destroys the face of wave at Lanes, Maui on only 90 cm board. What do you think about all the kids getting into the sport? It is awesome to witness. Weapons of Choice How do you feel about the current equipment that is being offered to the public? Board: It s at a point where you can see a difference between what works or works Jimmy Lewis better. That s a good thing. The important thing is that everyone keeps open eyes and ears and thinks for themselves. Even the smartest, most athletic per- Kite: son can be let down by some of the equipment sold, which is the sad but true Lou Wainman fact. You must be confident in yourself and your equipment. If you don t know what to expect, you can expect to get yourself in trouble. The rest is up to Bar: Mother Nature. Pulley bar with hockey tape.

Harness: “I chose to spend my time Waist thinking about the future.” Lines: Q-line Power-line Pro Is it true that you invented the pulley bar and Elliot Leboe invented the chicken loop? No, I did not invent the pulley bar, I just used it a lot. Yes, I remember Elliot Boots or straps: making a chicken loop bar in like 1998. To my knowledge he is the first. Straps and bicycle tube.

What do you think about riding in the waves? Fins: Yes please! Wave riding in any form is a true art. Depends What do you think about the crossover potential of the sport? At lightning speed unhooked, Lou throws some major toe side chunks. Nuts. You and Jimmy Lewis have a long history of developing boards together. What makes Jimmy better than any other shaper you have worked with? Jimmy is beyond genius. That is a scary fact if you read it twice. You and I That s the hard part to accept. It s his alone. After 5 years of trying like hell to will never understand his ability. Those who try are those who keep trying. understand it, my only explanation is this. Jimmy has the ability to shape what can only be described but never measured. It is an honor. What you don’t see is that Lou is 20 feet off the water. You recently got married. What do you think about the married life and will we be seeing any Lou juniors soon? Helene is my best friend. I love her so much. Growing together is an adventure. I feel so lucky. No Lou Juniors yet. Man, can you imagine! If your kids want to grow up to be pro kiteboarders, what will you tell them. I would tell them to bring all their friends too. Quit school when it s windy, party, drive fast, and be themselves. Rumor has it that you are developing your own kite line. How will yours be different than the rest? Super power! Where do you see the sport in two years? EVERYWHERE! What do you think about all the bans around the world and the few people who have died? It is very sad. We have to honor them and prevent further loss. If banning a spot occurs, deal with it correctly, and if all else fails, get your fix in Maui. Where will we see you next? Maui Are you still out to break the speed record and what are you plans for that? Going faster! How do you feel when people say you are one of the pioneers of our sport. I am just glad to be a part of it all. I don t like credit - just cash thank you. Why do you think so many people misunderstand your true intentions? If people don t understand me, great - cause they just keep on talking.

Underneath this serious face lies a heart of gold – be sure to say hello next time you cross paths. Lou acid drops off a section on one of his strapless surfboards. Photo: Ryan Riccitelli 49 Felix Pivec airs out of a reeling right hander off the coast of Hawaii. Hawaii, Photo Jeff Pfeffer

ExpExpExp ose ose ose d d d Hamish Macdonald expands the limits of gravity with one of his signature kite loops. British Virgin Islands, Photo xratedkiteboardng.com ExpExp ose ose d d

Sixteen year old Dillon Thompson makes a front side board slide look easy on a Hood River afternoon. Oregon, Photo Dan Gavere Real Kiteboarding’s slider park in Cape Hatteras is Jason’s Slezak’s afternoon playground. North Carolina, ExpExp ose ose d d Photo Greg Gnecco

Nina Johannson’s smile on the water emanates the true essence of what kiteboarding is all about. Hawaii, Photo Jeff Pfeffer ExpExp ose ose d d

Andre Phillip makes KGB’s look easy - he can even do them in both directions. Hawaii, Photo Mike Stephen

South Padre Island buttery slicks are Jaime Herraiz ollie air on a surfboard the perfect conditions for Damien Leroy expands the boundaries of kiteboarding. to practice riding blind. Texas, Photo David Sims Hawaii, Photo Jeff Pfeffer John Romais is frozen by a strobe in an after dark session in Texas. Texas, Photo Max Gonzales

Santa Cruz local, Bruce Eliashof, blasts a Waddell Creek section. California, Photo Paul Jav Imagine what the train engineer was thinking when he saw Gary Reed’s monster air. Oregon, Photo David Sims ExpExp ose ose d d

Andy Hurdman ignites the Florida sky with a huge cross bone air. Rachelle Farhni enjoys a sunset Florida, Photo Ryan Riccitelli soul session. Hawaii, Photo Jeff Pfeffer. Jeff Tobias and Bertrand Fleury greet the waves at dawn at Fire Coral Bay, St. Croix SecretSecret St.CroixSt.Croix SessionsSessions Words: Tonia Farman Photos: John Bilderback Mark Doyle hits a handle-pass 3 off the kicker.

seis cinco cuatro tres dos uno

If you listen closely, while he is on the water, rentals, 2 boats, killer beach waterfront, and thanks to the Slingshot Team, his own personal kicker on the reef in front of his place. Bill “ you can actually hear him chanting. and his lovely girlfriend, Isabelle, will give you the grand tour of the island for kiting (and gambling, if you ask.) Fortunately, we discov- ” ered early to avoid the casino after Tobias nearly cleaned out the ATM only to lose it all at the Roulette table. That was day one. The steady trade winds, waves, and flat water filled every daylight moment during our stay in St. Croix. Bill was chauffeur to the spots, including Coakley Bay, where the waves hit the reef perfectly to create a sweet little kicker that we hit over and over again. Just upwind, against an old Sugar Mill sitting on a cliff, Bertrand served up giant unhooked, tweaked raleys into 45-degree kite loops. Insanity. You can t help but drag your jaw when you watch Bertrand ride, and this was one of those moments.

Was that a double? Andy asked, his eyes huge and locked on Bertrand s every move. I couldn t answer. What makes Bertrand s kite loops so unique from any other is the Bertrand Fleury throws his signature velocity of his move. It s a whip, a snap so smooth and fast that you kite loop off a kicker at Coakley Bay. don t really know what just happened. He lands hot and accelerat- ed, but seamless. Andy looks at me just shaking his head. We re both enthralled by this spectacle, and delay our own time on the There are three things that I think every Tobias was fresh off the boat from a British Virgin Islands magazine trip, that water to watch. resulted in no wind and editors having to scrounge for photos. Ben left the mid- Mark Doyle, like Bertrand, was another phenomenon on this trip, kiteboarder should experience once in dle of the Australia summer for his first trip to the Caribbean. Mark Doyle had but in a completely different light. Mark Doyle (aka Dengue boy ) just spent three months in Venezuela and Brazil, blinded by a Brazilian love and is not normal. Anyone who has spent a week with Mark Doyle can their life: 1. Watch Bertrand Fleury ride. since forgot about kiting. All eyes were on Bertrand, however, after having signed understand. Doyle is a firecracker on and off the water. If you listen 2. Kite with Mark Doyle. 3. Look at two on with Slingshot just a week prior to the photoshoot. I had only seen him in photos closely, while he is on the water, you can actually hear him chanti- and video, and was anxious to get on the water with him and watch the guy rip. ng. It s in a language only he can understand, but it usually echoes, weeks of kiteboarding through the lens A Slingshot photoshoot is different from any other in that the media is not invit- leaving onlookers miffed. It also happens right before he is about to of John Bilderback. ed. Once word leaked about the location, my phone rang non-stop from various throw out a KGB or Slim, nearly always nailing it. Prayer, medita- media wanting to come hang out and cover it. With about 250 pounds of new tion, medication whatever. It works. Doyle threw plenty on this trip, which was pretty impressive considering his claims that his I had the opportunity to experience this trifecta during a recent product to test, and a pristine, secluded spot for testing, I wasn t about to let anyone get within 100 miles of us. It just so happens that we received 10 days kiting took a downturn after falling in love in Brazil. In fact, it was Slingshot photoshoot in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. In attendance were of perfect wind, perfect weather, and perfect light for John Bilderback to capture just the opposite. Slingshot Team riders Jeff Tobias, Mark Doyle, Ben Wilson, and Bertrand Fleury. it all from behind the lens. Looking for waves, we stumbled upon Fire Coral Bay or at least, Team Slaves consisted of myself, Andy Fisher, and photographer John that s what we aptly-named it. Bill s attempt to steer us away from Bilderback. Upon arrival, we met up with Bill Kraft, who runs Kite St. Croix. Bill is your man Mark Doyle, sightseeing the if you re planning a kiteboarding trip to the island — he hosts a kite school, Sugar Mill ruins in Coakley Bay. this dangerous spot fueled us even more to explore its potential. Ben lays it down at dawn.

We drove to the secluded spot just before dawn to a nice little left peeling off an and continued under hot sun until dusk, with some power-naps in- 80-foot cliff point. Unbeknownst to us, this left reef break peels into a shallow between. We did more than just kite and nap, but that s part of the bay blanketed with black, razor-sharp sea-urchins. Bertrand was the first victim, Slingshot trip that doesn t get out, unless, of course, you got to go on having to tip-toe through a jungle of urchins after crashing his kite. Shortly after, the trip yourself. Doyle took it up the rear after sitting down in the water, leaving both cheeks infested with the black needles. For more information on kiteboarding in St. Croix: So, as I mentioned earlier, Doyle sometimes chants in a language that only he www.kitestcroix.com and www.gotostcroix.com can understand. Well, imagine him screaming bloody murder in the same language, stomping his shorts off, and flailing around naked. A trip to the hospital and 40 codeine tablets later, Doyle rode home in the Slingshot van on all fours with his bareness up in the air. After a nurse told us that urine reduces the sting pain, Jeff and Ben tried to serve up the prescribed medication, but got shut down. Doyle spent the rest of the day giddy on codeine, and soaking in the kitchen sink full of hot water. After all that, it seemed impossible to expect Doyle to get back on the water. Once again, my doubts about Doyle shattered after watching the kid help build the kicker, then go out and hit it solo over and over again. Wind was light and only Doyle was out on a Fuel 17. The kicker sat in about 6 inches of water in a garden of — yes, sea urchins and reef. Doyle had never touched a kicker in his life and within 15 minutes was landing mobes and handle pass 360s one after another. Pain? What pain? Bill, Tobias, Ben, Bertrand, Andy, and I sat and watched as Doyle had the kicker and the camera all to himself. Our kiting tour of St. Croix finished with a 10-mile downwinder into the bay sur- rounding downtown Christiansted. Bill and JB followed in the boat as the six of us took off with the dolphins and octopi. The bay was a busy port with turquoise-green water and shallow reef all around. It was also home to a beach club with a perfect landing spot and a bar conveniently located just steps from the water. Whatever banana-smoothie cocktails we threw back were worth fork- ing out 7 bucks a pop. St. Croix blew all day and all night. It wasn t unusual to wake up wondering if the kite gear had blown off the deck overnight into the next bay. It was strange Mark Doyle entertains the crew. to think that one island away was not getting wind. Our sessions started at dawn Rider: Damien LeRoy, Sponsored by Cabrinha Indy to Blind Photos: Ryan Riccitelli Learning to land blind will add style to any of your tricks. Landing blind will feel more natural in one direction. Words: Damien Wright, Owner of www.eastcoastkiteboarding.com, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 1 Initiate this trick by stomping on your back foot and lifting with your front foot, allowing you to pop off the water. It helps to leave Sponsored by North Kites, and Hana Crew Kiteboards. your back hand off the bar for balance and to open up your torso away from the kite. 2 As you leave the water, pull your knees up towards your chest in order to gain more height. It may help to reach down for the grab and pull the board closer. 3 At the apex of the ollie, think about throwing your head over your back shoulder to initiate the spin to blind. Also, make sure your hand is on the opposite side of the bar so the kite doesn’t dive downward and end up in the drink.

4 Spot your landing. Keep your head up and look at the horizon. Think about keeping your weight on your front foot and keep edging away from the kite so you don t catch your downwind edge. 5 To turn back around, keep your weight on what is now your front foot while pushing your back foot around. It may help to ollie > > > slightly to release your fins from the water. Keep your weight centered and return to edging on your heelside edge.

PROGRESSION 1. S 2. E 3. Q 4. U 5. E 6. N 7. C 8. E 9. S

Ollie Indy 1 Begin by bearing off downwind and allow your self to accelerate. Once you have enough speed look for a little piece of chop to pop off. 2 Initiate the ollie by cutting away from the kite while at the same time weighting your back foot. It helps to leave your back hand off the bar for balance. 3 As you leave the water pull your knees up first then reach down for the grab. If you reach down for the grab first it may throw you off balance.

4 Once you grab the rail push both legs out straight. Keep a steady pull on your front hand to ride away with speed.

5 Spot your landing and keep your knees bent to absorb the landing. Return to your heel side edge and ride away clean.

> > > > Krypt This is another raley variation that is fairly easy to learn. You can learn this trick hooked in or unhooked for more style points. 4 As you feel yourself coming back down pull the bar to your trailing hip to land toeside. Spot your 1 With the kite at 45 degrees, unhook keeping your hands at the center of the bar. Bear off downwind to generate speed. It landing and don’t forget to bend at the knees. helps to keep your head and shoulders back, so the kite doesn t pull you forward at the waist. (This step is not shown) 5 Land with your weight centered and edge away from the kite on your toe side edge. Keep the kite 2 When you are ready to throw the raley, edge hard and cut away from at 45 degrees or lower to land with speed. the kite in a quick arcing motion. 3 As you pop off the water think about letting you body out, keeping your head and shoulders level with the water. Make sure you get enough pop to get the board higher than your head.

> > > PROGRESSION 1. S 2. E 3. Q 4. U 5. E 6. N 7. C 8. E 9. S

Tail Grab Raley This is a great way to add style to your repertoire. Before you go out and try to learn this 3 Once you leave the water think about bringing the board to your hand while reaching for the toeside move, make sure you have raleys down. grab. Keep your shoulders square to the water and remember to extend your body. 1 Start by bearing off downwind to generate a lot of speed. Be careful not to go downwind too 4 When you begin to feel gravity pulling you back, keep your eyes on the water and spot your landing.

much. 5 Land with speed and bend at the knees to absorb the landing. Return to your heelside edge and ride

2 As you get up to speed, edge hard away from the kite in a quick arcing motion. away, clean as a whistle.

> > > > Blind Judge SICKNESS! 1 Unhook with your hands close to the center of the bar and keep the kite at 45 degrees. 4 When you make the rotation, pull the bar towards your lower back and reach for the Bear off downwind and allow yourself to accelerate. grab with your free hand. Hold on tight and pray you make the rotation. 2 When you re ready to throw the move, think about boosting the biggest raley you can. 5 Once you make the pass keep your head turned toward what is now your front shoulder. Edge hard and cut away from the kite in a quick arcing motion. Keep your eyes on the water and spot your landing. 3 As you reach the apex of your raley, take your back hand off the bar and throw your 6 As you touch down keep your weight centered and bend at the knees. Ride away clean. head over your back shoulder. Your body will follow.

> > > PROGRESSION 1. S 2. E 3. Q 4. U 5. E 6. N 7. C 8. E 9. S

Slim Chance The Slim Chance is one of the harder handle pass moves. Learn it and make your friends 4 As you rotate your body, let go with your forward hand and reach for the grab on the feel worthless and weak. other side. Do it in a fast whipping motion and keep the bar close to your body. 1 Unhook. Keep your hands close to the center of the bar and send the kite upwards. 5 Make the grab and hang on. The kite may downloop and yank your arm. Don’t be a 2 Make sure it doesn’t pass 12:00, pop off the water and initiate an inverted front flip it puss. Hang on. helps to learn those first. 6 Spot your landing.

3 Throw your body into the inverted position in one powerful motion while at the same time 7 Land with your knees bent and return to your heel side edge. Ride back to the beach rotating away from the kite. Kick your legs out to get more lift. with a big stupid grin on your face and ask everyone if they saw it.

> > > ANALYZE THIS Analyze This...

SLINGSHOT www.sskiteboarding.com NORTH www.northkites.com SUREFIRE SPREADER BAR 5TH ELEMENT HOW IT WORKS: HOW IT WORKS: This new Safety System offers complete versatility. You can ride standard with unhooked capability, This system has two lines coming through the bar. One is the ordinary depower line that ends in or simply flip the shackle switch and ride shackled-in if you prefer. You can do spins in both directions the depower system and continues from there as the power frontline. The second is our safety and your leash will always spin with you. No more detangling yourself and your leash! Whichever frontline to which you attach your safety leash. When you release the safety mechanism, the bar style you ride, the harness hook release is the same 1-finger Hook Trigger Release. slips up along this line and completely depowers the kite. Safety should be simple, not complex. The fewer parts you have to deal with, the easier it is to make The center line creates a Triple V-Connection: about 13 meters below the kite. This Triple V- a quick decision in an emergency situation. This system gives the rider full kite-release control from Connection converts almost any conventional four line bar into the 5th Element Bar. The power any bar or kite. frontline splits into two frontlines that lead to the kite s right and left tips. SAFETY FEATURES: This line set offers a low-drag solution to maintaining kite shape stability. The 2005 North Kites will have a reinforced attachment point at the front tube and a line with a predetermined length to If you were reluctant to use a kite leash in the past, now you have no excuses because this bar Photo courtesy of Slingshot Kiteboarding attach the 5th Element Bar. This system allows you to use different kite sizes with the same bar allows you to use a leash without any hassles. The Hook Trigger release gives you a secondary without making further adjustments. Another advantage is easier relaunch ability: pull on the cen- release in addition to the quick release on your chicken loop or static harness line. Another quick terline and on one outside/back line, and the kite rolls over for a no swim launch. release it incorporated into the leash for complete separation from your gear. SAFETY FEATURES: TIPS: from Neil Hutchinson The Element line set permits anyone, from novice to pro, to easily and conveniently use a kite leash. 1. Always keep it clean, and inspect parts for wear. The leash can be short and inconspicuous, or it can be a long handle-pass leash like the pros use. 2. Make damn sure you understand all the features of this spreader bar. In either case, releasing the chicken loop quick-release while leashed-in causes the kite to depower immediately and totally. As soon as you pull the Quick Release or let go of the bar it slips up the 3. Practice releasing the system a few times so that you are comfortable with how it operates. safety line. The kite is then completely depowered and comes down without twisting the lines.

TIPS: from Ken Winner 1. Make sure that your lines are properly attached and not tangled or overly twisted. Be sure you know how to use the safety line properly. CABRINHA www.cabrinhakites.com 2. If you need to kill the kite reach up over the control bar and quickly haul in 10 or 15 feet of safety line. Practice doing this in moderate winds, so when you need it you have confidence it will work. Do it quickly to insure the kite totally depowers. CONTRA 3. When relaunching, don’t flip the kite onto its back. Instead, reach above the control bar and pull on the safety line enough to tip the kite back a little, while also pulling on one of the back lines. HOW IT WORKS: The Contra was developed specifically to produce power in light wind. This kite uses three design Photos courtesy of North Kites concepts, PRO SPAN , SPAN LIMITER BRIDLE , and REDUCED DIAMETER LE . In simple terms: PRO SPAN is a flatter arc profile. MARTIN TECHNOLOGIES www.martintechnologies.com SPAN LIMITER BRIDLE is two lines forming an X bridle that attaches to the leading edge of the kite. REDUCED DIAMETER LE is a smaller leading edge, making less drag and a faster kite. M1 Adjustments: The X bridle is adjustable with three adjuster knots for more or less power. Increasing the arc HOW IT WORKS: creates a flatter foil, thereby increasing power and lift. To get more high-end range out of the A new board strap designed with a knob for on the fly adjustment. To adjust the strap twist the CONTRA decrease the arc, thereby decreasing the projected area making your 23.5m like a 20m. knob counter clockwise to loosen and clockwise to tighten. The strap is asymmetrical and comfy. These adjustments can easily be made when the kite is parked on the beach. The adjustment knob is easy to turn with a 3:1 gear ratio. Let your bro s or broette s try your board, Sizes: 23.5, 19.5, 16.5 meters. loosen it for booties, or tighten them for bare feet. It will fit any standard footstrap configuration, and with a few modifications will fit on most footplate style bindings. SAFETY FEATURES: SAFETY FEATURES: The Contra uses the standard Recon Equipped Control System . Can easily be adjusted on the beach or in the water quickly and with one hand. Photo courtesy of Cabrinha Kites TIPS: from Kent Marinkovic Allows rider to adjust the strap tension to comfortable and secure position. 1. When adjusting the X be sure to check all connection points to insure you are on the same knots. Photo courtesy of Martin Technologies TIPS: from Ray Kasper 2. Pump it hard! 1. Stand on your board in the sand and adjust to a tightness you are comfortable with. 3. Keep wing tips free of sand. Occasionally rinse them with fresh water. 2. Wash with fresh water when you get a chance. 3. Don t be afraid to crank them down, many of the best tricks happen by accident.

74 75 WorkbenchWorkbench

Problem: You have a knot in your line.

Solution: Soak the line in water and tap it lightly. This will loosen the fibers which helps loosen the knot. Chewing on them sometimes works, but be careful not to damage the line fibers. Once you com- press the knot, you can carefully work on it with your teeth or fingernails. Try to stay away from pliers or pins. They often tear the line fibers thus weakening the line. Knots will eventually cause the line to break. If you can t get the knot out, switch the knotted line to your back line if it is not already there.

Problem: You have a slippery grip on your control bar.

Solution: Go to the local sporting goods store and buy standard hockey tape (a.k.a. athletic tape). Take off your harness line and wrap the bar with the tape. If you really want to get fancy, buy a roll of red tape and black tape. Wrap half of your bar in black tape and half in red. Make sure the red is con- sistent with your red fly lines. This will help you avoid grabbing the wrong side of the bar when spinning your bar.

Problem: You sometimes attach your lines backwards.

Solution: If you don t have one of the new fail-proof line attachment systems. Go to the hardware store and buy some black electrical tape. Wrap the pig tailed ends of your BACK lines with black tape. When hooking up your lines, always remember, Black is Back.

Problem: You lose a screw on a foot strap or binding.

Solution: Unscrew one of the remaining screws on your board and take it to your local hardware store. Find the stainless steel screw section and match it up with the one you took off your board. While you are there, buy a few extras and keep them in your glove box in case you lose any in the future. You might also be able to temporarily use one of the screws from your grab handle if the length and threads match.

Problem: A seam on your bladder is leaking. Solution: Take a normal clothes iron set to a low temperature. Make sure to use a setting just above "Polyester" and below "Cotton". Make sure you are set below the "steam" setting. Put a layer of smooth cloth on a table top to create a firm "ironing board. Lay the bladder flat on the cloth and cover the bladder with waxed paper which is available at any grocery store). Firmly iron the seam, holding the iron on it for maybe 1 or 2 seconds. This will melt the TPU bladder material enough to bond the layers together. Be sure to not let the iron touch the bladder anywhere else or it will melt.

Problem: You accidentally leave gear at your local beach.

Solution: This may sound stupid and mundane, but go to the store and buy a Sharpie permanent marker and write your name and phone number on all your gear. Most kiters are cool enough to return lost gear and no one wants to be using a bar they found with someone else s name on it. If that doesn t work, quit smoking the funny stuff.

Problem: Your harness line keeps slipping off of the hook on your spreader bar.

Solution: Some hooks are more open than others. If you don t have a vice, find a friend who has one. Place the hook in the vice so that you can bend the hook. Slowly crank the vice closed and bend the hook to shorten the gap. Be careful not to bend the hook too much or you will end up having to buy a new spreader bar.

Note: The Kiteboarder Magazine assumes no liability for any aftermarket modifications to your gear. Use these tips at your own risk.

76 Maintenance smashcrashstackwrackbiffwhiffslambamflailbail...yard sale! Commando Canopy Repairs

How to Fix Your Torn Kite Reo Stevens knows the Blues. Photo Jeff Pfeffer By Casey Houtz, Airtime Kite

It is a beautiful afternoon and the wind is cranking 20 knots side shore. As you are going for that new kiteloop, a jet sucks your canopy into it’s engine and then crashes on the beach. Many of us have felt the frustration from similar incidents, but knowing how to deal with it will help ease the pain.

Be prepared Try to avoid big problems. Keep an eye on your kite and if you see small holes, fix them. Use repair tape and patch the damaged areas on both the top and bottom side of the kite. Always travel with scissors, a roll of masking tape, Dacron repair tape for the leading edge and struts, and some rip-stop nylon repair tape for the canopy. Use the masking tape to hold everything in place so that you can slap repair tape on both sides and hold everything together. At least Jaime Herraiz remembered to spot his landing. Photo Mike Ellis

Emergency Quick Fix Andre Phillip shows what happens when sliding rails goes wrong . Photo Luke Anear Step One: Cleaning the Kite Emergency repairs are only possible when you have all the pieces to the kite. If you ve left fabric in a tree you ll have to figure some way to get it down. Dry the kite and knock off any sand/dirt. Find a spot away from the wind and lay out the kite. Step Two: Putting Together the Puzzle Place all the pieces together like a puzzle. The rip-stop grid on the kite cloth will serve as a guide. Use the masking tape to put the pieces back together. Don t get lazy, make sure every line matches up and that all the pieces are touching. Start in a corner or with the graphics where you have a reference point to match up the rip-stop pattern and then work out from there. It doesn t matter whether you tape up the topside of the kite or the bottom, do whichever is easiest. Step Three: Taping the Kite Once the entire tear is taped up, flip the kite over so that you now are looking at the back of the tear. The masking tape will be on the opposite side. Cut lengths of the rip-stop repair tape and carefully lay it down over the tear. Make sure that you press it down firmly and that there is no air bubbles or sand under your tape. Once you ve used repair tape to seal all the tears back together, flip the kite over, pull off the masking tape and replace with repair tape where you ve removed the masking tape. You will be sandwiching the tear with the rip-stop repair tape. Don t line up the second layer of rip-stop repair tape with the tape on the opposite side. You want to offset the tapes so that they don t create a wear point on the fabric. Step Four: Check the Repair Every time you ride the kite after this quick fix check it to make sure that the tear isn t starting to separate Will James crumbles on impact. Photo Jeff Pfeffer Sky Solbach compromised. Photo Mike Ellis Konrad Bright takes one to the head. Photo Jeff Pfeffer and that it s not collecting sand around the edges of the tape or that the tape isn t starting to lift off. Your repair will probably last you 3 good sessions before it will need to be redone. As soon as you have the chance, David Tyburski comes up short on a kite loop. Photos courtesy of Airtime Kite make sure to have the kite repaired by a qualified kite repair center. Photo Mike Ellis

Professional Kite Repair Facts:

Don t use duct tape or super sticky Mylar tapes designed for sail repair. These tapes will leave an adhesive residue that is almost impossible to get off. When the kite is professionally repaired the shop will have to cut out all the fabric that has this goo on it and you ll probably be looking at a higher bill.

If you take the kite to a repair shop and they tape and then stitch the tape to your kite, you re getting a bad repair job. A professional repair always involves a partial panel replacement, overlaying with original cloth and removing the damaged cloth. A tape and stitch repair is barely better than this do-it-yourself method.

Always get professional repair as soon as possible. A partial panel replacement doesn t add weight to your kite. Your canopy will continue to have the same stretch as before, tape creates hard spots and messes with the stretch in a canopy. Tape jobs also leak adhesive in the sun and collect sand which turns the repair into sandpaper that will destroy the rest of your kite.

AIRTIME KITE is the industry leader in professional kite support offering service contracts on select new kites, warranty support for distributors, and professional kite repair.

78 SAFETY RICK SAFESAFE How Weather Can Hurt You: KITEBOARDINGKITEBOARDING PLANNING, MONITORING and ACTION By Rick Iossi, FKA As you stare out the window watching the tree limbs about to snap, your heart need to be aware of as kiteboarders. These erratic conditions have accounted for begins to race. The wind is cranking and you are ready to grab your gear and many injuries including several deaths around the world. Gusts in particular are one GUIDELINESGUIDELINES charge down to the local spot — just add wind and go, right? Not just yet. Check of the most lethal wind anomalies. The following information should give you some some things out first. You may end up saving your life or some serious bodily injury. ideas about what to look for and how planning, monitoring and taking action can FKA, Inc. transcribed by Rick Iossi Excessive gusts, lulls, direction changes and lightning are a few serious hazards we keep you safe. [Cut out this guide to use as a reference for yourself and fellow kiteboarders.] PLANNING ACTION ¥ Check the Internet for forecasts ¥ Plan ahead of time on what you will do. If signs of unstable weather move in, get PRESERVE YOUR ACCESS TO RIDE ¥ Check for hazardous weather advisories to shore, drop your kite and thoroughly secure it BEFORE any significant change in wind speed, direction or air temperature occurs. The following ideas are presented to try to improve kiteboarder and bystander safety, to reduce complaints and attempt to preserve our ¥ Check color radar for evidence of storms particularly red to pink cells access to ride. These ideas have been taken from the analysis of over 100 accidents that have happened worldwide over several years. (A good site for all three is: http://nws.noaa.gov/ ) ¥ If you cut it too close and are worried about being slammed by a gust, TOTALLY DEPOWER your kite immediately--even if you have to swim in. If you don t know Many of these accidents might have been avoided if a bit more knowledge and care were used. Kiteboarding can be hazardous to the ¥ Check real-time winds for erratic velocity and direction swings indicative of squalls how to depower your kite, then we recommend you take a lesson. (Another good site is: http://www.ikitesurf.com/ ) rider and to bystanders, particularly if practiced without adequate training, safety gear, knowledge and caution. NOTE: Riders must accept ¥ In the worst case scenario, ditch your kite. Your body is worth way more than that even if these guidelines are followed, that accidents, injury and even death may occur in the "extreme sport" of kiteboarding. Kites If there is evidence of inbound, excessively unstable weather don’t rig up to kiteboard. your kite. Conditions can change rapidly so don t buy the farm on planning alone. can exert very substantial force with little to no warning with sudden gusts, improper line attachment, mishandling, etc., resulting in dragging and/or lofting, possibly with no time to effectively react. And, NO you may not always be able to just let go or kill the power of MONITORING CONCLUSION the kite, as many accidents have established. Your ability to safely depower your kite and otherwise manage in an emergency will weigh KITEBOARDING & SQUALLS/UNSTABLE WEATHER don’t mix. Do not conclude that ¥ Be aware of changing weather conditions at ALL times. Dark clouds on the heavily on your technique, preparation and reliability of your gear. horizon, rain, incoming wind/white water lines or extreme gusts are a good sign you can handle squall gusts or can just unhook , because you may not have time that Mother Nature wants you off the water. So move now, or she might just to react before you are hurled inland. We all love to ride, but when you don t use Kiteboarders should consider these ideas, area specific guidelines if applicable along with other prudent and safe practices appropriate boost you inland anyway! common sense you risk the sustainability of our sport, peoples lives around you and most importantly your own life. for local conditions. Cutting corners or picking and choosing safe kiteboarding practices can seriously reduce the rider s factor of safety ¥ Learn about weather conditions and appearances at your launch area, like types and increase the odds of an accident. Seek local, competent knowledge regarding safe local practices as special precautions may be of clouds and times during year that bring unstable, gusty weather. indicated beyond those discussed here. Safety automatically increases to some degree once the rider becomes both aware of and takes ¥ If you see a squall moving in, be prepared to ACT well before there is any significant change in wind speed, direction or air temperature. potential hazards seriously. By contrast, ignorance and indifference raise the hazard level substantially and have frequently been a factor in avoidable accidents. These guidelines have been updated frequently over the years, so please check the FKA website for the latest version. Don t use old versions of these guidelines as important changes occur with new knowledge gained over time. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES 1. JUMP TO HELP KITEBOARDERS. Readily help other riders with launching and landing using reliable agreed upon visual and audible communications. Whether you are starting out or are almost a pro, your help may avoid a serious incident/accident and possible restrictions. NEVER grab the lines of a flying or powered kite. Get involved with your local association or club and with area riders to try to preserve access to kiteboard. If you see someone putting your access at risk by poor practices, grab several of your friends and have a friendly talk with the guy, show some interest followed by your concerns. Riders are solely responsible for their safety and that of effected bystanders. If you are new to an area or visiting, seek out local kiteboarders, shops and/or associations for local guidelines and tips BEFORE riding. Don t ruin things for the local riders. 2. GET ADEQUATE PRO KITEBOARDING TRAINING. Kiteboarders, particularly beginners should seek adequate, quality professional instruction. Beginners must avoid crowded areas particularly as kite control is still being developed. Beginners should body drag out at least 300 ft. (60m) from shore prior to water starting and should always stay out of guarded or restricted beach areas. Be careful in your launch area selection and be willing to drive and walk a bit further to have more ideal conditions. Build your skill and experience carefully in side or side onshore winds less than 15 kts. ideally, you should advance faster and more safely for your effort. Riders have been injured for choosing poor launches when far safer conditions were relatively close by. Be particularly careful in new conditions and at the START and END of the riding season. Many accidents occur in these times even among experienced riders. In kiteboarding, DISTANCE IS YOUR FRIEND, so use it! 3. KITEBOARD WITHIN YOUR LIMITS. Know your equipment s limitations as well as your own. If you aren’t 100% healthy OR IN DOUBT, DON T FLY! You should be comfortable with conditions and your gear otherwise, don t launch and live to fly another day. Always maintain an energy reserve while out kiteboarding. Hydrate regularly and wear adequate exposure clothing (wetsuit/dry suit), to deal with unexpected time in the water. Cold water kiteboarding requires additional critically important precautions as compared to warmer conditions and are beyond the scope of these guidelines. Don t kiteboard alone or further from shore than you are readily able to swim in from. 4. USE A KITE LEASH, QUICK RELEASE, HELMET, IMPACT VEST and other reasonable safety gear. Make sure you have proper safety equipment, such as a tested, well maintained kite depowering leash securely attached to your body, a good well fitting helmet, impact vest, gloves, whistle and hook knife. Most kiteboarding fatalities involve head injury. A good helmet for kiteboarding, MAY aid in reducing injury and improve the chance of survival in many but not necessarily all impacts. A helmet is NO excuse to kiteboard carelessly. Regularly test and maintain a reliable chicken loop or kite depowering release. Relying upon manual unhooking alone to release your bar is UNRELIABLE based upon the accident experience. The rider needs to understand and accept that in an emergency, this quick release MAY NOT be accessible or function correctly in the critical seconds of the emergency. It is up to the rider to avoid the emergency in the first place and to aid proper function of the release through practice and maintenance. 5. LAUNCH, RIDE AND LAND WELL AWAY FROM BYSTANDERS. Give way to the public on the beach and in the water at ALL TIMES. Be courteous and polite to bystanders. Complaints have frequently led to bans and restrictions on kiteboarding in some areas and continue to do so on a regular basis. NEVER launch, ride or land upwind of nearby bystanders. Work to keep a minimum 300 ft. (100 m) buffer zone from bystanders. 6. BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER. Is the forecast and current weather acceptable, free of pending storm clouds and excessive gusty winds? Color radar can sometimes give a clue as to violent storm/gust potential. Are seas and wind condition within your experience, ability and appropriate for your gear? New kiters should practice in lighter, side or side onshore winds. Onshore winds have a much higher injury rate even among experienced riders and should be avoided. Offshore winds should be avoided in the absence of a chase boat. If storm clouds are moving in, land and thoroughly disable your kite well in advance of any change in wind or temperature, if necessary depower your kite while still away from shore. Lightning can strike many miles ahead of storm clouds. Learn about unstable weather in your area and work to avoid squalls and storms through TV, radio and Internet information. Consider organizing an alert air horn and flag signal for your launch as a warning to riders of pending unstable weather. 81 PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST Associations 1. USE GOOD LAUNCH AREAS. Make sure your launch is open, FREE OF DOWNWIND BYSTANDERS, hard objects, nearby power lines, buildings and walls, etc. USA Rocky Mountain Kiteboarding Association (RMKA) Dubai kite surfing, UAE, within at least 300 ft. (100 m), and preferably more particularly in higher wind. Too many riders have slammed into walls, parked cars, trees with better http://www.TocoSports.com/ http://groups.msn.com/uaekitesurf launches not so far away at all. Some riders have needed in excess of 600 ft. (200 m), to regain control in violent dragging or loftings in higher winds. Avoid California Kitesurfing Association (CKA) http://calkite.org/ San Diego Kiteboarding Association (SDKA) Finnish Kitesurfing Association kiteboarding near airports and in low flight path areas, complaints have led to restricted access in some areas. Never fly your kite in the path of low aircraft in http://www.sdka.org/ http://sms1.solenovo.fi/surf/kite/ flight, moving your kite low to the water at the first indication of inbound aircraft. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CKA Central Coast Kiteboarding Association (California) Seattle Kitesurfing Association FFVL (Federation Francaise de Vol Libre) 2. WHAT SIZE KITE ARE OTHER RIDERS USING? Check to see what size kite other kiteboarders are rigging and get their input on conditions. Try to select a kite http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA http://www.seattlekitesurfing.org/ www.ffvl.fr/ size for the lower to middle part of the wind range. Do not rig too large a kite for conditions and carefully consider advice of more experienced riders. Failure to act on prudent advice has cost some riders severe injury and even death. If you don t have a small enough kite to safely launch, DON T! Central Texas Kiteboarding Association SoCal KiteBoarding Association (SCKA) German Kitesurf Association www.centexkiteboarding.com http://www.SCKA.org http://www.kitesurf-association.de/ 3. CHECK & REPAIR YOUR GEAR BEFORE YOU FLY. Check your kite for tears or leaky bladders. If you have leaky bladders or tears in your kite, repair them before Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding (CGKITE) San Francisco Kitesurfing (SFKA) GWA : Greek Wakeboard & Kite Surf Association flying. Check ALL kite, harness, and control bar lines, webbing, pigtails, bridles, the chicken loop and leaders for knots, cuts, wear or abrasion. If the line http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cgkite/ www.sfkitesurfing.com/ www.gwa.gr sheathing shows any breaks or knots, replace them. The pigtails should be replaced no less frequently than every 6 months on inflatable kites. Inspect and test your quick release. Frequently, mentally and physically rehearse pulling your quick release in an imagined emergency situation. Make sure your flying lines are Florida Kitesurfing Association (FKA) Seattle Kitesurfing Association Hayling Kitesurfing Association http://fka.kitelife.com/ http://www.seattlekitesurfing.org/index.htm www.hka.org.uk/ equal as they will stretch unevenly with use. If they have knots that can t be easily untied, replace your flight lines. Do not casually make changes to manufac- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FKSA tured equipment. What ever you do must work reliably in what conditions may come. Tampa Bay Kitesurfing Association (TBKSA) International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) Hawaii Kiteboarding Association (HKA) http://www.tbksa.org/ http://www.ikorg.com/ 4. AVOID SOLO LAUNCHING. Solo launching and landing are NOT recommended and should be avoided particularly in stronger winds. Launch with a trained assis- http://www.hawaiikiteboardingassociation.org/ tant, using reliable audible and visual signals. If solo launching make sure your kite is properly anchored with a substantial quantity of sand to avoid premature Tybee Island GA (TIKA) Irish Kitesurfing Association Information Kitesurfing Chicago http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/tikakiteboarding kiteboardingireland.com/ launch. Never use untrained bystanders to help you launch or land. Riders have been severely injured by making this easy mistake. Rig your kite for solo launch http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/ at the last minute and launch without delay AFTER CAREFUL PREFLIGHTING as serious accidents have happened in only minutes during this stage. If you leave Italian Kitesurfing Association the kite unattended, wrap up your lines, deflate the kite s leading edge and roll it up. It is best to place the kite in a bag to avoid UV and wind damage. Lakes Bay Rec. Association International Kitesurfing Associations http://www.fki.it/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakesbay/ Associação Brasileira de Kitesurf (3081) , Brazil 5. CROSSED KITE LINES CAN WRECK YOUR DAY. Launching with crossed or snagged lines has maimed quite a few kiteboarders as the kite tends to fly up at very NEKA North East Kitesurf-Association MidAtlantic Kitesurfing Association (MAKA) http://www.abk.com.br/ http://www.neka.it/ high speed, dragging or lofting the rider into a nearby hard objects faster than they can react. Walk down your lines and examine them carefully. Pick your bar http://groups.yahoo.com/group/M-A-K-A/ up and carefully look down the lines for twists, tangles or snags that could cause the kite to be dangerously uncontrollable. While you are holding your bar up Australian Kitesurfing Association (AKSA) Portuguese Kiteboarding Association look down the lines, shake your bar to make sure the center lines are connected to the leading edge of the kite. Be particularly careful, slow and methodical in MAWWKSA · Marianas Wind,Wave, & KiteSurfing http://www.aksa.com.au/ [email protected] high winds. Multiple, careful preflighting in higher winds is strongly advised. Rigging "Kook Proof" connectors on our kite and lines is easily done with most http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MAWWKSA/ Sanur Kitesurfing Club (Bali) Russian Kitesurfing Association kites and should be rigged on all your kites and bars. Maui Kiteboarding Association (MKA) http://www.geocities.com/kitesurfbali rka.kitesurf.ru/ http://www.maui.net/~hotwind/mka.html Belguim Kite Surfing Association St Martin Kitesurfing Association http://www.mauikiteboardingassociation.org/ http://www.kitesurfing.be http://windadventures.free.fr/kitesurfing/ Northeast Kitesurfers (NEKS) LAUNCHING AND GETTING UNDERWAY Brighton KiteSurf Club Yellow Cat Kite Club and 1.C.Kitesurf Croatia http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/neks/ 1. LAUNCH & LAND UNHOOKED WITH A GOOD BUFFER ZONE. Avoid hooking in or connecting with your quick release, while onshore or near hard objects. Practice http://www.btinternet.com/~p.coe/ http://www.zutimacak.hr/kite LAUNCHING AND LANDING "UNHOOKED" or not connected to your chicken loop. Pull in your trim strap or rope entirely or to a point that will allow stable kite Oahu Kiteboarding Association (OKA) British Kitesurfing Association (BKSA) flight with existing wind conditions, to properly depower the kite before launching and so that you can readily hold the bar and release it if necessary. Always http://www.oahukiteboardingassociation.org/ http://www.kitesurfing.org/ maintain minimum clear downwind buffer zones, particularly while flying unhooked. Physically and mentally rehearse managing emergency situations including Professional Air Sports Association (PASA) DSV (Deutscher Segler Verein) just "letting go" of your bar. Connect to your quick release once you are well offshore. Question: IF you have a proper buffer zone AND your kite properly http://www.professionalairsports.org/clubs.html www.dsv.org depowers upon release, WHAT is the downside of launching unhooked aside from a more limited wind speed range? That is considering you could be spared from a real slamming one of these days if you stay hooked in during launch and landing. 2. KEEP IT LOW & GO! to try to avoid lofting or involuntary lifting. DO NOT bring your kite much above 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) from the ground and NEVER to Shops - Schools - Travel Agencies the vertical, within 300 ft. (100 m) of shore or any hard object. Never launch, fly or land upwind and close to the shore or hard objects or stand on the beach Aruba Georgia Puerto Rico for extended with your kite in the air. This careless practice has killed and maimed riders. If uneven winds due to land effects or tight conditions make this rec- Kite Surfing Aruba 297-58-65025 High Tide Kiteboarding (912) 786-6556 Kiteboarding PR (727) 726-5375 ommended practice difficult, consider finding a safer launch area. This practice MAY reduce the chance of lofting but may also promote dragging and serious injury in gusty/strong wind conditions. So, if you are dragged be ready to TOTALLY depower instantly and ideally before the dragging starts in the first place. Baha Hawaii Texas New Wind Kiteboarding (541) 387-2440 Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport (800) 231-6958 Cline Street Sailboards (361) 937-5000 HAZARD AVOIDANCE IS THE KEY along with rapid preemptive, rehearsed actions. Do not fly your kite near vertical or sloped surfaces that can cause uplift and Hawaiian Water Sports (808) 262 KITE Corpus Christi Kitesurfing (361) 960-4359 Brazil sudden dragging/lofting (walls, buildings, hills, tree lines, etc,). Avoid thermal generating areas as sudden thermal lofting can occur. Launch in the appropriate Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks (808) 262-2555 ProKiteSurf (361) 883-1473 Vandals (21) 2491-4751 part of the wind window to avoid hot or over-powered downwind launches. Make sure that there are no bystanders within your downwind buffer zone or Kite High (866) 646-7835 South Padre Island Kiteboarding (956) 245-8343 close by in general. California Kiteboarding School of Maui (808) 873-0015 Third Coast Kitesurfing (361) 563-4640 Action Watersports (310) 827-2233 Maui Windsurfari (800) 736-MAUI Watersports West (727) 517-7000 3. GET OFFSHORE AND STAY THERE. Go offshore at least 300 ft. (100 M) WITHOUT DELAY after launch. Stay beyond 300 ft. until time to come in. If there are sub- Captain Kirk s (310) 833-3397 Naish Hawaii (808) 262-6068 Wind Surf and Paddle Sports (800) 949-7245 stantial waves where you need to put on your board consider body dragging outside the breaker zone first. The fun is offshore, danger to the rider & bystanders Channel Coast Kiteboarding (805) 966-2694 Zero Gravity Kiteboards (461) 949-0266 Massachusetts is near shore where most of the hard stuff is located. Kite Now (562) 965-9685 Cape Cod Kite School (508) 364-6162 Utah Kite Wave (213) 344-6034 Kitesite.net (888) 465-2632 Gear 4 Life (801) 652-0813 4. YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. Yield the right of way to all others in the water. Riders must yield to others when jumping, to anyone on your right hand side and to Kites, Etc. (562) 592-5483 Powerline Sports (978) 388-8974 launching riders. When in doubt, STOP. Kiteboarders should not jump within a buffer zone of at least two hundred feet (60 m) of others and objects that are Kitesurfari (714) 378-0468 Real Kiteboarding (866) REAL KITE Virginia downwind. Always be aware of the position of your lines relative to others, line cuts can be severe and tangled lines with another kite, deadly. Kitopia (209) 480-2067 Southeast Expeditions (877) 22 KAYAK Malibu Kitesurfing (310) 430-5483 Michigan Washington 5. BOARD LEASHES ARE DANGEROUS. All kiteboarders are encouraged to master body dragging to aid in board recovery. Use of a board leash is dangerous and is Manta (858) 270-7222 Broneah Kiteboarding (248) 506-8479 generally discouraged due to the hazards of board rebound or wave driven impact. Injuries have happened with both fixed length and reel leashes. Wearing a Mission Bay Aquatic Center (619) 594-5152 Great Lakes Kiteboarding (586) 822-6511 New Wind Kiteboarding (541) 387-2440 helmet and impact vest is always advised but may not provide adequate projection against board impact as the boards can and have violently hit any part of Wave Rave (760) 934-2471 Mackinaw Kite Company (616) 846-7501 Seattle Kiteboarding Center (206) 660-5097 the rider and have penetrated helmets. Wind extremes, white water, broken gear and contrary currents may impair ability to drag upwind for board recovery, Xstreamline Sports (310) 518-1972 Wisconsin Mississippi Xdream Sportz (760) 944-9247 resulting in a lost board. If there is risk of your loose board hitting bathers, find another launch. Gulfport Kiteboarding/Windsurfing (888) 743-1800 Southport Rigging (800) 877-7025 Canada Travel Companies 6. DON T GET LOFTED! Lofting or involuntarily lifting is one of the greatest hazards of kiteboarding. Avoiding unstable weather, keeping your kite low and getting Minnesota Boardsports (416) 485-WIND offshore without delay are only a few of the measures necessary to avoid this threat. If despite all precautions you are dragged or lofted a short distance AND Scuba Center Kiting and Windsurfing (612) 925-4818 Caribbean Winds (866) 787-9463 Zen Sports (604) 905-8777 have time to react, depower your kite as soon as you start to pause. You will likely be dulled by shock so mentally rehearse depowering immediately under The House (651) 482-9995 Ozone Travel (888) 824-6359 such circumstances. Depowering ideally should occur before you are lofted, still offshore and away from hard objects. Multiple gusts can hit over a short period Colorado The Shack Mound (952) 472-6181 If you are not listed, we apologize. Please send us your information for the and you may be lofted a second or third time, so ACT to TOTALLY depower your kite as soon as you can. DO NOT ASSUME that you will have a lull between Larson s Ski and Sport (303) 423-0654 Kite Minnesota, Brainerd (218) 838-0792 next issue. loftings, sometimes you do and sometimes you don t. If you are air born over land, it is uncertain how and if you will come out of things. Focus on controlling PKS Kiteboard School (970) 376-3159 Kite Central, Crosslake (218) 821-6952 your kite with small control inputs to avoid stalling the kite. Some have advised keeping the kite overhead AFTER you are lofted and to try to gently steer Connecticut North Carolina towards the least hazardous are to impact. Other riders have said that reversing direction or transitioning after lofting has helped to reduce forward speed. It Tri State Kites (800) 510-0865 Blowing in the Wind (910) 763-1730 Kiteboarding Hatteras (866) 995-6644 would be wise to accept and plan for the fact that YOU CAN BE LOFTED AT ANYTIME you have a kite in the air. Costa Rica Kitty Hawk Kites (877) FLY THIS Global Kiting (506) 695-5050 Real Kiteboarding (252) 995-6596 Dominican Republic Nevada LANDING Kite Excite (809) 571-9509 H2Oworld (702) 810-8608 1. USE ASSISTED LANDINGS BUT SOLO DEPOWER IMMEDIATELY IF NECESSARY! Approach the shore slowly with caution. Keep your kite low (ideally within 10 Florida New York to 20 ft. of the surface), to try avoid lofting. Take care to avoid causing an accidental jump in well powered conditions while approaching the shore. Arrange for East Coast Kiteboarding (954) 295-5778 Curtis Sport Connection (800) 995-5559 assisted landings at least 300 ft. (100 m) from bystanders, power lines, vertical surfaces, etc.. NEVER use non-kiteboarders for assisted launches or landings, Extreme Kites (866) 790-SURF Kite Wise (646) 734-3027 Florida Kiting (561) 373-4445 as use of bystanders has resulted in severe rider injuries. Use mutually understood hand and voice signals to improve launch and landing safety. Riders have Kiteboarding Hamptons (631) 283-9463 Get High Kitesurfing (954) 410-5419 been killed standing around looking for an assisted landing when gusts have hit. IF IN ANY DOUBT, DEPOWER YOUR KITE even if you are still offshore. ALL rid- Myers Kitesurfing (716) 751-6511 ers should be comfortable with depowering their kite immediately even in deep water and swimming in to avoid being lofted or dragged in sudden gusting Kite X (954) 629-1022 winds. Kitesurf USA (954) 763-4020 Oregon Miami Kiteboarding (305) 345-9974 Air Time (888) 386-3910 2. PROPERLY STOW YOUR GEAR. Properly anchor (or ideally deflate your leading edge and roll up your kite), disconnect and wind up your kite lines. Do not allow Sea & Sky Sports (866) 955-4837 Big Air Kiteboarding (541) 348-2213 your kite to be accidentally launched. Kites should be placed in a safe area well out of bystander and vehicular traffic. Seven Kiteboarding (305) 664-4052 Big Winds (888) 509-4210 Skybanditz Kiteboarding (305) 947-8454 Columbia Gorge Kitesurfing (541) 490-4401 Water-Play (800) 841-1225 Gorge Performance (503) 246-6646 Watersports West (727) 517-7000 Hood River WaterPlay (541) 386-wind ' FKA, Inc. 2002,2003,2004 Xrated Kiteboarding (954) 647-7228 New Wind Kiteboarding (541) 387-2440 http://www.kiteforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=3881&forum=3&4 February 5, 2004 Storm Warning (800) 492-6309 82 Academy

Photo: Ryan Riccitelli

Kiteboarding Etiquette 101 By Matt Nuzzo 1 The beach is for launching and landing your kite. 7 Use a kite leash. Rig your gear and get on the water. People get hurt kiting by running into If you are going to be riding near anyone else or where there are other hard objects on land. people you have to wear a kite leash. There are plenty of good leash systems for even the most experienced riders, so use them. 2 No beach jumping with your kite. Do tricks out of harms way. Everyone tries to pull air within the first 5 minutes that they fly a kite. 8 This is the absolute easiest way to hurt yourself. If you feel like jumping I can t tell you how many beaches I have gone to and seen the best on the beach with a kite, find the nearest 2 story building and jump out of kiteboarder on the beach doing tricks right at the launch zone. If you are the window. That way you will just hurt yourself and not other people on good, most people already know it, so do your moves out of the way. the beach. The better the rider the bigger the consequences.

3 The person leaving the beach has the right of way. 9 If you are new to a beach, talk to the locals to ask them the scoop. Throw the port/starboard rule out the window. If you are riding and Most kiteboarders are pretty cool, and they will give you the scoop if you somebody is leaving the beach, then give them the right-of-way. ask. If you get attitude, then get on the water and show them how to ride.

4 Always assist other kiteboarders with launching and landing their 10 Non-kiteboarders have right of way to kiteboarders. kites when appropriate. Kiteboarders need to preserve access, so it is best to respect the other It may seem like a pain in the ass, but this can prevent any stupid beach goers. mishaps. 11 Experienced riders should lead by example. Don’t set up your lines over other people’s lines. 5 Help out the new riders. You were one of them once too. The fastest way to make people hate you on your local beach is to set up your lines over theirs. 12 Look before you change direction or jump. You can avoid a lot of problems if you turn around and look before you 6 Follow the rules of the beach. jump or do a transition. Set up like the other people. If you don t know the procedure, ask someone. Matt Nuzzo coaches for REAL kiteboarding in Cape Hatteras, NC. For more info about 84 kiteboarding check out www.REALkiteboarding.com or 1.866.REAL.KITE.