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411411 News and Information

Dan Moore earns a years salary in a matter of a few minutes. Photo Robert Brown

KiteboarderKiteboarder WinsWins 68K68K forfor SurfingSurfing MonsterMonster WWaveave By Chuck Patterson Hawaii’s Dan Moore recently received a check for $68,000—$1,000 per foot—for winning the 2005 XXL Billabong Global Wave Awards. Respected on the North Shore for pioneering tow surfing and kiteboarding, 48-year-old Moore was towed into the winning 68-foot bomb by Mark Anderson, at Jaws, Maui this last December 15, 2004, in one of the biggest swells in years. The veteran waterman from Sunset Beach took a beating when he was forced to straighten out after racing down the 68-foot monster. "It was an amazing day, just massive," said Moore of the December session. "We saw that wave forming way outside and my partner, Mark Anderson, made sure I got it. He pulled me into it really deep and it just walled up across the reef and I took a Award Winners real high line. I was going faster than I've ever gone on a wave in my life, and there The Monster Paddle Award were all these crazy chops, bumps and steps in the face. I was trying to hang on and Shane Desmond, Santa Cruz it was borderline out of control. When I saw the lip coming over ahead of me, I knew The Monster Tube Award I was in for it. It was just a full rinse cycle. Now I know what a gecko feels like when Dylan Longbottom, Bendalong, New South Wales a person steps on it." Dan shows off his 68K smile. The Surfline/Jay Moriarity Best Overall Performance Photo Ryan Riccitelli Billabong has held the XXL for the last five years which challenges surfers to conquer Shane Dorian, Kona, Hawaii the biggest wave of the winter season. Many of the participating teams spend weeks studying weather charts and marine The Monster Women's Award forecasts trying to predict the biggest swells of the winter. Moore received his check at the Billabong XXL Awards cer- Jamiliah Star, Santa Cruz, California emony at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, California in front of over a hundred of the who’s who of surfing. Photographer The Best Wipeout Award Richard Brown received $5,000 for capturing Dan racing death. Check out www.billabongxxl.com for more photos. Darryl "Flea" Virostko, Santa Cruz, California

Kiteboarders Win Three Years in a Row In a contest as crazy as the XXL, everyone who participates deserves respect. Many of the tow teams would be charging even if there wasn’t the $1,000 per foot incentive. For most, riding giants is just another day in the office. For the last three years several members of the winning tow teams have also been kiteboarders. In 2003, professional surfer and kiteboarder, Ryan Rawson towed his partner Makua Rothman into the winning wave which earned them $66,000. In 2004, Pete Cabrinha, owner of Cabrinha kites, was towed into a 70-foot wave by Rush Randle, also a kiteboarder, which earned them $70,000. This year’s winner Dan Moore helped pioneer kiteboarding on Oahu and made one of the early kiteboarding Ryan Rawson videos called Wind Junkies. It’s great to have these guys in our sport. They deserve respect as watermen Photo Ryan Riccitelli Pete’s winning wave from 2005. Photo Tracy Kraft and for pushing the limits of nature.

16 17 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information Cuban Kiteboarding Paradise IKO Offers Insurance Pro Wakeboarder Masters Kiteboarding in Two Hours Discovered You Can’t Refuse By Corky Cullen By Marina Chang By Susan Straw Fidel Castro would not be happy if he knew For as little as $89 a year, that we recently discovered his secret kite- you can now get internation- boarding spot. Alejandro Baldoví opened The al kiteboarding accident and Kite School this spring in Cavo Guillermo, liability insurance coverage Cuba. Armed only with EH Kiteboarding gear, from IKO (International Alejandro was able to stake his claim to one Kiteboarding Organization). of the most pristine kiteboarding beaches in This insurance also covers Cuba. The location boasts flat shallow water you on the snow, excluding for some 300 yards out from the beach, 10- Cavo Guillermo, Cuba’s sandy beaches and the USA and Canada ($65 annual fee). Kiteboarders need to be 28 knots winds, and a convenient hotel just steady wind are perfect for kiteboarding. IKO level 3 J, and snowkiters level 3 K to qualify for this insur- steps away. The school is open year round Photo Alejandro Baldovi ance offer. If you don’t have an IKO certification, you can go to with the best season being the Cuban winter from November through April. For more information, any IKO center for more information or check out check out www.thekiteschool.com, or email [email protected]. www.ikorg.com. L to R: Collin learns how to rig up. Collin begrudgingly puts on the radio helmet. Chuck Patterson helps Collin get off the beach. Collin wakeboarding at The Dominican Project. Photos Ryan Riccitelli The Kiteboarder Face it; the sport of kiteboarding is easy. OK, let’s just say Kiteforum.com Fthat it’aces a lot easier than it wasi fivet years! ago—especially with all the advances in kites, bars and boards. While I was Improved Magazine Co-sponsors at the eXtreme Hotels launch party in Cabarete, I watched By Marina Chang pro wakeboarder Collin Harrington learn to kiteboard in only a couple of hours. Collin, who was just picked up by Kitesurfers/websurfers the 1st Stop on Cable Quiksilver, was eager to put his skills to the test under a will be happy to learn crew of instructors that included pro kiteboarders Andy that kiteforum.com was Wakeboarding Pro Tour Hurdman, Chuck Patterson, Bri Chmel and myself. recently upgraded. By Matt Cotton Chuck, Corky and Bri Chmel made the perfect pit crew. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Easier navigation, better In a place where the wind can die for weeks on end, it’s no wonder that The lesson started out with kite flying instruction from integration, more information, and new depart- the Ski Rixen has become a kiteboarder hang out. Located at Quiet Andy Hurdman. After ten minutes, Collin was ready to hit ments are the major changes you’ll appreciate Waters Park in Deerfield Beach Florida, Ski Rixen is a cable park wake- the water. Collin grabbed his Liquid Force 138 Substance when you click on the recently re-hauled kite- boarding facility, and more recently, a place for kiteboarders to hone their wakeboard, a Liquid Force M-80, 12 meter kite with a forum.com. Motivated by a recent hack which skills.The first stop of the cable wakeboarding pro tour was held April 16, pulley bar and suicide leash and we walked up the shut the site down for weeks, webmaster and 2005. Doug Schumacher took first in the Masters division. Diego Shaw beach. While Chuck held his kite, Collin threw on his tran- Sasha Peschel boosting at the sit bindings and took in a few words of advice from Bri founder Toby Braeuer upgraded his server to took first place in the JR men and Robb Mapp won the pro division. Ski Rixen event. Photo Matt Cotton power the site more efficiently. Professional kiteboarder, Andy Hurdman placed second in the amateur men’s division. Hurdman has been train- and myself. It actually was more like, let’s give him the Visit www.kiteforum.com. ing at the Rixen for the last year and commented, “The Rixen is a great place for beginners to develop edging kite and let him go. We tried to rig him up with a radio Toby also runs www.kitebeaches.com, skills as well as pros working on that new handle pass.” If you haven’t had a chance to ride a cable park, check helmet, so we could give him tips while he was on the www.kiteschools.com and www.kitetravel.com out www.skirixenusa.com. water, but Collin would have no part in that. In a few moments, Collin was up and riding.The funny thing about wakeboarders who are learning to kiteboard is they try to chase the kite like it is a boat. After two or three runs of By Oliver Govers Music is an integral part of many of our lives and most of us can’t do without it. chasing the kite to the opposite end of the beach, Collin Here’s a subjective list of noteworthy music of differing genres to suit any occasion. was going upwind and jumping the beach break. It was cool to see him pick it up so fast. It made us all feel like Artist: Bloc Party Artist: Handsome Boy Modeling School Artist: Slightly Stoopid Artist: Iron & Wine we were good teachers, but we knew it was really all Album: Silent Alarm Album: White People Album: Closer to the Sun Album: Our Endless Numbered Days him. Look for Collin on a windy, Florida Beach near you! Genre: Post-Punk Rock Genre: Hip-Hop, Rock, Roots & More Genre: Reggae, Ska, Punk Genre: Indie Folk After a couple hours Collin was doing little ollies. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Description: Energetic debut by this group of Description: Producers Prince Paul and Dan Description: Let’s get this party started! Description: Talented singer-songwriter Sam London youths brings edgy, guitar-driven The Automator’s album brings together all Drawing from a strong reggae influence with Beam’s simple melodies and acoustic compo- rhythms and witty lyrics backed by great drum ends of the musical spectrum featuring 25 dif- some ska and punk mixed in, this group from sitions that accompany melancholy and touch- Professional Wakeskater, Brian Grubb, Learns To Kiteboard work and occasional synth soundscapes. Great ferent artist cameos, including Jack Johnson, Ocean Beach, CA are coming into their own ing lyrics provide the perfect music for relaxing By Bri Chmel music that stands up to repeated listenings Mike Patton, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Mars with a sweet signature sound, picking up on a sunny day, at sunset after a killer session, and breaks new Volta and more. where Sublime or with your signif- In April, professional wakeskater, Brian Grubb was spotted in Florida being taught to kite by Bri Chmel. Brian was ground. Ignore the Tough to label, but unfortunately left icant other any- introduced to kiteboarding at the eXtreme Hotels Launch Party in the Dominican Republic. Bri says he picked it up hype and give it a rewarding to listen off. This music time. Relax, slow after about 15 minutes of flying the kite, and was comfortably riding back and forth on his wakeskate. Grubb is listen. to, just ignore the makes you feel down and enjoy. interested in combining his wakeskating skills with a kite purely to ride in the waves and to use the kite to tow in skits after the first good anytime. Brad instead of a wave runner. time around. would be proud.

Grubb learns on one of Bri’s, RRD kites. Photo Bri Chmel

18 Correction: We apologize to Pete Cabrinha for running ProTunes last issue with his photo and Davy Blair’s music picks. Sorry Pete! 19 411411 News and Information

Thanks for everyone’s letters this month. We have been bombarded with emails and apologize if you do not see yours in print. We love reading what you have to say. Letters Please keep sending mail to [email protected].

I More Hot Chicks! On another note, I would really like to see more sto- ries on different places to ride. Some of us actual- Dear Editor: ly read the stories. Thanks for the free trial issue. I First of all, congrats to The Kiteboarder! You have am subscribing and looking forward to your next issue. become the best kiteboarding magazine out there. Keep up the good work One thing really bothers me though. You guys need Peter Filton, BC The infamous Red Bull, Lexington Launch! Photo to have more photos of chicks. I am not talking Christian Pondella about chick’s kiteboarding. You do a good job with Thanks for your compliment on Shannon’s inter- that. I want to see hot chicks in bathing suits that view. We do our best to try and stay out of the pol- I Stupid Bets! don’t kiteboard. I want to see sexy girls catching itics. As for the travel stories, check out our latest kites and laying out on kiteboarding beaches. Some feature, Five Tropical Trips. I am sure you will find it Dear Editor: of us have to work in an office all day and go home useful. Let us know if you decide to check out one of the spots—Ed. I was talking to my friend the other day about your to a wife who complains about my kiteboarding December 2004 issue with the air craft carrier cover. addiction. Please help a fellow kiteboarder out and For the longest time I thought the guy had jumped as get more chicks in the mag! high as the top of the ship. I felt really stupid when my I Frozen Canadians friend showed me the article inside explaining how Sincerely, Dear Editor: they launched off the deck of the ship. I thought you Dave Ruddick, NY would laugh at my story, and I wanted to ask you if I Compliments on your snow cover! The photo is Thanks for your kind words about The Kiteboarder. am the only idiot out there who thought this. I had to amazing. I am a beginner kiter who picked up your As for more photos of chicks in bathing suits, check give my friend a six pack of beer over this, so I hope magazine at a shop in Toronto. I was very out our subscribe page. We try and focus our atten- you print my letter. Please don’t print my name. impressed with the quality. I have never seen pho- tion on profiling female kiters rather than random Anonymous, via e-mail tos of kiting on beach bunnies. Most female kiteboarders are super snow like the ones I hate to tell you this, but you are NOT the only one who hot and look great on and off the water. The best you printed. We thought Chris Gilbert was boosting as high as the help I can give you is to urge you to seek counsel- never knew you Lexington. We are happy to know that our little cover ing for you and your wife—Ed. spawned such a debate. Hopefully your friend let you could fly that high drink the six pack with him—Ed. in the air. The other night the I The Kiteboarder Critique magazine was sit- ting out while we Dear Editor: had friends over for If you have not heard it from everyone yet, your mag dinner. After a few ROCKS! I have read almost all the mags out and yours bottles of wine, everyone made a is the best. Your paper is really pretty and makes the February 2005 Issue pictures look nice. The articles have substance and pact to learn how are written by people who know what they are talking to kiteboard. My about. You even show photos of places outside of question is, where is the best warm place for a Maui. This shot is for you Dave—Mary is a ripping kiteboarder. group of middle aged, Canadians to learn how to Photo Jim Semlor There are some things I don’t like about your maga- kite? Some of us have had basic lessons. We are zine. I want more sequences on intermediate tricks. willing to travel. Most of us will never be able to do a handle pass. I I Respect Factor Thanks for your help, hate gear guides. Yours was the best one out there, but it didn’t do much for me. Most of us can’t afford Dear Editor: Paul Leines, Canada new gear anyway. Last thing, I want to see more pho- This letter is in response to the Shannon Best inter- First question, how many bottles of wine did you tos of local people. view. What I thought was going to be an adolescent drink? Second question, how many of you will fol- Take my comments with a grain of salt. interview on some punk kiteboarder, turned out to low through with your drunken pact? You should John Montgomery,CA be exactly the opposite. I never really heard much check plane tickets to Cape Hatteras, Florida Keys, Thanks for your honest feedback. We listen to criti- about Shannon except all the bashing on the kite South Texas, Hood River and the Caribbean. Each cism very carefully. We do pride ourselves on putting forums. Where I live, people hassle kiters who use spot has plenty of wind and quality schools that out a premium magazine made for your coffee table. the Best brand. You guys did a good job on can accommodate you. All of us here at the maga- Please keep sending us what you want to see—Ed. Shannon’s interview. I found it very interesting. zine hope to see you on the water—Ed.

20

Luimi Martinez launches off a Over a hundred kites and boards lined the kite beach kicker during the beach and were available to test for free. competition. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

Kite Show World’s Largest Kite Testing Event Socialization drama. Plans are already in the works to make next year’s event even bet- By Marina Chang By the end of the Kite Show even I had turned into a Techie Kite Freak, ter and more fun. If you didn’t make it this year, don’t miss Kite Show Cabarete checking out a variety of gear I might never have had the chance to ride. Cabarete 2006! I also learned that the Techie Kite Freaks didn’t stop at testing kites. Every A special thanks to the local businesses who hosted the evening events When I first heard the concept of the Kite Show Cabarete all I could think of was a bunch of techie kite freaks from around evening the kiteboarding community would gather at a different partici- including eXtreme Hotels – Cabarete, Pro Kite/Kite Beach Hotel, Agualina pating hotel to do follow up testing on the Presidente beer and local rum Hotel/Dare2Fly, and Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding/Wipika Caribbean in the world gathering in the Dominican Republic to tech-out on all the latest gear. I figured it would be a mixed crowd whose concoctions. The testing would continue in downtown Cabarete until the cooperation with Caracol Hotel and Beach Club. main priority was to get a good night sleep, so they could wake up fresh to test every piece of gear on the beach. I was right early morning for those choosing to test their stamina. about the techie kite freaks coming in masses. I was wrong about them wanting to get a good night sleep. W Photos — Bottom from Left to Right Pool Party On Saturday night, Laurel Eastman and her partner in crime Leslie Bore The crew partying at the Austin Powers Pool party. What is Kite Show Cabarete event. One guy flew 17 hours from Romania to participate in the testing. Kitexcite owner Stefan “Stefanie” Ruether dressed to impress. Photo Les Boar We didn’t even know they kited in Romania. hosted an Austin Powers Pool Party that started with a fashion show Naish marketing guru, Chris Wyman, flashes his abs of steel. The first annual Kite Show Cabarete brought together riders and manu- which launched Eastman’s and Karen Futernick of Ozone Travel’s new facturers from all over the world for four days of solid testing, parties and 12-year old Robinson Vazques, is one of the DR’s up and coming groms. April Fools clothing and accessories company, Kite Fever. Petra Schaefer of Kite John Stamhuis and his wife Josee enjoy one of the nightly socials. competition. Sponsored by kiteforum.com, eXtreme Hotels, The Ring The Dominicans came out in force to represent Cabarete in the April Fool’s Chicks rolled out her summer/fall collection and introduced a new men’s The local boys checking out what gear they want to test. Media and The Kiteboarder Magazine, the international event held from Red Bull rider, Luciano Gonzales was representing the Dominican Republic. Day Competition. 40 riders competed in two 20-minute heats for $50 food line. Rumor has it that the Austin Powers pool party ended up spilling out March 31-April 3 welcomed participants with blue skies, 10-18 knot Esther Oud rode the women’s expression session in her mini skirt. and bar tabs at eXtreme Hotel. Judges overwhelmingly awarded local rising onto Bozo Beach for some late night swimming—clothing was optional. Caution Kites, Poul Schiebel threw on some bling bling for the show. winds and a sea of gear for riders to check out and test – wetsuit free! talent Alex Soto the Best Trick, Luis Miguel Martinez the Biggest Air, Papito By the end of the week everyone agreed that the fun factor of the Kite Photos Ryan Riccitelli Who Was There? de la Cruz the Best Wipeout, and Stefan Ruether, owner of Kitexcite the Best Show Cabarete was exceptional—no attitude, no bad vibes and no 17 industry businesses participated including Slingshot, Caution, Liquid Costume. Alex ripped so hard that he ended up picking up a Cabrinha spon- Force, Naish, Cabrinha, F-One, Best Kiteboarding, EH Kiteboarding, sorship and Luis recently picked up a team rider deal from Airush! Stefan’s Wipika, Windwing, Nobile Kiteboards, Underground Kiteboards, Gaastra, impersonation of Stefanie, the German Kiteboarding Princess, will be perma- IKO, Takoon, Flysurfer and Kitelauncher.com. Riders were able to test all nently etched into the Kiteboarding Hall of Fame. the newest kites, boards and accessories for six hours a day and meet the manufacturer reps, team riders and designers. Wind conditions were less than expected. This didn’t disappoint testers who came from as far away as Croatia to take part in this first annual

22 23 411411 News and Information

Shop Talk TX Prokitesurf Retail/ SMACK Repair Center Industry News and Gossip Location: Corpus Christi Texas Contact: www.prokitesurf.com, 361-883-1473 Editors Choice Owner: Jeff Howard The Dominican Project is located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic and caters to wakeboard- Riding Experience: 11 years Jeff Howard ers, kiteboarders and paintballers. If you are looking for alternative activities on those non wind days, this What is the kiteboarding scene like in is a great option. Their private wakeboarding and Corpus? paintball course is located 15 minutes from Cabarete Many people do not know, but Corpus is the in a jungle valley on the Yasica River. Check out DP’s secret spot on the Yasica river. windiest place, on average, in the whole US. www.dominicanproject.com Photo Vlad We have a variety of riding locations that The 2005 Thursday Kiting Series in San Francisco kicked off on April 7 and will recur every other include flat water and waves. The good thing Thursday until September 9. The events will include Freestyle, Course Racing, Slalom Racing, and Distance about Corpus is there is no attitude. We have Racing. There are prizes for most participation from UltraNectar and Live2KITE.com at the end of the sea- a great crew of riders who are always willing son. Check out www.bayareakiteboarding.com for details. to help a another kiteboarder. Want to take your riding to the next level? Then check out IKO’s advanced riding clinics. Facilitated by What tips can you offer kiteboarders who expert kiters/instructors, the clinics run 5-days in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.Two programs are being want to ride in South Texas? Bring your offered: June 15-20 and June sunscreen, your 12m, and be prepared for the 21-July 1, before and after the smoothest winds you've ever ridden. When looking for the best riding spots, stop by the shops. PKRA stop in Cabarete. For They will point you in the right direction and can handle any of your kiteboarding questions. more information, contact [email protected] or visit What are the best weather sites and kiteboarding sites in your area? We have a map of www.ikorg.com. the riding areas and other helpful information at www.prokitesurf.com. www.kitecorpus.com has a lot of good information. www.Ikitesurf.com has many weather sensors around our bay as Kitesurf Puerto Rico offers free lessons when purchasing well as back history of the weather. gear. Check out www.kitesurf- Who are some of the hot local riders to look out for? Corpus has many really good riders. pr.com for more details. Jeff Delegarza has been a shop Naish rider for years. This boy can throw down some serious The Kansas City Kite Club Kite moves. Mike Danish is a local North rider. He was invited to the King of the Air. Rocky Chatwell Festival is scheduled to take is a 15 year old kid who is home schooled and rides EVERY DAY rain or shine. place June 11 from 12-5pm. They have demos, clinics and a raffle scheduled. The event takes place in Lawrence, Kansas at Clinton Lake. For more information, check out Kitesurf Puerto Rico’s owner, Royce Reid, motoring out www.kckiteclub.org. for some morning surf. Photo Gregg Gnecco Gail Zaccai recently signed with Wipika as a National Team Rider and will be involved in sales, marketing, and support. Check out her profile online at www.wipikakiteboarding.com. In May/June Mauricio Abreu and Wipika’s National Team Riders will launch the ‘Unhooked Tour’.The tour is planned to be 4-5 weeks of road trips throughout Europe. It will consist of slider clinics, unhooked demos and the opportunity to test all the latest Wipika kites. Visit www.www.wipikakiteboarding.com for details. Want to demo some sick kites and boards? Head to Nit Nat Demo Days, June 23-27 at Nit Nat on Vancouver Island, BC. North and Naish will be offering free demos on all their latest gear. Come meet the reps and riders and talk shop about the new products. For more information contact Airtime Boardsports at 604.734.WIND or visit www.airtimeboardsports.com. www.ozonesnowkites.com is packed with information and dedicated to the growing the US Snowkiting world. The site has all the latest news and information on the American snowkite scene. The website also has an amazing gallery of snowkiting images and videos to keep you psyched all year long. The 4th Annual South Texas Kiteboarding Rodeo took place April 8-10. The three day event offered free demos and clinics. The highlight of the event was the new rail that local Cliff Stone constructed. Check out www.southpadreislandkite- boarding.com. BEST Kiteboarding recently opened their first showroom/R&D loft in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. The facility is open to the public and houses designers Peter Stiewe and Kim Tropf who are on hand to answer questions. Gear testing is available at any Congratulations to M’Leigha and Brad Lange on their Best Test Center including Kite new baby girl Ava Blake Lange. Photo Matt Cotton Club Cabarete, Bozo Beach Club, Pura Vida (Las Terenas), Punta Kite (Punta Cana) and the new Best School at Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding. Showroom hours are 9-2 daily. For more information see www.bestkiteboarding.com or call Kim at 1.809.854.0617. continued on page 28 24 25 26 27

411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information

Steve Gibson Global Freerider By Marina Chang SMACK continued from page 24

Blowing in the Wind is launching a Rap Sheet new kiteboarding specific website www.gokitesurf.com. The new site Street Name: Gibby Age: 43 has information about riding in the NOAA Weather Cape Fear area, info for beginners, Roots: Longboarding, windsurfing, snowboarding, motocross, kiteboarding articles and lots of skateboarding. I’ll ride anything. gear. Blowing in the Wind would like Information Might to welcome Trevor Murchie to Hood: San Francisco Bay Area, Waddell, Scotts Creek, Ocean their Go Kitesurf instructor staff. Beach, 3rd Ave, Coyote, Crissy-Golden Bridge, Berkeley, Disappear Trevor will be working hard teach- Steve Gibson Alameda, the Delta and Tahoe. ing people how to kite this summer. By Oliver Govers System: Caution Spitfire The Cape Fear Kiteboarding Association recently formed to Ride: 130cm Stretch, Hermaphrodite (waves); 120cm promote safe kiteboarding in Cape Isn’t it nice to be able to go online before a 2005 South Texas Kiteboarding Rodeo. Stretch, Chubb (freestyle); Flexifoil, G2A (land board); Burton Fear, NC and to protect access to Photo Gustav Schmiege session and check the NOAA weather forecast? local kiteboarding spots. The asso- 168BMC (snow); Tierney Rides (carve board); Honda, Odyssey Many of us spend hours upon hours studying the ciation will be hosting social events, community services and aspires to get more wind meters installed in (Mini-van for my 3 kids). the area. A website will be coming soon. For more information, contact Blowing in the Wind at variety of free information available from the National Weather Service. www.gokitesurf.com. Claim: I run www.kiter.com. I am also one of the first kite- boarders, along with Jeff Kafka and Chip Wasson, to cross Under a pending bill, introduced by Senator Rick Santorum on April 14, this Need a place to stay in Cabarete? Be sure to check out the comprehensive accommodation service, could all disappear. www.cabareterooms.com.Whether you're looking to stay in budget accommodations, or an oceanfront villa, from the Farallon Islands to San Francisco powered by kites. they guarantee they’ll find you the perfect place at the lowest rate. Simply choose the accommodation you Shout: Get stoked! The Present Moment is all you ever have. The bill would prohibit federal meteorologists from competing against companies such as like most and the desired time of stay, and they’ll get back to you with availability details within 24 hours. Find what you love and do it NOW! The Weather Channel and Accuweather who provide forecasts through paid services and Ozone Snowkites recently teamed up with The North Face to power a Snowkite expedition near Baffin Steve Gibson charges the snow just as hard. Photo Steve Gibson ad-supported websites. NOAA has taken no position on the bill. Ed Johnson, the weather Island in May of ‘05. A team of four female athletes used Ozone Frenzy's to travel over miles of frozen sea service's director of strategic planning and policy said, “his agency is expanding its online ice. The entire trip was filmed in HD for an upcoming TV program, and promotion from the trip is going to offerings to serve the public.” benefit Inuit Women’s shelters in the Arctic. People need to know that if this bill passes, an invaluable amount of useful weather infor- Caution team rider Chuck Patterson is currently filming a project with Imax Films. Chuck Patterson and his tow partner have been circling the globe chasing monster waves. mation will be forced offline. The controversy over this bill can be reviewed online by Riding Tips 3 Schedule your sessions all the way through the season. researching the following sites. I encourage you to write a letter and voice your concerns Will James and Sky Solbach recently finished the North Kiteboarding East Coast Tour and will be head- ing to the West Coast in June for the second leg. If you haven’t met these guys before, come out and chat 1 Organization off the water is the key to maximizing time on the water. 4 When traveling, plan ahead to maximize your water time. on this matter. As the old saying goes, you don’t know what you got until it’s gone. and ride with them. These guys are sure to blow your mind. Look for tour dates online at www.northkites.com in the news section. Websites that could disappear: 2 Be prepared—always carry everything with you wherever you go. 5 Don’t be afraid to be a Kook and try new things. Kite-Line.Com recently partnered with New Wind Kite School and Kite Adventures to offer kiteboarding www.nws.noaa.gov lessons at three locations and travel tours around the world. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kite- www.noaa.gov boarder, these guys will get you up and going. Visit www.kite-line.com for more information and to receive discounts on lesson/gear packages or travel adventures. http://weather.noaa.gov Best Kiteboarding is pleased to introduce Alvaro Onieva to the Best team. Taking 7th on the PKRA tour last year, Alvaro is one of the emerging stars. Check him out at bestkiteboarding.com. What can you do about it? • Read the bill in it’s entirety by visiting http://thomas.loc.gov and searching for bill S 786 IS1S Dare2Fly team rider Melvin De Leon recently placed 9th at the PKRA Venezuela stop and Dare2Fly instruc- tor Luis Miguel Martinez • Express your opposition to blocking free weather information by writing or email to signed on with Airush Senator Rick Santorum. Check out http://santorum.senate.gov for contact information. International. Check these guys out at www.dare2fly.com • Spread the word to your local crew and encourage them to voice their opposition. 16-year old Caution Intnl. Oliver Govers runs www.bayareakiteboarding.com Team rider Christian Holley just placed 2nd in the latest Spanish Kite Master Tarifa event taking down several high ranking PKRA pros. Look for Website Report Christian to make a serious push on the PKRA for 2005. Caution recently picked up a By The Kiteboarder Magazine Staff new distributor in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Project will be PASA examiner Paul Menta was spotted kiting off the For one stop kiteboarding reservations, check out offering Caution Kites at their coast of Tulum, Mexico this winter. Photo Bill Mielcke www.caribbeanwinds.com. They have a variety of packages that retail center in Cabarete. The Dominican Project just opened a wakeboard camp with kickers and sliders as cater specifically to kiteboarders. well as a paint ball course. For more information, email [email protected] or call 809.902.4850. If you are heading down to Cabarete, Dominican Republic, check The 2005 Ozone Snowkite Freeride Tour was a huge success, offering free clinics and putting kites in the out www.extremecabarete.com for the latest real time weather hands of hundreds of newcomers to the sport of Snowkiting. The OSF is the first winter tour in the US and information and live web cams. hit every Snowkite region, combining all of the competitions and events into one calendar. Highlights from the Ozone Snowkite Freeride Tour can be found at www.ozonesnowkites.com. http://fksa.org is the Florida Kitesurfing Association website and is filled with useful kiteboarding information and safety tips. Solo Sports is proud to feature Pro Kiteboarder Adam Koch in a week long kiteboard wave camp July 9- The forum is packed with archived articles. 16. Learn the finer aspects of kiteboard wave riding at one of the best wave riding venues in the world - Punta San Carlos. Camp includes hands-on instruction on and off the water and video/still critiques to help If you haven’t checked out Google’s new satellite maps locator, you master the waves. Kevin Trejo will assist in your instruction. Trips include roundtrip transportation from then click on http://maps.google.com. Now you can download a San Diego, all meals, snacks and beverages, deluxe camping, hot showers use of Internet services, multi- free satellite image of any street address. media rec room, mountain bikes, surfboards and kayaks. Sorry, not for beginners. Call 949.289.7779 for reservations and more info. If you are thinking about riding strapless on a surfboard, check out Boardworks’ epoxy surfboards at www.cabaldc.com/surf Cabrinha Team riders Damien Leroy, Gianni Aragno, Andre Philip, Susi Mai, and Pete Cabrinha were recently sighted in the French West Indies. The team was shooting another one of their epic travel stories. Nick Bowers writes many of the technical articles in our magazine. Word has it that the local girls taught Damien how to say "slim chance" in French. Check out Check out his custom boards at www.squallboarding.com. www.cabrinhakites.com for more information.

Send your favorite links to [email protected]. continued on page 30 411411 News and Information

Video Reviews SMACK continued from page 28 South Padre Island Kiteboarding, Inc. is offering By James Brown semi-private clinics with Mark Doyle. The 2-day, 4- hour per day clinics are available through May and June 2005 on South Padre Island. Clinics are cus- Soul Fly tomized to each rider’s skill level and goals. Limited Soul Fly focuses on the mood of the surf/kitesurf spaces available, call 956 245 8343 to schedule. lifestyle. It follows Peter Trow, Josh Mulcoy, Ammy Naff, www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com and Aaron Hadlow along the coast of California as well The Association of Wind Sports Industries will as Baja, Texas and the Caribbean. Soul Fly will inspire soon be hosting WindFest, their national windsurf- ing/kiteboarding demo tour. Kiteboarding demos will you to get out and put the ‘surf’ in ‘kitesurf.’ The bonus not be available at the Hood River event, but equip- footage includes surfing with Josh Mulcoy. The line ment will be on display. Dates are as follows: Hood between the two becomes blurred as they throw in River, Oregon June 11-12th; Cape Cod, Massachusetts June 17-19th; Grand Haven, surfing with kitesurfing together.You have to pay atten- Michigan June 24-26th. Visit www.awsiwind- tion to see whether the rider has a bar in his hands or sports.org for more info or email info@awsiwind- not. For those who aren’t surf oriented, there’s a dose of handlepasses and sports.org kiteloops, with some punk and hip hop music to get you going. It’s a perfect Pro kiteboarder Laurel Eastman and Karen Beber length to watch in one sitting. For copies visit www.soulflydvd.com Futernick of Ozone Travel, announce the launch of Kite Fever - clothing and accessories for the kite lifestyle. Check out their signature bag made out of Niccolo Porcella shows off his custom Real kite material. Visit www.kitefever.com for more Jimmy Lewis speed board. The board Real Kiteboarding put together a nice DVD. There are information. is 145cm X 12.5" and was specially three categories with seven separate videos in the Real Kiteboarding Hatteras is providing demos on the designed for the Leucate speed trials. new 5-line systems from Naish and North. Stop Photo Jimmy Lewis Video category. The highlights include the Cape by the shop or call for more info. KBH is also hiring PASA and IKO instructors this year to strengthen their Hatteras Slider Park, with the infamous “Camel Toe” team of 6 coaches. This year KBH will be purchasing six new 4-stroke wave runners and new '05 teaching slider and the “Death Star” kicker. There is also video gear. Lessons are available daily and the crew from KBH will ride with you anytime, upwind, downwind or from the Red Bull qualifier event and a section of any wind! www.kiteboardinghatteras.com or (866) 995-6644. snowkiting from the early days. The Industry DVD The Northwest now has a new online community, nwkite.com. The Gorge, Portland and the Oregon Coast are section has footage from Relentless, Ten 4 and Strung the areas the forum caters to. Some features include: clas- Out. TV Coverage includes a Coke commercial featuring sifieds, forecasts, message boards, wind sensors, and links Sam Bell as well as an NBC feature on kiteboarding. For copies visit to other Northwest communities. If you’ll be riding in the Northwest be sure to check it out, www.nwkite.com. www.realkiteboarding.com Stop by Kevin “Top Hat” Senn’s newly rebuilt shop, Hawaii The Jupiter Kite Invasion Surf & Sail, in Haleiwa, Hawaii. 808.637.BONE. Xdream Sportz recently moved into a new location in Check out the action from talented locals and pros Solona Beach, California that is double the size of their pre- from the event held in Jupiter, Florida. There is a good vious store and stocked up with all the latest kiteboarding mix of styles with riders using everything from twin tips gear. If you are in the San Diego area, you should stop in and surfboards to directionals and skim boards. Riders and check this place out. www.xdreamsportz.com. threw huge airs, kiteloops and worked the shorebreak We are sad to report that the Gorge Games has seen its last days. Due to the high costs of keeping the event going in light to super strong onshore winds. This DVD is cool and lack of major funding, dedicated event organizers for anyone who wants to see what it’s like to ride at decided to retire the Games. The website is being Jupiter. For copies visit www.kiteflix.com redesigned so you can share your stories of the Gorge Games. Visit www.gorgegames.com to post your story or read those of others. The Kiteboarder would like to extend its gratitude to event organizers, particularly Peg Lalor for Our new intern, Devin Carroll, KPWT Freestyle & Wave Masters killin’ this rail—it rhymes! Get the lowdown on what the Kiteboard Pro World Tour creating 10 years of opportunities and good times for all those who participated in or attended the Gorge Games. Photo Devin Carroll (KPWT) is all about. The 2004 tour had stops in Les If you are looking for some sick photos and videos to pass the time, check out Jose Luengo’s new Sables d’Olonne – France, Istanbul – Turkey, website, www.jose-luengo.com. Matosinhos – Portugal and Nouméa – New-Caledonia. Ocean Rodeo would like to announce their new A bonus section shows the Wave Masters event in West Coast sales rep. Evan Stolze is based in Guincho - Portugal. There is plenty of world-class rid- San Diego California and is helping to expand ing as well as interviews and comments by riders, the Ocean Rodeo dealer network. For more informa- tion on Ocean Rodeo products, check out organizers, photographers and judges. Categories www.oceanrodeo.com. included best tricks, speed crossing, hang time, and Kiters packed the house at Automatic Slims in Ft boarder cross. Riders include Men’s winner Mickael Fernandez, Junior Mens Lauderdale on April 7 for what is becoming a reg- winner Tom Hébert. The impressive 10-year old Gisela Pulido from Spain is ular stopover for South Florida kiters. The girls are also featured. For copies visit www.kiteboardpro.com smoking hot, the drinks flow like water, and kite videos pump through the club's sound system and 5-foot wide screen. The event is co-sponsored by Florida Kiting, Cabrinha, Slingshot, and of course - Automatic Slims. And, yes, women kiters are more than welcome. Cabrinha is pleased to welcome Susi Mai to their View Kiteboarding Videos Today! International Team. With her aggressive wake-style and positive attitude, she’ll be a force to be reck- oned with on this year’s tour. Susi has held the Maui, Queen of the Air title for two years.

kite.totalvid.com Susi Mai. Photo Tracy Kraft 31 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information Competition Corner Competition New School Island Boy by John Romais Results Up and Coming Rider Profile Reo Stevens Years Kiteboarding: 5 Preferences: 5th line bar w/ chicken loop and mini thruster surfboard with US Kiteboard Pro Tour Stop 1 Occupation: Freshman, Leeward Seven Sports 4th Annual Islamorada Hometown: Haleiwa, Hawaii foot straps 4th Annual Islamorada Invitational Kicks Off Invitational 2005, Florida Keys, April 20-24 Community College; Pro Kiteboarder PRO MEN Age: 19 and works for a company that Cross Training: Eating at Molly's By Rick Iossi 1st Andy Hurdman - Best designs and builds rescue boards and Smoke House and towsurfing 2nd Clinton Bolton - Best Height: 5’8” The 2005 Islamorada Invitational drew in some of the top names in kiteboarding. The contest fell 3rd Damien Leroy - Cabrinha towsurfing accessories (High Surf Sponsors: Naish, Dakine 4th Leeshai Miller - Naish Stance: Goofy but can kite or surf between cold fronts resulting in light winds, but this didn’t stop the fun. Event organizer and PRO WOMEN Accessories). owner of Seven Kiteboarding, Brad Lange had state of the art kickers and sliders with wave 1st Julie Simsar - Flexifoil either stance. 2nd Bri Chmel - RRD runner support to keep the troops entertained. Nick Vidulich won the un-official wakeboarding 3rd Daiela Acquatella contest after stomping a huge whirly-bird. On the last day of the event, the wind began to blow 2005 Islamorada Podium. Photo Rick Iossi CORONA EXTRA WINTER TOUR 2005 Reo's Survival Kit and a single 60-minute expression session heat was held. The judges took a boat a half a mile FINAL RANKING MENS SNOWBOARD offshore, and the riders threw down their best tricks. Andy Hurdman (Best) came out on top pulling his infamous 720-blind rewind and 1st Guillaume Chastagnol - Ozone 1. Reo uses the Naish TT Sol 125. a double s-bend to blind. Clinton Bolton (Best) and Damien Leroy (Cabrinha) followed close behind with second and third. In the women’s 2nd Sigve Botnen - Ozone 4 3rd Remi Meum - Slingshot 2. He uses all models of Naish kites but division, Julie Simsar (Flexifoil) defended her 2004 title against long time rival Bri Chmel (RRD). Despite the adverse weather conditions, 2 MENS SKI prefers the Ravens. everyone had a blast in the typical Keys fashion. Thanks to Brad and M’leigha Lange and Seven Kiteboarding for organizing this classic 1st Fabio Ingrosso - North 2nd Bjorn Kaupang - Naish 3. Uses DaKine accessories. event. Check out www.sevensports.com for more information. 3rd Erling Lefsaker - Gaastra JUNIOR OVERALL 4. His jet ski to tow him into the big stuff. 1st Sebastian Bubmann - Flysurfer.de 1st Arne Georg Eide Dokken - Copello Media Surface 5. His golf cart to tow his ski down to the PKRA Event in Coche, Venezuela Hosts Rail and Kicker Competition 3rd Thomas Bankes - Ozone 9 beach. WOMEN SKI 5 By Gabe Strong 1st Kari Anne Tragethon - Naish 6. His rescue sled to pull his bros from 2nd Kari Schibevaag 7 3 The PKRA launched into the 2005 season holding their first event on the island of Coche, Venezuela. 3rd Rannuis Hoff the impact zone. WOMEN SNOWBOARD This years format included three disciplines—distance, freestyle and kicker and slider. Jaime Herraiz 1st Agnès Fontenay - Air Evolution 7. His quiver of surfboards: Amundson (North) won the distance category but was disqualified, because he failed to ride between the finish 2nd Estelle Lambelet - Ozone and Low Pressure. buoys. Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil), Cesar Portas (North) and Ruben Lenten (Cabrinha) battled it out in the 3rd Marte Fjeldschard 1 Mondial du vent 2005, Leucate, France 8. Tow rope - the critical link to towing final of the freestyle competition. Aaron Hadlow’s double S-Bend to blind and technical kite loops April 19-25 2005 8 into waves. Kite Air Challenge 6 edged out the competition and earned him first place.The women’s heats were just as action packed. Reo rides switch. Photo Jeff Pfeffer Photo Jeff Pfeffer MEN 9. Impact vest to help soften the beatings. Kristin Boese’s (JN Kites) handle passes were just enough to win first. On the last day of competition, Leeshai charging in the rail event. 1st Thomas Coquelet - Cabrinha the PKRA introduced the slider and kicker discipline.Veteran rail rider, Bertrand Fleury (Slingshot), who Photo Roberto Foresti 2nd Benjamin Dupont - F-One 3rd Tom Hebert - Airush usually doesn’t ride in competitions, charged hard on the 40 foot rainbow rail. Leeshai Miller (Naish) upped his game and took Bertrand out by WOMEN pulling 360’s off both the kicker and rail. Leeshai and Ruben Lenten faced off in the final where Lenten’s 540 off the rail sealed first place. The 1st Claudine Podvin - Blackline 2nd Kristie Jones - Flexifoil women competed in the kicker and slider discipline hitting every obstacle. Julie Simsar (Flexifoil) put on a great show, but Tuva Janson’s 3rd Hélène Barrière - North (Takoon) kicker skills helped her win first place. For more information, check out www.pkra.info. KITE CROSS MEN 1st Charles Deleau - North 2nd Philippe Martin - Planet Glisse 3rd Rui Pedro Muira - Naish Robby Naish Attends the Mondial du Vent, Leucate By Sierra Lake WOMEN 1st Imbert Coralie - Flexifoil 2nd Barrière Héléne - North The 8th annual Modial du Vent took place in Leucate, France this last April 19-25. The European event combines 3rd Jones Kirsty - Flexifoil the PWA’s, Super X, windsurfing competition with a kiteboarding competition with three disciplines—kite cross, KITE SPEED MEN kite speed and air challenge. Many of the top riders from around the world including Robby Naish showed up to 1st Sebastien Cattelan the event. Robby stated, “With the new speed record that windsurfer, Finian Maynard, set on the 10th April; I’m 2nd Dirk Hanel 3rd Julien Sudrat very interested in this discipline. In fact I’m working hard on this with rider Bjorn Dunkerbeck. I’m pretty fast but WOMEN not yet up with Maynard and Dunkerbeck in the windsurf. On the other hand, there’s less of an issue with body 1st Charlotte Consorti 2nd Zoe Parmentier size in kiteboarding and less problem with drag too. I think kiteboarding has big potential in speed sailing, and I’m PKRA, Coche Island Venezuela hoping to be part of that story.” Sebastian Cattelan ended up taking Overall first place in the speed event at 38.5 April 13-18, 2005 knots. Manu Taub, who set the world record during last year’s event, had the fastest speed of the event at 39.95 MEN Freestyle 1st Aaron Hadlow - Flexifoil knots. This was the second highest finish in the event next to windsurfer, Bjorn Dunkerbeck who finished at 40.26 2nd Cesar Portas - North knots. Charles Deleau won the kite cross; Charlotte Consorti won the women’s kite speed. Thomas Coquelet and 3rd Ruben Lenten - Slingshot WOMEN Freestyle Claudine Podvin both took first in the air challenge. For more information, check out www.mondial-du-vent.com. 1st Kristin Boese - JN 2nd Ania Grzelinska - North 3rd Angela Peral - North MEN Slider and Kicker 1st Ruben Lenten - Slingshot Guillaume Chastagnol Wins 2005 Corona Extra Winter Tour By James Brown 2nd Leeshai Miller - Naish 3rd Marc Ramseier - JN Kites The 2005 Corona Extra Winter Tour wrapped up in March after the final event in WOMEN Slider and Kicker Geilo, Norway. Ozone’s Guillaume Chastagnol dominated the snowboarding cat- 1st Tuva Jansen - Takoon egory, placing first at all three stops. North’s Fabio Ingrosso was the overall points 2nd Julie Simsar - Flexifoil leader in the ski category. The 6th annual world cup series caters to kiters on skis 3rd Kristin Boese - JN Kites and snowboards competing for prize money at three different stops. This year the riding PKRA, Lake Podersdorf, Austria level was at an all time high. Remi Meum came onto the scene and turned heads with his April 29-May 5, 2005 technical jumps. Bjorn Kaupang became the first person on the tour to pull a handle pass MEN 1st Etienne Lhote - F-One on skis in competition. The Corona Extra Winter Tour opened with four women riders at Col 2nd Kevin Langeree - Naish du Lautaret. By the time the tour hit Norway, there were nine women ready to compete. 3rd Aaron Hadlow - Flexifoil Agnès Fontenay won the snowboard category, and Kari Anne Tragethon won the ski. Kite WOMEN snowboarding pioneer, Guillaume Chastagnol, once again showed the world why he has King Chasta holding onto his crown. 1st Kristin Boese - JN been World Champion for three years with his incredible kite loops and high altitude jumps. Photo Wareck Arnaud 2nd Anna Grzelinska - Takoon For more information on the 2005 Snowkite Winter Tour, check out www.wintertour.fr. 3rd Angela Peral - North Close-Up Andy Hurdman by Emi Marino

The Grasshopper Speaks VITALS

I grew up in Palm Beach, Florida and started skateboarding at six. I skated everyday until Age: 28 Height: 5’11 age twelve when I got my first dirt bike and started racing. I raced, surfed and skated Weight: 155lbs. Stance: Regular throughout high school. I moved to Maui and raced the 250 Expert Motos and was win- Years riding: 5.5 ning a few, but the injuries became constant. During rehab I found myself wishing to find Favorite Spots: Secret Spots in something I enjoyed as much as Motocross. My prayers were answered when my cousin Miami, Florida showed up with a kite. Three days later the Red Bull event was going off in Maui, and I Favorite Conditions: Butter flat water saw the potential. The next day I sold my 250 and kiteboarding became my mission. or overhead waves in 20 knots on a

Where did you start kiteboarding? I started in Maui when it was crowded with 6 people. down winder Photo Matt Cotton What riders influence you most? Shannon Best was one of the nicest pros on Kitebeach Favorite Moves: Powered handle five years ago when I was flying my 3.5m Naish with 40m lines and riding my directional. passes and smooth trick after trick What sets you apart from other kiters? My Motocross background—Super fast riding Sponsors: Best Kiteboarding, Sports Specific Nutrition System, and trick after trick (like a grasshopper). Ski Rixen Cable Park, Dakine, Moto XXX, HBDV What skills are you working on right now? Downloop 313 and powered handle passes. What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I ride the Ski Rixen cable park as much as possible. I asked Andre Phillip what he thought about doing tricks off the kickers at the cable park compared to hitting kickers when kiting. He said it was identical. What is your view on contests? I have been burned a few times, but I am ready to charge. What do you like best about kiting? Surfing is hard due to crowds and bad vibes— kiting is vibe-less and free. What plans do you have for the future? Train, train, train and then let loose! Where do you see the sport heading? It’s only going to get better as popularity rises and it becomes more mainstream. The possibilities are endless. What is your most defining moment? When I moved back from Maui to my home town, Delray Beach, FL and I did my first downwinder in the surf for six miles. I was amazed at the open ocean and space to ride. Freedom! You used to ride motocross before kiting. Tell us about your worst wipeout and com- pare it to your worst in kiteboarding. I was riding motocross in Maui almost everyday and we had found a series of grass dunes; I overshot a 150-foot jump and landed so hard I bent my front rim in half, dislocated my right shoulder and was knocked out. Kiting acci- dents can’t compare. At that moment, I decided crashing in water was way better. You invented the blind rewind last year. Can you explain what you were doing, and how did you come up with that? I was learning to roll from blind and I kept over-rotating. I just went a little harder and kept the kite looping while rotating and landing back on edge (sometimes back to blind). Is being a professional kiteboarder all that it is cracked up to be? Yes, traveling and seeing new places and meeting new friends is worth a lot. Andy’s unique riding style has always separated him from the pack. Photo Michael Jordan You cross train the Ski Rixen cable park in Deerfield, how do you think this helps your riding on the water? For the beginner to the advanced, the cable park offers a simulated kiting experience. GEARGEAR SET-UPSET-UP Is there any truth in the rumor that you and Dennis Vassilinine have quite a rivalry? Kite: Best Yarga 7m-11m & Nemesis 12m-18m No, I had not heard that, but he should rival me...ha ha! Bar: Best, fixed custom bar What is the craziest stunt you have ever tried while kiteboarding? I tried to ride in side- off winds in Florida. Board: Ocean riding-Best 138cm; Flat water-Best 130cm Where would you like to travel to kiteboard? The Moon! Bindings: Boots at the cable park; Footstraps Kiting What are you major complaints about the sport? Sand! Harness: Dakine Pyro Who would you like to thank or give props to? The Wind! Lines: 27m lines for everyday riding; light wind riding 30m lines Wetsuit: O'Neill Psycho II 3/2 full suit and O'Neill shorty

s 1. Don't eat partially hydrogenated soybean oil. It drains your energy and 3. Learn as much as you can about nutrition. Your body will thank you, and your

p eats your pipes. riding will improve! i 2. When you are learning to ride blind. Commit to the full 180 degrees. 4. On light wind days, pulling your two center lines or the center strap can save T

Most people only make it to 140 degrees which causes them to catch you from dropping the kite.

o their edge. r 34 P Close-Up Morgan Skiperdene by Marina Chang

Quiet Storm VITALS

15-year-old, Morgan Skiperdene, is one of the youngest professional Age: 15 female kiteboarders in the world. Morgan learned to kite from her Height: 5’3” Weight: 115 father, Skip, when she was 11-years-old. Over the last four years, Stance: goofy Morgan has made a name for herself competing in the Cabarete, Years kiting: 4 PKRA World Cup three years in a row. She also won a Red Bull Favorite Spots: Hatteras, Dominican Qualifier earning her a spot to compete in the 2004 King of the Air, in Republic Maui. Don’t be fooled by Morgan’s quiet demeanor. Her wave riding Favorite Conditions: 20 knots, big waves Photo Bill Stark and kite loop skills are most likely better than yours. Favorite Moves: Wave riding Sponsors: Airush, EH kiteboards, Dakine, At 15, you are one of the hardest charging women in the world; what are your Kite Chicks, Zeal Optics, Hatteras Island plans for the future? Sail Shop I want see where kiting takes me. In the near future, I’m planning on competing in the PKRA World Cup event in Cabarete. I will then go home for the Red Bull Qualifier in Cape Hatteras. I definitely want to go snowkiting in Canada this winter. As far as long term plans go, I’m going to college for sure. Kiteboarding isn’t my career. Also, I really want to go to Gnarloo. What riders influence you most? My dad! What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I practice on a tree bar and eat a lot. What is your view on contests? Contests are kind of like school, you hate them so much, but you know you have to do them regardless. Deep down it gives you a purpose. What is something about you that most people wouldn’t know? I’m one of those kids in school that pays attention, asks a lot of questions and gets good grades. What are your major complaints about the sport? Wakeboard tricks! The reason that wakeboarders started kiting was because they were bored with wakeboarding. Why would we try and make kiting more like wakeboarding? Who would you like to thank or give props to? I would like to thank My Dad, Mom, Barton and my best friend Vela. What is it like living and going to school in the Dominican Republic? It is awesome. It is a home school, and you work at your own pace. There isn’t any attendance policy—do I need to go on? I’m actually almost done with all of my work, and it isn’t even May. Rumor has it that you have beaten most of the guys your age in competition? Morgan throws an unhooked raley with perfect style. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Well. . . GEARGEAR SET-UPSET-UP What women riders inspire you? Board: Custom EH Cindy Mosey Do you think women are underestimated in kiteboarding? Bindings: Dakine footstraps Naw, the guys are better for sure. All you have to do is watch a kiteboarding competition. Kite: Airush Reactor, Lift There is no way the girls could compete with the guys. Bar: Airush What would you like to say to other young women out there wanting to get into Lines: 25m kiteboarding? Do it! Stick with it in the beginning, because it gets better. I promise! Harness: Dakine Tempest Wetsuit: Neilpryde 4/3 for the winter, Neilpryde 2/2 for the spring and fall

s 1. Don’t be afraid to try a new move. It might be easier than you think. 4. Learn how to use your safety system efficiently. Make sure to test it on

p a regular basis. i 2. Always look around you before you jump. T

5. Don’t forget to have fun—it is why we got into the sport in the first place.

o 3. Make sure your bar is properly tuned. Your kite will fly much better. r P 36 36 37 SendSend ItIt Reader Submissions

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1. Cameron Dietrich breaks it down for Bri Chmel and Jill Cervi. 7. Flash Austin getting ready to paddle out at Hookipa, Maui. 12. Tony Alva, Susi Mai and Bill Lee at eXtreme’s Launch Party. 16. South Padre Island’s latest toy unveiled at the South Texas 20. Jeff Swanstrom straddles the Continental Divide in Photo Josh Marinos Photo Jim Semlor Photo Ryan Riccitelli Kite Rodeo. Photo Gus Schmiege Colorado. Photo Becky Swanstrom Send in your best kiteboarding 2. Caution Kite’s Poul Schiebel with his daughter Grace. 8. Joe Bidawid and Karen checking out a secret spot. 13. Spring Break, Islamorada Invitational 2005--let your imagination 17. Morgan Skiperdene smacks Kalani Cook at the podium. 21. Ben Wilson charges an Indonesian pit. Photo Ben Wilson photos: riding, lifestyle or whatever. Photo Josh Marinos Photo Neil Hutchinson wander. Photo Matt Cotton Photo Wayne Cook 22. The Florida groms were out in force at the Islamorada The best shot will be printed in the “Exposed” 3. Ceser Portas hitches a ride in Cabarete. Photo Josh Marinos 9. Bri Chmel and Brian Grubb hanging out in Cabarete. Photo Jill Cervi 14. Parks Bonifay signs the eXtreme Hotel’s wall of fame. 18. South Florida crew doing some dock fishing at the Invitational. Photo Matt Cotton section and will receive a Neilpryde NPX Photo Ryan Riccitelli Islamorada Invitational. Photo Matt Cotton Hydrotex Jersey. www.neilprydewaterwear.com 4. God bless Texas! Photo Bucky Ashcraft 10. Andy Hurdman proves that kiteboarders do get hot chicks. 23. Chuck Patterson, Konrad Bright, Mark Anderson and his Photo Matt Cotton 15. Sal Masekela and Ryan at the Billabong XXL’s. 19. An “Aussie” grom sent this in from their local competition— girlfriend at the XXL awards. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Don’t forget to send us your caption. Shots 5. Davey Blair is a style master on and off the water. Photo Alexis Rovira The Coconut Classic. Photo Anonymous should be a minimum of 500kb. Photo Matt Cotton 11. South Florida’s, Matt Cohen shows off his chromed out cruiser. 24. Dana Foht warming up for a session. Photo Bri Chmel [email protected] Photo Matt Cotton 6.38Email [email protected] for a sticker. Photo Josh Marinos 39

The Name Behind The

Peter and his girlfriend, Dana Pinto rig up. Peter’s patented goatee. Peter plays professional foosball in his Caution team rider, Kalani One happy family—Poul, Dana and Photo Courtesy of Caution Photo Courtesy of Caution spare time. Photo Courtesy of Caution Cook hanging out with Peter! Photo Courtesy of Caution Flames Peter. Photo Courtesy of Caution By Gary Martin GM: With only one kite, how does Caution cater GM: The Santa Cruz kiteboarding crew including Name: Peter Schiebel to the variety of riding styles out there? yourself has a reputation for not putting up with Nickname: “The General” any riffraff on your beaches. Are you guys as Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA PS: We build a fast, medium aspect kite that allows everybody to have a good time no matter what style intimidating as people say? Background: Windsurfing, Mountain Biking they prefer. I have yet to see a style that couldn’t be Years Kiting: 6 PS: This is probably because the main focus in achieved on the Spitfire. Santa Cruz is wave riding. If you show up on a lake, Local spot: Waddell Creek, California the main way to ruffle feathers is by being a hazard Claim to fame: 2004 California State to others. However, if you show up at a wave spot, GM: Are your kites specifically designed for waves? Foosball Champion you can make a lot of enemies by simply being in PS: No, but they are designed to withstand the the way. I think if you respect people’s space you punishment that only waves can dish out. Our kites generally won’t have any problems. Gary Martin: You and your brother have been in are proven not only in the waves but also in the kite making business since the beginning. freestyle and even racing. When did you launch Caution kites, and what GM: If you had to name another brand of kites that Peter smashes a Waddell Creek inspired you to jump into the game? you think is doing a good job, which would it be? lip during the finals of the 2003 GM: What type of technology do you use in Kite Clash. Photo Mike Stephen Peter Schiebel: It was back in 1999 that we first designing process (computers, CAD)? PS: North. flew a kite and that was also when we decided to start Caution. It was a logical step for us, because PS: We design our kites on a computer, but the key we had already been building our own line of custom to a good kite design comes more from on the water GM: Do you think that contest results are the sails in Santa Cruz for over eight years. Now that we testing than it does from a computer program. best way to judge the performance of a kite? Peter Schiebel talks about Caution Kiteboarding were into kiting, it only made sense to start building PS: Obviously not! Contests show you who the best our new toys. GM: How many prototypes do you go through to riders are. You could take the top five and put them get to a final production model, and who helps on almost any kite, and they would still be the five you R&D your kites? best kiteboarders. I am sure Michael Jordan and GM: How long have you been designing, and Kelly Slater would have won their titles regardless of what companies have you worked with? PS: After having made prototypes at the extreme At first glance, the Schiebel brothers could easily be mistaken for hillbillies, red necks or members of a biker ends of the spectrum, we now spend more time fine what shoes or boards they used. PS: I have been involved with designing since 1985. tuning the current kites. I get valuable input from gang. Straight out of Santa Cruz, California, their long goatees and zero tolerance for riffraff have earned I have worked with Waddell Sails, Schiebel Sails, lots of riders, but in the end, there is not substitute Liquid Force and Caution. for testing them myself. GM: Where do you draw your design inspiration from? them a rowdy reputation. A small business that started out of their garage, Caution kites has grown their PS: I try to look at everything out there and put it through a filter. I’m interested in anything that will distribution internationally. Over the last eight years, Peter Schiebel has been designing kites to withstand GM: In a market where everyone says a kite is a GM: Being a homegrown company from Santa Cruz, make our product better. After all, I like to spend as kite, what separates Caution kites from the others? the heavy beating of the waves and shark infested coastline of Santa Cruz. Many of the top pros swear how hard is it manufacturing kites over seas? much time on the water as anybody. by these kites, and their signature flame graphics make them hard to miss on the water. We caught up PS: When you buy a Caution, you get a kite that is PS: It isn’t so hard now, but when we first started, very durable, works excellent in all conditions, covers we had to fly out there and show them how to do with Peter Schiebel and got an inside look at the mind behind Caution’s kite design. a huge wind range and has super pimp flames. everything from scratch. Peter Schiebel 40 41 # Tahiti 1 Name of Kiting Spot: Motu Martin How to Get There: Flights from LA or NY range from $700-1200 depending on the season. Where to Stay: Pension Chayan, a Bed & Breakfast owned by a kiteboarder. Inside, a stream full of tame fresh water eels runs between the bungalows. If Teahupoo is breaking, hire a boat and go watch one of the heaviest waves on earth unload. Two person bungalows start at $150/night depending on the season. www.pension- chayantahiti.com Best Grinds: The Poisson Cru from the food carts at the Papeete waterfront followed by drinks at Mana Rock Café is a must. Local Shop and/or School: MARA'AMU Kiteboarding School on Huahine. The place is a great learning spot with waverunner assisted lessons. Intro lessons start at $120. www.tahitikite.com Island Tips: Kite only at accepted kiting areas. Be very careful of currents and razor sharp reefs. Be courteous to the locals! Total Cost: (flight+ 7 nights + 5 hours of lessons) $2800.00

Photographer and kiteboarder Jeff Pfeffer took this photo of Skip Wunderlich last summer on the same trip mentioned in the travel file. Photo Jeff Pfeffer

By Marina Chang TropicalTropical TripsTrips How many of you sit in an office all day dreaming of that tropical destination with warm, crystal blue water and nuclear green 55 coconut palms blowing in the wind. The excitement of jumping on a plane bound for paradise can make your heart skip a beat. Kiteboarding destinations have multiplied exponentially in the last few years. The Kiteboarder Magazine thinks you need a toto TemptTempt You!You! vacation and has put together five exotic trips for you to choose from. Take our advice and tell your boss, wife, 42 sister or to whom it may concern that you need a little space. If that doesn’t work, offer to bring them with you. Moe Gould riding Andre Phillip’s sanctuary in Antigua. Photo Tracy Kraft Dimitri Maramenides has a dream session in the Turks and Caicos. Photo Gus Schmiege

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Providenciales, Antigua2 Turks and Caicos3

Kiteboarding Spot: Long Bay Windy Season: Late fall through summer. The strongest winds blow from November- March. How to Get There: Flights from LA or NY range from $700-900 depending on season. Where to Stay: Caribbean Paradise Inn is a quaint bed and breakfast with clean, com- fortable and reasonably priced rooms that are very close to the water. Rooms start at $145 per night depending on the season. www.paradise.tc Best Grinds: The Tiki Hut’s Wednesday BBQ night is a must. Bugaloos has the best local conch. Angela’s Deli is a great spot to grab sandwiches.

Local Shop and School: There is no official kiteboarding school on the island. Look up Mike, at Windsurfing Provo for any repair needs. Island Tips: There are only a handful of local kiteboarders on this island. They have no regulations and ride at beaches that are almost deserted. Terri, [email protected], is a local rider who will help you with any infor- mation you need. Always be courteous to the locals. Total Cost: (flight+ 7 nights) $1900.00

Local Shop and/or School: Kite Antigua is the premier school on the island and offers radio helmet assisted lesson. These guys are a great Where to stay: The Lord Nelson Hotel is located resource for any kiteboarding related question on the North Eastern side of Antigua and is min- and can also help you with any gear needs. utes away from the local kite beach. The owners Lessons start at $260 (4 hour beginner pack- of the hotel are extremely kiteboarder friendly. age). www.kiteantigua.com Rooms range from $70-90 per night depending Island Tips: Nik from Kite Antigua is a wealth Name of Kiting Spot: Jabberwock Beach on season. www.lordnelsonantigua.com of information. Kite only at accepted kiting (Antigua’s main Kite Beach) Best Grinds: The Steely Bar & Restaurant has areas. If you get a chance, check out Green Season: Late winter through early summer. some of the best Caribbean food you can imag- Island and Barbuda Island. Always be courteous Trade winds kick in best April through August. ine. The Last Lemming Restaurant is legendary to the locals. How to Get There: Flights from LA or NY range for their Sunday brunch. Pizzas in Paradise serve Total Cost: (flight+ 7 nights + 4 hour beginner 44 from $400-700 depending on the season. up some mouth-watering Caribbean style pizza. package) $1600.00 45 Brad Lange charges one of his newly constructed rails. Photo Gavin Butler Andre Phillip pioneers this secret spot in Te’emaru. Photo Tracy Kraft

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Whale Harbor, Islamorada,4 Florida Keys Name of Kiting Spot: The Sandbar, a.k.a. “The Flats”. Season: Late Fall through early summer. Strongest winds blow from February through May. How to Get There: Flights from LA or NY to Miami range $100-$300 depending on the season. A rental car from Miami to Islamorada for one week starts at $150. Where to Stay: The Chesapeake Resort is an amazing oceanfront location and is world famous for fishing, diving and snor- keling. Rooms start at $150 per night depending on the season. www.chesa- peake-resort.com Best Grinds: Chad’s Deli, in Tavenier serves up some of the best sandwiches. Breakfast at the Midway Café is a great way to start your day. The fresh fish at Lazy Days and Morada Bay Beach Café is the best in the region. Rum Runners Bar is the call for the best rum drink in town. Local Shop and/or School: Seven Kiteboarding is your one stop shop for les- Name of Kiting Spot: Hangal – with hot tubs, massive decks and conditions are fairly treacherous, so sons and gear. Seven Kitboarding’s retail Libang, Magbulaan gourmet-equipped kitchens. lessons are not an option. It’s pretty center is located at Whale Harbor and offers Season: Winter to late spring. The Accommodations start at $50 per much experts only on Te’emaru. WaveRunner supported lessons starting at night depending on season. Surfboard rentals available at Salok $150. Seven also rents WaveRunners, the strongest winds blow from March to # early May Best Grinds: Nothing beats the Pakwan, about 10 minutes walk perfect alternative for no wind days. from Libang. www.sevenkiteboarding.com How to Get There: Flights from LA sandwiches at Balut Shawarma; or NY to Manila range $800-$1,400 vegetarian & Filipino food at Halo Island Tips: Te’emaru is a melting Island Tips: The Keys have limited launch Halo is tasty, but they don’t have any pot of different cultures – Pacific and landing sites which makes it difficult depending on season; Manila to Palip´aran range $750-$900 on refrigeration, so make sure it’s Islander, Asian, but predominantly for those who can’t stay upwind. Be careful fresh! Check out local delicacies Filipino. The official language is of boaters and marine activity. Make sure to Eroplano or Cathay Pacific. A Rental Car for one week starts at $350. like morkon, lumpiya from beach- Tagalog, but most of the locals respect the local fisherman. side stalls. Matadero Singko is the speak English. If you’re on Te’emaru Total Cost: (flight + rental car + 7 nights + Where to stay: Since tourism is very local hotspot – cheap Asian beers in April, don’t miss out on the 6 hours of lessons) $2400.00 new to this island, accommodation and a surprising selection of biggest festival, Sa Le – where is limited. There are a couple of Australian wine to go with the pre- locals take to the streets for Te’emaruTe’emaru decent campgrounds near Libang dominantly meat-based cuisine. parades, barbeques, and open air 5 with running water, restrooms and markets, plenty of bargains to be Local Shop and/or School: Tanga fire pits. Dalisay and Ignacio found! SouthSouth PacificPacific Macadangdang run a small vacation Kite is the only shop on the island, rental operation in Ke’elotako – all selling many replacement parts but Total Cost: (flight+ 7 nights) no new inventory. The launch and $3000.00 46 houses are beachfront and full luxury 47

Slightly Stoopid’s, Kyle McDonald, freestyles to an Chuck Patterson lays down a bottom turn. Photo Gregg Gnecco BOARDERS UNITE energized crowd. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

eXtreme Hotel’s Launch Party Unites Boarding Legends By Ryan Riccitelli Planning LAUNCH Have you ever had one of those moments in your life that was so good that after it happened, Sometimes timing is everything. Owner of the eXtreme Hotels, Bill Lee, the brainchild time skating friend Andy Kessler; kiteboarders Chuck Patterson, Kevin “Top Hat” you felt like it might have been a dream? I had one at the eXtreme Hotels launch party in of the concept of blending a hotel chain that caters to actions sports enthusiasts, Senn, Bri Chmel, Andy Hurdman, Corky Cullen, Jason Slezak, Neil Hutchinson, PARTY wanted to kick off the Cabarete location with a bang. As we put our heads together Hamish MacDonald, Felix Pivec, Cameron Dietrich; Red Bull’s wake team including Cabarete, Dominican Republic this last March. It has been my vision to hold an event that would the eXtreme Launch Party concept was born. I don’t think any of us really knew what Parks Bonifay, Brian Grubb, Collin Harrington and JD Webb, top Dominican surfers bring together many of the top pros from the action sports industry to hang out and skate, surf, kite, wakeboard, party and cross we were getting into. Over hundreds of hours later, three months of hardcore logis- and skaters including Ivan Morona, Leo Alberto Alcantada and Giuseppe Polanco; and train. Boardheads are all the same. We all love to ride. I wanted to get everyone together in a drama free environment with the tical planning and thousands in hard US currency, we had our “little” party plan set the reggae/punk/ska band Slightly Stoopid all came to help and support what was to video crews and photographers and who knows what could happen? in motion. Skateboarding legend, Tony Alva from Dogtown and Z-Boys and his long- become the biggest party to ever hit the north shore of the Dominican Republic.

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Left to Right. The bus ride from the airport. Photo Gregg Gnecco Mike Bradley, Neil Hutchinson and Gordon Wiles. Photo Josh Marinos L to R. Top Hat found a mural dedicated to him. Photo Gregg Gnecco Neil presents the awards for the kiteloop competition. Photo Gregg Gnecco 48 Bri Chmel and Jill Cervi sunning their buns. Photo Gregg Gnecco Brian Grubb, Parks Bonifay and Jason Slezak talk shop. Photo Josh Marinos The Scandinavian crew doing mustard shots. Photo Gregg Gnecco Local legend, Elvis de la Cruz , coming in from a session. Photo Morton Skoll 49

L to R. Collin Harrington, JD Webb and Parks Bonifay ride a L to R. Dancing until 4 am was the standard. Photo Gregg Gnecco An extra truck was needed for all the gear. Photo Gregg Gnecco mysto beach. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Gabe Brown enjoying a Top Hat and Kyle McDonald pumping up the party. Photo Gregg Gnecco Corky Cullen getting some water time. Photo Gregg Gnecco Local Dominican, Johnny Morel, lit up the Cuban. Photo Morton Skoll Bill Lee, Morton Skoll and Jeff LAUNCH water during the kiteloop competition. Skoll. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Surfer girl. Photo Ryan Riccitelli PARTY Photo Ryan Riccitelli Neil and Slightly Stoopid having a beer. Photo Gregg Gnecco

continued from page 49 Bienvenidos (welcome in Spanish) Before the eXtreme Launch party there was excitement and anticipation throughout Cabarete. No one really knew what to expect. The party officially started when the tour bus packed with over 30 people and their boardbags pulled up to the hotel. Tony had been locked up in a plane for too long and skipped checking in to go grab a session on “Six Feet Under,” the hotels’ skate ramp. The beach bar literally went silent as Tony charged the pipe. Tony’s christening of the ramp was the perfect start to the week of festivities.

eXtreme Activities eXtreme’s launch party wasn’t about just kiteboarding and partying to the wee hours of the morning. Marina Chang and the eXtreme hotel staff had coordinated a week long of activ- ities for the pros and media. Every morning 3-2-1 Takeoff, the local surf school would come by the hotel and pick up anyone who wanted to go surfing. Tony Alva took advantage of this and started every day with a Caribbean surf session. Guests were also treated to a hike and cave tour from Trips, Tours Treks and Travel.The park behind Cabarete is one of the areas most undiscovered and underutilized resources. It’s definitely worth a look. The five-course meal at Castle Club, a mountain villa outside Cabarete was also a culinary highlight.The Red Bull Wake Team snuck off daily to The Dominican Project, a the new wakeboarding camp on a fresh water river; complete with a rail and kicker. Chuck Patterson, Corky Cullen and Cameron Dietrich were also on site teaching people how to kite. During happy hour at the end of each day, everyone would chill at the eXtreme Bar and watch Tony Alva, Andy Kessler and the local Dominican skaters destroy the ramp on one side of the bar and pro kiteboarders throwing down on the water on the beach side of the bar. You had the best of

both worlds and a rum drink to boot. — continued Cameron Dietrich nails an unhooked, indy grab off a wave at Encuentro. Photo Gregg Gnecco Style master, Tony Alva wall rides Six Feet Under. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

L to R. O.G. and Chuck Patterson define gravity. Photo Gregg Gnecco Gregg Gnecco put his camera down for this portrait. Photo Jason Slezak L to R. Bar manager, Mark and Trip Foreman enjoying the party. Photo Gregg Gnecco Tony tags his name on Six Feet Under. Photo Ryan Riccitelli 50 JD Webb tows in the waves. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Alva’s board ended up in the eXtreme pool. Photo Gregg Gnecco Slightly Stoopid blows up the stage. Photo Ryan Riccitelli A 14-year old Dominican skater is following in Tony’s footsteps. Photo Gregg Gnecco O.G, Ryan Moran, Miles Doughty, Kyle McDonald—Slightly Stoopid. 51

M M M M LAUNCH PARTY M M M

Felix Pivec sessioned Encuentro pulling countless variations of 360’s off waves. Photos Gregg Gnecco

JD Webb nose presses one of the Dominican Project’s rails. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

continued from page 50 Kite Loop Competition We wanted to show the non-kiters and media what our sport was all about. jammed Jimi Hendrix, Manic Depression with the crew. Lee Jaffe, who used activities. World class DJ Werner mixed up the Jams and debauchery contin- What better way than to plan a kite loop competition? 40 riders competed in to play with Bob Marley and the Whalers, picked up his harmonica and ued. Needless to say, the final party will go down in history as one of the cra- two 30-minute heats, going all out to win the $500 prize money. The local soloed. Local Dominican musicians joined with vocals and guitars. Everyone ziest events ever to hit Cabarete. kids knew their spot best and the Dominican talent took the podium. Alex was dancing with smiles from ear to ear. We had people from every facet of Soto won the “Most Technical” move. Ariel Gonzales won the Worst Wipeout, the action sports industry and media from titles like Maxim, National Farewell and Papo Mendez won the Highest Kiteloop. Look out for these kids at the Geographic Adventure and Wakeboarding Magazine – everyone was having PKRA Cabarete event in June. a blast. All good things must come to an end and luckily no one missed their flight. Professional wakeboarder, Collin Harrington had so much fun he extended his trip. As I watched the same bus that dropped everyone off drive away to the Professional Entertainment The Final Show airport, the week’s events began to hit me. I knew I would be the one dele- Coordinating dinners for over forty VIPs for a week can be a logistical night- The last night of the eXtreme Launch party was truly the finale. Everyone had gated with the task to tell the story of eXtreme Hotel’s Launch Party. There are mare, but every night was planned flawlessly with either a special dinner or spent the week together hanging out, so the crew was very chummy. The not enough words to describe what a positive experience this event was. It a group BBQ. As for entertainment, we didn’t have to look far; Slightly Stoopid hotel had promoted all week, so most of Cabarete was in attendance. By the not only kicked off a really cool hotel concept, but more importantly, it brought had been flown in all the way from San Diego to jam a private show at the time Slightly launched into their first song, the crowd was huge. Tony, Andy, together a group of people that needed to get together. Kiteboarders, surfers, hotel. Slightly played three nights hooked into a monster PA system and the Morona and the Dominican skate crew came alive. As Slightly played some skateboarders, wakeboarders and real life rock stars—what a concept! rest of the week they jammed acoustically in the bar inviting anyone from the of their punk songs, the ramp went crazy. Tony’s wall rides were off the scale. Check out the infamous party shots in the photo links section of crowd to come join them. At one point Tony Alva picked up the bass and After a two hour energy packed set, the eXtreme Bar became the center of www.kbmag.com and www.extremehotels.com. Top Photo—Six Feet Under Skateboard Ramp Graphic Bottom Photo—Cabarete’s kiteboard- ing princess, Susi Mai dominated the kiteloop competition. Photo Gregg Gnecco

L to R. Andy Kessler and Tony chill in the eXtreme Bar. Photo Morton Skoll Chuck Patterson showing his softer side with his little pal Nano. Photo Ryan Riccitelli L to R. Andy Kessler hangs out with the local Dominican kids. Photo Gregg Gnecco Owner of eXtreme Hotels, Bill Lee toasts the crew. Photo Gregg Gnecco 52 Bill Lee and O.G. strangle a party goer. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Jason Slezak teaches Miles from Slightly Stoopid to fly the trainer. Photo Gregg Gnecco Top Hat Tony Alva jammed with Slightly Stoopid. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Kitexcite helped the launch offering logistical support. Photo Gregg Gnecco Dominican semi- 53 takes a break during the festivities. Photo Josh Marinos pro rider Manuel Rondon. Photo Gregg Gnecco

exposed Dylan Grafmyre rips the top off the wave during a late winter swell at Lanes, Maui. Photo Tracy Kraft 54 55 expo osed

Gayle Tiller captures an evening session we all wish we could have enjoyed. Tulum, Mexico. Photo Gayle Tiller Corky Cullen burns a turn in the surreal, blue water of Riviera Maya. Riviera Maya, Mexico. Photo Grant Wright 56 57 Jose Luengo taunts the peanut gallery on a recent visit to a secret spot on the Indian Ocean. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

d se o p x e

Clockwise from Top Left. Red Bull Kayaker, Rusty Sage grabs a soul session at Lake Oriville Afterbay near Chico, California Photo Taylor Robertson. This accidental exposure of Zach Young cruising exemplifies the beauty of Cozumel. Photo Gregg Gnecco. Rebecca Wolthers captured busting a nice Indy air at C Street, in Ventura, California. Photo Jason Wolcott. 58 Gold Coast’s, CJ Jones cruises along the shore line at “The Alley,” in Curumbin, Australia Photo Jim Semlor 59

Dave Turner finds some glass while testing prototypes on Folsom Lake, California. Photo Jeff Gillard

Brendan Richards uses a Waddell Creek wave as the ultimate kickerp to practiceo a bats wing.e Photod Kim Kern ex exposed

South Africa’s, Clinton Bolton is frozen in a kiteloop during a Florida Keys, evening session. Photo Gavin Butler 60 Cesar Portas takes advantage of the newly built Coche rail. Photo Gabe Strong 61 exposed permission toslidethebed ofhistruck.Cape Hatteras.Photo GreggGnecco Jason Slezakwanted somethingnewtoslide,so GreggGneccogavehim

Progression 34 567 8 By Mike Norman Sponsored by: Dakine, Extreme Hotels and The Kiteboarder Magazine

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1 While edging comfortably, find a flat area where you can generate speed 4 For style points, bone out your front foot and tweak out the grab by pulling 7 Bend your knees to land softly. Ollie Tail Grab and a good edge. Pop off the water by edging a little harder to generate the tail around you as Cameron does. Hold the grab for as long as possible. 8 Continue to edge upwind to keep your speed. tension on the line. Stand tall and push down with your back foot. with Cameron Dietrich Photos Ryan Riccitelli 5-6 Spot your landing and release the grab. 2 Rather than reaching for the board, bring the board up to you as you go This is great way to begin to feel comfortable with load and pop maneuvers. • The faster you go, the higher the pop. The ollie is the principle move that most moves are based off of. Before you can for the grab. TIPS • DON’T GRAB TINDY TINDY = Behind your back foot on your toeside edge. run, you must crawl. 3 Grab the board on the tail. • After you get it down hooked in, it’s time to try it unhooked. NETWOTHREEFOURFIVESIXSEVENEIGHTNINETENELEVENTWELVE 1 2 34 567 8

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1 While edging comfortably, find a flat area where you can generate speed 4 Style it by boning out your back leg and tweaking it away from the direction 6 Spot your landing and release the grab Ollie Seatbelt Grab and a good edge. Pop off the water by edging a little harder to generate you are traveling. 7 Land a little downwind and keep your speed. tension on the line. Stand tall and push down with your back foot. with Cameron Dietrich Photos Ryan Riccitelli 5 Hold the grab for as long as possible. Rather than reaching for the board, bring the board up to you as you go This is a progression of the Tail Grab. Since it is a tougher grab to get, you will need 2 more pop. for the grab. • After you get it down hooked in, it’s time to try it unhooked. 3 Grab the nose of the board with your back hand, by reaching around the TIPS front of your body • Turn it into a seatbelt glide by throwing a raley during the grab. • Do the seatbelt glide unhooked. 64 65 Progression 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 By Felix Pivec Sponsored by: Airush

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1 Timing is everything. Make sure you come off the bottom with speed so 4,5 & 6 As you are smacking the lip, spring off your tail and keep your weight 7 Spot your landing and bend your knees to absorb the fast landing. Lip Smack you can punch the section. You can either stay hooked in or unhook. forward in the direction you want to go. This will give you some air time 8 Land back on the wave and keep burning down the line. with Felix Pivec Photos Jeff Pfeffer Unhooking will allow you to get a little more radical. allowing for style points for grabs and tweaks. 2 Pick a section you want to hit. As you hit the lip redirect the kite back The lip smack is similar to a simple carve on a wave. In this case you are hitting the • If you are getting pulled off balance from your kite during the smack, you are redirecting your kite too fast. crucial section of the wave and letting it redirect you. The timing of redirecting your toward the beach so you will have speed to land back on the wave. TIPS • If you are slogging through the smack, you are redirecting your kite too slow. kite while smacking the lip is critical. 3 As you smack the lip, hold on tight as the lip will be projecting you out. • Commitment is critical!

NETWOTHREEFOURFIVESIXSEVENEIGHTNINETENELEVENTWELVE

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1 Approach the lip as if you where about to do a standard off the lip. 4 At this stage, you will be unwinding out of the move. Depending on the wave 5 Put both hands back on the bar and set yourself up for the next turn. Off the Lip Surface 360 Instead of springing up into the air, absorb the wave with your knees. you will free fall a bit or just simply slide back into a normal riding position. with Felix Pivec Photos Jeff Pfeffer 2 Carve up into the wind releasing your left hand and pulling the bar with An Off the Lip Surface 360 is another lip variation. Before attempting this move, your right hand to your right hip. Break your fins loose and commit to have your surface 360’s dialed. You should also feel comfortable with a simple off sliding through the 360 rotation. Do not hesitate as this might cause you the lip on a wave. to stop rotating. TIPS • Remember to resend your kite back to the beach during the move or you will not land back on the wave. 3 Look over your left shoulder in the direction you want to go and your • Commitment is the key to this move. body will follow. Pass the bar to your left hand continuing the rotation. 66 67 ProductProduct WatchWatch

CAUTION LIQUID FORCE PETER LYNN M-80 Kite with Bar

Glueless Ergonomic Contoured Footpads M M Phantom Kite These glueless pads have a pre-curved bottom carbon plate. As you tighten LF introduces their new M-80 Kite as a mid- M the straps they lay flat and stay put. The ergonomic design makes them very season release. The medium aspect kite is The Phantom is an extremely high per- comfy and easy take on and off when traveling. designed to be super stable and easy to fly. formance kite designed for advanced From wave riding to freestyle tricks, the M- riders. This kite is high aspect and has BEST KITEBOARDING Sizes: one size fits all 80 will work for you. All kites come a self-inflating closed cell foil. The MSRP: $50/Pair equipped with the 5th line leash system phantom can be used on snow or Hellfish Kite M which runs through a newly designed water. It’s excellent depower is perfect Adjustable Ergonomic Contoured ergonomic shaped bar. The kite includes the for snowkiting. The Hellfish is scheduled to release this June. The new kite is Footstraps new “Spider Inflation System.” Sizes: 6, 9, 12, 15, 18m made from a space age material which is taking the sailing world M by storm. Best claims the material is ten times The new contoured footstraps have super com- Sizes: 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 20m MSRP: starting at $935 complete fortable dual EVA and feature tool free adjust- lighter and stronger than traditional kite mate- MSRP: N/A www.peltonwindsports.com rial. The Cuben Fiber has enabled Best to ment. The new diamond embossed yellow top redesign a significantly smaller diameter gives them a flashy new look. Board Interface System (B.I.S.) M leading edge and struts, which is Sizes: one size fits all The B.I.S. is a complete footstrap and pad intended to make the kite faster and MSRP: $40/pair system that is easy to adjust. The contoured more powerful. According to Best, rid- foot beds are mounted on a pre-curved poly- ers will see dramatic improvements in Hyper Foil Fins M carbonate plate with airpack under the entire light wind performance, jumping abili- NORTH heel section. The asymmetrical ergonomic ty, hang time and overall power. Best These “Bomb Proof” G10 fins give you extra hold with the least amount of drag footstraps are soft and flexible and come Kiteboarding is so confident in their possible. They have a thin foil, which is very popular with the pros. Available in Jaime Pro M fixed or adjustable. Molded heel straps are new kite, any dissatisfied customer can surf or slash style. The Jaime Pro was designed by the North team and caters to the provided as an option. Includes center grab return a Hellfish within 30 days for a full advanced rider. The ”L” version is for lightwind or heavier riders. The “M” Sizes: 1.25, 2.0 Slash Fins; 2.0, 2.5 Surf Fins handle. Many tow surfers are starting to use refund AND $100! I am sure we will be version is an all around board and the “S” is for lightweight riders or well them. hearing more about this kite soon. MSRP: starting at $20 each powered up conditions. All models are www.cautionkites.com Sizes: M, L, XL fast and incorporate North’s “flex tips”. Sizes: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 25m All models come with two stance options MSRP: starting at $250 MSRP: Starting at $799 kite only for bigger and smaller riders. The word on www.liquidforcekites.com the street is this board is lightning fast. www.bestkiteboarding.com www.cubenfiber.com Sizes: S (123x35.5cm), M (126x37.5cm), L (128x40cm) MSRP: Starting at $700 (complete) NEILPRYDE SLINGSHOT www.northkites.com 4000 Series NPX Wind S/S Steamer 3/2 M The Machine Kite M The short sleeved wetsuit is part of Neilpryde’s kite/wind line and features a The Machine is Slingshot’s latest light wind beast. The kite high stretch fabric with a very abrasion resistant exterior. Combined with the comes equipped with several interesting features. The Splitflex NPX features, reinforced crotch for harness wear, extra knee padding, and is designed to give the kite more range and tuning ability while strategically placed flex zones, the suit gives you the freedom to perform radical on the move. The Power Curve is designed to give you further maneuvers. Glued and Blind stitched, super reinforced and extra durable. up-wind ability and better hang time. The Suit Sizes: XS-XXL MSRP: $208.00 One Line is designed to allow riders OZONE to adjust the performance features 5000 Low Cut Round Bootie M Samurai Kite of the kite on the fly. Slingshot JIMMY LEWIS M Neilpryde’s low cut round toe bootie is made for maximum comfort and conven- put a lot of R&D into this kite. The Samurai is an easy to use all around traction You should check out the SS Bitch Witch

ience. The heel hold system provides support, responsiveness and limits side M kite. Ozone designed the Samurai to perform in all flex. The textured sole provides superior grip and traction. All the website for more details. The Bitch Witch is designed and shaped by the conditions and for all power kiting sports including above features combined with “bare foot” feeling makes this Sizes: 17.5, 20.5, 25.5m legendary Jimmy Lewis. This board has slightly landboarding, snowkiting and free flying. The Samurai item a must for rocky or reefy beaches launches! narrower ends than the JL Signature Model and produces solid, user-friendly power that can be con- MSRP: starting at $1650 complete the Model III. The Bitch Witch has more curve in Bootie Sizes: 4-14 MSRP: $37.00 trolled with either handles or a 4-line control bar. www.sskiteboarding.com its outline designed for more holding power Sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.2m www.neilprydewaterwear.com through the turn. Jimmy’s team claims this is a great wave riding twin-tip. MSRP: starting at $310 complete Sizes: any custom size or color www.windzup.com MSRP: starting at $780 (includes fins and packing) www.jimmylewis.com

68 69 AnalyzeAnalyze This...This...

WINDWING S.A.F.E www.windwing.com GLOBERIDER GK Curl - 21m www.litewavedesigns.com HOW IT WORKS: HOW IT WORKS: Windwing’s new S.A.F.E. system (Simple, Aerodynamic, Four-line, Extended-range) is offered in two versions: CC-SAFE and Just released, the Globerider 21m is “The big kite that thinks it’s small.” Standard features include: FSS or Flex Strut B-SAFE. The B model will automatically depower the kite when you take you hands off the bar. The CC model features an System” and “KPO” or Kite Power Optimizer. The “Flex Strut System” allows the struts to actually flex at about 3/4 of adjustable two-stage pulley power adjustment system so that when you take your hands of the bar it will remain in that the distance from the leading edge, which is designed to help stabilize the kite and give it more range. With the Kite sheeting position. On the CC model, you need to push the bar out to engage the SAFE system. Power Optimizer (KPO), the front lines are not fixed but attach to a ring that slides between two fixed points. Globerider claims the KPO allows for a smoother ride and faster turning.

SAFETY FEATURES: Safety Features: 1. Retains full steering at all times. 1. The TBS (tri-bridle-system) is Globerider’s version of a 5th line system which allows the kite to hover with no power 2. Multiple safety releases. when the safety is engaged. 3. Spinable leash system. 4. Power adjustment with two-stage pulley and clam cleat. TIPS: 1. Play around with the KPO settings to find the sweet spot. TIPS: 2. Make sure wingtip valves are closed before pumping up. Sizes: 21m 1. Don’t be shy when it comes to depowering the kite. The bar is designed so you won’t ever lose steering abilities. 3. Pump the struts and leading edge until they are rock hard. Kites fly better when they are properly inflated. MSRP: n/a 2. The SAFE bridle (proprietary to only to Windwing kites) is necessary to utilize many of the performance enhancing Sizes: 45cm, 50cm, 56cm features of the bar. MSRP: starting at $318 LIQUID SKY TURBOLAUNCHER www.kitelauncher.com HOW IT WORKS: EH KITEBOARDING EH WAVE www.ehkiteboarding.com This is an interesting new tool designed to help you launch your kite in tight situations. The launcher is a stiff plastic object about 18” long. The base locks down to the control bar with the sheeting system tucked into the hollow shaft. All lines exit HOW IT WORKS: the shaft through a slit at the top and are then rolled onto the spool in either clockwise or counter clockwise rotation. This Based in the Dominican Republic, this year’s EH Wave is a medium aspect ratio kite for the intermediate /advanced rider. system is not for beginners. You should be at intermediate-advanced rider before using this system. Designed for hardcore wave and wake style riders, the main advancement this year is a change to the profile to give the kite more lift. The wave is said to be stable with predictable power throughout the wind window. SAFETY FEATURES: 1. Keeps lines straight and untangled. SAFETY FEATURES: 2. Can setup and launch in a small area. The bar has an “oh shit” handle on both rear lines for waves, relaunching and landing. 3. Designed to makes boat launching safer. (see website for disclaimer)

TIPS: TIPS: 1. Pump the struts and leading edge until they are rock hard. Kites fly better when they are properly inflated. Sizes: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15m 1. Practice launching in an open area with no people around until you get this system dialed. 2. Play around with the attachment points to find what works for you. 2. Store your lines on the launcher to get on the water sooner. MSRP Kite only: starting at $650 Sizes: one size 3. The 5th line kit coming in July and will retail for $40. 3. Refer to website for further updated information and tips. MSRP Bar only: starting at $199 complete MSRP: $65

DAKINE TABU (Men) and SIREN (Women) www.dakine.com RRD TYPE WAVE www.robertoriccidesigns.com , www.cabaldc.com HOW IT WORKS: HOW IT WORKS: Anatomical 3-D shape, lightweight dual density body, heavy duty nylon covered, internal lumbar plate, and independ- RRD’s team has been doing extensive R&D on this kite and bar. The TW has six struts, extra wide wingtips, a zipping ent primary and secondary power belts make this a light, comfortable, supportive waist harness. Easy to get in to power control system (2 zippers) and an anti-foul bridle system. The Wave Bar System allows the rider to depower the and adjust to your personal preference. kite while wave riding with the use of a 5th line system. The 5th line is connected to the leading edge at two attach- ment points in front of the center struts. The front lines connect to one line that runs down to the depower loop. The end result is the bar only has four lines coming off it. SAFETY FEATURES: 1. Stainless steel leash attachment rings on both sides. You can run a line between these rings for a rat tail leash. SAFETY FEATURES: 2. Harness comes with knife and tow handle. 1. 5th line for easy launch and depower. 2. Quick grab depower ball and beginner safety leash attachment point. TIPS: 3. Easy to reach loop quick release. 1. Adjust both power belts to be tight. 4. Anti-foul bridle system. 2. Adjust the bar straps so that the bar is always centered and tight. 3. Keep the straps tucked away in the elastic band. Flapping straps aren’t cool. TIPS: 1. Pump the struts and leading edge until they are rock hard. Kites fly better when they are properly inflated. Sizes: 15, 12, 10, 8 m 2. The zippers allow you to tune the power and range of the kite. Try the different variations to find out what works for you. MSRP: starting at $995 complete, Sizes: XS-XL $805 kite only 3. Make sure you have you 5th line tuned properly for the waves. 70 MSRP: starting at $99 71 AcademyAcademy Six Commonly Asked 5th Line Questions By Jeff Howard

5th Line, Extra line, One-line, Shift! What do they North’s 5th line attachment point all mean? These terms simply refer to the extra power line that runs from the control bar to a center point or multiple attachment points on the leading edge of an inflatable kite. The 5th line offers more efficient depowering and easier relaunchability. With any new system, there are always commonly asked questions that come up. Because we are the largest repair center in the US, we have had countless calls asking every question you can imagine about the 5th line system. The following questions and answers highlight some of the most popular questions we are asked.

PKRA competitor, Cesar Portas, uses North’s new 5th line system. Photo courtesy Cesar Portas

1 If there is no pull point or pump leash point on the kite, can I install the 5th line system? YES. Any inflatable kite on the market, since they where invented, can have the system installed fairly easily. Most older kites do not have a connection point or the pump leash is not adequate enough to take the load of the system. In this case we can install attachment loops to any kite for a low cost. 2 Should I get the system installed on my kite? It depends! If you fly bigger kites and have problems re-launching them, then YES. If you are doing difficult handle pass tricks and want a system to shut the kite down fast with less chance of tangles, then YES. If you want a fast acting depower system with less distance to throw the bar, then YES. If you think you need it, because everyone in your area is putting one on their kite, then NO. 3 Is the 5th line a fool proof re-launch system? NO. The extra line has its downfalls as well. If the kite rolls into the lines in waves or wind, or sometimes if you simply re-launch incorrect- ly, you are done—start swimming! In most situations the 5th line is very helpful. Do I need a system for each kite I own? 4 NO. The only thing you will need for each kite is a center leader line that runs from attachment point at the center of the leading edge and hangs down the distance parallel to the wing tips. Once the system is setup on your bar, it will work with any kite with this leader point. 5 Can I build or install the system myself? YES. However, we do not recommend it. There are many aftermarket rigs for most brands of kites. We have been building 5th lines for customers for quite awhile now. If you know what you are doing, you can build an efficient system. Be very careful rigging your own sys- tem. Getting things setup correctly is very important to the performance and handling of the kite. Am I missing out by not having the system? 6 NO. In normal riding cases the system isn’t going to improve your riding skills. However, if you’re in a low wind area and crashing your kite a lot, then you will benefit from this system.

Hopefully our 5th line Q&A helped clarify any confusion you might have on the system. The best advice I can give you is that like the old saying goes, the stupidest question is the one that is not asked. I urge you to contact your local shop or manufacturer with any questions. You can always give us a call here at Prokitesurf.com.

72 Jeff Howard owns and operates Prokitesurf kiteboarding shop and repair center, in Corpus Christi Texas. www.prokitesurf.com MaintenanceMaintenance Dr. Brown's Emergency Kite First Aid By ‘Doctor’ James Brown

All right, I'll come clean right from the start—I didn’t finish medical school. To be completely honest, I never went to medical school—Minor details. I have had to perform emergency procedures in order to keep my “loved ones” alive. Below I have listed the things that I bring with me all year long for kiteboarding on water, snow and land. Some things I have never had to use, and some have saved me from otherwise ruined sessions.

Kite First Aid Kit: Contents

I Clear nylon repair tape – Clear works great on any color kite I Phillips screwdriver (#3) and wrench (10mm) - For your straps material. or bindings and fins. I Spare set of lines – You never know when you'll need them. I have I Super Glue – This stuff was apparently developed for fixing minor cut a couple sets with the edge of my snowboard. wounds on the battlefield! When you are at the beach, you can seal I Extra spectra line – Works well for making a reverse launch line up cuts to keep sand and water out so you can finish your session. and bridle for using your inflatable kite on the snow. It works way better than band-aids or duct tape in the water. I Extra leader line – Can be used for making new pigtails or length- I Permanent Marker – For writing your contact info on your gear in ening your leader lines so you don’t cut your lines with a snow- case it's stolen or adrift. board or skis. I Sunscreen – Protects your hide from the nasty rays of the sun. I Hand Pump – Just in case your big one breaks or you forget it at home. Pick one up at a party supply store. They use them for mak- I Duct Tape – There’s a million uses for this stuff. Just don’t put it ing balloon animals. on your kite if you can help it. Use repair tape instead. I Bladder repair kit – For patching minor holes in a bladder. I Toilet Paper – Do I need to explain this one? I Extra Bladders – If possible have one for the leading edge of your I Ibuprofen – For the punishing kiteloop that spanked you. largest kite and also one for the center strut of your largest kite. This way you can replace the bladders of any kite from the largest I Weather Radio – Stay aware of the current local weather systems. down to the smallest in an emergency. You can put a bladder that I Wind Meter – Helps you decide which kite to rig and you can prove is too big, inside of a smaller strut in a pinch. Just don't put a blad- who guessed the closest to how hard the wind is blowing. der that is too small in a large strut or the bladder can expand and pop. (See Casey Houtz' article on page 71 of the Jan. 03 issue for I Binoculars – So you can see if more on bladders. Download at www.kbmag.com) your buddy needs help offshore and to check out bikinis. I Extra bladder valve "plug" – Just in case one gets ripped off of a bladder valve and disappears into the bushes, you can plug it up. Not good if you spot something like the top I Scissors – For cutting line and clear nylon repair tape. photo on the Yard Sale I Lighter – For burning the ends of your lines to prevent fraying. page in this issue.

74 James Brown is sponsored by Naish, Ultra Nectar and Dakine. 75

The winner of the best wipeout shot wins a new The Kiteboarder t-shirt. YardYard SaleSale Please send your submissions to [email protected].

Rules of the Road By Rick Iossi, FKA

What do you do when you are cruising and someone is charging straight at you from the other direction about to cross your path? What do you do when you are trying to ride off ? the beach and another kiteboarder is riding toward the shore attempting to land their kite? Who has the right of way? While these questions seem simple to answer, problems occur everyday, because riders do not know or choose to ignore the rules of the road. Why bother? With no compliance, the potential for disaster and serious injury is significantly kiteboarding session. We owe it to each other to have a clue about what we are increased. Collisions, crossed lines and bruised egos can ruin anyone’s doing and act with knowledge and courtesy. Kiteboarding Rules of the Road: Dimitri Maramenides always makes friends wherever he travels. Photo Gus Schmiege 1. The rider on starboard tack has the right of way (right foot forward). 7. Jump only when there is at least a kite line’s distance or more clear in the downwind direction. This one hurt! 2. The kiter downwind always has the right of way. Anonymous We have all been there. Photo KPWT 8. Always use a good buffer zone between other riders. 3. The rider being passed always has the right of way. 9. If you don’t know what to do, bring your kite to neutral momentarily and 4. When passing, the upwind kite goes high and the downwind kite goes low. STOP! 5. The rider on a wave has the right of way. 10.In the event that you think you are going to have a collision, attempt to 6. Riders coming into shore should always yield to riders coming out. change direction or raise your kite to neutral.

This is really a flying Dutchman. Many of the right of way rules are simple, but often ignored. Being aware of your surroundings can eliminate 99% of the problems. If you are the kind of person Photo Ryan Riccitelli who always demands someone to yield the right of way, then you’re instigating a problem. Sometimes that other rider is a beginner who doesn’t have sufficient Felix Pivec and Royce Reid found this guy control. The kiteboarding rules of the road are very simple and should be passed on to your local crew. Pick your battles wisely, and as always, use common stranded off Puerto Rico. Photo Gregg Gnecco sense! For more information and diagrams check out http://fksa.org.

Morona about to slam with no pads. When kiteloops go wrong! Photo Ryan Riccitelli Photo cou rtesy Patrick Phillips

Dimitri Maramenides about to get slammed in the Jupiter, Florida shore break. Photo Matt Cotton Jeff Roberts chases a runaway kite at Kite Show Cabarete. Photo Josh Marinos

Tanglesaurus Rex! Photo Ryan Riccitelli

Always put sand on your kite. Photo Josh Marinos

76 This one really hurt financially. Photo Matt Cotton WorkbenchWorkbench The best resource for schools, retailers, KITE PAGES and associations in the U.S. and Caribbean. by Gary Martin

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P High Tide Surf Shop ...... (912) 786-6556 Kitesurfari ...... (714) 378-0468 Gulfsport Windsurfing ...... (228) 863-5525 Floras Lake Windsurfing ...... (541) 348-9912 Savannah Sails and Rails ...... (912) 232-7201 KiteWindSurf...... (510) 522-WIND Get Air...... (228) 209-1204 Hood River Waterplay ...... (541) 386-WIND Customize the length of your foot strap. Poke holes through the reinforced ends of the tube. Run the foot strap screw through the Trim the excess tube and Hawaii heel strap to connect to the board. tuck everything in. Lake Tahoe Kiteboarding ...... (877) 769-5483 North Carolina Kite-Line ...... (888) 714-9849 Action Sports Maui ...... (808) 871-5857 The Kiteboarder Magazine assumes no liability for any modifications to your gear. Use these tips at your own risk. Live2Kite...... (415) 722-7884 Blowing in the Wind ...... (910) 763-1730 All Surf Industries ...... (503)239.8973 Aloha Kiteboarding Academy...... (808) 637-5483 Malibu Kitesurfing ...... (310) 430-KITE Hatteras Island Sail Shop ...... (252) 987-2292 New Wind ...... (541) 387-2440 Caveman Kitesurfing ...... (808) 389-4004 Manta Wind & Water Sports ...... (858) 270-7222 Kiteboarding Hatteras ...... (252) 995-5000 Pacific Wave ...... (503) 861-0866 Extreme Sports Maui...... (808) 871-7954 Mission Bay Aquatic Center...... (858) 488-1000 Kites Unlimited ...... (252) 247-7011 Storm Warning ...... (800) 492-6309 Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport ...... (808) 871-4981 Monkey Air ...... (310) 457-6896 Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding Centers ...... (877) FLY-THIS Wind Guide ...... (541) 490 4401 Hawaiian Watersports...... (808) 262-KITE Murrays...... (800) 786-7245 Kailua Sailboards ...... (808) 262-2555 OOTO Kite School ...... (650) 960-1721 Kite High ...... (808) 637-5483 Santa Barbara Kiteboarding Company ...... (805) 560-6138 Kiteboard Center ...... (808) 276-2667 Sky Kitesurfing School ...... (925) 455-4008 Kiteboard Maui ...... (808) 870-2554 Vela...... (800) 223-5443 Kiteboarding.com ...... (866) 488-5483 Wave Rave Snowboard Shop...... (760) 934-2471 Kitesurf Maui...... (808) 873-0015 West Coast Kiteboarding ...... (619) 200-9519 Maui Kiteboarding Lessons ...... (808) 242-8015 Naish Hawaii Ltd. Shop ...... (808) 262-6068 Off Da Lip ...... (808) 255-6255 Reinhard Elischka ...... (808) 877-6226 Iowa Seatasea...... (319) 743-7922 Idaho Ground Zero ...... (208) 26506714 South Valley Kite Sports ...... (208) 721-0526 Windsport ...... (858) 488-4642 Illinois Windsurf Diablo...... (510) 778-6350 Chicago Kiteboarder ...... (312) 804-5482 Wind over Water Kiteboarding ...... (650) 218-6023 Windward Sports...... (773) 472-6868 Xdream Sportz ...... (760) 944-9247 Kansas Xstreamline Sports ...... (310) 518-1972 Water Cooled Trading ...... (913) 710-4406 Xtreme Big Air...... (805) 773-9200 Louisiana Colorado Wind Works...... (504) 433-3005 Colorado Kite Force...... (970) 485-3300 Massachusetts Fuze Kiteboarding ...... (303) 683-5033 Cape Cod Kite School ...... (508) 364-6162 Inferno Snowboard Co...... (970) 259-8669 Dr. Gravity’s Kite Shop...... (508) 430-0437 Larson’s Ski & Sport ...... (303) 423-0654 Bob Smith Wilderness House...... (617) 277-5858 PKS Kiteboarding School...... (970) 376-3159 Inland Sea...... (508) 398-1333 Connecticut Sailing & Ski Connection ...... (843) 626-7245 Orbit Marine Sports...... (203) 333-3483 Powerline Sports...... (978) 388-8974 Tri State Kites ...... (800) 510-0865 Skyhigh Kiteboarding School...... (508) 259-2728 Delaware Maryland H2air Kiteboarding ...... (302) 227-1105 H2air Kiteboarding ...... (302) 227-1105 Florida Kite Loft ...... (410) 289-7855 7 Kiteboarding...... (305) 664-4055 Michigan

The best resource for schools, retailers, KITE PAGES and associations in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Puerto Rico Utah Kite St Croix ...... (340) 773-9890 Kitesurfing Puerto Rico ...... (787) 728-8716 Cloud 9 Soaring Ctr...... (801) 576-6460 Sky Riders, St. Lucia ...... (758) 454-3418 Real Kiteboarding PR ...... (866) REAL-KITE Virginia Tornado Kite & Surf, St. Lucia ...... (758) 486-0545 Rhode Island Southeast Expeditions ...... (877) 943-8548 Associations Northwind Sports ...... (401) 254-4295 Washington IL-Chicago Kitesurfing Group ...... South Carolina Seattle Kiteboarding Center...... (206) 779-3272 http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/ Half Moon Outfitter ...... (843) 881-9472 IL-Kitesurfing Chicago ...... South Dakota http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/ Peak Sports...... (605) 341-5445 TX-Central Texas Kiteboarding Association...... Xtreme Sports & Recreation ...... (605) 225-5441 www.centexkiteboarding.com Texas CA-California Kiteboarding Assoc...... Air Padre Kiteboarding ...... (956) 299-WIND http://www.calkite.org/ “World Cup Kiteboarding on a World Cup Beach” Cline Street Sailboards ...... (361) 937-5000 CA-Central Coast (CA) Kiteboarding Assoc...... Corpus Christi Kitesurfing Inc...... (361) 960-4359 Email: [email protected] http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA/ S. Padre Kiteboarding ...... (956) 761-1434 Web: www.caracolkiteboarding.com Kitemare ...... (727) 741-5483 CA-San Diego Kiteboarding Assoc...... Warming Hut Ski & Board ...... (972) 234-6088 Cabarete, Dominican Republic ...... (809) 571-0680 Mongani Sky Pirates ...... (361) 992-9623 http://www.sdka.org/ Windsurfing Sports ...... (713) 291-9199 Pro Kitesurf...... (361) 883-1473 CA-San Francisco Kiteboarding Assoc...... Zero Gravity Kiteboarding ...... (361) 949-0266 S. Padre Island Kiteboarding ...... (956) 245-8343 Urban Surf...... (206) 545-9463 http://www.sfkitesurfing.com/ Wiley Water Ski...... (206) 762-1300 CA-Sherman Island Kiteboarding Assoc ...... http://www.calkite.org/siko.htm Wisconsin CA-Southern California Kiteboarding Assoc...... Coontail Watersports ...... (715) 385-0250 http://www.scka.org/ Fish Creek Kite Company ...... (920) 868-3769 CO-Rocky Mountain Kiteboard Association...... Guild Works...... (608) 273-1817 http://www.TocoSports.com/ Kite-Riders ...... (608) 273-1817 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmka Milwaukee Sailing School ...... (414) 350-0702 FL-Florida Kitesurfing Association ...... North Winds Kiteboarding ...... (414) 698-7012 http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FKSA/ Southport Rigging Company ...... (262) 652-5434 FL-BKSA - Tampa Bay Kitesurfing Association ...... The Board Shop ...... (262) 248-1703 http://www.tbksa.org/ Wyoming GA-TIKA - Tybee Island ...... Hoback Sports...... (303) 733-5335 http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/tikakiteboarding HI-Hawaii Kiteboarding Association ...... http://www.hawaiikiteboardingassociation.org/ MD-Ocean City Kiteboarders Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OCMDkiteBoarding ...... MN-Minnesota Wind Info and Forum Group ...... Best equipped Center in the Caribbean! http://www.windancing.com/ • Rescue/Training Boat OR-Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding...... • Radio Helmets http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA • 50% off lessons w/new gear VA-Virginia Kiteboarders Association ...... Email: [email protected] Web: www.kitexcite.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VAKB/ Cabarete, Dominican Republic ...... (809) 571-9509 WA-Seattle Kitesurfing Association ...... http://www.seattlekitesurfing.org/index.htm ...... Great Lakes Wind info and Forum gGroup ...... Caribbean http://www.lakawa.com/ Bahamas Kiteboarding ...... (242) 525-6151 MAKA- MidAtlantic Kitesurfing Association...... Caracol Kiteboarding Center, DR...... (809) 571-0680 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/M-A-K-A/ Dare2Fly, DR ...... (809) 571-0282 Midwest Kiteboarding Assoc...... Kite Park, DR...... (809) 571-9748 http://www.midwestkiteboarding.com Kitexcite, DR ...... (809) 571-9509 NE Kiters Association...... ProKite, DR ...... (809) 571-0880 http://www.neka.us/ Pura Vida, DR ...... (809) 862-0485 United States Kitesurfing Assoc...... Kite Antigua...... (268) 727-3983 http://www.maui.net/~hotwind/uska.html

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