2020 Tips to get you on the snow KiteKite TuningTuning EssentialsEssentials Plus: GeorgiaGeorgia && BrazilBrazil UnveiledUnveiled FREEFREE PosterPoster InsideInside

Guillaume Chastagnol Photo Wareck Arnaud

February 2005

02 USA $5.95 USA $5.95 2 3

Contents February 2005

Features 38 Brazil: Exploring the Lagoons of Cumbuco Once you see the photos, you will be booking your ticket. 42 The Man Behind the Mask Jimmy Lewis talks about his crazy advertisements. 54 Georgia: Secret Jewel of the South A road trip to Tybee Island—Georgia's little peach. 58 20 Tips to Get you on the Snow Snowkite experts James Brown, Alex Peterson and Gabe Brown answer 20 instructional questions. DepartmentsDepartments 14 Launch Guillaume Chastagnol and Alex Peterson show the potential of big air on the snow. 34 Close-up Chuck Patterson and Julie Simsar 68 Product Watch Check out some of the latest new toys. 72 Analyze This Control Freak: 2005 safety system review. 70 Academy 8 Essential Tuning Tips to Get you on the Water By Nick Bowers 81 Tweak McCore Tweak hangs out with some new friends.

Cover Shot Guillaume Chastagnol is one of the most respected snowkite pioneers. We are proud to be the first US magazine to ever run a snowkite cover. Photo Wareck Arnaud Contents Shot Traversing through the powdery French alps, Chasta shows the potential of snowkiting uphill. Photo Frederick Pattou Photo Gabe Brown Grass Roots

Please read this in its entirety. There are a lot of important things I have to say. The story behind this magazine shows what the love of kiteboarding and power of friendships can do. The grass roots network of people who have helped make this magazine a reality deserves respect. I am not talking about myself, but rather the people who have selflessly sacrificed their time and energy working on our publication-all for the love of kiteboarding. In case you don't know, The Kiteboarder is an independent magazine that is 100% made in the USA, by kiteboarders. Our story is a story in itself. We are not the Wal- Mart of magazines; rather we are a group of everyday people who decided to put everything on the line to make this magazine. Please take a moment to read through the list of photographers and contrib- utors on page 12. I want to personally thank each and every one of them for their efforts. Our internal staff deserves the same credit. Marina Chang, James Brown, Gabe Brown and Gary Martin have all donated countless hours to our cause. The Kiteboarder Magazine is a grass roots family that is growing stronger with every issue. We also want to thank each and every one of you for sup- porting us and telling your friends to preview our magazine. We have some exciting additions to www.kbmag.com. Check out the new Product Watch section for all of the latest gear updates. Download “Chasta” kitelooping at 70-feet above the snow in our video download section. We guarantee our constantly updated web content will keep you coming back for more. If you like The Kiteboarder Magazine, please help us spread the word. We have a FREE trial issue available on our website and we are looking for new locations to distribute. Photo C-More Butz Elections have been won and lost with the power of a grass roots network. Don’t be left standing naked! We are calling on each and every Kiteboarder to help support our cause. Please email us with any questions, comments and concerns. We look for- Make sure to order your official ward to hearing from you. The Kiteboarder t-shirt for $18.99. Enjoy! Shirts available for men and women.

Sizes S, M, L and XL.

Ryan Riccitelli [email protected] Order now at 10 Ever since my boyfriend started reading “The Kiteboarder”, all he wants to do is ride. 100% Made in the USA by Kiteboarders February 2005 • Volume 2 • Number 1

EDITOR RYAN RICCITELLI [email protected] ART DIRECTOR JAMES BROWN SENIOR WRITERS GABE BROWN MARINA CHANG TECHNICAL EDITOR SUBSCRIBE GARY MARTIN SAFETY EDITOR RICK IOSSI ILLUSTRATOR CARL “LOS” PRESTON EDITOR AT LARGE ALEXIS ROVIRA SNOWKITE EDITOR JAMES BROWN COPY EDITOR SARA BROWN EDITORIAL INTERN BRIAN WHEELER EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Neil Hutchinson, Alex Peterson, Joe Bidawid, Matt Nuzzo, Paul Menta, Trip Forman, Kevin “Top Hat” Senn, Nick Bowers, Gregg Gnecco, Jay Crawford, Buck Ashcraft, Jeff Howard, John Romais CONTRIBUTORS Buck Ashcraft, Nick Bowers, Gavin Butler, Marina Chang, Bri Chmel, Joe Bidawid, James Brown, Gabe Brown, Bertrand Fleury, Karen Futernick, Gregg Gnecco, Casey Houtz, Jeff Howard, Neil Hutchinson, Rick Iossi, Adam Koch, Brian Lake, Sierra Lake, Gary Martin, Alex Peterson, Carl Preston, Matt Nuzzo, Felix Pivec, John Romais, Alexis Rovira, Lou Wainman, Brian Wheeler SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Gabe Brown, Jason Wolcott, Sierra Lake, Matt Cotton, Paul Jav, Michelle Zuniga, Gregg Gnecco, James Brown, Gustav Schmiege PHOTOGRAPHY Stephen Whitesell, Tracy Kraft, Paul Jav, Jeff Pfeffer, Gregg Gnecco, Adam Koch, Gavin Butler, Lauren Burton, Bill Mieckle, Buck Ashcraft, Robert Vreeland, Charles Oreve, Clark Merritt, Lou Wainman, Trent Pederson, Kim Kern, Michael Jordan, Nick Fitt, John Carter, Lance Koudele, Mark Ribkoff, Epes Sargent, Bela Pecsi, Brian Schenck, Frederick Pattou, Nick Bowers, FX Abonnenc, Wareck Arnaud, Jim Semlor, Brad Lange, Javier Cruz, Diego Velasco, Chris Vicari, Paul Lang, Dave Turner, Jeff Burton, Tonia Farman, Jimmy Lewis, Kim Calder, Kevin Senn, Brad Knoth, Neil Hutchinson, Josh Miller, Frederick Pattou, David Sims, Bertrand Boone, Patrick Nedele Thanks to all editorial and photography contributors for supporting this magazine! SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] PUBLISHER MARINA CHANG SUBSCRIPTION & VIDEO OFFER (805) 459-2373 [email protected] Buy a year subscription (6 issues) SALES/NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GABE BROWN & WindReels Volume One at 40% [email protected] off cover prices. Limited Time Offer. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1356 16th Street • Los Osos, CA 93402 Only $ EDITORIAL OFFICE 34.99 1050 Chinquapin Ave #2 • Carlsbad, CA 92008 MOUNTAIN STATES OFFICE 1360 S. Ivy Way • Denver, CO 80224 Order online at INTERNET 12 WWW.KBMAG.COM Fabio Ingrosso definitely has enough time to spot his landing. Guillaume Chastagnol stops traffic while he overcomes Photo Frederick Pattou his obvious fear of heights.

Photo Wareck Arnaud BG AR LAUNCH LAUNCH

Alex Peterson sends it big in Tahoe. Photo Gabe Brown

By James Brown Recipe for Powdered Cupcakes From the Desk of Alex Peterson This is a dish best served cold. These snowkiting pioneers are pushing the sport of kiteboarding by mixing it up with the skills required for paragliding. They have years of experience flying in Safety first. It’s important mountainous terrain and have worked their way up from small jumps to the kind that will blow to keep things in perspective. your mind. Try this recipe for a delicious taste of the high life and please use caution. This is one of the greatest things I have ever done, yet Ingredients: Cooking Directions: it could be “very dangerous” • Common sense 1. Start low on the hill (simmer so you don’t boil over) if the proper steps are not taken. Use good judgment • Gradual slope with a run out 2. Check for consistent wind (not gusty or variable) because It could be more • Clear landing zone 3. Spot your landing zone first then steer your kite down the hill important than your piloting • Wind coming up the hill 4. Keep your kite moving gently back and forth overhead. skills. • One power kite 5. Look over your shoulders since you will be flying backwards. — AP • Skis or a Snowboard 6. Stay calm and land. Repeat. Helpful Hint: Add a dash of insanity. 15

LAUNCH Guillaume Chastagnol waiting for permission to land. Photo Wareck Arnaud 411411 News and Information

Corky Cullen indy airs out Bruce Irons leads the surfing of a “C Street” section. world with his explosive Ventura, California. style and big aerials. Photo Jason Wolcott Photo Paul Jav Avoiding the Problem : Kiteboarders Versus Surfers By Ryan Riccitelli

Kevin “Top Hat” Senn called me the other day from The feud between kiteboarders and surfers is a problem that is happen- Los Angeles to tell me about an incident he had ing more often around the United States. “C” Street, California local, Corky Cullen explained that many of the local surfers at his spot have witnessed between some kiteboarders and surfers. threatened violence as a repercussion for riding through their line up. K Apparently, the kiteboarders were riding in and out of the surf line up “Most of the problems we have at “C” Street involve visiting kiteboarders and the local surfers didn't like it. Words were exchanged and the who ride straight through the line up within a few feet of surfers. crowd ended up on the beach ready to fight – kiteboarders versus surfers. Obviously the surfers don't like it. They end up taking it out on us locals The lifeguards were called in to break it up as who ride responsibly,” What do we do? As a more words were exchanged. Luckily no one was kiteboarder we carry a responsibility to do the hurt; however, the damage was done. This nega- “As I was just about to right thing. In this case, respecting surfers at tive publicity is not good for the image of kite- all times is imperative. boarding or the sustainability of our riding spots. launch my kite, an older Many of the problems that kiteboarders have Last winter I was riding at Tourmaline, in San longboarder yelled at me to with surfers can be avoided by using common Diego, CA. when a nice north swell was hitting. sense. As a kiteboarder, you are the one who is Like any southern California big wave day, the .” responsible for avoiding conflict. This might line up was packed with surfers. The wind was Go Home mean that you have to can a wave session blowing side on at a steady 14 knots and the because of safety. If you do decide to ride at a waves were peeling off the point. As I was just about to launch my kite, an crowded spot, get out past the surfers and stay out there. Riding waves older surfer yelled at me to go home. I was blown away. I had grown up surf- through the line up is only going to create problems. If you see someone ing on these beaches for over 20 years and kited them for the last four with mucking it up at your spot, take them aside before it gets out of hand. If no issues. Rather than instigate a problem, I smiled, waved and quickly rode kiteboarders commit to yielding to surfers, we will avoid 99% of the offshore past the surfers. After about three hours of riding, I came in to dis- problems. If and when problems do occur, please remain respectful. You cover my brand new truck had been keyed. are representing every kiteboarder.

Do’s and Don’ts

■ Never ride waves through a pack of surfers or swimmers. ■ Never try to relaunch your kite in the surf line up.

■ Never fly with your kite or lines over beachgoers, swimmers or surfers. ■ Never fly your kite on the beach unless you are landing or launching.

Tahiti, soul session. Photo Paul Jav ■ Always yield to swimmers and surfers. ■ Never attempt to ride a surf spot as a beginner.

16 17 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information Bluewater Foundation Formed 14 Ways to Stay Warm This Winter It's that time of year where we long for the warm, inviting riding days of summer. We believe that knowledge is power In Memory of Alex Caviglia. here at The Kiteboarder. We went out and researched some of the warmest wetsuits we could find. Make sure to visit each manufacturer's website for their complete product line and accessories. Stay warm! by Buck Ashcraft By Rick Iossi

Many of us are inspired by a variety of dif- Alex Caviglia, accomplished windsurfer Wetsuits Drysuits ferent music styles. Certain songs get you and kiteboarder, president/founder of BARE Velocity Full O'Neill Psycho II Ocean Rodeo Pyro Drysuit in the mood for love and others pump you Adventure Sports, Inc., the American dis- up to ride. We asked a few pros to let us 5/4mm 6/4mm, 4/3mm and 3/2mm Ocean Rodeo is based in Canada and tributors for Cabrinha and Neil Pryde, their Pyro drysuit is designed specifically know what gets them fired up to charge BARE wetsuits gives you a near-custom This suit is a stitchless, double fluid passed away in the hospital November for the coldest waters imaginable. Layer on the water and what they chill out to fit at off-the-rack prices. The Bare seam weld designed for the ultimate in 13, 2004. Alex suffered a severe head Velocity features the famous BARE-FIT flexibility and warmth. The reduced up your under garments to your desired after a session. Whatever your taste, hope- injury one year ago in a kiteboarding acci- enhanced with HYDROSTRETCH, a dual seams and Ultraflex DS are designed for warmth and enjoy the most freezing fully one of these songs will fire you up to dent in strong gusty onshore winds. Alex fabric construction exclusive to BARE increased performance. The newly mod- winter days. The loose, snowboard-style learn a new move. fought hard to recover and was able to that maintains high stretch with excel- ified Zen Zip with barrier 2 creates a cut offers maximum flexibility. The neck express his love for his family/friends lent abrasion resistance. Other features flawless flush free seal. The smooth skin seal is covered with a fabric overlay for before passing. The Bluewater Foundation include Bare-Guide Skin Gaskets, the on the chest and back are perfect wind extra protection from hard landing and Photo Sierra Lake Jason Slezak's Play List Alex Caviglia in Miami was formed by Silvia Caviglia, his wife, to Lumbare X-TENDER, Glideskin Comfort barriers for those chilly winter sessions. drags. The suit is available from size Photo Bela Pecsi benefit victims of watersports injuries. Collar, heavy duty zipper and flat seams Suit comes with a hidden key pocket. XXXS to XXXL. Sponsors: Liquid Force and Real Kiteboarding Pete Cabrinha commented, “He always throughout. Starting at: $349.95 Starting at: $490.00 had a smile and a good laugh for you, he was both respected and well liked Starting at: $149.95 www.oneill.com www.oceanrodeo.com by his employees and colleagues. I'm going to miss Alex." Donations may www.bare-wetsuits.com O'Neill Boost Drysuit Amp You Up! Rap be sent to The following address: Bluewater Foundation • c/o Silvia Caviglia Prolimit C1 Fullsuit The Boost was designed for wake- Artist: Metallica Artist: Jay-Z 5/3mm, 4/3mm • 5724 SW 131 Terrace • Miami, FL 33156 Billabong Solution Gold boarding and kiteboarding in the cold. Album: Any Album: The Black Album 4/3mm, 3/2mm, 2/2mm The C1 is designed to deliver the ulti- This drysuit is extremely functional and Song: St. Anger Song: 99 Problems Billabong created the Solution Gold wetsuit mate in flexibility, warmth and durability. can be worn over additional layering for Why: It's great to listen to before Why: Just watch the kite section in to keep you warm and ultra flexible in the The Ice-2 Thermo1 chest panel wraps extra warmth.The abrasion resistant nylon riding high winds, small kites and the extras of Liquid Force's new water. The 100% IWSS welded seams around the kidney area to eliminate a shell can handle almost any wipeout. big surf! team wake DVD, Relentless. along with the seamless underarms traditional cold spot on most wetsuits. Rest assured that the fully taped seams and back of the legs help keep cold A super short 13” zipper gives a true will keep the cold water out. O'Neill's Underground Cruzin' water from flushing the suit. The smooth “zipperless feeling” while hi-flexibility long history of building wetsuits How to Avoid skin on the chest and zipperless entry panels are aligned to mimic a riders ensures you can't wrong. Artist: CKY Artist: N.E.R.D. / The Neptunes make it a solid choice for you cold body movement. Refined seam posi- Starting at: $379.00 Album: Infiltrate. Destroy. Rebuild. Album: In Search of...(Version2) water kiteboarders. tioning combined with lined neoprene Getting Skunked. www.oneill.com Song: Flesh into Gear Song: All of them Starting at: $299.00 give the suit excellent long term per- By Alexis Rovira Why: It just gets me pumped! Why: They have good flow and are www.billabongwetsuits.com formance and durability. all good to “cruz” to! Starting at: $289.95 BARE Ultra Drysuit Many kiteboarders only source for checking the The Ultra Dry is a versatile lightweight wind is looking outside the window to see if the Body Glove Storm Trooper www.prolimitusa.com "bag style" suit. Latex neck, wrist, and trees and bushes are moving. Trying to deter- 4/3mm, 3/2mm ankle seals make this a dry alternative Paul Macaj getting skunked. The Storm Trooper is Body Glove's Quiksilver Cell HFT Steamer with greater mobility than a thicker wetsuit. mine an accurate wind speed using this method 5/3mm, 4/3mm, 3/2mm South Padre, Texas Photo James Brown ultimate cold water suit. The 100% liquid This style of suits allows for warmth South Padre, Texas is virtually impossible. Most of us end up doing tape, no zip full suit is the perfect cold The Cell is Quicksilver's top of the line adjustment by varying the thickness BlowsBlows UpUp forfor IndustryIndustry SummitSummit our own unique wind ritual which is similar to a fireman getting a four-alarm fire water solution. The Thermofiber, heat steamer. The reduced seams offer max- and type of layers worn underneath. call. We rush down to the beach, hoping for wind only to get skunked. A quick reflective hollow fiber ceramic panels on imum flexibility and warmth. The one Every suit is tank tested before it leaves By Stacey Boggs the chest are designed to defend against panel Vapor Stretch chest, back and Slingshot rented the wave pool for the night. online check to your favorite site, via computer or a web enabled cell phone could BARE's factory so that it's “always Photo Buck Ashcraft the coldest winter days. The D-Span, shoulders and the glued and blind stitch summer” inside a BARE Drysuit. have saved you tons of valuable time. The following websites are what have helped elastic printing on the wrists and ankles seams help keep the cold water out of Starting at: $349.95 help limit water entry. The 5/3 comes your suit. The Hydro Wrap adjustable me maximize my riding time this year. I encourage you to search for local weath- www.bare-wetsuits.com er sensors in your area. Most cities have a variety of local weather information with a hood. neck closure helps to prevent flushing. The 5/3 comes stock with a hood. and weather sensors that can be found with a simple Google search. Don't be Starting at: $289.95 Starting at: $250.00 South Padre Island provided excellent afraid to explore. www.bodyglove.com Accessories wind and sunshine for The Association www.quicksilver.com www.wunderground.com A clean easy to use site, with a five day weather Gul Free Ride Steamer of Wind Sports Industries (AWSI) Annual O’Neill Coldwater Hood forecast, and surf, snow and marine report right from NOAA. For $5 a 5/4mm Rip Curl Stinger Kite 3mm Summit in October. Attended by 29 5/3mm, 4/3mm, 3/2 mm year, you get the site free of ads and an email forecast and alert service for your Gul's best value cross-sport, cold-water Starting at: $44.95 vendors, the Summit drew 43 dealers who demoed gear, attended product presen- wetsuit is ideal for kiteboarding with The Stinger is constructed with Rip Curl's select cities. tations by designers and international representatives, and let their hair down at excellent overall flexibility and oversize most advanced neoprene. This wetsuit www.oneill.com evening festivities. The infamous Slingshot crew threw down one of the biggest www.ikitesurf.com This is purely a wind specific site. The basic functions are free forearms that reduce fatigue and repels water, which makes it both lighter improve grip. Mega stretch and superlite and warmer than traditional neoprene. Dakine Coldwater Mitt and $9.95 a month buys you forecasting, real-time wind reports from Ikitesurf spe- parties of the year complete with a wave pool. Slingshot’s Jeff Roberts dominated 100% S-Seal liquid top seams help keep The seams are glued and blind stitched Super Stretch Titanium Neoprene an impromptu wave pool contest. The event concluded with an Industry Meeting cific sensors and an email wind alert system. Pager plans are also available. you dry and don't bulk up the suit. and the Batwind Anti-Leakage System Starting at: $28.95 to plan goals for 2005. One of the biggest projects for AWSI in the New Year will be www.noaa.gov A great FREE site with a wealth of information on anything you have Comfortable Neck seal and nice, wind helps to protect against water flushing www.dakine.com to conduct an industry survey to begin creating the foundation for kiteboarding Velcro adjustable ankle straps keep through. The suit also includes the WRS ever wanted to know about weather and the ocean. This is obviously a government water from being forced up into the leg. (Water Release System) to help drain O’Neill Super Freak Boot statistics, allowing the organization a starting point to measure the market, site that is HUGE, so don't be discouraged. Ti-2 Titanium lined. water from the legs, and Anti Chaff har- 3mm and 5/4mm growth, and trends of our sport. For more info, go to www.awsiwindsports.org. Starting at: $249.00 ness areas. Alexis Rovira has been riding for one year and lives in San Diego, California. Every month he Starting at: $64.95 www.gul.com Starting at: $250.00 offers his personal tips that have helped him progress as a recreational rider. www.oneill.com 18 www.ripcurl.com 411411 News and Information

Thanks for everyone's letters this month. Our mailboxes have been blowing up. Please help us make the letters section interesting by sending us an email with your innermost Letters thoughts to [email protected].

■ ■ Steve Gibson Photo courtesy Kiter.com Blowing Up! The Next Generation Dear Editor: Dear Editor: I learned about your magazine from James Brown (I I just wanted to let you bought a kiteboard from him. He is really a cool guy). know how great The I received a copy of your magazine about a month or Kiteboarder Magazine is. two ago. I was BLOWING up! It had some great arti- Not only has it helped cles and fantastic shots in it. Keep up the good work, me successfully land and I'm looking forward to more issues. Keep me new tricks, it gets me posted on what's going on. so stoked on kiteboard- Thank you for your time, ing that I can't sleep at ■ Kiteboarding Magazine night. I would have to Michael Bertone agree with all the let- has been Cancelled! ters written in the September issue, except for Donna Thanks for your kind words. James Brown is actually Dear Editor: Green's. I want you to keep the same amount, or not that cool of a guy. If you had to deal with his maybe add more stories that cater to the 25 and I got the new issues, and once again, your team deliv- obsession with gnomes, Beverly Hills 90210 reruns, younger crowd. I'm interested in what the kids are ers the goods. I have been in the retail kite business and silk pantyhose you might have a different per- doing over in Hawaii, so I can try to match their level for seven years now and your magazine is by far the spective. We try to get him on the snow as much as and moves. Also, she places the stereotype on people best I have ever seen. possible. It seems to mellow him out. – Ed. that are younger than 25 that kite! Just to let her I am dropping Kiteboarding Magazine from my store ■ Kiter.com Support know, I worked hard to research everything so I could since The Kiteboarder is 100% better. Your issues are get the cheapest of last year's kites to be able to kite more geared towards actual content our customers Dear KB Team: this year. Forget gas money and paying apartment can use, and you provide a solid perspective from Way to go guys and congratulations Gabe. I just bills! I only know a few other people that do it in my people who actually kite. Kiteboarding also wanted to checked out the site and sent in my subscription to area, so "snot-nosed", "trust-fund" babies wouldn't start charging me for the mag or cutting out UPC the magazine. There is no doubt about the fact that be an accurate description and is just plain ridiculous. codes for refunds, so I was like "later." you guys now have the critical mass and superior I also loved the magazine and how it incorporated Once again, keep up the good work. And if you are content. The photos are awesome, and I love the fact pro's (both young and old) and unknown riders trying looking to add to your distribution, I know a few surf that you have it all available online as a free pdf to move up in rank. It's a great magazine and I pray it stores in the area who would be interested in stock- download. Let me know how I can support your stays that way and doesn't get bogged down with ads ing your magazine as well. efforts and contribute. on every page like many other magazines these days. Andrew Ghezzi Owner, Powerline Sports Steve Gibson Thanks, and keep the tips coming! 978-388-8974 www.kiter.com Charley Hambleton Avid kiter of California Wow! We really appreciate your letter. As you may Again, thanks for your kind words. We are proud to have know, half of our staff quit working for Kiteboarding Gabe Brown on board. Gabe came over from We have received countless emails from satisfied Magazine to launch The Kiteboarder. We are an inde- Kiteboarding Magazine last month and is a huge addi- readers around the globe. We need readers like you to pendent magazine putting out a better product. We tion to our team. Thanks for your subscription support. voice your opinion to the gear manufacturers that you encourage you to call up your vendors that you don't Every dime goes straight into the magazine, and every don't see advertising in this magazine. Tell ten of your see advertising and let them know the facts. Thanks little bit helps. Please continue to spread the word about friends to do the same. You are the ones who keep for your support.– Ed. the free magazine pdf download at kbmag.com. – Ed. them in business. – Ed.

How to Shoot Video Like a Pro By John Romais 1. Keep the shot tight on the rider but not 3. Mix up your angles. Go up wind. Go 5. Decide whether or not you are good at too tight. Your footage will come out bet- down wind. Don't just shoot straight off using a tripod or better at hand holding. ter if you pull back a little and allow of the beach. Mixing up the angles will Most experts will tell you that using a tri- more room for your subject to move in give you more editing options. pod is better except when filming a sport the frame. 4. Anticipate your subject's movement in with so much action. If you decide to hand 2. Don't shoot when it is overcast or ugly the frame. Give them a buffer as to hold, make sure you hold the camera weather. Shots come out much better which direction they are going. For steady and keep the horizon line level. when the sun is shining. You will find example, if they are going to jump, John Romais is a film student at UCSD and is spon-

Photo Michelle Zuniga that overcast footage looks really bad. frame them towards the bottom of the sored by Liquid Force, Jimmy Lewis and Zeal Optics.

Sam Bell shows off his video skills. frame before they leave the water. 411411 News and Information Shop Talk Photo Daryl Drown Extreme Kites FL SMACK Location: St. Augustine Beach Florida Industry News and Gossip Contact: [email protected] (904) 461-9415 or 866-790-SURF Owner: Daryl Drown Editors Choice Riding Experience: 6 years If you are heading to Hood River and need a comfortable place to stay, check out the Hood River Hotel. Most of the rooms overlook the sand bar and the hotel staff is as nice as they come. The historical How did you get into the Kiteboarding retail business? hotel has all modern amenities including wireless and high speed connections and an incredible I started selling off the beach and online as a way to pay for my hobby. Next I opened a store restaurant. The Kiteboarder staff stayed here last month and gives it a double thumbs up. The Hood to move closer to the water. River Hotel gets our Editor's Choice award for kite-friendly lodging and we encourage you to check out www.hoodriverhotel.com How is the kiteboarding scene in St. Augustine? Following his unbelievable first full season in the Great! We have a really good group of riders in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas that do Jeremy Pilington and Aaron Hadlow. their best to keep the sport safe and fun for everybody. The local camaraderie is unbeatable. PKRA, Aaron Hadlow signed with Flexifoil for Photo courtesy of Flexifoil another two years. After placing first at the PKRA The conditions can range from a steady light sea breeze to blistering nor'easters. Our beaches Brazil event, Hadlow was crowned the 2004 are second to none with accessibility since you can drive your car right on the beach. PKRA World Champion. Congratulations Aaron! Check out the tour at www.pkra.info. What do you think about skimboards? In light winds, skimboards allow us to have a fun and challenging session on days we used to Coche Kite Sport Center, the first kiteboarding school on the island of Coche in Venezuela is consider not ridable. open for winter 2004/2005 in Playa Punta. This How does your shop support the local kiteboarding community? IKO certified school offers lessons for all levels. For more information click on Coche Island on With a long history in kiteboarding, we educate the local community not only on different www.worldkiteboarding.com. product lines, but on the importance of lessons, respect for other riders, local riding spots and Validating the fact that kiteboarding is going mainstream is Julian Smith's November 2, 2004 article for wind conditions, and vacation destinations. We plan events that support worthwhile causes and National Geographic News. It takes an in-depth look at some of the facets of the sport: kiteboarding, provide a fun and safe environment for riders of all levels. snowkiting, and Arctic exploration. Trip Forman and Andrew McLean offer their expertise and Smith writes about a group of people planning to break the record time for crossing a portion of Antarctica. What tips can you offer kiteboarders who want to ride in St. Augustine, Florida? Check out “Kite-Assisted Expeditions Cover New Ground-Fast” on news.nationalgeographic.com Bring a full range of kites due to our varying wind conditions, and don't hesitate to stop and talk to us or the local riders about where to ride since the best location is dependent upon the wind Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Dave Kennedy who passed away suddenly Aug. 13, 2004 at his home near El Mirage Dry Lake. Dave came into the kiteboarding world by way of kite bug- direction and tide. gying and had just launched Windspeed Pro, the U.S. distributor for Peter Lynn kites. Dave had been fly- ing kites for at least 20 years, but had spent the last five years active in traction sports. He is survived What is the best way for people to check the forecast and current conditions in by his mother Betty and his father Charlie along with a younger sister Jodi. He will be missed dearly. your area? You can check out the page of weather links on our site: www.oceanextremesports.com. Great Lakes Kiteboarding's new shop for the spring of 2005 will offer kiteboarding camps and les- sons, a full line of kiting gear and accessories, and also a board and kite repair center. Check out Also, feel free to call us as well. The local kiters call in daily and inform us of the rid- www.greatlakeskiteboarding.com. ing spot for the day. The 11th Annual Reed's Lake Ice Fly is scheduled for, February 12 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Last year's event turned out 40 riders and 25 people were taught how to fly kites. This is the oldest Ice Fly in the country. Check it out at www.mackite.com Pelton Wind Sports will be hosting this year's Peter Lynn Winter Demo Tour on the following dates and locations. Ride the latest in Twinskin Technology including the Phantom, Bomba, Guerilla 2 and the much anticipated Venom! Check out www.peterlynnkiteboarding.com. For event information, contact Website Report Pelton Wind Sports at 303-378-6763 or [email protected] January February 8-9 Lake Dillon, CO 22-23 Lake Dillon, CO 4-6 Madison, WI 18-21 Georgetown Lake, MT By The Kiteboarder Magazine Staff 11-16 Ivenpah Dry Lake, CA/NV 28-31 Lake Minnetonka, MN 11-13 Lake Dillon, CO 25-27 Burlington, VT Solo Sports is gearing up for another insane San Carlos firing. Photo Clark Merritt The internet can be a scary place filled with misinformation. The following sites were winter at Punta San Carlos. You can’t go wrong booking your holiday with these guys. Ride and submitted by our readers and have earned The Kiteboarder Magazine seal of approval. Be learn from the pros at one of Baja’s sickest rid- sure to send your favorite links to [email protected]. ing spots. Check out www.solosports.net. IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) is Kiteboarding pioneer, Elliot Leboe has taken kiteboarding now offering a 3-day snowkite instructor certifi- video production to the next level. The Jaws Takedown cation course for current IKO certified instructors, videos will blow your mind at www.aclproductions.com. and a 5-day training course for new candidate instructors. For more info, check out www.ikorg.com. If you are going to Cabarete, Dominican Republic or want Puerto Rican, Airush pro-rider Danny Cruz,is to check out what's going on at Kite Beach, go to taking a break from Kite Beach, Maui and is now www.extremehotels.com and click on the live web cams back in Puerto Rico gearing up for the wave season. Check out Danny's site at www.dannycruz.com. and weather links for comprehensive weather reports and X-RATED 2005 - Check out www.xratedkiteboarding.com for their 2005 schedule of trips to the real time video of the reef, beach bar and happenings. Dominican Republic. Trips include: airport shuttle to and from Puerto Plata airport, all accommodations We know you are freezing your patootie off in the North and breakfast, free clinics, all transport around the DR for day trips, downwinders, and evening enter- tainment. The hotel they frequent has made many improvements to its property including wireless East right now. You need to get out and ride. Island Surf internet, its own supply of electricity and a new skate park. Check it out at and Sail is your ticket to getting into snowkiting. Check out www.extremehotels.com/webcam. www.islandsurf-sail.com for their new snowkiting program Ocean Rodeo continues to expand its distribution worldwide and is proud to announce three new on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Ocean Rodeo Distributors: Laguna Sea Sports (Israel), World Focus Cape Town (South Africa), and Vliegerop Raymond (Benelux). If you are chasing the wind in southern California, then you should check out www.kitesetc.com for the wind and Zeal Optics is now the official eyewear sponsor of IKO. All IKO pro members (instructors, examiners and school managers) and kiteboarders certified with the IKO Kiteboarder Card can purchase Zeal weather report at Sunset Beach. They have a direct link to Optics at 60% off of retail for pro members, and 25% off for IKO Kiteboarder Card holders. For more the weather channel's overview. info check out www.ikorg.com or www.zealoptics.com Start researching your summer trip to Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC at www.bigwavedave.ca. This site has a ton of insane web cams, real time wind and weather continued on page 24 reports, discussion forums and photo galleries of the local spot. 23 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information

Stormin’ Mike Norman SMACK continued from page 22 New School Up and Coming Rider Profile Hometown: Jupiter, Florida Occupation: Freshman at the Cross Training: He hits the Cable The Kiteboarder is pleased to announce two new members to its staff: Marina Chang and Gabe University of Miami Park and wakeboards. Brown. Marina is the NEW publisher and is in charge of managing operations, distribution, finance, Age: 19 sales, marketing, promotions, and strategic relationships. She will also play a key role in shaping Preferences: He likes bindings and Sponsors: Best Kiteboarding editorial content and the overall vision of The Kiteboarder. Before joining the staff, she was a part- Height: 5’10 ner in Kitexcite kite school located in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Gabe was previously the West pulley bar because that is true wake- Coast Editor for Kiteboarding Magazine. He will be handling marketing and business development Stance: Goofy and all the way out! board style, and he started as a Understanding along with assisting the editorial staff. Gabe is the Producer for KillaHz, an action sports video pro- Years Kiteboarding: 3.5 wakeboarder. duction company which recently released one of the hottest new kiteboarding videos: “WindReels Volume 1”. They are both tremendous assets to the magazine. Wind The Block Hotel in South Lake Tahoe Mike’s Dorm Room Afterparty at the Block By Scott Norby recently hooked up the NorCal and Ozone Hotel. You had to be there! Snowkite crew with rooms on the strip. This Photo Gabe Brown 1. Uses the Best Pro 130cm board with place was made by snowboarders, for snow- 7 9 custom inserts to have an 18-inch The oldest voice in the world is the wind.The wind affects our everyday lives in many ways boarders and they didn't miss a thing. Each 6 “super-wide” stance. that we do not realize. Kiteboarders and surfers are more aware of the winds presence. room is armed with XBoxes and big screens. For many, this means looking out the window to see the trees swaying. For others it Check out www.blockattahoe.com if you're 2. Uses all models of Best kites, but likes heading to Tahoe for some snowkiting. involves reading charts and maps with hopes that there will be enough wind to enjoy a the Big Nemesis, the medium Yargas 8 day on the water.Wind is a very complicated thing to predict. But we would like to encour- Two former snowboard industry leaders, and the small Grunts. Dave Schmidt, previously the vice president 3 age you to learn more by giving you a few basics each month. As a surfer I study online of global sales for Burton Snowboards, and 4 3. Helmet to protect his University educa- every morning to see the incoming swell. And as a kiteboarder I read the online forecast Stuart Knowles, Duotone Snowboards, have tion from the rails like the “Camel-Toe.” daily to anticipate the possibility of wind. Get to know the wind in your local area and you teamed up for the global launch of Himaya Sports Sun Protection, a new sunscreen company. 5 will be able to predict more effectively. David Tyburski swears by the stuff claiming no eye-sting in the water and slippery residue. Check 4. Surfs in his spare time. out www.himaya.com 5. A mini-fridge to hold his “Diet Doctor LOCAL WINDS RRD team rider, David Tyburski was recently featured on a Fox/Fuel TV show while he was in Pepper” since he is under age. Brazil. Tyburski also just signed a contract with an action-sports athlete management company, Small-scale winds occur as a result of localized differences in pressure or temperature, or 1 the Wax Group and launched www.davidtyburski.com. 6. Plays guitar to swoon the ladies. the interaction of large-scale winds with a local land mass. In coastal areas, for example, local winds may develop on clear, sunny days. As the sun heats the land, the land heats Windwing kites are now available direct at www.WindExpress.com. Windwing recently signed, 7. General Ed books to round out his mind. kiteboarding legend, Flash Austin on their team. Flash will also be helping with R&D. 2 up faster than the water. The air over the land rises and is replaced by the cooler air from 8. Some of his favorite magazines that the sea. This circulation is called a sea breeze, and it generally occurs in spring and sum- Chris Gilbert has joined DAKINE's R&D team and will be working with the kite division as well pump him up to ride. Mike Norman showing style mer, when differences in temperature between land and sea are most pronounced. The as helping with kite marketing. Chris was the crazy mofo on the cover of the last issue of The Kiteboarder, launching off the Lexington. Congratulations Chris! on the rail in Hatteras. 9. Window for throwing water balloons at reverse occurs at night: the land cools down quickly while the air over the sea remains Photo Greg Gnecco Photo Josh Miller freshmen. warmer and rises. The air over the land is pushed out to sea, creating a land breeze. The Second Annual Therapy Sessions freeride snowkiting event will take place again at Dillon Reservoir, CO on February 12 and 13. For more information, email [email protected]. DOWNSLOPE WINDS Minnesota's, biggest snowkite event, US Kitefreeze, is scheduled to take place January 21-23. Check out kbmag.com for upcoming contest information. As wind blows over mountains and sinks down the other side, it creates high pressure and clear skies. This compression of the air also raises its temperature, resulting in a warm Kiteboarding School of Maui, KSM, recently gave lessons to Scott Niedermayer, from the New Jersey Devils. Scott was named the NHL defenseman of the year this year. Kiteboarding is the per- wind. Several winds around the world are examples of warm downslope winds, including fect crossover for hockey players. Check out www.ksmaui.com. the Chinook on the east side of the Rocky Mountains and the foehn in Switzerland. Colorado Kite Force is an excellent source for snowkiting lessons in Colorado. Check out GORGE WIND www.coloradokiteforce.com for more information. Take the kiteboarding adventure of a lifetime to Kenya Wind forced through valleys will strengthen, just as narrowing the end of a hose will cre- and book your Kitesurfari with www.extreme-safari.com ate a more powerful jet of water. In the Columbia River Gorge, winds can become so strong or www.h2o-extreme.com. that semi trucks are forced to the sides of roads, and kiteboarders can be overpowered We want to congratulate Brad and M'Leigha Lange who on 6 meter kites. Hot inland temperatures east of the Gorge draw cool air from the ocean are getting ready to have their new baby daughter Ava. hundreds of miles from the west. As this wind funnels up the Gorge eastward it finds itself Brad already has the buzz board set up for her. Also being forced between canyon walls.The result is an intense local phenomenon that occurs Brad's business, Seven Sports, located in the keys in Oregon on a very regular basis during the hot summer months. The reverse occurs in Florida has a new launch site. Check out www.sevenkiteboarding.com the winter time when the wind blows from the cold desert to the warmer sea. Our spies tell us the US Kiteboard Pro Tour is coming to Although these are only three descriptions of the wind's diverse personality, we hope that a windy place near you this year. Stay tuned to www.uskiteboardprotour.com. you are encouraged to read more about the weather. Understanding the wind is a very If you are bored at work or want to get amped up before you ride, check out the videos at good tool in our sport.The most committed kiteboarders in the world know where the wind www.Kiteflix.com and www.kbmag.com. comes from and why. In addition, it is good to understand the local wind of any area you Live2KITE has a great program where every time you make a purchase, a percent of your spend- are traveling to. Now get out there and find some wind! ing is donated to victims of kiteboarding accidents. Ask for Babette at Live2KITE for more informa- tion. Check out www.live2kite.com www.kbcalendar.com is blowing out 2005 Calendars at 11.99 for two calendars shipped to you. Offer is good until they are sold out. Get them while supplies last. Snowkite Paul Menta joined the Ozone International Snowkite Team. He will be offering snowkite instructor courses this winter and will be on the road with the US crew at many of the Snowkite Freeride Tour dates. Adventures By James Brown Montana Snowkite Adventures recently Keith Kallio of Montana Kite Sports hosted the first Snowkite Roundup in Montana on Georgetown Lake. Ozone, Red Bull and Ultra Nectar were on the scene to help stoke up the crowd. opened their doors at the Georgetown Lake Strong winds, hard ice and rocking parties turned the weekend into a blur that all will remember. Lodge in Anaconda, Montana. The lodge has 11 rooms with a fireplace, bar, pool table, foosball Guillaume Chastagnol has been working with Apocalypse Snowboards to design his own Pro Exploration. Photo Frederick Pattou Model board for snowkiting. The board is supposed to be a good free-riding board for using with or table and video slot machines. Large picture without a kite. Apocalypse are the first major snowboard brand to realize the potential of snowkiting. windows overlook the lake and surrounding hills where most of the snowkiting activities take place. The PASA certified staff can get first time kiters up and kiting Florida Kiting and Xrated Kiteboarding are putting on the 2nd annual Jupiter Kite Invasion in a couple hours, or help more experienced kiters to hone skills and develop moves. January 28-30. Jupiter, Florida is home to some insane kiteboarding. Check out www.floridakiting.com for more information and driving directions. Custom backcountry excursions are also available. The on-site store carries UltraNectar, Slingshot, Ozone, Dakine, Gath and Protec products just to name a few. Niccolo Porcella is back on the water killing it as usual. Niccolo was one of the first kiteboarding Contact [email protected] for more information. prodigies. Due to injuries he was forced to take some time off the water. Niccolo is healthy as ever 24 and recently was sponsored by Takoon international. Keep your eyes open for this young ripper. 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information NOW BOARDING Video Review Avoid the Ticket Change Nightmare By James Brown By Karen Futernick, Ozonetravel.com By Sierra Lake SnowKiting Made Easy Age: 39 This video is a must have for anyone interested in Street Name: “Chocolate Chip” snow kiting. It is comprehensive and well thought out. Everyone, from beginners, water kiters making the Home: San Francisco Bay Area transition and even seasoned snowkiters can learn System: RRD, Cabal DC, something. It covers everything from the basics like UltraNectar, DaKine, Kaenon setting up, launching and landing the kite, to advanced jumping techniques. The DVD shows the differences Ride: Escape snowboard between foils, inflatables, handles and control bars. Claim: Brought water kiting to the It also covers the different aspects of the sport such as West Coast. freestyle, big air and cross-country travel. www.naishkites.com Photo Gabe Brown Shout: GO! Snowkite Addict #2 Chip Wasson Photo Patrick Nedele This is the latest mind blowing snowkite DVD from the Changing your ticket these Semnoz Kite Surfing crew. There is tons of action and days can be extremely costly if you don’t lifestyle footage put to a killer soundtrack. It is shot on Snowkiting Tips know what you are doing. Sometimes these costs are inevitable. location in Jackson, Wyoming as well as France, Having a back up plan before booking your ticket is always the best call. The Norway, Switzerland and some secret spots. The top 1 Make sure your equipment is dialed in and comfortable. 3 Rig up a relaunch system from the trailing edge of 6 Make an effort to go to places where snowkiting is sick following information should help you avoid getting burned by the airline men, women and juniors from the US and Europe Clothing, boots, harness setup, snowboard/skis waxed tube kites. (Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho) as well industry. show the true potential of snowkiting that has turned and sharp, good step-in system w/ comfortable stance. as exploring your local area. Booking Domestic Travel us all into “Addicts.” 4 If you are going way out from where you start, bring When purchasing your ticket for travel to a destination within the United 2 When pumping up kite, don’t pinch frozen valves, place snowshoes and water. 7 Start with a kite size that is nicely controllable first and States (normally known as, “domestic travel”), there are some things you The Complete Kiteboarding Guide your finger over the top and then quickly plug. 5 Don’t be afraid to use both skis and a snowboard. work your way up. should be aware of, especially if you think you may change your ticket. “Complete” is a good description of this DVD. It covers Tickets purchased on major airlines such as American Airlines, United everything about kiteboarding from standard kite and Airlines, etc have more restrictions and more significant penalties than those board skills, gear, rescue techniques, freestyle moves purchased on discount airlines, such as Southwest, Jet Blue or Spirit. Make for beginners to experts and waveriding. Extras include sure you understand the fare rules associated with your particular fare interviews with top Naish riders as well as board before purchasing your ticket! Ignorance is no excuse. Ask the agent about designer Greg Drexler and kite designer Don ticket changes before you book the ticket. Being in the know before hand is Montague. Look for the DVD at your local retailer or go your best travel advantage. to www.kitefilm.com to order. Changing Your Ticket Before Flight Change: Don’t bail your flight without calling ahead of time to Detonation let the airline know you are changing your flight. If you don’t make your Detonation comes straight from Perth from Reflex changes before hand, there’s a great possibility that your ticket won’t be Films Australia. Matt Holder takes you on a kiteboard- worth the paper it’s printed on! ing adventure to some of Australia’s sickest locations. Not your typical cast of riders, Felix Pivec, Stuart ▼ Outbound Changes (Your outbound flight is the first flight of your trip): Martin, Darren Marshal and Ryland Blakeney explore If you’re on a major airline, you will most likely be charged a $100.00 the vast coastlines that Australia has to offer. The wave change fee plus any fare difference that may exist between the ticket you riding footage of Felix Pivec at legendary Gnarloo in purchased and the price of the “new” ticket. For smaller, discounted air- Western Australia make this low budget production lines, your charge may be nothing but the fare difference (Southwest worthwhile. Check out the trailer in the video section Airlines) to $25.00 plus the fare difference (Jet Blue and Spirit). at www.kbmag.com. Email [email protected] for ordering information. Remember, each ticket is different so check the fare rules. Always ask about flying stand-by. You can sometimes avoid all fees. Metropolis ▼ Return Changes Most airlines will charge you a $100.00 change fee. ACL Productions has done it again and come out with Your best bet is to call the airline ahead of time and ask them what days the most progressive kiteboarding video on the mar- are the most open. Again, ask about flying stand-by to possibly avoid fees. ket. Metropolis is actually the Cabrinha Team video, but don’t let that scare you away. Between Pete ▼ Cancelling your ticket The most important thing about canceling Cabrinha’s tow surfing footage, Elliot Leboe’s wave your ticket is that it MUST be done before the scheduled departure time of riding section, Stav Niarchos’ wakestyle segment and the flight you wish to cancel! If you have an un-restricted, refundable tick- Andre Phillip’s infinite handle pass sequences, there is et, then ask the agent how to handle your refund. If you have a non- enough variety to keep you entertained for more than refundable ticket, which is what most of us travel on, you have exactly one one viewing. The clips of Cabrinha’s manufacturing year to re-use your ticket. You will be charged a fee ranging from $25 - plant give an interesting perspective into the kite trade. This DVD is a must $100 and will have to pay whatever difference exists between your new see if you want to check out the latest kiteboarding moves. ticket and the ticket you purchased. If you have a credit, then that money Check out www.aclproductions.com for more information. is available towards the purchase of another ticket; it is not refundable. 411411 News and Information Competition Competition Corner Results

Kiteboard Pro World Tour 2004 Felix Pivec crushes speed crossing record Alcatel Kitesurf Pro Meridian Beach, By Sierra Lake Noumea, New Caledonia November 1-7 2004 The race consisted of the whole tour racing down wind from the island of the Phare MEN Amédée, to the beach of the Meridian. The wind was blowing a steady 24 knots, with 1. Charles Deleau, North 2. Mickael Siret really choppy seas and rolling swells. Felix was invited by the KPWT organizers to com- 3. Mickael Fernandez, RRD pete, unofficially, in the speed crossing. To the surprise of the organizers and the other competitors, Felix used a 4. Manolo Barlet different strategy than the other competitors. Pulling away from the competition in the first eight minutes, Felix WOMEN 1. Fabienne d'Ortoli, Cabrinha stayed in the lead by choosing to tack upwind, which is initially a longer way to reach the finish line. In doing so, 2. Gisela Pulido, Airush he avoided the impact zone. The other riders took the straight tack and were forced to go through the impact zone 3. Coralie Imbert where they lost the majority of the time. Felix's winning time was (25'55") coming in two minutes ahead of every- Felix Pivec with his support 2004 KPWT Final Rankings one setting a new official speed record for the race. crew. Photo Sierra Lake Official 2004 World Champion Ranking MEN 1. Mickaël Fernandez, RRD 2. Charles Deleau, North 3. Guillaume Mariani, North 2004 KPWT World Champions Announced 4. Soufiane Hamaini, North By Alexis Rovira WOMEN 1. Gisela Pulido, Airush 2. Fabienne D'Ortoli, Cabrinha The Kiteboard Pro World Tour held their final event in New Caledonia and announced their, high points, Men, Women 3. Sandrine Maunier, Naish and Junior Kiteboard World Champions for the 2004 season. We know you have never heard of these European riders, World Champion Junior (under 18) but we figured we would give them credit for their efforts. Congratulations to the new KPWT, world champions Mickaël MEN Fernandez, Gisela Pulido, Tom Hébert. The KPWT also awarded The Wave Masters champions, Hervé Bouréand and Event Site, New Caldonia. 1. Tom Hébert, Airush Photo KPWT 2. Kevin Langeree, Naish Fabienne D'Ortoli for the 2004 season. Check out the competition section at kbmag.com for more information. 3. Mallaury Villemarque, North PKRA Frestyle & Wave Riding Ceara - Fortaleza, Brazil PKRA Announces 2004 World Champions in Brazil November 28, 2004 Freestyle Results By Alexis Rovira MEN 1. Ruben Lenten, Slingshot The PKRA competition season came to an end at the Ceara, Brazil event. Flexifoil's young 2. Aaron Hadlow, Flexifoil 3. Gianni Aragno, Cabrinha gun, Aaron Hadlow earned the World Champion title by placing first in three out of six 4. Cesar Portas, North events and second in the rest. The kid came on the scene and dominated the older riders WOMEN with his arsenal of kiteloop and handle pass combinations. New Zealand's, veteran world champion, Cindy Mosey 1. Cindy Mosey, North Aaron Hadlow’s signature 2. Kristin Boese, GER, destroyed the women's bracket placing first at every event except Fuerte Ventura where she didn't attend. Cindy is handle pass. 3. Angela Peral, ESP the first women kiteboarder to pull handle passes in competition and has led the Women's bracket for the last three Photo Robert Vreeland 4. Ania Grzelinska, North years. For more information on the PKRA, check out www.pkra.info. Wave Riding Final Results MEN 1. Mark Shinn, Naish 2. Abel Lago, Naish 3. Marc Ramseier, Cabrinha Ben Wilson Wins Australia's Infamous Mambo 4. Mallory De La Villemarque, North WOMEN Merimbula Classic By Ryan Riccitelli 1. Kirsty Jones 2. Kristin Boese The Mambo Merimbula Classic is a legendary event that's history spans over two decades. The competition is renowned for 3. Angela Peral, North its wild parties and hard core riding. Over the last few years the Mambo added a kiteboarding discipline which has become 4. Ania Grzelinska, North one of Australia's biggest kiteboarding competitions. This year, Australia's Ben Wilson took the first place prize. From the 2004 PKRA Final Rankings rumors we heard, Ben and his entourage also won the “unofficial” biggest party award. Ben is the former Australian Men's Final Ranking Kiteboarder Magazine editor and is one of Australia's premier wave riders. For more information on the Mambo Classic's 1. Aaron Hadlow, Flexifoil, World Champion debauchery, check out http://www.acr.net.au/~msc/. 2. Gianni Aragno, Cabrinha 3. Ruben Lenten, Slingshot 4. Jaime Herraiz,, North 5. Martin Vari, RRD 6. Etienne Lhote, F-One 2005 Corona Extra Winter Tour By James Brown 7. Alvaro Onieva, Wipika Women's Final Ranking 1. Cindy Mosey, North, World Champion The Semnoz tour organizers are gearing up for another mind-blowing season of snowkiting for 2005. 2. Kristin Boese Approximately 70 riders will come from 10 different nations including USA, Switzerland, England, Germany, France 3. Ingrid Koellbichler and Norway to compete in four events. Rider categories will include skiers, snowboarders, men, women and jun- 4. Angela Peral, North Mambo, Merimbula Classic 2004 iors. After the tour stop in Norway last season, it was apparent that the Norwegian guys were super motivated and Merimbula Beach, November 25-28, 2004 had stepped up their skills. Our boys from the US haven't let down there guard either. Alex Peterson and Aaron Open Men Sales spent some quality time in October training in New Zealand where the terrain mirrors that of the Col du 1. Ben Wilson 2. Lee Kavanaugh, Wallabi Point, NSW Lautaret in the French Alps. The terrain is mountainous and above tree line, where the jumps are huge since you 3. Jamie Symons, Gold Coast, QLD. can turn your kite and float forever as the slope drops away from you. To place well on the tour, the riders have to 4. Blake Maxted, Redhead, NSW 5. John Messenger, Palm Beach, NSW be solid on this kind of terrain in the first and final events held in France. Check out the action on their DVDs 6. Damien Leroy, Florida, USA “Wanna Get High” from the 2003 tour and the newest DVD, “Addict” which was released recently. Senior Men 2005 Event Schedule 1. Mat Tobin, Southport, QLD 2. Russell Pel, Nambucca Heads, NSW Col du Lautaret, France - January 10 to 15 3. Scott Balfour, Stuarts Point Note: The event in Jackson, Wyoming will not be repeated unfortunately. Let's keep our 4. Rich Stenning, Sans Souci, NSW Silvaplana, Switzerland - February 7 to 12 eyes open for a solid world-class event site so they will bring the tour back next season! 5. Buck Ashcraft, Corpus Christi USA Geilo, Norway - April 4 to 9 Women Championship: France - March 8 to 13 1. Jessica Van den Burgh, Perth, WA 2. Sally Hobgin, Fairlight, NSW For updated tour info check out www.semnozkitesurfing.com. To order DVDs go to sideoff.com or murrays.com. 3. Angela Van Hoof Mudgeeraba, QLD 29 411411 News and Information 411411 News and Information Outlook

Kite Organizations Go Head to Head By Marina Chang Learning to kiteboard can be dangerous, and trying to figure out where to took the time to do the research on four of the top teaching styles in the world: PASA, IKO, REAL Kiteboarding and K.I.T.E.S. technique. get quality instruction is often confusing. Everyone says, “Take a lesson The Kiteboarder Magazine doesn't favor any of these teaching styles over the other. We support any legitimate organization spending the from a qualified instructor.” What defines a quality instructor anyway? We time and money to promote and teach kiteboarding safely.

KB: What does your organization represent and how with the Mexican Sports Ministry to help them sort out will have this issue. We give instructors a 30 student ance will cover the instructor, student, shop and Jet ance mandates us to do so. We have been involved does it differentiate from other kiting instructor certi- similar problems, and PASA is now their accepted certifi- permit after the course, and we monitor this to see Ski or boat. Contact First Flight for more information in teaching similar sports since the late 70's— fication programs offered throughout the world? cation. At PASA we have a broad range of examiners if they can make the grade. They have 6 months to on the insurance. hangliding, skydiving, ultralight, paragliding. As far which helps us have a variety of views on what's going on. complete this, or they have to start over. If we have as the other programs, we have instructors take a PASA: PASA's main concern is safety in the sport for KB: What do you think about the validity of the an issue with a PASA instructor, most times, we can PASA course that updates them to our standards schools and instructors. I believe all the organizations have KB: What were your major accomplishments in 2004 insurance and certification programs that IKO work with the instructor and help him or her over- and current USA regulations. Name: Paul Menta Age: 38 the same goals, we just have different situations. PASA and what are your goals moving forward? offers? How is it different from PASA? come the problem. We are a non-profit—this is focuses on the United States market because it's where we KB: Snow kiting is starting to explode. Do you Organization: Professional Air Sports PASA: I would say is that we were instrumental in getting about the sport, not just the money, so our philoso- PASA: PASA is more centered on the USA, although live and are based. We also have many extras in our certi- see your organization playing a role in its Association (PASA) leisure and pro riders to use kite leashes and have start- phy is if you don't follow the guidelines, you don't we also prepare instructors to teach anywhere in the development? fication for our instructors that may not be required outside world. IKO has limited insurance for the USA. I think Website: www.pasakiteboarding.org ed the trend for wearing helmets in areas with onshore hold the certification. Photo courtesy of John Holzhall of the U.S. for insurance and safety reasons. their program is fine, but it's not geared for the USA. PASA: I wrote the first manual and certification Photo courtesy of PASA winds. We had a big growth of instructors last year and Phone: Refer to website for email KB: Does your organization offer insurance and KB: Do you think your organization has played a role helped push more into the mainstream. I wrote a snowkite course for snow kiting out there last year. I spent a Founded: November 2001 (Kiteboarding Program) certifications for instructors? If so what do you KB: Do you think PASA's teaching standards are in the development and popularity of kiteboarding? instructional course, and we have already held three whole season prior just teaching snow kiting to see Background: Chef, wakeboarder, surfer, WSN examiner, owner have to do to get it and where is it available? better than the competition? How do you address what would work best. We promoted the sport and Kite Surf the Earth & Kite House, PR How? courses to provide a certification for the snow. This year, schools that are not PASA or IKO certified? we will concentrate more on the helmet issue. PASA: Yes we do, the courses are available in all did demos at all the US snow tradeshows. PASA will PASA: Yes, a major one. Having North America as the Position in organization: Master Instructor, Head of Training regions of the USA. You must pass a four day course PASA: Our standards are for quality and safety. No go in full gear this year to make it even better for the largest growth market for kiteboarding creates a lot of KB: There has been some criticism of “certified” Staff size: 9 to get a temporary permit. Upon completion you are one is better than the other. I am just as happy when snowkiters. The growth of snowkiters will help cre- challenges. We have formed a committee to go to differ- instructors. This has put into question the validity of Location(s): Headquartered in Florida allowed to have insurance but are only allowed to instructors take the time to learn from someone who ate a full season balance for many schools and ent states to help set up schools for the regulations that “licensed” instructors. What is your response to this? teach 30 people until PASA evaluates your progress. has the knowledge and a program. Yes, I feel PASA retailers. they have, to prevent bans on the sport. I am also working PASA: The law of averages says in any organization you You can't continue until you have the ok. This insur- has more of a degree program, because the insur- Name: John Holzhall Age: Born late last century Organization: CEO/Author Secrets KB: What does your organization represent and how well. When my partner Matt Nuzzo and I started REAL, we to keep REAL on the forefront of “Making New Riders dates, than it is to cover up that fact with insurance KB: Do you see licensing of private kiters or sites of Kiteboarding (book and dvd) does it differentiate from other kiting instructor certifi- went this direction because there needed to be an easy way Everyday”. and hope for the best. Our insurance properly covers in the near future? Why? Website: our coaches and also our events like the RED BULL cation programs offered throughout the world? to get into the sport in order for it to grow. Now there is. KB: Does your organization offer insurance and TF: Private sites do work. Our REAL Lesson Center in www.kiteboardcenter.com qualifier event. Trip Forman: REAL kiteboarding represents the highest KB: What were your major accomplishments last year certifications for instructors? Cape Hatteras is a private facility and this operates Phone: 808.276.2667 KB: Snow kiting is starting to explode. Do you see efficiently with very little drama on a daily basis. Just Background: Blue skies, strong end of kiteboarding instruction. We strive not for numbers and what are your goals moving forward? TF: Yes, we certify all of our coaches through a Name: Trip Forman Age: 36 but for the highest quality of service, instruction, facilities your organization playing a role in its develop- down the island at many public launches, you can trades, palm trees, hammock, hot TF: I'd have to say our media coverage due to people rec- seven day certification program. All insurance is Organization: REAL Kiteboarding and results. Two examples of this are our Kite Camps and ment? see the exact opposite of this. If your site is private, tub. ognizing the quality of our programs and how rapidly the held within the company and covers all coaches Website: “On the Fly” PWC coaching programs.These are two teach- you control the access, the riders and the rules. This Staff size: 37 Schools, 136 sport of kiteboarding is growing. In 2004, REAL was fea- working for REAL. TF: We have been riding and teaching on the snow www.realkiteboarding.com ing methods developed by REAL and then adopted by most controls and guarantees a high fun factor for those Retailers, 27 Distributors, 13 tured in Time, Outside, Men's Journal, Sports Illustrated, since the winter of 2000 (not REAL then). Our “Storm schools worldwide. By pushing the envelope of what is pos- KB: What do you think about the validity of the granted access. In regards to public sites, we need to Importers Photo courtesy of Real Kiteboarding Phone: 866-REAL-KITE Hustler, National Geographic, USA Today, NY Times, and Chasers” Snow Tour has been a big hit every season. sible, rather than what is accepted, REAL has made learn- insurance and certification programs that keep a tight watch on their access and who/how Location(s): International Founded: 2001 almost every major newspaper across the country via an AP Snow kiting will go huge when the snow industry ing to ride easier and more fun since our inception. PASA and IKO offer? How is your organization uses them. Again, if everyone basically practices Background: Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Sailing, Surfing, news item that went national. On television, REAL was rec- officially recognizes it. Currently they have their nose different? common sense and takes 100% responsibility for Skiing, Snowboarding. KB: Do you think your organization has played a role in ognized by Outside Magazine and OLN as the #5 Adventure turned up at the sport and snow kiting is only a sub- One of Hawaii's first instructor's, John Holzall their actions, we will be very ahead of the game. Position in organization: Co-Founder of REAL the development and popularity of kiteboarding? How? Camp in the World. To give you a reference by which to TF: I do not have any experience with their insurance, set of the water kiteboarding. Once they take their had little choice but to log massive hours to compare, Outward Bound received #9. Moving forward, our so I can't comment on that. I do know that it is far head out of their %^&ss and realize how fun it is, develop a safe teaching program for his stu- Staff size: 38 TF: Yes, I do. In 2004, our schools created over 6,000 new goals are to continually improve our programs and facilities better to properly certify the right instructor candi- then snow kiting will really explode. dents. Five years in the making, he released Location(s): Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, Cozumel/Mexico riders. In year's past we have created similar numbers as Secrets of Kiteboarding and launched K.I.T.E.S. (Kiteboarding International Training System) in 2003. K.I.T.E.S is available in KB: What does your organization represent and how promotes safety, which is important for the sustainabili- ity. As for the certification programs, well, there examiners to run the courses, and are currently we can monitor, evaluate and follow up as needed book/dvd format and targets kiteboarders, does it differentiate from other kiting instructor cer- ty of kiteboarding. are differences, but we have worked on an equiv- working on finding the right, serious candidates. with all the IKO instructors and IKO centers. IKO instructors, and retailers. John believes his tification programs offered throughout the world? alency course for PASA instructors, giving them Because we are an international organization, we recently upgraded its school standards which KB: What were your major accomplishments in 2004 system fills a niche in that newbies generally the opportunity to become IKO as well. concentrated our efforts on finding insurance that resulted in 42 suspensions due to noncompliance IKO: IKO is an international organization that has devel- and what are your goals moving forward? travel to find wind and instruction. With the would cover instructors and schools worldwide. of our requirements. I think this shows that we are oped kiteboarding training certification programs, from KB: Do you think IKO's teaching standards are book/dvd, they can now be prepared before Name: Sandrine Beaudonnat Age: 31 IKO: Our primary goal always is to make kiteboarding Unfortunately, this coverage excludes the US. We serious about enforcing the IKO quality standards assistant instructors to examiners, which are recognized better than the competition? their lesson and perhaps more importantly, safer and accessible to the masses. Our biggest accom- have a separate policy for accident, health and lia- and ensuring student satisfaction! Organization: International and approved worldwide. Teaching content and quality after, when the rider often has to reproduce plishment was obtaining International insurance cover- IKO: I do not wish to comment on whether our bility insurance for US IKO instructors. Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) standards are updated on a yearly basis and more if nec- KB: Snow kiting is starting to explode. Do you what he learned on his own in a different loca- age for IKO instructors and schools. We also completed standards are better than the competition. I think Website: www.ikorg.com essary. IKO provides the only international network for KB: There has been some criticism of “certi- see your organization playing a role in its tion and with different gear. K.I.T.E.S. is a two books: Kiteboarding Vision, for all kiteboarders and there is a market for all and that each group meets Phone: 809-240-5432 instructors to work anywhere in the world, with the sup- fied” instructors. This has put into question the development? PASS/FAIL system. It has tremendous depth Photo courtesy of IKO the Kiteboarder's Workbook, for students. Lastly, we the need of its market. Our training certification port, communications and organization tools needed to validity of “licensed” instructors. What is your in safety and gear setup, but the Upwind Founded: November 2001 enhanced our training programs to include assistant programs are recognized and approved worldwide. IKO: We just completed our snowkite instructor response to this? Board Drag (UBD) on Multiple Line Lengths do so professionally. training content in cooperation with IKO Examiner Background: PR & Business Communications specialist instructors, IKO equivalency programs for other teaching KB: Rumor is that IKO does not have the reach (MLL) is the main point of differentiation. If rid- IKO: Quality standards and student satisfaction Maarten Huissman from the Netherlands. Maarten Position in organization: Communications Manager KB: Do you think your organization has played a role organizations, and basic first aid & CPR courses. in the United States that PASA has. Why is it ers aren't self launching, traveling upwind and in the development and popularity of kiteboarding? are essential to IKO's credibility. If IKO standards is also a snowboard training master and worked Staff size: 5 full time at head office KB: What do you think about the validity of the insur- that IKO has had such a hard time getting self exiting their first day, they are failing the How? are not followed, we investigate when the issue is with instructors from Canada, Finland, and the UK Location(s): Headquartered in the Dominican Republic ance and certification programs that PASA offers? insurance in the US? system. If an instructor's student is going brought to our attention. The instructor receives a to develop a comprehensive, complete and inter- IKO: It definitely has! Since our inception in 2001, more How is it different from IKO? downwind, the instructor is failing! Secrets of IKO: It is a fact that there are more PASA instruc- warning and if the situation persists, he or she is national teaching program. The first two courses than 80,000 people discovered kiteboarding through an Kiteboarding is available at participating retail- IKO: I am not familiar with the details of the insurance tors in the States, apart from Maui where most revoked from the IKO network. We have also offered at the end of 2004 were full, with more IKO affiliated center. IKO training methods have made the ers, schools and www.kiteboardcenter.com. 30 that PASA has to offer so I will not comment on its valid- instructors are IKO. We need more US based IKO implemented a student feedback system so that scheduled worldwide this year. 31 sport more accessible to the public in a manner which Send It

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1. Oahu kite girls ready to ride. Photo Jeff Pfeffer 7. Lou Wainman shows off his new toy. Photo Jimmy Lewis 14. Dana Pinto shows off every girls dream quiver. 20. Hair club for men convention. Photo Adam Koch 26. James Brown boardslides over Mike Muenzenmayer. Photo Jeff Burton Photo Blake Pelton 2. Dimitri Maramenides and Danny Cruz working hard at a photo 8. Bri Chmel watching Julie Simsar’s heat. Photo Kim Kern 21. Otis from Michigan. Photo Brad Knoth Send in your best kiteboarding shoot. Photo Javier Cruz 15. Slezak’s after school training program. Photo Greg Gnecco 27. Dave Alden towing Jeff Swanstrom to the goods. photos: riding, lifestyle or whatever. 9. Teague Pilcher sending it in Lyle, Washington. 22. Pete Cabrinha representing a true waterman. Photo Tracy Kraft Photo James Brown 3. Hamish Macdonald entertains the Islamorada Sand Bar. Photo Kim Calder 16. Felix Pivec running amuck in the red light district of Bangkok. The best shot will be printed in the Photo Brad Lange Photo unknown. 23. X Rated Kiteboarding’s standard issue bathing suits. 28. Wind is the best cure for a hang over. Photo Paul Lang “Exposed” section and will receive a 10. Renee Hank’s super model look. Photo Lance Koudele Photo Neil Hutchinson pair of Martin adjustable straps. 4. Real Kiteboarding claiming like they own it. Photo Greg Gnecco 17. Joe Cool. Photo Gabe Brown 11. Homegrown, Cancun, Mexico. Photo Kevin “Top Hat” Senn 24. Danny Cruz rips his Gibson Explorer when he is not on the www.martintechnologies.com 5. Good times at AWSI in South Padre, Texas. Photo Tonia Farman 18. 5 year old up and comer Areland from the Netherlands. water. Photo Javier Cruz Don’t forget to send us your caption. 12. Hiro you’re my hero. Photo Lou Wainman Photo Dad 6. Damien Leroy lighting up in the British Virgin Islands. 25. Nina Johansson always puts a smile on our face. [email protected] 32Photo Chris Vicari 13. Check out this fish I caught? Photo unknown 19. Margarita, Venezuela loves kiters. Photo Andy Hurdman Photo Dave Turner 33 Close-Up Chuck Patterson by James Brown Power and Passion VITALS

Anyone who knows Chuck Patterson will tell you that he has some of Age: 35 Height: 6’2 the biggest balls in the sport. The guy is not afraid to risk life and limb Weight: 215 lbs. Stance: Regular in pursuit of adrenaline. Whether it is tow surfing into 50 foot plus Years riding: 5.5 waves or snow kiting off cliffs in the Sierra Nevada’s, Chuck is a Favorite Spots: All of Baja's Pacific coastline, Santa Cruz and Maui. maniac and always up for a stunt. Favorite Conditions: 6-10ft, hollow rights, with 20-30 mph side offshore Where did you start kiteboarding? I started kiting with Chip Wasson from Ultra Nectar in winds. Chuck meets his match. San Francisco about 5 or 6 years ago. I then moved to Maui to really get the sport dialed by Photo Ryan Riccitelli riding with the best in the world. I started on a Wipika Classic 5.0 and a wakeboard, which Favorite Moves: Off the lip aerials, off I rode at Kite Beach every day. Back then it seemed like that's all you needed—simplicity. the lip back rolls, kiteloop reentries. Now, we all have quivers of kites from 20m down to 5m. Sponsors: Caution Kites, Rainbow fins, Dakine, O'Neill, Smith What sets you apart from other kiters? My love for riding overpowered in big surf with a eyewear, Dahui, Reactor watches, Eletic surfboards and pulley bar. 5iveo.com What is the scariest wipeout you have experienced in big surf? I have experienced many, and I think it is a true test of survival and physical strength. Taking beatings from waves over 40 feet is pretty awesome and humbling in the same way. Sometimes you need to get slapped to be reminded of the power of Mother Nature. My worst beating was probably at Peahi (Jaws) a few years ago.The waves were a solid 25ft from the West. That direction can be scary, because every now and then, the West bowl will close out the wave and trap you if you aren't fast enough. Sure enough that's what happened to me. I had three options—either go for it and get really beaten, kick out the back and get beaten by the next wave or straighten out and let the wave blow up behind me and suffer the avalanche of white water. I straightened out which put me really deep in the impact zone and I took five waves on the head before anyone could get to me. What riders do you think need to step up their game? I'll be the first to say me. I have been so consumed in my other sports like tow surfing, working with hosting TV shows and training my team kids, that it's easy to fall away from the eye of the storm! I'm an old guy anyway, but I can still hold my own in huge surf and strong winds.With all the young groms getting so good so quickly, I'm sure it's a full time job for the majority of pros that started when I did. Competition is healthy! Who is your favorite female rider and why? I can't say I have any favorites because I like them all. There's something to be said Chuck signs his autograph on a San Carlos lip. Photo Clark Merritt about a girl in a bikini doing a handle pass or a kiteloop!! I'm stoked to see so many women getting into the sport. What do you think of the current state of the industry? I think the kiteboarding industry is slowly building itself up and the kite companies are building better and stronger kites and GEARGEAR SET-UPSET-UP boards with the consumer in mind. Once the prices come down or level out and the surf Kite: Caution 6m-16m industry takes note, I think this sport will definitely grow a lot more. Snow kiting should be a lot easier to grow with less restrictions. Bar: Airush pulley-bar What are your major complaints about the sport? I think there is too much attitude by Board: 132 Caution-Red Line with some people in this sport and not enough people giving back to ensure the safety and C Patterson fins by Rainbow growth of kiteboarding. Bindings: Dakine footstraps Harness: Dakine Pyro Final comments? Don't ever forget the people who helped you succeed on the way and Lines: 25m for everyday light wind riding and 20m & 15m for waves always return the favor. Wetsuit: O'Neill Psycho II 3/2 full for winter and O'Neill shorty for summer

1. Before jumping any trees or rocks, always check for any hidden 4. When traveling overseas with a lot of kite gear, call ahead to check what the dangers like obstacles or shallow water in the landing zone. weight restriction limits are and the amount of baggage you can take with you. 2. Make sure you have enough room in the landing zone in case of an 5. Before traveling check the internet for the conditions of the location you are trav- unexpected updraft. eling to. This will help you decide what gear to bring. 3. Make sure to pack sharp objects separate from your kites. 6. Inspect your equipment after you ride to ensure your next day of kiting is safe. 34 Pro Tips Close-Up Julie Simsar by Marina Chang Flying Frenchy VITALS

In the last year, Julie Simsar has made her name in the US kiteboarding Nationality: French/Turkish scene by either winning or placing in the top three of every major Age: 22 Height: 5’7 US kiteboarding event. Julie has constantly stepped up her game Weight: 130 Stance: Goofy learning many of the new school unhooked moves. Lately she is one Years Riding: 2 of the few women who have added the handle pass to her bag of tricks. Local spot: San Juan, Puerto Rico Keep your eye out for Julie at a beach near you, she will probably be Favorite Spots: Charleston, SC and San Juan An introspective Julie. Photo Gabe Brown schooling the guys. Favorite Conditions: 20 knots, sideshore, flat and waves. When did you get into kiteboarding? I started in Cabarete, Nov 2002 with my boyfriend Favorite Moves: High mobes and the rest of the instructors. I used to windsurf but quickly got addicted to kiting. I start- ed with a 9m RRD Type 4. Favorite Riding Style: Powered and going for it—whatever it is. Is it hard living in the US and being a French citizen? I am French, a real froggy, and I Sponsors: Flexifoil, Kronic Kiteboards, Carrera, Dakine have chosen to live and kite in the States. What it means is either coming in and out of the states every three months on a visitor visa, or trying to get an athlete visa for a year. Being recognized as an athlete in the states is a great advantage as it lets you work and travel internationally as you wish. Rumor has it you and Bri Chmel have quite a rivalry—what is that about? I've actual- ly heard that quite a bit, so I am going to start believing it is true! Well, I probably won’t be the first to tell you that girls tend to be a little wild and competitive with each other. When I am on the water competing in my 8 minute heat, I am going to try everything to win it, which has sometimes brought some tension on land. Between Bri and I, it is great because we're on the same kiting level and push each other constantly. She kicked ass in a few comps, and I did too. She throws some moves like her unhooked kite loop that just petrify me think- ing about it. I go for other moves like mobes. When we get out of the water, let's be hon- est—doesn't everyone enjoy seeing two blondes fighting?! Is there a kiting soap opera yet? Why did you leave Globerider and go to Flexifoil kites? I spent a year with Globerider USA and I really enjoyed it, but I realized there was no international opportunity with them. The French company was too small, too new and did not want to expand their team riders. I had a good idea of what kind of kites I wanted to ride in 2005 and what kind of people I wanted to work and hang out with. I wanted to travel and compete on the international level, and Flexifoil offered me a spot on the US team. What moves are you working on right now? Unhooked: slims, mobes, back rolls, kiteloops and raley kiteloops. Who do you like to ride with? Joe Wilson, Michelle Baillot, Raquel Arroyo, Antoine Jaubert, Damien Leroy—the list is exhaustive. What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I think about the move I want to learn and try to visualize it in my head. I like to practice on a kite bar hung from a tree. I also Julie is known to throw down the hardest unhooked moves. ride my bike and try and stretch out as much as possible. Photo Robert Vreeland What are your views on contest? Contests are fun if you attend them with the state of GEARGEAR SET-UPSET-UP mind of just having fun. Board: Kronic Kiteboards 118cm/35cm Where do you see the sport heading? 1. Wave riding. 2. The big jumps and board off moves will probably stay. 3. The wakeboard style moves are going to become more and Bindings: Straps more precise and strict. Kite: Flexifoil 7, 9, 12 and 15m What is your most memorable moment? The first time I rode a wave, I finally understood Bar: Flexifoil the addiction! Lines: 27m Who would you like to thank or give props to? Greg Kuklinsky, Flexifoil, Dakine, Carrera, Grant Good – Kronic kiteboards, Antoine Jaubert and my family. Harness: Dakine Tabu Wetsuit: I try to stay away from them.

1. Mobes: Don’t be afraid—try it by throwing your legs back like a 3. If you want to jump high, hold your edge, pull stronger that you think you raley. This will give you momentum to complete the back roll and should and let the power lift you. Don’t forget to bring the kite forward again pass the bar. unless you’re going for a kiteloop. 2. Ride with a friend and stay away from stormy onshore weather. 4. It’s easier to hit kickers with more speed. It allows you to keep your balance. Use some sort of a quick release and an “Oh Shit” handle. 5. Make sure your bar is tuned and check your lines often. Pro Tips 36 36 Exploring the Lagoons of Cumbuco Story and Photography by Gavin Butler Brazil Viva Brazil! A local watches kiteboarding for the first time. Miles of wide of open beaches combined with the eclectic culture and perfect kiteboarding conditions 24 hours a day come to mind when reflecting back on my trip to Cumbuco, Brazil. I had heard many stories about how good the kiteboarding was in Brazil. That statement in itself is really vague because it is a huge country with many different riding spots. It's kind of like saying the kiteboarding in the U.S. is insane. Well, the stories were true at least for our little paradise in Northern Brazil's Cumbuco district. Cumbuco is located in Brazil's Ceara State which is situated on the Atlantic coast just a few degrees south of the equator. This area experiences almost around the clock trade winds that blow until well after the sun sets. The landscape is reminiscent of Star Wars, with creeping sand dunes, orange sunlight and jagged outcroppings that seem to evolve in the shifting sands that create them. There is huge potential for miles upon miles of downwinders, with perfect size kickers for any riding level. Did I mention the lagoon sys- tem? The lagoons sit just back from the high tide mark and create a kiteboarding flat-water fun park. No matter how hard the trade winds blow, the water stays perfectly smooth. You have to see it to believe it. Screams of joy blew away in the wind as we unpacked and tested the waters at our own secret spot. Jeff Beige, Bill Kraft, Alex Shogren, Joseph Carneiro and myself sessioned new spots like this everyday. One day we pumped up the inflatable slider and played until the sunset. Beige hit the rail with per- fection and Kraft threw giant handle passes in the background. Amazingly enough, when the sun dropped, the wind continued to blow. We rode the last remnants of light until the bursts of flash from the camera were the only light left. Joseph’s huge handle pass kiteloops backlit by the sun, led the way to dark- ness. We shared an amazing day at one of the most consistent and perfect riding spots we have ever explored. This was truly an experience to remember. ■ — Continue to next page for more on Cumbuco, Brazil. 38 Miles of desolate white sand coastline and lagoons make Cumbuco a dream spot to explore. 39 BrazilBrazil

Alex Shogren takes advantage of a night session. The camera strobe lights up Joseph’s Indy tantrum.

Renting a truck is the best way to explore the lagoons.

Jeff Beige sessions a portable rail. Cumbuco Travel File Directions: youside wanttack. to go. It is perfect for those who like port side tack. • Fly to Sao Paulo or Rio and connect to Fortaleza. • Paracu • Fly to Sao Paulo or Rio and connect to Fortaleza. • Paracuru about 40 minutes north of Cumbuco forms There are a few direct flights each day from the US. ru is about 40 minutes north of Cumbuco, which forms a agreat great beachside beachside lagoon lagoon that that is is flat flat on on waveslow tide on with the • Fly direct from most major airports in Europe. outside.fantastic Best waves on a onhigh the tide. outside. Best on a high tide. Location: Travel Tips: • Fortaleza in Ceara State, North Brazil. • BeFortaleza sure to is check a large out city www.ozonetravel.com of 4 million people orthat call h • Cumbuco is situated approximately 1/2hra half north hour ofnorth the 1-888-8-2-GO-FLYas great shopping andfor nightlife.the best deals on Brazil air ofairport. the airport. and hotel travel. • Fortaleza has several internet cafes along the beach • Taxis from the airport cost about $20. • Fortalezaat Bierra Mar.is a large Several city restaurants of 4 million line people this stretch that has of • The peak season is from September to November, greatdowntown shopping beach. and nightlife. which is when the crowds start to come. It is usually • FortalezaMost clubs has don't several go internetoff until cafes12 am. along If you the likebeach to windy year-round except for the wet season from atparty, Bierra Fortaleza Mar. Several is your restaurants spot. line this stretch of December to February. downtown beach. • Don't drink the local water. Bottled water is a must. • Most clubs don't go off until 12 am. If you like to Accommodations • The local seafood is excellent with lobsters, shrimp party, Fortaleza is your spot. • Golfinho Hotel is excellent, with clean rooms, TV, and plenty of fresh fish in all the restaurants and • Don't drink the local water. Bottled water is a must. phone, internet internet(when (when working) and a swimming pool cafes. forfor aboutabout $40$40 aa night..night.. The The foodfood isis excellentexcellent andand thethe • TheBeef local in Brazil seafood is alsois excellent top quality with and lobster, it is shrimpwell worth and staffstaff isis friendly.friendly. www.hotelgolfinho.com.br www.hotelgolfinho.com.br plentysampling. of fresh fish in all the restaurants and cafes. • There are cheaper places to stay, so do your research • BeefThere in is Brazilan excellent is also pizza top qualityjoint in andCumbuco is well that worth has ifif youyou areare lookinglooking forfor aa deal.deal. sampling.tasty pizzas and Calzones. • For the ultimate kiteboarding experience, Dunmore • Most restaurants and cafes have pasta, sandwiches, do Sol is the place. With three private, flat, freshwa- saladssalads etc.etc. Vegetables Vegetables areare hardhard toto comecome by.by. terter lagoons,lagoons, the the resortresort hashas 2020 roomsrooms stockedstocked withwith • The local beer is fine along with the Brazilian special- everyevery amenity.amenity. Plus, Plus, you you can’tcan’t beatbeat thethe no-wind,no-wind, no- no- tyty Camprinha.Camprinha. The The locallocal “rum,“rum, lime lime andand sugarsugar drink”drink” pay room rate guarantee. Opening Aug 05. Check out packs a punch and tastes great. the laundry list of perks at www.kiteflatwater.com. the laundry list of perks at www.kiteflatwater.com. • Most hotels have telephones, and phone cards are Transportation: readilyreadily available.available. You You cancan bringbring youryour ownown mobilemobile phone if it is set up for a SIM card. It costs around • You need a car to get around, or you can rent a buggy $15 to set up a local number in Brazil, and can be andand driver.driver. The The bestbest optionoption isis toto rentrent youryour ownown 4WD4WD done easily in Fortaleza. forfor aroundaround $70$70 aa dayday oror aa buggybuggy forfor $40$40 aa day.day. You You cancan exploreexplore thethe milesmiles ofof beachesbeaches andand findfind youryour ownown Caution: private lagoon if you search hard enough. private lagoon if you search hard enough. • Be careful of theft, as crime is high in Brazil. The Riding Tips: localslocals knowknow thethe valuevalue ofof kitingkiting equipment,equipment, so so bebe suresure toto taketake youryour geargear outout ofof youryour carcar atat nightnight toto bebe safe.safe. • The wind blows a consistent 20-30 knots everyday Caption text goes here. • If you go out on the town, use common sense. If you andand eveneven strongerstronger sometimes.sometimes. Small Small kiteskites areare rec-rec- are looking for trouble you will find it. ommended so there is no need for an 18m or up. are looking for trouble you will find it. ommended so there is no need for an 18m or up. • If you find a secret spot, check to see if the water is • If you find a secret spot, check to see if the water is • The wind direction is usually cross shore or cross on clean and where the water is coming from that fills clean and where the water is coming from that fills inin thethe morningsmornings andand byby 9am9am itit startsstarts toto swingswing moremore the lagoon. Most are all right, but use common sense the lagoon. Most are all right, but use common sense onshoreonshore wherewhere itit remainsremains forfor thethe day.day. when riding a new spot. when riding a new spot. • There are several lagoons in the area. Cauipe is the • Check the lagoon's depth before riding. There are most well known and is just north of Cumbuco. For • oftenCheck submerged the lagoon's rocks depth that beforecan be riding.dangerous. There are often submerged rocks that can be dangerous. thethe adventurous,adventurous, you you cancan findfind severalseveral lagoonslagoons toto thethe • Conditions change with the tide and swell along the north and south of Cumbuco. Bring food and drink • beach,Conditions so be change careful with driving the tideon the and beaches—espe- swell along the sincesince youyou maymay bebe allall alonealone inin aa privateprivate wonderland.wonderland. ciallybeach, at so night. be careful It is recommended driving on the tobeaches—espe- take the back • With hundreds of miles of beaches, the spot is a roadscially ifat the night. tide Itis is high. recommended to take the back downwind paradise. It's up to you to choose thehow how far roads if the tide is high. A kiteloop at sunset defines what soul sessions are about. far you want to go. It is perfect for those who like port 40The lagoons are the perfect place for Joseph Carneiro to practice powered handle passes. 41 The Man Behind the Mask 2

The Kiteboarder Magazine interviews Jimmy Lewis

t is amazing how a board designer can have such an impact on our sport. Jimmy Lewis 1 I has played a major roll in the progression of kiteboard design. Over the past 30 years, 3 4 Jimmy has shaped custom toys for the world's elite waterman including: Laird Hamilton, Pete Cabrinha, Mike Waltze, Brett Lickle, Vitor Marcal, Maria Souza, Dylan Grafmyre and the list goes on. Back in 1996, Lou Wainman hooked up with Jimmy to design some of the early 6 kiteboard prototypes. Over the years Jimmy has continued to push the envelope in board theory 7 and evolution. Most people claim that once you ride one of Jimmy's shapes, you will never want anything else. We caught up with Jimmy early this winter to check out some of his latest designs. 5 8 11 9 The Kiteboarder: Most people don't though, and I have a good time too. If I ever did get boards in the Liquid Force line and a few in the lucky with any of them, no one would ever know Wipika line. I did the boards for Liquid Force know you build a lot of boards for some of the 10 world's hardest charging watermen.What have unless she told someone. I'm not the kind of guy because I really like Tony Finn, who is the president, you built for Laird Hamilton? who likes to talk about it more than doing it. and I did the boards for Wipika because of my rela- 12 tionship with Mauricio Abreu, who has been a loyal Jimmy Lewis: I mostly have built sailboards KB: What is the one thing in the board building process that you think is most difficult to under- rider of mine since the beginning. Mauricio, along for Laird. I've made him some foilboards too. The with Dylan Grafmyre, Lou Wainman, Tomoko foilboard that Dave Kalama was riding in the stand for someone trying to do what you do? For example, at what stage does the average shaper Okazaki and Konrad Bright, would all pay me for movie, Step Into Liquid was a board that I made one of my boards before they would ride another. for Laird. falter where you would succeed? Jimmy: When I make a board of any kind, whether KB: How do you figure out what to charge for one 13 KB: Everyone is always talking about it. What's of your handshaped boards? up with the crazy ads with the chicks? it’s a kiteboard, surfboard, foil board or whatever, I'm looking for all the lines to flow and blend Jimmy: My boards are about the most expensive on Jimmy: Doing my own ads is fun and can be cre- together. Those lines are the outline, the rocker line, the market, I think. Both my custom boards and my ative. The first ad I did with a girl in it was the one the thickness flow, the deck and bottom shape and production boards. What I don't understand is why 15 with Melody in the wet t-shirt. I think what I was the rail shape. When all of these lines are flowing riders would pay ANYTHING for some of the 17 trying to get was a little shock value. Not so much and blended correctly for the dimensions of any boards on the market today. These boards that are with just her photo but with the text of that ad too. given board, then you could have a magic shape. It pressed out like snowboards with hard, square, thin I DID get lots of attention from that ad and sub- 16 seems that I have an eye and a feel for this flow and rails, terrible outlines and terrible rockers and have 14 sequent ads with her in them too. Since then, all of blend that others don't. It's not that some shapers absolutely no shape to them. All the focus is on my ads with girls seem to get the most attention. screw up. It's just that their vision of a "line" doesn't these manufacturer's kite sales and nothing goes 19 20 That's what advertising is all about. I think that seem to have the same effect in the water as mine. into the board design. Board design is just as impor- most riders are aware that I make boards. Plus, KB: Is there anything that makes you laugh or tant as the kite. Get on a good board and you will 22 going into the studio with an ad concept, an idea feel the difference. for a picture and an attractive girl with a good pisses you off when people begin shaping a board attitude is really fun too. with you for the first time? For example, people KB: Rumor has it you're a closet vocalist and your telling you what works? Rolling Stones covers sound dead on? KB: What do you have to say to people who are offended by your ads? Jimmy: I usually am not too receptive to any input Jimmy: I sing just a bit lower than the volume of my except length and width. If someone comes to me record player in my shaping room which is full blast. Jimmy: I have only had two people complain to me, for a board, it's because they know already, have How can I not sound good in those conditions? A 18 by email, about my ads and I've heard of only two heard from someone about my boards, or they have guy that worked at my shop was telling Brett Lickle 21 others who were offended.The reality is that my ads ridden one and want their own. When someone one day, "Jimmy thinks that he sings good, but he 23 don't offend the buyers who are mostly over 35 and 24 tells me they rode one of my boards and it was by sucks." Brett told him that ANYONE who isn't 25 male. I have LOTS of female customers too. My far the best thing that they've ever ridden, and then afraid to sing in the presence of others sings ads do what they're supposed to do: get attention for asks me to make it like so-and-so's shape, I suggest GOOD! Brett is my hero. my product. Tony Finn (Liquid Force) defined it that they go to so-and-so if they want that shape. I KB:On Maui,how can someone find you to build perfectly when he was telling me about a guy who explain the logic to them: "You rode my board. You something? was complaining to him about my ads. Tony told loved it. Now you want me to change it so it's like him that "here you stand with the new magazine in the one you WERE riding, but didn't like as much Jimmy: If someone calls me at my shop, I will give your hand and ALL YOU are talking about is as mine? If you liked my shape so much, why do you them directions and they can stop by. Jimmy's ad. I think his ads are working." want to change it?" In other words, I don't go to KB: People perceive you to be a bit of a pervert. 26 KB: Have you ever hooked up with any of your Mama's Fish House and order a hamburger. What do you have to say to that? models? KB: Can you list the kiteboarding companies in Jimmy: First of all, let there be no mistake: we're the past and present who have enlisted you for 1. 16-year old Jimmy glasses his first board on his apartment 10. Jimmy hand shapes every board. 20. The original “Loucifer” logo. Jimmy: I don't really know any of the girls who ALL the same-believe me. With me there is just no roof in Berkeley, CA. 11. “Shopy,” keeps a close watch on the factory. 21. Jimmy Pole boarding back in the day. have been in my ads or calendar except for the board work? facade. And of course, "pervert," is just another one 2. Jimmy in his hey day. 12. Classic advertisements. 22. Classic advertisements. 3. “Da Fastest” is Jimmy's nickname because many of his 13. Jimmy's factory in Haiku. 23. Jimmy's brother, John. has been glassing for Jimmy for photo shoots and dealing with them after. The real- Jimmy: I've made boards for Liquid Force, Naish, of these new age expressions. It's like the definition windsurf shapes won speed records. 14. The entrance to the JL compound. over 25 years. 4. Jimmy Lewis stickers ready to for their shiny new boards. ity sometimes isn't what people might think. The Cabrinha,Wipika and Airush. I have my own line of a nymphomaniac: that's just someone who gets 15. This is where the magic happens. 24. Felix Pivec's legendary leopard print board. 5. Jimmy shaping one of his classic 9 foot noserider. girls always have a good time doing the pictures of production boards now, but I have a couple of more than you do. 16. The smile emanates Jimmy's love for shaping. 25. Final touches on a surfboard. 6. The 80's. 17. The original “Loucifer” pro model. 26. Jimmy’s shipping department. 7. Thousands of boards have been glassed in this room. 18. Standing in front of many of the pro model, prototype 8. Jimmy launching off of kitebeach in 1999. boards that evolved kiteboarding. 42 9. Working hard to return email. 19. Niccolo Porcella picks up his new custom board. Photos courtesy of Jimmy Lewis. 43 A Caribbean dream session. Secret Spot, British South Florida's Andy Hurdman poking out an Dominican Palm. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Virgin Islands Photo Gabe Brown indy grab. Miami, Florida Photo Gabe Brown exposedexposed

44 Sam Bell recently appeared kiteboarding in a Coca Cola commercial and is one of the hottest up and coming riders out of Cape Hatteras. Hawaii Photo Jeff Pfeffer Brian Wheeler is committed to his kiteloop. Columbia River, Oregon Photo Lance Koudele 45 exposedexposed

Western Australia is filled dozens of windy secret Martin Vari slams a section riding strapless. Maui kite girls teching their gear. Hawaii. Soul rider, Yuri Drexler can give world champion, Caribbean fishing village. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Andre Phillip slides one his favorite private rails spots. Photo John Carter Hawaii. Photo Pfeffer Photo Kim Kern Cindy Mosey a run for her money. Maui, Hawaii. in Antigua. Photo Nicholas Fitt Photo Kim Kern

Stephen Whitesell takes action photography to The perfect ending to a summer day of kiteboarding Santa Cruz local, Dave Broom smashes a Waddell Kiteboarding in front of the ruins of Tulum is Even on the small days, the outside reef kicks up A glimpse of fear on Chip Wasson's face before another level. Dominican Republic off Key Biscayne, Florida. Photo Matt Cotton Creek lip. Santa Cruz, California. Photo Paul Jav rumored to be incredible. Photo Michelle Zuniga a fun left. Mauritius. Photo Ryan Riccitelli he launches into great white infested waters. Photo Mark Ribkoff San Francisco, California. Photo Gabe Brown

Baja Sunset. Baja, California. Photo Clark Merritt Wes Matweyew gapping a creek in Mammoth Dessert road into paradise. Baja, California. Kevin “Top Hat” Senn is the world’s most recog- Billy Blackman rides Jaco Beach – locals had only Peahi unleashes her fury, December 15, 2004. Lakes, California. Photo Jason Wolcott Photo Clark Merritt nizable kiteboarder. Hawaii. Photo Jeff Pfeffer reported to have seen one other kiteboarder.. Maui, Hawaii. Photo Diego Velasco Jaco, Costa Rica. Photo Michael Jordan

46 47 exposed

Denver Coon headed for a knee crushing landing. Maui, Hawaii. Photo Kim Kern

48 Chris Gutzeit expands the potential of longboarding with a kite. Ventura, California. Photo Jason Wolcott The paparazzi caught Brendan “Hollywood” Richards kiteboarding at the sand bar this summer. Hood River, Oregon. Photo Jim Semlor 49 exposedexposed

This KGB has 12 frames-the same number of letters in Dennis Vassillinine's last name. Photo Gavin Butler.

John Amundson enjoying an afternoon wave session. Big air is something that kiteboarding and motocross Hawaii. Photo Jeff Pfeffer have in common. San Diego, CA. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

A silhouetted Jason Slezak hits the rail one last time before sundown. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Photo Gregg Gnecco

Portugal is known for it's amazingly beautiful Welcome to Dimitri Maramenidas' back yard in kiteboarding spots. Photo KPWT Nags Head, North Carolina. Photo Bill Mieckle

50 Moe Goold uses the inside of kite beach to learn all of his unhooked moves. Photo Charles Oreve 51 exposedexposed

Bucky Ashcraft shows off his Texas pride. The ultimate kiteboarding goddess-she not Pattaya, Thailand is renowned for its nightlife Tracy Kraft is not only an insane photographer, but she can hold her own amongst the Maui crew. Maui, Hawaii. Photo Kim Kern Photo Glenn Hartman only rides, she shoots photos. Photo KPWT and is a growing kiteboard destination. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

52 With razor sharp, shallow rocks on the inside, Franz Olry races death at Cabo Verde. Photo FX Abonnec Jack Webb has never gotten the respect he deserves for busting moves like this-Keep charging Jack. Maui, Hawaii Photo Epes Sargent 53 The shrimp is cheap and boun- tiful in Tybee. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

Spot GeorgiaGeorgiaSecret Jewel Check 19th Street of the South Nick Name: South Tip Fun sea breeze spot with waves on the sandbars and shallow flat water inside, By Ryan Riccitelli and Tim Malins great for learning at low tide. Cross Streets: 19th Street and Hwy 80 (literally the end of hwy 80) Best Season: May-August Best Direction: SW Conditions: Can be waves at high tide if there’s a swell. Flat at low tide. lagoons between sandbars at low tide for butter flat conditions. Outgoing tide is best, or the current may negate some of the wind. Average Kite Size: 15 Level of riding: All, especially at low tide, must be able to stay upwind of jetty at high tide Launch: Sandy beach, plenty of room Local Shops: High Tide on Tybee, Rails and Sails in Savannah Local Schools: High Tide Places to stay: Desoto Beach Motel, Rivers End Campground, assorted B&Bs Tips: Avoid this spot in peak season during mid-day (June-Aug), it’s way too crowded with beach goers. Go in the late afternoon after wind has thermaled up and the beach has cleared out. Stay upwind of the Warm, steady winds make Tybee the perfect South jetty, the city isn’t fond of kiting Summer getaway. Photo Ryan Riccitelli between the jetty and the pier. Watch the sign posts in the water at high tide. Fannie’s on the Strand is a good nearby place to eat with a view of the riding area. The local crew was in awe of Hamish’s insane kite loops. Photo Lauren Burton

ife is like a box of chocolates, Our destination was Tybee Island which is located at the Tybee Lighthouse mouth of the Savannah and Tybee Creek a.k.a. Bullhead A lighthouse on Tybee was one of the first pub- you never quite know what River. Who would have ever thought that kiteboarding lic structures in Georgia. Completed in 1736 by William Blithman of cedar piles and brickwork. you are going to get. would invade this secret southern getaway? Shrimp Its 90 foot height made it the loftiest in boats, marsh grass and the random confederate flag America. Destroyed by a storm, it was replaced LNeil Hutchinson, Hamish Macdonald and I were on a road by another built by Thomas Sumner in 1742 trip up to Georgia to escape the South Florida doldrums painted a picture of the local scenery as we inched clos- which Oglethorpe called “much the best er to our destination. X-Rated Kiteboarding was sched- Building of that kind in America.” It was almost of no wind and summer heat. As we stopped off at a entirely rebuilt in 1757 by Cornelius McCarty roadside gas station, there was a makeshift stand offer- uled to do a weekend kiteboarding clinic sponsored by and James Weyms. In 1773 John Mulryne built ing fresh Georgia peaches and boiled peanuts for sale. High Tide Surf Shop.That’s right. I didn’t even believe it when the third lighthouse on a third site. The Mulryne I heard it. A surf shop in Georgia – who would have lighthouse forms the base of the present struc- Southern hospitality at it’s best along with swelter- ture, making part of it of Colonial construction. ing heat and humidity and locusts buzzing in thought there were surfable waves let alone wind In 1791 Georgia ceded it with 5 acres to the to kiteboard in a place like Georgia. Federal government. Partially destroyed by the the trees to go along with it. Neil Irish Jasper Greens of Savannah during Union was raving about this secret little As we entered High Tide Surf occupation of the island, it was repaired and today is one of the famous lighthouses on the spot where he claimed the wind Shop, I was blown away – the Eastern seaboard. was perfect 13-18 knots cross place was indeed a legit surf – Georgia Historical Commission, 1958 shore, and locals that defined the shop decked out with everything 54 stereotype of southern grace. a surfer or skater needs – even 55 Kiteboarding Association invited everyone down to Cafe Loco where we got our first dose of southern hospitality.Tim Malins and Joel, the owner of Cafe Loco donated tons of food. Shrimp, beer and Kiteboarding videos played for hours 2nd Street launch. while everyone talked shop. Lightwind kiting Photo Ryan Riccitelli Photo Ryan Riccitelli The next three days were filled with wind and riding. At one point the wind came up to at least 30 knots while Spot Spot Hamish was on the water with a 9 meter kite. Hamish Check entertained the few remaining beach goers with 25 foot Check jumps that kept him suspended in the air for what seemed like minutes. As the wind gusted his kite almost ripped in half and he was forced to ditch his gear. The wind was so strong that the only kite small enough for me to ride was 2nd Street an old two line 5 meter kite that was being used for teach- Polk Street Nick Name: Anchor, Ambulance Chaser’s ing. As I got on the water, I felt like I was in Maui session- Nick Name: Back of the island ing Kite Beach. Even though this was a fluke anomaly, A versatile uncrowded spot - Tybee’s The West wind spot, it’s basically unofficial Kite Beach Neil, Hamish and I agreed that Mother Nature even graced crowd free, with a fisherman or two and an occasional jogger. Wind can be Cross Streets: 1st or 2nd and Butler Ave us with her version of southern hospitality. gusty but can be smooth when it fills in. Best Season: Fall Cross Streets: Polk St. and Bay Best Direction: NE, SE anything with Xrated Kiteboarding gave lessons all weekend long Best Season: Fall, Winter some E in it on the local Tybee beaches. Photo Ryan Riccitelli Best Direction: WSW, W, NW Conditions: Waves on NE, relatively flat on SE Conditions: Flat Average Kite Size: 11 on NE 15 on SE Shrimp boats, marsh grass and the Average Kite Size: 9-13 Level of riding: All levels random confederate flag painted a Level of riding: All levels Launch: Sandy, plenty of room to rig, The “river” side was Hamish’s favorite flat water spot. Photo Lauren Burton “ Launch: Sandy with plenty of room at low avoid marked jetties to the N picture of the local scenery... tide, beach can be small at high tide Local Shops: High Tide on Tybee, Rails Local Shops: High Tide on Tybee, Rails and Sails in Savannah ” and Sails in Savannah Local Schools: High Tide on Tybee, Rails by California standards. The owner Tim Malins worked for Powell Peralta Skateboards during its hey Local Schools: High Tide on Tybee, Rails and Sails in Savannah and Sails in Savannah day and nostalgic skate memorabilia of Tony Hawk, Mike McGill and other skate legends covered Places to stay: Desoto Beach Motel, Places to stay: Rivers End Campground is Rivers End Campground, assorted B&Bs the walls. Tim wanted to ride and quickly rushed us down to the beach to get on the water. close by on Polk at walking distance. Tips: Park on the street by meters. Don’t Despite the wind being light, Hamish was the first on the water throwing down his usual arse- Tips: Park on grass by Tybee Water Dept. try to be clever about scamming a free Enter at trail at the end of Polk St, do not parking space – you will get towed or get nal of kiteloops and handle passes.This place was no joke. 2-3 foot waves were breaking along drive to beach. Rumor has it that the city a ticket. Avoid the small jetties marked by the coastline offering little kickers to boost off of. As the evening grew near many of the locals will be building a parking lot in the area poles to the N a couple streets. High Tide soon. Rig small here, the W wind tends to Surf Shop is within short walking distance. came down to grab an evening session. Sam Byrd, the local hot shot blew us away when he be gusty, and the conditions can change decided to boost the rock pile jetty. I don’t know if he was just showing off for us, but the guy was rapidly. throwing it down Georgia style until the sun went down. Later that night, the Tybee Island North Jetty Nick Name: Lighthouse Nice uncrowded spot when you don’t want to deal with onshore wind on the Tybee Tips: ocean side of the island. Cross Streets: Medin and Taylor • The most reliable season for wind Best Season: Fall and Winter is May-August for the thermal sea Best Direction: E, NE, NW if you can stay breezes, although other times of well upwind of the jetty. Don't ride here if the year can yield the cooler there is any S in the wind. Northeasters. Conditions: Flat on the inside, some waves on a NE • Keep in mind that much of the shoreline on Tybee is rounded, Average Kite Size: 10- 14 therefore you really need a little Level of riding: Intermediate-advanced, novice if you can stay inside. bit of onshore direction in the One of our local guides, Sam Byrd spent the entire week showing us where to kite. Photo Lauren Burton. wind. Side-shore wind can easily Launch: Sandy with plenty of room at low tide, beach can be small at high tide. become side-off if you go down- wind. Local Shops: High Tide on Tybee, Rails and Sails in Savannah • Tybee has a huge tide difference. Local Schools: High Tide on Tybee, Rails The water can be flat at low tide, As the weekend came to an end, we had explored almost expected to ride powered up on a seven meter and and Sails in Savannah whereas at high tide surf can be every side of Tybee Island. The shape of the island offers Hamish never expected to get a short line, kiteloop ses- Places to stay: Desoto Beach Motel, chest-high or more on the same insane riding conditions for almost every wind direction sion that he was longing for. As we drove further down the Rivers End Campground, assorted B&Bs day. and the local kiteboarding crew claimed we had only road I started thinking. Imagine how many backyard spots Tips: Park at the North beach parking lot scratched the surface of its true potential. As we drove there are in the United States with dedicated local crews by the lighthouse, take the North walkway • Obey lifeguards. The local police to the beach. Walk NW past the jetty. chief is in charge of the lifeguards away in the green X-Rated Van, a.k.a. the Mystery and secret spots waiting to be discovered. It’s one of those Launch well away from the jetty. Don't go and has been very receptive to Machine, we felt as if we had hit the lotto. I never would feelings that make you feel happy to be alive and to be a out very far unless you know you can stay upwind. Inside of the bay is a good safe kiteboarding so far – some smiles have expected to smack a wave in Georgia. Neil never part of such cool sport. ✜ area for newbies if they don’t venture out and handshakes will go far to far. The North Beach Grill is close by in the keeping it that way. We never would have thought we would be riding little waves in Georgia. Photo Ryan Riccitelli parking lot for some good food and drinks after a session. 57 Finding religion in Utah. Photo Gustav Schmiege WhatWhat isis this:this: Q&AQ&A20? As any kiteboarder can attest, we are constantly hammered with questions about the sport. I think I’ve pretty much heard them all. 2020 Questions?Questions? The other day I was talking with our publisher Marina Chang who By James Brown has yet to try snowkiting. She had some very thoughtful questions that sparked some answers that I know you will find informative if you want to get into snowkiting. We passed this information to 20Gabe Brown and Alex Peterson who are also knowledgeable about snowkiting and this is what we came up with.

1 How hard is it for a water kiteboarder to learn to snowkite i.e. time, differ- ent skills, etc.? If you have kite skills, then the other half of the equation is learning snowboard/ski skills. If you already know how to kite on water and snowboard/ski, you will be up and riding in minutes. There are other snow-specific skills that need to be learned like how to reverse-launch a kite without getting yanked. If you have no snowboard/ski skills, but you are a competent kiter on water, then you could most likely get up and going within a couple of hours. You might consider taking snowboard/ski lessons at a resort first.

2 How hard is it for an intermediate snowboarder/skier to learn who has no kiting experience? A new rider with good snowboarding skills could go from the trainer kite to a kite just large enough to pull them along the snow within a couple of hours. You don't need to be as powered to get moving on snow as you do on water, so the ability to handle a really powered kite isn't necessary.

3 What do you think about intermediate water kiteboarders teaching them- selves to snowkite? I say, go for it! Go find yourself a nice, wide open meadow and a small kite and get schooled. Start by riding unhooked until you really feel you have the hang of it. As we all know, there are many factors that we may not be aware of when learning to kite and snow has some unique challenges. Many riders will take things into their own hands and could potentially get hurt. A good rule of thumb is to take things slow and start with a smaller kite than you would for water. At the very least go with someone who has snowkited before.

4 Is the learning curve for snowkiting similar to learning on water? Snowkiting is undeniably easier to learn, because you can start out with a smaller kite and you can walk to it at any time rather than having to swim. It is way easier to tack upwind on the snow because your board doesn't slip downwind like on water, although some edging skills are still necessary.

5 Which are better, foils or inflatable kites. Both types of kites will work and they each have pros and cons Romain Fabretti pulling a one-footer in Norway Photo Wareck Arnaud The newer four-line sheetable foils work great for snow. These kites allow you to depow- er the kite on the fly, completely kill the power instantly and reverse-launch by pulling Alex Peterson defying gravity in Tahoe. Photo Gabe Brown on the back lines. They aren't damaged as easily as an inflatable if you crash it and you don't have to pump them up in the cold. They also pack down small for backcountry and cross-country expeditions. They work best for cruising and jumping off of hillsides. The downside of some foils is that they tend to fold in gusty wind because they don’t have a rigid frame. If you ride both water and snow, inflatables allow you to kite year-round without having to get used to the differences between kites. Inflatables tend to have faster steering characteristics which give better pop for jumps on flat terrain. If you ride an inflatable, you will need to have a kite that is set up with a reverse-launch system. Any kite can be retrofitted with a 5th line that attaches to the trailing edge if it doesn’t come that way. Many companies are finally starting to see the benefits of this type of launching system for both water and snow. The downside of inflatables is that you have to pump them up in cold weather and they are more prone to damage on the hard snow. -continued

Thomas Bordeau in snowkiting paradise. Photo Frederick Pattou 58 59 Guillaume Chastagnol lets his actions do the talking. Photo Wareck Arnaud 6 Do you need less wind to snowkite than you do to kite on water? The snow is very fast, especially the more packed down it is. A fresh dump of more than SNOWSNOW a few inches can make it slower, yet it still takes less wind to get moving. The interest- ing thing about snow is you don't need as large of a kite but you can also hold down a bigger one. Let the conditions determine your kite size. Make sure that your board/skis Q&AQ&A are waxed correctly for the snow 20?temperature to make the board slide more efficiently. 7 Do you use the same size kite for the wind conditions that you would use when kiting on water? As I mentioned before, you can use a smaller kite to get moving on snow. Start out small and work your way up if you aren't sure. The speed that you can achieve on snow gives you the advantage of more apparent wind which helps with whipped jumps. The increased apparent wind doesn't make a huge difference though, so the kite size will need to be close to the same size as for water, because it still needs to lift you off the ground. The only exception would be if you have hills to jump off, then you might be able to get away with Brian Schenck gets tweaked. Skyline, Utah Photo Gustav Schmiege a slightly smaller kite. Keep in mind that you will drop faster than you would if you had a larger kite. The fact that the hill is dropping away with you gives you more hang time.

Amaury Couvreur poses as a table top. Photo Wareck Arnaud 8 If I am riding a foil on the snow and ride inflatables on water, how do I know what size foil I need? Most foil kites are more powerful than inflatable kites if you go by the “advertised” sizes. Typically, foils use a bridle system and an optimized wing shape that maximizes the amount of canopy that is effective for pull and lift. So, for example, you could use a 10m foil in winds that you would normally fly a 14m inflatable. The exception is the bridle-less four line foil kites like the new Peter Lynn models that are less powerful than an inflat- able of similarly advertised sizes. They have a large range of depower capability which make them good for gusty mountain wind. For these kites you would probably use a kite that is one size larger than an inflatable.

9 What is the difference between learning on a snowboard versus skis? Skis are easier in many respects. You have two edges to leverage against the pull of the kite. They also give you more stability for riding over tracked out or icy terrain and they allow you to land jumps easier because you can step quickly to adjust for imperfect body position. Skis allow you to take a smaller kite. You can skate with skis to help create apparent wind. They also allow you to step backwards if the wind is light or has lulls that Damien Pattou pokes his nose at his camera toting father. Photo Frederick Pattou Jeff Kafka at Grass Lake. Tahoe, California. Photo Rob Vreeland make your kite want to fall. The difference with skis is that they are heavier than a snow- board and the positioning is awkward if you are used to riding sideways on water. Snowboards can be more difficult to hold an edge in crud. That aside, they are more simple because you can't get crossed up like with skis. Plus, they are similar to riding a twin tip on water. Most of the moves on water translate directly to the snow.

10 What is the best way to set up your snowboard or skis for snowkiting? Set up your snowboard bindings so they are the same distance from each tip. The hole pattern on most boards allows you to move the base plates forward and back. Set them up in a comfortable duck stance so your toes are pointing towards the opposite tips. Somewhere between 5 and 15 degrees should work. Make sure that your heels aren't hanging off the heelside edge too much. The same goes for your toeside. If you have large feet, consider buying a wider board. If you use skis, the standard binding setup is your only choice. Consider buying a newer model twin tip ski that is stiff and wide. Modern bindings that have heel and toe releases in three directions (side, up and diag- onally) will be the safest option.

11 Do you need to set up your bar or lines different for snowkiting? You can leave your bar set up the same as for water. I have made a few adjustments to my lines for safety. First, check to make sure your lines are in perfect condition so that they won't break during a jump. I have lengthened the leader lines from my bar so my board edge will not cut into my flying lines. Luckily I have never had my board cut a line while in the air, but I have cut a few sets of lines while getting dragged on the ground. Also, colored lines show up best on white snow. You might consider swapping out your lines with Q-Power Line since they seem more durable and thicker than standard lines. Always keep your lines wound up whenever you are not using your kite so no one will ride over them. When you put away your kite, keep your lines attached, then roll up both the bar and lines inside the kite.

12 What is better, a waist or a seat harness? It comes down to personal preference just like on water. Use whatever is most comfort- able. Some waist harnesses ride up more than others. Try different ones with your win- ter clothes on. A seat harness will not ride up and may help keep snow from going down your pants. 60 -continued61 13 When first learning to snowkite, should you wear pads and a helmet? Are there any other special accessories? SNOWSNOW Wearing a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads is a very good idea no matter whether you are a beginner or an expert. Helmets are required for competitions with good reason. If you want to wear your harness close to your body, which gives better fit, you can get a Q&AQ&A jacket specifically designed for your20? harness hook to poke through from the inside. Check out Ultra Nectar's snowkite jacket. Good, durable gloves that fit well with grippy palms and precurved fingers help to grip your bar. Check out the Dakine Cobra GT with Gore Tex and leather palms. Pants with a bib and suspenders help keep snow from going down your pants and up your back. Polypropylene/Thermax undergarments and glove liners help insulate and wick moisture away from your skin. We have gotten hooked on riding with our iPods too. There's nothing like rocking out to your favorite tunes while you ride. Bring a small avalanche shovel like the Dakine “T-Handle” for digging up snow to weight down your kite, build kickers or dig your buddies out of an avalanche.

14 What are the major challenges in learning to snowkite? It's actually really easy. If you already have kite skills, you just need to have your kite set up to reverse launch it and learn to do it correctly. Basically you reverse it off the snow just high enough to turn it and send it to the side of the power window without sending it straight up in the power zone, which can launch you. If you are used to an inflatable, but want to use a foil kite, there are a few differences in how you launch and land the kite. Once it's in the air, the newer four-line sheetable foils turn and handle similar to inflatables. Learning the board skills is the only other skill that you need.

15 Is snowkiting better or more fun on flat ground, rolling hills or mountains? Mountainous terrain is no place for a beginner. Start out in the open on a lake or field and work your way up to more challenging terrain. You can have fun on any variety of terrain, which is the beauty of snowkiting. The major difference to kiting on water is that you can jump off slopes. Big air contests on water are a joke compared to how big you can jump on snow. Also, there are also huge possibilities for exploring and traveling large distances.

16 Can you use kites when going downhill?

Synchronization at Skyline. Utah. Photo Gustav Schmiege Charging a ridge. Photo David Sims Sure, you can go downhill with a kite. You can leave it in a neutral position like you would if you were surfing a wave or you can turn it at any time you wish to catch air. Turning it directly down hill can peel you away from a large steep hill, so you have to beware of Chasta road gaps over Nick Nedele on Togwatee Pass in Wyoming. Photo Patrick Nedele Alex Peterson spins to win. Tahoe, California. Photo Gabe Brown that if you want to stay grounded. You are in a three dimensional world and can go any- where you want which is amazing.

17 Can snowkiters mix with snowboarders/skiers on the slopes, or will they need their own area? Downhill skiing resorts are definitely not a place for snowkiting. Most ski slopes are nar- row and lined with trees. The skiers would not be used to having kiters going up hill either. They would be skiing at much higher speeds than us in general and if your kite fell across the slope, you could clothes-line a skier-very bad idea. There are plenty of open places to ride away from the resorts.

18 What are various things you look for in a site and what are some common hazards to watch out for? Find an open area like a lake or field to start out and look for wind that is steady. Make sure you look for any obstacles before you start riding. Common things to look out for are trees, shrubs, rocks and barbed wire fences. If you are on a lake, you need to be aware of the depth of the ice, which can vary. Early or late season, warm spells and warm springs can leave a frozen lake with open areas while it is thick enough to drive Sunset solo session. Photo Bertrand Boone a car on somewhere else. Avoid areas with rotor or mechanical disturbance. In other words, obstacles like trees, buildings or mountains can cause dangerous disturbances to wind.

19 What are the first easy moves to try when snowkiting? The progression is similar to kiting on water. What comes to mind is riding toeside, jumps with grabs, back rolls, front rolls and raleys. Take it easy at first until you get the feel for the wind conditions and as always be aware of changing weather.

20 Does it hurt when you land wrong on hard pack or ice? Sure it can hurt. Stay within your limits and work your way up slowly. You can be a lit- tle more daring if you have lots of soft powder on the landing. Wear pads and always wear a helmet. Check all your equipment for wear and don't leave your lines lying out on the snow where someone can ride over them with their sharp edges. You don't want any unexpected equipment failures while you are in the air. 62 63 Progression Words by Gabe Brown

Indy Back Roll to Toeside 1 Bear downwind slightly to create some planing speed. 2 Hit the ramp and throw your head back. The rest of your body will follow. with Ben Meyer 3 At the apex of your roll, open your shoulders (this will slow down your rotation) reach down with your back hand and grab

Photos Stephen Whitesell in between your feet (indy).

Use your head and your grab to pull you and your board around the rest of the way.

This trick can be done off of the flat water but is best lined up off of a piece of chop. 4 > > 5 When you've completed a full rotation, release your grab and finish the trick by bringing the board around to toeside. > 6 Ride towards your kite a bit on the landing to avoid skipping out. UNODOSTRESCUATROCINCOSEISSIETEOCHONUEVEDIEZUNOD

Toeside Ollie Indy 1 Andy starts this trick with his kite low for good power and pop.

with Andy Hurdman 2 He loads his toeside edge against the kite and pops bringing his knees upwards.

3 He reaches down and grabs Indy (between his feet on the toe edge). > > Photos Ryan Riccitelli > 4 Andy releases his grab and comes down for a smooth heelside landing. You can also land this trick on your toeside edge. Just release the grab and bear slightly downwind on your landing.

64 65 Progression

> > > Surface Handle Pass from Blind 1 Doyle lands with his front hand on the bar, riding blind. 2 He pulls the bar in to his hips, tensioning the lines and getting ready to pass the handle. with Mark Doyle 3 Just before passing the handle he releases his edge just slightly towards the kite to give him the Photos John Bilderback slack to pass the handle to his rear hand.

In this finishing move, Doyle lands blind, passes the handle and rides away toeside. 4 Once he has the bar in his rear hand he shifts his body and is now riding away on his toeside. UNODOSTRESCUATROCINCOSEISSIETEOCHONUEVEDIEZUNOD

1 For this move you need your kite really powered. Put your kite at about 45 degrees and move your hands to the middle of your bar. 2 Bear a little downwind for speed and then load against your kite right before you pop off the water. 3 Doing this move unhooked will help you get laid out and help you get all the way around, landing blind. 4 At the top of your jump, halfway through your rotation, release your front hand so that you can land blind without getting pulled off balance.

5 As you let your hand drop towards the water, let your body follow it. This will pull you the rest of the way around. 6 Land blind trying not to give the kite too much input.

Frontside 540

with Jeff Biege > > Photos Gavin Butler >

Jeff does this trick unhooked and powered (without sending his kite).

66 67 ProductProduct WatchWatch By Gary Martin

For most of us, winter means less water time and more dreaming about riding. Some of you have crossed over to the snow and are enjoying the best of both worlds. Whatever your situation, we recently launched Product Watch to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest gear releases. We have asked every manufacturer to ▲ submit their latest product releases to be featured on www.kbmag.com. The Product Watch section will constantly Litewave

be updated and is the ultimate resource for product information. Dakine ▲ Freestyle Series

Litewave has released his ▲ Cobra GT RRD 2005 line of boards: the This is Dakine's top of the line, fully insulated, Gore Freestyle Series. This year's Type Wave Tex glove designed for comfortable riding all winter boards are shorter and wider long. The low profile performance fit makes it the than the 2004 line and have a The Type Wave is exactly that-a kite specifically designed perfect choice for snowkiting.The gloves incorpo- deep concave bottom that for wave riding. The Wave System's 5th line depowers rate Dakine's pre-curved "Rol Bak” finger construc- benefits high speed control. If the kite allowing the kite to adjust to the wind range need- tion, adjustable hook and loop wrist closures, water- you are into big-air, tricks, and ed to ride waves. The Type Wave comes with the “Zipping proof neoprene wrist cuffs and a special nose wipe wake-style riding, the Power Control” system which allows you to adjust the zip- thumb panel for those "runny-nose" days. Freestyles are the best pers and tune the kite to fit all wind and wave conditions. Litewave boards for you RRD's new, “Windows Construction” panel system is Suggested Retail $69.99 Caution ▲ Sizes: 115, 125, 145cm designed to better resist impact in waves and helps make Dakine ▲ www.dakine.com repairs less expensive. Spitfire II Pricing: $599.00 BTS Bag Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12, 15m Straight out of Santa Cruz, the 2005 “Spitfire II” is sure to www.litewavedesigns.com Pricing: Starting at $805.00 The new BTS Bag is perfect for the kiteboarding traveler. The bag turn heads this year. The flame graphics and shark proof is designed so you can unzip it into two bags to help avoid over- construction ensure extra performance. The new features www.robertoriccidesigns.com weight baggage charges. The split-level design allows easy access for 2005 include a smaller LE and thinner struts for to all contents and the heavy-duty urethane wheels make it easy increased performance, a spinning leash, an all new to wheel through the airport. The BTS is available in Black only. quick release depower loop, a 5th line attachment point H20 Audio ▲ and dual reinforced bladders made of “Premium Medical Sizes: 140cm long X 44cm wide X 40 cm tall (2 pcs. 20 cm. ea.) Waterproof MP3 player housing Grade Polyurethane.” All seams are “glued and triple Pricing: $160.00 stitched” and are built to take beatings. Now you can go kiteboarding while jamming to your MP3 www.dakine.com Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20m player. The H20 Audio is a waterproof MP3 player housing designed to allow easy access to control all the MP3 play- Pricing: Starting at $899.00 er functions. The unit is submersible up to 10ft/3m and www.cautionkites.com comes with a waterproof headset and silicon earplugs. Suggested Retail $149.00

www.h2oaudio.com Liquid Force ▲ ▲ Boardworks Spectrum II Kites Yancey Spencer 6’2” Fish Building upon the success of the ▲ Spectrum, Liquid Force’s Spectrum II The Yancey Spencer is built with Amundson kites leave virtually nothing else to Best ▲ Boardworks’ Epoxy Thermal Lamination be desired. With a new leashless process, using EPS core, 9 lb PVC sheet Customs Liquid Force ▲ Spinning Powerlock™ safety sys- Tempest foam, and Epoxy foaming resin. The board The T2 Small is just like the name. tem, increased depower ability, a is hand laid up and then placed in a press The small, wide twin tip is Union Binding slightly lower profile for maximum Best ▲ Best Kiteboarding recently launched the to cure under pressure at a high temper- Tempest kite which is designed for riding on designed to get on plane early and With the research and development of high pop and hang time, two-pump ature. The result is an extremely durable, Grenade Release the water and snow. Best has taken their cur- glide through those light wind performance wakeboarding as a backbone, inflation system, taped and triple light, and tight surfboard. The Spencer rent design and reinforced it to handle the wear spots. The price includes: pads, the crew at Liquid Force have created the first stitched seams and other major The “Grenade Release” is a quick release system that can 6’2” fish’s weight and durability and are and tear of snow kiting. The modifications for straps, fins and shipping. The T2 kite specific binding to meet the performance reinforcements, the Spectrum II be used on any Best bar. On regular Best bars, it is the pri- key for early planing, and hard slashing snow include a reinforced leading edge, stop- design works well in the 100cm to demands of wake style riding. The Unions are meets the demands of the best mary safety system located on the depower line. When turns and make it a great board for strap- per balls in each valve and a 5th line,. 135cm size range. All kite boards equipped with a slick heel piece for easy pros in the world, yet are stable and activated, the kite and bar are still connected by the back- less kiteboarding. are custom made to your specifi- entry, a simple white style, comfortable lace- predictable enough for beginner up wrist or harness leash. The new Best Swivel Bar, has Sizes Available: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17m Size: Nose 13-1/8”, Mid 21-1/8”, Tail 15- cations. kiteboarders. the swivel built into the Grenade Release which is the less craeton rubber support, and are super Pricing: Starting at $449.00 1/2”, Thick 2-3/8”, Fins Tri Fin/Futures secondary release system activated by pushing the Sizes: custom lightweight. Take a close look at any rider Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20m Finbox strapped into bindings—chances are you’ll "Grenade" away. When this release is triggered on the www.bestkiteboarding.com Suggested Retail $575 Pricing: Starting at $780.00 see these foot shackles on their feet! Pricing: Starting at $999.99 com- Swivel Bar, you are totally disconnected from your bar and plete kite. www.cabaldc.com www.amundsoncustoms.com Starting at: $249.99 www.liquidforce.com Sizes: 45, 55, 60cm www.liquidforce.com Pricing: Carbon bar starts at $69.99

Pricing: Swivel bar starts at $99.99 69 Academy

Operator Error By Rick Iossi, FKA Essential Tuning Tips One of the leading causes of accidents and injuries in kiteboarding is operator error. Most kiteboarders never intend on having a problem. Once the adrenaline sets in many riders loose their common sense. A lot of injuries and accidents could have been completely avoided if the pilot followed a few simple rules. The following is a list of tips that might help To Keep You Flying Straight you avoid a potential kiteboarding accident. By Nick Bowers 88 1. USE DISTANCE 4. ANTICIPATE TROUBLE AND USE COMMON SENSE Who really wants to tune a kite? Can't we just hook up the lines and go? Unfortunately, it's not that easy these Keeping a realistic distance from other riders, beachgoers and Know your surroundings. Pay attention to what is going on around you and the conditions that days. We decided to make it simple for everyone by coming up with this short list of eight tuning options that obstacles is your best defense. you will soon be riding into. Variable weather and tunnel vision can ruin your day of kiting.

should be considered whether you are setting your kite up for the first time, tuning up for a pure wave session Photo Ryan Riccitelli or getting ready for a light wind downwinder. 2. PREFLIGHT, THEN PREFLIGHT AGAIN 5. AVOID SQUALLS AND EXCESSIVELY GUSTY WEATHER Know your equipment! Understanding what size kite to rig for the Squalls and excessively gusty weather are the leading causes of severe accidents and conditions, how to set it up and how to preflight your gear is injury. Check forecasts and real time weather before you go out. Once you are out, if you imperative to avoiding accidents and injuries. see dark clouds moving in, GET OFF THE WATER before the weather changes.

3. RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 6. KNOW YOUR SAFETY SYSTEM Never ride conditions that are above your skill level. If it looks The latest gear is equipped with a variety of safety system combinations.

Photos Nick Bowers sketchy, it is sketchy. Be realistic with yourself before you endanger Every kiteboarder should know exactly how their system works. Practice activating it Front lines too long. Frontlines too short. Perfectly tuned. yourself and those around you. with minimal hesitation. Front and rear line length. 1 Front and rear line length tuning is essential to the performance of new kites. It is safe to assume that any 2004-2005 kites fly best on their front lines. When you CONCLUSION unhook, the kite should be perfectly trimmed with even front and rear lines. The wingtips should be parallel and not flared. If the wingtips flare when the kite is Your safety on the water can be significantly affected by the choices you make as a rider. Know your game, carefully build experience, ride responsibly, flown unhooked the kite is over sheeted and will not fly properly. This can kill the kite's power and cause stalling. It is key to have control over the kite when use safety gear and anticipate trouble before you ride. This strategy will help you to avoid OPERATOR ERROR. unhooked for launching, landing, and maneuvers. Line length evenness. 2 When setting up your new or used kite, make sure the right and left line lengths are the same. In order to ensure this, first pre-stretch your lines before flying the kite. After your lines are pre-stretched, make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the kite does not pull to either side and flies balanced in the neutral position. Front line positioning. 3 On the newest kites the leading edge will have multiple pigtails. The furthest forward or towards the leading edge promotes faster turning, more depower, and allows the kite to push further to the edge of the wind window increasing upwind ability. As you move the frontlines back it causes the kite to sit deeper in the window, giving it more power and hang time. This can have a negative effect on upwind ability but is a great light wind trick to squeeze the last drops of power from your rig. Rear line settings. 4 Rear line settings allow you to change the leverage applied to the wingtip, which in turn alters the kite's turning speed. The settings closest to the trailing edge provide the most leverage resulting in the fastest turning speed. This is best for advanced riders that need a fast kite for waves, kite loops and other advanced maneuvers. As the trailing edge lines move toward the leading edge the kite will turn slower. This is best for beginners and anyone who wants to slow their kite’s turning speed. Bar sizing and type. 5 Another way to tune the turning speed of your kite is to change your bar size or type. First off, it is best to use the manufacturer's recommended size. The gen- eral rule in bar size is simple: the bigger the bar, the more leverage on the wingtips resulting in faster turning. The smaller the bar the slower the kite will turn. If you can't control your 8m because it is turning too fast for your taste, simply try a smaller bar. Conversely, if your 20m isn't turning fast enough, try a bigger bar. Proper inflation. 6 Proper inflation is another major factor affecting kite turning speed as well as stability and relaunchability. Most leading edges should be inflated to 6 to 8 psi. Consult the manufacturer if necessary to ensure that you get the most out of your kite. Soft leading edges diminish kite-turning speed. In addition to the loss of turning speed, the kite will be more susceptible to pulsation or jelly fishing in gusts, and can also impede the kite's relaunchability. Line length. 7 Different line lengths are becoming more and more popular among all levels of kiters. There are two main reasons why people are changing line lengths from the traditional 30m sets all the way down to 10m sets. The shorter the set, the shorter the power stroke. This gives the rider more control, but makes underpowered riding impossible. Short lines are also used for beginners making it easier for them to control the power of the kite. The longer the lines, the longer the power stroke. 27 to 25m lines seem to be the choice of the majority of kiters. However, 15 meter lines are also great for huge kite loops, waves, and overpowered conditions. Static power strap. 8 Use the static sheeting strap. When riding in overpowered conditions use the strap to increase your rig's depowerability. Again the kite should fly perfectly unhooked with the static strap all the way out with parallel wing tips. When things get crazy, pull in the strap which will shorten the leading edge lines allowing you to fly unhooked in overpowered conditions. 70 Nick Bowers shapes Squall Kiteboards and is a PASA certified instructor who has taught hundreds of kiteboarding lessons. He is sponsored by RRD, Dakine and Half Moon Outfitters. Check out www.squallboarding.com Analyze This...

Flexifoil CBX50 Control Bar durable and lightweight carbon construc- Liquid Force 2005 Streamlined safety, greater range, faster tion, easily activated primary and secondary turning, and swimless relaunch are some safety releases, and a comfortable grip. Powerlock Control System new capabilities that Naish's Shift System Control Freak: delivers. Due to its 5-line design, the rider Bar Sizes: 45cm, 55cm can handle pass with the comfort of a full A Comparative Look at 2005 Control Bar Systems By Brian Wheeler # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) safety system and spinnable leash function. Other key features include: a pull pull trim t's that time of year again when all of the fresh new gear starts making its way into the magazines. With so many Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. strap, Da Tickler (a dongle style shackle Spinning Leash? Yes. that attaches to spreader bar), and flying new innovations, it's hard to know who is doing what. The 2005 control bar systems are looking better than ever, lines designed with multiple safety features Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5- (foolproof style connectors and color-cod- I and after carefully examining 15 different manufacturers, we put together a comprehensive guide to walk you lines after upgrading) through some of their comparative aspects. We looked at features, price, safety, performance, upgradability, compatibil- ing). Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. Relaunch: Reach above the bar (not below) ity, tips, sizes, etc. However, due to the short nature of this article, many of the comparisons are very brief. We listed each Special Instructions: Adjust the chicken to grab the 5th line. This should make the manufacturer's website to help you further your research. If you have any additional questions, contact your local shop, loop line to have minimal throw if you want process of relaunching easier. to ride unhooked. Check your release sys- Bar Sizes: 18”, 20”, 22” online discussion forum or a local team rider. tem and understand how to deploy it. Low cost of 5th line upgrade. ($79) # of lines: 5 Airush Air Ride Bar Best Carbon Swivel Bar Cabrinha RECON Gen2 Bar Caution Spitfire II MSRP: $274 ($159 bar only) Swimless relaunch? Yes. www.gaastrakites.com Spinning Leash? Yes. Works w/ what type of kite? 5-lines Flexifoil's CBX50 Control Bar was designed Maintenance: Be sure to monitor the with ultimate rider flexibility in mind. This Globerider 360 Spinning Bar length of the 5th line; it tends to stretch at single bar can be set up in three different a different rate than the flying lines. Adjust modes: 5th line, spinning leash safety, or re- The 2005 carbon Powerlock bar eliminates when needed. ride wrist leash. Other key features include: the need for an additional fixed loop. With a simple twist of the wrist, the center line Special Instructions: If suddenly overpow- multiple safety releases, a high traction grip, ered, grab the 5th line in one hand and then a landing handle integrated into the spinning locks into or out of a locked position. In emergency situations, the kite can be re-grip the bar (with line in hand). You leash system, and a center line that is highly should then be comfortably powered to resilient to wear and tear. immediately depowered by pulling a single quick release located just above the loop. head in. Older Naish bars can be retrofitted Bar Sizes: 50cm The emergency release will work even with a 5th line upgrade kit ($219.95). # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) when the bar is in the powerlocked posi- MSRP: $369.95-$389.95 (no bar only) tion. In addition, the safety leash spins with Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. the bar because of a swivel, also located on www.naishkites.com Spinning Leash? Yes. the centerline just above the loop. Lines are pre-stretched and color coded. Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5- lines after upgrading) Bar Sizes: 43cm, 51cm, and 58cm North 5th Element Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) Airush's Air Ride Bar features a very clean Best's Carbon Swivel Bar features a highly Cabrinha's revamped 4-line RECON The Spitfire II control bar system features Swimless relaunch? 5th line attachment, safety system that can be configured as a unique spinnable leash system so you can Generation 2 control bar offers safety and high performance and hassle free compo- Special Instructions: Visit www.flexifoil.com for all sorts of tips. The 5th line upgrade kit and a medium/high aspect, allow for a spinning leash setup or traditional re-ride ride unhindered, and it incorporates a high- performance features such as: an immedi- nents such as: a spinning center line leash, swimless relaunch. system (with wrist cuff or harness clip). The grade ball bearing swivel that automatically ate depower capability, a spinning leash a stainless steel lined center hole (allowing takes relatively little effort to install and at bar comes with 10m leader lines with a keeps your front lines untwisted. Other key system, swimless relaunchability (only for friction free sliding of the PVC coated $95 is fairly inexpensive. Spinning Leash? Yes. good selection of flying line length options: features include: a large diameter chicken when used with Cabrinha kites), a line de- center line), and a swivel that allows the MSRP: $230 (bar only price tba) Works w/ what type of kite? Does anyone 20m, 25m, 27m, or 30m (leader length loop, a power strap sheeting system, light- twisting mechanism, and an easily rider to keep the lines tangle free and the www.flexifoil.com Globerider's 360 Spinning Bar system make a 2 line kite anymore? The powerlock included). Other key features include: low weight carbon construction, an ergonomic adjustable security system. It is available in leash out of the way for aggressive worry offers several features including: a spinning bar has 4 lines for a 4 line kite. drag lines, multiple safety releases, a bar diameter, and Best's new high grade two models: the Carbon Powerlock and the free riding. Other key features include: low leash system, a swivel to keep the front releasable harness line, and the option to and innovative spinning leash and chicken Alloy Powerdrive. Other key features stretch lines, lightweight and bomber car- lines untwisted, a safety system that allows Maintenance: Use the adjustable stopper upgrade with a 5th line. loop release system, the Grenade. include an innovative power locking device, bon construction, multiple safety releases, a handle passes, an adjustable bar length ball to change the 5th line length when a very plush grip, 2.2cm carbon or alloy durable power adjustment strap, an oh-shit Gaastra Defender Control Bar needed. Bar Sizes: 38cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm, 65cm Bar Sizes: 45cm, 55cm, 60cm (+/-10cm), a releasable harness line, chick- construction and an ergonomic bar shape. handle, and safety features integrated into en loop quick release and other highly use- Special Instructions: Lines can be attached the lines such as foolproof connection # of lines: 4 (or 5 after upgrading) # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) Bar Sizes: 40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm ful features. at multiple attachment points to set up your points and pull tabs. bar for your riding style. Keep sand off, dirt Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. # of lines: 4 Bar Sizes: 43/53cm and 53/63cm (two Bar Sizes: 50cm, 60cm bars, each adjustable 10cm) out, and dog away from your bar. Spinning Leash? Yes, but only if you attach Spinning Leash? Yes. Swimless relaunch? Yes (but only with the leash to the chicken loop. # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade). MSRP: $219.99 ($119.99 bar only) Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines certain kites). # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) North's 5th Element control system delivers Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. www.liquidforce.com Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5-lines after upgrading) Spinning Leash? Yes. Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. substantial advantages to riders of all levels, (5-lines after upgrading) Spinning Leash? Yes. such as: swimless relaunch, an increase in Maintenance: Keep the bar free of sand. Works w/ what type of kite? Works best Spinning Leash? Yes. Maintenance: Hook your bar up to a tree to the kite's wind range, and the ability to per- Special Instructions: Make sure the lines with Recon equipped Cabrinha kites. If used Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5- Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5- form all moves with a full safety system. The check line length and chicken-loop set- with other 4-line kites, you will lose the lines after upgrading) Naish Shift System tings. are hooked up properly before going out. lines after upgrading) 5-line design also offers a spinnable leash Pre-rigging has to be requested, otherwise, security functions and the ability of swim- function. Other key features include: an less relaunch. Maintenance: Be sure to keep the swivel Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. Special Instructions: Lock the leash onto you're left to set the bar up on your own. clean and free of sand and dirt. adjustable bar length, an innovative harness your chicken loop to allow easy bar spins. Add on the 5th line upgrade to gain addi- Maintenance: Make sure to keep moving Special Instructions: Purchase the 5th line line, a pull to power adjustment strap, an Also, be sure to use the chicken loop w/ the tional performance. parts clean and sand free. Special Instructions: Adjust the middle conversion kit (price tba) and gain the luxu- ergonomic bar shape, and flying lines inte- dongle to gain the ability to spin the bar w/ depower line and PVC tubing to a length MSRP: $135-155, ($80-100 bar only) ry of swimless relaunchability, full depower grated with multiple safety features. leash. Pick a line length that suits your rid- Special Instructions: When launching or that is comfortable and be sure to lower the capability, and the added performance of an ing style (10m, 15m, 17m, and 20m to add www.bestkiteboarding.com landing, make sure the “Tap Out” feature is knots on the rear line leads the same Bar Sizes: One size but can be configured enhanced wind range. Adjust the bar to as 48cm or 57cm to the 10m leaders). active and you'll be able to immediately and amount to keep everything in the same match the size kite you're using; short bar easily depower the kite if needed. If the Tap ratio. Seamlessly add on to this bar with for small kites, wider bar for large kites. # of lines: 5 MSRP: $195 ($158 bar only) 5th line Out feature is turned off, be sure you know Caution's very own 5th line upgrade kit upgrade price tba how to manually deploy it. (price N/A) and gain wider kite range, swim- MSRP: Price tba Swimless relaunch? Yes. www.airush.com less relaunchability, and other high per- www.globeriderkites.com Spinning Leash? Yes. MSRP: Carbon Powerlock: $337-342 formance abilities. The Defender Control Bar was designed Alloy Powerdrive: $285-290 with primarily two things in mind: safety Works w/ what type of kite? 5-lines MSRP: $224.99 ($155.99 bar only) and functionality. The bar has an integrated www.cabrinhakites.com Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. www.cautionkites.com spinnable leash system so that all kite- boarding maneuvers can be done without Adjustment: If the kite feels funny, chances the leash winding around the leaders and are the 5th line is too short. Check and flying lines. Other key features include: a make appropriate adjustment (so all lines high-grade swivel (to keep lines untwisted), are same length). Don't roll kite entirely on 73 Analyze This... WorkbenchWorkbench by Nick Bowers Ozone Frenzy Carbon Bar while on the wave and tap into more of the Special Instructions: Upgrade to either the Control natural power of the wave. By pushing the Surefire Spreader Bar or the Surefire Problem: You are unsure of what knots you can trust. bar out, a pulley system depowers the kite Spreader Bar Pro to gain the function of a (potentially to the point of complete depow- spinning leash and high-grade shackle sys- Solution: When modifying our equipment, often times we are required to tie knots for various purposes. Knowing er). This 5-line system also offers the bene- tem. When relaunching and using Freak: fits of: swimless water relaunch, increased Slingshot's 5th line, (“One Line” price tba), the appropriate knot can prevent weakening the line, and can also make undoing the knot a breeze. A good knot to kite performance, greater range of your you can prevent the 5th line from being tan- use for “stopper knots” is the figure eight. It stops everything, keeps the line strong, and is easily undone even after -continued kite, instant 5th line adjustments, and safer gled around the bar by locking it into its being subjected to extreme loads. For non-slipping loops, use the bowline. For detailed information on how to tie launching and landing. Other features own cleat. Adjust the stopper balls to match it's back; instead roll it part way and use an include: a foolproof connection system and your riding style and arm length. these knots check your library or go to www.apparentwind.com/knots/. Figure 8 knot. Bowline knot an optional beginners safety leash. outside line. This way there's no chance for MSRP: $390 ($170 bar only) the kite to lay in an unresponsive state. If Bar Sizes: 19”, 23” the kite stalls or falls, pull the nose line to www.sskiteboarding.com Problem: Your fins are nicked and chewed from riding. regain control. This is particularly helpful # of lines: 5 Solution: Your fins take all kinds of abuse and may need touching up with a little sandpaper. Use moderate grit when the wind gets funky and kites drop Swimless relaunch? Yes. from sky. sandpaper and a sanding block to clean up chips and gouges in the fin. It is helpful to move the fin against the sand- Spinning Leash? No. Windwing S.A.F.E. MSRP: $329.95 ing block rolling it side to side as you sand it to maintain a symmetrical and smooth edge. Cleaning up the fins edges Works w/ what type of kite? 5-lines www.northkites.com can help prevent unwanted fin cavitation, thus improving the fins tracking and over all performance. Use a sanding block to touch up damaged fins. Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. Ozone's Frenzy Carbon Bar offers many of Special Instructions: For the 5th line safety Problem: You have extra fin holes in your board. Ocean Rodeo Modular Bar the features that you'd find on a control bar system to function properly, the Depower designed for traditional LEI kites (Leading Adjustable Ball must be set furthest away Solution: Use surf wax to plug the unused holes. This way if you change your mind you can easily reuse the holes Edge Inflatable). Some of these features from the bar. When catching a wave, make by removing the wax plugs. Surf wax is also good for boards without rail grip for board off maneuvers. Make sure you include: a spinning leash system, sheet cleat sure you have enough speed to catch it. style power adjustment system, leashless Depower the kite as the wave pushes you scrape off excess wax to avoid it melting and making a mess. The wax residue left after scraping is usually all you need. safety system, low friction center hole (to forward, then re-engage the power of the Use wax to fill extra holes. kite when needed. The kite is unresponsive reduce chicken loop wear), multiple safety Problem: You want to convert your old chicken loop to a fixed four line. releases, and lines designed with three lev- when the 5th line is fully engaged; sheet in els of safety features. If you use the bar with to regain steerability. Solution: Tie two simple stopper knots in your chicken loop. First, find desirable position for optimum trim on your some of Ozone's kites (and other foils as MSRP: tba (to be announced) well) you'll gain substantial performance kite. Mark the chicken loop line on both sides of the bar when in the position you would like the bar to be fixed at. such as the ability to reverse relaunch. www.robertoriccidesigns.com Disassemble the chicken loop and tie one knot. Rethread the chicken loop line through the bar and tie the second Bar Sizes: 50cm, 60cm knot on the other side of the bar on the mark you previously made. The bar shouldn't move more than an inch. Use two knots to convert your chicken loop to fixed. # of lines: 4 Slingshot Profire Carbon Bar Windwing's new and innovative S.A.F.E. Nick Bowers shapes Squall Kiteboards and is a PASA certified instructor who has taught hundreds of kiteboarding lessons. Swimless relaunch? This bar was system (Simple, Aerodynamic, Four-line, He is sponsored by RRD, Dakine and Half Moon Outfitters. Check out www.squallboarding.com Photos by Nick Bowers designed for foil kites on land or snow. Extended-range) is offered in two versions: When used with the Frenzy or other CC-SAFE and B-SAFE. Each system fea- sheetable foil kites, no assistance is need- tures a 4-line design that allows for full ed for self or reverse launching. depower of your kite and retention of full Spinning Leash? Yes. steering at all times. The CC model fea- tures an adjustable two-stage pulley Works w/ what type of kite? 4-line foils power adjustment system so that when with Ozone style de-power system, but can With Ocean Rodeo's Modular Bar the kiter you take your hands off the bar it will has the ability to customize this standard work with any 4-line inflatable (modification may be required). remain in that sheeting position. You need bar to their specific requirements and skill to push the bar out to engage the SAFE level by easily adding and arranging the Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. system. The B model will automatically modular accessories. Add-ons include: a 5th line setup, oh shit handle, wrist cuff re- Special Instructions: If you want to ride depower the kite when you take your ride system, and handle pass set-up. Other unhooked, add a wrist leash system or hands off the bar. Other key features key features include: carbon composite chicken loop leash. If used with Ozone include: a spinnable leash system, high- construction, centerline leash system, the kites, make sure to match up the numbered grade hardware, a tapered composite Punch Out system (release the chicken loop connectors to prevent improper rigging. Add shape with raised EVA grip, multiple safety by thrusting bar forward…sensitivity is a harness line if you want to ride fixed. releases, extended wind range of kite, and adjustable), and a secondary chicken loop MSRP: $250 ($198 bar only) The 2005 Profire Carbon Bar affords the reduced time swimming to water relaunch. release method. www.flyozone.com kiter an assortment of plush features such Bar Sizes: 45cm, 50cm, 56cm Bar Sizes: 40cm, 50cm, 60cm as: a center line swivel to keep lines untwisted, pre-stretched flying lines, # of lines: 4 # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) adjustable stopper balls (to customize the Swimless relaunch? Yes. Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. RRD Wave Bar System amount of chicken loop throw), a smaller diameter grip, oh shit handles on both side Spinning Leash? Yes. Spinning Leash? Yes. of bar, high-grade hardware for power Works w/ what type of kite? Windwing Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5- adjustment, lightweight bomber carbon Rage II and Outrage, and will work with lines after upgrading) construction, and a highly wear resistant other 4-lines but with reduced capabilities. chicken loop. The Knuckle Saver is another Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. luxury, one that will limit the amount of Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. Special Instructions: Add the 5th line mod- wear and tear your fingers sustain. The stock Special Instructions: Don't be shy when it bar utilizes a standard re-ride leash system. ule and gain swimless relaunch, enhanced comes to depowering the kite. It's designed kite range and other performance boosters. Bar Sizes: 17”, 20”, 23” to maintain steering abilities when com- $10-20 for most modules, but the 5th line # of lines: 4 (or 5 with upgrade) pletely depowered. If you're an experienced module is $46. Use the Punch Out when you kiter, spend the extra bucks and buy the need to disconnect quickly. Fine tune the Swimless relaunch? Not without upgrade. sensitivity of the Punch Out system by Cruise Control model (CC-SAFE). The extra adding or removing the spars. Spinning Leash? Not without upgrade. performance is worth it. MSRP: $260-290 ($160 bar only) Works w/ what type of kite? 4-lines (5- MSRP: CC-SAFE: $310-$332 (no bar only) lines after upgrading) B-SAFE: $190-204 (no bar only) www.oceanrodeo.com Maintenance: Keep all parts clean. www.windwing.com

Part of a line of products designed to excel Brian Wheeler is our editorial intern from Bellevue, WA. and wrote this review as a project for his journal- in the surf, RRD's innovative Wave Bar ism class. Brian spent weeks compiling this information and deserves an “A.” Check him out in the System allows the rider to release wind Exposed section. Brian is sponsored by North, Da Kine, Airtime Kite and Hammersurf apparel. Yard Sale The winner of the best wipeout shot wins a Dakine Interval backpack.

Bill Blackman is about to take a vicious beating. Photo Michael Jordan

Sean Richman misses the loop. Photo Gabe Brown

This probably looks as bad Ejected! Photo Paul Jav Slippery grip! Photo courtesy of KPWT as it feels. Photo Frederick Pattou

Dylan Thompson and Franz Olry gets stuffed on the rocks at Cape Verde. Nate Johnson learn a Snowkiting donuts! Photo Frederick Pattou Photo F-X Abonnenc valuable lesson in space. Photo Lance Koudele

Shannon Best goes head first into six inches of water. Photo Chris Vicari

76 Pete Goodrich splats at the mouth of Columbia River. The fishing boat gets rolled onto shore in Africa. Photo: Mark Bishop Photo Ryan Riccitelli Maintenance The best resource for schools, retailers, KITE PAGES and associations in the U.S. and Caribbean.

California Parking Lot Bladder Repair Action Watersports ...... (318) 827-2233 Board Sports...... (415) 929-SURF By Jeff Howard CaliKites ...... (619) 522-9575 Captain Kirk’s ...... (310) 833-3397 Chennel Coast Kiteboarding ...... (805) 276-2901 Davenport Surf & Sail ...... (831) 421-6051 Delta Windsurf Company...... (916) 777-2299 Many times we find ourselves with a slow leak or popped bladder from a twist. Helm Sports ...... (650) 344-2711 Kite Country ...... (619) 226-4421 Some of these blowouts can be repaired on site. Some may be a little more Kite Wave ...... (213) 344-6034 Kitenow, Inc...... (650) 248-6660 difficult. The following is the step by step process on how to get the bladder out, Kites Etc ...... (562) 592-5483 Kitesurfari ...... (714) 378-0468 repaired, and reinstalled in a short period of time at your riding area. KiteWindSurf...... (510) 522-WIND Lake Tahoe Kiteboarding ...... (877) 769-5483 Live2Kite...... (415) 722-7884 Malibu Kitesurfing ...... (310) 430-KITE Manta Wind & Water Sports ...... (858) 270-7222 Mission Bay Aquatic Center...... (858) 488-1000 Step One: Extracting the Bladder Monkey Air ...... (310) 457-6896 Murrays...... (800) 786-7245 Florida • Determine which side of the bladder the leak is located on. OOTO Kite School ...... (650) 960-1721 7 Kiteboarding...... (305) 654-4055 Santa Barbara Kiteboarding Company ...... (805) 560-6138 Ace Performer...... (239) 489-3513 • Lay the kite out flat, deflating the struts so the leading edge casing lays as flat as possible. Sky Kitesurfing School ...... (925) 455-4008 As the Wind Blows ...... (850) 982-9463 Vela...... (800) 223-5443 Big Kite Miami...... (305) 303-4107 • Using a flying line from your bar, attach one end to the end of the bladder with the leak, Wave Rave Snowboard Shop...... (760) 934-2471 Butter Kiteboarding ...... (321) 303-4099 1 West Coast Kiteboarding ...... (619) 200-9519 Delray Beach Watersports Rental ...... (561) 279-0008 using a larks head knot. This will make reinstalling your bladder easy. Windsport ...... (858) 488-4642 East Coast Kiteboarding ...... (954) 295-5778 Windsurf Diablo...... (510) 778-6350 Extreme Kites ...... (904) 461-9415 • Locate the leading edge opening for removal and installation of the leading edge bladder. Xdream Sportz ...... (760) 944-9247 Extreme Sports ...... (321) 779-4228 This is usually located near the center of the kite and will either be a zipper or Velcro. Xstreamline Sports ...... (310) 518-1972 Florida Kiting...... (561) 373-4445 Xtreme Big Air...... (805) 773-9200 Ft. Lauderdale Kitesurfing Co...... (954) 410-5419 • Pull the bladder out through the opening until the bladder end is removed. Your flying line will be fed into the Colorado Hydrotherapy...... (850) 249-9463 Colorado Kite Force...... (970) 485-3300 Island Style Wind & Watersports ...... (941) 954-1009 bladder casing from the tip of the kite as you do this. Make sure to tie off the line end to something while you Fuze Kiteboarding ...... (303) 683-5033 Island Surf and Sail FL ...... (954) 927-7002 are patching the bladder so that it doesn't get pulled back into the kite unintentionally. Inferno Snowboard Co...... (970) 259-8669 Kite Surf the Earth...... (888) 819-5483 Larsen’s Ski & Sport ...... (303) 423-0654 Kite World ...... (321) 725-8336 Tie a larks head to the Pull the bladder out PKS ...... (970) 376.3159 KiteMare ...... (877) 829-0015 Step Two: Repairing the Hole end of the bladder. through the opening. Connecticut KitesurfUSA...... (954) 816-0944 Orbit Marine Sports...... (203) 333-3483 Miami Kiteboarding Inc...... (305) 345-9974 • Slightly inflate the bladder to locate the hole. If you cannot locate the hole, you may need to remove the entire Tri State Kites ...... (800) 510-0865 Sandy Point Progressive Sports...... (386) 756-7564 bladder and inflate it completely. Sea & Sky Sports ...... (850) 598-3735 Waterplay ...... (800) 841-1225 • If the leak is 1/2” or smaller, the patches provided with your kite will work fine. If it's larger, you might need to Watersports West ...... (888) 401-5080 Xrated Kiteboarding...... (888) 401-5080 2purchase bigger patches from your dealer or repair center. The large patches can repair slices as big as 4”. Georgia High Tide Surf Shop ...... (912) 786-6556 • When installing a patch, make sure there are no wrinkles in the bladder and that the surface is flat, clean and Savannah Sails and Rails ...... (912) 232-7201 dry. Hawaii Action Sports Maui ...... (808) 871-5857 • If the leak is a pin hole, you can cut the patches provided into 4 pieces which will work fine. Aloha Kiteboarding Academy...... (808) 637-5483 Bladder and canopy repair patches. Caveman Kitesurfing ...... (808) 389-4004 Off Da Lip ...... (808) 395-5543 Idaho Extreme Sports Maui...... (808) 871-7954 Reinhard Elischka ...... (808) 877-6226 Ground Zero ...... (208) 26506714 Step Three: Reinserting the Bladder Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport ...... (808) 871-4981 Iowa South Valley Kite Sports ...... (208) 721-0526 Hawaiian Watersports...... (808) 262-KITE Seatasea...... (319) 743-7922 • Once the holes are patched, deflate the bladder laying it flat with the seams to the sides. Then stack the blad- Kailua Sailboards ...... (808) 262-2555 der starting at the center pulling the tips toward you. Kite High ...... (808) 637-5483 Kiteboard Center ...... (808) 276-2667 Kiteboard Maui ...... (808) 870-2554 • Tie a flying line back onto the end of the bladder and slowly pull the bladder back into the opening till the valve Kiteboarding.com ...... (866) 488-5483 3lines up with the hole in the casing. If you removed the bladder completely, repeat the process for the other side. Kitesurf Maui...... (808) 873-0015 Maui Kiteboarding Lessons ...... (808) 242-8015 • Close the main access, as well as the Velcro end closures at the tips, making sure the end of the bladder comes Naish Hawaii Ltd. Shop ...... (808) 262-6068 all the way to the end of the casing. If you have excess bladder at the ends, slightly shake the bladder so it drops back into the casing. Most bladders are made slightly oversize so they fill the area completely when inflated. Lay bladder flat and apply patches. • Inflate the leading edge, making sure everything inflates smoothly and that the bladder did not get twisted dur- ing installation. • If repairing a strut, use the same process. The only difference is that you attach your line to the valve and remove the bladder from the end of the strut.

Hints for success: Feed the bladder back into kite. ■ Friends are very helpful in doing this process, so remember, being an ass on the water makes for no friends on the beach. ■ If you find a good size slice in your bladder, more than likely there is a cut in the casing, which needs immediate attention. If you are in the middle of nowhere and you need to ride, a cut in the casing up to 1” can to be temporarily repaired with Duct Tape. Make sure material is completely dry when applying the tape. ■ Most bladder rips are straight rips or cuts. If you can't do the repair using a patch, a good repair center can reseal the blowout with a sealer and save you a LOT of money. You don't always have to replace it. ■ Use common sense! If it doesn't look correct more than likely it's not. Photos courtesy of www.prokitesurf.com Close velcro at tips

78 Jeff Howard owns and operates Prokitesurf.com, the longest running kite repair center in the USA. Prokitesurf is also the first repair center to provide repairs guaranteed for the life of the kite. The best resource for schools, retailers, KITE PAGES and associations in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Washington CA-San Diego Kiteboarding Assoc. Seattle Kiteboarding Center...... (206) 779-3272 http://www.sdka.org/ Urban Surf...... (206) 545-9463 CA-San Francisco Kiteboarding Assoc. Wiley Water Ski...... (206) 762-1300 http://www.sfkitesurfing.com/ Wisconsin CA-Sherman Island Kiteboarding Assoc Coontail Watersports ...... (715) 385-0250 http://www.calkite.org/siko.htm Fish Creek Kite Company ...... (920) 868-3769 CA-Southern California Kiteboarding Assoc. Guild Works...... (608) 273-1817 http://www.scka.org/ Kite-Riders ...... (608) 273-1817 CO-Rocky Mountain Kiteboard Association Milwaukee Sailing School ...... (414) 350-0702 http://www.TocoSports.com/ North Winds Kiteboarding ...... (414) 698-7012 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmka Southport Rigging Company ...... (262) 652-5434 FL-Florida Kitesurfing Association The Board Shop ...... (262) 248-1703 http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FKSA/ Wyoming FL-BKSA - Tampa Bay Kitesurfing Association Hoback Sports...... 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(508) 430-0437 http://www.neka.us/ CA-California Kiteboarding Assoc. Bob Smith Wilderness House...... (617) 277-5858 United States Kitesurfing Assoc. http://www.calkite.org/ Inland Sea...... (508) 398-1333 http://www.maui.net/~hotwind/uska.html Sailing & Ski Connection ...... (843) 626-7245 CA-Central Coast (CA) Kiteboarding Assoc. Powerline Sports...... (978) 388-8974 http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA/ Skyhigh Kiteboarding School...... (508) 259-2728 Maryland H2AIR Productions...... (301) 802-0295 Kite Loft ...... (410) 289-7855 “World Cup Kiteboarding on a World Cup Beach” Michigan Broneah Kiteboarding ...... (231) 392-2212 Email: [email protected] Detroit Kiteboarding ...... (248) 245-5016 Web: www.caracolkiteboarding.com Great Lakes Kiteboarding ...... (586) 822-6511 Cabarete, Dominican Republic ...... (809) 571-0680 Grand Bay Kite Co...... (231) 929-0607 Kite Kraft...... (517) 652-2961 MacInaw Kite Co...... (800) 622-4655 Oregon Minnesota 2nd Wind Sports ...... (541) 386-4464 Scuba Center Wind/Kite...... (612) 925-4818 Air-time ...... (541) 387 3910 Board Sports ...... (218) 833-8200 Big Air Windsurfing ...... (541) 348-2213 Big Winds ...... (888) 509-4210 Brian’s Windsurfing/Kitesurfing ...... (541) 386-1423 Cleanline Surf ...... (888) 546-6176 Floras Lake Windsurfing ...... (541) 348-9912 Hood River Waterplay ...... (541) 386-WIND Kite-Line ...... (888) 714-9849 All Surf Industries ...... (503)239.8973 New Wind ...... (541) 387-2440 Best equipped Center in the Caribbean! Pacific Wave ...... (503) 861-0866 Storm Warning ...... (800) 492-6309 • Rescue/Training Boat Wind Guide ...... (541) 490 4401 • Radio Helmets • 50% off lessons w/new gear Puerto Rico Kitesurfing Puerto Rico ...... (787) 728-8716 Email: [email protected] Web: www.kitexcite.com Real Kiteboarding PR ...... (866) REAL-KITE Cabarete, Dominican Republic ...... (809) 571-9509 Rhode Island Northwind Sports ...... 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The Kite Pages is a free resource directory for US and Caribbean kite retailers, schools and associations. For your free listing, please email [email protected] with your name, address, phone number and email address.