kites.ru · april 2005 features departments contents bri chmel practicing her unhooked indy back...

April 2005

USA

$5.9

5

Bri Chmel Photo Jim Semlor

Product Watch 2005200+ New Products

How to ChargeMonster Waves

MaximizeYour Speed

Dealing with Idiots!

Lake St Clair, eXtreme Cabarete& Therapy Sessions

Plus:

Product Watch 2005200+ New Products

How to ChargeMonster Waves

MaximizeYour Speed

Dealing with Idiots!

Lake St Clair, eXtreme Cabarete& Therapy Sessions

Plus:

April 2005

Features

Departments

Contents

Features

Bri Chmel practicing her unhooked Indy back rolls while visiting Byron Bay, Australia.Photo Jim Semlor

Felix Pivec is one of the few lucky individuals who have kiteboarded this sleepy little fishing village on the island of Mauritius.Photo Ryan Riccitelli

Cover Photo

Contents Photo

Departments

22 Lake St. Clair: Exploring the MidwestSlicksAdam Koch and the Detroit/Ontario crew session a secretspot on the boarder of Canada.

42 The Most Loved and Hated Man inKiteboardingThe Kiteboarder goes one on one with Shannon Best.

44 eXtreme Hotels - CabareteThe Kiteboarder Magazine shows you the Caribbean’shottest new kiteboarding hotel.

58 2005 Product WatchThis one is dedicated to all of you gear freaks. TheKiteboarder unveils over 200+ chromed out new products.

50 ExposedEnticing photos that will make your mind drift away!

14 LaunchTow surfing: The new frontier of surfing. Rhino chasersrisking their lives on 50 plus foot waves.

38 Close-upSam Bell from Cape Hatteras and Yuri Drexler from Maui.

83 MaintenanceJeff Howard teaches you how to take care of your kite.

91 Tweak McCoreTweak is always up to something...

10

was at the beach the other day and this older guy was talking to hisfriend and commented on how out of place “grinders” are in the sport.His vocabulary alone showed me his age, yet it made me start to think.Do kickers and rails really have a place in kiteboarding?

Realistically, 99% of kiteboarders will never hit a rail or a kicker. Whatdoes this mean? It doesn’t mean anything. Kiteboarding is whateveryou want it to be. As long as you are having fun and getting on thewater, no one can tell you what or how to ride.

I have a friend who pounds nails all day for a living. He rushes to thebeach at 5 pm to ride back and forth until the sun goes down. He does-n’t care how light the wind is. He doesn’t even like to jump. Anotherguy I know has been getting his fix for the last five years on a batteredold XXL Quadrifoil and a 7’0” swallow tail Jimmy Lewis directional. Ihave been ragging on him to upgrade for years. He won’t do it, and hestill rides better than most kiters on the latest chromed out gear.

To these kiteboarders, it doesn’t matter what you ride. They just love tobe on the water! I know we can all relate to that. The bottom line is thatyou can ride the oldest gear strapped to a 2x4—I don’t recommend it.As long you are having fun and are respectful and safe on the watereverything is cool. Everyone likes a little something different in this sport.

It’s time that we enjoy and appreciate the diversity of Kiteboarding.Let’s not try to put it in a box. The older kiteboarder who inspired thiseditorial needs to learn that “grinders” are something you eat and railsare something you slide. Let’s focus our energies on keeping our beach-es safe and stand together to support the growth and sustainability ofthis sport. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun.

-Enjoy

What’s it all About?

Ryan Riccitelli [email protected]

Photo Gabe Brown

Make sure to order your officialThe Kiteboarder t-shirt for $18.99.

Shirts available for men and women.

Sizes S, M, L and XL.

Order now at

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EDITORRYAN [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR JAMES BROWN

TOW SURF EDITOR CHUCK PATTERSON

TECHNICAL EDITORGARY MARTIN

SAFETY ADVISORRICK IOSSI

ILLUSTRATORCARL “LOS” PRESTON

EDITOR AT LARGEALEXIS ROVIRA

EDITORIAL INTERNBRIAN WHEELER

SENIOR WRITERSMarina Chang, Gabe Brown, James Brown, Nick Bowers,Bucky Ashcraft

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTSNeil Hutchinson, Joe Bidawid, Matt Nuzzo, Trip Foreman, Paul Menta,Henry Dupont IV, Kevin “Top Hat” Senn, Nick Bowers, Bill Lee,Gregg Gnecco, Jay Crawford, Jeff Howard, Paul Menta, John Romais,Sean Driscol, Jeff Skoll, Stefan Reuether, Paul Lang

CONTRIBUTORSBri Chmel, Joe Bidawid, James Brown, Gabe Brown, Bertrand Fleury,Karen Futernick, Gregg Gnecco, Casey Houtz, Jeff Howard,Neil Hutchinson, Rick Iossi, Sierra Lake, Gary Martin, Carl Preston,Matt Nuzzo, Sierra Lake, Jay Brockman, John Romais, Oliver Govers,Mike Norman, Cory Roeseler

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERSGabe Brown, Jason Wolcott, Sierra Lake, Matt Cotton, Paul Jav,Michelle Zuniga, Gregg Gnecco, James Brown, Morton Skoll,Charles Oreve, David Sims, Stefan Reuether, Josh Marinos,Matt Mink, Jim Semlor

PHOTOGRAPHYStephen Whitesell, Tracy Kraft, Jeff Pfeffer, Adam Koch, Gavin Butler,Bill Mieckle, Buck Ashcraft, Clark Merritt, Trent Pederson, Kim Kern,Michael Jordan, John Carter, Lance Koudele, Brian Schenk,Nick Bowers, FX Abonnenc, Brad Lange, Diego Velasco, Chris Vicari,Paul Lang, Dave Turner, Jeff Burton, Kevin Senn, Neil Hutchinson,Bill Myers, Jill Cervi, Matt Mink, Bri Chmel, Dan Gavere, Scott Norby,Tomoko Okasaki, R. Mortier, Aaron Glazman, Daniel Gallet,Dino Tassara, Warren Chan, Randy Coon, Kinsley Wong, Eunice Martin,Jeff Swanstrom, Billy Doran, Frederick Pattou, Eric Girard

Thanks to all editorial and photography contributors for supporting this magazine!

[email protected]

PUBLISHERMARINA CHANG(805) 801-0036 [email protected]

GABE [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALESNICK BOWERS [email protected]

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS1050 Chinquapin Ave #2 • Carlsbad, CA 92008

MOUNTAIN STATES OFFICE 1360 S. Ivy Way • Denver, CO 80224

INTERNETwww.kbmag.com

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Model Stephanie Photo Ryan Riccitelli

1514

A note from Eric Akiskalian of Towsurfer.com With the inherit dangers involved and the ever growing interest in action sports, tow-in surfing is one of the mostexciting competitive water sports in the world. It didn't happen over night, in fact it's a well known and documentedfact that Laird Hamilton and a few of the boys from Hawaii, such as Buzzy Kerbox and Derrick Doerner were the

first to take an inflatable Zodiac raft with a 40 hp motor and tow each other into big waves on their surfboards at a spot calledPhantom's on the North Shore of Oahu in the very early 90's. For more information check out www.towsurfer.com.

Recipe forRidingMountainsBy Gabe Brown and Chuck Patterson

As some of the pioneers of Kiteboarding

explore the big wave arena with their kites,

we draw closer to a sport of a similar age

that uses a different vehicle to get riders

into waves. Tow-in surfing is rapidly gain-

ing global popularity as just about anyone

can appreciate watching a surfer tow into

60 foot plus waves outrunning an ava-

lanche of water. The thrill, the adrenaline

rush, the beatings a human body can

withstand while pushing the limits of big

wave riding, can all be felt by the mil-

lions of people who watch from the

safety of their couches

Ingredients and Cooking Directions: 1. A Lifetime of Experience in the Ocean.

Start surfing the day you learn to swim and respect the ocean. 2. A Jet Ski

Find the biggest, fastest ski they make. 3. A Rescue Sled

Attach to the back of Jet ski and it will make pick-ups a lot easier. 4. A Partner

Find someone who is physically fit, ocean minded and you could trust with your life.5. Proper Training

Start with small beach break waves and practice until you and your partner can read each others minds.6. A Big Set of Balls

The guys who tow into 60 plus foot waves risk their lives pushing the boundaries of man and Mothernature.

7. RespectAlways respect Mother Nature and everyone around you.

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Peahi, a.k.a. Jaws is one of heaviest waves in the world and drew over 50 tow surfers during the December 2004 swell. Photo Dino Tassara

Archie Kalepa manages to steady his balance while being chased by the infamous grinding Jaws. Photo Dino Tassara

Chuck Patterson likes to chase 40 plus foot rhinos in his spare time. Photo Charles Oreve

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News and Information411411 News and Information411411

by Buck Ashcraft

Many of us are inspired by a variety of dif-ferent music styles. Certain songs get youin the mood for love and others pump youup to ride. We asked a few pros to let usknow what gets them fired up to chargeon the water and what they chill out toafter a session. Whatever your taste, hope-fully one of these songs will fire you up tolearn a new move.

Pete Cabrinha’s Play List

Sponsors: Cabrinha Kiteboarding

Artist: OutkastAlbum: StankoniaSong: lions endWhy: Outkast gets me going. Its like Viagra ifyou take it, any chick should watch out. I listento this before I ride because it gets me up thesame way.

Amp You Up!

Artist: Dub Island Sound SystemSong: Chuck TownWhy: I grew up with Dub Island in Chuck town.The boys in the band are all my friends. Theyare a reggae hip hop group that can catch theear of anybody. They get the party started atany gig they play.

Underground

Artist: Jurassic 5Album: new oneSong: J 5Why: I saw them perform about three years agoand dug their beats. they flow and beat thesickest lyrics. They are hip hop artist that rhymeabout real life. that inspires me.

Cruising

Artist: Beastie BoysSong: Brass MonkeyAlbum: Check Your HeadWhy: Check Your Head is so sick! It keeps mein check, no matter what mood I am in. Theyare also pioneers to their industry and that isthe point kiting is at right now.

Keeper

Tsunami Relief Hits Close to HomeBy Gabe Brown

Monday, December 26th, 2004 marked atragedy of historic proportions. An earth-quake rocked the Indian Ocean and sentout a Tsunami that left a catastrophicmark. Some people in coastal Asia losteverything, including family, clothes, busi-ness’ and homes. While this story is not inthe news every day as it once was, theneed for support still exists. The immedi-ate effects of the Tsunami justifiedtourists leaving the area, but it is now safeand has been for a while. A great way forus kiteboarders to help would be to plantrips there and to not cancel our trips thatare already planned. The dollars spent bytourists helps these people recover.

Organizations all over the world havecome together to raise money for therelief effort. Caution Kites for example,has a factory in Sri Lanka and many oftheir workers lost everything in this trag-ic and unforeseeable event. Caution willdonate $5.00 for every Caution kite sold(worldwide) from December 26, 2004

until the end of 2005. Proceeds will go tothe Sri Lanka Relief Fund set up byCaution to aid factory workers and theirfamilies. Caution has also set up anaccount for others who would like todonate without purchasing a kite. If you’dlike to donate please send a check(payable to Sri Lanka Relief Fund) to thefollowing address. Any contribution willhelp as money goes a long way over there.

Caution Kites783 San Andreas Rd.La Selva Beach, CA 95076

Tony Alva andSlightly Stoopidto attendeXtreme CabareteLaunch Party.By Marina Chang

Tony Alva will be christening the newly completed fun ramp at eXtreme Hotel’sgrand opening launch party in Cabarete, Dominican Republic March 12-18.eXtreme Cabarete’s launch party weekend willalso host a number of premier action sports ath-letes from skate, surf, tow, wake and kite industry.On Saturday, March 12, eXtreme will kick off thelaunch with an expression session skate jam withspecial guest Tony Alva, followed by a BBQ and livemusic from surf/ska/reggae band SlightlyStoopid. This Southern California-based band wasfirst discovered by SUBLIME and is signed bySkunk Records. The rest of the week will includekiteboarders such as Andy Hurdman, JasonSlezak, Chuck Patterson and Felix Pivec teach-ing other action sports professionals how to kite.On Sunday, March 13, eXtreme will host a Kite Loop competition, weather permit-ting. Thanks to The Ring Media for coordinating the event. Check out all the actionlive at www.extremehotels.com

Kiteforum.com and The KiteboarderHold The Largest Kite Show in the WorldBy Ryan Riccitelli

How would you like the opportunity to ride and test all the brand newequipment in the world for free? The Cabarete Kite Show launchesMarch 31! Get ready for the biggest kiteboarding testing event of theyear! Kite Show Cabarete is all about you, the rider, seeing and trying allthe latest and greatest 2005 gear and accessories. Brought to you bykiteforum.com, The Kiteboarder Magazine and eXtreme Hotels, Kite ShowCabarete will bring the leading manufacturers of the kiteboarding indus-try together with riders from all corners of the globe in a 4-day event tobe held March 31 through April 3 on Kite Beach in Cabarete, DominicanRepublic. Known around the world for excellent kiting conditions, afford-able accommodations, warm tropical water and a lively nightlife,Cabarete is the ideal location to check out what your favorite companieshave in store for the New Year. A schedule of activities that include livemusic, downwind trips, nightly socials and an expression session withprizes will round out the activities for Kite Show Cabarete. Don't miss thefun! Please check out www.kbmag.com for more information.

Pete Cabrinhashows his artistic side.Photo Tracy Kraft

Here are a few tips to help you deal withthe inexperienced or the idiot on the beach:

Prevention. When you see someone about to dosomething stupid, step in and do somethingabout it. Apathy is a choice. If you choose to justwatch someone do something potentially danger-ous to people, kiting, or Mother Nature, you arejust as guilty of stupidity and reckless behavior asthe person who is doing it.

Hold a Safety Meeting. If you are a local andyou spy a visitor acting like an idiot, it’s yourresponsibility to explain the rules of your beach.Be cool. Some people just don’t know the rulesand will be grateful that you took the time to helpthem. Then, some may give you attitude; kill themwith kindness. A good rule of thumb is that you’llcatch more flies with honey.

School is Cool. Get acquainted with a good kit-ing school in your area to send the idiots or theinexperienced to. Many of the idiots are peoplewho don’t want to take lessons, people who thinkthey can figure the sport out by themselves. Thismay have worked at one time, but we’re all going

to experience more people with kites on thebeaches, so it’s the veterans’ responsibility tohelp turn the idiots or the inexperienced intoresponsible, safe kiteboarders.

Elbow Room. For some reason some kiterswant to make sure everyone recognizes theirsuperior skills, so they jump in front of others onevery tack. Ride upwind or downwind of wherethese attention seekers or perhaps steroid ragedriders are. Soon they will be riding alone or withothers who haven’t figured it out yet.

Water Balloon Launcher. If Rule #5 doesn’twork, pick up a water balloon launcher. The rid-ers who won’t stop cutting you off or who insiston jumping right at the launch zone will clear outquickly if you lob a few water balloons their way.If the water balloons fail to make an impression,try rotten tomatoes. Use this one at your own risk.

No One Owns the Beach. That’s right. Localhospitality does not mean, “We townies kite here,but you visitors kite down there.”

Suggesting that the local spot is too difficult forthe visitor does not connote genuine concern.

This happened to me last winter when I asked alocal about beach rules. Yes, I was just off the jet,and my tan needed work, but I didn’t ask if I couldkite; I asked about local rules. Territorial turfmarking may work for dogs and gangs, but notkiters. The best thing we can do as kiteboardersis work together.

Be Cool. The best way to deal with any potentialproblem is to stay cool. Like your mother told you,patience is a virtue and kindness is contagious.

Kiteboarding needs more self-regulation, morehelping hands, and more humor. There are manymore great people who kite than there are idiots,and looking out for each other is always the bestpolicy. We are all kiting for many reasons, but theone common reason is that we have a good timedoing something we love. If someone is being anidiot on your beach or if someone is just inexpe-rienced, help him or her out. We were all inexpe-rienced at first, and chances are, once or twice,some of us may have been idiots ourselves!

Matt Nuzzo coaches for REAL kiteboarding inCape Hatteras, NC. www.realkiteboarding.com.

Dealing with Idiotson Your Beach

ny experienced kiteboarder has seen someone on the beach and thought, “What an idiot; I can’t believe that person just did that!”Over the past couple of years, I’ve witnessed kites blowing across highways, kites dragging riders down the beach, riders launching kitesstraight down wind, kites flying into power lines, and riders flying directly into each other. I can add to this list, but the reader gets the point.A

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Dealing with Idiotson Your Beach

If the water balloons failto make an impression,try rotten tomatoes.

“”

Cabarete's "Kite Beach" has seen it's share of idiots over the years. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

Kitebeach, Cabarete is the training grounds for many of the world's best kiteboarders.Photo courtesy Stefan Reuether

By Matt Nuzzo and and Nick Bowers

■ Tidings from Tybee

Dear Editor:I just wanted todrop you a lineand let you knowthat myself andeveryone in theTybee crew werethrilled with thearticle. It reallycame out great.You're prettymuch a heroaround theseparts. It's greatto see a kitemagazine coverspots that are off the beaten path, rather than just thesame three locations the other magazines and videoshave been focusing on for years. I'm looking forwardto seeing more undiscovered spots in future issues.The snow kiting pictures were the most impressive inthis issue. I have to try that sport someday soon despitesome of those shots that made it look like suicide.

Tim Malins

High Tide Kiteboarding

www.hightidesurfshop.com

The Tybee kiteboarding crew is Top Shelf. I don’t knowthat I can fill the shoes of a hero. However, I will beback to get some of that Tybee wind and southernhospitality—Ed.

■ How Do You Spell Relief

Dear Editor:I really liked your article on assisted boat launch. I livein an area where a beach launch is almost impossible.I've been contemplating the steps I thought it wouldtake to achieve this for many months now. I'm relieved

that I've got a set of instructions from someone whoknows what they are doing. If I had a wetsuit, I wouldtry it this weekend. I met Matt Nuzzo when I took theReal Kiteboarding Zero-to-Hero kite camp. I think Mattand Trip have started a great instructional setting forany level of kiter. Matt was very informative and seemslike a really cool guy. Even though Hatteras is only athree-hour trip for me, working part time and going toschool full time kind of puts a screeching halt on mydreams of kiting year around. That's why I like yourmagazine. I can get a head full of instruction withoutpaying a chunk of money to get it. Don't get me wrong;I would rather pay the chunk and actually get handson, but until I can afford it again, I'll settle for yourmagazine, a friends boat, an 11m Hydro, and thePamlico River. Thanks for a great magazine!

Jeremiah Taylor

We are glad to know that our magazine makes theworld a better place for you. We encourage you to takelessons from qualified instructors. Our magazine isdesigned to be a supplement to the learning process.By NO means do we recommend learning from ourmagazine alone. Kite safe and stay warm—Ed.

■ The Kiteboarder Sucks

Dear Editor:I think you have done a good job. Neil Hutchinsonfrom X-rated Kiteboarding gave me a copy when Iwas down at the eXtreme Hotels in the DominicanRepublic. I love your mag. However, I thought youcould do a better job on the name of the magazine.

Trevor Smith

Thanks for your compliments. Originally we startedout as Kiteboarder Magazine. Due to some legalthreats from our competition, we added “The” to thename. We want readers to recognize our magazine asthe one that is 100% made by kiteboarders—Ed.

■ Kiteboarding Magazine Is Better!

Dear Editor:Last issue was probablythe best copy I've evenread in the last sevenyears of covering thesport. It’s funny, but youguys seem to peg a lotof issues our ridersbring up and includethem in the mag. Forinstance, I've had 10-15 questions on thenew bars for 2005. You wrote it up, covered every barand answered a lot of questions for a ton of people.

You know, as far as retail shop is concerned, I have tosupply products that make our riders perform better,both on and off the water. If its garbage, and I sell it,my reputation is on the line. I think the same appliesto magazines. If someone pays money for your mate-rial, they should at least expect to walk away learningsomething more that will make them a better rider, aswell as help carry some stoke during the dry spells.You delivered on all cylinders.

FYI: The only other mag I carry at this point is Stancesince it’s the second most requested. The price pointis a lot higher and sometimes they drop the ball byputting content out on PAL instead of NTSC, but itsstill really good reading. If I were a betting man, theother mags will be out of business in 2-3 years.

Andrew Ghezzi

Powerline Sports, Amesbury, MA

www.powerlinesports.com

It’s letters like this that inspire us to keep doing whatwe do. Please encourage your customers to takeadvantage of our free trial issue and to subscribe toour magazine. I like Stance magazine, but I thinkKiteboarding Magazine is better. I can’t handle all theboard pants and dangly stuff—Ed.

Thanks again for everyone's letters this month. Your comments help us to make The Kiteboarder Magazine something that you will really look forward to getting yourhands on each issue. Send us an email with your innermost thoughts to [email protected]

News and Information411411

Bucky’s Tips from Texas By Bucky Ashcraft

1. Watch the conditions for at least 10 to15 minutes to see what the wind andother people are doing. You never know;those people could be extremely underor over powered.

2. Using different fins can change theentire feel of your board. Putting a fin inyour head can change the way youthink; wear a helmet.

3. Ride strapless at least one session during your lifetime; it’s not as hard as it looks.

4. Be NICE to the KOOKS! It’s best in life toalways be helpful, and it’s especiallytrue at the beach. One day at the beach,a friend of mine helped a guy whoappeared to be kook who later rewardedmy friend by flying him to a Caribbean

Island for two weeks of private lessonsand free riding. Lending a helping handcan save your beach or, even better,make you a new friend.

5. Fold your kites flat when traveling.Flat kites take up less space than rolledkites, so the flatter the better. Flat kitesalso serve as padding, and they’re easi-er on the bladders.

Tybee Island Kiteboarding crew.Photo Neil Hutchinson

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Buck Ashcraft plays in the waves.

February

DETROIT

Caption 3

thermals during the riding season spanningfrom March until November. Riders averagethree to four riding days per week on 12 to16 meter kites, and sometimes there arewaves. That’s right—large sized wind gen-erated swell straight out of the Midwest.Don’t knock it until you try it.

I had told Ryan Riccitelli and Adam Kochthat the wind was insane during the fall.They were into exploring some new spots

in Middle America and jumped on a planeheaded straight for the “D” town—Detroit.Ryan and Adam didn’t even know whatthey had in store for them. Tim Blanchardwith Surf Culture Canada put together ahuge welcome party complete with float-ing barge, a full BBQ, six coolers stockedfull of Canadian beer and the local groupof 20 kiteboarders. With everyone piledon the barge, we motored out to one oftheir secret slicks.

- continued

Caption 1

Exploring the Midwest SlicksExploring the Midwest Slicks

By Joe Bidawid Photos Ryan Riccitelli

Mike Lanoe is one of the top canadian riders on snow and water.

“Lake St. Clair is home tosome of the steadiest andloftiest winds anywhere.”

Metro Beach is home to some of the steadiest and loftiestwinds in North America. The likes of Adam Koch, BenMeyer, Damien Leroy and Sky Solbach will attest to this.Located just a short drive from the heart of Detroit, MetroBeach works well on South winds and is a favorite amonglocal riders. The famous Metro rocks are a dangerous haz-ard for all riders but serve as the perfect peanut gallery foronlookers. The bowl offers shallow water for advancing rid-ers. This is not a spot for beginners, due to the onshorewinds, difficult launch, and razor sharp rocks.

Official Name: Metro Beach Metropolitan Park

Nickname: Metro

Driving Directions: Take Metropolitan Pkwy road until itends. Follow signs for Jet Ski Ramp.

Best Season: Spring and Fall

Best Direction: South

Average Kite Size: 12-16

Conditions: On-shore steady winds with flat water on theinside and wind chop farther upwind. The bowl to the Westof the launch is void of rocks and offers shallow water topractice tricks.

Launch: Riders launch on a grassy field next to the park-ing lot and navigate the narrow opening between the rocksto the water.

Level of riding: Intermediate – advanced

Local Shops: Detroit Kiteboarding,www.detroitkiteboarding.com, (248) 245-5016

Local Schools: Detroit Kiteboarding

Great Lakes Kiteboarding,www.greatlakeskiteboarding.com (586) 822-6511

Other than the required assisted launch, this is the perfectplace for riders of all abilities—especially beginners. Thebay is waist deep for miles and the best wind directions forriding are West and Northwest. Beginners are safe on theinside while experts chase the butter smooth water behindthe many swan slicks upwind of the launch. The drive, 90minutes from Detroit and 45 minutes from Windsor, is wellworth it, as this is arguably the best spot on the lake.Mitchell’s draws riders from as far North as Toronto and asfar South as Cleveland.

Official Name: Mitchell’s Bay Public Beach.

Nickname: M-Bay

Driving Directions: Take Highway 401 East, take QueensLine exit (highway 2) and follow signs for Mitchell’s Bay

Best Season: April through October

Best Direction: West, Northwest


Conditions: Side-on winds. Flat water and butter flat waternear slicks upwind.

Launch: Assisted launch required on small sandy areanear boat ramp.

Level of riding: Beginner – advanced

Local Shops: Surf Culture Canada,www.surfculturecanada.com, (519) 919-7907

Local Schools: Surf Culture Canada

Metro Beach

Facts:

Mitchell’s Bay

Facts:

Metro Beach

Belle River

Mitchell’s Bay

Harsens Island

Ontario

Windsor

Detroit

Michigan

The girls became the official peanut gallery.Mika Jantunen shows some unhooked skills.

The Canadian crew getting their first taste of The Kiteboarder.

- continued22 23

Lake St. ClairLake St. Clair

With 26 miles in diameter and an average depth of sevenfeet, Lake St. Clair is home to some of the steadiest andloftiest winds anywhere. The flat water riding is equallycomparable to the Cape Hatteras slicks, which litter the

Midwest shoreline for miles. To make it even more con-venient for kiteboarders, you can jump in a car and chasethe clocking frontal winds around the lake. The local riders have it dialed and take advantage of the steady lake

ho would have ever thought that a lake sandwiched between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario could possibly be one of

the best kiteboarding lakes in North America.

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Adam Koch traveled all the way from Los Angeles to session with the locals.

Everyone sessioned the slick until the sun was aboutto set. The music, BBQ and hospitality were theperfect prelude to the week that was about tounfold. Every morning, I would wake up Adam andRyan at the crack of dawn and we would embarkupon another exploration mission to a new spot. Bythe end of the trip, I was never able to show theboys any wave action. I guess some of the best keptsecrets of the Great Lakes will still remain secrets.In the end, Adam and Ryan vowed they would beback next year to catch a Midwest wave session.

Belle River’s sandy beach extends for miles and offersshallow water for about 200 yards creating a favorablelearning environment. Easy self-launching and the ability tosafely ride downwind are unique to this beach. It is thefavorite spot for riding North and Northeast winds where ona strong wind day riders are able to find sizable wind gen-erated waves. ”The Belle” is also convenient for the work-ing class as the best winds usually come during the lateafternoon until sunset. Every spring, regional riders flockhere for the annual Kitestock Festival. Belle River is also thehome to Canadian Kiteboarding legend Tim Blanchard.

Official name: Belle River West Beach

Nickname: The Belle

Driving Directions: Take EC-Row east into the town ofBelle River, make left turn before little bridge.

Best Season: April through October

Best Direction: North, Northeast


Conditions: Strong side/side-on thermal winds with chop.

Launch: Beginner-friendly sandy area for launching andlanding.

Level of riding: Beginner – advanced


Surf Culture Canada, www.surfculturecanada.com,(519) 919-7907

The most popular spot in the newly discovered MuskamootBay Corridor, Harsens Island offers local riders a greatoption when Metro winds turn Southwest to West. Thewater is waist deep as far as the eye can see, however, theassist required launch and the power lines near shore cre-ate hazards for beginners. Harsens is 60 minutes fromDetroit and Windsor and riders must take the short (2minute) car ferry to get to the island. During summer week-ends, the entire shoreline at Harsens is littered with leisureboats and riding is not recommended.

Official Name: Harsens Island

Nickname: Harsens

Driving Directions: Make left turn as you exit ferry and follow road until it ends at launch site.

Best Season: March through November

Best Direction: Southwest


Conditions: Flat and shallow (waist deep) water

Launch: Riders launch on grassy field next to parking lot.Beware of power lines.

Level of riding: Intermediate – advanced


Local Schools: Detroit Kiteboarding

Great Lakes Kiteboarding,www.greatlakeskiteboarding.com (586) 822-6511

Belle River

Facts:

Harsens Island

Facts:

Sara Paciocco charging with the boys!

Adam and the Canadians enjoyingan after session beer...eh!

There are many things that can happen to the traveling kiteboarder—not that kiteboarders EVER drag themselvesover a reef. It is easy to bring some simple items with you on your trip in case you do have an accident.My Dad, Dr. Michael Chmel, is an ER physician and always restocks my medical kit before I depart on one ofmy adventures. Here are his “must haves” to bring on your next kiteboarding vacation.

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Shop TalkLive2kiteLocation: San Francisco, California

Contact: www.live2kite.com – (415) 722-7884Owners: Babette & EvanRiding Experience: 5 years

What is the kiteboarding scene like in the Bay area?Kiteboarding has been active in the San Francisco Bay area for about 6 years, reaching a matu-rity in rider behavior, knowledge of safety and strong camaraderie. This is an area that offerssome of the most consistent wind conditions in the world from early April to the end ofSeptember. Available conditions range from ocean riding, waves, flat water and fresh water.During winter the nearby mountains offer ideal snowkiting conditions.What tips can you offer kiteboarders who want to learn in the Bay area?Although there are highly qualified schools in the area, the beginner locations are limited, com-pared to the ones available to more advanced riders. We have our own network of IKO instruc-tors and are partnered with a great kite school at the Sacramento Delta that offers beginnerand intermediate instruction packages. Contact us for more information and assistance.What tips can you offer visiting kiteboarders who want to hook up with local riders andkite in the Bay area?Check with the SF Bay Community in ikitesurf.com or bayareakiteboarding.com for details.Always talk to the local crew wherever you are to find out what to expect. Tides and wind direction create challenging conditions at some spots that are not immediately realized.What is the best way for people to check the forecast and current conditions in your area?Ikitesurf is the most reliable source for the area. You can also check a number of cameras forreal time conditions. If neither works for you just call or email us. If it blows, we know it.What do you think the future of snowkiting is in comparison to water kiting?Snowkiting in the Sierras brings a good winter alternative. Although still in its infancy, it’s getting more and more recognition. There is no doubt in our minds that there is tremendouspotential just about to be released.

Bri Chmel and her business-partner-in-crime, Shanna Raymond, are opening a restaurant in HoodRiver, OR this summer. Rumor has it “pink” is somewhere in the name of the restaurant. Let’s just hopethe cuisine isn’t pink too!

By popular demand, Windwing has started "The Bird's Nest," an online rider forum at www.wind-wing.com. The forum is open to the public and is a great place to ask questions. Check out atwww.windwing.com/forums.

The Wipika International Centers program isnow operating in seven world-class locations:Brazil, Dominican Republic, France, UK, Greece,Italy, and South Africa. All WIC’s are staffed bycertified instructors and 2005 Wipika gear isavailable for free demos. The WIC Cabarete loca-tion operates in conjunction with LaurelEastman Kiteboarding and offers 50% off les-sons with the purchase of new 2005 Wipikagear. Check www.wipikakiteboarding.com orwww.laureleastman.com.

In case you’ve been wondering why JulieGilbert hasn’t been on the water lately, it’sbecause she and her husband Chris Gilbert areexpecting their first child. June 23rd is theexpected day of arrival, but if the little onearrives a week early, it will be just in time for the2005 Gorge Games. Congratulations Julie & Chris!

MTV Poland covered stage 1 of the CoronaExtra Winter 2005 Tour, the Col Du Lautaret, andthey made a sick video of GuillaumeChastagnol. Stay up-to-date with the snowkitetour and check the sweet videos and photos at www.wintertour.fr

Naish’s International Team has some new young blood on their team: Janek Korycki (17), RuiMeira (19), Kevin Langeree (16), and Leeshai Miller (20) plus the token old-guy, Ben Meyer (27).Reo Stevens (19) has joined Naish’s Hawaii Team along with Jessie Richman (12) and ShawnRichman (15). Adam Koch and Chris Gilbert will continue turning heads, and pro-gressing the Naish US National Team program. Check them all out at www.naish.tv.

After a severe hack attack, KiteForum.com was offline for a while, but is now backand alive! Your life can now continue at www.kiteforum.com.

Wipika is offering a CLS upgrade kit (free of charge) for all bars made duringthe September and October production runs. If you have one of these bars, the CLS may have beensupplied with a short setting. For optimal performance contact your local dealer or national distributor toobtain the upgrade kit.

KiteStock 2005, one of the year’s biggest events/parties, will be held May 28th, 2005 in Ontario,Canada. The event will go down at Mitchell’s Bay, one of the best flat-water spots the Great Lakeshave to offer. Check out www.surfculturecana-da.ca for the latest news. An update is expectedin April. These guys are super cool.

On Sunday January 2nd, to ring in the New Year,Ed Hanson and Debbie Ahearn tied the knotunder the arch of their 13m Slingshot Fuel inSouth Lake Tahoe. With a ceremony on theshoreline of Lake Tahoe and a powder-fullsnowkite reception at Grass Lake, this was a daythey will never forget. Congratulations Ed and Deb!

Editors ChoicePaul Lang recently took over West Coast Kiteboarding. WCK will beoffering lessons in San Diego, CA and San Quintin, Baja California.Their next trip to San Quintin is scheduled for March 27-April 2.West Coast Kiteboarding will be teaming up with The KiteboarderMagazine for a San Quintin kite camp this May. Come down to Bajaand learn to ride waves from Corky Cullen, Chuck Patterson andFelix Pivec. Bri Chmel will be holding a women’s clinic as well.Check out www.westcoastkiteboarding.com for more information.

SMACKIndustry News and Gossip

Paul Lang at Mission Bay.Photo Josh Whalen

Paul Lang at Mission Bay.Photo Josh Whalen

A birds eye view from Wipika's photo shoot. Photo Courtesy of Wipika

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ed andDebbie Hanson! Photo Gabe Brown

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ed andDebbie Hanson! Photo Gabe Brown

continued on page 28

CAEvan Mavridoglou

NOW BOARDINGMy Daddy’s Kiteboarding Medical Kit By Bri Chmel and Mike Chmel


1. Immodium and Cipro: Diarrhea can ruin anyone’s trip. Immodium can be bought ata pharmacy over the counter in the US and will help decrease the cramps and diar-rhea. Cipro can be a lifesaver if you suddenly have nonstop diarrhea and/or vomit-ing. A plague of food poisoning, ecoli, and salmonella can usually be knocked outwithin a day, instead of the usual 5 days to a week. Ecoli which causes diarrhea canbe eliminated by one or two doses of Cipro 500 mg 12 hours apart. If your diarrheais not resolved in 3-4 days or you are running a fever (sign of invasive diarrhea) youshould see a doctor. Cipro is available in most 3rd world countries without a pre-scription, or in the USA with a prescription.

2. New toothbrush, steristrips and superglue: These three things can be used foryour typical cut or laceration. Stay out of the water to keep them from pulling apartand getting infected. Clean your wound well. All soaps, iodine etc, cause more tissuedamage than they do good. Get in the shower and wash your cut well, inside the cut.If necessary scrub them with a new toothbrush until clean. The sooner it is closedthe less likely for infection. If a wound is not closed in the first 12 hours, it is betterto leave them open for 4-6 days and then they can be closed secondarily. Close thewound with super clean hands. Place one end of the steristrips (butterfly bandages)on the skin then pull the skin edges together and place the other end down. Use asmany as you need to pull the wound together. Put superglue over the ends of thebutterflys, not on the wound itself, and it will hold them in place for 3-5 days. Replaceas necessary. Superglue is great for filling in small skin cracks and line cuts. It is nontoxic to superficial wounds. Closing them will can stop the pain.

3. Ibuprofen or Tylenol: Your cure for pain. Tylenol is easier on your stomach.4. Ointment: A new tube of Vaseline is as good for healing and protection against infec-

tion as any antibiotic ointment. It is also cheaper and causes fewer allergies.Aquaphor is also a great ointment and skin healer.

5. Sleeping Meds: Good for long airplane trips. Ambien is probably the best, lastingfour or five hours and leaving you clear-headed. Ambien is available only with a doctorsprescription. Tylenol PM’s can work in a pinch and can be bought over the counter.

6. Bee-stings Allergy Kit: If you have had an allergic reaction you need to carry a bee-sting kit, which is only available from your physician. Seasonal-antihistamines arehelpful which are available over the counter.

7. Mosquito Repellent: Mosquitos carry everything from Malaria to Encephalitis andDengue Fever. Avoid getting bitten both during the day and night. Over the counteranti-itch is always good to throw in your bag.

8. Sunscreen and Chap Stick: You should ALWAYS protect your skin especially whileout on the water. The reflection from the water gives you almost two times the sunexposure. Do your research as to what sunscreen works best for your skin. Alwayscarry some sort of chap stick for the burned lip days.

9. Bandaids: Pack a variety of Bandaids for your typical scratch and scrape. A roll ofmedical tape and a few sterile gauze pads will always come in handy.

10. Duct tape: MacGyver always said to bring duct tape. Duck tape can be used foreverything and anything.

BEST Kiteboarding adds dedicated kite designer PeterStiewe to their team. Formerly designing for EHKiteboarding, Peter is now focusing his deep passion forwind sports to working exclusively with BEST. Check outtheir newest creations at www.bestkiteboarding.com.Celebrating Stewie’s arrival, Shannon Best, Alex Shogrenand Peter Stiewe went snowboarding in the Utah backcoun-try. On the last run of the day, they found themselves caughtin the crux of an avalanche. Fortunately, as the slab of snowthey were standing on began to slide, there was a pause in the slide, allowing them to tiptoe out of thesituation unscathed. We are very glad to hear they are ok!

The Kiteboard Center Maui opens at Kite Beach. The KBC manufactures custom kiteboarding gearand is the home of Kiteboarding International Training Evaluation system (KITES). Be sure to drop by ifyou’re ever at Kite Beach, grab a bite at the nearby food court and relax on KBC’s 2500 square footdeck. Check them out www.kiteboardcenter.com.

Girls4Sport recently sponsored Hawaiian-born kiteboarder Nalani Oda. A genuine water woman, Nalaniis a great addition to the Girls4Sport team. For more info about Girls4Sport performance clothing and theG4S Team Riders, please visit www.girls4sport.com. For more information on Nalani: www.nalanioda.com.

Surf Diva has teamed up with Safari Surf School of Nosara, Costa Rica, and they are now offeringwomen’s surfing adventures in Costa Rica. The trips focus on professional and high-energy surfinginstruction. Great meals are served daily and activities include daily surf lessons and coaching, yoga,massage, jungle walks, beach excursions and many optional activities. For more information visitwww.surfdiva.com or call 858.454.8273.

Renee Hanks is now riding for BEST Kiteboarding. She's spending her first winter in the Gorge whereshe'll be working with the Skamania County kids program and plans on rallying all the groms out toMontana for the Snowkite Rodeo

2005 Kiteboard Calendar Blowout!Ship 2 calendars to your door for$9.99. Enjoy 13 months of SICK kite-boarding photos from around the globe.Check out www.kbcalendar.com.

Slingshot is proud to announcerecent additions to their InternationalTeams. New kiteboarding teamincludes Martin Vari, ChristiaanBrouwer, and Ruben Lenten. Thenew Snowkite Team includes AlexPeterson and Remi Meum. Also,Slingshot has some new products onthe market, including a light-wind kitecalled The Machine. It’s availableonly in 17.5, 20.5, and 25.5m sizesand features three new innovations.Be sure to check out slingshot’s newlyreleased ONELINE system which features a sheetable 5th line. www.sskiteboarding.com.

Great Lakes Kiteboarding is offering group and private snowkite lessons. Lessons are being taught atCass Lake, Orchard Lake, and Stony Creek Metro Park. For more info visit greatlakeskiteboarding.com orcontact Brian LeVeve at 586.822.65611 or [email protected].

XtremeBigAir.com and the City of PismoBeach are pleased to host the 3rd AnnualKiteXPO: April 22-24. If you’re looking to trynew gear or get tips and info from the indus-try experts, then you shouldn’t miss thisyear’s KiteXPO event. The event is free andattendees can test all the newest 2005 kites and boards one after another.For the current info on the event visitwww.XtremeBigAir.com/KiteXPO

Rumor has it that the Seattle, WA kiteboardcommunity could be receiving some great forecasting support this summer. Iwindsurf has scoutedout locations to install a wind station for Seattle’s most popular riding spot, Jetty Island. If theSeattleites get their wind sensor, the word “Skunk Island” may become a term of the past.

IKO has moved their offices from Las Terrenas to Cabarete, Dominican Republic. They’ve alsoopened an EPS account to facilitate better postal delivery. Please note their new mailing addresses:For Mail: IKO [+ recipient name], EPS 3044, PO Box 02-5548, Miami, FL 33102-5548For Packages: IKO [+ recipient name], EPS 3044, 7801 NW 37th Street, Miami, FL 33166-6559

SMACK continued from page 26


Forecasting TipsYou Need to KnowBy Oliver Govers

Our sport revolves completely around the pres-ence of wind. By gaining a basic understanding ofwind and arming yourself with weather forecastingtools and information you can increase the qualityand frequency of your kiteboarding sessions.

Where to Find Forecast Information?

There’s a huge amount of information and resources available on the net to help you learneverything you ever wanted to know about wind. There is also free software available thatkeeps you up to date with real-time conditions, forecasts, radar and satellite imagery andmore. A good rule of thumb when looking at forecast information is—more is better.

Forecast Learning Resources:• http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/fw/sea/htg.rxml

Tip: Get a university-level course on weather for free!• www.theweatherprediction.com

Tip: Awesome site, when you’re done studying, check out the ‘Humor’ section!• www.nws.noaa.gov/information_center.php

Tip: A little drier, but still tons of good information here. Check the Glossary.Bookmark Forecast and Observation Websites Be sure to save these in your web browser.• www.nws.noaa.gov

Tip: Anything and everything you want to know on weather.• www.ikitesurf.comTip: Not a free service, but indispensable. The boys at ikitesurf know what they are doing.Weather Forecast and Monitoring Software• www.freeweather.com

Tip: Free program provides a host of real-time information. No ads.• www.weatherdepot.com

Tip: Provides real time observations, maps and more. Displays ads.• www.weatherbug.com

Tip: Another nice forecast and observation program. Displays some ads.

Oliver Govers runs www.bayareakiteboarding.com in the San Francisco Bay Area and flies Windwing kites.

Denver CoonHometown: Kula, Maui

Age: 19

Height: 5’9”

Stance: Regular, but does all of histricks on the opposite tack

Years Kiteboarding: 4

Occupation: Freshman at theUniversity of Hawaii, Pro Kiteboarder

Preferences: Pulley bar and footstraps with bike tire heel bungies

Cross Training: 24 hour fitness andGolfing

Sponsors: RRD, DaKine, Kaenon sun-glasses, Trilogy Ocean Sports, Dad

New School

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Denver Coon learned moves like thisgrowing up on kite beach Maui. Photo Kim Kern Denver stands proud with his quiver. Photo Randy Coon

Up and Coming Rider Profile

1. Uses custom wakeboards.

2. Likes the RRD Type 6, favorite size is the 9m.

3. Longboard skateboard to get him to class ontime for when he spends too long out kitingon the water.

4. Surfs only when waves are 40-60 feet andglassy smooth.

5. Chose to be pro kiter rather than pro golferbecause Tiger Woods sent him a very cordialletter begging him to stick with kiteboarding

6. Xbox. Where most of Denver's time is spentoff the water, but don't tell anyone.

7. DaKine backpack to lug his economics booksaround for his international business major.

8. The bling truck to get the hot girls (not tootall, brunette, and skinny with huge...eyes).

9. His first female love, his dog Roxy.

10. Kaenon sunglasses to check out the girlswithout them catching him.

Denver’s Quiver

The Life of an Up and Coming Kiteboarder by John Romais

Peter Stiewe hard at work.Photo Gavin Butler

Last year’s KiteXPO went off at Pismo BeachPhoto Kinsley Wong

continued on page 30Send your favorite links to [email protected].

If you are going to La Ventana, check out www.bajajoe.com.Baja Joe’s not only offer lessons but they have a nice comfortableplace to stay with high speed Internet so you can keep in touch.

Tow surfing has been growing in popularity over the last fouryears. Check out www.towsurfer.com and see variety of adrena-lin pumping photos footage of monstrous proportions.

George at www.kiteflix.com is constantly uploading new footageto his site. Keep checking back for sick new kiteboarding clips.

Cool new weather sites are always useful to add to yourfavorites. Check out www.intellicast.com for all sorts of up todate weather information.

Bored riding on snow or water? Check www.doomwheels.comand take land boarding to a whole new level.

The Kiteboarder Magazine recently added a new video andphoto links page that contains dozens of video clips and gallerylinks. New footage is updated on a regular basis. Check outwww.kbmag.com

By The Kiteboarder Magazine Staff

Website Report

Peter Stiewe hard at work.Photo Gavin Butler

www.kbcalendar.com

ACBrought to us by Fat Sand Productions in the UK, thevideo features pro riders Mark Doyle, Aaron Hadlowand Mark Shinn. AC is filmed at beautiful locationsaround the world, including South Africa, Europe, theRed Sea and the Caribbean. The skill level by the rid-ers is high and exciting to watch. The chapters tocheck out are “Chill Pill,” with cool aerial footage;“Dusk,” with some nice wave riding and the“Interviews” section. AC is a decent first release of afull-length action flick from Fat Sand. www.fatsand.com

Kiteboarding ProgressionIf you are ready to move past doing straight jumps andon to learning spins and transitions properly, thencheck out this DVD by Fat Sand Productions. They havetaken the most thorough approach to a kiteboardinstructional video that I have seen. They combinemultiple takes of each move and explain them in depthby showing how to do the moves correctly as well ascommon mistakes. www.fatsand.com

Space Monkeys 2Tronolone Productions keeps up their tradition of film-ing some of the best riders on the planet as they pushthe limits of kiteboarding. The original Space Monkeycrew is back. Check out Will James, Jaime Herraiz,Jeff Tobias and Martin Vari as they charge man-eatingwaves. For every bottom turn and barrel there are duesto pay with humbling close-outs in their quest to dom-inate the waves. Some freestyle riding and generalmonkeying around helps break the tension.www.tronolone.com or www.sideoff.com

Standing Strong 2The show begins with an introduction of the “Family”.Wink wink. The Wipika family that is—which includespro riders Mauricio Abreu, Laurel Eastman, AlvaroOnieva, Manu Taub, Marcelo Cunha, SebastienCattelan and Alex Tritten. The only word I could comeup with to describe the film is “fun”. I suppose I couldhave gotten out the thesaurus and come up with a dif-ferent one, but I’m sticking with it. www.wipikakite-boarding.com

WendigoAt first I thought this video was going to be just like the Snowkite Addict #2DVD because they were both filmed in similar loca-tions (Idaho, France, Switzerland and Norway), but itwas surprisingly fresh. The terrain is incredible and thesick riders make you want to get out there and tear itup. Kiteloops, cliff jumps and a 40 second air are justa couple examples of how these guys are pushing thesport. Even Don Montague has a couple guest appear-ances. The DVD is only available in PAL format so youwould have to pop it in a computer to watch it in theUS. Check out www.gogglebox.ch

By James Brown

Video Reviews


Gary charging some Coche, Venezuela butter. Photo Eunice MartinGary “Martini” Martin

By Sierra Lake

Age: 55Street Name: Martini (senior)Roots: Sailing, Surfing, andWindsurfingHood: Oceanside, CASystem: Caution SpitfireRide: Caution, Jimmy Lewis 133cmClaim: Gary is the first kiteboarderand shop owner (Cannibal Bros.) inSouthern California.Shout: Life is short. Play hard!

1 Always be courteous to other riders, surfers, and beach goers. Always

know your limits.

2 Never leave wind to find wind. You most likely will end up getting skunked.

4 Push yourself to progress. Make yourself try one new trick per session.

3 Be humble and remember there is always someone younger and better than

you. Always remember younger people heal from injuries a lot quicker.

5 Leave the fish tales to fishing. Don’t claim it unless you land it!

6 Enjoy every day you have on the water.

Riding Tips

Photo Eunice Martin

Congratulations are in order for NiccoloPorcella, who recently turned 16 yearsold. He’s rebounded quite well from hisinjuries and is stronger than ever. Besure to check him out in the upcomingTakoon DVD. For more info on thisyoung prodigy visit www.takoon.com.

The Kiteboarder is pleased to announcea new member to its staff: ChuckPatterson is the Tow Surf Editor.Welcome Chuck!

Gail Zaccai, Bri Chmel, and Aussierider CJ Jones recently traveled theEast Coast of Australia. Jim Semlor wasthe lucky photographer who got toaccompany these fine ladies. We lookforward to checking out the girls charging.

Ocean Rodeo would like to welcomeAntoineta Falconi to their family. Afterworking at KiteExcite, Antoineta com-pleted her MBA and is applying herextensive experience to the role ofInternational Operations.

Casey Houtz from Airtime Kite, isspending his winter in Nicaragua. Herecently learned that in 1855 a man by the name of William Walker, with an army of 58, conquered thecountry and declared himself President. Rumor has it Casey is looking to recruit 58 fellow kiteboard-ers to the windy country. We can only guess what he’ll be up to next.

The Ring Media will be putting out the 2006 Big WaveCalendar. The calendar will feature 13 months of insane 60foot plus waves. Stay tuned to www.theringmedia.com formore information.

eXtreme Hotels recently signed three professional riders.Chuck Patterson, Andy Hurdman and Bri Chmel will be fly-ing the flashy “e” logo on all their gear. The eXtreme HotelsTeam will be holding kiteboarding clinics down at eXtremeHotels, Cabarete throughout the year. Now you can plan yourvacation to the Dominican to chill and ride with the worlds bestkiteboarders. Check out www.extremehotels.com for moreinformation.

The Association of Wind Sports Industries (AWSI) is working with Surf Expo to create the 2005event. AWSI is looking for feedback and reactions regarding attending past Surf Expo events. If you’dlike to contribute your feedback please contact AWSI at [email protected] or 541.386.4683. Tofind out what they’re all about check out www.awsiwindsports.org.

The 2005 KPWT Tour will bekicking off soon. Check outwww.kiteboardpro.com for aschedule of events.

Bay Area Kiteboarding, an on-line kiteboardingforum, recently announced the winners of their 1stAnnual Winter Contest. Participants submitted articlesthey wrote for the forum and received entry into therandom drawing for some great prizes. Winnersreceived gear and schwag from UltraNectar, Kitefilm.com, Slingshot, BEST Kiteboarding, Bay AreaKiteboarding, Kiteboard Calendar, and yours truly The Kiteboarder. Blair Hickman walked awaywith the Grand Prize, a 12m BEST Nemesis kite. Congratulations Blair!

Do yourself a favor and check out the new big wave surfing documen-tary Riding Giants. Stacy Peralta, the producer of Dog Town and Z-Boys (a classic documentary on the history of skateboarding) paints apicture of the soul and the drama of big wave surfing. You are taken fromthe birth of surfing in the early days through to the mind blowing tow-insurfing in the present day. Amazing footage and in-depth interviews withthe pioneers of the sport are captivating. There isn’t any kiteboarding inthe movie, but it is well worth checking out. This is a major release soyou can buy or rent it at most stores.

SMACK continued from page 28

Niccolo Porcella hangingfive in Brazil. Photo R. Mortier

KPWT bikini contest. Photo KPWT

www.towsurfcalendar.com

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Jupiter Kite InvasionJupiter Beach, FloridaJan. 28-30thMenAndy Hurdman- BestAntoine Jaudert- CabrinhaBrian Greenwald- CabrinhaJon Modica- CabrinhaAmateur MenAlex Bloechinger- SlingshotAnthony Levalels- CabrinhaDan Floyd- CabrinhaBilly Parker- FlexfoilPro WomenIrma Harris- GloberiderNicci Warshauer- SlingshotMinda Bly- BestBest WaveJon Modica- CabrinhaBig AirDimitri Maramenides- AirushKite LoopAntoine Jaudert- Cabrinha

RevOpen KitejamMontreal QuebecFebruary 11, 12 13Best SliderSnowboardLuc Gagnon (Slingshot) - Quebec and Mikael Lanoe (Naish) - OntarioBigAirLuc Blanchette (Airush) - QuebecSkiHugo Bellanger - QuebecBest Trick OverallSnowboardSteeves Fons (Airush) - QuebecBest TrickSnowboardMika Jantunen (Cabrinha) - Ontario

Therapy SessionsSummit County, ColoradoFebruary 12 & 13Men1. Paul “Motz” Macaj2. James Brown3. Mark DoyleWomen1. Ilise Merritt2-Planker1. Jake FialaBiggest Air1. James BrownBest Move1. Mark DoyleMost Enthusiastic1. Bob Stalker

Kites on Ice 2005 Lake Mendota, Wisconsin February 4-6Freestyle Expression Session CompetitionSkier Division1. Ken Lucas (Ozone)2. Bob Cook 3. Brian Vanderslice Boarder Division1. Aaron Sales (Slingshot)2. Gregg“Tekko” Gnecco (Real Kiteboarding)3. Karl Bzdusek

2005 Corona Extra Winter Tour Col du Lautaret, France - January Mens Snowboard 1. Guillaume Chastagnol (Ozone) Mens Skiing 1. Bjorn Kaupang (Naish)Junior Overall1. Sebastian Bubmann (Flysurfer.de)Womens Overall 1. Kari Ann Tragethon (Naish)

Andy Hurdman Wins South Florida’s Jupiter Kite InvasionBy Rick Iossi

Andy Hurdman recently won Florida Kiting’s 2nd Annual Jupiter Kite Invasion atJupiter Beach, Florida, which took place Jan. 28-30th. On day one, competitorswere served up strong 30 to 35 mph winds and with head high Florida surf. Day

two brought sun and winds in the low 20 mph range and the waves kicked up to almost doubleoverhead. Mike Bradley’s barrel during the competition will go down in the history books of kite-boarding. In the end it was Andy Hurdman’s blind rewind back onto a wave that gave him thewin. For sick videos from the Jupiter contest check out www.kiteflix.com.

Canadian Kiteboarders Throw Down RevOpen KitejamBy Mikael Lanoe and Alexis Rovira

The REVOPEN KITEJAM in Montreal Quebec was a huge success onFebruary 11-13! Top riders from all over Quebec and Ontario got together

for an expression session to show the public how quickly kitesnowboarding has evolved in the area.A sick snow park was setup with a huge 40-foot long rail, a l2 foot long fun box, a huge kicker and amini-rainbow rail.To top it off, a mega sound system and a beer tent were on site, which is stock stan-dard at any Canadian event. Luckily the wind blew all weekend long and the temperature was mildwhich made for an incredible show. Thank you to Revolution Boardshop and Tribe Kiteboarding,www.tribekiteboarding.com for putting on the event.

Therapy Sessions Cure Rocky Mountain FeverBy James Brown

Kiteboarders, free-lesson seekers and curious onlookers from Coloradoand surrounding states showed up for the Second Annual TherapySessions at the Sanitarium in Dillon, Colorado on February 12 and 13. The

word is spreading quickly about the sport as participation tripled from the previous year. Everyonewas treated to the unannounced arrival of Mark Doyle who helped break in the newly built Naishrainbow slider with Paul “Motz” Macaj, James Brown and Brian Schenck. The awards and swaggiveaway had to be handled over email because riders didn’t want to stop kiting while the windkicked in during the scheduled time for the ceremony. Thanks to all the sponsors for helping makefor another successful event. www.kitesnowboard.com

Corona Extra Winter TourBy James Brown

The 2005 Corona Extra Winter Tour completed a very successfull first stop atCol du Lautaret in France in January. The second stop was at a new locationat Col du Simplon in Switzerland in February. Although the event was plagued

by light wind, all was not lost as with most events because there was enough wind to freerideintermittently, shoot some video and party it up. Be on the lookout for the Norway stop and thefinals France. For up-to-date tour news and videos go to www.wintertour.fr which is in bothFrench and English.

Competition Results


Competition Corner

Jon Modica looking for the slot. Photo Matt Cotton

Ridin’ the Rails. Photo Eric Girard

Paul Macaj loves the rainbow.Photo Billy Doran

Laying it down Photo Frederick Pattou

The “Not So Frozen” Kite Freeze By Laura MaherThis years Minnesota Kitefreeze could have been renamed the Minnesota Kite Thaw. Fifty degree temperatures turned

five inches of snow into two inches of slurpee-like slush, but that didn’t stop diehard snowkiters from going huge off thekickers and grinding the rails. The main event had wind clocking in at over thirty knots, providing great conditions to go huge forthe spectators, but sticking clean solid landings was a must to stay dry. Sunday was a day to chase the snow north to Mille LacsLake where the riders turned a pressure ridge in the middle of the lake into a monster ramp. The judging of the event was pri-marily on expression sessions throughout the weekend, riders judging other riders. The growing number of juniors at the eventproved the Minnesota Kitefreeze and the community is growing faster than anywhere in America.

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Clearly the safest most efficient way to learn to kiteboard is to take a lesson from a certified insured kiteboarding school. In many casesthis could involve thousands of dollars in travel expenses, lodging fees, and classes. So, I propose a new program for remote locationswhere small pockets of kiteboarders live and want to ride. This program would allow new people to learn to kite in a safe environmentand help the more advanced riders get better faster. Here it is:

People who want to learn to kite will enter the apprentice program. The local senior kiters will give the students a 3m trainer kite and a lesson. Then, for the nextseveral months, the apprentices must assist senior riders with launching, landing, and dealing with gear. During this time, the apprentice/student will learn to fieldquestions from spectators, such as "What is it called?," "Is it easy?" or "Can I fly your kite?." Also, the students will assist with boat/personal watercraft supportif necessary.

Once the apprentices become competent with their trainer kites, they will be allowed to body drag with a full-size traction kite. After they have worked for at least6 months assisting other kiters and having no accidents, they will be allowed to start actual kiteboarding, receiving help from both other apprentices and seniorkiters. After they are able to ride somewhat proficiently, they will be allowed to purchase their own gear and start training a new apprentice. They will pass downthe 3m kite and start the process over again.

Once this program is under way, it should become perpetual and maintain itself with renewable resources of youth and adventure. Kiteboarding is inherently dan-gerous and should only be done in groups of three or more (two kiters and one apprentice). No one should EVER kite alone.

This program would be a way to self-police and manage the growth of a sport that does not fall into any other board sport category. Of course, there is no real wayto regulate this program, but it’s worth a try in small places like where I live.

Carl Preston is the creator of “Tweak McCore” and lives in bum-eff Idaho. We thought his idea was really good and decided to print it. Please send any editorial pieces to [email protected]. You never know—we might just print it.

by Carl “Los” Preston

Are you tired of balloon legs, water leaking into your suit or not havinga lot of room to move? If you are like me, I hate being too cold orcramped in a wetsuit. With that in mind I decided to put together sometips to help you pick the magic wetsuit.

Know the conditions you will be using the suit in. It is not good to buy the wrongsuit and end up burning up inside or freezing your tits off in the middle of an epicsession.

Do your homework. The internet is a great tool to research wetsuit manufactur-er’s product lines. If you’re not sure of their URL, do a Google search. This will pre-pare you for your visit to a local dealer. If you don’t have a computer, check out arecent surf magazine. They always have the latest wetsuits.

Work smart not hard. Call around to see what local shops carry the suit you wantand if they have the size you’re looking for. Once you find your target suit. Go tothe shop and try it on.

Finding the right fit is the most important part of the process. The suit should fitlike a glove with plenty of flex in the arms, legs and neck. The suit should not behanging baggy on you or feel tight like it’s going to cut off blood flow to the head.Do a few arm and legs stretches along with a few jumping jacks. Don’t forget toturn your head a few times as well. There is nothing like an uncomfortable neck-line to give you a rash or squeeze your neck. You may feel like an idiot in the storedoing it, but remember once you get that suit wet, you can’t return it. If after a fewminutes any part of your body is starting to feel tired, this is a sure sign that thesuit is not right for you. Way too many times I see guys in suits that are too smallfor them and their heads look like a cherry tomato.

You get what you pay for. You shouldalways try to purchase the top of the linemodel. Why? They usually have better con-struction, flex, feel and last longer. Look forsuits that have the seams glued andstitched or that are stitchless. There isless chance for the seam to take onwater. Polypropylene and or Titanium lin-ings help with the wind chill factor andalso keeps your core temperature up.

Keep an open mind. Try on as manydifferent brands as you can so you canget the best fit possible. Don’t go on your favorite brand alone. Sizingamong the brands vary. You will be cheating yourself out of a suit that quitepossibly is the best you’ve ever owned.

6 Tips for Buying Rubber6 Tips for Buying RubberBy Alexis Rovira

Make sure you have assistants toguide you through the process.Photo Phil McCracken

Bonus Tip If you are trying on full suits, put a nylon shopping bag in your pock-et before you head out to the shop. Use the nylon bag to help you try

on new full suits. The nylon helps your foot or hand slide on the neoprene.

This is where your neck andhead should come out.

Glued and blindstitched seams

Cushy, reinforcedknee pads

Smooth skin chest

ReinforcedCrotch

Durable ankle area

Comfortablewrist areas

NeilPryde NPX SEMIDRY 4/3 E1 Wind

Professional kiteboarder, Irma Harris happily helps outwith a launch. Photo Bucky Ashcraft

What to look for:

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1. Diana Stoecklin is an up and coming kite girl in Cabarete,Dominican Republic. Photo Sierra Lake

2. The Drexler brothers contemplating a kite theory in Maui.Photo Kim Kern

3. Jason Lee grabbing some beef in the Caribbean. Photo Warren Chan

4. A surreal moment in Buffalo, New York. Photo Bill Myers

5. Teal Druda, Bill Lee and Bri Chmel enjoying a Hollywood afternoon at eXtreme Stanley. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

6. Bri Chmel playing with fire in La Ventana, Mexico. Photo Jill Cervi

7. Brendan Richards vogue-ing for the camera. Photo Matt Mink

8. Motz chilling between Therapy Sessions. Photo James Brown

9. David Tyburski doing his best James dean. Photo Bri Chmel

10. Dido is a ripping kiteboarder despite the fact he has only oneleg. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

11. Randy Coon is our New School rider profile, Denver Coon’sfather. Photo Kim Kern

12. Sunset soul session in Hawaii. Photo Unknown

13. Branding at it’s best. Photo Josh Marinos

14. When the wind doesn’t blow in Alaska, Nina Johansson goesfishing. Photo Tomoko Okasaki

15. Andy Hurdman became a pro kiteboarder so he could pay fornew teeth. Photo Sierra Lake

16. Dominican Republic. Photo Morton Skoll

17. The Oregon coast has miles of untapped coastline to ride.Photo Scott Norby

18. Hiro is one of the kiteboarders who always has a smile onhis face. Photo Kim Kern

19. Martin Vari and Jeff Tobias hanging with the Reef girls atSan Diego ASR trade show. Photo Alexis Rovira

20. Gabe Brown and Alexis Rovira representing at San DiegoASR trade show. Photo Marina Chang

21. Niccolo Porcella. Photo R. Mortier

22. Jill Cervi trekking into Egypt. Photo Dan Gavere

23. Snoop dog—R.I.P. 10.30.04-1.2.05. Photo Diana Stoecklin

24. Christian Black, John Amundson and Nina Johansson eating sushi in Alaska. Photo Tomoko Okasaki

25. Reo Stevens watches a 20 foot Tiger Shark as it feeds on adead 40 foot sperm whale 15 miles off the North Shore ofOahu. Photo Ken Howard

26. Cameron Dietrich and a crew of Cancun spring breakers.Photo Kevin Senn

27. Nadia Roux getting some warm water in Cozumel. Photo courtesy Nadia Roux

Send in your best kiteboarding

photos: riding, lifestyle or whatever.

The best shot will be printed in the

“Exposed” section and will receive a

pair of Martin adjustable straps.

www.martintechnologies.com

Don’t forget to send us your caption.

[email protected]

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Reader SubmissionsSend ItSend It

Board: 125 LITEWAVE Freestyle with small finsand finless for sliders

Bindings: Dakine foot straps

Kite: Slingshot Fuels 7-17m.

Bars: Slingshot 17” Profire and a Pulley Bar

Lines: 25m and really short for something fun

Harness: Dakine Pyro

Wetsuit: Neilpryde 5000 series winter and Excess top for fall

GEAR SET-UPGEAR SET-UP

Sam Bell is one of the hottest emerging talents out of Cape Hatteras, NorthCarolina. Training with Jason Slezak has helped push his riding to new levels.Sam’s board sports background dates back to early childhood where heremembers learning to skate and snowboard at age five. Surfing followedshortly after. Sam’s recent claim to fame includes being profiled as a kiteboarder in a Coca Cola commercial. Check out kbmag.com video linkspage for the entire video.

VITALSAge: 22 Height: 5’9

Weight: 165lbs. Stance: Regular/Wide

Years riding: 3

Favorite Spots: Cape Hatteras, WaveRanch in Cozumel, Shacks in P.R.Hope to find more !

Favorite Conditions: Glassy water liton a 9m with sliders

Favorite Moves: Powered wake/slid-ers/blind

Sponsors: REAL, Litewave, 12

Where did you start kiteboarding? Cape Hatteras

What riders influence you most? Jason Slezak, Andre Phillip, Jeff Tobias—anyone who’shaving fun and killing it.

What sets you apart from other kiters? The 60 ft of Camel Toe.

How has working at Real Kiteboarding helped your career? It has allowed me to meetnew people. Trip Foreman and Matt Nuzzo both encourage me to do my best. I get to rideinsane conditions.

What is it like crashing on a rail? Fun? Ask Jason Slezak.

What skills are you working on right now? I want to learn more tricks to blind.

Where would you like to travel to kiteboard? I want to travel to Antigua to see Andre’ssetup and Fiji.

What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I like to wakeskate.

What is your view on contests? I think they are too hard to judge when everybody hasdifferent styles.

What do you like best about kiting? I like the power and riding with friends.

Where do you see the sport heading? I hope it is not going to get too techy. Keep it simple!

What are you major complaints about the sport? Too Techy.

Who would you like to thank or give props to? Trip Foreman, Matt Nuzzo, Mr. Bob andJason Slezak. They have all helped me more than I can remember or ever possibly thank.

You used to ride surf and skate before kiting. Tell us about your worst wipeout andcompare it your worst in kiteboarding. It’s the same, smacking your nuts on rails skat-ing it as bad as it is kiting on the water. In skating you stop right away. In kiting you get drugaround!

You recently appeared on a Coke commercial kiteboarding. How did that fall into yourlap? They came to REAL and they thought I was the rider that would fit best with what Cokewas looking for. It was a great experience.

Sam Bell and Jason Slezak are almost synonymous on the East Coast. How does itfeel walking in Jason’s footsteps? He’s a great rider and an even better friend. What elsecould you ask for to be able to travel, ride, party and work with someone like that.

Is being a professional kiteboarder all that it is cracked up to be? It has its ups anddowns just like life.

How do you cross train? I still skate a little and go out behind a boat. I don’t have an actualwakeboard boat though.

Is it true that you don’t really like riding contest and that you called them “gay” on afew occasions. Maybe? As matter of fact yes!

What is the craziest stunt you have ever tried kiteboarding? My knees still hurt fromwhen I first started kite loops.

For more Sam Bell pics, video, and his Coke commercial, check out www.realkiteboard-ing.com.

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Close-UpPr

oTi

ps 1. Roll your wrist when going blind.

2. If you want to begin to ride sliders, start small and unhook.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask locals what to be careful of at new riding spots.

4. Double check your lines before you ride.

5. Don’t be afraid to express yourself with body piercing.

6. Check out Carnaval in Cozumel !

The REAL Thing

Sam Bell by James Brown

Sam Bell training at Real Kiteboarding's Cozumel location. Photo Gregg Gnecco

Sam Bell's signature piercing.Photo Gregg Gnecco

Yuri showing why she is one of the most respected female riders on Maui.

Photo Kim Kern

VITALSAge: Old enough to know better

Height: 5'1"Weight: 105lb

Years Riding: 3

Local spot: Maui

Favorite Spots: Maui: kitebeach,Lower Kanaha, Lanes and Hookipa,Paracuru in Brazil

Favorite Conditions: head highwaves, 9m kite, side shore wind

Favorite Moves: Dog and tree pause (yoga), wave riding (kite)

Sponsors: Naish

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Board: Naish SOL 120, Rose coming soon

Bindings: Naish footstraps

Kite: Naish Torch 6m-16m

Bar: Naish shift system

Lines: 24m with shift system

Harness: Naish kite waist harness

Wetsuit: What is that? You don't need that stuff in Hawaii...

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When did you get into kiteboarding? I started kiteboarding on Maui, on Kona windChristmas day 3 years ago.

What riders influence you most? Kitebeach locals

What sets you apart from other kiters? My “iron buns”

What skills are you working on right now? I want to be able to walk without a pair of crutches

Where would you like to travel to kiteboard? I like anywhere there are nice conditionslike clean waves, steady wind and warm water

What do you do off the water to help you on the water? I like to eat and sleep.

What is your view on contests? Contests are not my favorite but it is fun if you win.

What do you like best about kiting? Kiting is such a great exercise. You can spend a lotof energy without going to the gym so that you can eat whatever you want! I like a greasycheese burger with french fries and double chocolate ice cream.

What plans do you have for the future? I don't plan because whenever I plan, somethingelse comes up. Life won't go as you plan. At least mine doesn’t.

Where do you see the sport heading? I want to see it in the Olympics—Synchronized kiting.Just kidding. I don't know, I see it going many different directions like freestyle, waves,speed, etc.

What are your major complaints about the sport? I wish nobody had died from thesport...and nobody will die.

Who would you like to thank or give props to? My family and my friends—too many to list.

What is it like being a girl in this sport? What? It is just like being a boy; except, I peesitting down.

How does it feel to know you are better than most of the girls, but not have the spon-sorship dollars to prove it? Sponsorship dollars is not the proof I am seeking. For me, it isonly about pushing myself to ride as well as I can.

Do you think Susi Mai should have won Red Bull, King of the Air, in Maui? Of course!She is a great rider. We just have different riding styles. For the Red Bull, her style more suit-ed the format.

What goes through your mind when taking beatings while learning a new move? Not too much, I just focus.

How much of Greg Drexler’s coaching helped you get to where you are at? He helpeda lot in the first year, especially with safety issues. Then I started doing some crazy stuff thathe would not allow me to do. He has kind of backed off since then.

When you look at some of the top girls in the sport—Cindy Mosey, Julie Simsar,Bri Chmel, Sheldon Plentovich. Where do you see yourself fitting in? Fitting in is aboutbeing friends. We are just a group of people and kiteboarding is all about fun.

Pro

Tips 1. Make sure you don't cut off anybody famous at Kitebeach when

you are coming into the pond.

2. When somebody famous at Kitebeach cuts you off, don't give theperson the finger, instead give them a smile and a shaka.

3. When going out on a good day, don't forget to drop the kids off at thepool before you go out. You don't want to come in just for that.

4. Before doing kiteloop handlepasses, always make sure that nobody isdownwind of you.

Yuri Takimoto Drexler

GEAR SET-UPGEAR SET-UP

by Marina Chang

Yuri Takimoto Drexler was born and raised in Takarazuka, Japan.

She visited Maui for the first time in 1997 and fell in love with the island.

Within two years she moved to Maui and started enjoying the island life.

She came into the sport with skills from snowboarding and windsurfing

and six months after her first kiteboard lesson she sold all of her wind-

surfing equipment. Now she is one of the hardest charging riders in the

world. Keep your eye out for more of her in the future.

Close-UpTazmanian Devil

Yuri is on the mend.Photo Greg Drexler

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Ryan Riccitelli: How many years have you beeninvolved in board sports?

Shannon Best: I started January 1, 1991, at about10 o’clock in the morning. I have been riding askateboard since I was like 4 or 5. We have pic-tures of when I was younger on my brother’s board.Ever since I can remember, I have been really intoboard sports. Ball sports or team sports never reallyinterested me.

Ryan: How did this evolve into getting into wake-boarding and becoming a professional?

Shannon: I always wanted to be a pro skateboarder.I would get all the magazines when I was younger.It never happened due to the sheer fact that I was-n’t really good at skateboarding, and I actually hurtmyself. This is how the story goes. I hurt myselfskateboarding on a vacation and one of my broth-er’s friends handed me a “skurfer” or ski board orsomething like that, which was an early wake-board. The minute I jumped on it at 10 o’clock inthe morning that was it. Within three days, Iclocked up to 26 hours on the water. I was rashed,chafed, blistered and couldn’t walk. I was instantlyin love with it.

Ryan: You had a notable wakeboarding careerincluding your own signature boards. Who weresome of your sponsors?

Shannon: I rode for almost every major wakeboardsponsor that was out there at one time or anoth-er—Hyperlite, Connelly(which later became CWB),Liquid Force and Iconn Sports.

Ryan: What were your biggest accomplishments inwakeboarding and Cable Park riding?

Shannon: My biggest accomplishments were develop-ing a lot of innovation. From the very beginning of mycareer, I really liked working with shapers and develop-ers on the R&D of new products. I like providing riderinput to help progress product design. Innovating prod-uct that works better helps to progress the sport. Beingpart of the process of innovating and helping to devel-op a sport is my biggest accomplishment.

Ryan: I know you won some contests and you lostsome. Tell us about that?

Shannon: I won cable titles and boat titles. I compet-ed on the wakeboarding pro tour. I think the biggestaccomplishment of my wakeboarding career washaving fun for so long and meeting so many greatpeople. I have a sleuth of titles—everything from 20thto first and every place in between. Some of thebiggest accomplishments I would have to say werehelping with the development of product and alsoinventing new tricks that are still being done today.

Ryan: Where do you see yourself in the history ofwakeboarding—do you consider yourself a pioneer?

Shannon: [pause]…yea I suppose a pioneer. I wouldn’tgo as far as saying legend or anything like that. I helpedinnovate tricks and products as I said before. I was luckyenough to meet and ride with the best of the best. Iwatched young riders turn into the top riders. One day Iwas a poster on their walls when they were growing upand next thing you know they are on a poster on mywall. It is good to see what happens in time.

Ryan: The perception is that you came into kiteboard-ing and saw a niche. Do you think you used kiteboard-ing to scapegoat your wakeboarding career?

Shannon: No I didn’t scapegoat! I went to one spon-sor and they didn’t pay me. After getting burned bybunch of companies, I had nothing to prove. I had ablast wakeboarding and met a lot of great people. Ifound kiteboarding and was like this is what I want todo. I found it very easy to transfer my wakeboardingskills over to kiteboarding. I was lucky enough to jumpinto kiteboarding when it was a young sport. Everyoneis still trying to work out the possibilities. The onlything I vowed was not to make some of the same mis-takes I did in wakeboarding.

Ryan: When it is all said and done with—five years,ten years, twenty years from now. What do you wantpeople to remember about Shannon Best?

Shannon: [laughs] I don’t even know if I even want tobe remembered. Hopefully people will remember mefor making a positive impact on not one but maybe acouple of sports. I would hope to be remembered asan innovator if I am gong to be remembered.

Editor’s Note I know I am going to take a lot of heat for running an inter-view with Shannon Best. The controversy surroundingShannon Best unfortunately often detracts from Shannon

Best the athlete. The goal of this interview is to give an impartial per-spective into the career and mind of one of the top innovators in oursport. Due to the sensitive nature of this interview, we decided to doa 15-minute live video interview that is available in the video linkssection at www.kbmag.com.

The written interview has been significantly cut to fit this format.

Australian Wakeboard TeamWorlds USA - 1997

Cover story - Why Shannon BestLeft Australia. Summer 1996

Liquid Force Best Pro-Model Wakeboard BOKS shoes advertisementfeaturing Shannon Best

2004 Gorge Games Medal Mobius V Wakeboard boat advertisementfeaturing Shannon Best. 2000

Old School Shannon1995 Wake King

Iconn Sports - Shannon BestPro-Model Wakeboard

Shannon Best InterviewBy Ryan Riccitelli Photos Gavin Butler

I met Shannon Best on June 20, 1997 at the X Games in San Diego, California when kiteboarding was in its infancy.Shannon was in the hey day of his professional wakeboarding and cable park career and placed in the top five.Winning a little prize money, Shannon was ready for a night on the town. Shannon was humble despite his profes-

sional career and wanted to hang out with the locals. Me and my friends ended up showing him some S.D. night life. Quite honestly, Inever thought I would see the guy again until I opened my August 1999 Wakeboarding Magazine where one of the very first kiteboardingstories was printed. Shannon Best was learning to kite from Lou Wainman and Elliot Leboe, in Corpus Christi, Texas. A lot has happenedsince those early days of kiteboarding, and now is the time for Shannon to tell his story. Be sure to check out the online video.This transcript barely scratches the surface.

The Most LOVED and HATED Man in Kiteboarding:

Memory Lane

Shannon spends some free time taking his girlfriend's daughter, Alexis, to weekend soccer games.Shannon spends some free time taking his girlfriend's daughter, Alexis, to weekend soccer games.

3rd Place at the Gorge Games. The desk of Shannon Best. Shannon has led the unhooked movement for years.

Shannon has one of the most stylish slim chances.

Shannon's other passion is pushing the speed barrier.

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ow many times are you offered a chance to go hang go on an allexpenses paid kiteboarding trip to the Dominican Republic with Andy Hurdman and you get to be your own photographer?

Ryan Riccitelli called late one night as I was finishing up my college finals andpopped the question. He told me about this sick new hotel located on Kite Beachin Cabarete that had built a competition size fun ramp in the middle of the prop-erty. Riccitelli quickly led me to the live web cams and before I knew it I waswatching people skating back and forth on the ramp while people from the beachbar enjoyed their happy hour drinks. This was a chance of a lifetime. I had to go.Here is the catch. My only obligation was to write up a spot check. I can ensureyou that everything you are about to read is the truth—at least what I canremember. eXtreme Cabarete is one of sickest hotels I have ever stayed at, andNew Years 2005 will go down in history as one of the craziest I have ever expe-rienced. I hope my tips are helpful.

OverviewAs kiters, what do we look for in a location? Wind that makes us drool, good food that keeps uscharging and a night life where legends are born. Cabarete, Dominican Republic has all of that –there’s a reason why it has earned the title as “the kiteboarding Mecca of the Caribbean.” Anyonewho has spent any time there will tell you that the clubs fire as hard as the wind does all day long.Check out the wind charts over the last three years and you will quickly see what I am talkingabout. Most travelers main concerns are: where do I stay when I get there, where can I be as closeas possible to the beach and wind and where can I find the most affordable price without losingquality? I think I found the spot for you.

The HotelI have been to Cabarete before and stayed in several places. After this last experience I would haveto say eXtreme Cabarete is hands down the chillest place to stay in the Dominican Republic, andquite possibly the Caribbean. This is why! Where else can you find A+ kiting conditions, fullbar/restaurant on the beach, an awesome staff, great food and board and a the only half-pipewhere kiters and skaters can watch each other ride? On top of that the place is wired with live webcams and has a free wireless internet access that anyone can access. It doesn’t matter if you’reonly a kiter, skater, neither, or a full time drinker. This place has got everything for everyone. Thebest part is you can wave to your buddies on the cams who are shlepping away back home andmake them jealous.

-continued

H

Dominican Republic’s Best Kept Secret:Extreme Hotels

Dominican Republic’s Best Kept Secret:Extreme Hotels

By Mike Norman and Ryan Riccitelli

Photos Ryan Riccitelli

eXtreme Cabarete employee, Josh Marinos coordinatingsome recreational activities with the hotel guests.

Don't miss sunset skate session happy hours at the eXtreme beach bar.

Mike Norman boning out an indy glide. eXtreme is minutes away from "La boca." Photo Stefan Reuether

The pool is even more fun after the sun goes down.

The Fun RampWho would have ever thought of building a fun ramp in the middle of a hotel?About 20-feet from the beach is Cabarete’s only fun ramp, Six Feet Under. Forall the skaters out there, this pipe is sick! 20-feet of 6-foot section, 10-feet of8-foot extension and a small 4-foot wide 12-foot to vert. Even if you don’tskate, it is amazing to come in from an all day kite session and chill out at thebar with a drink and a senorita to watch some of the Dominican’s best skaterslight the ramp on fire.

The SurfThe winds of Cabarete usually don’t kick up until about 11 to 1 o’clock. So ifyou’re not suffering from a serious hangover from all those Presidentes andCuba Libre’s, try out some of the best surf in the Caribbean. Smooth glassywater in the mornings make for a perfect pumping right at Encuentro. Thewaves can often be head high with bigger sets in between when a swell hits.

The KiteboardingCabarete offers every type of riding: killer waves breaking on the reef with calm wateron the inside, butter glass water and of course, epic downwinders. With miles of coast-line, the crowds are well dispersed. The best part is that the majority of kiteboardersknow how to ride. This means everyone, except for the beginners, can usually man-age to pass each other without tangling lines and kites! On top of that there is usual-ly a world class pro kill’n it right in front of the hotel.

A couple miles upwind of Kite Beach is La Boca. This is “the slick” of the Dominican.For all of you flat water junkies like myself,. this is where you go to find your solitude.It is only 5 minutes away from the hotel and a 60 peso moto concho ride. The rivermouth shelters a 150-yard stretch of butter and extends to the breaking waves on theoutside. When you’ve had your flat water fix, go outside to the ocean and tear up thewaves on an epic downwinder back to the hotel. If you’re not dead form riding, con-tinue down to Encuentro, which is a renowned surf break. If you are lucky you mightsee Andre Phillip or Moe Gould tearing it up.

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Cabarete Night LifeIf you can manage to actually leave behind eXtreme Hotels nightly parties, Cabarete has a strip of clubs on the beachthat can leave some holes in the memory. Here are a couple of rules and guidelines that will help you make the bestof the nightlife in Cabarete. One: Start out at the Blue Bar, you probably won’t make to the strip. The Cuba Libre’s tastebetter than you could imagine. Two: The sandwich guy by the Blue Bar is one of the best late night “krunked” food ever!Three: Be prepared if you are taking a motoconcho or taxi. Have their money ready to go without sifting through yourwallet in front of them.

Mike Norman is an up and coming professional kiteboarder who rides for Best Kiteboarding and Dakine.

CABA

RETE

TIPS

■ Exchange rates can vary on a daily basis.Change money only as you need it as theexchange rate back to US dollars is very high.For some pocket change, go ahead andchange money at the airport bank. Use this asa benchmark for negotiating a better pricefrom one of the many money exchange boothsor “cambios” on the streets of Cabarete. Doingyour research will save you money.

■ Island Time is a lot different than 5pm LosAngeles. The Dominican lifestyle is laid backand things often take longer than expected.Whether its dinner, taxis or waiting for a beer,remember that you are now on “island time”and on holiday. Just relax. The madder you get,the slower the service.

■ Taxi Drivers and moto conchos are the basicmeans of transportation. You don’t need yourown transportation unless you want to betotally independent or explore. Be careful rid-ing the conchos at night. Many of the conchodrivers like to booze it up on the night shift.Also be careful of their exposed exhaust pipesor you will go home with a “Dominican tattoo.”If you are staying at a hotel, ask the managerto get you a taxi. Rates are about $20 RDbetween Kite Beach and Cabarete for a motoconcho, and $150 RD for a taxi.

■ Shopping in the Dominican Republic can bemore fun than the nightlife. The local tiendas arefilled with beautiful Taino Indian influenced art-work, jewelry and every famous cigar imagina-ble. Bartering with shop owners is a must. Makesure you have smaller bills. Shop owners willoften claim they can’t change bigger bills.

■ Avoiding “Tourista” or getting sick is easy ifyou pay attention to what you eat and drink.Make sure the cuba libre’s or any cold bever-age are served with fresh ice. Use commonsense when eating out. If it looks sketchy, itmost likely is sketchy. Parasites, bacteria andsalmonella can be picked up if you are notcareful. The local medical centers can fix youup in minutes if you can’t seem to shake it.Drink plenty of bottled water. Also if you get acut or gash, take care of it. Go the pharmacyand get the powder form antibiotic as woundsheal slower in the tropics.

■ Bad American attitudes reflect upon everyone.Unfortunately we are stereotyped just like theFrench. Always be patient and courteous witheveryone you come into contact with. A smileand a “no comprende” while walking away willshake most people off. Keeping a positive atti-tude will save you from a lot of headaches.

Extreme Hotels - Cabarete

Andy Hurdman uses eXtreme Cabarete as a training center.

Presidente is the local beer.Mike Norman working on his handle pass.The eXtreme bar offers free wireless internet.

"Morona" entertains the beach bar during happy hour.

Felix Pivec enjoys a wavesession at Encuentro.

The local casinos are a cab ride away. eXtreme Bar can get wild some nights.Eddy and Cecilia are your

eXtreme Bar hook up.

Local Hookupswww.4tdomrep.com One of the most authorative and entertaining guides on the island, Rich Weber offers backcountry guide service dedicat-ed to introducing visitors to some of the island's lesser-known wonders away from the beaches. His nature hike ending in spring filled caves isan experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.www.dominicanproject.com Paintball and wakeboard slider park scheduled to open April 2005 on the Yasica River, also known as La Boca.The three amigos Robbie, Vlad and Jeff can’t wait to unveil their camp in their private, jungle valley just 15 minutes outside of Cabarete.www.coastalmotoadventures.com More than just white sandy beaches and lush tropical jungles. You’ll also experience pine forests in themountains, complete with waterfalls and rivers that can't be compared to any others in the [email protected] “German Mike” has organized canyoning competitions worldwide and knows the DR like the back of his hand.Enjoy this thrilling adventure involving rappelling, cliff jumping, hiking and swimming.www.iguanamama.com specializing in mountain bike tours from easy to expert. One stop tour operator for other island excursions.www.ambercoastadventures.com Carolyn’s tried everything and has chosen the best of the best. Not sure what to do? Amber Coast will cus-tomize something just right for you.

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Nina Johansson smiles for the camera before she chargesan afternoon session. Oahu, Hawaii Photo Jeff Pfeffer

Flash Austin soul session in front of a stunning audience.Maui, Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Wind Wing

This unknown grom in Coche, Venezuela jerry rigged PVConto his father's fishing boat so he could learn to ride rails.Photo Ryan Riccitelli

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Maui up and comer, Shawn Richards showing some newschool style. Photo Kim Kern

Southern California barrel sessions are the perfect way tostart the day. Photo Paul Jav

Vietnam is a seemingly untapped kiteboarding adventurewaiting to happen. Photo Aaron Glazman.

Send It photo contest winner.

Brendan “Hollywood” Richards making use of the pond at Waddell Creek,California. Photo Matt Mink

Andy Hurdman in paradise. Los Roques, Venezuela. Photo Henry DupontAndy Hurdman in paradise. Los Roques, Venezuela. Photo Henry Dupont

Andre Phillip, Pete Cabrinha andMark Ramsier enjoy a relaxingmoment between sessions.Rarotonga Photo Tracy Kraft

Elliot Leboe smashes a wave at Lanes, Maui. Photo Charles Oreve

Jason Stone is a legend on and off the water.Maui, Hawaii. Photo Dino Tassara

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While most people in the USA were freezing their butts off, Gail Zaccai

explores her own version of Endless Summer at Byron Bay, Australia.

Photo Jim Semlor

Hawaiian backgrounds are amazing for photos. Denver Coonis frozen in time trying to nail a 360. Photo Diego Velasco

Our Art Director, James Brown, snowkiting in theColorado backcountry. Photo Jeff Swanstrom

I sold Kalani Cook’s dad his first kitein 2002. By the looks of this photo,Kalani must have borrowed his dad’sgear. Photo Daniel Gallet

This aerial shot of "La Boca" illustrates the kiteboarding potential thatsurrounds Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Photo Stefan Reuether

Jason Wolcott captures Corky Cullen's signature Indy inVentura, California. Photo Jason Wolcott

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Imagine what is going through this local’s mind as kiteboarding enters his world. Egypt. Photo DanGavere

Johnny Romais’ explosive style is earning him respectamongst the Maui riders. Photo Kim Kern

Sometimes kiteboarding in a tropical place is not a reality for many. Our hat is off to the JordanRiver crew for standing proud waiting for wind on a day most of us would say no.Photo Courtesy of the Jordan River Crew.

Mike Bradley gets slotted at the Jupiter Kite Invasion during his heat.He definitely wins first in our book. Photo Matt Cotton

2005 is blowing right by and most of us are still clueless about the latest gear line-up.

The staff here at The Kiteboarder magazine are regular people who have to make the same gear choices

everyone else does. We put our heads together and designed the 2005 Product Watch to help guide you

through the process. We decided to list basic product specs along with key contact information so you can

further your research online. Don't miss www.kbmag.com for the new electronic Product Watch section.

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2005 Gear Guide2005 Gear Guide

FlowSizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $879 complete, $644kite only

LiftSizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $1036 complete,$801 kite only

2005 Airide BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 38, 45, 50, 55, 65cmMSRP: starting at $240 complete

Airush X-PactType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 120, 122, 127, 135cm Width: 35, 37, 38, 39cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $696 complete

Pro-ToyType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 119,127,137cmWidth: 38, 38, 39cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $696 complete

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AIRUSHDistributor: USA - Sky Hi Distributing, Canada - Trident Sports Website: airush.com, skyhiusa.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 808.871.2723 Products: Kites, Bars, Boards, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Felix Pivec, Tina Harrison, Ofri (Mustafa) Argov, Neal Hilder, SteevesFons, Jose Luengo, Colin McCulloch, Petra Schaefer, Danny Cruz, Darren Marshall,Gisela Pulido, Dimitri Maramenides, Julian Sudrat, Dieter Moherndl, Tom Hebert,Louis MiguelCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - ThailandYears on Market: 6

Warranty: kites - 30 days, boards - 1 year

Guide to the Product Watch 2005 Gear Guide

KITES

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Amundson CustomsDistributor: USA - Amundson CustomsWebsite: amundsoncustoms.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 808.781.6858Products: Custom boards, AccessoriesTeam Riders: The Space Monkeys, Bakalao, and the friends who ride my designsand give me feed back and move my designs to the next level.Country of manufacture: USYears on Market: 5Warranty: No warranties just a guarantee that you will be very satisfied with yournew board!

M2Type of Board: mutant/twin (can beridden backwards)Type of Construction: customLength: custom (most popular in125cm to 140cm)Width: customFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $780 complete w/shipping

T2Type of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: customLength: custom (most popular in 100-150cm range)Width: customFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $780 complete w/shipping

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KitesProduct Name Sizes: All sizing measured in flat area and is in square meters

Type of Kite: Two categories inflatable or foil (open or closed cell)

Aspect Ratio: L = low, M = moderate, H = high

Rider Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced

MSRP: Manufacturers suggested retail price. All pricing listed as starting at completeand kite only, starting at the smallest size. All pricing rounded to nearest USD.

BarsProduct Name Types: 4-line, 4-line (fifth line optional), 5-line

Sizes: all in metric, unless noted otherwise

MSRP: Manufacturers suggested retail price. Starting at the smallest size complete.All pricing rounded to nearest USD.

BoardsProduct Name Types of boards: twin-tip, directional, mutant-twin (can be ridden backwards), mutant

Type of construction: Custom = “made by hand”- materials and methods vary per man-ufacturer. Check website for specifications. Production: “mass produced”- materials andmethods vary per manufacturer. Check manufacturers website for specifications.

Lengths: smallest to largest in centimeters, unless note otherwise

Widths: narrowest to widest in metric in centimeters, unless noted otherwise

Fins: total number of fins on board Rider Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced

MSRP: Manufacturers suggested retail price. Starting at the smallest size complete.All pricing rounded to nearest USD.

AccessoriesProduct Name Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, or one size fits all, or actual dimensions

MSRP: Manufacturers suggested retail price. All pricing rounded to nearest USD

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2005 Gear GuideProduct WatchProduct Watch

Tempest All Terrain KiteSizes: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $574, $449 kite only

BFKSizes: 16, 18, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: HRider Level: advancedMSRP: starting at $974 complete, $849kite only

NemesisSizes: 8,10,12,14mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: HRider Level: advancedMSRP: starting at $674 complete, $549kite only

RiotSizes: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $574 complete, $449kite only

YargaSizes: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $574 complete, $449kite only

GruntSizes: 3, 5, 7, 9mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: LRider Level: beginnerMSRP: starting at $424 complete, $299kite only

FurySizes: 5, 7, 9, 12mType of Kite: foilAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $374 complete, $249kite only

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Best KiteboardingDistributor: USA - Best KiteboardingWebsite: bestkiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected]

Skype: bestkiteboardingPhone numbers: 1.866.700.BEST (2378) Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Shannon Best, Jason Stone, Jo Jo Carniero, Clinton Bolton, ReneeHanks, Andy Hurdman, Michelle BaillotCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - China/USA, bars - ChinaYears on Market: 1Warranty: 30-day performance guarantee, 90-day materials/workmanship

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Amundson - continued Best - continued

YT Series (YT5/ YT Wing/ YT Pin)Type of Board: directional Type of Construction: customLength: customWidth: customFins: 3Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $800 complete w/shipping

Mid Size Twin TipType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: customLength: custom (most popular in 130-150cm range)Width: customFins: 6Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $780 complete w/shipping

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Cabal SXType of Board: Skim directional swal-lowtailType of Construction: PVC core, epoxy,PBT topsheetLength: 46”, 51”Width: 20 1/4”, 21 5/8”Fins: 0Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: $249, $259

Cabal Roush FIREType of Board: Skim directional roundpinType of Construction: PVC core, epoxy,PBT topsheetLength: 50”, 52.5”Width: 20 1/4”, 21”Fins: 0Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: $299

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Cabal SkimboardsDistributor: North America- Cabal DC Inc.Website: www.cabaldc.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] Phone numbers: 509-493-1400 Products: Skimboards.Team Riders: Brian Lake, Joey Pasquali, Ian Daly, Jeff Kafka,Country of manufacture: boards - USAYears on Market: 2

Warranty: boards 3 months

Best Carbon BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 45, 55, 60cm MSRP: starting at $154.98 complete

Best Carbon Swivel BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 45, 55, 60cmMSRP: starting at $174.98 complete

Best Carbon Pulley BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 38, 45cmMSRP: starting at $134.98 complete

Best Carbon Pulley Swivel BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 38, 45cmMSRP: starting at $174.98 complete

Best Kick 5th Line BarType: 5-lineSizes: 45, 55, 60cmMSRP: starting at $179.98 complete

BARS

Drive SeriesType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 121, 125, 131cmWidth: 36, 38, 39cmFins: 4Rider Level: advancedMSRP: starting at $549 board only,$619 complete

Float SeriesType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 133, 135cmWidth: 42, 44cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner—advancedMSRP: starting at $529 board only,$599 complete

Best ProType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 124, 130, 144cm Width: 38.5, 40.5, 41.5cmFins: 4Rider Level: advancedMSRP: starting at $499 board only,$569 complete

140Type of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 140cmWidth: 46cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginnerMSRP: starting at $429 board only,$499 complete

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CabrinhaDistributor: USA - Adventure Sports Inc.Website: cabrinhakites.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected], [email protected] numbers: 305.591.3922Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Pete Cabrinha, Andre Phillip, Gianni Aragno, Damien Leroy, ElliotLeboe, Stav Niarchos, Julie Gilbert, Tomoko Okazaki, Jun OshimaCountry of manufacture: China

Years on Market: 6 Warranty: [email protected]

NitroSizes: 5, 6.5, 8, 10, 12, 14mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $1163 complete,$910 kite only

CO2Sizes: 6.5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $1145 complete,$823 kite only

KITES

IconType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 130, 140, 150cmWidth: 35, 35.5, 36cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $580 complete

ProdigyType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 158 cmWidth: 41 cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - intermediate MSRP: starting at $525 complete

BOARDS

NeilPryde NPX SEMIDRY 4/3 E1 Wind Sizes: n/aMSRP: starting at $227

NeilPryde 5000 Series ShortSleeve Steamer 3/3 E3 WindSizes: n/aMSRP: starting at $274

NeilPryde 3000 Series 3/2 Shorty WindSizes: n/aMSRP: starting at $122

NeilPryde NPX 4000 SeriesHeatseeker Long SleeveSizes: n/aMSRP: starting at $62

NeilPryde 4000 Series Marine High Hook Vest CESizes: n/aMSRP: starting at $84

ACCESSORIES - NEILPRYDE

Recon Gen 2 BarType: 4-line carbon MSRP: starting at $337 complete

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Caution Santa CruzDistributor: USA - Caution KitesWebsite: cautionkites.comCustomer service: [email protected], [email protected],[email protected] numbers: 805.984.3276Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Dave Broom, Cees Van Oosterum, Rutger Zomer, Dylan Grafmyre,Brendan “Hollywood” Richards, Bruce Eliashof, Chris Gutzeit, Chuck Patterson,Garfield KingCountry of manufacture: kites - Sri Lanka, boards - USAYears on Market: 6 years

Warranty: kites - 90 days, boards - 90 days

Spitfire 2Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: M-HRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $900 complete, $720kite only

KITES

Caution Spitfire II Swivel BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 50, 60cm MSRP: starting at $150

BAR

Caution Missing LinkType of Board: mutant/twin (can beridden backwards)Type of Construction: productionLength: 135cmWidth: 38.74cmFins: 6Rider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: $666 complete

Caution Redline SeriesType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 122, 132, 142cmWidth: 38.10, 38.10, 38.74cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $600 complete

BOARDS

Caution Glueless ErgonomicContoured Foot PadSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $40/pair

Caution Adjustable ErgonomicContoured Foot StrapSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $40/pair

5th Line Easy Fit Kit for Spitfire KitesSizes: adjustable per kiteMSRP: TBA

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Blast from the PastBrand: F-One 7.5 bridled foil

Model: Pre-Shadow

Year: 2000

History: The kite was plain yellow and white with no graphics or model namescreened on the canopy. Branding apparently wasn’t as important back then. It had twolines with a third for a brake so there was no on-the-fly depowering. It shot to the edgeof the window quickly so it had to be constantly moving in the power zone to generatejuice. We would particularly like to forget about the pink windsurf-style seat harness.

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DakineDistributor: USA - DAKINEWebsite: dakine.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected], [email protected] numbers: 541.386.3166Products: AccessoriesTeam Riders: Ben Wilson, Bertrand Fleury, Chris Gilbert, Chuck Patterson, DaveTyburski, Denver Coon, Dimitri Maramenides, Gianni Aragno, Jeff Tobias, JoseLuengo, Mark Doyle, Mauricio Abreu, Simone Vannucci, Bri Chmel, Fiona Wedenig,Gisela Pulido, Julie Simsar, Morgan Skipperdene, Nina Johansson.Country of manufacture: WorldwideYears on Market: 5

Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Siren Waist HarnessSizes: XS-LMSRP: $99

Fusion Seat HarnessSizes: XS-XLMSRP: $135

BTS BagSizes: 140cmMSRP: $150

Cyclone Full Finger GlovesSizes: XS-XLMSRP: $34

Adjustable Control ContourFootstrapsSizes: adjustableMSRP: $54/pair

Adjustable Vario ContourFootstrapsSizes: adjustableMSRP: $54/pair

Raptor Traction PadSizes: 10 Piece PadMSRP: $$29.99

XXX Pro Comp LeashSizes: Size: 6’ x 3/16”MSRP: $$25.00

ACCESSORIES

FlexifoilDistributor: Jeoffrey Nathan for the Eastern US and Peter Trow for the Western USWebsite: flexifoil.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected], [email protected],[email protected] numbers: 401.487.3756, 805.698.0971Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Aaron Hadlow, Kirsty Jones, Danny Seales, Andreya WharryCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - South AfricaYears on Market: 3Warranty: Flexifoil will repair or replace at our discretion any product that hasfailed as a result of a manufacturing fault with no time limit. Wear and tear,

customization or using the product incorrectly are not covered

EH Carbon BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 45, 55cmMSRP: starting at $199 complete

BARS

EH KiteboardingDistributor: USA - EH Kiteboarding Website: ehkiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected], Skype: ehkite-boardingshop Phone numbers: 809.571.9578 Products: Kites, Boards, BarsTeam Riders: Claes Lundin, Jerson Sanchez, Hugo LjungbergCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - CabareteYears on Market: 5

Warranty: 90 days

EH WaveSizes: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $749 complete, $649kite only

EH FreestyleSizes: 8, 10, 12, 14mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: HRider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $799 complete, $699kite only

EH Cabarete LightwindSizes: 16, 19, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider: intermediateMSRP: starting at $1099 complete,$999 kite onlyNot Pictured

KITES

EH Cabarete CustomsType of Board: all stylesType of Construction: customLength: customWidth: customFins: customRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $750 complete

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SabreSizes: 7, 9.5, 11.5mType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $1020 complete, n/akite only

Strike 2Sizes: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $1040 complete,$800 kite only

BulletSizes: 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 7mType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - intermediate forsmaller size (2.5) and intermediate -advanced for larger sizes MSRP: starting at $329 complete, n/akite only

BuzzSizes: 0.8m trainerType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginnerMSRP: $109 complete, n/a kite only

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Blast from the PastBrands: Hana Crew, Slingshot, S.O.S.

Models: Too many to list

Year: 1997 - Present

History: Neil Hutchinson proudly sits at the X-Rated Tiki Bar surrounded by hisown personal “bone-yard” of kiteboards that helped pioneer the early days of oursport. The large, pointy, F-One board was one of the hottest boards on the marketuntil the twin tip revolution came along. This photo illustrates the incredible amountof research and development that has gone into the evolution of kiteboard building.


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CBX50 Carbon Control BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 50cmMSRP: $215 complete

CBX50 5th Line UpgradeSizes: n/aMSRP: $100

BARS

Rookie 2Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 9mType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $299 complete, n/akite only

ExtacySizes: 4.5, 7, 10, 13, 17mType of Kite: foil (closed cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $959 complete, n/akite only

Psycho 2Sizes: 7, 10, 13, 17, 21, 26mType of Kite: foil (closed cell)Aspect Ratio: HRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $1299 complete, n/akite only

KITES

GaastraDistributor: USA- Icon Sports Inc.Website: gaastrakites.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 508.758.8025 (USA)Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Davey Blair, Jose Luis Ciricao, Jonah Lepak, Susi Mai, SheldonPlentovich, Cory Roeseler, Dylan ThompsonCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - China/ThailandYears on Market: 4

Warranty: kites - 1 year, boards - 1 year

FlysurferDistributor: Flysurfer USAWebsite: flysurfer-usa.com, flysurfer.deCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 757.620.2786Products: Kites, BarsTeam Riders: Ted Bautista, Sebastian Bubmann, Jens Siegert, Kai Frasunkiewicz,Marcus Dampsell, Armin HarichCountry of manufacture: GermanyYears on Market: 6Warranty: 1 year

Flexifoil - continued

VisionSizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $939 complete, $749kite only

ForceSizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $739 complete, $549kite only

KITES

Defender Type: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 45, 55cmMSRP: starting at $159

BAR

VisionType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 118, 128, 131cmWidth: 37, 39, 41cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $749

RiderXType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 136, 146, 156cmWidth: 38, 41, 44cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $499

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StingSizes: 1.2m trainerType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: $179 complete, n/a kite only

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Hana CrewDistributor: USA - Hana CrewWebsite: hanacrew.com, x-tremekiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 252.480.2879Products: Boards, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Dimitri Maramenides, Hamish Macdonald, Hope Levin, Evin Netch,Jaime Escaleras, Brian Greewall, Gabe Brown, Neil Hutshison, Damien Leroy, RickShneck, Jeff Howard, Mark JorrensCountry of manufacture: USAYears on Market: 5 years

Warranty: 90-day material/workmanship

Rebel SeriesType of Board: mutant/twin (can beridden backwards)Type of Construction: productionLength: 135cm (Rebel 2, Rebel)Width: 34, 38cm Fins: 5Rider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $600 complete

RiddickType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 127cm Width: 25cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $600 complete

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Blast from the PastBrand: F-One

Model: 6’3, XF-70 directional, 28” stock bar, Shadow 7m

Year: 2000

History: Matt Nuzzo helped pioneer kiteboarding along the East Coast and is one of the foundersand owners of Real Kiteboarding. Matt and his partner Trip Foreman were instrumental in devel-oping one of the first kiteboarding schools in the United States. Matt’s shaggy mullet was as upto-date as his gear when this photo was taken.P

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Jimmy LewisDistributor: USA - RealkiteboardingWebsite: jimmylewis.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 808.573.2969Products: Custom boards, Production boards, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Mauricio Abreu, Konrad Bright, Colin Gowland, Dylan Grafmyre,Rony Jabbour, Garfield King, Hiro Nakajima, Matt Nuzzo, Tomoko Okazaki,Niccolo Porcella, John RomaisCountry of manufacture: customs - USA, productions - VietnamYears on Market: customs - 6 yr., productions - 1 yr.Warranty: The warranty on Jimmy’s custom boards is the same as the produc-tion boards: the materials and workmanship are guaranteed to be flawless. If therider breaks the board: it broke because he landed wrong, not because

there were any defects in the board.

MODEL III Production BoardsType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 125, 133, 139, and 145cmWidth: n/a Fins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $800 complete

BITCH-WITCH Production BoardsType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 128, 138cmWidth: n/a Fins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $800 complete

RAD-F Production BoardsType of Board: mutant-twinType of Construction: productionLength: 132, 137cmWidth: n/a Fins: 5Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $800 complete

BOARDS

Adjustable AsymmetricalFootstrapsSizes: adjustableMSRP: $40/pair

Symmetrical FootpadsSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $45/pair

Stubby Grab RailsSizes: various shapesMSRP: $26/set

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Hana Crew - continued

MatrixType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 120cmWidth: 35cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $600 complete

D2Type of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 130cmWidth: 49cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $600 completeNot Pictured

RavenType of Board: directional (or removepads/straps for skim board)Type of Construction: productionLength: 130cm Width: 51cm Fins: 1Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $600 complete

BOARDS

Liquid ForceDistributor: USA - Liquid ForceWebsite: liquidforce.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 800.820.7781Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Moehau Goold, Jason Slezak, Corky Cullen, Tuterai MontaronCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - USA, accessories - ChinaYears on Market: 5

Warranty: kites - 90 days, boards - 1 year, accessories - 1 year

Spectrum IISizes: 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 14.0, 17.0,20.0mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $600 complete, $450kite only

KITESLiquid Force Spinning PowerlockType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: n/aMSRP: starting at $230

BAR

ElementType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 128, 134 cmWidth: 41, 42cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $550 (board onlywith fins)

Drop Ltd.Type of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 132, 138 cmWidth: 40, 41cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $550 (board onlywith fins)

WLFType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 130, 140cmWidth: 46cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $550 (board onlywith fins)

DropType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 130, 140cmWidth: 38.7, 39.4cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $450 (board onlywith fins)

MLFType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 120cmWidth: 40cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $350 (board onlywith fins)

BOARDS

Board Interface SystemSizes: S-XLMSRP: starting at $110

Union BindingSizes: MD, LG, XLMSRP: starting at $249.99

ACCESSORIES

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Blast from the PastBrand: Liquid Force

Model: Picklefork 141

Year: 2001

History: The Liquid Force Pickleforks™ were the original kiteboards shaped by Jimmy Lewis. Years of R&Dand experience went into these functional shapes. The picklefork™ shape was the shape all the Pros used.If you were looking for limitless up-wind ability, powerful technical jumps, and ease of riding the LiquidForce Picklefork™ was the board for you at that time.P

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LitewaveDistributor: Litewave DesignsWebsite: litewavedesigns.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 916.961.1117Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Top Hat, Sam Bell, Fabian Frick, Nina Johannson, Pierre JorisCountry of manufacture: boards - USA, kites - Hong KongYears on Market: Litewave - 7, Globerider - 3 Warranty: 90 days

Globerider Lift 3Sizes: 7, 9, 12, 15, 18mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $999 complete, $799kite only

Globerider Curl 3Sizes: 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $979 complete, $779kite only

KITES

360° Spinning BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: adjustable 43/53, 53/63cmMSRP: starting at $250 complete

BAR

Freeride SeriesType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 136, 148, 158, 169, 179cmWidth: 37, 39, 41, 43, 46cmFins: 4 (6-fin in larger sizes)Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $599 complete

Freestyle SeriesType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 115, 125, 135, 145cmWidth: 38, 39, 41, 43cmFins: 4 (6-fin in larger sizes)Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $599 complete

BOARDS

NaishDistributor: USA - North Sports, Inc.Website: naishkites.com, naishusa.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 509.493.4938Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Robby Naish, Mark Shinn, Adam Koch, Ben Meyer, Abel Lago,Leeshai Miller, Chris Gilbert, Don Montague, Greg Drexler, Paul Franco, PatirckKoller, Katsushi Shinjo, Yuri T. DrexlerCountry of manufacture: Thailand & PolandYears on Market: 7

Warranty: kites 90 - days, boards 6 - months

TorchSizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $1120 complete,$740 kite only

RavenSizes: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $1230 complete,$850 kite only

BoxerSizes: 4, 6, 9,12,16, 19mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $850 complete, $570kite only

KITES

Shift SystemType: 5-line Sizes: 45, 50, 55cm MSRP: starting at $370 complete

BAR

Litewave Board BagSizes: 138, 150, 180cmMSRP: $90

Dual Density PadsSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $28

Pro Strap-adjustableSizes: one size fits all MSRP: $49/pair

Boost Strap-standardSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $36/pair

Butterfly ProSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $123

Integrator Impact VestSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $79

ACCESSORIESSolType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 120, 125, 130, 135 cmWidth: 36.5, 37.5, 38.5, 39.5 cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $750 complete

AlienType of Board: MutantType of Construction: production Length: 121, 137, 145 cmWidth: 37, 38.25, 42.1 cmFins: 4-6Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $750 complete

GromType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 111 cmWidth: 31.3 cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $700 complete

Kite WaveType of Board: directionalType of Construction: production Length: 165.5 cmWidth: 45.4 cmFins: 3Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $700 complete

ThornType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 126, 129, 132, 135 cmWidth: 37.5, 38.5, 39.5, 41.4 cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner – advanced MSRP: starting at $900 complete

RoseType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 122 cmWidth: 35.1 cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $700 complete

BOARDS

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Blast from the PastBrand: Naish

Model: Pre-AR3.5 Kite and 4’10” Naish Hawaii custom directional

Year: 2000

History: Robby Naish is a living legend in the action sports industry. His experience and legacy asa world champion windsurfer helped pioneer the early days of kiteboarding. There was actually aday when there were no Naish kites. Robby deserves credit for launching the first United Statesbased kiteboarding brand in the world. Since, Naish kites has grown to be one of the largest kitemanufacturers in the world. Thank god we don’t have to hang onto “broomsticks” like that anymore.

2005 Gear GuideProduct WatchProduct WatchP

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Ocean RodeoDistributor: Ocean Rodeo SportsWebsite: oceanrodeo.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected], [email protected] numbers: 250.544.4969Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Matthieu Blanchard and others TBACountry of manufacture: n/aYears on Market: 4

Warranty: kites - 1 year, boards - 3 months

BroncoSizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: HRider Level: intermediate—advancedMSRP: starting at $890 complete, $602kite only

StingerSizes: 1.8 trainer, 4, 8, 11, 15mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: LRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $350 complete, $250kite only

KITES

NSI (North Shore Inc.)Distributor: USA - North Shore Inc.Website: nsikiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 541.386.1980 Products: Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: n/aCountry of manufacture: USA (except the Deceiver bag is made in China)Years on Market: 6

Warranty: Satisfaction guaranteed on all products: no timeline.

Longhorn Carbon Kite BarType: 4-lineSizes: 45, 53, 61, 71, 86cmMSRP: starting at $169 bar only (callfor a quote on complete setup)

BAR

Ocean Rodeo Punch-OutTM BarType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 40, 50, 60cmMSRP: starting at $250 complete

BAR

Pyro DrysuitType: DrysuitSizes: XXXS - XXXLMSRP: starting at $490

ACCESSORIES

Mako-XCONType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 150cmWidth: 34.5cmFins: 2Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $835 complete

Legend-ALXType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 142cmWidth: 36.5cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - intermediateMSRP: starting at $675 complete

Zen-FRSType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 123, 135cm Width: 36, 37cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $835 complete

BOARDS

Hein Series KiteboardsType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: custom-prodn Length: 118, 125, 130cm. Available inany custom outline.Width: 36, 38, 39cm Fins: 6Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $699 complete

BOARDS

Adam Koch Pro Kite StrapSizes: adjustableMSRP: $22

Reel LeashSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $55

Pro Tec Ace HelmetsSizes: S, M, L, XLMSRP: $ 45 Water, $65 Wake

NSI Turbo Blow & NSI SuperTurbo Blow RechargeableElectric Kite PumpsSizes: 7.5 PSI max, 12 PSI maxMSRP: Turbo Blow: $149, Super TurboBlow: $189

Deceiver Kite Travel BagSizes: Base End - 13 1/2" X 15" TopEnd - 11 1/2" x 14" Length - 59"MSRP: $145

ACCESSORIES

5th ElementType: 5-lineSizes: one size adjustable 48/57cmMSRP: starting at $330 complete

BAR

Jaime ProType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 123, 126, 128 cmWidth: 35.5, 37.5, 40 cm Fins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $700 complete

DragonType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: production Length: 134, 134, 134 cmWidth: 36, 38.5, 43 cm Fins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $700 complete

BOARDS

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NorthDistributor: USA – North Sports Inc.Website: northkites.comCustomer service/sales email: find your nearest dealer at northkites.comPhone numbers: 509.493.4938Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Charles Deleau, Cindy Mosey, Fabio Ingrosso, Ingrid Kollbichler,Jaime Herraiz, Jeremie Eloy, Sky Solbach, Will JamesCountry of manufacture: kites - Sri Lanka/China, boards - Austria/Thailand

Years on Market: 4 Warranty: kites - 6 months, boards - 6 months

Rhino ‘05Sizes: 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: intermediate - advanced MSRP: starting at $1300 complete,$1016 kite only

Vegas ‘05Sizes: 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $1130 complete,$850 kite only

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Blast from the PastBrand: Jimmy Lewis

Model: Custom prototypes

Year: 2000

History: Jimmy Lewis is one of the most influential board design-ers in kiteboarding. The wall of broken boards paint the evolution ofkiteboard design. The board on the far left is one of the first pickle-fork’s designed for Lou Wainman. The second board is one of ChrisGilbert’s early customs. The board on the right is the prototype of theoriginal Liquid Force production Picklefork. When Jimmy took thisphoto of me in early 2000, I never would have thought I would beusing it to talk about the history of the sport.P

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Ozone Distributor: USA - WindzupWebsite: ozonesnowkites.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 801.501.8300Products: Kites, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Guillaume Chastagnol, Sigve Botten, Fabrice Mondacin, Johan Civel

Country of manufacture: Vietnam Years on Market: 5 Warranty: 1 year

Frenzy 05Sizes: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14mType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $699 complete

ImpSizes: Small, Medium, LargeType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginnerMSRP: starting at $99 complete

SamuraiSizes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.2mType of Kite: foil (open cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $312 complete

KITESFrenzy Carbon Control BarType: 4-lineSizes: 50, 60cmMSRP: starting at $250 complete

Carbon Quad Line BarType: 4-lineSizes: 55, 65cmMSRP: $118 bar only

Ozone Dual Line BarType: 2-line Sizes: 40cmMSRP: $78 complete

BARS

Ozone Pro LinesSizes: 20, 25, 27, 30mMSRP: starting at $96/set

Mountain PackSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $90

BalaclavaSizes: one size fits allMSRP: $24

Modular Safety LeashSizes: universalMSRP: $36

ACCESSORIES

Peter LynnDistributor: USA - Pelton Wind SportsWebsite: peltonwindsports.com Customer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 303.378.6763Products: Kites, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Aaron Heffelfinger, Erik Thompsen, Jennifer Chase, Pete Lynn,Erwan Gruel, Steffan Cook, Diana Veenma, Mano Collette, Chris Brent, Nicolas Falcou

Country of manufacture: Holland Years on Market: 6 Warranty: 1 year

BombaSizes: 8.5, 10.5, 13, 15, 17, 20mType of Kite: foil (closed cell)Aspect Ratio: LRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $965 complete,$713 kite only

Phantom Sizes: 6, 9, 12, 15, 18mType of Kite: foil (closed cell)Aspect Ratio: HRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $935 complete,$683 kite only

VenomSizes: 8, 10, 13, 16, 19mType of Kite: foil (closed cell)Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $1,039 complete,$787 kite only

KITES

Zero4 Pro Carbon barType: 4-line Sizes: 40, 50, 60cmMSRP: starting at $252 complete

BAR

Spinning/Swinging Spreader BarSizes: 30cm MSRP: $70

ACCESSORIES

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RRDDistributor: USA / North America- Cabal DC Inc.Website: www.robertoriccidesigns.com www.cabaldc.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] Phone numbers: 509-493-1400 Products: Kites, Bars, Boards.Team Riders: David Tyburski, Mikael Fernandez, Bri Chmel, Denver Coon, BrianLake, Joey Pasquali, Chip Wasson, Nick Bowers, Ian Daly, Rebecca Wolthers, JeffKafka, Dan Gavere, Simone Vannucci.Country of manufacture: kites - China, boards - ThailandYears on Market: 7

Warranty: kites – 6 months, boards - 1 year

Type 6Sizes: 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - proMSRP: starting at $875 complete, $595kite only

Type WaveSizes: 8, 10, 12, 15mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - proMSRP: starting at $995 complete, $805kite only

ZH Sizes: 8, 10, 13, 16, 20, 24mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: M-HRider Level: intermediate - proMSRP: starting at $995 complete, $825kite only

KITES

2005 Type Wave BarType: 5-line with 5th line integratedinto de-power system Sizes: 19”, 23”.MSRP: starting at $249 complete withline-set

2005 ZH BarType: 5/4-line optional carbon smalldiameter Sizes: 19”, 23”.MSRP: starting at $249 complete withline-set

2005 Type Six BarType: 4-line Sizes: 17”, 19”, 23”.MSRP: starting at $249 complete withline-set

BARS

RRD Triplex XXXType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: CHK customproductionLength: 126, 128, 130, 132, 134cm Width: 35, 36, 37, 38, 40cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: $599 complete

RRD Martin ModelType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: CHK customproductionLength: 128,132cmWidth: 38, 40cmFins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $679 complete

RRD Broad SpectrumType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: custom productionLength: 140, 150, 160cmWidth: 37, 37, 39cmFins: 6Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $499 complete

RRD WaveOffType of Board: Directional surfType of Construction: CHK customproductionLength: 4’11”, 5’2”, 5’6”Width: 41, 43, 45cmFins: 3 tri-fin thrusterRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $699 complete

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SlingshotDistributor: USA - Slingshot KiteboardingWebsite: sskiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 509.493.3979Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Mark Doyle, Jeff Tobias, Fiona Wedenig, Ben Wilson, BertrandFlueryCountry of manufacture: kites – China, boards – ThailandYears on Market: 5

Warranty: kites – 90 days, boards – 90 days

The MachineSizes: 17.5, 20.5, 25.5mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: beginner—advancedMSRP: starting at $1650 complete, TBAkite only

The FuelSizes: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $1030 complete,$780 kite only

KITES

Profire Bar with ONELINE kitType: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 17”MSRP: Profire Bar 17" with ChickenLoop $170.00 / ONELINE kit $139.00

BAR

The SXType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 130, 137, 151 cmWidth: 38, 40, 43cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $650 complete

The MisfitType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 123, 128, 136 cmWidth: 37, 38, 40cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $750 complete

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TakoonDistributor: n/a for United StatesWebsite: takoon.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: +33 4 67 99 01 84Products: Kites, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Niccolo Porcella, Tuva Jansen, Luciano Gonzalez, Hervé Bouré,Anna Sparre, Daphnée Laliberté, Marc GondardCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - Thailand/Czech RepublicYears on Market: 4

Warranty: visit takoon.com

Skoop 4Sizes: 9, 11.5, 14.5mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: HRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $1425 complete,$1225 kite only

Wook 3Sizes: 7.5, 9.5, 12, 14mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $1300 complete,$1040 kite only

KITES

Dreambar 05Type: 4-line (fifth line optional)Sizes: 47, 55cmMSRP: starting at $270 complete

BARVegasType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 127, 128, 137,138cmWidth: 35.5, 38, 36.5, 39cm Fins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $840 complete

BOARDS

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WindwingDistributor: USA - WindExpress Global DirectWebsite: windexpress.com, windwing.com Customer service/sales email: [email protected], [email protected],Skype: windexpservicePhone numbers: 800.345.9464, 541.386.3905Products: Kites, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Flash AustinCountry of manufacture: China, Sri Lanka

Years on Market: 3 Warranty: 90 days

RaptureSizes: 9, 12, 15, 18mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: M - HRider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: starting at $715 complete, $554kite only

OutrageSizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 21mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: HRider Level: advancedMSRP: starting at $684 complete, $565kite only

Rage IISizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17m Type of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advanced MSRP: starting at $660 complete, $489kite only

SparkSizes: 2.5, 4mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: LRider Level: beginner—advancedMSRP: 2.5: $340, 4.0: $425 complete,2 kite package: $595

KITES

Windwing CC-SAFE barType: 4-lineSizes: 45, 50, 56cmMSRP: starting at $236 complete

Windwing B-Safe Basic barType: 4-lineSizes: 45, 50, 56cmMSRP: starting at $119, with 23cmlines $171

BARS

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WipikaDistributor: n/a for United StatesWebsite: wipikakiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: 541.386.4440Products: Kite, Boards, Bars, AccessoriesTeam Riders: Mauricio Abreu, Alvaro Onieva, Laurel Eastman, Sebastien Cattelan,Manu Taub, Marcelo CunhaCountry of manufacture: kites - China, boards - Thailand

Years on Market: 8 Warranty: 90-day

Matrix Sizes: 5.5, 7, 8.5, 11, 13.5, 16.5, 19.5, 22.5mType of Kite: inflatableAspect Ratio: MRider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $799 complete, $599kite only

Core Sizes: 2, 4, 5.5, 7, 8.5, 11, 13.5, 16.5, 19.5mType of Kite: inflatable Aspect Ratio: LRider Level: beginner—advancedMSRP: starting at $475 complete, $275kite only

KITES

CLS ProType: 5-line Sizes: 40, 50, 60cmMSRP: starting at $299 complete

BAR

Mauricio Pro 130Type of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 130cm Width: 39.5cm Fins: 4Rider Level: intermediate - advancedMSRP: $649 complete

SerumType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: productionLength: 117,127cm Width: 38, 38cmFins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: starting at $649 complete

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Leucate, France Speed Trials. Photo FX Abonnenc

What Conditions Do you Look For to Go Fast?

The ideal conditions for speed are long, flat stretches ofbutter water with strong winds exceeding 20 knots.Leucate, France is one of the prime spots for speedcompetitions and was the site of the first Kite Speedcontest held in April 2003. The wide open beach andwicked offshore winds have drawn the world's bestkiteboarders to come and challenge the clock.

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ZERO GRAVITYDistributor: USA - Zero Gravity KiteboardingWebsite: www.zerogravitykiteboarding.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] numbers: (361) 949-0266, Fax (361) 949-0541Products: BoardsTeam Rider: Damien Leroy Country of manufacture: USA

Years on Market: 7 Warranty: 1 year

120cmType of Board: twin-tipType of Construction: customLength: 110, 120, 130cmWidth: 36, 38.5, 37.5cm

Fins: 4Rider Level: beginner - advancedMSRP: $650 board only

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COOL NEW STUFF

SPORT SPECIFICDistributor: KRS Global Biotechnology, Inc.Website: www.sportspecificonline.comCustomer service/sales email: [email protected] number: 877-506-0777 Fax: 866 204-9142Products: Sport Specific Boarding FormulaTeam Riders: Andy Hurdman, Dean Randanzzo,Scott Posner, Ryan RaganCountry of manufacture: USAYears on Market: 2Warranty: 100% Money Back Guarantee

Boarding FormulaSport Specific: Boarding Formula contains a protein drink,electrolyte drink and a recovery drink to meet the nutritionneeds of athletes before, during and after boarding. SportSpecific is a nutrition system that integrates each drink tosupport the next one. Unlike generic sport nutrition, SportSpecific: Boarding Formula is designed specifically for kite-boarders, surfers, snowboarders, wakeboarders, and skate-boarders.

O’NEILLDistributor: O’Neill, Inc.Website: www.oneill.comCustomer service/sales email: go to www.oneill.comPhone number: 800-662-7873Products: Wetsuits, Drysuits, AccessoriesYears on Market: 50+ Warranty: 1 year

Gooru Padded JohnProviding insulation, protection and additional lightweightfloatation, the Gooru Padded John can be used for any watersport. Made of 100% Ultraflex with a zipperless entry/exit, thissuit can be worn by itself or over/under a full suit for addedinsulation and floatation. Kiteboarding, Wakeboarding, Tow-inSurfing, this suit knows no boundaries.

Blast from the PastHigh will go down as the video thatchanged the sport of kiteboarding.Lou Wainman, Elliot Leboe and ChrisTronolone pioneered one of the first kite-boarding videos. High does an excellent jobdocumenting the early days of our sport.

Blast from the PastThis is the first issue of Kiteboarding Magazine.Publishing guru, Tom James deserves credit forpioneering the very first kiteboarding magazine inthe world. Tom’s vision has helped grow the sportof kiteboarding exponentially.

How fast can we go on a kiteboard? How do we achieve “controlled” speed? The quest for speed using just wind energy has inspired speedsailors for decades. While speed sailing windward has remained untapped in the world of kiteboarding, the art of downwind speed sailingis getting a good start. Kiteboarders have been consistently recording speeds in excess of 30 knots.

AcademyAcademy

EVERYTHING YOUNEED TO KNOWTO SAIL FASTBy Cory Roeseler

Lou Wainman has been fascinated with pushing the boundaries of speed.Photo Michelle Zuniga

Getting StartedIn order to begin pushing limits in the speed arena, one must first have certain skills in order to stay in control. It is important to be comfortable with the following.

• Overpowering conditions • Multiple kite sizes • Gusty and unpredictable wind • Using safety systems on your equipment

Speed Freak 101Speed kiting can be practiced almost anywhere. Down winders are great for learning control at high speeds. Here are some hints that will help you to ride faster.

• Use a board that you are comfortable with. Having the right piece of equipment under your feet is important. Remove the toe-side fins. They only producedrag. If you are really serious about speed, find a custom board shaper that can make a board to fit your speed sailing needs.

• Use your body as a brake. The goal to speed sailing is to go beyond the point of comfortable speed. As you go faster on a kite you will reach a point wherethe kite seems to have an agenda of its own. It will feel as if someone is steadily pushing the accelerator down further and further. This is due to the kitedropping back deeper and deeper into the wind window. This is where speed sailing begins.

• Use the butt check method to slow yourself down to a controlled speed. Dragging a hand as a brake will also slow you down.

• Use the “chicken jibe” for regaining control. When you are out of control, turn toward the kite as if you were going to jibe. Chase the kite down wind until youcan get it in a controllable position.

• Keep the kite low. This is key for maintaining your edge. With the kite low you have more leverage on your board. Leverage equals control. Be careful whenbringing the kite up too fast from down low when slowing down or stopping. Sending the kite up too fast could lead to an unwanted 30-knot jump.

SummaryWith proper technique and equipment, speed kiting can give you the most insane ride of your life. ALWAYS remember to use common sense and to kiteboard safe byusing the proper locations, equipment and skills to push yourself to your personal limit. With practice you may soon know the thrill of being the fastest kiteboarder onthe water.

Cory Roeseler has been speed kiting since 1987. He holds the 15 nautical mile inshore speed record. Cory is sponsored by Gaastra Kiteboarding International.

• Helmet• Wetsuit and/or impact vest• Kite safety leash• In some cases, use a rescue boat • Flat water with a reasonable depth

• 20 knots and up depending on ones skill. Note that kite sailingbecomes extremely dangerous over 40 knots. Remember that thedynamic force of the kite increases by the square of the wind speed.This means that a kite in 30 knots will have 4 times as much poweras the same kite in 15 knots.

• Common sense

Tools of the Trade

> > >

8180

NETWOTHREEFOURFIVESIXSEVENEIGHTNINETENELEVENTWELVE

Progression 1234567

8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

By Mike Norman

Sponsored by: Best Kiteboarding, Dakine, Extreme Hotels andThe Kiteboarder Magazine

910

Raley to Blind with David Tyburski Photos Stephen Whitesell

The raley to blind is usually the first “to blind” wake-style trick a kiter will learn.First, be comfortable with load and pop tricks keeping the kite low and unhooked!The good thing about this trick is that it can be done at slower speeds so there is noneed to worry about getting smacked.

1 With good power in the kite, unhook and stand tall. Let up on your edgeto gain speed with the kite around 45 degrees.

2 Start a progressive edge upwind.

3 When you feel like the kite wants to pull you up, stand tall, pop and flickthe board up and behind you. NEVER RELEASE YOUR EDGE!

4 Extend the raley to get above your head or else it’s a pop to blind!

>>>

5 Start your blind rotation by turning your head and letting go with your backhand and pull the bar to the small of your back.

6 DON’T LOOK AT THE WATER! Try to look completely around your body.

7 Bend your knees to absorb the shock of landing and put about 70% of yourweight on the toeside edge. If not, it’s a good smack to the back.

8 Reach around and grab the bar with your free hand and ride away!

• It is actually easier to do with the kite lower, because the kite won’t pull you out of your blind riding position.

• Keep the handle close to your hips so the kite doesn’t pull you out.

• Progression: Grab it, Hoochie Glide to blind and then better yet Indy glide to blind. Pass the handle before you land = BLIND JUDGE!

TIPS

TIPS

Slim Chance To Blind withCesar Portas Hernandez Photos Marina Chang

The Slim Chance to blind is on the far side of the advanced tricks. Don’t even thinkthat you are going to land this trick if you can’t pull a solid slim chance.

1 Go into the trick with plenty of speed. It helps to have the kite a littlehigher for a bigger slim chance.

2 UNHOOK!

3 Pop the front roll straight up, so you will be inverted. This will help youto get the handle.

4 Pull the handle to your trailing hip to start the rotation.

5 Look around your body and pass the handle at the small of your back

6 If you still have time in the air, start the blind rotation as you are falling out ofthe sky from the handle pass.

7 Like any blind rotation, turn your head to allow your body to rotate.

8 Pull the handle to your front hip this time to land blind.

9 Bend your knees to absorb the shock of landing.

10 Ride and away and claim that shit because that’s one sick trick!

• Try to grab as close to the center of the bar during the handle pass of the slim chance, this will keep the kite from going crazy on you when you are trying to land blind.

• The bigger you go on the trick the easier it will be. Giving you more time to spot the landing to blind.

• This is a really hard trick so don’t be agitated when you don’t land it the first time.

• Progression: Grab the slim chance on the way up or do it switch!

1

2

3

4567

■ Regular checks and maintenance. Once in awhile inflateyour kite out of the wind and inspect it carefully for small tears andrips. If the leading edge has any slices or questionable areas, get themfixed correctly immediately. Small tears and cuts in the canopy can becleaned and repaired using ripstop repair tape. Check your line con-nection points and if they show any wear, replace them. Most majorrepairs happen from something small that turns big after a hard crash.

■ Cleaning. This step is one that can be done along with #1,inflate the kite and clean with fresh water, but make sure to never usea pressure type hose. Lightly rinse off the kite, making sure to cleanout the sand and grit that collects between where the canopy attach-es to the struts. After cleaning, allow the kite to dry completely, out ofdirect sun light. If you deflate your kite completely after every usemake sure to shake out as much grit and sand before storing. Any gritleft in the kite when rolled up basically turns into sand paper to thefabric when stored in the bag. If you pile your gear in the car, the pres-sure can do serious damage.

■ UV exposure. This is one of the worst things that will damageyour kite over time. So the rule here is simple and sweet. Deflate theleading edge and store your kite before you take a break and pop thecap on a brew. Less “sun time” when you are not on the water equalsmore “kite time” for you on the water.

■ Trailing edge or sail fluttering. This one can be cured withthe same as #3. When leaving your kite on the beach with the lead-ing edge into the wind, the canopy can flutter and cause the trailingedge material to break down. This can result in major loss of per-formance as well as decreased porosity of the cloth. So when not inuse store your kite correctly.

■ Storing struts inflated. If you store your kite with the strutsinflated for any prolonged amount of time, simply decrease thepressure in each strut to take the load off the seams and reducestretching.

■ Jetski or ATV rescue. If at anytime you get rescued on aJetski or ATV, always deflate your leading edge and roll your kite upwhen carrying your gear back. A kite can be destroyed in one run ifthe sail is left to flap behind you while riding.

■ Color Fading. Rip-stop sail cloth used on all kites is not verycolor-fast, meaning if left wet when stored the colors can fade intoeach other. This will not in anyway affect performance, but canmake a kite have some ugly blotches. Just make sure to never leaveyour kite stored wet for any long period of time. Allow kite to dry, outof direct sunlight before storing.

Living in a Material WorldMany people ask us why kites aren’t made to last longer and why manufacturers don’t use stronger materials? The answer is that the currentmaterials available are light and inexpensive. Heavier or stronger materials would be too heavy or too expensive. Look at it this way. A kite canproduce only a certain amount of power and the lighter the kite is, the less power it takes to keep the kite flying and more power for the rider.There is also a limit to what materials are currently available to build kites. In the future you will start to see more manufacturers using a newtype of Mylar reinforced material. It can be made cheaper and faster than the current fabric, but this will require some different manufacturingtechniques than are currently in use. Lets keep our eyes open for future developments.

Jeff Howard owns and operates Prokitesurf.com in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Dude...I think we can fix it.

7Tips in Kite CareBy Jeff Howard

When spending all that hard earned coin on gear, you

probably want to know how to take care of it. After

years of being in the kite repair business, we have

seen it all. If we had a dollar for everyone who asked

how to prolong the life of their kites, we wouldn't

have to repair kites. Here are 7 preventive mainte-

nance tips that you can do to keep the kite in your

hands and not in the repair shop.

MaintenanceMaintenance

Pho

to F

X A

bo

nnen

c

Dylan Grafmyre swims in across the reef at Lanes, Maui in all sorts. Photo Epes Sargent

83

■ A former Olympic windsurfer was overpowered on a 10m kite in Korea.He used a strong stainless steel chicken loop, having broken two oth-ers edging in strong conditions previously. A squall gust blasted near-by windsurfers from their boards. The rider edged hard only to beripped from the water and lofted into rocks on the shore.

■ A very experienced kiteboarder rode in less than 10 to 30 knots plus,on a 12m kite in Holland. He ripped downwind while being hit by ahigh-speed gust. With all that momentum he slammed a wall-like waveand was lofted 100 ft. horizontally at startling high speed.

■ An experienced kiteboarder overpowered on shore with a 9m kite wait-ed for his board to beach in New Zealand. A 40-knot plus gust loftedthe rider inland about 100ft. through trees, breaking an improbablythick branch and hurled him into the side of a camper truck.

■ A rider in Germany was out in approximately 22 to 40 knots, onshoreconditions. He was ripped from the water in a gust and hurled a shortdistance into a flagpole on land.

■ A kiteboarder was out with a 10m kite on the river in Kazan City in cen-tral Russia when he was hit by a 40 knot plus gust in a squall. He waslofted approximately 150ft. onto shore.

■ A snow kiteboarder depowered his ram kite on a frozen lake in Canadain strong, cold front winds. A powerful squall hit and lofted him into theside of an abandoned church.

■ An overpowered kiteboarder beached himself in Spain. He was hit by asquall gust and tried to grab his quick release. He was lofted 80 ft. hor-izontally into a wall. His 12 year old son watched this happen.

CONCLUSIONEverything mentioned above happened in 2004. All accidents occurred in squalls or excessively gusty weather. All went kiteboarding when others chose not to.All failed to unhook or depower. All of them died. The key to safety is to know your limits. Understanding weather patterns is just as important. Always remember toplan for and monitor weather before you go kiteboarding. For more ideas about weather and kiteboarding safety check out fksa.org.

Blow Me Down By Rick Iossi, FKA

Many people think I like to glorify accidents in our sport. My consolidation of this information is for quite thecontrary. I believe that we can learn from these tragedies and grow our sport safely and sustainably aroundthe world. Please read the following accidents closely. It might end up saving your life.

CONCLUSION

KITEBOARDING ACCIDENTS

CaliforniaAction Watersports ....................................(318) 827-2233

Board Sports..............................................(415) 929-SURF

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

Helm Sports ..............................................(650) 344-2711

Kite Country ..............................................(619) 226-4421

Kite Wave ..................................................(213) 344-6034

Kitenow, Inc. ..............................................(650) 248-6660

Kites Etc ....................................................(562) 592-5483

Kitesurfari ..................................................(714) 378-0468

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

Monkey Air ................................................(310) 457-6896

Murrays......................................................(800) 786-7245

OOTO Kite School ......................................(650) 960-1721

Santa Barbara Kiteboarding Company ........(805) 560-6138

Sky Kitesurfing School ..............................(925) 455-4008

Vela............................................................(800) 223-5443

Wave Rave Snowboard Shop......................(760) 934-2471

West Coast Kiteboarding ............................(619) 200-9519

Windsport ..................................................(858) 488-4642

Windsurf Diablo..........................................(510) 778-6350

Xdream Sportz ..........................................(760) 944-9247

Xstreamline Sports ....................................(310) 518-1972

Xtreme Big Air ............................................(805) 773-9200

ColoradoColorado Kite Force ....................................(970) 485-3300

Fuze Kiteboarding ......................................(303) 683-5033

Inferno Snowboard Co. ..............................(970) 259-8669

Larson’s Ski & Sport ..................................(303) 423-0654

PKS Kiteboarding School ............................(970) 376-3159

ConnecticutOrbit Marine Sports ....................................(203) 333-3483

Tri State Kites ............................................(800) 510-0865

DelawareH2air Kiteboarding ..................................(302) 227-1105

Florida7 Kiteboarding............................................(305) 664-4055

Ace Performer ............................................(239) 489-3513

As the Wind Blows ....................................(850) 982-9463

Big Kite Miami............................................(305) 303-4107

Butter Kiteboarding ....................................(321) 303-4099

Delray Beach Watersports Rental ..............(561) 279-0008

East Coast Kiteboarding ............................(954) 295-5778

Extreme Kites ............................................(904) 461-9415

Extreme Sports ..........................................(321) 779-4228

Florida Kiting..............................................(561) 373-4445

Ft. Lauderdale Kitesurfing Co. ....................(954) 410-5419

Hydrotherapy..............................................(850) 249-9463

Island Style Wind & Watersports ................(941) 954-1009

Island Surf and Sail FL ..............................(954) 927-7002

Kite Surf the Earth......................................(888) 819-5483

Kite World ..................................................(321) 725-8336

KiteMare ....................................................(877) 829-0015

KitesurfUSA................................................(954) 816-0944

Miami Kiteboarding Inc. ............................(305) 345-9974

Sandy Point Progressive Sports..................(386) 756-7564

Sea & Sky Sports ......................................(850) 598-3735

Waterplay ..................................................(800) 841-1225

Watersports West ......................................(888) 401-5080

Xrated Kiteboarding....................................(888) 401-5080

GeorgiaHigh Tide Surf Shop ..................................(912) 786-6556

Savannah Sails and Rails ..........................(912) 232-7201

HawaiiAction Sports Maui ....................................(808) 871-5857

Aloha Kiteboarding Academy......................(808) 637-5483

Caveman Kitesurfing ..................................(808) 389-4004

Extreme Sports Maui..................................(808) 871-7954

Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport ..................(808) 871-4981

Hawaiian Watersports..................................(808) 262-KITE

Kailua Sailboards ......................................(808) 262-2555

Kite High ....................................................(808) 637-5483

Kiteboard Center ........................................(808) 276-2667

Kiteboard Maui ..........................................(808) 870-2554

Kiteboarding.com ......................................(866) 488-5483

Kitesurf Maui..............................................(808) 873-0015

Maui Kiteboarding Lessons ........................(808) 242-8015

Naish Hawaii Ltd. Shop ..............................(808) 262-6068

Off Da Lip ..................................................(808) 255-6255

Reinhard Elischka ......................................(808) 877-6226

IowaSeatasea ....................................................(319) 743-7922

IdahoGround Zero ..............................................(208) 26506714

South Valley Kite Sports ............................(208) 721-0526

IllinoisChicago Kiteboarder ..................................(312) 804-5482

Windward Sports........................................(773) 472-6868

KansasWater Cooled Trading ................................(913) 710-4406

LouisianaWind Works................................................(504) 433-3005

MassachusettsCape Cod Kite School ................................(508) 364-6162

Dr. Gravity’s Kite Shop................................(508) 430-0437

Bob Smith Wilderness House......................(617) 277-5858

Inland Sea..................................................(508) 398-1333

Sailing & Ski Connection ............................(843) 626-7245

Powerline Sports ........................................(978) 388-8974

Skyhigh Kiteboarding School ......................(508) 259-2728

MarylandH2air Kiteboarding ....................................(302) 227-1105

Kite Loft ....................................................(410) 289-7855

MichiganBroneah Kiteboarding ................................(231) 392-2212

Detroit Kiteboarding ..................................(248) 245-5016

Great Lakes Kiteboarding ..........................(586) 822-6511

Grand Bay Kite Co ......................................(231) 929-0607

Kite Kraft....................................................(517) 652-2961

MacInaw Kite Co. ......................................(800) 622-4655

Red Belly Board Shop ................................(734) 222-4704

MinnesotaScuba Center Wind/Kite..............................(612) 925-4818

Board Sports ..............................................(218) 833-8200

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

WorkbenchWorkbench

Problem: Your feet keep slipping off your skim board.

Solution:If surf wax doesn't fit your style, then try some of the new traction pads available. Traction pads canbe found at any online or local surf shop. Make sure you place the traction pad appropriately. Typicallythe back pad should be at the very back of the board. Dakine and FCS make some great grip.

Problem: Your knots on your chicken loop line keep slipping.

Solution:Buy some stopper balls and replace your stopper knots. This will allow for more tuning adjustment.Stopper balls are available in many sizes and varieties, at places like West Marine, Boat US and manyother boating related stores. Slingshot makes a set of balls specifically designed for kiteboarding.

Problem: You are not sure how to make a handle pass slide line.

Solution:First make sure to use thick spectra for the slide line. Use the Bowline knot to attach this line to the har-ness. This makes adjustments easy, and ensures that there will be no knot slippage when your entirebody weight is hanging from it. Make sure that you secure the slide line to points on the harness thatare capable of supporting more than your body weight. Most new harnesses are coming with attach-ment rings and points. Lastly make sure you have a quick release on the slide line in case you have toditch the entire rig. Use at your own risk. This is not a recommended safety system.

by Nick Bowers

Handle slide line

Dakine pads Stopper ball

Pho

tos

by

Nic

k B

ow

ers

Nick Bowers shapes Squall Kiteboards and is PASA certified instructor who has taught hundreds of kiteboarding lessons.Nick is sponsored by RRD, Dakine and Halfmoon Outfitters. Check out www.squallkiteboarding.com

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

87

MississippiGulfsport Windsurfing ................................(228) 863-5525

Get Air........................................................(228) 209-1204

North CarolinaBlowing in the Wind ..................................(910) 763-1730

Hatteras Island Sail Shop ..........................(252) 987-2292

Kiteboarding Hatteras ................................(252) 995-5000

Kites Unlimited ..........................................(252) 247-7011

Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding Centers ..................(877) FLY-THIS

Real Kiteboarding ......................................(866) REAL-KITE

Ride Hatteras ............................................(252) 995-6755

New JerseyBrave New World........................................(732) 899-8220

Extreme Windsurfing ..................................(610) 807-9493

Island Surf and Sail ....................................(609) 494-5553

NevadaWindPower Sports......................................(702) 220-4340

Kitesurf Vegas ............................................(702) 493-9245

New YorkCurtis Sport Connection..............................(716) 627-2247

Kitewise ....................................................(646) 734-3027

Main Beach Surf & Sports ..........................(631) 537-2716

Myers ........................................................(716) 751-6511

New Skool..................................................(516) 563-8330

Windsurfing Hamptons ..............................(516) 283-9463

OhioRiver Sports ..............................................(440) 333-8138

Red Sky Surf & Snow ................................(419) 536-3204

Windsurf Ohio ............................................(440) 951-5253

Oregon2nd Wind Sports ........................................(541) 386-4464

Air-time ......................................................(541) 387 3910

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

Pacific Wave ..............................................(503) 861-0866

Storm Warning ..........................................(800) 492-6309

Wind Guide ................................................(541) 490 4401

Puerto RicoKitesurfing Puerto Rico ..............................(787) 728-8716

Real Kiteboarding PR ................................(866) REAL-KITE

Rhode IslandNorthwind Sports ......................................(401) 254-4295

South CarolinaHalf Moon Outfitter ....................................(843) 881-9472

South DakotaPeak Sports................................................(605) 341-5445

Xtreme Sports & Recreation ......................(605) 225-5441

TexasAir Padre Kiteboarding ..............................(956) 299-WIND

Cline Street Sailboards ..............................(512) 937-5000

Corpus Christi Kitesurfing Inc. ....................(361) 960-4359

Kitemare ....................................................(727) 741-5483

Mongani Sky Pirates ..................................(361) 992-9623

Pro Kitesurf ................................................(361) 883-1473

S. Padre Island Kiteboarding ......................(956) 245-8343

S. Padre Kiteboarding ................................(956) 761-1434

Warming Hut Ski & Board ..........................(972) 234-6088

Windsurfing Sports ....................................(713) 291-9199

Zero Gravity Kiteboarding ..........................(361) 949-0266

UtahCloud 9 Soaring Ctr....................................(801) 576-6460

VirginiaSoutheast Expeditions ................................(877) 943-8548

WashingtonSeattle Kiteboarding Center........................(206) 779-3272

Urban Surf..................................................(206) 545-9463

Wiley Water Ski ..........................................(206) 762-1300

WisconsinCoontail Watersports ..................................(715) 385-0250

Fish Creek Kite Company ..........................(920) 868-3769

Guild Works................................................(608) 273-1817

Kite-Riders ................................................(608) 273-1817

Milwaukee Sailing School ..........................(414) 350-0702

North Winds Kiteboarding ..........................(414) 698-7012

Southport Rigging Company ......................(262) 652-5434

The Board Shop ........................................(262) 248-1703

WyomingHoback Sports............................................(303) 733-5335

CaribbeanBahamas Kiteboarding ..............................(242) 525-6151

Caracol Kiteboarding Center, DR..................(809) 571-0680

Dare2Fly, DR ..............................................(809) 571-0282

Kite Park, DR..............................................(809) 571-9748

Kitexcite, DR ..............................................(809) 571-9509

ProKite, DR ................................................(809) 571-0880

Pura Vida, DR ............................................(809) 862-0485

Kite Antigua................................................(268) 727-3983

Kite St Croix ..............................................(340) 773-9890

Sky Riders, St. Lucia ..................................(758) 454-3418

Tornado Kite & Surf, St. Lucia ....................(758) 486-0545

AssociationsIL-Chicago Kitesurfing Group ..............................................

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/

IL-Kitesurfing Chicago ........................................................

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf-chicago/

TX-Central Texas Kiteboarding Association..........................

www.centexkiteboarding.com

CA-California Kiteboarding Assoc. ......................................

http://www.calkite.org/

CA-Central Coast (CA) Kiteboarding Assoc. ........................

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA/

CA-San Diego Kiteboarding Assoc.......................................

http://www.sdka.org/

CA-San Francisco Kiteboarding Assoc.................................

http://www.sfkitesurfing.com/

CA-Sherman Island Kiteboarding Assoc ..............................

http://www.calkite.org/siko.htm

CA-Southern California Kiteboarding Assoc. ........................

http://www.scka.org/

CO-Rocky Mountain Kiteboard Association..........................

http://www.TocoSports.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmka

FL-Florida Kitesurfing Association ......................................

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FKSA/

FL-BKSA - Tampa Bay Kitesurfing Association ....................

http://www.tbksa.org/

GA-TIKA - Tybee Island ......................................................

http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/tikakiteboarding

HI-Hawaii Kiteboarding Association ....................................

http://www.hawaiikiteboardingassociation.org/

MD-Ocean City Kiteboarders Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OCMDkiteBoarding ............

MN-Minesota Wind Info and Forum Group ..........................

http://www.windancing.com/

OR-Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding........................................

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA

VA-Virginia Kiteboarders Association ..................................

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VAKB/

WA-Seattle Kitesurfing Association ....................................

http://www.seattlekitesurfing.org/index.htm ......................

Great Lakes Wind info and Forum gGroup ..........................

http://www.lakawa.com/

MAKA- MidAtlantic Kitesurfing Association..........................

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/M-A-K-A/

Midwest Kiteboarding Assoc. ..............................................

http://www.midwestkiteboarding.com

NE Kiters Association ..........................................................

http://www.neka.us/

United States Kitesurfing Assoc. ........................................

http://www.maui.net/~hotwind/uska.html

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

Best equipped Center in the Caribbean!

• Rescue/Training Boat• Radio Helmets• 50% off lessons w/new gear

Email: [email protected] Web: www.kitexcite.com

Cabarete, Dominican Republic ..............................(809) 571-9509

The Kite Pages is a free resource directory for US and Caribbeankite retailers, schools and associations.For your free listing, please email [email protected] withyour name, address, phone number, and email address.

The winner of thebest wipeout shotwins a DakineInterval backpack.

The South Florida crew carry Billy Blackman off the beachafter a monster kiteloop. Photo Matt Cotton

Mauricio Abreu taking kite skating to a new level.Photo Gregg Gnecco

Mike Norman reaches for the depower to soften the beating. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

The Norwegian champion gets beachedin Cabarete. Photo Mike Norman

A Dominican skater gets a taste of "six-feet under",eXtreme Hotel's half pipe. Photo Diana Stoecklin

Billy Blackman's wipeouts have appeared in Yard Sale for thelast two issues and have earned him a new Dakine backpack.Photo Michael Jordan

13-year old Jessie Richman learnsthe theory of gravity. Photo Kim Kern

Andy Hurdman doesn't land every trick. Photo Ryan Riccitelli

Kirk Peterson doing his bestMichael Jordan impression.Photo Jason Wolcott

Dimitri Maramenides in a compromising situation.Photo Matt Cotton

Bryan Lake getting eaten by a Jupiter, Florida wave.Photo Matt Cotton

Yard SaleYard Sale

“World Cup Kiteboarding on a World Cup Beach”

Email: [email protected] Web: www.caracolkiteboarding.com

Cabarete, Dominican Republic ..............................(809) 571-0680

kites.ru · april 2005 features departments contents bri chmel practicing her unhooked indy back...

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