the kite boarder

7/29/2019 The Kite Boarder

1/46

Location: La Boca, Cabarete Lens: Mark Ri

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elcome to The Kiteboarders Online Experience.

Thank you for downloadingThe Kiteboarder-

e worlds First Electronic Kiting Magazine.

lusive Stephen Whitesell Interview, Page 26: This is an old shot but still on e of our f avorites ! Whitey launched himself off the bank of La Boca, Cabarete,

ptured a great image for the 2004 Gaastra catalog. Lens: Mark Ribkoff


2/46

Location: San Diego Rider: John Romais Lens: Kim Kern

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Featured Video:

The Best Odyssey

Get a glimpse into the lie on the Best Odyssey andsome o the amazing kiteboarding locations they have

discovered so ar. Northwest rider and videographer

Je Kraemer was one o the frst guests on the maiden

voyage to the West Indies. Be sure to check out his

story A Universe to Our Own on page 56.

VE INTERVIEWS WITH

SIGNERS, PRO-RIDERS,

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3/46

on: San Carlos Rider: Brian Caserio Lens: Clark Merritt/Solosports.net

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6/46

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9/46

ek iteboarder .com the kit eb oar

SpeakUp

The other day I looked out my window and saw fve kites up atmy local kiteboarding spot. The wind had picked up due to a rontmoving in and a ew o the local kiters were taking advantage o

the wind surge. Within 30 minutes, the wind turned 90 degreesrom sideshore to directly onshore. This is the most dangerous

direction to ride Packery Channel due to the electric lines andwooden posts that line the launch area.

The temperature quickly started to drop, and the wind velocity

increased rom 18 mph to 25 mph plus. The riders who were on thewater were solid kiteboarders, but we noticed a guy who lookedlike a beginner about to launch an 11m Flysurer oil-type kite. I had

a strange eeling come over me beore he launched his kite. This isthe same spot and wind direction that my riend Peter Nordby died

kiteboarding in when he was accidentally dragged into a post.

In the next instant, Iwatched this guy launch

his kite and get draggedwithin a ew eet othe power lines and

telephone pole. A bridlehad become twisted

and the dude sat therehelplessly trying to land

his kite. Everyone on thebeach just stood there

acting as i nothing waswrong. Finally someonecame over and helped

him land. I assumed theguy had enough and

wouldnt try to relaunch.

In the meantime, the wind had increased to about 27-30 mph. Inoticed the guy was going to try to launch again, so I walked over

and politely tried to persuade him not to. He immediately gotangry with me. I explained to him how the wind had increasedand reminded him about how his last attempt almost dragged him

into the electric lines. I even explained to him about the dangerso the storm surge we were experiencing and that one wrong

move and he could die or be seriously injured. At this point, hewanted to fght and was yelling at me to get out o the way. I made

a judgment call and said, No way dude. You are not kiting heretoday. Pack it up and live to kite another day.

He was inuriated and threatened to call the police. I told him togo ahead and that I would tell them that I was protecting him rom

a potential disaster. The rest o the beach stared at us as I stoodbetween his kite and bar preventing him rom launching. Finally,

the guy came to his senses and realized I wasnt joking and startedpacking up his gear. As I walked home, I began to ask mysel, Did

I do the right thing? It was at t hat moment that I knew I had towrite this editorial and encourage the kiteboarding world to speak

up when they see a potential train wreck. You might help save alie or keep your avorite spot rom being banned by weathering aew minutes o eeling uncomortable.

THINK

ek iteboarder .com

KITE SAFE!
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10/46


EDITOR RYAN RICCITELLI

[email protected]

ASSISTANT EDITOR PAUL LANG

ART DIRECTOR SHANA COURSIN, MIKE BIRCHALL

TROIKA STUDIO/troikastudio.com

SNOW/CREATIVE EDITOR JAMES BROWN

TOWSURF EDITOR ERIK AKISKALIANtowsurer.com

TECHNICAL EDITOR GARY MARTIN

EDITOR AT LARGE ALEXIS ROVIRA

SENIOR WRITERS

Marina Chang, Paul Lang, James Brown, Gary Martin, Zach Kleppe

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTSNeil Hutchinson, Damien Wright, Joe Bidawid, Lou Wainman, Matt Nuzzo, TripForman, Paul Menta, Kevin Top Hat Senn, Gregg Gnecco, Jay Craword, Henry

Dupont IV, Sean Driscol, Bill Lee, Je Skoll, Paul Lang, Cli Stone, Stean Ruether,

Je Burton, Corky Cullen, John Romais, Eric Akiskalian, Ben Wilson, Ruca Chang,Tony Brady, Cli Stone, Chris and Lindy Devries, Bryan Eagle, Paul Menta, Mira

Kwon, Mike Danish, Dave Yoo, Mike Hedlund, Rick Iossi, Toby Brauer

CONTRIBUTORSJulie Simsar, Je Kraemer, Gavin McClurg, Tim Haller, Steve Gunn, BrentSchippidinni, Peter Trow, Wayne Griswold, James Brown, Rick Iossi, Paul Menta,Neil Hutchinson, Chris Moore, Daryl Drown, Hunter Brown, Dan Schwarz, Jay

Craword, Je Kaka, Trip Forman, White Poor, Matthew Sexton, Mike Danish

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERSPaul Lang, Kim Kern, Matt Cotton, Paul Javier, Gus Schmiege,James Brown,Morton Skoll, BOK

PHOTOGRAPHYWheatgrass, Joel Beatty, Red Bull Photofles, Red Bull Mexico, Jody MacDonald,

Mark Ribko, Jeremie Tronet, Geir Norland, Fred Brisemur, Regis Mortier, AllenClark/Photoboat.com, Tim Blanchard, Jessie Hassell, Clark Merritt, Kerri Caserio,Chris Ray, Port o Hood River, Perukite.com, Wayne Griswold, James Brown,

Stephen Whitesell, Real Kiteboarding, Jim Stringellow, Jon Malmberg, GavinButler, Beret Whitesell, Carol Bolstad, Sean Sekas, Paul Lang, Julia Chatwell, PeterStiewe, Transcend Kiteboar ding, Gibson Mama Trumpkin, Dave Turner, VanMalson,

Dave Loop, Dave Yoo, Papa Tronolone, Christian Black, North Kiteboarding, SteveNegen/MacKite.com, Slingshot, Flexioil, Dave Turner, Pilou/Ocean Rodeo, ChrisCiers, Stephane Fournet, Gibson, Richard Boudia, Broneah.com

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

Visit us on:

www.thekiteboarder.comwww.asnews.net

www.theringmedia.comwww.cherrytap.com/asnewswww.myspace.com/theringmedia

PUBLISHERMARINA CHANG

[email protected](805) 459-2373

ADMINISTRATIVE/ADVERTISING OFFICE1356 16th StreetLos Osos CA 93402

(805) 459-2373

EDITORIAL OFFICEThe Kiteboarder Compound14610 Villa Maria Isabel

Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

SUBSCRIPTIONSsubscriptions@thekiteboarder.comwww.thekiteboarder.com/catalog

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11/46

AUNCH

ting has come a long way in Santa Cruz,

aliornia, since coounder o Caution Kitester Schiebel was making kites in his garage,

d locals transitioning to kitesurng were

iling around trying to learn this crazy new

ort. However, as people got better and the

ort grew, so did a growing divide between

e kitesurers and windsurers at a avorite

cal windsurng spot on the Northern

aliornia coast called Davenport.

N IDEA IS BORNe idea or Testimony III: Taking Davenport

as hatched when an incident involving

ndsurer localism against kitesurers at

Davenport, happened to be caught on

tape. A plot was born when Santa Cruzkitesurers, many o them ex-windsurers

including videographer and local rider

Brendan Richards, decided to prove a

point: nobody owns the ocean and they

descended on Davenport to claim their

right to kite the spot.

LOCALISM?Some might cry hypocrisy, as Santa Cruz

kitesurers are sometimes looked upon

as having their own issues with localism.

Brendan doesnt think that the Santa

Cruz kitesurng community deserves this

reputation, although admits it may enjoy

it to a degree. Santa Cruz is a tight-knitcommunity made up o a growing number

o talented kitesurers, and when you kite

almost every day o the week with the same

people, there becomes a method to the

chaos, an unspoken rule o law in the water

called wave riding etiquette. The expectation

is that people learn the rules beore they

jump in. He said tha t local are always willi ng

to explain the set up and there is plenty o

space downwind i someone is uncomortable

asking. I riders have had a back experience

here, its probably because they ailed to

observe how the scene works.

WAVES, SCENERY AND MOREBrendan and the crew o H-Wood Productions

want to emphasize that the lm doesnt just

ocus on the conrontation. In act, it plays a

small role. Taking Davenport is more about

presenting the North Coast to viewers in a way

that ew have ever seen. Its packed with endless

wave riding sequences, coastal scenic shots and

ollows some o the unique personalities that

make up the Santa Cruz kitesurng scene.

ENTERTAINING AND INSIGHTFULBrendan is quick to point out that the situation

documented at Davenport was done tongue-

in-cheek, and much o it is about poking un

at their riends. I I had to classiy the movie,

I would call it a docu-drama, although docu-comedy might be more appropriate. We

wanted to playully jab the windsurers in the

ribs, because there were some incidents where

certain people were taking themselves entirely

too seriously. He said, Keep in mind that the

kitesurers in this lm were all windsurers going

back to the heart o the Davenport scene in the

early days, and have long-time riendships with

many o their old windsurng riends. Most have

seen the movie and ound the humor.

Santa Cruz isnt much dierent than any other

surng community around the world. The scene

is made up o a bunch o character

around a common goal o getting as mon the water as possible. Brendan ho

windsurers and kitesurers alike will n

entertaining. He also hopes that peo

that taking a stand when conronted with

doesnt necessarily mean assaulting s

and destroying personal property. Ra

message is that nobody should have

sense o entitlement to a given break or

all about respecting each other, ollow

etiquette, having un, and sharing good

For the trailer/video, go to www.hwoodprod

com. Testimony III and all the latest DVDs are

www.thekiteboarder.com/catalog

Dave Broome cracks the inside section at Waddell Creek. Lens Kim Kern Keegan Mayo tucks inside the inside bowl. Len

Long days o flming oten mean long days o no riding. Lens Wheatgrass

By Marina Chang

HEkITEBOARDER.COM THEkITEBOARDE
http://www.hwoodproductions.com/http://www.thekiteboarder.com/cataloghttp://www.thekiteboarder.com/cataloghttp://www.hwoodproductions.com/


12/46


Bull, Palapas Ventana and Baja Joes recently hosted the 2nd Annual La Ventana Classicja, Mexico. The kite race included 55 kiters and eight windsurers who were transportedore to Isla Cerralvo via 11 local pangas. The race began with riders jockeying orion on a 10-minute rabbit start countdown, and then rocketing back across the channelVentana. The 10.5 mile race had one turning buoy and a downwind nish. Day two ovent was a reestyle expression session and short buoy racing. With prizes varying rom

kend stays at resorts to bags o cement and tacos, the La Ventana Classic raised $2500e La Ventana Health Center local primary school. Next years event is scheduled or lateary with all proceeds going toward a local cause. A KiteXpo Demo event is also in thes. For more ino contact [email protected]

eNtaNa CLassiC raises $2500

By Tim Haller Photo courtesy Red Bull Mexico

Impressed with the lineup o products or2007, World windsurng champion MattPritchard and Central Coast Caliorniarider John Colgate have teamed up todistribute Gaastra kites and boards inNorth America. Gaastra has been in thekiting business or the last six years, andhas its own kite production acility in

China. With a new design team or 2007,the two are excited to get the word outand the products in riders hands to try out.www.gskis.com

Thanks to the new Google map service,a new Vancouver, Canada, riding guideor visitors and new riders has been puttogether by last issues OG, Chris Glazier.This map has only the main launchsites at this time, but other sites that getat least 10 kiters will be added. www.skypilokiboding.com

I youve been thinking about joiningthe Best Odyssey or one o theirincredible trips, Ozone Travel has anexclusive oer: get US $500 towardsthe price o your airline ticket and aUS$300 credit at The Kite Shop whenyou buy a cabin aboard the Discovery.The Odyssey is also oering singletrips that can be applied toward ashare, as well as nancing. The boathas already uncovered over 10 newkiteboarding locations and still has 14more trips to explore exotic locationsbeore year end! Stay tuned or thevideo. To nd out more, listen to thepodcast at www.snws.nor seewww.oshoodyssys.com. [email protected] or traveldeals and specials.

Beginning in July, a new erry sewill be available between Oahu,and Kaui. The Hawaii Supererrystart taking reservations in May,preliminary travel starting at $42way or weekday travel booked iadvance on the web between MKaui, and $52 or travel to Hawaor cars and SUVs start at $55 roto Maui or Kauai and $65 rom oIsland o Hawaii. For more ino coutwww.hwiisupy.com

Every year, the status o the SaBar in Hood River changes duewinter storms and the luctuatwater levels aecting the shapthe launch and land area dedickiteboarders. This year, the Saand Event Site areas have basmerged creating a usage situaor kiteboarders and windsurRigging and riding regulationsbeing worked out. For the latecheckwww.Poohoodiv.cwww.cgk.n

aPOLOGIeS to photographer GNolnd or miscrediting his phthe last issue. Julie Simsars image in Exposed was mistakecredited to Carlos Delicado, th

oicial photographer or the K

Smack Sma

11

thekiteboardehekiteboarder.com

Lens Beverly Colgate

Up to 35 kiteboarders will put their riding skills to the test as the Cabrinha Race Series gearsup to kick o its racing season. Sponsored by the St. Francis Yacht Club and Adventure Sports

Inc., along with new supporters Adventure Sports Miami and Ozone Travel, the race series isattracting worldwide attention. To the backdrop o the Golden Gate Bridge, riders start andnish in ront o the historic St. Francis Yacht Club and race over the course o 12 evenings romApril until mid-September. Riders o all levels and visiting kiteboarders are invited to check outand join in on the races any time. San Francisco Bay and The St. Francis Yacht Club will alsohost the rst US Kite Course Racing Nationals rom July 25-29. This is sure to be one o themost exciting kite course racing events o the year, attracting riders, spectators and media romacross the country. For more ino, s www.syc.com

BaY area LeaDs WaY iN COurse raCiNG

By Steve Gunn Photo Chris Ray

Weighing in at just 95 lbs, 13-year-old Gisela Pulido was unanimously supported by herpeers to be allowed to compete on the PKRA circuit this year. Although the PKRA agelimit is 15, a special vote by the riders will enable the Spanish superstar to participate.Hailing rom the windy city o Taria, the new Slingshot Global team rider was reigningchamp on the KPWT scene or the past three years. Giselas signature style and poweredmoves will be put to the test as she battles it out against the talents o Kristin, Bruna,Ania, and the rest o the talented women on the PKRA tour.

GirLs PKra COMPetitiON Heats uP FOr 2007

By Marina Chang Photo Regis Mortier

Ruben Lenten was recently dubbedthe Dutch Destroyer or his high,powered kite loops, but the Red BullKite Punks event earned three timeworld champion Aaron Hadlow a newname, The Sid Vicious o extremekite sur, or pushing the envelopeat Spains new Kite Park in La Manga.The two rivals and good riendsjoined eight other world-leadingkiteboarders to tackle the ramps,walls and sliders in a new wake-stylecompetition ormat sponsored byRed Bull. Supported by the entireSpanish kite scene, the riders pushedthe level o each other and wake-stylekiteboarding to new grounds includingHadlows sick 900 over the wall. At the

end o the event, Aaron reclaimed histitle as King o the Kite Punks, closelyollowed by Lenten and Briton RobertNeal Hilder. www.dbull.com

reD BuLL Kite

PuNKs iNauGurate

NeW Kite ParK

y Marina Chang Photo Christian Black/Red Bull Photoles

Photo Jody MacDonald

Photo Port o Hood River
mailto:[email protected]://www.gaastrakites.com/http://wwwskypilotkiteboarding.com/http://www.asnews.net/http://www.asnews.net/http://www.offshoreodysseys.com./mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/http://www.portofhoodriver.com/http://www.cgka.net/http://www.styc.com/http://www.pkra.info/http://www.redbull.com/http://www.cgka.net/http://www.portofhoodriver.com/http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/http://www.offshoreodysseys.com./http://www.asnews.net/mailto:[email protected]://wwwskypilotkiteboarding.com/http://www.gaastrakites.com/http://www.pkra.info/http://www.styc.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.redbull.com/


13/46

m:Brian Caserio

Nm: BC

ossion:Video Distributor/Producerg:44ood:Cambria, CAid:Jimmy Lewis 58 surfboard.lim:I love my son.ysm: Flexifoil Atom 7m, Ion25m and 12m

Peter Trow Lens Clark Merritt

Flioil hasjust rolled outa brand new

Kite Speciicclothing line. Allo the clothesare made orkitesports andcan also be wornor everydayactivities. TheBrook ShellJacket, a 100%windproo,lightweight coat; and the KeoghKnitwool Top, will both keep youwarm ater chilly sessions and takeyou into the evening or drinks at thepub or dinner. See the entire Flexioilclothing line atwww.lioil.com.

Ki advnus owner Jessie Hassellhas created a new company, Days InThe Bay, that specializes in introducingpeople in the San Francisco Bay areato various sports in a group, clinicsetting or a very economical price.Days In The Bay has teamed up withBest Kiteboarding and certied areainstructors to launch its rst clinics,an intro to kiting. The group settingallows rst timers to bring their riendsand learn together. Once hooked,private water lessons can be arranged.

www.dysinhby.com

Ozontvl.com specializes in travelto northeast Brazil and is now oeringearly season specials or air only, air/lodging, or the ull Monty with combolesson/tour packages. In partnershipwith Hi-Lie Kite School in Cumbucowith Jet ski assisted teaching, you cannow get 25% o lessons anytime romJune through August. Additionally,lights are available rom any city inNorth America with lights starting atUS $750 round trip rom Miami. Seewww.ozonvl.com or options.

Smack

Ps FrOM aN OG

hekiteboarder.com

1.Rid high quality up-to-dat quipmt. It

pays o i prormac, tim o th watr,

ad saty.

2.Th dowall o widsports is that its ot

always widy. Maximiz your tim o th

watr, whthr it is with or without a kit.

3.I your kit gos dow i th sur ad a

wav is goig to hit it, lt go o your bar

or pop your chick loop quick rlas.

no mattr how big or small th wav or

how tough you thik your kit is, its ot

built to gt hit by wavs o ay siz.

4.Its grat to work hard at gttig good at

kitig but rmmbr its all about havig u.

5.elphat sals ar a bit stiky but mak

grat pts...

B r I a N C a S e r I O t I P S .

Brian smacks the lip at his avorite break in San Carlos, Baja Mexico.

in Csio hs bn chsing wind nd

vs sinc h ly 80s. H ws mong

s plos o sch ou h pc

mbinion o swlls nd s bzs

ong Bjs Pcic Cos w cn giv

nks o Bin o hlping o discov

ny o Bjs mos popul wv spos.

1983, Bin bgn documning his

unys on lm nd vido nd hs sinc

oducd numous goundbking

ndsung nd kiboding vidos. In

80s nd ly 90s, h ws Clionis

mi po-wv silo nd hs sinc

nod mny spiing young locl ipps

bcom u possionl hls. tody,

in coninus o ld h chg, ipping

h wvs on Clionis Cnl Cos

h pow nd syl.

erOS:Dr. Joa Kurtzbrg romk Uivrsity Hospital, ad all mdical

ossioals who ddicat thir livs to

diatric mdici.

rOOtS:Grw up i Lagua Bach, CA,

Structural egirig dgr rom Cal

Poly, Sa Luis Obispo, CA.

FaVOrIte SPOt:Hom, or

aywhr its blowig sid-o.

SHOUtS:Ill giv a shout to ayo

toughig it out i a widsport idustry

lik kitboardig, spcially shop owrs.

Its ormally ot a ral protabl or stabl

busiss.

hekiteboarder.com

Brians biggest an, his son Spencer. Photo Kerri Caserio

Photo

JessieHassell

Photo Flexioil.com
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14/46

hekiteboarder.com thekiteboardehekiteboarder.com

411

teStIMONY III taKING DaVeNPOrtBrda Richards ad his crw hav rallid togthr to produc a trtaiig

documtary o th history, cultur, ad colorul charactrs that maks Sata Cruz uiqu.Takig Davport rvals th isid scoop o th impromptu ivasio o Davport, a

avorit spot or widsurrs, by a swarm o kitrs who dscdd lik killr bs toclaim thir right to rid th spot. A glimps at local history xplais th shit rom surg

dsurg ad th to kitsurg as th tool o choic. Thr is plty o classic Sata Cruz wav

ootag alog with a fail ad bail sctio all to th bat o homgrow covr tus. extras iclud:local ootag, gooy skits ad party pics. running tim: 50 minus - to s h il, go o//myspc.com/kingdvnpo- Fo copis go o: www.hkibod.com/clog

KIteBOarDING PrOGreSSION: INterMeDIateFat Sad Productios dos a xcllt job walkig you through ach skill with thorough,

simpl ad clar xplaatios. espcially hlpul or thos o us that lar visually is thway thy us slow motio ad rpat ach clip ovr ad ovr to drill th mov ito your

had. each skill is brok dow ito a itroductio, ky lmts, commo mistaks adadvacd variatios ad icluds movs such as back/orward loops, jumpig trasitios,

ack/orward loop trasitios. Spcial atttio is giv to quipmt adjustmts, kit positio, hadr positio, body positios, timig, board spd ad ladig. Ditly buy this DVD i you ar lookig

ov past th basics.Fo copis go o www.sido.como www.llyvido.com

KIteBOarDING PrOGreSSION: aDVaNCeDTru to orm, Fat Sad dos aothr xcllt job i takig you rom itrmdiat to

advacd movs. Kitboardig Progrssio: Advacd covrs dowloops, kitloops,board os, ridig blid, uhookig, poppig, ralys, S-Bds, boostig hadlpasss

ad slim chacs. I you ar lookig to gt out o your itrmdiat rut, this is moy wll

spt. Fo copis go o www.sido.como www.llyvido.com

reaL 5 DVD INStrUCtIONaL BOx Set

ReAL Kitboardig has producd a ull istructioal sris, covrig all aspcts oistructio, tchiqu ad actio rom rak bgir through th currt pro lvl

o ridig. All ar wirs o th prstigious Tlly Awards, which rcogiz distictioi crativ work, hoorig outstadig local ad rgioal tlvisio commrcials adproductios, as wll as o-broadcast vido productios. Th box st icluds Zro 2

, evolutio, Joyrid, Sur ad Tripl-S. Availabl atwww.hkibod.com/clog

St See VIDeO LINKS:

s a crazy vido showig a guy fyig at high spd ovr jaggd moutais usig jt-powrd/mii-/wigd-backpack cotraptio. hp://j-mn.com/plyvido.sw?vido=jmn2007.fv

t wat to giv away what this vido is about, but I will say that it has urba surg. You

d whthr its a hoax or ot. hp://snu.no/pp/viwMovi.cion?id=1280

Smack

al Fo,

k thKid, isEclipse Kitesnewestaddition toits growingglobalteam. FromSt. Petersburg, Florida, Alex caughtthe eye o the company because o hishard-charging style in the waves andin reestyle. A lexs avorite place to kiteis East Beach in Fort Desoto. He avorsEclipses Thruster and Nano kites. Alex isalso sponsored by Aggression and has hisown signature board. In Dimitris words,

this kid rocks! www.clipskis.com

Nish Innionl is running an onlinecontest rom May 1 until June 1 or abrand new Thorn board. To sign up orthe contest go to www.nishkis.com

th G Lks biggs kite party othe year is set or June 2-3. Hosted bySur Culture Canada, the annual eventwill be at Mitchells Bay on Lake St.Clair, the areas premier fat-water spot.The highlight o the event is the partySaturday night where participants willbe treated to the sounds o the bandRuths Hat, with local ripper Mike Sloan.As in the past, there will be tons odoor prizes and a monster gear rafe.Bring your shorty!www.kisock.co www.lnoki.com.

11

By James BrownDEO REVIEWS

eran Cabarete wave rider, Brent Skip Schippidinni, parted ways with theribean May 1 to open a kitesuring excursion business in North Peru. Based in theing and suring community o Mancora, Peru Kite Camp will ocus on riding theendary let points that litter the Peruvian coastline. For more ino and a sick video

eck outwww.pukicmp.com

isCOVer tHe LeGeNDarY LeFts OF Peru

y Marina Chang Photo courtesy perukite.com

Epic wave riding, drama, comedy, andmore sick wave action.

www.hkibod.com/clog

NEW DVDSAT THE

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Photo Tim Blanchard
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15/46


raLD COast KiteBOarDiNG

ms: Mark Rush & Wayne Griswold - Owners

knm: Rush/Rushman - Wayne-O/Wayner

54/31

c: emeraldcoastkiteboarding.com

ion:Panama City Beach, FLng o how long:5 years

oi Condiions:State Park on a 20-25mph

side-on) wind, sur 6 oot, crowd 0, right

nd the jetty where its super fat; Shell

nds East Pass on the same direction, SE.

ow nd why did you g ino hboding il businss?

startd eCKB as a hobby to providar to rids, ad to hlp rgulat our

achs. Rush cam rom a sur/widsur ckgroud, Way rom a sur/sowboard/at backgroud so it was th prct

rtrship or a kit shop.

h is you id o pc dy?ad up th boat with tos o gar, had

east Pass, rid th supr vlvt buttrr a w hours, ad th dowwid it to

mazos ad rid som wavs by th jtty.trwards, hit up th local bar or som icld oystrs ad br!

ny issus?

ur bachs ar prtty wid op so wt hav ay accss issus, but w do

to sl polic all ridig spots so obodyts hurt.

ow dos you shop suppo hboding communiy?

host Kit nights ad Dmo Days vryoth to hlp orgaiz th local crw ad

ucat curious wbis.

h ips cn you o kibods

ho wn o ln you ?

r ar a w spots that ar xcllt or

girs ad som that ar oly suitablr itrmdiat plus lvl ridrs. W rid

ar log, but th bst sasos ar Fall,

Witr ad Sprig. Lssos ar taught at

Shll Islad with wid op, whit sadbachs ad k-dpth watr or about

200 yards out.

Wh do you dw ids om nd wh

ips cn you o pincd kis whown o com ki you ?

W ar a short driv rom most majorsouthast citis lik Atlata, Tallahass,

Mobil, etrpris ad Dotha. Forxpricd kitrs, th Paama City Bach

is a kitrs playgroud. You ca rid th latwatrs i th bay, or hit up th Stat Park or

Couty pir or som dct sur.

Wh ips cn you o visiing

kibods who wn o hook up wihlocl ids nd ki in you ?

Chck out th lauch spots o our wbsit,

ad th just stop by th shop wh yougt ito tow. W ar locatd right at thtrac o th Stat Park, so you cat

miss us. W ca rid ay wid dirctio atmay spots withi a iv mil radius.

Wh is h bs wy o popl o chckh ocs nd cun condiions in

you ?W hav a local orcast o our wbsit, or

iKitsur.com.

any wods o wisdom you wn o

sh?

I it dost blow, IT SUCKS!

a Chang Photos Wayne Griswold

hekiteboarder.comhekiteboarder.com

Kisu Bliz has started to oercustom, bare bones charters or $50per day rom Belize to Honduras (Bayislands), Columbia ( Isla de Providencia,San Andres Islands), and Panama (SanBlas Islands). The price includes diesel

uel and water only on Barmina, a38-oot, two cabin yacht. The boat canaccommodate up to six people withtours running a minimum o our daysor more. Owner Lisa Price has startedthe service to share what she calls

one o the last paradises on earth. www.kibliz.com

Whether you live in Hawaii, Caliornia,Florida, Texas, or New York, when thewind dies, standup paddleboarding is agreat no-wind alternative. Its the newwaterman craze and Jimmy Lewis is onthe cutting edge again with two standuppaddleboard shapes or 07. Both areavailable at your local JL Dealer orwww.lkiboding.com.

Blowing in h Wind in Wrightsville

Beach, NC will be hosting a NorthKiteboarding Demo Event in midMay. The event will eature NorthInternational team rider Sky Solbachand plenty o North kites and boards todemo, including the new Rhino 7. Inthe evening there will be a party andvideo premier at the shop. Come out andtry the gear out or yoursel and hangwith the North Crew. BITW has alsostarted a series o ree clinics to helpriders x, tweak and tune gear. For moreinormation on the North Demo Eventand the Free Clinic Series,see www.Gokisu.com.

Smack

HOP taLK

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16/46

hekiteboarder.com

You Are Appreciated

Dear Editor:Just wanted to drop a line and sayhey. I am always amazed by the greatwork that comes rom The KiteboarderMagazine. It is always solid, and I amalways proud when I hand a copy tosomebody and they reak out. Your hardwork and dedication are truly reectedin your magazine. I work at the O.C.Weekly, in Orange County. We put outa paper every Thursday. I know what itis like to be a part o something biggerthan yoursel. Sometimes it can beoverwhelming, but it is vastly rewardingwhen it hits the streets, and you know

you had a hand in something peopleeverywhere are reading. Good job! I justhad to let you know that you guys havebeen doing a great job, and I eel youneed a good pat on the back, even i it isthrough an electronic letter.

Have a beer and smile- you areappreciated!Jay

We love letters like this. Thanks or your

support. Readers like you make our jobworthwhile. I think I will take you up on

that beer --Ed.

Send your banter, happiness, rants, raves to [email protected]

What Our Readers Have To Say

Letter Of TheMonth

hekiteboarder.com

Chicagokitesurfng.com Let Outar Editor:

st week, my bro and I went to Corpus or his Spring Break. It was excellent riding on theast, at Lola and at Wildcat. We were ortunate enough to be invited to stay at the Zeroavity shop with Maggie and Jerry. Maggies son, Keegan, took lessons and said he haset you beore. Also, he brought home the newest The Kiteboarder Magazine. I have beenan o the magazine since Broneah gave me my frst copy over two years ago.

er reading an article on orums, I thought that Id write to you regarding an omission,ww.chicagokitesurfng.com. This tool is especially valuable or Midwestern riders or aiety o reasons. Foremost, it is a critical means or fnding out the where and the when.r better or worse, we dont have the trade winds that make conditions consistent. Wee the ronts, and drive a long way to do so. It makes sense to do as much researchore committing to a 3.5 hour drive. The specifc weather inormation kiters require iscurate and concise on the orum. V is the generous host o Chicago Kitesurfng. Hees excellent advice, and doesnt reply to requests with a that has already been coveredponse. So there are my props to a great guy with a great orum.

ncerely,rke

anks or the letter. Unortunately, we had to leave out several very good orums duelimited space. V, the moderator o Chicagokitesurfng.com is a great guy and does

awesome job up thereEd

Kite Dawgsear Editor:ust fnished listening to show #70 with Dave Loop. Like many o them; good show! Ive when you have guests on to tech out over new gear, but I also like the shows whenjust a couple old kite dawgs talking about the industry. Its always interesting to hear

e stories and it sure as hell beats listening to talk radio in the car!!!!

anks,dd J. Blakaitis

anks or tuning into our shows. Loop is an East Coast kite legend and deserves our

spect. Be sure to check out his retro rocker photo in this issues Send It sectionEd

ETTERS
mailto:[email protected]://www.linkcounter.com/go.php?linkid=306388mailto:[email protected]


17/46

llegiate Comp Hugeccessick Iossit do you get when you add sun, bikinis,, kiteboarding and spring break? The rst

collegiate kiteboarding challenge! Matton rom Eckerd College/Triton Kiteboarding

g with The Key West Kite House and Xratedboarding kept spectators and riders busy allk long with reestyle, slider and boarderX

petitions. Next year should be bigger thanas Matt spreads the word to other collegiate

clubs and campuses around the nation. Seeos/results attritonkiteboarding.com

owkite Rodeo Round Upames Browne again, the Snowkite Rodeo put Montana onmap as an epic snowkiting spot with reeride

ions, a Kitercross competition and the highlyipated Cow Girl contest. The wind did not

ppoint spectators and riders and a great timehad by all, despite missing snowkite pioneer

event organizer, Keith Kallio. We were stokedve the Snowkitelm riders rom Norway and

den there to pump up the skill level. For resultssick photos, seewww.montakitesports.com

KM Attracts Ridersorldwide

rian Schenck100 kiters hit Skyline in Utah to enjoy the powder and consistent wind at the 3rd

al Ozone Snowkite Masters. Chasta was onill once again to host this event and introduce

OMPETITIONS

Photo courtesy photoboat.com

a new challenge - terrain-based Kitercross racing.This winter also united more talented snowkiters

rom around the globe with attendance rom asar away as Alaska, Florida, Texas and Norway. For

the ull story, see www.windzup.com

Great Conditions atTherapy SessionsBy James Brown

The wind and snow came in like a lion or the 4thAnnual Therapy Sessions event at the Sanitariumat Dillon Reservoir, Colorado. Swarms o eager

beginners showed up to fy trainer kites and onthe nal day o the three-day event, riders were

treated to blue skies and nice thermals, perectconditions or playing on the kickers, rails and

skimming across the open water where the riverenters the lake. Saturday night eatured an o-

the-hook party with killer prizes rom sponsors.www.snowkitetherapysessions.com

James Brown at SKM. Photo Kim KernThe sliders were a big hit at the Key West comp.
http://www.tritonkiteboarding.com/http://www.tritonkiteboarding.com/http://www.montakitesports.com/http://www.montakitesports.com/http://www.windzup.com/http://www.snowkitetherapysessions.com/http://www.snowkitetherapysessions.com/http://www.windzup.com/http://www.montakitesports.com/http://www.tritonkiteboarding.com/http://www.linkcounter.com/go.php?linkid=303271http://www.linkcounter.com/go.php?linkid=303268http://www.kitebeaches.com/http://www.linkcounter.com/go.php?linkid=304817


18/46

hekiteboarder.com thekiteboardethekiteboarde

hotographers are probably the least well known people in our sport, unlessu are the ocus o their attention. Stephen Whitesell has been a part oteboarding since the early days, capturing images o the rst pioneers todays hot shot pros. Many o you have lived vicariously through Whiteysns experiencing travel stories and spectacular moments o his adventuresound the globe. Whitesell is neither arrogant nor egotistical when it comeswhat he does best. Tis is one o the major reasons why manuacturers

nd riders kidnap him regularly to photograph their catalogs and travelories. On a typical day, you can nd Whitey surng, kiteboarding

fying remote control gliders near his home onahu, Hawaii, but when the wind is blowing

nd the light is right, Stephen will be swimmingut with his camera in hand, ready to capture theul and liestyle o our sport. Te next time you areumbing through a kiteboard magazine and see ansane photo, make sure to look or that little photoedit and remember this interview telling the story

Stephen Whitesell, the man behind the lens.

Whr dd you grow u ad wha kd o chdhood dd you hav?When I was really small, we lived on the Big Island, but then we moved to

ailua on Oahu. I had a ridiculously good childhood. Te ocean was myckyard, and we had a huge crew o kids in my neighborhood.

Who ar som o h o you grw u aroud?ack then, Kailua was way dierent. It was more rural and you kneweryone. I hung out with surers or the most part. We lived to sur; itas really cool.

ow dd you g o hoograhy ad dd you vr hk hs woudyour carr?

ack in the early 90s I was a car mechanic but was sick o it, so I was

hunting around or something new. At the time I was living with mygirlriend in Munich. One day Pete Cabrinha called and said he was atthe sports trade show (ISPO), so I drove down to meet him. We suredthe standing river wave in Munich, and Darrell Wong, the windsurngphotographer, was shooting. Right then and there I decided I was goingto become a photographer. It just looked so damn cool. Pete and I talkedabout it and later he gave me some help as he worked or Gaastra at thetime. Darrell Wong became a good riend and always guided me along onthe business aspects o photography, which is probably more o a challenge

than getting good shots.

Wha s h mos mmorab hoo you ook you carr?I cant say I have one most memorable photo.Some o my rst water shots stand out becausethey were really exciting. New career, new angle,new riders it was an exciting time. Te rst ashhousing I made really brings back memories. Someo those shots were sick. Martin Vari was living on

Oahu, and we shot a lot o stu back then as we were both super stoked.

Wha y o rso do you hav h mos u shoog?I like the guys that are willing to deal with experimental rigs and shots guys like Sky Solbach and Denver Coon. Tey understand that sometimesI am trying new shiznit out, and it may be a waste o time but it may alsobe golden. Tey are always down to shoot too. I like guys that can line upreal well and have lots o kite control. Tere is a certain breed o rider thatknows what I am looking or or how I like to shoot. Guys like Robby Naishare masters at that. I dont like guys who call me and say its going o so thatI come shoot when I really know the conditions are marginal photo slutsthat want shots. Its a waste o time and time is precious or me with all thethings I have going on.

The Man Behind The Lens

There is a certain breedof rider that knowswhat I am looking foror how I like to shoot.Guys like Robby Naish

are masters at that.

tepHen WHiteSell

rv wby ryan r i cc i te l l i

Hiding behind his shades, Stephen Whitesell is an extremely humble guy

who has helped me over the years with random photography questions.

Photo courtesy o Stephen Whitesell

Whitesell works his moody light magic as he captures Je

Tobias boosting a huge handlepass 3 o the back o a wave

in Hawaii just beore sundown. Photo Stephen Whitesell


19/46


ou aso do a o o h sors you shoo; how do you hk hs hsu as a hoograhr?r sure it helps. I know what to expect. Its harder with wake-styleeboarding because Im a dangler.

ha was k comg u as a hoograhr Hawa?ell, I used to shoot a lot o surng, but there were so many establishedys it was hard to get jobs or photos in the mags. I started shootingndsurng a lot too and then moved into kiting. In the beginning, there

as no one shooting kiting on Oahu and just Peter Sterling and Eric Aederre getting into it on Maui. It was wide open. Te early days were exciting

mes I tell you some pretty eeble shots made it into the mags back then.o one cared though.

ou ar kow or war hoograhy ad ghg cs. How hass hd df you as a hoograhr?e hardest thing in photography is to dene your style o shooting.e strobe stu and ll ash shots; they dene me. Tey still do. Its all

I want to shoot. Any donkey can sit on the beach with a 600mm andget shots. It becomes an equipment arms race. I like in your ace, wideangle, strobe shots.

Wha s your oo o shoog warsors wh dga vrsus fmad how has hs hd ad hur war hoograhy?Personally, I have always loved lm. Every roll coming back is like openinga Christmas present. You dont get that with digital unless you know thestu is magic. I dont think digital has hurt photography. It has opened thedoor or a lot o people to shoot and enjoy photos. It has pushed up thelevel o shots in the mags or sure. What it has hurt is the photo business orguys like me. Te mags get ooded with images now rom so many people.Tey are oered ree shots let and right, so why pay a guy making a livingout o it? It has devalued the worth o a good photo. Saying that, I thinko it this way; in the early days, the guys shooting water stu didnt evenneed a good shot to be published as the angle was so resh. Ten along camethe autoocus shooters, and the old guys said, its so easy now, auto ocus,hmmmph. Ten the digital era came along and the old autoocus guys

said, digital, its so easy now, hmmph. Well, I dont really want to allinto that trap. Or, maybe I have. Gotta think about that!

May o h o shoors h word us your cusom bu warhousgs. How dd you g o makg war housgs?

What guys? Hah! I always loved technical challenges and a degree inIndustrial Arts doesnt hurt. When I started shooting photos, I had nomoney, so I ended up making my own water housings. I enjoy makingthem and try to create them as art pieces you are proud to have on ashel too. Saying that, its also a lot o work.

How dd you g o shoog kboardg?In the early days, my riend Des Walsh kept pushing me to shoot.I thought it looked pretty lame, but my wie said, You better startshooting that sport , because Im going to learn it. She really kicke d mein the butt to do it. I admit it; I had a closed mind - the kiss o deathor a photographer.

You hav sho dozs o covrs or magazs ovr h yars. Whas your rsoa avor?I like the Brian Lake cover you ran. I got a lot o comments on thatone ev en rom other mags. Tere was an early Lou cover or GermanKitesur which I really loved too.

Who ar your avor rdrs o work wh?Right now, Denver Coon, Jaime Herraiz and Sky Solbach. I dont seethe old crew so much. I used to love shooting with Flash, Martin Vari,Robby Naish and some o the local guys no one now has heard o likeScott Molinaro, Graham Boltz and Des Walsh. Tose guys ripped.

You hav rcy sard shoog ormua car racg. How dd youg o hs ad wha racs hav you sho?

Years ago, right at the start o kiting, I met this guy through DonMontague. His name is Alex Wurz, and he now drives or Williams F1.He became one o my best riends, and we have this little scam going

where he tells the team we need some shots o him kiting, and theysend me o to take pictures o him. I havent actually broken into theF1 shooting ranks yet more the liestyle o one driver. We have a loto un, and I have met a lot o people through him. He actually took apicture o me that made a cover in Europe. See, in the old days, anyonecould make a cover.

May o your rav sors hav b aurd magazs aroudh word. Wha s h mos mmorab rav sory you hav vrb o?I think my avorite was with Cindy Mosey and Mark Shinn on theSouth Island o New Zealand. Mark was at his peak and just ripping,and Mosey is always ull on or un. Yeah, that trip was a classic. It wasa super nice place with lots o characters. Los Roques with the SpaceMonkeys is a close second.

i h as w yars you hav b kow o av h camra hom

o go kboardg o a c day.I like the sur I will admit. It irks a ew people, but hey, theres alwaysother photographers to get the shots o the photo sluts.

You hav caurd may o h ac moms kboardg;wha ar your houghs o h vouo ad uur o h sor?Good question! Te sur thing is blowing up right now; maybe a surtour? How cool would that be? Te reestyle thing seems to be slightlystagnant although I imagine most manuacturers are still selling mostly

wake-style gear. I would like to see a heavier emphasis on style.

Wha gar do you rd?Naish. Rob and Don Montague took care o me at the beginning and stilldo. I do like Amundson custom wave boards though. Hes the man.

Whr s your avor ac o rd?Mokuleia on the North Shore; its a secret spot though.

You ow how a amy o your ow; wha s ha k? Has havgchagd your rscv o your ad carr?

Well, it has made me realize how time ies. It has made it difcult to jleisurely days at the beach shooting when the light gets good or w

wind. I wouldnt change a thing.

ke the surf I will admit. It irks a few people, but hey, theresays other photographers to get the shots of the photo sluts.

Shoot what interests you. It sounds obvious but you would be surprise

Be willing to wait or the light and the conditions to be in your avor. N

the early morning and late aternoon oer the best lighting conditions.

Have a vision o what kind o shots you want. Work with the riders; ex

your vision and how to get it.

Experiment with settings and angles. My avorite shots are angles thadont normally see, and that makes it resh.

Most important, i you want t o make a little money in photograp

start with a lot!

Stephen

WhitesellsPhoto Tips

Whitey has always put 100% into his shooting and this photo illustrates

the lengths he will go to get a unique shot. Photo Mark Ribko

t o shooting great photos is understanding what you shoot. Whitey gets slotted at

cky Point. Ph oto courtesy o Stephen WhitesellAn early Whitey cover.

Maja and Stephen share a very happy married lie.

Photo Berett Whitesell

Whitesells avorite angle is rom the water. Denver Coon blasts a kiteloop h

above the master. Photo Steven

Whiteys sel portrait! Photo


20/46


tips

Age: 19 Height: 58 Weight: 165 lbs Years kiting: 2.5 years

Favorite Spots: Kailua (Flat Island), La Ventana, The Gorge

Favorite Conditions: Windy enough so the kooks stay home.

Favorite Moves: Huge KGBs and anything that gets your heart racing!

Sponsors: CrazyFly, Jetty Island Kite and Skim

Competition Placements: Nothing worth bragging about, yet!

GEARBoards: CrazyFly Pro model 125/39 Kites: 07 Slingshot Fuels

Bindings/Straps: straps or strapless surboard

Bars (size and line length): 17 barLines: 23m Harness: Mystic Warrior

LOSEUP

hekiteboarder.com

Never let go!

Ride 110% or you might as well be on the beach watching.

Stick to what you know when it comes to equipment.

Know your gear inside and out and it will do what you want!

Never orget why you kiteboard -- its supposed to be un!

What other sports helped inluence

your kiteboarding and what is your

training regiment?

Sailing, surng, and skateboarding.

What riders inuence you most?

Ruben Lenten or his ability to do everything

20 eet higher then everybody else and Andre

Phillip or his style.

What do you do o the water to help you

on the water?Stay stoked and nd ways to be able to aord

this nuts sport!

What is the latest trick you are working on

and how is it going?

Throwing a kiteloop into my powered

handlepasses and not getting rocked!

Kiteboarding is a very unique sport because

o its great combination o mind and muscle.

I nd I have to sit and think about a trick as

much as I need to train physically or it.

Where is your avorite place to ride

and why?

Kailua Bay, because thats where I learned

and its like a jungle gym or kiters when the

wind blows.

What is something about you that you do

outside o kiteboarding that most people

wouldnt know?

When Im not riding in tropical or warm

places Im shooting photos out in New York

City to aord my long kite vacations.

Do you preer the new Flat kites over theC-kites and why?

I ride what I know and thats been C-Kites. Id

like to try a fat kite in three years or so -- by

then they should have it gured out!

What music pumps you up beore a

session?

I am really into Swedish olk music and old

school rock and roll. Sometimes I pump

Ozzy Osbourne, Crazy Train; Iron Maiden,

Run to the Hills and Dio, Holy Diver. The

blend o olk music and metal guitar really

helps me ocus.

Marina Chang Lens Jim Stringellow

Photo Jon Malmberg

ul grew up in Seattle, Washington, and

oved to Kailua, Oahu, when he was 17

nish high school. Lucky or him, his

ost amilys home happened to have a

eat Kite Beach just ve minutes away!

e then moved to New York City to study

d work toward becoming a proessional

hotographer. Needing a break rom the

y lie, he spent this winter training in

entana, Baja Mexico, enticed by riends

ho raved about the steady winds, cheap

eer, and killer tacos. He was never muchterested in competition sports until

teboarding. Paul plans on spending this

mmer in the Northwest again and hopes

compete in the Bridge o the Gods event

Stevenson, and any other North America

ents that have a reestyle element.

hen, where and why did you start

teboarding?

tarted 2.5 years ago in Seattle, Washington.

tarted working or a kiteboarding school

cause I was in need o a summer job

here I could be at the beach everyday, and

t pouring concrete in the hot sun.


21/46


e moment Stacey got her rst trainer in

e air, her lie changed. As soon as sheuld stay upwind, she sold her house,

it her job, got her IKO certication andoved to Cabarete to teach kiting or

urel Eastman. Stacey started workingr Best Kiteboarding in January 2005. Asam manager, she has had a lot o amazing

portunities to travel and kite as a partwork. I shes not kiting, shes doing

mething kite-related. Stacey did whatany o us dream o doing and is stoked to

living her passion.

hen and where did you start kiteboarding?ew my rst kite in 2002. I didnt get on aard until May 2003, and I stayed upwind

r the rst time at the end o July. Im a veryow learner.

hat other sports helped infuence your

teboarding and what is your traininggiment?d absolutely nothing beore I started kiting

cept shopping and gym/treadmill stu. Whens windy, I kite until I run out o light or wind,

my equipment ails. When its not windy, Ito the gym and do cardio and weights.

Age: Thats not a very polite question! Height: 57 Weight: 123 lbsYears kiting: About 4 years, with a year o or various injuries Stance: Gooy

Favorite Spots: Taiba Lagoon, Brazil; Spanish Wells, Eleuthera; Annes Beach, IslamoradaFavorite Conditions: Just powered enough, not lit out o my mind, in butter-fat water.

Favorite Moves: Raleys; anytime I can land a properly-edged F16.

Sponsors: Best Kiteboarding. Currently looking or a Botox sponsor.

GEARBoards: 121 Drive Bindings: Best ootstraps and hoverpads, bike-innertube heel bungies

Kites: 7 & 10m Bularoo; 9, 11, 13m 07 Waroo; 11m Waroo Pro

Bars (size and line length): 07 45cm Best Bar and 25m white lines

Harness: Kristin Boeses old waist harness; I like having something that belonged to theWorld Champion when Im out on the water.

LOSEUP

Ryan Riccitelli Photos Gavin Butler

hekiteboarder.com

I youre having a hard time gettingon the board, stick with it. It tookme over 500 attempted waterstarts beore I got on the board ora ew eet and then ell o.

I you think you need to rearrangeyour lie to accommodate kiting, doit, even i it means quitting your job,selling your house and starting allover again. Its worth it.

Try one new thing every session.Even i you dont land it, itll makeyou eel like youre progressing.

Unhook.

What was it like competing in Xrated

Kiteboardings Xtreme downwinder?The entire race, I was thinking, I hate kiting.Kiting is stupid. Im never doing this again.

This sucks! But the minute it was over, itwas suddenly a wonderul experience, and

even more so when I ound out I was the rstgirl to nish.

What is your avorite competition ormat?I like long distance racing, but only because

its what I seem to do best! Im not the astest

person, but I can keep going or a long time, andI can usually get mysel out o some pretty toughsituations. As a discipline, I like reestyle best.

Im just not very good at it, especially in choppywater where the comps are usually held.

What part o kiteboarding do you hate

the most?I hate not being able to kite in at water allthe time.

What do you think about the current gear

selection and how it is tailored to women?I think it is great! I dont believe womenneed special kites or boards, just maybe girl-

specic harnesses.

What is something about you that you do

outside o kiteboarding that most peoplewouldnt know?I dont do anything outside o kiteboarding. Im

not a very well-rounded person.

I you could give props to someone youreally respect in the kiteboarding world,

who would it be?Enzo Merluzzi, who taught me to kite, andAlex Shogren or his balls-to-the-wall risk-

taking. Andy Hurdman, my avorite kiter to

watch, and Kristin Boese, an amazing personwho Im lucky to have as a riend.

Who are your avorite people to ride withand describe your dream session?

Alex Shogren is my absolute avoriteperson to ride with - especially when hesstanding on the beach pushing me to trynew things. I it wasnt or Alex, Id still begoing back and orth. My dream session iskiting on a butter-at, empty lagoon, on a 7or 9m in the late aternoon when the windsbacked o a bit. There are a ew guys Imtrying to impress standing around on thebeach and Gavin Butler is taking pictures ome nailing every move I try.


22/46


skills in St Augustine, FL. Photo courtesy o

Daryl Drown

5. Thomas Gaewhiler puts his head into hisbar designs or Best Kiteboarding. Photo

Peter Stiewe

6.The crew behind CherryTAP. Photo Dave Yoo7. Dare2Fly, Kitebeach, Cabarete. PhotoCarol Bolstad

8. Photographer Gavin Butler and AndyDeilippis sporting neon. Photo Transcend

Kiteboarding

9. Paul Porters internet dating headshot.Photo Jon Malmberg

10. Julie Simsar, Karen Futernick and crewenjoying happy hour in Brazil. Photo Unknown

11. Grom and Shannon Bolstad cruising the

markets o La Paz. Photo Carol Bolstad

12. Kristin Boese with the buggy she drove intothe lagoon with Isma Moussed and Christian

Holley. Photo Gavin Butler

13. Ben Wilson clocking some tube time inNew Caledonia. Photo Gibson

14. Brad Jensen getting inspired at Pablos barin Ventana. Photo Jon Malmbergco

15. Kalani Cook chilling at Waddell. PhotoKim Kern

16. Jason Trupkin boosting one at Shacks inPuerto Rico. Photo Mama Trupkin

17.Litewave Dave showing o his $20k goldgrill. Photo Dave Turner

18. Jon VanMalson and Rocky Chatwellhanging in Ventana. Photo VanMalson

19. East Coast legend Dave Loop cirPhoto courtesy Dave Loopm

If you have a photo that you would like

in The Kiteboarder Magazine, pleaseem

thekiteboarder.com

ND IT

1

11

13

16

17

2

3

4

5 6 7

8

R E A D E R S U B M I S S I O N S

10

12

18

19

9

14 15

17

Rocky Chatwell and his sister Sarah ater she

on Ms. Corpus Christi. Photo Julia Chatwell

The crew rom Baja Joes in Ventana

rtaking in Pablos amous margaritas.

oto Jon Malmberg

Brian Caserio, the Ezzys and Kevin Trejo at San

rlos. Photo Clark Merritt

Daryl Drown shows o his landboard
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


23/46

hekiteboarder.com thekiteboardehekiteboarder.comhekiteboarder.com thekiteboarde

ResouRces

www.southcoastkiteboarding.c

www.prokitesur.com

www.corpuschristicvb.com

www.thirdcoastkitesurng.com

www.bobhallpier.com

ACKWOODS

hat is the ocial site name?

ckery Channel County Park.

hat is the best time o the year to hit

e spot?

ckery is windy year around but the best

onths to catch it are March through June (18-

mph). July through October is a little lighter

t still delivers. November through Februarymainly dependent upon cold ronts.

hat is the best internet site to check

e wind?

uthcoastkiteboarding.com has a variety

weather links specifc to the area.

ow do I get there?

ckery Channel is located on North

dre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. You

n ly into Corpus Christi International

rport and then take Interstate 37 toward

orpus Christi to Interstate 358 to North

dre Island.

What is the best wind direction?

East southeast, east or anything north in

the winter months. Summer months can

be a little too south so you are better o

heading to Laguna Shores or the beach i

it is real windy. Both are only fve minutes

away rom Packery.

What is the best wind direction to get lucky?On the rarer northwest ront days, you can

really explore all that Packery oers.

What conditions should I avoid?

Due south is the only direction that isnt

workable.

What gear should I be sure to pack?

Pack your 9m and 12m, and even smaller in

the spring.

What is the launch and landing like?

The launch is the grass strip on your right,

immediately ater you make the 90 degree

turn on your way in. There is plenty o room

to stand in the water and launch your kite. Ithe water is real low, you can drive urther

back on the dirt road to the mud ats and

launch there.

Who are the local schools and shops?

South Coast Kiteboarding, Packery Channel;

ProKitesur, Downwtown Corpus Christi andThird Coast Kitesurfng, Port Aransas.

Where should I stay?

The island has several hotels that keep you

close to the kite action, while downtown,

just 20 minutes away, has a bit more o

a city eel. The Omni Hotel is kiteboarder

riendly. There are also condo rentals on

North Padre Island or longer stays. Check

out www.southcoastkiteboarding.com or

hotel, condo and campground listings.

What else is there to do i I get skunked?

In 2003, Coprus Christi was declared

the Birdiest City in the nation with more

individual species counted than any other

city. Ive ound that kiteboarders really like

bird watching, so that should entertain you.

Otherwise, you can go surfng. Yep, there is

sur in Texas. You can also make the three-

hour drive to the cable park in San Marcos i

the orecast is looking really bad.

Where are some o the best places to eat?

Padre Island Pizza across the street is

deinitely good, although the best Pizza

in Corpus is at B&Js Pizza. Take SPID

west, exit Airline, bang the U and it is on

your right. LaPlay on SPID is also a local

avorite; exit Weber, make the U, and its

on your right. Be sure to check out the

Sunset Grill located on Bob Hall Pier.

What is the nightlie like?

I you want to eel like you are in Top Gun,

you can hang out at Farrahs across the street.

I you are thinking about absorbing Texas

live music, head to the Executive Sur Club

downtown, and try one o the over 25 beers

on tap; Tuesday is $2 pint night. I college girls

are more your scene, check out Mulligans

downtown or one o the many clubs.

Is there anything else I need to know about

this spot?

Dont ride in the channel, especially inthe summer months when there is a lot

o boat trafc. You may see a couple o

young punks riding, but i you are at all

concerned about your abilities, just body

drag across to the other side about 30

yards and enjoy the ats.

Are there any saety rules or issues I should

know about?

Did I already say not to ride or do tricks

in the channel? Seriously, dont ride in it

and get the boating community pissed

at kiteboarders. Also, dont go running

around the ats with reckless abandon;

you never know when you mig

stray shell or oyster. The ats aren

ree, so i you see a bunch o stic

clear and dont go crashing in a pl

havent scouted out. Power lines an

line the launch area so it is defn

a good place or beginners. Bee

skill level and ater you have m

the basics like controlled launchlanding, upwind body dragging,

riding, and are sel-reliant, come o

and enjoy the conditions.

Are there any interesting bits o triv

this spot?

This is the place that Damien Leroy

his frst sent mobe. Packery has a

history in the Corpus Christi kiteb

community, but not all o it is ro

always ride with a buddy and stay

game. Be sure to pay your respec

Peter Nordby memorial. Peter is t

who put Packery on the map.

PackeRy channel,txackery Channel County Park is known or its butter-smooth fat water and 20 knots plus conditions. Iou are able to launch your kite and body drag, the shallow water at Packery is the perect set up to improve

our skills. On a good day, you wont want to miss many o Corpus Christis top kiteboarders throwing

own all the latest and greatest reestyle tricks. The launch at Packery is not dicult, but this spot is not or

eginners. The most important tip to any visiting kiteboarder is; DO NOT KITEBOARD IN THE CHANNEL!

the slick at

cal rider Mike Danish takes advantage o the at water to work on his kiteloops.

Zach Kleppe sessions one o the duck blinds. ;) Mike Danish burns a turn just o the channel.

Many days blow 25 mph and the shallow water stays butter smooth.

Words and Photos Ryan Riccitelli
http://www.southcoastkiteboarding.com/http://www.prokitesurf.com/http://www.corpuschristicvb.com/http://www.thirdcoastkitesurfing.com/http://www.bobhallpier.com/http://www.corpuschristicvb.com/http://www.bobhallpier.com/http://www.thirdcoastkitesurfing.com/http://www.prokitesurf.com/http://www.southcoastkiteboarding.com/


24/46


was enjoying a calm October day in Puerto Rico and had th

weeks ahead o me with no special plans. My two riends,

riders Jo Wilson and Ania Grezlinska, were already in Br

and Karen rom Ozone Travel, one o my sponsors, was heading th

too. It didnt take me long to fgure out what I had to do: buy a ti

to Fortaleza, and meet up with the girls!

I

Taiba lagoon in Paracuru turned out to be one o Julies avorite placesto ride and train. Photo Geir Norland

Julieenjoyingthebutter-fatconditionsin Moitas.PhotoFredBrisemur

Lagoinhaexemplifesthe

endlessbeachesound

inBrazil.PhotoFredBrisemur

ByJulieSim

sar


25/46


ourney to Cumbucotaleza is the State capital o Ceara. Located in northeastern Brazil, its a major shing

t where more than two million people live. When our plane landed, Karen and I quickly

de our way to Cumbuco and the Sunset Beach Hotel, our base camp or the trip. It had

rything we were looking or: comort, location (it was on the beach, close to town and

best riding spots), a private buggy, and Nutella or breakast. Perect!

mbuco is a small shing village where you can nd beachront hotels, apartments,

arming pousadas, restaurants, and small supermarkets that sell everything rom oodall your pharmaceutical needs or dirt cheap. There are plenty o kite schools and

en a repair shop i you happen to wreck your gear. The ocean riding is incredible in

nt o the village, however, despite the great conditions, most o our time was spent

ning in the amous lagoon, Cauipe.

iscovering Cauipeuipe is an easy 10-minute beach drive north o Cumbuco. I you dont have a buggy or

x4, you can chance the beach drive at low tide or drive the road, which takes about

minutes. Cauipe is a large lagoon that is as fat as fat can get, but it can also get as

wded as crowded can get! We liked to hit it early and then relax mid-day under the

ade o a palapa, while sipping on cold coconut water and eating some o the best resh

ood ever. Ater a little siesta, we would hit the water again in the late aternoon, until

bodies couldnt take anymore.

Ater a ew days at Cauipe, we headed a bit urther north up to Taiba lagoon and Paracuru,

which is a 35 to 45-minute drive up the beach. Taiba is another extremely smooth, fat

water spot, but a bit smaller than Cauipe. Paracuru ending up being one o my avorite

places to ride.The set up is a large, beautiul bay protected by an outer ree that generates

small waves that orm nice little kickers. On the beach, there is a restaurant and showers;

perect or kicking back and cleaning up beore returning to Cumbuco.

The Custom SafariAter a week or so, Karen and I loaded our gear into a big white Land Rover with ourtrusted driver Daniel, and Fred rom the Vila Prea, to start our custom coastal kite saari.

Daniel is not your ordinary chaueur hes a Ceara State Champion motocross driver,

and he knows the coast and the roads with his eyes closed! Thank goodness we all kept

our eyes open, because the coastal road rom Cumbuco to Prea/Jericoacoara is one o

the most beautiul and majestic drives imaginable.

The best part about a custom coastal kite saari is that it is anything you want it to be.

We rode when we wanted, and took breaks rom the drive whenever we saw a spot

we wanted to check out or kite.

Charging North to PreaThe adventure continued and the wind got stronger as we traveled up the coast. We ate

lunch in Lagoinha and then spent a night in Fleicheras where we stayed at one o the most

antastic resorts in all o Brazil, The Orixas Art Hotel. I youre headed up the coast o north-

east Brazil, treat yoursel to this property. Fleicheras is a bay with nice kickers that roll in

close to shore. The spot can also have some un sur i you catch it at the right time.

From Fleicheras, it was north to Mundau, Moitas and then the nal leg up through coconut

groves and dirt roads to Prea, about eight miles east o Jericoacoara. I you plan on kiting in

Prea, make sure you bring a small kite 5m and 7m are the usual kite sizes there! The beach

is one o the widest, longest and whitest I have ever seen. The kiting area is wide open and

you are guaranteed to have un riding this spot. Vila Prea is a great place to stay in this area.They have high speed internet and you can kite right out ront. Unortunately, you cant kite in

Jericoacoara, but its worth checking out the village and the windsurng action.

Heading HomeMy two weeks in Brazil was by all means a true kiteboarding expedition. There is such a vari-

ety o places to ride, with new locations being discovered every day. The locals are riendly,

and the cost o ood, lodging, and transportation is very aordable. In just a ew hundred kilo-

meters o rugged coastline we experienced some o the best kiteboarding spots imaginable.

Having traveled to many kiteboarding destinations over the years, I would have to say that

Brazil is one o the best destinations I have traveled to so ar! To anyone looking or a new

place to explore, be sure to check out what Brazil has to oer. From uncrowded beaches and

lagoons to the more popular spots where you can always catch a pro or two training, Brazil

oers kiteboarders diverse riding locations, consistent winds, and a cultural experience.

whentogo:

August - December

wheretostay (highseasonrates, subjecttochange):

Cumbuco- Sunset Beach Hotel rom $20pp/night,www.villacumb

Kitecamp Cumbuco, price n/a,www.kitecampcumbuco.com

Fleicheras - Orixas Art Hotel rom $300 dbl occ/night including brea

dinner, www.orixasclub.com; Pousada Solar das Velas, price n/a

www.solardasvelas.com.brPrea - Vila Prea rom $85 single occ/night incl. breakast, wireless i

kite storage,www.vilaprea.com

wheretoeatincumbuco: Kitecamp Cumbuco or lobster and tapas

Gauchos or meat - Chicken places around the basketball court in C

wheretoeatinprea: The Vila Prea or rst-class dining at third-cla

whattodrink: Caipirinhas, the national drink o Brazil - Acai when

Jericoaracoara, a special Brazilian treat! - Guarana or energy

tips: Drink coconut water instead o bottled water i you get sick - C

Reals at the airport; there is no change in Cumbuco or close by

howtogetthere:

ozonetravel.comand kiteadventures.comoer everything rom

lodging only to lessons and customized kite saaris and tours.

facts


Julie setting up to bust a move in ront o the shack at Taiba. Photo Geir Norland

No its not a big rat but A Brazilian monkey capturing Julies attention.Photo Fred Brisemur

Julie ends her custom saari downwinder with not a soul in sight. Photo Fred Brisemur

Taibas conditions are excellent but watch

local fsherman casting their nets. Photo Je
http://www.villacumbuco.com/http://www.kitecampcumbuco.com/http://www.kitecampcumbuco.com/http://www.orixasclub.com/http://www.orixasclub.com/http://www.solardasvelas.com.br/http://www.vilaprea.com/http://www.vilaprea.com/http://www.ozonetravel.com/http://www.ozonetravel.com/http://www.kiteadventures.com/http://www.kiteadventures.com/http://www.ozonetravel.com/http://www.vilaprea.com/http://www.orixasclub.com/http://www.solardasvelas.com.br/http://www.kitecampcumbuco.com/http://www.villacumbuco.com/


26/46

Wind and Weather to Ride

hs ar w ddd to tak a drt approah to puttg togthr our strutoa ssu. Rathr tha bor

ou wth th sam rgurgtatd wb bgr ormato, w hagd svra o th top strutoa

oahs th word to wrt stos Th Ktboardr Hadbook that ar both up-to-dat ad usu or

vr v o ktboardr. Wth th vouto o qupmt ovr th ast w ars, w t t was mpratv

or a pubato to provd urrt bgr-advad strutoa ormato that w ot o hp ou mprov

our rdg but aso provd sght to strutoa tops that ar ot t out. Pas do ot us ths ormato

to rpa ssos or strutoa programs. Th Ktboardr Hadbook was dsgd to suppmt th arg

pross. As awas, th bst wa to ar to ktboard s to tak ssos rom a quad ktboardg shoo.

The Kiteboarder HandbookBy RyAn RicciTelli

T

The Kiteboarder Handbook

By

Wd drvs ktboardrs. Wh ts ght, w rav mor. Wh ts

ar w. Wd s good but usabs bttr. Usab wd mat

gar, xpr, rdg ara, adxptatos. Too ght, too strowrog drto, or too sht a

ssso ma zz or potthazardous. you ar dt puttg

at rsk ou rd odtos thaxtrm or our gar ad/or xp

is th wd oshor, oshor, or trom passg ovr ad? Ths ar o

bst avodd. Wd, wathr, ad sthroughout th USA ar mor thaovrd hr, so do our homw

ar what apps to our ara.

Wind oms wth th fow o ar prssur to ow prssur. Th gr

prssur dr, th strogr th

Cold fronts a brg both usuusab wds (wd to b avoda brg hazardous squa s, d

rass wd, 90o wd shsubstata tmpratur drops, wh

a tak ktrs out th past. sustad wds or powrd kt

oow short atr squa s ashts. Avod uusab wds (x

gust, rom th wrog drto) ador usab wds that ma oow.

tropiCal systems a hav mbddd squas wth uusab

shtg wds. Squa-r, usaba om wth tropa sstms but

ommo, so b awar.

So, how a ou as trak th wwathr? Th itrt s u o rlar whh sts ar bst or o

rdg ara b askg mor xprdrs what wbsts th us, a

th trprt th data. Th most mthg to raz s that ot a wd s

you hav to ar to dstgush usa

uusab wd.

marine/Water foreCasts

Check orecasts (predicted winds, direction, hazards,temperatures, cold ronts, tropical or strong systems). Learn

how to anticipate changes by comparing orecasts to the actualweather in your area. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

radar and satellite maps

Are storms (oten identied by bright colored masses),

squall lines, or eeder bands inbound? Looping weatherimages can show trends and speed.http://www.nws.noaa.gov/radar_tab.php

http://www.weather.gov/sat_tab.php?image=ir

synoptiC maps

Are there signicant weather systems inbound (cold ronts,tropical systems, strong high/low pressure), or do you seetight pressure isobars indicating strong wind?

http://www.weather.gov/outlook_tab.php

real-time Winds

How are winds upweather (the direction o the inbound

prevailing system)? Frequently you can see a preview o whatthe ront will bring to your area hundreds o miles upweather

in advance. Its a look at what may be the uture. I unstableweather is coming (spikes/gusty and shiting winds), avoid ituntil it passes. http://www.ikitesurf.com/

at the BeaCh

Check out and always be aware o windspeed, direction, and sky and water

conditions at launch and during yoursession. Is the wind useable, or are sky

conditions stable or threatening? Whatdo threatening sky conditions look likein your area? You should know. Are there

dark clouds and/or a wind/whitewaterline inbound?

When you see questionable weather

approaching, dont ride until the last minute. Land and secure your gear beore signicant wind ortemperature changes. I caught out, consider totally depowering early - waiting too long has cost

some riders dearly.

I you are ever in doubt about the weather, do not ride! Even the most experienced riders cannot control

their kites i the weather becomes unstable. Dont orce yoursel to ride in questionable conditions justbecause you drove or two hours to get to the beach. Sometimes you have to admit that the conditions

are above your ability and wait or another day.

NOAA map shows squall conditions inthe southeast

ation: Tipanniers, Moorea Island, Tahiti Rider: Kirsty Jones Photo: Richard Boudia

NWS radar map showing major system on

eastern seaboard.

Ikitesur is a great resource or orecasts andcurrent wind conditions

A picture-perect example o an impending squall and storm system. Photo: Rick Iossi.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/http://www.nws.noaa.gov/radar_tab.phphttp://www.weather.gov/sat_tab.php?image=irhttp://www.weather.gov/outlook_tab.phphttp://www.ikitesurf.com/http://www.ikitesurf.com/http://www.weather.gov/outlook_tab.phphttp://www.weather.gov/sat_tab.php?image=irhttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/radar_tab.phphttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/


27/46

Wind:Side, Side-OnShOre WindS

The key wind directions to look or when choosing a riding location are side shore and side-onshore

winds. This means the wind is blowing either parallel to the beach or at a 45 o angle onto the beach.

These are the saest two wind directions or kiteboarding as they will blow you along or gently back

towards the shore. Once you determine the wind direction or the day, look at a local map and ind a

launch site with these wind directions. As a general rule, do not ride in straight onshore or oshore

winds. These can both be very dangerous wind directions and can blow you directly onto land and into

hard objects, or out to sea.

spaCe:Clear, Open dOWnWind SpaCe

Kiteboarding and its gear take up a lot o space. Downwind space is key when choosing a kiteboarding

location, both on the beach and in the water. You dont want to launch just upwind o a bridge or rig and

launch your kite upwind o hard objects on the beach. Never launch your kite directly upwind o people.

Clear, open space both on the beach and in the water is the way to go. I your launch site is tight on the

beach, you can create more open space by moving out onto the water beore launching your kite.share the BeaCh

It only takes one rider to ruin a good riding spot. Share the beach, think about and help other riders

and wind up your lines i you are not going to launch your kite. Dont lay your lines across car or bike

paths. Be courteous to other beach users. Smile! Be a good ambassador or the sport o kiteboarding

and keep our sites open. Always be completely riendly and cooperative with any local authorities,

especially the lieguards.

epiC ConditionsAs your ability progresses, you will come to realize the two epic conditions in kiteboarding -- totally

lat water or waves. I you have access to these, then everything in the middle can be let to wind-

suring or ishing. When looking or the best lat water, scope out natural or manmade eatures that

will block the chop but not the wind. Low lying islands, jetties, and sandbars all work perectly or

this. Ride just downwind o them to experience lat-water kiteboarding nirvana. I you are looking

or waves, choose a spot with a well deined break that is not already packed with surers. Careully

scope out the waves and how they break to make sure that it is sae to ride beore giving it a go.

The best resources for information on riding spots are local kiteboarding shops, area riders

or local forums. If you notice that nobody ever kites in certain areas, ask before you go out;

there may be a reason why. As always, stick with spots that are within your ability and

keep an eye on the conditions throughout the day. Even a small wind shift can turn your epic

session into a kitemare.

By

evr w ktboardr has a ot o qabout what gar th shoud bu. W

kd o qupmt ou ar thkg ahasg, do our bst to tr th ga

had. Do our rsarh ad ask othour oa ara about thr gar ad w

hos t. Ktboardg s ot a hapgt to, so tak th tm to mak s

ar gttg th bst gar or our

W so i b ?choosg who to bu our gar romab th most mportat dso

mak th sarh or th da sa bgr ktboardr, ou do ot w

hapst kt ou a d o Ba. d guda hoosg th orr

ad th most obvous pa to go wour oa kt shop. Ask othr ktwhr th got thr gar ad how

about th srv. Ktboardg qs a vstmt ad bug th wro

oud b a vr xpsv mstak.

i ou do ot hav a oa shop, gpho ad tak to shops othr ara

just bu a kt baus t was o satrt or was th hapst o od. Thr ar a ot o grat shops

kt gar o th trt, but awasomo rst. Srv atr th sa

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modatos, or ou hav warrat

Choosing the Right Gear

The Kiteboarder Handbook

W ffcs bw C-ks, bow ks, Sle ks, bs?Two years ago, the kiteboarding industry was shook up by the introduction o kites known as bows. Since then,

other types o kites have also been introduced, adding to the c onusion o what a beginner should buy.

C-KiteSAll infatable kites made beore the 2006 models were C-kites. C-kites are shaped like a Cand are without bridle lines. C-kites are fown on either our or ve lines. These are the tried

and true kites. Most people who learned to kite beore 2006 learned on a C-kite and theycan still be used to learn. However, C-kites can have limited depower when compared to thenewer styles o kites and c an be more challenging to relaunch.

BOW KiteSBow kites are usually fatter than C-kites and are supported by bridle lines. Bowstypically eature better low end and high end wind ranges when compared to C-kites

and have an amazing amount o depower. All bow kites are fown on our lines. Theyare usually very stable in the sky and they relaunch very easily. Bow kites use pulleys on

the control bar, on the kites bridle, or both. This can cause higher bar pressure in some

models and the loss o a solid e

the kite boarder

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