Table of contents for #74 in Kiteworld Magazine

W hat are you hoping to fnd when you pick up this magazine? Hopefully you're searching for extra fuel to fame you're already searing desire for kitesurfng. Whether you’re about to get out for your frst proper rides of the season, or are wanting to keep the end of season glow burning on the inside a little longer, we can help. This issue is devoted to the search. We search because we're curious, because we're hopeful of better, because we have urges and because we hate standing still. We want bigger, better, cleaner, higher. As a human we've always wanted to know how we ft into the cosmos; our reason for being. But as a kitesurfer I want the ultimate feeling. Sometimes that comes from rapid progression. Sometimes from fnding…

Let’s start today’s tome with a story. I have a particular friend that I’ve known for many years. He was a windsurfer in his formative years, kiteboarder in more recent years and surfer through all his years. Fortunately he never owned a SUP – a man needs to have some self-respect, right? (FYI this is a joke; a small attempt at humour against the latest craft to join the line-up. It’s nothing against SUP, it’s just the way it works. Sooner or later someone will introduce a new vehicle to ride waves with and the SUP riders will become part of the established crew and, having served their time, will be able to join in with the bad jokes about the latest addition to the surfng fraternity). Anyhow, this friend…

THE LURE The ‘jewel of the west coast', Langebaan village is situated on a beautiful lagoon, offering a huge, natural playground for sporting and nature lovers. White-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds in the summer make this one of South Africa's top kite spots for those looking for flat water over the challenging Atlantic waves of Cape Town, 90 minutes south. THE SET-UP The flat water freestyle heaven of Langebaan provides a contrast to the often menacing conditions 90 minutes south in Cape Town. The two main spots in Langebaan are Kleine Oostewal (Shark Bay) and Main Beach. (There is another spot downwind of Main Beach, but the wind is offshore and therefore for advanced kiters only.) Shark Bay is 300 metres south of Langebaan village and ideal for beginners…

THE LURE Constant trade winds, a choice of sandbars, seven kilometres of powder white sand beaches and large summer swells make Watamu a wonderful playground for kiters of all levels with its own unique local effect providing excellent winds. A world heritage site, there are game reserves and a ton of other activities and sights close by. THE SET-UP Located south of Malindi, one of Kenya's oldest fishing settlements, the main seven kilometre long beach of Watamu is known as Turtle Bay. A natural reef protects the beach, ranging from 0.5 to two kilometres off the beach. Waist to over-head waves on the reef during the summer and an abundance of sand bars on the inside creating lovely knee-to-waist deep flat water freestyle and learning spots. The beaches are wide…

THE LURE Fun and safe for all levels with enough wind to be shredding dawn till dusk among the dolphins and flamingoes, Dakhla in southwest Morocco offers simple and relaxing holiday experiences on the edge of the Western Sahara on and around the immense 45 kilometre lagoon, or at three good wave spots. THE SET-UP Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara desert, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a huge flat water lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean, so whatever your level and riding preference, you're likely to be covered - there's even a ‘speed spot'$ Perhaps it's not the ideal holiday option for those looking for lots of non-kiting activity options, but if you're hungry for fantastic wind conditions, flat water, waves, beautiful sunsets and relaxed evenings with good food…

THE LURE Sharm offers the perfect combination of high quality hotels right on site with all the resort facilities you'd expect from a popular hot spot. The airport is only a short taxi ride away and, being serviced by many airlines, you can get there any day of the week from all over Europe. A perfect choice for all level of kitesurfers, travelling alone or with non-kiting partners. THE SET-UP The Nabq area is on the north side of Sharm El Sheikh, famous for its constant winds on the same coast line as Dahab. Kite Junkies have a couple of compressor stations to pump your kites and their beach staff will even lay out your lines. The lagoon is split into two areas with wind coming cross / cross-onshore from…

THE LURE 220 kilometres south of Hurghada you'll find El Naaba in Marsa Alam. Far away from mass tourism on the edge of the desert, it's a playground paradise for watersports lovers of all levels and those looking for a simple, peaceful and relaxing holiday. THE SET-UP A round, potato-shaped reef a hundred metres off shore protects the beach from shorebreak and focuses the waves out on the reef, separating two bays: Beach Bay and Surfers Bay. Kitesurfing and windsurfing take place in the Surfers Bay and there's even an additional kite lagoon with no windsurfers or swimmers. No matter your level you'll find great conditions for learning, flying and jumping and even some wave riding directly out front of the kite center at Giant Bay. Advanced freestylers can also…

THE LURE Corpus Christi boasts arguably the largest amount of kite-able days year round in the continental United States. Featuring a wide variety of conditions, from the pristine shallow flat waters of the Laguna Madre to the windy overhead surf on the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi and South Texas have something for everyone. THE SET-UP Centrally located and a few hours drive from the major metropolitan areas of San Antonio, Austin or Houston, South Padre and from the Mexican/US border, Corpus Christi is known for consistent winds, moderate temperatures and shallow waters. Miles upon miles of coastline is accessible by vehicles and the crowds are almost non-existent. Corpus Christi Bay has almost 200 square miles of area to explore and the locals run a Friday Night Bay Crossing (7…

THE LURE Featuring flat water to little waves, warm water and an authentic Brazilian ambience, Tremembe is something of friendly, like-minded people. THE SET-UP The shallow water makes it safe and easy for beginners and a fantastic place to bust out tricks for advanced kiters. Tremembe is tidal, so there's plenty of variety along this diverse and varied stretch of coastline and with thousands of kilometres of accessible beach to explore you can expect to find plenty of hidden spots and lagoons. Afternoon winds are onshore so it's easy to downwind. Mangrove, a fantastic place to snap some breathtaking riding shots, is five kilometres away. Four kilometres the other way is Peixe Gordo (‘Fat Fish' in English), a nice little wave spot that novice wave riders will love. Redonda, 16…

THE LURE Jericoacoara is a very special fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. Close to the equator it was once hailed as having one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by the Washington Post. Surrounded by dunes, fresh water lagoons and set in a national park, there are no proper roads, sand everywhere and wind almost every day. THE SET-UP Boasting over 25 kilometres of beaches and solid wind right from June all the way through February, there are fantastic conditions (as long as you like strong winds) - flat water lagoons, river mouths and ocean waves. June, July, February and March are the best months for wakestyle freestyle as the winds are a little lower. Two high…

THE LURE Uruguay may not be a well known kiteboarding destination but its expansive coastline is home to some world class spots - and Laguna Garzon is just that. A huge sheltered lagoon with acres of flat water on one side of the sand bar and the playful waves of the South Atlantic on the other, Laguna Garzon is an absolute gem. Whatever your level -THE SET-UP Laguna Garzon is a massive lagoon with access to the open ocean. Shallow, flat and ideal for beginners, if you stay close the sandbar you'll find some of the most buttery conditions that are a freestyler's dream when it's blowing. Head out of the lagoon and just a few metres over the sandbar you'll be faced with an entirely different spot with miles…

THE LURE An exclusive water sports centre nestled in a five star resort with world class kiting conditions surrounded by championship golf courses. Perfectly situated just 45 kilometres from San Juan, Dorado Beach Resort is a gigantic playground for the whole family with water parks and beach activities for kids, breathtaking spas and incredible kitesurfing at a private spot that's only open to guests of the luxurious hotel and the Goodwinds Kitesurf school and Watersports Center. They THE SET-UP Less than an hour's drive from the capital, Dorado Beach and the Dorado Beach Resort play host to Goodwinds Kitesurf Centre and inclusive kite spot for its patrons. The bay is perfect for beginners and ‘improvers' while a short tack to the outer reef offers some outstanding wave riding for intermediate…

THE LURE All just a very short hop from anywhere in Europe you can be enjoying glassy morning wakeboarding or surfing sessions which are the perfect way to kick the early hours off, before an afternoon of regular 25 knot wind speeds for some kiting action with plenty of spots to choose from. There's also loads of off-the-water entertainment in this area, too THE SET-UP The Algarve coastline extends over 200 kilometres, more and lagoons on the east coast, sheltered beaches and picturesque rock faces on the central coast and sharp cliffs and big waves in the west where the coastline opens up to the power of the Atlantic. The Algarve is hugely popular with bathers in the high season, however, Portugal's south and southwest areas offer many more kiting…

THE LURE Spectacular beaches with clean and clear waters surround a relaxed, laid back Spanish atmosphere. Fuerteventura is a fantastic location within a short hop from anywhere in Europe and offers flat water and smooth winds, especially in the summer. Wave riders will find a consistent swell and relatively warm weather in the winter months. THE SET-UP Flag Beach is just outside of the bustling tourist town of Corralejo and is the most open golden-sand beach in the north. The north of the island features a multitude of beaches with many smaller beaches than the south as well as pretty coves that offer a variety of conditions. Mostly lovely flat turquoise waters and steady cross-shore winds in the summer. Flag Beach is long with reefs at both ends that go…

THE LURE Kiting between these dramatic mountains in the morning and afternoon thermals is a unique experience. If you're learning, lessons are very safe and all done from a boat, so you have all the space you could possibly need. THE SET-UP The key to this place is stable wind, two reliable thermal wind directions and loads of space. Limone at the north end of the lake has the best spot for the flattest water in the morning and the strongest winds in the afternoon. You can only access it by boat so the spot stays quiet even in high season. You may find that the lake is flat calm in the afternoon, but that this spot still has a nice, stable breeze. An important factor to note is that…

THE LURE Just a short flight from anywhere in Europe, Ulcinj (pronounced: ‘Ooltseenie'), the southernmost town in Montenegro, is a new kiting hotspot in Europe featuring a 14 kilometre sandy beach and super steady side-onshore thermal winds that blow every day in the summer. THE SET-UP Visiting Ulcinj for the first time reminds many of Tarifa in the early days in terms of the long, sandy beach and the conditions. The huge Velika Plaza beach is set in a protected natural area surrounded by dunes and hidden by alluvial forests. The prevailing wind comes side-onshore from the right and conditions are perfect for beginners and freestylers South winds occasionally blow cross-onshore from the left and can be strong, kicking waves up to two metres high making the shore-break unsuitable for…

THE LURE A picture post-card tropical kite location with flat water, fun waves and excellent downwinders where village kids chase your kite as you go. Here you'll find reliable trade winds in one of the most beautiful places with the friendliest people on earth. THE SET-UP Located on the northern tip of the island, the local kite grounds start between the small, privately owned island of Viubani and Taveuni which creates an amazing most point of Taveuni. Inside the reef is a huge expanse of shallow flat water over a sandy and seagrass bottom. Kite out to the reef and you'll be exploring small waves and uninhabited islands. Take an hour's drive to Lavena or a sailing trip on the local catamaran, aptly named ‘Looping'. and you could be kiting…

THE LURE Leave the crowds behind and hop off your private yacht into the crystal blue waters whenever you feel like it. Uncrowded kitesurfing is what this holiday is all about. THE SET-UP Bahamas Cat Charters have three boats in their fleet and your chartered vessel will be anchored just minutes from multiple kitesurfing spots. Choose from sandbars with flat/ shallow water that's ideal for beginnners and those working on new tricks. There's plenty of space and most beaches are onshore with very clean winds. Ride safe/ calm waters or hit up some waves. Ride at a different spot each day of your charter in safe/ peace of mind as there's a dinghy on hand at all times in case you need a rescue. WIND/ WEATHER AND WATER The windiest…

AIRUSH: The 6 Knots Plus or (6K+) is Airush’s latest range of boards specifically designed for diverse light wind shredding experiences. The 2015 Slayer is a strapless freestyle machine, benefitting this year from improved manoeuvrability, smoother carving and better aerial throw-around factor. Deep quad concave channels allow for quicker planing. The Sector reaches its sixth edition and has been refined as the ultimate directional freeride board, boasting early planing, comfort and limitless cruising fun in the lightest of conditions. A revised outline and fin configuration allow the Sector to carve like nobody’s business! There’s a good video with Julien Kerneur showing just what can be done with it in the ‘brand’ video section at: www.kiteworldmag.com The Monaro Slalom V2, designed in collaboration with Julien himself - who is the current…

11TH ANNUAL SNOWKITE MASTERS There were two competitions at this year’s Snowkite Masters, featuring the SKM Mood Cup Race during the two first days, before the World SKM Freestyle riders took over to raise the level. Almost 60 kite racers on skis and snowboards went full speed across the big, wide spot at La Pyramide, with super strong winds and thin slices of fresh powder covering a hard snowpack. There were four flags to pass and two runs for each heat with riders finishing on the line right behind the Hotel des Glaciers at the Lautaret Pass. The increasing popularity of race events like this are due to anyone being able to compete against the best racers in the world. Safety and pleasure are the main points, so there’s no…

{01} WINNER Alison took the photo while she was enjoying a glass of wine by the fire in the cabin. It was actually taken towards the end of the season in 2010 and I was lucky enough to have the place almost completely to myself. I was there last weekend and there must have been over a hundred kiters out. It’s about four hours from my home in Stavanger, if the road is open. Unfortunately it’s often closed or is operated under convoy where they let 25 cars go up behind the snow plough each hour. It’s at the south end of the Hardangervidda plateau. Haukeliseter is actually the name of the cabin / hostel / hotel that we stay in at the middle of the mountain pass. It’s fantastic…

Ydwer van der Heide’s natural gift for capturing some of the most evocative kiteboarding photos we’ve seen is made even more powerful by his passion for the search. We spent two months sharing a house with him in Cape Town at the start of this year. At the end of it he let us raid his most recent hard drive while we talked through a selection that typified his shooting season What always strikes us with each of Ydwer’s photo submissions are the textures that he manages to create. There’s a grit to them that draws you in and, as Ydwer kites a lot himself, he manages to shoot in a way that really communicates with us as kiteboarders. We’re entranced by the mood, character, timing, elegance and power of…

Kitesurfing is a very touchy-feely experience and all our tests are based on what we felt. Of course that’s subjective and views can change when you ride a kite every session having welcomed it into your life, but hopefully our reviews will assist you in finding the kite that has the right character for you a little bit quicker. Here’s a guide to what the scores mean for each kite. (Remember: not everyone wants a kite that scores 10/10 for everything. For example when considering ‘Steering speed’ – you could end up in a hedge if you’re not ready!) BALANCE POINT READINGS X / 10 Build quality: 1 = Good luck getting it out of the bag in one piece / 10 = Indestructible Full package: 1 = Pigtails sold…

Subscribe to Kiteworld and you’ll be entered into a free draw to win a brand new 10 metre Ocean Rodeo Flite kite. The third generation of Flite is the lightest kite that Ocean Rodeo have ever made. The 17m and 14.5m remain as two world-class high-performance light wind kites, while the 12 and 10 introduce a new class of cross-over freeride experience to the Ocean Rodeo outfit. And we have a brand new 10m to give away to a lucky reader! More info on the Flite at: www.oceanrodeo.com HOW TO ENTER: Subscribers with a current subscription to Kiteworld on the 15th April 2015 will be entered into this Ocean Rodeo Flite kite prize draw and the KiteWorldWide holiday draw. So, that’s two amazing prizes up for grabs this issue. Pukka.…

THE LURE The surfing village of Muizenberg, situated between mountain and ocean, is one of Cape Town's most southerly suburbs and just a 20 minute drive from the city centre. The water in Muizenberg is warmer than most of the other spots around Cape Town, with safe beach break waves and, like the rest of the Cape, has enviable wind statistics. THE SET-UP Muizenberg offers a large stretch of uncrowded beach that is several kilometres long and swept by consistent, cross-onshore winds. When the wind does not blow, the beach break waves and shallow water of Muizenberg make it an ideal spot for all levels of surfers, stand-up paddle surfers and bodyboarders with small to medium size waves breaking close to shore and in deeper water. Kitesurfers and stand-up paddle…

THE LURE Endless downwinders, beautiful 10 - 14 metre weather, super fun waves out on the reef and various flat water conditions to be found on the lagoons closer to shore. This authentic little village on the southeast corner of Zanzibar THE SET-UP An ideal destination for most riders with huge downwinder potential around the remote islands. Zanzibar is just 90 miles long and 40 miles wide. Paje is the main kitesurfing spot on the south coast. An offshore reef creates flat conditions on the huge lagoons at low tide. As the tide rises and the water spills over the reef it gets a little choppier on the main beach, but at high tide you'll find nice kickers closer to shore. During a neap tide it's flat water all day…

THE LURE Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and situated at the top of Africa, Essaouira isn't far away in terms of travel time from Europe, but in terms of ‘where' it takes you culturally, it feels like a much further escape. There's a bustling old medina by the harbour and this busy fishing village also happens to be known as ‘the windy city' with a vast, sandy beach stretching for three miles. THE SET-UP The best kiting is found towards the left side of the bay, away from the town, where the beach is less crowded and the wind is more constant. The curved shape of the bay and cross-on winds make it safe and kite schools offer safety boat assistance. Protected by the Mogador Islands…

THE LURE 30 minutes north of Hurghada lies the resort of El Gouna, featuring a lattice work of waterways, housing, hotels, restaurants, bars, a world class golf course and a newly developed cable park. El Gouna must be the most sophisticated of all Red Sea kiting spots. A man-made dream of a town that not only caters for the kiting tourist, but attracts holidaymakers looking for a safe, luxurious holiday and also has a lively local population of 20,000 ex-pats who all call this ‘French Riviera of the Red Sea', home. THE SET-UP There are two main kitesurfing areas. The wind is predominantly from the north, making it cross/cross-on from the left at Buzzha and Mangroovy beaches which are north of El Gouna town, while the second spot at the…

THE LURE look at the pictures, it's incredible. Just an hour's train ride from Penn station and the bustling metropolis of Manhattan delivers you to world class kiteboarding with miles of shallow, butter-flat water in the bay and large sandy beaches and good waves on the ocean. THE SET-UP The Great South Bay (GSB) is the premiere kiteboarding location in the tri-state area. Offering miles of butter-flat waist-deep water akin to the legendary slicks of North Carolina and there are kite-able conditions in every wind direction. Discover literally miles of ocean facing beaches and several wave spots that work in both onshore and side-on wind directions. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The GSB is rideable from March through until December best months: April to November. Wind speed varies from 15 -…

THE LURE Superb wind, a million acres of flat, shallow, warm Gulf waters, warm air and water temperatures as well as a lack of crowds make this a kiter's dream (although you'll THE SET-UP The island runs almost straight north to south and is less than a mile wide. Choose from sheltered butter-flats on the Laguna Madre Bay side, to head-high, pitching waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Laguna Madre Bay on the west side has over a million acres of flat, shallow waters. Wherever you put your kite down you'll be able to touch the bottom. The main launches on this side are just north of town, starting with the south flats. A sandy bottom and shallow blue water make this a premier kite spot in northeast to northwest…

THE LURE Situated between Paracuru and Jericoacoara means you can expect an incredible predictability of wind here. Icaraizinho de Amontada village is a simple place with very welcoming people, offering small shops, a pharmacy, a church, some small restaurants and a spacious, sandy six kilometre stretch of beach. Discovered by windsurfers and more recently kitesurfers looking to ride in peaceful surroundings and do not much other than sail / kite every day, this spot is ideal if your requirements are the same. THE SET-UP A beautiful half crescent bay features a range of conditions, with perfect flat water slalom on the southeast end, bump and jump in the middle and one to two metre waves jacking up at the north end of the bay. The beach itself is unspoiled with…

THE LURE If you're looking for a super fun, laid back slant on your kiting life then you won't do much better than a visit to Barra Grande. No loud engines, sandy village streets and donkeys for transport, you'll find immense amounts of wind, superb bump and jump conditions at high tide, flat water at low tide, a lush flat water lagoon downwind, heaps of space and incredibly welcoming locals who know not only how to have a good time, but how to share all that they have with you. THE SET-UP Situated close to the Delta de Parnaiba (one of the three largest open sea deltas in the world in terms natural extension and beauty), Barra Grande's main spot is off the main beach with flat, warm, clear waters…

THE LURE These islands are a kiteboarding paradise with uncrowded, pristine, powder soft beaches, warm turqoise seas and perfect freeriding terrain. Only 90 minutes from Miami with direct flights from New York, Dallas, Toronto, Atlanta, Charlotte and London (via Nassau) to name a few, Turks and Caicos is fast establishing itself as an excellent kiteboarding destination. THE SET-UP The main island of Providenciales boasts perfect beaches such as Long Bay for learning. Freeriders can ride numerous bays and other islands to their heart's content. Strike gold if the waves and wind line up for some sensational, if inconsistent, down-the-line wave riding. Most beaches are easy for launching and landing but be mindful of other beach users. On the east end of Provo, Long Bay is waist-deep for miles, has a…

THE LURE Lying at the beginning of the beautiful Costa de la Luz, widely acknowledged to be Spain's least spoilt and developed coastline, you know it as one of kitesurfing's original meccas, but Tarifa is building a solid reputation as the ‘Adventure Capital of Europe' with over 40 activities to try. Plus there's great food, wine, friendly locals and a lovely family atmosphere$ This is the busiest kitesurfing destination in the world. Luckily the huge beaches can cope with the thousands of kiters that descend on Tarifa each season and you can expect wind and sun for 300 days a year. All this is just a cheap, quick flight from anywhere in Europe. THE SET-UP Just 14 kilometres across the water from Africa, this vibrant venue in Andalucia lies at…

THE LURE A year-round kiting holiday-makers' favourite, Sotavento in the south of Fuerteventura has a huge wide-open tropical beach land where you can ride the warm, shallow lagoon or hop over to the bright blue ocean for more bump ‘n' Egli centre also hosts one of the longest standing PKRA tour stop events on the calendar at the end of July, when you can share the beach with the best kiters in the world and then party with them at night. THE SET-UP A funnel-effect ramps the winds up in Sotavento all year. A huge expanse of sand over a four kilometre long beach makes for an incredible kiting back drop. The kiting area in front of the recently improved Rene Egli kite centre is a flat water spot, expanded…

THE LURE Crystal blue waters and stunning mountains a few kilometres away make Gizzeria one of the most beautiful corners of Calabria in southern Italy. They like a party there and completing the attraction is Hang Loose Beach, a great kitesurfing spot, with good thermal winds from April to September. THE SET-UP Gizzeria is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea and has fantastic learning conditions. Miles of obstacle-free beach and no danger of being lost at sea as Gizzeria lies within the Gulf of Lamezia Terme. Within a 30 minute drive there are other good beginner spots on the Ionian Sea at Steccato di Cutro. Although ideal for beginners, Gizzeria attracts a lot of pro riders too thanks to the regular conditions. Each year Hang Loose Beach host an international riding…

THE LURE Kalpitiya has a long, narrow, pristine sandbar that separates the lagoon from the Indian Ocean in one of the most consistently windy destinations in the world. People are only just now beginning to believe all that they see and hear. Expect daily 20 - 25 knots between May and October and slightly less in the second wind season from December - a paradise for kitesurfing THE SET-UP The flat water lagoon is just one-and-a-half metres at its deepest, so is ideal for all levels. You can quickly switch to ocean riding by popping over the sandbar. Launch directly from the De Silva centre who also run transfers to vis-a-vis sandbank for easiest entry and launch. Kite excursions include the 90 minute boat trip to Paradise Island for insane…

THE LURE The kiteboarding and stand-up paddle boarding conditions are incredible at Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas - the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Both are World Heritage listed national parks in Tropical North Tueensland and the untamed Cape York of Australia. THE SET-UP Four Mile Beach is a one-stop location for kiteboarders and ocean lovers with consistent south-east trade winds and a tropical climate (found on the same latitude as Tahiti). Four Mile Beach is the far north's version of the Great Ocean Road where the mountains of the Great Dividing Range sink into the Coral Sea to form the foundations for the Great Barrier Reef. ‘Just 2,400 kilometres long'... yes everything is bigger in Australia. You'll find every type of riding terrain for…

S Ifyou'rethinkingofembarking on your first downwind adventure then scan through the points below and get after it WHY SHOULD I DO A DOWNWINDER? Well, besides the fact that they're about as much fun as you can have while fully dressed (or partially dressed if you're somewhere warm), you can get a lot out of going on a downwinder. They present a unique opportunity to view the coastline from a new vantage point and allow you to kite at spots inaccessible from the land that you may never have gotten to ride at otherwise. On top of that they encourage you to develop new riding skills and experience something truly special with your fellow kiters. Plus, there is quite often beer at the other end CAN ANYONE DO IT? Yep, in…

The new owners and team running the PKRA world tour recently announced the first set of changes that we’ll see come in for the 2015 season. After a long period of silence and speculation after the handover was announced at the end of last season, the biggest news is confirmation that there will be titles decided in men’s and women’s freestyle, big air, waves as well as an overall champion. Each event will run as a dingle elimination format rather than a full double elimination, the losers from round one getting a second chance in round two against each other before rounds three onwards continue as a regular elimination competition. The top 14 men and seven women have pre-qualified for the tour and there will be one qualifying stop prior…

No doubt the RedBull King of the Air is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. There is so much excitement amongst the kiteboarding community. It generates a huge audience, both online and onsite during the event. I have to admit that I probably don’t get as excited about the event as some of the others. My focus on the world tour over shadows anything else, but this time it really hit home how good the event is for kiteboarding. I always knew if I applied myself that I would have a good chance, but it still didn’t really bother me that it was a title that had eluded me. After winning it, I suddenly see what it means to be the King of the Air, though! I…

Choosing your kiting gear can be like one of those aptitude tests for college. You know the ones; match the weather conditions in Column A with the kite equipment in Column B. Strong wind, fat water and kickers matches with twin tip, boots and seven metre kite. Aaron Hadlow and you do this all the time. Correct choice equals a good session, trophy, champagne. Incorrect choice equals failure, explosions and ibuprofen. Photography is much the same. You have an idea, a set of challenges and you have to use specifc equipment to make a successful photo. In my funny little world the challenges vary greatly. One day it can be swimming in big waves, the next it can be fnding the ‘good side' of a parallel retractor for a medical…

PROLOGUE As Axel Ubben boarded his plane back to Red Bull TV HQ in Austria, I wonder how he felt about kiteboarding. It had certainly given him a rough ride, headaches and back lashes on social media over the last two weeks. Although there was an amazing climax to this year’s event, it wasn’t streamed on Red Bull TV as planned. Nature is a tricky leading lady to partner with and Axel probably felt like he’d been dancing with the devil instead. THE LIVESTREAM Take what has become the biggest and most hotly anticipated event in the annual kiteboarding calendar run by event giant Red Bull, line the beach with thousands of spectators and surely you have the perfect stage for a quality livestream, right? Correct! And the plan was…

WHAT IS MY REAL LEVEL? Being able to honestly assess your real riding level is key if you want to improve faster and become a better, safer kiteboarder. When kiteboarding coaches set a training path for riders to progress the frst thing they'll do is defne a ‘start point'; a rider's real riding level that encompasses everything from their understanding of safety, their riding knowledge and their mental and physical states. Setting riding challenges that are too high will see you fail every time, you'll lose confdence and stop enjoying yourself. On the other hand, if you don't set challenging goals you'll get bored and your progression will slow down. SAFETY Your safety knowledge represents 5% of the skills needed when things are going well, but if things go wrong…

SCHOOLS THE AMERICAS 1 Aqua Sports Maui Wailukui, Hawaii kiteboardingmaui@mac.com + 1 808 242 8015 www.mauikiteboardinglessons.com 2 Captain Kirks Kiteboarding San Pedro, CA & LaVentana, Baja info@captainkirks.com +1 310 833 3397 www.captainkirks.com 3 Exotikite Kiteboarding School Baja, Sur Mexico info@exotikite.com +521 624 165 2612 www.exotikite.com 4 Good Breeze Kiteboarding Cocoa Beach, Florida info@kiteboardingcloseouts.com +1 321-252-5483 www.goodbreezekiteboarding.com www.kiteboardingcloseouts.com 5 Hatteras Island Surf & Sailing Waves, NC +1 252 987 2292 www.hatterasislandsurfshop.com 6 Kite Club Punta Cana Punta Cana, Dominican Republic +1 829 576 6399 info@kiteclubpuntacana.com www.kiteclubpuntacana.com 7 Kiteboarding School of Maui Kahului, Maui, Hawaii mschale@ksmaui.com +1 808 873 0015 www.ksmaui.com 8 Kitty Hawk Kites Nag's Head, Hatteras mail@kittyhawk.com +1 252 441 0265 www.kittyhawk.com www.khkiteboarding.com 9 KGB Kiteboarding Baja Mexico & California info@kgbswag.com +1 510 967 8014 www.kgbswag.com 10 Kiteforce Montreal, Quebec…

THE LURE Two hours south of the Canary Islands and about 500 kilometres west of Senegal lie ten idyllic islands in the Atlantic that make up the Cape Verdes. Sal offers kitesurfing conditions for beginners, advanced and expert riders with average winds of force four to five every day. Boa Vista island is a much more remote and undeveloped experience with some incredible conditions and a few nice hotels to look after you. THE SET-UP SAL - There's something for everyone. Side-onshore wind and small wind waves on the windward, east side of the island (Kite Beach - where Kiteboarding Club are based). Lessons also run in Santa Maria on the south coast with flat water for freestylers. In the southwestern corner of the bay there is a wave spot…

THE LURE Nestled in the picturesque, traditional south of Mauritius is the small and exclusive Outrigger resort in Bel Ombre - the ideal location for the kitesurfer looking for the ultimate five star kitesurfing experience. THE SET-UP Typical of Mauritius, Bel Ombre is protected by a large coral reef 300 metres offshore which means it benefits from a sizeable area of flat, shallow water on the inside that's great for learning or freestyle and then as with the rest of this coast you can find waves on the outside and especially further downwind. Situated 20 minutes or so east from the infamous Le Morne along the south coast, the flat water area is approximately two square kilometres. The wind can be a little gusty close to shore and wetsuit boots…

THE SET-UP There are several kite spots, most working best at high tide. The famous national park lagoon just north of Dahab is kiteable in all tide states, though, and on a high tide it opens up to riding the sea. The main lagoon is split between windsurf and kitesurf zones. Windsurfers at Baby Bay and Speedy Lagoon (strictly windsurfers only between 09:00 and 16:00 in summer). Downwind are fantastic flat water areas. Dahab Kite Lagoon features shallow, knee deep water at high-tide, making it fantastic for learning. It can be gusty due to the wind blowing over Dahab itself in the morning, but smoothes out in the afternoon. Remember, Dahab is only reachable if you head upwind from the lagoon and you can't launch or land on the beach,…

THE LURE The shallow, flat waters and cheap package deals mean that this has long been a favourite with kiters throughout Europe and Egypt's original kite spot has grown into the Red Sea's most popular kiting destination. The area is brimming with hotels and the town hosts many bars and clubs. Year-round wind and sun only add to Hurghada's broad appeal. THE SET-UP Turquoise waters, white sandbanks and a huge amount of space, the kitesurfing here really is good for learning and it's easy to see why it has been so popular for so long, ticking all the right boxes for those wanting concentrated time spent improving: easy travel, warm water, plenty of regular wind, flat water and lots of facilities for an easy holiday. The water depth gradually drops…

THE LURE If you were able to custom design a kiteboarding location from scratch, you couldn't come up with a much better set-up. Hatteras Island, 40 miles off the US mainland (accessible by road bridges), has heaps of locations for flat water and surf kiteboarding. The unique bend in Hatteras island, combined with consistent, clean winds and open access to the water make this place difficult to beat. Imagine shallow water to the horizon in every direction on the sound side (west side of the island) - that's the Pamlico Sound with flat water riding areas that are waist-deep seven miles out and up to 60 miles north and south. Drop your kite and stand up, or just take a rest - the thousands of newly qualified riders prove that…

THE SET-UP The main kite beaches are in an industrial section of Kahului on Amala Place. The first parking lot is Teach Beach (AKA: Kimo's) with an uninterrupted area downwind past the industrial buildings. The launch can be a bit tricky, so observe other kiters and familiarise yourself with the area. Between Teach Beach and The Keyhole (lower end of Old Man's) is the world-famous ‘Pro Beach', marked as Ka'a Point on the map. Sheltered with butter flat waters it's only for advanced riders as the launch area is tiny and in a wind shadow. Over a small bridge to the next parking lot is the excellent beginner/ intermediate area of Kite Beach called Kanaha with a small camping area, showers and restrooms. Aqua Sports Maui meet their students at…

THE LURE Prea is a quiet fishing village located just inside the entrance of the beautiful Jericoacoara National Park, in the northeast of Ceara state. The most popular kite spot in this 15 mile section of coast, there are mile after mile of empty beaches with daily 25-knot cross / cross-onshore winds, with July to January being the best months. THE SET-UP Here and Jeri are both safe and just insanely regular. Flatter in the morning and choppier with more wave options in the afternoon, this spot is ideal for all levels and although popular, there is lots of space. The beach is enourmous with no obstacles, so downwinders are a must. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER As a general rule, as you travel north from Fortaleza the winds get stronger.…

THE LURE Just 2.5 hours from Santiago, Pupuya is nestled in the picturesque, traditional Chilean coastline. Strong, steady winds for eight months of the year and an incredible environment that offers great kiting, world class surfing and plenty more activities. You could always just take it all in by the pool, too. THE SET-UP Predominantly southerly side-onshore wind offers something for everyone. The flat, protected lagoon is ideal for beginners and lessons while advanced riders are spoilt for choice with butter flat sections for freestyle and a great variety of wave spots. The renowned big wave spot of Roca Cuadrada is just 15 minutes away with waves of up to five metres in peak season (although you may need a 4x4 to get there). Also 15 minutes away is La…

THE LURE Thousands of years of history and buzzing atmosphere make Lisbon one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities that is also just a few kilometres from some of the best beaches for kitesurfing or surfing on the Portuguese coastline. THE SET-UP It's not uncommon to surf, SUP and kite all in the same day. Caparica and Carcavelos are the closest kiteable beaches, just 10-15 minutes drive from central Lisbon, with epic wave riding conditions when the Nortada fires up in the afternoon as well as some fantastic surfing in the calmer mornings. Both spots are suitable for beginners in the summer, but ask a lifeguard or a local where you can and can't kite first. Ericeira, Peniche, Arrábida, Praia Grande and Óbidos are also close by, so it's perfectly…

THE LURE Forget the Costa Brava's reputation for hustle, bustle and mass tourism - either side of peak season the coastal area of Sant Pere Pescador is a very relaxing place for a kite-based holiday. The sea breezes remain good and there's lots of beautiful beach space, making this a superb lower intermediate kite spot. Great value accommodation, excellent dining options plus an abundance of outdoor activities - including one of the busiest sky diving centres in Europe - are all closely available. THE SET-UP Sant Pere has a long, sandy seven kilometre beach. The afternoon sea breezes of high summer months offer virtually guaranteed 15 knot onshore kiting in the bay, meaning it's very popular, so think about booking in late spring / early summer or late summer /…

THE LURE Just an hour from Milan and home of Italian Freestyle Champion, Stefano Martinelli, you can be sure you'll pack in the riding time on Lake Como. Mix your kitesurfing trip with beautiful food, historical site visits and there's also a cable park filled with kickers and sliders just a ten minute bike ride from Colico. THE SET-UP Third inline to Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, Lake Como is the next biggest expanse of inland water in Italy. Shaped like an inverted ‘Y'; Colico town sits at the far north of the lake, Como at the southwest point and Lecco at the southeast point. You can kite directly off the kite beach in Colico. The water is fairly flat but the wind isn't as consistent and clean as in…

THE LURE Keros is a super safe, sandy three kilometre kitesurfing bay with a variety of conditions, suitable for all. Set in a natural eco-system, experience Greece as it was before mass-tourism, with friendly people, good food and tradition. Combine this with the famous Meltemi wind and turquoise waters and it's kitesurfing paradise. THE SET-UP Keros beach offers three different spots in one bay: the ultimate super flat section at the north end where you can ride just feet from the shore, a bump ‘n' jump section in the middle and a small (2 - 4 foot) wave spot at the south end. No matter what happens you'll end up back on the beach further round the bay. Sandy and shallow, you can stand up safely in most places, even…

THE LURE Boracay, Asia's premier kitesurfing destination, is a jaw-dropping tropical island. Kitesurfing within yards of your hotel> you can literally get out of bed and straight onto your board in just your boardies and harness$ And you'll never not find a party at the other end of the day. THE SET-UP Bulabog Beach is a shallow, tropical lagoon offering flat low tide rides thanks to the protective reef that encircles it, with bump ‘n' jump conditions at high tide. The wind is predominantly cross-onshore and, if flat water isn't your thing, then a short trip over the protective reef gets you out to a small but playful reef break. Off the water, the main town of Boracay is only a kilometre's walk away with everything you could want to…

THE LURE Board a catamaran and experience Croatia, Greece and Saint Vincent ) the Grenadines from the water with all the essential luxuries as you're escorted to some incredible private kite sessions. The boat cruises the Caribbean from December to April and from June to September it's in the Mediterranean. There are options to join the boat in other months in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. THE SET-UP Try new, otherwise inaccessible spots, every day. Take it easy in the mornings as the onboard chef prepares your breakfast before heading onto land for some sightseeing in the historical towns of the Dalmatian and the Cyclades islands or simply relax in secluded bays before an afternoon of kiteboarding action. CROATIA The Mediterranean as it once was, this stunning nautical and…