Table of contents for Issue #92 April - May 2018 in Kiteworld Magazine

Right, Winter Olympics done – the next order of global sports business are the regional qualifiers for the Youth Olympic Games that take place in Buenos Aires in October. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard that kitesurf twin-tip racing (TT:R) will make its Olympic debut there. The format is usually eight riders racing in downwind slalom style heats, which last barely three minutes. Racers are restricted to traditional twin-tip kiteboards and tube kites. To allow ease of access for as many young riders as possible, this format was developed especially for the Youth Olympic Games. Following Cabarete in the Dominican Republic in January, the event at Dakhla was the second of four scheduled IKA regional qualifying events, ahead of Pranburi in Thailand and then the Worlds…

“KITING TO ME HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HOBBY AND A PAST TIME; I DO IT PURELY BECAUSE I WANT TO. A KITE SESSION CLEARS MY HEAD, KEEPS ME IN SHAPE AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, MAKES ME HAPPY.” There’s a lot of seriousness in the riding in the kiteboarding industry. It’s easy for a lot of the top influential riders to forget that for the rest of us kiteboarding is really just all about fun. Evan Netsch is one pro rider who has never lost sight of that, though. Sure, once you get to a certain level with your riding and manage to pick up a few sponsors, something changes. Understandably so; kiteboarding is now your job and if you’re lucky it puts the food on the table. You need to…

Over the next 22 pages you’ll find our pick of the high-performance freeride gear we tested, designed for all but the most hardened freestyler and yet nearly all are still accessible to most riders. After six week of testing products back-to-back in a range of conditions throughout January and February, we’re sure these in-depth reviews will help you pick your way towards the right gear for you. Like last year, we’ve targeted most of our focus on the freeride sector. Why? Well, apart from it being the biggest sector of the market, we absolutely love the range of products and the riding sensations they offer. When approaching your next purchase, we’d like to encourage you to try to make your decisions without ego. Be honest with yourself about what level…

TEST TEAM NOTES: The Livewire is Airush’s go-to boots / freestyle / wakestyle board with the deepest rocker in the Airush range, yet the board isn’t slow at all and first note is that the upwind performance is very impressive. We always enjoy well rockered boards in and around lumpy ocean conditions if we have plenty of power in the kite because the bite from the board is usually very fluid. The Livewire also isn’t super wide in the tips, so there’s no hard work involved to keep the nose and tips out of the water while the stiffness through the middle gives plenty of get up and go. This is probably the best serious wakestyle / freestyle / freeride crossover board we tried in Cape Town for both boots…

TEST TEAM NOTES: The WTF is new from F-One and has made a dramatic entry into the market by making it onto unhooked freestyle world tour podiums in its first season and yet we’ve found it to be super smooth for riders of lesser ability, too. Firstly, the rail is sublime and must be one of the most fluid feeling twin-tip rails out there, seemingly gripping the water in a really effortless way and without any sticky patches. First-off though, this board is heavy, even with just foot straps on. You’re not going to be flipping board-offs with it, unless you’ve got guns of steel. But for everything else, the WTF feels great and somehow blends good performance traits for most riders. There is loads of energy for freestyle and,…

TEST TEAM NOTES: Compared to previous years, Cabrinha say that they’ve made some relatively big design adjustments to the 2018 Drifter, in terms of revisions to the arc shape, outline and profiles. While these aren’t immediately apparent to the naked eye straight away, this year’s tweaks to the American muscle car style graphics across all the yellow / grey, blue / white and red / white colour combinations look really good in the sky. Cabrinha’s build quality is always high grade and you’re not left asking questions about the dependency of the design. There are two settings this year for onshore and offshore handling traits on the front bridle and they’re clearly marked on the leading edge. It’s simply an easy task of attaching the bridle to one knot or…

Here at Kiteworld we get through a lot of gear and frequently load up hire cars. That combination can be costly! These simple fin protectors from Forty1 Kitesurfing have proved very handy this season in Cape Town. Made from a durable silicone material the simple universal design allows you to slip them over your fins to not only protect them from damage, but also prevents them from damaging anything else. This is particularly useful when in your quiver bag next to your kite, but most importantly within your vehicle as you’ll be less likely to scratch the interior or tear any upholstery. Nice little travel accessory here! The package comes complete with clips and ties to be able to secure the covers to your fins while travelling, but we didn’t…

As part of the Airush Van Camp series, the crew caught up with Garrett McNamara as they stopped off at Nazaré, Portugal. The 50 year-old Hawaiian holds the official record for the biggest wave ever tow-surfed at 78 feet in 2011. Having found a spot that can produce what he’s been looking for most of his life – the potential of riding a 100 foot wave - he now calls Nazaré home, so he can be ‘on it’ when it fires! Garrett lives for big waves and in 2016 suffered one of the worst wipeouts ever seen at Mavericks in California on a 50 foot day and suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken upper-arm, which needed re-building from the ten pieces it had splintered into. It hasn’t put him off!…

“My thoughts on kiting with straps are quite simple: they help when you’re seriously powered on a five or six metre kite and I even have fun on an eight metre in straps, jumping and riding spots like One Eye powered-up. When the wind is light, then I kite strapless and enjoy that, too.” RRD surfboard shaper and team rider, Ralf Bachschuster, lives in Cape Town and for many years was also a pro windsurfer. Vastly experienced when it comes to wind and water, he knows what feels right and works for him.…

ON THE WATER Cape Town is one of the world’s true kiteboarding hubs from as early as October right through until March. There are more than 30 kite spots to choose from and every kind of riding is catered for, from flat water freestyle to wave riding in house-sized waves. The southeasterly Cape Doctor winds are powerful, which is why CT plays host to the Red Bull King of The Air, and if you want to break your WOO PB then Cape Town is the place! The majority of kiting around the Cape Peninsula happens in Table View, to the north of the city, where the wind blows from the left and one road runs along the seafront, taking you to every spot in the area. Sunset Beach is the…

ON THE WATER The lagoon at Pwani Mchangani is away from the well known spots of Paje and Jambiani and towards the northern tip of Zanzibar. Your riding will be affected by the tide with two highs and two lows per day. It’s a perfect spot for beginners, freeriders and freestylers with shallow, warm water, steady cross-on winds and a sandy seabed that’s free of urchins, sharp stones or coral. It’s a private beach, so you’ll never be tussling with crowds and there’s something to offer all levels of rider with some decent waves out on the reef, 800 metres offshore. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The peak wind seasons are January to February and June to August but there’s usually good conditions from mid-December to March and from June to…

ON THE WATER Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a 45 kilometre long lagoon from the Atlantic, though you’ll also find some excellent wave riding at Foum La Bouir and a number of other spots along the coast. The GKA Kite-Surf World Tour (waves) will visit the spot at the Westpoint Hotel at Foum La Bouir for the second time in April this year. The lagoon can be ridden at both high and low tide. Ideal for beginners at low tide, it remains waist deep with flat water and no shore break to disrupt your progress as you perfect your board starts. Freestylers and freeriders will also love the acres of space and the flat sections at low tide to explore. Most of the…

ON THE WATER Far away from the mass tourism Egypt has been known for in the past, and 220 kilometres south of the more developed resort of Hurghada, lies El Naaba in Marsa Alam. There are two bays: Beach Bay and Surfers Bay, that are separated by a reef that protects the beach from the shorebreak and focuses the waves out on the reef. Most of the kiting happens in Surfers Bay where you’ll share the space with windsurfers and swimmers and there’s also an additional kite lagoon which is only for kiters. El Naaba is an accessible spot with shallow water close to shore and no shorebreak in the first 200 metres, so it’s suitable for all levels and great if you’re working on your waterstarts. You can even…

ON THE WATER Cocoa Beach has riding locations for all wind directions and the area is a prime kiting destination. The main spot is known as the ‘520 slick’ in the Bicentennial Memorial Park which lies on the south side of the 520 Causeway in the Banana River. This shallow, flat water spot has a grassy rigging area and can be ridden in any direction, but works best in a northerly. Head there in summer when the thermals come in as it usually blows stronger than on the coast. The water is pretty shallow except in the clearly marked boat channels. The bottom is silty but with a few sharp rocks and shells, so booties are a good idea when kiting there. It’s also the natural habitat for dolphins and…

ON THE WATER La Ventana has become a popular option for people looking to escape the North American winter and enjoy the steady northerly winds that blow consistently from November through April. Conditions peak in January and February, making it an ideal winter bolthole. Grab your foil and explore the crystal blue waters of the bay or go on a downwinder from one of four main launch spots. There are numerous launching areas, including the hot springs to the north, Rosta Beach, the campground and south beach near the hotels. January and February can kick up a little swell, and though this isn’t really a wave spot, it is a lot of fun. There’s a serious amount of freeriding and freestyle terrain though and all that open water makes La…

ON THE WATER Icaraizinho has something for any kiter of any level. There’s flat water at the southeast end of the beach, playful one to two metre waves at the north end and standard coastal chop conditions in-between. There’s plenty of space to launch and land and the beach is free of sharp shells or stones, so it’s ideal if you’re still improving and have to walk upwind. There are two classic downwinders you can do that are fun and also accessible for those new to downwinding. Caetanos to Icaraizinho is approximately 15 kilometres with good waves along the way. Icaraizinho to Patos is slightly shorter at 14 kilometres and you’ll find small but rip-able waves as well as some flat water sections along the way on a high tide.…

ON THE WATER You’ll find a peaceful vibe coupled with pumping winds, classic bump and jump conditions and flat water (depending on the tide state) in Barra Grande, as well as a crowd-free glassy lagoon with heaps of space. Situated close to the Delta de Parnaiba, one of the three largest open sea deltas in the world, Barra Grande’s key spot is just off the main beach. On a high tide you’ll find some good kickers in the chop that form ideal launchpads in strong winds. This is a great place to ‘send it!’ At low tide, kite in front of BGK where it’s free of rocks with nice flat water. Two kilometres downwind at the end of Barra Grande beach you’ll find La Boca, a sizeable lagoon in the…

ON THE WATER The three islands that make up the Cayman Islands; Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are just a short flight from Miami and even closer to Cuba. The kiteboarding happens on Big and Little Cayman in picture perfect, warm, tropical Caribbean waters with reliable trade winds making this an ideal spot for comfortable cruising and easy progression. There are two seasons. In summer you’ll get light southeasterly trade winds and in winter the wind blows from the northeast. Winter’s the key kite season with the strongest trades and Cayman’s hairdryer winds make the waist-deep lagoons a perfect place to learn and really progress! There are a range spots on Grand Cayman that the local kite schools will take you to, but the main kiting location is…

ON THE WATER Northeasterly trade winds, warm turquoise seas and brilliant white, powder soft beaches make Turks and Caicos a truly special spot. The main island of Providenciale, locally known as Provo, has an awesome spot for learning, called Long Bay, which has cross-on winds from the left 90% of the time during the season, acres of space, waist-deep water and a sandy bottom for miles. Experienced and advanced riders can shred the island’s many bays and inlets to their heart’s content. It’s not a wave riding destination but if the waves and wind line up then you can score some excellent down-the-line conditions at Long Bay. Grace Bay, on the western side of the island, regularly has two to four foot waves on the reef and sandbars, but the…

ON THE WATER Lisbon (which featured in issue 89 of Kiteworld) is a unique destination where you can immerse yourself in an incredible city that’s rich in culture and history and just a short drive from some outstanding kiting, surfing and SUPing spots. Caparica and Carcavelos are the closest kiteable beaches and can be reached within a 15 minute drive from central Lisbon. You can surf there in the mornings before the Nortada winds fire up and both spots are suitable for beginners in the summer when the swell’s low. It’s worth speaking to a lifeguard or local kiter though as conditions can be changeable and kiting is prohibited in some areas during that time. Ericeira, Peniche, Arrábida, Praia Grande and Óbidos are also close by, so there are plenty…

ON THE WATER Situated on the Ionian coast, Club Velico Crotone Sport Beach sits eight kilometres north of the city of Crotone. This region gets wind from the north / northeast and south / southeast and both directions work well at Crotone. You can get steady winds pushing up to as much as 30 knots during the winter season and 25 knots in the summer months from May to October. June to September are the best months of the year when the water is warmest and the local thermic effects increase the wind strength, so that’s the best time to come if you’re planning on learning to kite in Crotone. There’s a flat water lagoon a few kilometres north which is ideal for freestyle and there are also wave spots…

ON THE WATER Sardinia is known as the Caribbean of Europe and in the southwest of the island you’ll find Porto Botte. The bay is located in a nature reserve with flat water in some sections, small chop conditions and a soft sandy bottom with no hazards to worry about. The water is shallow close to the beach but head 200 metres out and you’ll find foiling depth water and, as the bay isn’t tidal, you can head out for a session any time of day. The infamous Mistral wind is funnelled between St Antioco Island and Sardinia, which increases its strength. The Scirocco wind blows here too, although it can be a little gustier close in to shore. There’s a solid thermic effect in Porto Botte in the summer,…

The Kitesurf Expeditions eco-trips venture around some of the most remote and beautiful areas of northeastern Brazil. Respecting the local flora and fauna, you’ll drive on off-road trails, secluded jungle tracks and remote backcountry roads in fully equipped 4x4s, remaining deeply immersed in the natural world at all times. You’ll kite with sea turtles, meet a native Brazilian tribe and rig up under a full moon; this is not your average kite trip! Kitesurf Expeditions’ downwinders operate along a route that starts just south of Fortaleza from Praia do Futuro to Camocim. The trip is broken up into seven shorter legs than can be completed or missed, depending on the conditions. The idea isn’t to rush through the trip, but instead to spend time appreciating the beauty of this incredible…

Zephyr operate kite tours in some of the world’s most exotic and remote kiteboarding locations. Primarily known for their kitesurfing operations in the Cocos Keeling Islands, an area nobody knows better than Zephyr, they also run trips to New Caledonia and the islands of Torres Strait as well as advanced coaching clinics on everything from foils to surfboards and twin-tips. COCOS KEELING ISLANDS 27 islands form a ring around a central lagoon and this is an undeveloped paradise with only two of the islands inhabited by people and just 800 people living there full time. You’ll find limitless space to learn and progress and riders of all levels will be challenged by the coaches to ensure they get the most out of their trip. The waters of the Cocos Keeling…

The selection for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) was always going to be a tough one with just 12 boys and 12 girls making it to Argentina. Youth kitesurfing in France, Spain, Italy and Germany is a big deal and with the sports inclusion in the YOG, many of the young athletes have been receiving support towards training, events and equipment since the summer of 2017. Support in the form of coaching is the norm and many of the youngsters are working with kitesurf coaches who have come fresh from Formula kite racing. Simoni Vanucci, for example, heads the Italian team, who were ten athletes strong in Morocco, while Alexjandro Climent is in charge of Team Spain and, similarly, I’m looking after Team GB. All of the coaches in Europe…

WORLD TOUR STRUCTURE 2018 finally looks to be the year of consistency on the competitive world tour platform on water. Here’s how the sport is now split up and who you need to look towards to get your fix of specific high-performance action: Firstly, whether you think of yourself as a sailor or not, for maritime order, World Sailing is the international federation for the sport of sailing in all its forms, and is also the international federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the organisation of kiteboarding at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and for potential showcase kiteboarding events at the 2020 Olympic Games. World Sailing regulates kiteboarding through a tripartite partnership with the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) and the Global Kitesports Association (GKA). The IKA is…

“PERFECTLY LOCATED UNDER THE TROPIC OF CANCER, SOUTH OF CHINA, THE PHILIPPINES LOOKS TO BE A KITERS’ GOLD MINE FOR ANY EXPLORER WHO SEEKS STEADY, CONSISTENT WIND, WARM WATER, EXOTICISM AND AMAZINGLY FRIENDLY LOCALS.” Kiteboarders are a restless bunch by nature. While Maui remains an epic kiting location, we’ve been shooting in our own ‘backyard’ for years and our restlessness had gotten the best of us. Our desire to explore the world had us packing our bags for somewhere remote, seeking more than just another beautiful location with wind and waves — we were hungry for a cultural experience like no other. PART I: TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY Our journey began one evening at a local bar on Maui’s North Shore as Jesse Richman and kite designer Damien Girardin enjoyed…

TEST TEAM NOTES: The GTS4 is hands-down the most legitimately looping kite in the three strut hybrid category. This kite has been on the market for over a year and we tested it in the UK when it first came out, but were always hankering to ride it in strong winds in Cape Town. At a high level this is an advanced intermediate and above freeride kite and after riding so many different kites this season, getting back on the GTS4 we were reminded how much it drives around a loop. Reminding us of a C kite loop, it drives and tears its way around the window and you are only limited in its performance by the size of your bravery when it comes to how hard you want to…

TEST TEAM NOTES: Certainly one of the most striking kites on test – when we looked out at a sea of kites in Cape Town we could always spot the Kiteworld tester out there on the T5! A colourful kite that delivers super fun performance. The general build is robust and while Nobile aren’t singing about their own unique materials that they’ve implemented, there’s nothing weak about the T5 build, which is strong, well reinforced and fitted with all the modern accessories, such as Boston inflate valve and steering speed adjustments on the rear lines. Down at the bar Nobile have reduced the diameter of their grip this year and feels soft and comfortable. Again, nothing groundbreaking here but everything is present, including a plastic covered sheeting line, trimming cleat…

TEST TEAM NOTES: The Xcaliber looks absolutely stunning in this wood construction (also available in stiffer carbon) – just like the Ace that we tested last issue. It feels and looks so natural, the finish is beautiful and there’s nothing plasticky about it at all. Of all the boards we rode in Cape Town this year, the Xcaliber is the most playful. Easy feeling and very loose; for intermediate riders and above, there’s a lot of fun to be had here. There are better boards for early intermediates because the Xcaliber takes a bit of understanding in terms of its grip and drive levels, but once your legs and ankles are tuned in the Xcaliber is excellent at making very average or difficult conditions seem like the best. The Xcaliber…

TEST TEAM NOTES: Eight versions into one of the most popular wave kites and once again RRD turn up the dial when it comes to making the most bomb-proof wave kite. They use the complex graphics as a structure for the Dacron reinforcements to give the kite an incredible rigidity. If you’re planning on crashing your kite lots and rolling it in the surf, this is definitely the one to have! The MK8 has had a more extensive re-design compared to previous models, particularly with a new longer leading edge shape for more twist that also incorporates shorter bridles and a higher-aspect-ratio; the aim of which is to further increase turning speed and drift. This year RRD have upgraded their inflation valve so you now just need to attach the…

TEST TEAM NOTES: The Maquina comes in two constructions - classic PU and the LTD EPS core with biaxial glass fibres and a carbon net. We had a 5’7’’ in each this year. First off, for me the Maquina is the most fun ‘pure wave’ kitesurf board I’ve ridden this year and each year we test it I’m always pleased. That’s a bold claim I know but the performance and fun it can deliver, and the range of conditions it can deliver them in is outstanding. You might look at that classic, thin, narrow, performance-oriented pulled-in outline and think it’s going to be a bit hard work in anything other than offshore peeling perfection, but this surprises you from the start. Straight off the beach the PU board is so…

I’M A PARK-STYLE KITEBOARDER... I love hitting sliders, launching off kickers and riding around in our slider park in Hood River, Oregon. My preferred board is 135cm, fin-less and has boots bolted to it. If there’s a kicker in the water I’ll session until the sun goes down. If not, then I tend to get bored easily and won’t relish the session nearly as much. There are many disciplines in kiteboarding, but that’s the one I enjoy the most. Despite my lust for slider riding I wholeheartedly believe in the benefit, if not absolute requirement, of mixing it up and pushing outside of my comfort zone. As kiteboarders we tend to get stuck in familiar patterns. Humans are creatures of habit and that same-old, same-old feels good and is, more…

Kitesurfing is of course fantastic any time, but it’s even better when you get to do it for several days in a row in great conditions and (not always, though it often completes the dream) with beautiful sunshine! Many of you are experienced kiters and will understand the special nature of a kiteboarding holiday. You may already be familiar with many of the destinations contained within this guide, but we have a few new ones too this year, including Viana do Castello in Portugal, Crotone in Italy, Pwani Mchangani in Zanzibar, El Cuyo in Mexico and La Guajira in Colombia. This year we’ve also got the lowdown on several all-adventure trips for those looking for the ultimate out-there experience, from boat adventures to full-on multi-day downwinders. Find those from page…

ON THE WATER Just 90 minutes up the road from Cape Town, Langebaan offers up a very different kiteboarding experience in a massive, spacious, turquoise lagoon that’s ideal for beginners, freestylers, foilers and anyone who needs a break from Cape Town’s seemingly endless swell and, at times, challenging shorebreak. It’s set in the rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty of the west coast with acres of space, white-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds; it’s certainly one of South Africa’s top kite spots and an ideal place to go if you’re looking to progress your riding in more manageable conditions. The two main spots in Langebaan are Shark Bay (Kleine Oostewal), just on the outskirts of Langebaan village, and Main Beach which is just off the main road and close to…

ON THE WATER You’ll find everything from fun waves out on the reef to flat water lagoons closer to shore in Paje; all next to this authentic little village on the southeast corner of Zanzibar. This destination has something for most riders with huge downwinder potential around remote islands situated just offshore. Being just 90 miles long and 40 miles wide, Zanzibar is ripe for exploration. Paje is the island’s main kitesurfing spot with flat water on the inside at low tide that is protected by the reef. As the tide pushes in the chop and kickers start to form. Tides play a big part in Paje and, for six days each month, the inner lagoon doesn’t even empty! WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The two main seasons run from January…

ON THE WATER Protected by the Mogador Islands and known as the Windy City, you’ll find plenty of space on the water in Essaouira with six miles of beach just waiting to be explored. There’s everything from flat water and cross-shore winds to cross-on wave riding conditions and everyone from beginners to experts will find something to keep them busy. The best kiting is found away from town and downwind towards the left side of the bay where the beach is less crowded and the wind is steadier. There’s even some cross-on wave riding there, too. You can score some flat water if you tuck in close to the medina (where the wind is a little gustier as it comes over the town) and there’s standard bump and jump conditions…

ON THE WATER Hatteras Island has seemingly endless flat water and wave spots that are open to all swell and wind directions and perhaps the biggest area of linked-up and varied downwinder terrain on the planet. To the west, in the Pamlico Sound, there’s waist-deep shallow flat water for seven miles out and this is probably one of the world’s best places to learn. Students at most schools are often coached from close quarters by an instructor following them on a jet-ski too! The wind can blow pretty much all year long with over 140 miles of coastline to suit all levels and styles of rider. Due to the bend in the island, no matter what wind direction, you can always find conditions and Cape Hatteras sits well away from…

ON THE WATER Just north of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach enjoys a season that can be up to ten months long with November through to March / April being the peak months. The warm weather, 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches and reasonably close proximity to the beautiful Florida Keys (less than two hours away) make this one of the top kiting locations on the US east coast. The conditions are also ideal for beginners and the local school, Epic Adventures, have their own private beach to teach at. Protective sand bars provide flat water close to the beach at Pompano and you can score some decent wave riding out on the reef in winter. Throughout the year the wind can blow from all directions, but as Pompano Beach is…

ON THE WATER El Cuyo’s uncrowded, shallow water provides a perfect playground for those looking to progress their riding in a laid-back island setting. Nestled on the picturesque Emerald Coast of the Yucatan, here you’ll experience Caribbean-esque conditions without the crowds and you can kite all day before relaxing in the laid-back surroundings of the village of El Cuyo. Kite Beach El Cuyo has a long, empty, white sand beach and the water’s chest deep until approximately 70 metres from the shore. Choose to rip small waves and go on downwinders up to 23 miles long down the coast from there. The wind is usually cross-onshore but changes throughout the year with more side-shore winds occasionally coming through. The El Norte storms that fire up in January and December can…

ON THE WATER Preá beach is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in Brazil and it’s easy to see why. Strong cross-onshore winds blow across 14 kilometres of sandy beach and it’s ideal for beginners and riders of any level as the beach is wide and there’s plenty of space for launching and landing. Many kiters make the daily trip from Jeri to kite here in the steadier, less punchy winds (before downwinding back to Jeri) and you can enjoy total convenience and stay right on the beach at Rancho do Peixe. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The winds in Preá aren’t quite as nuclear as Jericoacoara (which is just a 20 minute buggy ride downwind) but it blows on average at least 25 knots from the east or northeast…

ON THE WATER There are numerous spots spread out across La Guajira. Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas are found at the northern tip of the peninsula with Riohacha and its surrounding beaches to the south. You’ll find strong winds and butter flat water that’s ideal for beginners or advancing freestylers in Cabo de la Vela from December to September. Although the winds can get up to 35 knots on the stronger days, the wind blows offshore, so as long as you’re competent on those days the water remains super flat at all times and it’s shallow too, so you’re never out of your depth. Punta Gallinas has similar conditions and you can also score some cross-on wave riding at the dunes of Taroa where the bay wraps round.…

ON THE WATER Sitting 50 miles north of Venezuela and with regular flights from Europe, the US and South America, Bonaire is part of the Dutch Caribbean and serves as a hub airport for the southern part of the Caribbean region, so it’s easy to reach. Atlantis Kitebeach is the main spot on the island’s southern tip where you’ll find a sandy beach for launching and landing, steady, unobstructed offshore winds and flat water. The bay is wide so there’s enough space for everyone. Although the winds are offshore, there is safety cover and the flat waters and deep, sandy bottom make this an ideal spot for anyone, from beginner to freestylers as well as foilers. The biggest school on the island, Kiteboarding Bonaire, is right on the beach and…

ON THE WATER Esposende has everything from butter flat water to waves with super-reliable conditions and great weather on tap just 30 minutes drive from the vibrant city of Porto. Beginners and freestylers will love the flat water in the river mouth and wave riders can head across to the ocean side of the beach to ride the Atlantic swells. It’s all there for the taking and the local school, Kook Proof, will show you where to go and provide rescue cover as well. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Esposende gets reliable northwesterly wind for much of the year but it’s most consistent from early April to late October when the thermals kick in. The wind usually ramps up from midday onwards. It’s windy for much of the year in Esposende,…

ON THE WATER There are few kiteboarding locations in the world, let alone Europe, with a reputation like Tarifa and it’s a mecca for European kiters. The wind blows all year round and there are ten kilometres of rideable beach that stretches from the town all the way up to the dunes at Las Dunas. Kiters from all over the world travel to Tarifa and there are more kite schools and kite related businesses in Tarifa than any other kite destination. Even with so much space it can feel quite crowded during the peak months of June and July with several hundred kiters out at weekends, so it’s important to kite in the designated zones due to other beachgoers (Tarifa is a really popular holiday spot for non-kiters too) but…

ON THE WATER Reliably strong winds blow from the left across Sotavento’s vast four kilometre long sandy beach throughout much of the year. The kiting area in front of the René Egli kite centre is a regular world tour stop, most recently for the GKA Kite-Surf World tour - and previously on the freestyle world tour, too. You’ll find choppy water with some flat sections close to shore and there’s the occasional small, but rideable, shorebreak sections as well. Depending on the tides, across the sandbar there’s a waist-deep lagoon that’s ideal for progressing freestylers and beginners (the René Egli centre has the exclusive license to instruct there) and you’ll never be out of standing depth when kiting in it. The onsite facilities are outstanding in Sotavento with air compressors…

ON THE WATER Lo Stagnone lagoon is a 2,000 hectare expanse of kiteable flat water nestled away in the northeast corner of Sicily. The spot works in any wind direction and you can walk straight out of your hotel on to the launch spot. On a southerly you’ll get a warm wind with plenty of lift and on a northerly (the prevailing direction in summer) you can tuck in behind the old ‘salina’ salt plain walls at the north end of the lagoon to ride mirror flat water as glassy as any cable park. The water isn’t tidal, although it can change depending on wind direction, but it’s never more than a metre deep with a soft, silt-covered bottom and reeds in shallower sections. It’s basically twin-tip heaven and you’ll…

A TRUE CHALLENGE Surfin Sem Fim (SSF) are one of the most established downwinder / kite ‘adven-tour’ operators going. Top level pro riders, such as Keahi de Aboitiz, Matchu Lopes, Mitu Monteiro, Reno Romeu and Sebastian Ribeiro frequently join the routes to offer coaching along the way Although SSF offer entry-level trips too, a downwinder of the sorts of distance and locations that they have built a reputation specialising in can be as tough as they are thrilling. Their longer trips can be a truly wild experience and much of the time you’ll be away from any signs of human life for long stretches of time. A pick-up truck will follow you on SSF downwinders for most of their routes which will carry your gear between the overnight stops. Be…

WIND VOYAGER You may have heard of Wind Voyager as the headline sponsor for the Triple-S Invitational. They run kiteboarding yacht charters aboard their two luxury catamarans, ‘Cartouche’ and ‘Poseidon’s Pearl’. CARTOUCHE This 95’ custom-built catamaran (one of the biggest in the world) was totally refitted in 2017 and has three en-suite queen guest cabins and one spacious master cabin to comfortably sleep eight guests. Aside from the crew of four there are two instructors onboard and a jet-ski and rib as your support vessels. The boat is also packed with toys, including SUPs, wakeboards and snorkel gear and there’s a kite locker filled with the latest Slingshot and Ride Engine equipment (including foils) for your daily use. There’s even a jacuzzi on the deck for an after session wind-down!…

What a special time of year it is when the Red Bull King of the Air immediately promises to raise spirits after the new year come down. For 2018 Red Bull had pushed ahead with their ambitious plans to move the Cape Town venue three kilometres upwind from Big Bay to Kite Beach. If you’ve watched the King of the Air in the past and tried to appreciate what the riders do in strong winds, it’s hard to believe that they could demand even more wind! Situated upwind, the wind fills in earlier at Kite Beach and lasts longer into the evening than Big Bay, and most often, is several knots stronger at its peak. So although the logistics were challenging as all infrastructure had to be set up from…

Miami Beach has long been a hot spot for kiters who want to mix kiteboarding with nightlife, great dining and the vibrance of the city. There are currently no rules or regulations on kiteboarding across ten miles of beach, stretching from 1st street all the way to 86th street. The only rule we have to abide by is staying outside of restricted swim areas that are marked by lifeguard towers. Yes there are a lot of lifeguard towers, but there is plenty of space between many of them that allow kiteboarders five or six locations on the beach to comfortably set up their kites. The spots are 25th, 36th, 58th, 65th and 76th street (an excellent spot run by the fantastic guys from TKS Miami who also teach there, but…

You can hate me for saying it, but wakestyle is not a representative example of kiteboarding. Highly skilled, highly trained athletes demonstrate their mastery of the art through the world tour events and drop amazingly well scripted and edited movies, but this discipline is neither an example of what the average practitioner of the sport actually does, nor what most aspire to achieve in the future. This month I’m writing from Egypt once again, but this time I’m sat on a charter boat deep in the Red Sea. I came here with the Shinn Team riders to find some uncrowded riding in picture perfect flat water conditions before the European season kicks-off. Just before we boarded the boat and lost contact with the outside world I received notification that for…

It’s difficult to pinpoint where exactly wave kiting originated in essence, but there’s no doubt that Cape Verde is the home of strapless freestyle and a hotbed of emerging world class talent. The GKA Kite-Surf World Tour combines strapless freestyle and pure wave events. At the end of 2018 the tour will crowd its third World Champion and Cape Verde is looking to claim a hat-trick, after Airton Cozzolino took the mantle from Matchu Lopes last year. Strapless freestyle is progressing so quickly and the Cape Verdeans are leading the charge. This tour wouldn’t exist at all without event organisers like those in Tarifa, Sotavento and Germany wanting to support events although they have no waves. Adding in the showcase wave events like Mauritius and Cape Verde, where budgets are…

TEST TEAM NOTES: We’ve long been testing CrazyFly’s high-end full carbon model and what a fine looker it is. There’s no denying that carbon is sexy, but we feel it’s often over-used when it comes to ride feel and connection, particularly for freestyle riders. The Raptor LTD is very different to the two other boards on this spread, so offers a nice contrast and reflects just how much choice there is in the twin-tip market. There’s far from just a blanket approach here. After seven years CrazyFly have changed the Raptor LTD shape with a new ellipse double concave in the base and double V tips. The Complex 4T5 carbon on the bottom is also new with a different weave for more flex without sacrificing strength. Less epoxy use has…

TEST TEAM NOTES: Unveiling a new board from the wrapper is always a nice experience and one we’re blessed with fairly regularly at Kiteworld HQ. Nobile boards continually impress in that there’s always something new in the way they look. This year there’s a Saatchi & Saatchi logo on the tip showing their influence in design, and the graphics are certainly very, very striking without being over the top. The base of the board is especially eye-catching with that bloody red streak compared to the gritty snowboard finish on the deck. Nobile have introduced the SP Boarding ratchet strap system this year, and we’ve been impressed by that very easy tightening mechanism in the past, which allows you to easily bend down and adjust your strap while riding along. Frequently…

TEST TEAM NOTES: The Airush Wave has consistently been one of the fastest kites on the market, however while also offering a large range of performance and sheeting prowess, it has been quite a technical machine to dial into in the past. So this is always one of the kites we look forward to testing the most because the design is always evolving and challenging our emotions! Airush continue to build the wave with their Dyneema Load Frame, utilising the strong Dyneema fibres that are integrated into the canopy on top of a reinforced taping. Basically what you’re getting is less heavy fabric but more integral strength throughout and no more chance of getting a full large panel tear as it will just stop at the thread. The yarns also…

This is the most well-featured harness I’ve tested so far this year and Mystic say it’s the most technically advanced harness ever made. It’s a really smart looking product and that jumps out at you right away. A different approach, the carbon back panel isn’t integral to the frame of the harness but it looks the business and when you first pick it up it feels every bit as stiff and as sturdy as other hard shells. The finish and rugged construction is also impressive. This won’t let you down in a hurry. The closure system is very good and you can cinch it down very snugly. The straps work well under load, even if you adjust them with your kite up, and they don’t loosen off even when you…

Although you can try a grabbed strapless back roll as soon as you feel comfortable riding strapless, there are a few key manoeuvres I’d suggest to get comfortable with that will help cut down the time it takes to actually learn to land and ride away from a back roll: Regularly landing standard ollies at medium to high speeds, getting several feet in the air without having to grab the board, are the first tricks to get in the bag. Getting the board into the air is obviously important to do back rolls, and the higher you can get on the take-off without losing the board, the more time you’ll have to complete the rotation. The grabbed strapless aerial transition is the most important skill though as it will teach…

ON THE WATER The epic conditions, incredible surroundings and amazing hotels have put Mauritius on just about every kiteboarder’s hit-list. In the southeast corner of the island Le Morne is a goofy footer’s dream. Trade winds blow from the left and there’s a wide expanse of flat water inside the protective reef that lies 600 yards offshore. Beyond that the set-up for wave fun is literally perfect. ‘Small reef’ is a fun, easy wave close to the beach. ‘Manawa’, a kilometre off the beach, is best at high tide and tends to kick up bigger, rolling waves. The infamous ‘One Eye’ lies to the right, isn’t for inexperienced riders and there’s no rescue boat. Situated in the same lagoon 15 minutes drive upwind from Le Morne is Belle Ombre. There’s…

ON THE WATER For six months of the year, Uhuru Beach in Jambiani offers up epic conditions with no crowds across its long beach and vast, sandy bottomed lagoons. You’ll find a range of conditions for all levels of rider with steady ten to 14 metre kite weather, flat water, chop and fun waves from 0.5 to 2.5 metres out on the reef. You’ll not be battling for space either as, even on a busy day, you’ll never see more than 30 kiters out on the water. WIND WEATHER AND WATER The best time to head to Uhuru is during Zanzibar’s summer months from December to March (January and February being the windiest), or during the winter between June and September. The wind blows from the south almost non-stop 24…

ON THE WATER El Gouna has two main spots. At Mangroovy Beach, just north of town, the predominantly northerly winds hit the beach cross / cross-on from the left while the second spot is just five minutes to the south and you can reach either one of them quickly by tuk-tuk! The beaches in El Gouna are tide dependent and particularly so in summer. On a high tide you can ride anywhere but you’ll encounter some shallow spots at low tide, so at that time it’s best to head to the northern end of Mangroovy. On a falling or pushing tide you’ll find some excellent flat water but there’s usually a couple of hours around low when you can’t kite at all. El Gouna is a stellar freestyle spot and…

ON THE WATER Everyone knows about Cape Hatteras but there’s more than one kiting location in North Carolina. Enter the Crystal Coast, where you can expect some raw kiting experiences around Bogue Banks and the adjoining isles and inlets. Bogue Banks is a 21-mile south-facing barrier island which gives easy access to the Atlantic and offers up some incredible riding conditions at Coast Guard Point in Emerald Isle, NC. There’s something for everyone there with waves on the outer bar, flat water on the inside (depending on tides) and you can downwind from one end of the island to the other. On the Atlantic side of the ‘The Point’ there are two large sandbars which kick up some fun, clean surf on a high tide and if you tuck in…

ON THE WATER Nestled in the Sacramento Delta between San Francisco and Sacramento, Pittsburg Waterfront has a custom-built launching area built especially for kiteboarders with anchor points for self-launching kites and a grass area for chilling out and rigging up. Launching from Pittsburg, you’ll have access to miles-upon-miles of kiting terrain, stretching up to Sherman Island, from where there are weekly downwinders back to Pittsburg. This area gets some of the most reliable wind in the U.S between June and August, but it’s not as crowded as many of the beaches closer to San Francisco and has flatter water, too! More experienced riders will love the freestyle-friendly conditions and the big-air potential when the thermals really ramp up mid-season. For foiling it’s a dream spot with very few obstructions, no…

ON THE WATER Cumbuco is one of kiting’s best-known hotspots that plays host to countless pro riders and travelling kiters throughout the season. It’s also where two-time freestyle World Champion, Carlos Mario, learned his craft. Cumbuco boasts incredible kiting across its long golden-sand beach and the infamous Cauipe Lagoon, six kilometres from town. The beach is ripe for downwinders and you can kite down to the lagoon from town (or go by buggy). Along the way you’ll find chop and small shorebreak and some sandbanks a little further out that can kick up some fun little waves, too. Cumbuco is also the perfect starting point for longer downwind adventures and a number or companies, like Surfin Sem Fim, arrange trips from there covering up to hundreds of kilometres! Cauipe Lagoon…

ON THE WATER Jericoacoara is an idyllic fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. It’s surrounded by dunes and fresh water lagoons and there’s wind (usually strong) almost everyday from June through to February There are fantastic conditions to be found along the 25 kilometres of beach with something to suit all levels of rider and everything from flat water lagoons to river mouth kickers and ocean waves. There are four tides a day: two high and two low, with the best swell from October through to November. At full and new moons the best waves are at Prea, Malhada or Por-do-so beach. Guriu river is good at low tide and you can downwind there a few kilometres from Jericoacoara itself. Prea…

ON THE WATER This part of the world is gaining a real reputation for wave kiting in particular. On the north coast of Peru, Mancora boasts some world-class wave spots and reliable swell throughout the year. The surrounding coastline is a wave-seeker’s paradise and there are waves to suit experienced riders as well as those making their first forays into the surf. This isn’t really a freestyle destination, although you can find one or two spots when the wind and tides line up that are good for tricks, however the beach at the nearby town of Organos is also ideal for beginners and freeriders. At the southern end of Peru lies Paracas on the edge of a large desert National Park. This is a much better spot for freestylers with…

ON THE WATER On the south coast of St Lucia lies a picture-perfect tropical coastline with fantastic, accessible and fun kiting conditions and a chilled Caribbean feel. There are two spots (with centres at each of them), the most northerly of which is Coconut Bay, where there’s something for everyone with flat water, waves and chop to launch off. The winds are cross-shore at Coconut Bay and very steady and if you head upwind you’ll find flat water at the left side of the bay. There’s a rescue boat on hand but you shouldn’t need it as the bay curves round to catch you if you can’t get your kite in the air. There can be a bit of shore-break close in on some days but the swell never gets…

ON THE WATER The area of Cabedelo beach in Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal, is gaining steady recognition as one of Europe’s emerging kiting locations and supposedly has the most consistent wind on the entire Portuguese coastline. Large breakwaters protect the entrance to the port of Viana do Castelo, offering up butter-flat water inside the harbour while you can find world-class waves elsewhere in the bay (the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour is dropping in to Viana this year in June!). The best winds come through in the summer from May to September and it’s normally light in the mornings, giving ample opportunity for an early morning surf, before picking up nicely for beginners by lunch time and increasing in strength towards the afternoon with the strongest winds later in the…

ON THE WATER Sant Pere is one of Spain’s best known kiteboarding locations alongside Tarifa but it’s an entirely different experience with a more sedate atmosphere and ultra-accessible, easy conditions. The kiting happens along a sandy seven kilometre beach with no tides or currents and conditions are safe and suitable for all levels with no major shore break to contend with. ‘Bump and jump’ chop is the order of the day in Sant Pere and if you’re lucky you may also score a session in friendly, chest-high onshore waves. The peak season is in summer when sea breezes offer virtually guaranteed 15 knot onshore kiting in the bay and Sant Pere can be quite busy then, but conditions can still be good outside of these months so consider booking in…

ON THE WATER Whether you’re just starting out, pushing your freeriding or developing your foiling skills, Gizzeria offers fantastic conditions for progression. There’s a huge, accessible and obstacle-free beach to ride from and it’s totally safe, thanks to the relative enclosure of the bay and calm waters. This isn’t just a spot for beginners as Gizzeria also attracts a lot of pro riders thanks to the reliable conditions and each year Hang Loose Beach host an international riding competition called the ‘Aloha Surf and Beach Party’ in July, featuring concerts and all night parties. Hang Loose Beach also regularly host international racing events, such as the TT:Racing European Championships last year. There’s another good spot for improving your riding just 30 minutes away, called Staccato di Cutro. A kilometre upwind…

ON THE WATER Located in the north of Sardinia island, Porto Pollo is an awesome spot for any standard of kiter with its picturesque turquoise water, two large bays and seven kilometres of open sandy beach. The western bay is the designated kite spot with plenty of open space and a large beach that remains unaffected by tides. You’ll find shallow water that’s ideal for anyone from beginners upwards and a wave spot close by, too. Porto Pollo works in any direction of wind and is serviced by a few infamous and reliable wind systems. The Tramontana, Mistral, Poniente and Scirocco take effect at different times of the year and are funnelled through the Sardinian mountains so are often even stronger by the time they reach Porto Pollo. The riding…

FREEDOM AND FUN Looking for a slower-paced kite trip, but still want a sense of adventure? Rather than focusing on covering great distances everyday (multi-day downwinders can be up to 15 days long) you’ll usually spend at least a day or two in each of the places you visit on a Freeride Kitesurf trip so that you can get to know the spot before moving on. FIVE ROUTES RIO GRANDE DO NORTE TO GALINHOS: Over 12 days you’ll cover 200 kilometres kiting past tropical rainforests, incredible desert landscapes like the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and surging river mouths, while shredding lagoons and awesome wave spots along the way. TREMEMBE TO IGUAPE: Also over 12 days and 200 kilometres, this time exploring the beaches south of Fortaleza. Fewer people kite this…

Kite Breeze operate in the Cyclades Island group in the Aegean Sea, setting sail from Athens, Paros or Mykonos and then cruising through the islands searching out the best kiting possible on a seven-day kite cruise. Discover spots that few kiters know about, experience the unique culture and cuisine of the islands you visit along the way and relax aboard the 50.5 foot yacht in between sessions and after a long day on the water. No two days are the same and Kite Breeze also offer cruises aboard a catamaran which can accommodate even bigger groups. THE CRUISES The trips take place in the Greek summer season, from May to September. The wind can drop a little from May to June but you can usually expect 15 to 25 knots…