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Monday, April 30, 2007
Wind Over Water and Kite Adventures Race Club We are so excited to announce the Wind Over Water and Kite Adventures Race Club Series held at 3rd Avenue in San Mateo on alternating Thursdays throughout the summer beginning on May 10, 2007 and continuing through September 6, 2007. Providing an alternative race location in the South Bay gives more Bay Area kiters an opportunity to participate in course racing on a regular basis. We think that course racing will become a large part of the future of kiteboarding as it’s more accessible to a broader range of kiteboarders than technical freestyle competitions. Races will begin at 5pm sharp with a Skippers meeting at 4:30pm at the upper launch of 3rd Avenue. Racers will compete on the standard windward leeward course, the same course as the Cabrinha Race Series. There will be 4 heats of races per night, with the possibility to open up a girl’s race heat depending on interest. We will also update you on the post race hang out in Burlingame...
Race Schedule - (Alternate Thursdays to st SFYC Series): May 10, 24, June 7, 21, July 12, 26 August 9, 23, September 6 – final race We are working on some amazing prizes from Wind Over Water and Kite Advenures for the first and second place winners of the Race Club Series. Our first race, May 10 is limited to 15 racers so sign up NOW! There is a $25 registration fee per racer per event or $100 for 5 races. Contact: jessie@kiteadventures.com to register, or stop by Wind Over Water by May 10th by 1pm.
 Wind Over Water Kiteboarding owned by Jeff Kafka is a full service kite center that is stocked to the gills with premium quality gear and the latest teaching techniques. They offer beginner to advance kiteboarding lessons with watercraft support on a daily basis. Wind Over Water Kiteboarding coaches teach the importance of safety both in and out of the water. They know what it takes to be safe and how to ride in these bay and coastal waters. Wind Over Water also runs winter Snowkiting trips in Utah.  Kite Adventures, owned and operated by Jessie Hassell, David Hassell and Alberto Duarte is coming into its 3rd season providing guided kite tours around the world. Their premier destination is northeast Brazil. The Kite Adventures owners and guides personally design and guide tours in windy destinations that would otherwise be difficult for travelers to get around without the local knowledge and expertise they provide. They have spent the last year scouting and dialing in some of the most amazing locations throughout the world: Brazil, Venezuela, Vietnam, Thailand, Sardinia and Greece. Labels: Bay Area, Competition
RESS RELEASE:
Movistar PKRA Venezuela Kiteboarding World Tour 2007
Women's Single Elimination Round Thursday 19 April "After two days of wind delay, the third day of the Movistar Kiteboarding World Cup 2007 got started with a bang. There were clear sunny skies as usual and the wind was definitely stronger in El Yaque compared to the past few days in Coche, averaging between 15 to 20 knots (5 bft), building from early in the morning throughout the afternoon, and peaking at around 2 pm … … The women’s division have also stepped it up this year with more and more riders showing off technical and powerful moves such as aerial handle pass tricks, slimchances, and mobes, which in the past were usually reserved for the men’s division. In Heat #2B, young Gisela Pulido (Slingshot, Spain) showed her stuff by beating out Clarissa Hempel (Cabrinha, Brazil) with a slim, 313, front mobe and blind judge while Hempel went for huge kite loops and downloops. Karolina Winkowska (Naish, Poland) landed a powered mobe and a blind judge and won her heat compellingly against friend and fellow Polish countryperson, Ola Tomkowicz (Best.) In the quarterfinals, Ania Grzelinska (North, Poland) unleashed an array of surface pass moves, while up and coming Pulido had several aerial pass tricks up her sleeves including an S-bend 3, a 313 and front mobe, to beat out Ania for a spot in the semis. In separate quarterfinal heats, Winkowska landed a nice blind judge, front to blind, and 313 while Angela Peral (North, Spain) was only able to manage several surface pass moves including a back to wrapped, raley to blind and downloop to blind, loosing her spot in the semis. Pulido continued her charge to the podium overcoming Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) in the semis with a front mobe, 313, slim and aerial back to blind. Wilson replied, going for mobes and an aerial back to blind, but without success. Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) defeated Winkowska’s mobe and 313 in their semifinal heat and astonished the crowd when she landed an NIS, S-bend 3 and aerial back to blind, so smooth and powered that they rivaled the men’s! She then went on to edge out Pulido for a first place finish. Winkowska landed a mobe and raley to blind ensuring her place on the podium in third, with Wilson taking fourth." Women’s Single Elimination Results: 1) Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) 2) Gisela Pulido (Slingshot, Spain) 3) Karolina Winkowska (Naish, Poland) 4) Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) Women's Double Elimination Round
Saturday 21 April "The fifth and final day of the Movistar Kiteboarding World Cup 2007 in Isla Margarita … kicked off with a huge crowd lining the beach cheering for their favorite riders under brilliant sunny skies. The wind was noticeably lighter during the morning but gradually picked up during the afternoon competition, forcing most of the riders to take out their larger kites … … The women’s finals provided the crowds much excitement and nailbiting suspense going into a winner’s double elimination heat. Pulido won the first round of the women’s doubles final with some solid moves landing a 313, slim chance and front and back to blind against Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil). Bruna was a bit underpowered with a smaller kite and only managed clean landings on a blind judge, raley to blind and back to blind while crashing her attemps for an S-bend 1 and NIS. In round two though, with lesson learned, Bruna came back charging with a larger kite, throwing down a beautiful powered and low kite angled non-inverted slim chance, 313, S-bend 1, blind judge, raley to wrapped, and back to blind. Pulido went for a variety of superb technical moves, nailing a slim chance, 313 and front mobe, but a higher kite angle and slower entry/exit speeds to her tricks gave the edge to Kajiya and the coveted top spot on the podium." Women's Double Elimination Final Results 1) Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil) 2) Gisela Pulido (Slingshot, Spain) 3) Karolina Winkowska (Naish, Poland) 4) Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) Labels: Competition, PKRA
 Podcast #74: This week, ASNews.net interviews guests Nico Ostermann and Bruce Johnson, the new US distributors for F.One. F.one was one of the original kiteteboarding companies, founded by French waterman Raphael Salles in 1996. 100% dedicated to kiteboarding, the company has enjoyed good growth and market share in Europe since its inception, especially in its own backyard in France, but has not had much of a presence in the US in the last few years because of an issue with the former distributor (which has since been resolved). Find out about the challenges that a distributor faces when entering a new market, why the two decided to take the leap of faith with F.one and all about the companies 07 product line, including the much talked about Legend twintip "surfboard" and the new Impact Short Line, a C-kite with 18m lines and full depower safety made specifically for riding unhooked, freestyle or in the surf in strong winds. Got a question for Nico or Bruce about F.one? Tune in to the podcast and ask your questions live! When: Thursday, April 26, 2007 Time: 6pm PST, 8pm Central, 9pm EST, 3am most of Europe! Where: http://cherrytap.com/lounge.php?l=1293 If you can't make the broadcast, post your questions here no later than 4:30p April 26 (1.5 hours before the podcast) and we will ask them for you! You can then download the show to listen when convenient at Itunes, kiteforum.tv or a number of podcasting websites including podcastalley.com. You can also listen to or download the podcast at http://www.thekiteboarder.com/ or http://www.asnews.net/ Labels: ASNews, podcast
 OZONE TRAVEL KITEBOARDING CABARETE JUNE SPECIAL In conjunction with American Airlines' US$178 round trip fare from Miami - Puerto Plata, Ozone Travel Kiteboarding and the Casita Sirena are offering the luxurious 2 bedroom/ 2 bath condo for just US$25 per person, per night, based on 4 people. Casita Sirena is a beautiful ground floor condo at the Ocean Dream, the most desired address in Cabarete! It is steps from the beach, an easy 7 minute beach walk to town, and is walking distance to restaurants, shops, markets, an ice cream parlour and a working (usually) ATM  !*** The fare on American is good for travel through June 27, BUT MUST BE BOOKED BY MAY 3RD! June is the start of the windy season in Cabarete, when the reliable Trade Winds blow from early afternoon 'til evening. It is a great playground, and an easy 90 minute flight from Miami. And flight schedules allow you to ride the day of arrival and the day of departure!To reserve the Casita Sirena, contact karen@ozonetravel.com. For flights, book directly at http://www.aa.com/.See you on the reef! Labels: Cabarete, Ozone, Travel
It is with regret that we inform you that the 2007 PKRA World Cup Isles De La Madeleine, located in Québec, Canada from August 31st through September 6th, will not be held this year. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Canadian Government has decided not to provide funding for this year’s event. The event organizers are hopeful that the tour stop will return to the schedule next year. For more information please visit or contact: http://www.pkra.info" Labels: Competition
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Introducing KiteboardReview.comLet's face it, there's simply nothing like kiteboarding! That said, I haven't found a good site for product reviews nor a good Shop & School directory on the internet. So I created one! Magazines seem to print only what the manufacturers have to say and Pro's will always endorse their sponsors. But what about the rest of us? What about those of us who pay for our gear? Well, now we have a place to put our reviews. KiteboardReview.comThe Goal: Provide the kite community with a professional well organized website to review their gear that is moderated by non biased individuals. KiteboardReview.com is a completely independent website and is not related to any manufacturer or shop. I set up this site so that registered users can not only review products and shops, but also add content to the database (similar to a wiki). I still have a lot of gear to add to the database and there are a couple bugs in the site, but I'd like to get your initial feedback. Please visit the site today and let me know what you think. Note - You must register for an account on the site to review a product. I will never share your email address or other info with any other entity. Labels: reviews, web
Pretty sick cinematography and kiting going on here. Click here for the video. Labels: Australia, Ruben Lenten
THE SHINN CENTRE - TENERIFE, OPEN FOR BUSINESS
 The Shinn centre based in El Medano, a very typical Canarian village in the south of Tenerife boasts kites from many leading kite manufacturers, as well as, the full range of Nobile, NBL and Shinn boards. The centre with a difference offers visitors the opportunity to try and vary any kite and board combination, giving them the chance to become their own test rider. Riders can also perfect their skills through lessons and clinics catering for all abilities and needs.  Visitors can choose between traditional C, bow and hybrid kites from the 2007 ranges of Airush, Blade, Best, Carbrinha, EH, Flexifoil, Naish, North, Ozone and RRD in sizes from 5m to 16m. The full range of Nobile 555 and 666 boards are available, as well as, Mark Shinn´s own range of boards, including the new hybrid wave for versatile and accessible wave-sailing and skimboards for those wanting to experience the most fun on offer in kiteboarding. 
Shinn comments, “With so much hype and so many conflicting opinions on the forums, the centre really represents a unique opportunity for riders to feel and experience for themselves the variety of kit available in the market today and what is best suited to them.”
Even visiting kitesurfers with their own kit can take the opportunity to try the latest equipment available or test to fill a gap in their quiver. Board or kite only rental is available from anything from an hour through to weeks at a time. Whether using their own kit or the centre´s, visitors can take the opportunity to improve their sailing level through lessons or clinics. Catering from complete beginner to expert, riders can take their first steps into the water with a kite or perfect the very latest, powered free style moves. Courses can be booked individually or for groups and can also cater for riders wanting to start or improve their wave riding. Storage is available for those bringing their own kit and accommodation can be arranged for those wanting their stay as hassle free as possible.
El Medano is situated in the south east of Tenerife and features four different sailing spots from flat water to waves. The Canary Islands are well known for their warm weather and consistent all year round winds. However, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained on those few non-windy days. As well as world class surfing and mountain biking there is also excellent climbing, hiking and horse riding. The island also has a host of sight seeing attractions and places of interest.
For more information about the Shinn Test Centre or to pre-book please call 0034 687478736 or e-mail info@theshinncentre.com
Labels: adventures, Canary Islands
 Absolutely Stunning Kitesurfing Images
 Mark Shinn from Nobile Kiteboards chat transcript He is partner in Nobile Kiteboards and just started his own kite center on Tenerife.
Mark is also know as former 2 times world champion, who also won PKRA and KPWT at the same time.
Mark can do all styles and is nowadays enjoying the waves.
He lives on Tenerife, Canary Islands.Labels: board
 Mackay Kiteboarding Association hosts the Adrenalin Rush Sports Australia Kiteboarding Classic WHEN: June 8-11th 2007 WHERE: Mackay, Queensland CONTACT US: Melissa Millen 07) 49533103/ 0448736551 arsa@tpg.com.auRyan McGovern 0418547976 kazryan@bigpond.net.auK iteboard Classic Rego FormEVENTS Kite Board X: Kite Board X: This event will consist of a Set course using markers and obstacles. The riders must make their way around the course using skills of both downwind & upwind tacking as well as jumping a set obstacle as they go. This is a race run in heats of 4 and will be judged on the fastest time. Freestyle: Using the flat water sections of the event location, the freestyle event will run in divisional heats and judged on a number of aspects of the riders ability. Downwind Dash for cash: This event will involve all riders racing to a downwind mark. The basic idea is to get over the line first to score $$$. Nomination cost: $75.00 (Please fax rego forms to the below fax number asap) This event will involve all riders racing to a downwind mark. The basic idea is to get over the line first to score $$$. Nomination cost: $75.00 (Please fax rego forms to the below fax number asap) Presentations: Will need to know numbers attending, kiters & non-kiters for catering please ASAP. Will need to know numbers attending, kiters & non-kiters for catering please ASAP. NO WIND: In the case of light wind, we have plenty planned to keep us kicking on including a wake winch slider park, trampoline comps etc. Contact info: Melissa Millen PH/FAX : (07) 49 533 103 arsa@tpg.com.auACCOMODATION Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina- 1800 386386 The Clarion Hotel is a four and a half star Hotel located at the Mackay Harbour at the northern end of east point (competition location). We are working on getting a discounted corporate rate for all competitors, so let them know you are with the kite event when making reservations. Central Tourist Park- (07) 49 576141 The Central Tourist Caravan Park is located in North Mackay about 7 minutes drive to the Mackay Harbour. We have put a hold on 20 villas. These villas are $90 p/room p/n and sleep 4 people. Please call Central Tourist park as soon as possible to secure a villa. Pleas also advise reception that you are part of the event.
Labels: Competition
Sunday, April 22, 2007
 Kite the Greek IslandsKite Adventures and Pro Kiteboarder Dimitri Maramenides have teamed up for a once in a lifetime Greek Kite Adventure Tour. Riders will kite in Athens, Paros and depending on the wind either Naxos or Mykonos. Some of the areas are so remote; you’ll be the only kiters on the water! The tour also includes demos of Dimitri’s new kite line Eclipse, along with one of the hottest new brands of kiteboards, Skywalker. Greece is an epic country, between the kiting, nightlife and food; you’ll want to be there forever! This tour is for intermediate to advanced riders only. Check out our trip report. Price is $1799 for 10-Days. 2007 Dates:June 20-30July 20-30August 20-30 Sardinia: Undiscovered ParadiseKite Adventures is beginning 10-Day tours in Sardinia (a southern island off the coast of Italy) in late April, early May. There are more than 6 beaches to kite along and you can be sure we’ve scouted each spot so we know the best conditions for waves, flat water and pure desolate beach. Our two knowledgeable guides have been living in Sardinia for most of their kiting careers. They will handle all of the arrangements, support and are also keyed into the hottest parties in town, which are no short of fun! We even provide lessons for those who want to bring non-kiters. Price: $2650.00 per person, all-inclusive except flights. Check out dates here!  Kite season has begun! NorCal coast has had some great days and we can’t wait for more! Brazil 2007!Kite Adventures Brazil dates released. A new twist on the tours. 7-Days include 2 days in the beloved Cumbuco, downwinding everyday to the flat-water dream: Cauipe Lagoon. The low tide flat reef and high tide rolling waves of Paracuru is the last stop on this tour for 3 days and back to Cumbuco for one night. The 10-Day tours add 4 days and miles of downwinders through Jericoacoara and beyond. Tours begin this July and run through January 2008. Prices: $1299 for 7-Days and $1799 for 10-Days. Click here for dates!Venezuela: Kite Fantasy Island Venezuela was amazing, definitely should be on everyone’s top 5 list! From Yaque, to Coche, to Roques, downwinding island to island. It doesn’t get much better than this! We’ll be offering tours there beginning December 2007. Labels: adventures
  Interesting new bow kite out of Germany: A genuine Bow with concave outline edge, no hybrid or SLE • Full power and more explosive force development for new jump heights • nearly pumping system • NEW: Early power development by optimal utilization of the surface • NEW: 5. Line • NEW: “Zero” steering and bar pressure • NEW: High quality manufacturing • NEW: An adjustable bar for all sizes
Prices:
RIOT 5.0 - Eur 799.-
RIOT 7.0 - Eur 849.-
RIOT 9.0 - Eur 899.-
RIOT 12.0 - Eur 999.-
RIOT 15.0 - Eur 1099.-
Labels: Kites
 Chicklet 126x37,4 E599,- Donut 131x38 E599,- Tape 138x40,5 E599, www.x-tremeboards.com Labels: board
  FORMAT: There are 12 race nights scheduled with 3-4 races per night, wind permitting. Racers who sign up for the entire series, and complete the race committee requirement, will be eligible for the Overall Series ranking, including the First, Second, and Third place awards They will also receive a special thank you package from Ozone Travel ( www.ozonetravel.com). In addition to registration for the entire series, you can register for just a few, or even one race night. REGISTRATION: You can now register online! Go to www.stfyc.com. Go to the pull down menu “On The Water,” and click on Racing. You will see the calendar of racing on the left. Click on Cabrinha Race Series, and then click on “Sign Up. FREE RAFFLE Race results for each night of racing will be announced at the St Francis at the post racing social gathering. There will also be a FREE raffle for all race participants when the results are distributed. Raffle awards are courtesy of Cabrinha (www.Cabrinhakites.com), Ozone Travel, and Adventure Sports Miami (www.Adventuresportsmiami.com. NEW ‘MINI SERIES” Also new for 2007 will be the Cabrinha “mini series.’ In addition to the Overall Cabrinha Race Series, there will be 3 mini series, consisting of 4 nights of racing each (Apr /May, June /July, Aug /Sept.) . Awards for First, Second and Third place will be awarded by Cabrinha for each mini series. Awards for the Cabrinha Race Series will be announced the week of April 16. Labels: Cabrinha, Competition
  Ozone Travel and Cabrinha Announce AwardsGrand Prizes, provided by Ozone Travel- The Kiteboarding Travel Company. www.ozonetravel.com 7 nights accommodations at The Sunset Beach Hotel, Cumbuco, Brazil.Sunset Beach Hotel is situated on the stunning, white sandy beach of Cumbuco. The Hotel has four very exclusive and stylish suites, and eight high standard luxury rooms. The property overlooks a large lawn, garden and swimming pool, and then onto the beautiful beach and Atlantic Ocean. Sunset Beach Hotel offers superb accommodations with all the conveniences you would expect from a luxury hotel. All rooms are large and furnished with taste and no expense has been spared. You will find TV’s in all rooms, a personal safe, large bathrooms and the beds are large and very comfortable!   Ozone Travel is very proud to work with TAM The Brazilian Airline in providing the best service and pricing from North America to Brazil.  4 nights accommodations at the Casita Sirena, Cabarete, Dominican Republic.Casita Sirena is a new 2 bedroom/2 bath privately owned condo located within the luxurious Ocean Dream on Cabarete Bay, Dominican Republic. Fully furnished and tastefully appointed, the Casita Sirena is on the ground floor and just steps from the beach, is an easy 7 minute beach walk to the village and close to shops, restaurants, cafes and markets. Amenities include air conditioning, wireless internet access, washer/dryer, full kitchen, telephone, cable tv, cd/dvd player and iPod-friendly stereo system. Guests at the Casita Sirena enjoy daily cleaning service.    MORE AWARDS As they did in 2006, Cabrinha will again provide products for First, Second, and Third. Product such as kites, boards, wheeled travel bags, waist and seat harnesses, personalized 8x10 race photos and custom race hoodies. New for the 2007 Cabrinha Race Series will be the 3 “mini series” where Cabrinha will also provide awards for First, Second and Third. Additionally, there will be a free raffle for the participants after each of the 12 nights of racing where Cabrinha www.cabrinhakites.com Ozone Travel www.Ozonetravel.com and Adventure Sports Miami www.adventuresportsmiami.com will be providing gifts.  Labels: Cabrinha, Competition
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A truly amazing rescue story. Rescue " Imagine ...Dead of winter, a couple hours before sunset off of Northern California. You hit the 50 degree F surf looking for some great rides in head high and better swells. Instead of an epic surfing session you are flushed by too strong a current far away from land. You paddle for all you're worth and then paddle some more to exhaustion, numbing cold and beyond. The guys in the lineup vanished below the horizon a while ago and there are no boats, lifeguards or anyone else that knows where you are. It's just you and your bud being dragged westward towards the Farallon Islands and the cold wet unknown. Dread and cold fear take over as your options sink away. You see something small and hazy in the distance moving slowly toward you from land. What is it ... ?" Via FKA: Labels: rescue
 CFT REINFORCED TRAILING EDGE:Like all kites in our 07 range the new Yarga benefits from out exclusive CFT reinforced trailing edge, which provides razor sharp responsiveness and unmatched durability, even if you leave your Yarga lying on the beach for days or months on end.  HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS: The 2007 Yarga Hybrid SLE uses only the best available materials and construction, when we can’t find what we need to make the best kites in the world then we design and manufacture it ourselves, like our new EZ-pump total inflation system  SURF TOUGH CONSTRUCTION: Our unique Canopy Framing Technology, LE Load Flex seam, fully taped canopy and Solid Airframe Construction come together to deliver the most proven and trusted kite construction package in the industry.  LOAD FLEX LE SEAM: Unique triple stitched webbing taped LE seam guarantees the strongest LE on any inflatable kite, there is simply no stronger seam construction.  RONSTAN HIGH LOAD PULLEYS: Used in SLE mode low friction high load pulleys help deliver maximum depower and precision handling in all conditions.  WOVEN SPECTRA SERVICEABLE PULLEY LINES: 4mm braided abrasion resistant pulley lines, easily replaceable for minimum down time. Pulley lines include depower stopper knots which limit bridle travel to enhance stability in all wind conditions.  DACRON WING TIP PANELS: Multi layer Dacron wingtip panel distribute turning forces for unmatched responsiveness and enable self launching without risk of damage.  TEIJIN RIP-STOP CANOPY: If you want to cut corners, you can buy cheaper fabric, but you certainly can’t use anything better. We only use Teijen Rip-Stop for our canopy material, as there’s no better Rip-Stop cloth available.  SOLID AIRFRAME CONSTRUCTIONThere’s no better way to connect the leading edge to the struts, our construction gives the stiffest and lightest structure available, yielding a kite with exceptional performance and easy handling for riders of all abilities.  TRAILING EDGE BATTENS: Strategically placed wingtip battens increase turning response, improve aerodynamics by controlling air flow over the control surfaces and eliminate canopy flutter  PROFILE SHAPER BATTENS: Glass fiber reinforced Profile Shapes reduce upper canopy deformation at low angles of attack. Profile Shapers ensure that your Yarga Hybrid SLE is the smoothest flying kite even at the absolute limits of depower. A clear and tough outer casing on each batten ensures that should you ever need to replace one it’s a ten second job, never a trip to the repair shop.  CANOPY FRAMING TECHNOLOGY: Crashing your kite is a fact of life. The Yarga Hybrid SLE is the only hybrid SLE kite designed with Canopy Framing Technology, the ultimate reinforcement system. The entire perimeter of each canopy panel on the Yarga Hybrid SLE is supported with a continuous reinforcement zone, isolating the canopy from impact loads and delivering protection that you can believe in.  EZ-PUMP TOTAL INFLATION SYSTEM: Our new EZ-pump total inflation system with integrated silicone stopper valves allows easy one-shot inflation of the entire airframe of the kite. Already proven in the Bularoo design this feature is a must have for riders who want to get out on the water fast.  HYBRID ATTACHMENTDESIGN: Choose between 4 line, 5th line, SLE and SLE+5th-line modes for handling performance and depower. Unique micro bridle design packs down behind the LE for ultra fast switching between styles. Maximum versatility and proven simplicity with no lines to detach. Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites
 Marketing speak to follow: Once again BestKiteboarding delivers revolution in kiteboarding design. Hot on the heels of the performance redefining Waroo 07 and Bularoo comes the new Yarga Hybrid SLE. The new Yarga is the ultimate high performance, extended depower C-kite, that gives all riders 4-line, 5th line and SLE style micro-bridle set up and performance options.
With four different rigging, relaunch and depower set-ups available, and all of them perfectly tuned straight from the bag, no other Hybrid kite delivers more of the promise of maximum performance, increased depower, improved safety and truly versatile handling.
In four line mode the new Yarga Hybrid SLE is a high performance mid aspect ratio C-kite. An exceptional, competition ready package, it offers the perfect blend of turning and flying speed, stability and ease of use.
The 5th line option extends the relaunch and depower available to the rider even further, simplifying relaunch whether in flat water or caught out in overhead surf. A quick pull on the optional 5th line kit flips the Yarga straight onto it’s back ready for launching.
SLE Micro-bridle mode hugely increases available depower and upwind ability, turning the Yarga from 4-line kite into a high performance SLE in seconds. Switching between rigging set-ups couldn’t be easier, the micro-bridle stows on the back of the LE, meaning there’s nothing to detach, and nothing to forget.
SLE+5th-line mode offers riders the ultimate combination of depower, performance, easy handling and instant relaunch.
For 07 we’ve redesigned the Yarga from the wingtips up, literally, to deliver an unmatched package of precision, power, ease of use and hugely extended wind range. The Yarga Hybrid SLE is the perfect kite for riders who want the flexibility of multiple kite styles, the industry’s leading construction package, hardcore competition tuned handling, and unmatched ease of use. Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
 Labels: Magazine
http://media.www.thenorthernlight.org/media/storage/paper960/news/2007/04/17/Sports/Kiteboarding.Takes.Off.As.New.Extreme.Sport.In.Alaska-2844541.shtml"A new sport has moved in and is making a name for itself in a small, but growing community here in south-central Alaska. It doesn't require gasoline, waiting in annoying lift lines or contemplating avalanche danger. With a little wind, some desire, and a steady flow of adrenaline, kiteboarding has blown its way into Alaska. Kiteboarding is similar in style to snowboarding or wakeboarding, where carving and aerial tricks are a big part of the game. Unlike snowboarding, however, kiteboarding harnesses the wind, not gravity, to provide the ride. Using kites that somewhat resemble small parachutes, riders glide over snow while being pulled from the wind collected in their sails." Labels: adventures, Alaska
Monday, April 16, 2007
 Here's a great lesson learned article. Another reminder to bake cookies and thank the local coast guard for having their launch about 2 miles from the Crissy field kiting area. Labels: rescue
Vid Here: http://www.kitewatch.com/supermanager.php?f=videos&videoID=1287 Action from Sticked 2007 - the Event to kick-off the new 2007 season! The build of the event terrain all went without a hitch; everything that was needed was there.Even though the wind forcast for saturday was lousy, tents where pitched in good numbers on friday. Everyone who kept an eye on the forums knows that we had a decent amount of wind every day, filling the sky with around 100 kites! The water was pretty crowded every day, but thanks to the good atmosphere everyone in and around the water had a great time!The competitions all went very well and a good number of contestants went home with great prizes!The event turned out great and even though the wind forcasts where bad, we had a great turnout! Labels: Competition
Kite Landboard action from the monkey-bum crew testing out the new BEST Yarga. http://www.kitewatch.com/supermanager.php?f=videos&videoID=1286 Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites
Coming up in the next magazine we have exclusive interviews with Ben Meyer from Naish and Cameron Dietrich from Cabrinha. Christian and Karine our resident technique guru’s are in Cape Verde right now doing what they do best, expect some blue water and bright sunshine in their next article! We take a look at some of the kit that has missed our recent tests and also take a closer look at some of the boards on the market right now. There will be full coverage from Kenya, one of Africa’s hidden gems and also a guide on how to spend 2 weeks in Brazil for less than £500 including your flights!
Plus all the usual suspects including Pete the Pirate and Maxwell Maxed.
Out at the beginning of April. Labels: Magazine
Great pics make me miss my four years living up with the crazed intellectual post-apocalytic hippies at Reed College. More pictures after the click through: http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-4305.html Labels: adventures
Friday, April 13, 2007
If you've got a Cursor Kite, You Could Fly it in this event  Event Name WORLD RECORD KITE FLYING ATTEMPT Event Type Club Hosted by Rotaract Club of BournemouthHosted by District 1110 - Hampshire, South East Wiltshire & East DorsetDate 14 Apr 2007 Venue Bournemouth Beach Details Do you want to be a record breaker?An exciting opportunity is heading your way on 14th April 2007. Bournemouth Rotaract are organising an attempt to break the world record for the most kites flown in the air at one time. To help meet our challenge we are looking for volunteers to fly kites in the afternoon and would like to offer all Rotaractors the chance to be involved. The record currently stands at 786 and we are going to be flying at least 1000 kites which means we need 1000 volunteers to fly the kites!!Everyone that comes down to the beach on the day will be able to enjoy entertainment including professional kite surfers, an air display, and live music – all in all a fun filled day for the whole family. All donations will be gratefully received although there is no entry fee to participate, and you will be provided with the kite to use, and get to keep it! All proceeds will go to Rotaract and Rotary charities.We are looking for people to join the team of helpers on the day to make the event run smoothly, and to come down with their friends and take part in this once in a lifetime event. Email Email the contact for this event via an online form
Here's what happens when people worth 5bn start to kite at your local spot. Great guys I'm sure, but what whankerage in the article. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aB3RjfvgWH8A&refer=us  Silicon Valley Investors Fly on Kiteboards in Quest for Thrills By Edward Robinson April 12 (Bloomberg) -- William Tai, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, was kitesurfing under the Golden Gate Bridge when the wind died. The kite crashed and broke, and Tai, entangled in the lines, was dragged out to sea.
Crossing Lake Michigan: A Kiteboarding Challenge Written by Chaz Bartelt Apr 11, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ -- Crossing Lake Michigan: A Kiteboarding Challenge HELP WANTED: Must be able endure long hours of boredom interspersed with moments of pure panic. Good hand/eye coordination are helpful. Must like the outdoors and enjoy spending time in the water.Ideal candidate will be physically fit, have own equipment, be able to train without pay for an extended period and have access to a large watercraft for a trans-lake excursion in early August of 2007.Pay is low. Very, very low. In fact, nonexistent. This job will be a one time non contractual fund raiser for charity. Rewards are intrinsic: helping others, giving back to society, doing the right thing, personal growth, development, challenge, blisters, chafing, heat rash, sticking it to the man, cheating death, and/or whatever else this accomplishment would mean to you.Applicants should have proof of current health care coverage and be willing to sign waivers releasing all sponsors, participants, and yours truly from any and all liability if you should bite it while out in the middle of the lake. It is much easier to do a fund raiser when no one has to worry about being sued.Interested applicants should forward a letter of introduction and interest to: XLakeMI@gmail.com.Also, looking for a support craft to make the journey from Two Rivers, WI to Big Sable Point, MI to escort the boarders and return them to WI.Able to pay for gas and give a hearty handshake for a job well done, but not much else... :).If interested in being a part of something grand, please e-mail XLakeMI@gmail.comThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .Interested financial sponsors are always welcome and can still get on board with logos on equipment, boats, kites, wetsuits, etc. Please send an e-mail, if interested, to our e-mail address: XLakeMI@gmail.comLabels: adventures
National Kite Surfing Freestyle Championships 2007 The freestyle discipline of the Australian National Championships is to be held 17th - 22nd March 2007 in Caloundra, QLD. See the National Championships page for more details. Click Here for Registrationconet Classic - Tannum Sands6 - 8th April 2007Free ride, Big Air and Sprint race Click Here for Event FlyerMackay Kiteboarding Association hosts the WHAT: "Adrenalin Rush Sports Australia Kiteboarding Classic". WHEN: June 8-11th 2007 WHERE: Mackay, Queensland CONTACT US: Melissa Millen 07) 49533103/ 0448736551 arsa@tpg.com.auRyan McGovern 0418547976 kazryan@bigpond.net.auC%3A%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5Ccbuss%5CDesktop%5Ctannumclassic.pdfLabels: Competition
PODCAST #73:
Kite Course Racing continues to grow in popularity as the Cabrinha Race series gears up to begin their season, and The Velocity Games hosts the competition format for the first time this May. Race Series Organizer John Games from the Bay Area and former Olympic windsurfer and VP of Sales and Marketing at Adventure Sports, Kent Marinkovic, join ASnews.net this week to fill us in on the exploding popularity of this race format, the upcoming US Nationals Kite Course Race Event in July, and its potential to become an Olympic sport. Got a question for John or Kent? Join the LIVE podcast this Thursday evening and ask your questions directly to the source.
* PLACE: http://cherrytap.com/lounge.php?l=1293 * DATE: Thursday, April 12 * TIME: 6p, PST, 9p EST
If you can’t make the live broadcast, post your question here no later than 4:30p PST on Thursday, April 12, and we will ask them for you. You can then download the podcast from ASNews.net, TheKiteboarder.com, Itunes or Kiteforum.tv.
LAST CHANCE TO WIN A NEW YARGA HYBRID!
Did you listen to podcast #70 with Best Designer Peter Stiewe? Listen to the podcast and guess the number of Yargas sold in 2006 and you could win a brand new 9m Yarga Hybrid SLE. Post your answers to the thread on Kiteforum.com called “Competitions – users can win something!” or the contest forum thread on Best’s website. Deadline is Friday, April 13, 2007 and the winner will be announced the week of April 16!
VELOCITY GAMES $15K PURSE: SOMETHING FOR EVERY KIND OF RIDER
The Velocity Games in Corpus Christi, Texas, is from May 11-13. Race formats this year include BoarderX, Freestyle, and Kite Course Racing. Space is limited so get your registration forms in ASAP for your chance to take a piece of the $15K in prize money.
NEW AT THE KITEBOARDER STORE
The new DVD Testimony III: Taking Davenport is now available at www.thekiteboarder.com/catalog. Just $29.99 including shipping!
JUNE ISSUE MAILING SOON
The June issue of The Kiteboarder will be released in print starting April 27. The online version will be posted at the end of May.
Labels: Competition, podcast
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