Kiteworld Magazine

What does kiteboarding mean to you? To some it’s simply an escape from work, for others it’s a transforming experience that leads to rearranging their entire life. Wherever on the scale you fit, you’re bonded to the tribe. Next issue is our 100th . W

Brazilian dynamo Carlos Mario and Francesca Bagnoli from Italy got their seasons off to a flyer in April at the opening GKA Freestyle World Cup fixture of 2019 - the Mondial du Vent in Leucate, France. Last year’s event was a false start for the GKA

Some say that through kiting they find their ‘flow’, or a kind of meditation. For others it has literally become a lifeline. Three Canadian military veterans who had difficulties transitioning to civilian life after service found that kitesurfing was

It was approximately 4°C (39°F) and the air temperature was probably the same as the water. I’m familiar with this spot where a dam forms a drainage divide, with water on one side running away to the Adriatic Sea, and on the other to the Black Sea. T

It’s easy to get caught up in the general wave of enthusiasm that each ‘new’ development in kiteboarding brings. Being a relatively young sport, kiteboarders are generally eager and keen to pick up innovations in both style and material, unlike in su

We’d dreamed of exploring Colombia for many years, long drawn by its music, people, untouched waves and empty coastlines, but what of its main deterrent for other travellers; drug cartels, violence and kidnapping? In November 2012 the Colombian gover

Dreamy flat water conditions as well as the late and early season swells that roll across the sandbars on the ocean side of the peninsula have attracted many a seasoned rider to take up long-term residence here over the years. Hatteras also plays hos

“Marije, wake up, it’s your turn.” It’s difficult to open my eyes because I feel as if I’ve just gone to bed. The sea is turbulent, the wind is strong and there are frequent showers. Slightly nauseous I find my way into some clothes and stumble up th

Although we test gear for two solid months a year in Cape Town during January and February, we also test for the rest of the year in a range of conditions in the UK. Our testers don’t set out to find the best products for pro riders, but instead focu

Last year I tested the Slash in a six metre size and it had that classic wave kite feel; sitting forward in the window, was very athletic through the turn and even for a small size was insanely quick. Naish reckon this year’s Slash is even faster due

Much like with the harnesses, Ride Engine did a good job of producing a really desirable product when they brought out their first wetsuit a couple of seasons go. As a brand they’re really good at that. I love this Apoc 4/3 because it fits me really,

We usually test wave kites in the six to nine metre range. Those smaller, nippier sizes are the ones that will normally deliver the kind of rapid response we yearn for in the surf, but what about bigger kites for light wind wave sessions? In the last

Unlike the other accessory products this issue that we’ve lived with for three months or more, I’ve only had two sessions on this new Riot, but it’s banging. Not only is it stunning and black – like Darth Vader black – it’s quite a piece of machinery

I have lots of harnesses in my life, I’m a lucky boy. Soft shells, hard shells, first versions up to the most recent. In terms of fit, this is the most comfortable I’ve had because, while it’s firm, the Bionic Core frame isn’t totally rigid. I also n

In Portugal’s far north, the swells of the cold Atlantic Ocean release their energy against mile-upon-mile of untouched coastline. The rugged beauty of rolling dunes is broken only by the ancient architecture of coastal towns and hilltop churches. Su

I’m going to mostly talk about the front wings, because I think this is what’s really important for freeride foiling and what F-One have got right for the mainstream. I’ve ridden the Mirage 800 wing a lot, almost 100 sessions. It’s pre-preg carbon, n

First of all, I’ve been fully focused on getting better at wave riding for the last few years and didn’t feel that I had enough rounded skills to try foiling. Plus, I’m a very accident-prone person and already have enough battle scars, so I’ve always

Photos are a reflection of our past; they evoke emotion and inspire action. As I write this, a framed photograph from one of my first kiteboarding photoshoots with legendary photographer, Tracy Kraft, hangs on the wall above my desk. My long hair is

As with almost all tricks, the foundation is usually based around good take-off speed. Come into this back roll with plenty of controlled speed over the water. This will not only help with your pop and release, but will also give you momentum to help

Newquay, Cornwall info@atlanticriders.co.uk +44 (0)7791 937 207 www.atlanticriders.co.uk Watergate Bay, Cornwall sports@watergatebay.co.uk +44 (0)1637 860 840 www.extremeacademy.co.uk Exmouth, Devon info@edgewatersports.com +44 (0)1395 222 551 www.eg

Muskego, Wisconsin sales@adventurekiteboarding.com +1 414-367-9283 www.adventurekiteboarding.com Cape Hatteras, NC kbschool@kittyhawk.com +1 252 987 2297 www.kittyhawk.com Waves, NC barton@hatterasislandsurfshop.com +1 252 987 2292 www.hatterasisland

Baja, Mexico Beach Vacation Rentals info@exotikite.com +521 624 165 2612 www.exotikite.com La Ventana, Baja, Mexico pelicanreefventana@gmail.com +52 612 197 3689 www.pelicanreefventana.com Eau Piquant, St Lucia coconutbay@group-promotions.com +44 (0)

Capturing and defining kite culture. We re-visit some of the key moments in the sport and hear opinion from the real influencers in the game in our special 100th issue, released in July. WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM ■