2019 Cabrinha Contra Review

While the contra is a dedicated light wind kite, It’s also a versatile all around kite in general. To get some bias out of the way, This has been my go to lightwind kite for 3 years in a row. You’ll never catch me without one in my trunk.

This is largely in part to that fact that not only is it an excellent light wind kite but its all around characteristics appeal to me. Some lightwind kites might jump a bit higher or have more power and loft yet the Contra seems to hit the spot when it comes to a lightwind kite that while it gets the job done, doesn't feel like a light wind kite.

All I mean by versatility is the Contra does everything you would expect an all around performance kite to do. It works fine in the waves, you can unhook and progress on the lightest days. While only having three struts, it’s actually similar in performance to the Switchblade when it comes to upwind ability jumping and stability. If you lived somewhere with lighter conditions and could only get one kite, the Contra would actually be an excellent choice.

Wind Range

The contra is a dedicated light wind kite so it has its only available in 4 sizes. The 13, 15 , 17 and 19 meter. A common misconception is going bigger is going to get better results and while this is true to a fault, there’s actually a point of diminishing returns contingent to the riders weight.

The Contra stays controlled even when the wind picks up. 

Most of these sizes are going to work well in extremely light wind but simply due to their weight, the larger sizes can be difficult to fly in sub 9 knots. This is true with all lightwind kites. Except single strut kites of course. What you get out of the Contra is the power you need to have fun when the wind speed is in the lower teens yet a kite with enough depower and versatility to work when the winds picks back up.

Sizing 

In regards to sizing, the 19 will work best for riders 200 pounds and over. If you weigh less than that, you don’t gain much efficacy. In fact, if you’re an exceptionally light rider, your more likely to get pulled downwind by the sheer power of the 19 rather than gain performance.

For the 17 I the sweet spot is around 160 to 200 ish. At 163 I still often reach for the 17 in the lightest of conditions and I’ve had great success while my friends are waiting for the wind to come up a bit.

The 15 is a great light wind choice for riders 130 to 170 and the 13 would be ideal for riders weighing in sub 130.

All that said, our long time team rider Marc Hoeksema weighs around 180 now a days and he always opts for the 15m contra as he prefers the faster turing speed. He also pushes that kite to the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the wind range.

Now I mentioned versatility. If you want extra power and loft, you can opt for a larger size just be careful that you don’t go to big. If you want a more reactive fun to fly lightwind kite, You could always go a bit smaller like our team rider Marc.

You can pick from four sizes depending on how much power or response you want from your ride. 

Jumping

When it comes to jumping, the Contra is your standard pull and go kite. It doesn't take much timing, the kite does most of the work for you. It has quite a bit of power and plenty of loft. The larger sizes can be a bit delayed while working them in the air, the smaller 15 and 13 meter are lively and fun. 

The Contra has plenty of loft while the smaller sizes are quite fast for how much power they have. 

If you follow our trick tip series Ride with Blake, we actually filmed most of our second season on the contra alone. It really came through for us on those lighter days shooting. Some light winds kites, have more of a slower big air lofty feel while the Contra just feels like a normal kite in regards to how it jumps.

Bar pressure and feel.

The contra isn’t the lightest feeling kite on the water, characterized with moderate bar pressure and loads of grunt, you’re going to really feel that you have power when riding the Contra in its low end. Like the Switchblade, The Contra works very well on the bottom end of it’s wind range while maintaining plenty of depower if the wind picks back up. You’ll know the wind has become too strong when it become difficult to ride back upwind. Usually somewhere in the early 20s depending on your weight.

I mentioned earlier, the 17 and 19 have that touch of delay you can expect from pretty much all lightwind kites, while the 15 and 13 feel more playful and reactive. Another reason I encourage you to consider your weight when selecting your size.

Stability

I’ve mentioned this a few times, like all of cabrinha kites, the Contra is very stable and there is a shock absorbent feel to the bar. Meaning if the wind does get gusty, you won’t feel it in your harness to much. Unless of course you push the kite beyonds its wind range. In contrast to the Switchblade it’s not quite as stable considering it has three struts but all and all it’s a very controlled kite even in bad gusty wind.

Kiteloops

I know what you’re thinking kite loops on a huge lightwind kite?

Yup, the Contra is definitely not the best kite for looping but you certainly can. We filmed part our kiteloop tutorial on the 17 meter. If you know what you’re doing you can still incorporate and practice loop based tricks with the contra. Especially in the 15 and 13 m sizes.

Surf

It’s not a dedicated surf kite by an means but the Contra is going to help you get out on the lightest of days. It’s not quite on par with the Switchblade and it’s nowhere near the Drifter as far as surf performance. It will however, get you out there on those light days and while it’s not fine tuned, it’s not going to hold you back.

In regards to foilboarding, the Contra has been a bit of a gem on those exceptionally light days. Powerful and lightweight pairing the contra with a foil is pretty much a guaranteed session if there's a breeze to be found. We still prefer the drifter for foilboarding but on the lightest of days, the contra has the low-end that the drifter just lacks.

Unhooked.

Just to quickly touch on the unhooked freestyle capabilities. The Contra isn’t necessary a prime choice but it’s an amazing tool to progress with in subpar conditions. If you aspire to progress in this discipline the Contra is going to be an invaluable tool for training when the wind doesn't want to cooperate.

In summary,

The contra is a versatile fun well rounded lightwind kite that flies more like a regular kite.

If you live somewhere with lighter winds, it’s likely going to be your most used kite and considering how well rounded it is it could be your only kite if it had to. 

Ready to ride?

Learn more about the Contra!

Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

Just a dude from a kite shop testing all the gear one session at a time.

Many people dream of quitting their job, traveling the world and pursuing their passions. Rygo is one of those people who pulled the trigger. About eight years into a postal career, he decided to change everything and travel as a freelance videographer & writer. This took him from coast to coast and a variety of countries. Nowadays you can catch him on the phones, doing lessons, or working on videos. Of course, he still makes a point to travel as often as possible. His mission is to help people and share the stoke with his customers and students alike. Get out there and kiteboard.

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Producer of: Ride with Blake I Sessions I Versus I Destinations I Foil Fridays