Description
The name that has always been the benchmark for anyone who rides moving walls of water, has just undergone one of its biggest updates to date.
With its main attribute being in its name, we set forth on a task to see what we can do to take the lessons learnt on the Apex kites, and give the Drifter its next big evolutionary jump.
The shorter wingtip section allowed Pat Goodman to make far more efficient use of the usable canopy area, allowing the tips to be far more efficient when turning. Adding to this is the introduction of the Ultra HT and Teijin D2 materials to make this the highest performing Drifter kite we have ever produced.
Whether you're charging down the line getting ready to pull in, looking for the next section to hit or throwing freestyle tricks on flat water, the Drifter is the ultimate product to add to your quiver.
Design Profile:
3-strut, moderate aspect ratio hybrid design. Chopped surf/drift wing tip design.
Size Specs:
| Size | 5m | 7m | 9m | 11m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Range in Knots (75kg rider) | 21-36 | 17-34 | 14-30 | 12-27 |
|
Weight of Kite (kg) Without Bag (Tolerances may vary) |
1.70 |
2.08 |
2.44 |
2.78 |
Detailed Features:
- LIGHT BAR PRESSURE - Direct and responsive steering.
- SHORT STATIC BRIDLE - A short compact pulleyless bridle ensures the ultimate in control and stability as well as response.
- SLACKLINE DRIFT - The secret behind every Drifter hat has become iconic in the industry. Focus on the wave, while you kite 'Drifts' effortlessly down the line.
- BOMBER CONSTRUCTION - Like with any Cabrinha kite, the Drifter comes packed with features to give you freedom to push your limits, whether in 1 or 10 foot waves.
- SMOOTH AS SILK - Pureform Panels provides the cleanest entry profiles to date, taking the performance of the Cabrinha products to all new heights.
- RAPID POWER CONTROL - No wave is the same, and the on demand rapid depower and power of the Drifter allows you to stay in the right place, or get to where you need to be.
Tech Specs:
- ULTRA HT - Developed exclusively for kite leading edges, this is a strong, stable, and exceptionally responsive material. Ultra HT reduces the weight of the leading edge and struts while boasting incredibly low elongation and response. A unique and proprietary coating process increases durability and performance unlike anything you have felt before.
- Teijen D2 Ripstop Canopy - Engineered to provide a lightweight material with exceptional bias control and recovery, the Teijin D2 Material works hand in hand with the Ultra HT material on the Apex kites to provide the next level in performance and reactivity.
- BULLET PROOF BUMPERS - These new Durable TPU bumpers are strong, lightweight and durable. They crossover protecting the canopy to LE sewing. A new manufacturing process helps with abrasion when the kite is resting on a hard surface.
- SPRINT 3.0 - The Sprint 3.0 inflation system increases air flow from leading edge to the strut. The straight and angled valves allow for no kinking of the inflation tube. It's secure fit design also allows for easy maintenance.
- SLEEVED BRIDLES - Low elongation, high performing, and user friendly these bridles are the perfect blend of performance and functionality.
- 2025 EXPANDAPACK KITE BAG - An all NEW stylish expanding backpack allows for fast pack down and comfy transportation of your kite, pump and control system. Easily Expands to carry multiple kites in one bag leading to more adventure and less faff!
Riding Styles:

Session Impressions
I just finished up a super gusty session on the Drifter Apex 2025 9m and the 2025 Volt D/Lab surfboard. Waves were okay.
Gear Feedback:
- Volt D/Lab: I love the Volt. It just sticks to my feet regardless of the amount of air I am putting on, and it also plays well in the waves.
- Drifter Apex: This is a wave-hunting machine. It had a little more power than I would have liked in the downloops while attempting to catch up after a wave and reposition the kite, but all things considered, it stalls well and plays nicely when trying to stay on the face of the wave.
All in all, it was a really good session. I caught a handful of waves. This was my first time in the water in probably about a year, so it was really good to be back. I rode with Dustin Chrysler and Tye Kowalski. I watched Dustin hit a PR (Personal Record) jump, which was super cool.
Additional Information
Model: |
Drifter |
Construction: |
Ultra HT and Teijin D2 |
year: |
2025 |
Item Type: |
Kiteboarding Kites |