2027 North Orbit First Look w/ Nathalie Lambrecht & Tibo Slock

The Brazilian Brothers are back, coming to you from Mykonos with a very special first look at the brand-new North Kiteboarding lineup for 2027. They're joined by international team riders Maxwell Dahl and Nathalie Lambrecht to dive into the details of the 2027 North Orbit, plus a teaser for the new Navigator Pro bars and updated boards.

Insights from King of the Air Winner Nathalie Lambrecht

Nathalie Lambrecht, a Red Bull King of the Air winner on the Orbit, shares what this specific kite means to her. A unique feature of the Orbit is the series of crowns printed on the front strut, marking the years the kite has won the prestigious Big Air title. These crowns represent wins by Jesse Richman, Marc Jacobs, and most recently, Nathalie herself. For Nathalie, seeing her own crown on the 2027 model was a special moment.

Having ridden the Orbit for years, Nathalie notes that while the kite maintains its iconic DNA, it continues to improve every season. The 2027 model feels a bit more open, and she describes it as shooting fast up in front of you. One of her favorite aspects of the new design is the feedback — you can always feel exactly where the kite is in the air, which is crucial for high-stakes maneuvers.

Who Is the Orbit For?

When asked who would benefit most from the Orbit, Nathalie recommends it to anyone starting their Big Air journey. It's a user-friendly kite that's perfect for those looking to send their first loops. Its predictable nature and stability make it an accessible entry point into the world of high-performance kiteboarding, while still offering the ceiling required by the world's best riders.

Optimal Conditions and Range

The Orbit is notorious for its high-end performance. During the testing sessions in Mykonos, Nathalie was out on a 10-meter kite in 35 to 40 knots of wind. She mentions she has the most fun on the Orbit in anything over 25 knots, but the kite maintains a wide range. By simply adapting your kite size to the wind conditions, the Orbit is capable of performing across a variety of strengths.

Technical Updates with Team Manager Tibo Slock

North International Team Manager Tibo Slock joined the conversation to break down the technical advancements for 2027. The most significant change is the leading edge, which has been made slimmer. The kite continues to use North's N-Max2 Dacron material, which provides the structural integrity needed for such a high-performance frame.

To accommodate the slimmer leading edge without sacrificing stability, the design team tweaked the bridles. That lets the kite fly more efficiently through the window. Tibo explains that because the leading edge is thinner, the kite can travel even further behind you during a kite loop, providing a more aggressive and efficient flight path.

Efficiency and Catching the Rider

One of the most critical jobs of a Big Air kite is "catching" the rider after a loop. Tibo highlights that with the 2027 updates, the kite shoots back up to the top of the window faster than ever. Even in moments where you might think the kite won't make it back around in time, the Orbit's efficiency lets it get behind you, ready for the downloop and a smooth landing.

The Brazilian Brothers noted that watching Maxwell Dahl and Nathalie test the kite in Mykonos proved these technical claims. Even in extreme conditions where a crash seemed certain, the Orbit consistently repositioned itself to catch the rider, ensuring a safe and controlled touchdown.

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