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At the 2025 King of the Great Lakes event on Lake Michigan, the MACkiteboarding crew got an early look at one of the most interesting new concepts to hit kiteboarding in a while—the Reedin SnackPack. On paper, it sounds almost too simple to be compelling—combine a surfboard and a twin tip into one board. But once you start digging into the “why” behind it, and more importantly, how it rides, it becomes clear this is something different. The SnackPack isn’t tr …

The Ultra Team V5 from Airush takes the concept of kite foiling efficiency further, introducing a design change that directly targets airflow, stability, and drive. Jeff spent some time with Will during MACkite's King of the Great Lakes festival, which had pretty marginal conditions. Based on what Jeff saw, it's clear the way this kite flies is noticeably different. A Double Surface Design That Changes Airflow The defining feature of the Ultra Team V5 is its double surface leading edge. A …

The 2026 F-One hydrofoil lineup introduces meaningful upgrades aimed at improving stiffness, efficiency, and ease of use across the entire system. Central to these improvements is the new Titan 2 (T2) connection, along with the introduction of Ultra High Modulus (UHM) mast options, the updated SK8 V3 front wing, and the long-awaited Eagle V2 redesign. These changes represent a thoughtful evolution of F-One’s hydrofoil ecosystem—refining the performance characteristics riders a …

The North Nova has built a strong reputation over the last few seasons. It’s one of those wings that almost everyone who tries ends up liking. It’s easy to ride, balanced, and works across a pretty wide range of conditions and skill levels. We recently had both wings with us in La Ventana, Mexico, and spent some time riding them back to back. The question a lot of riders are asking is pretty simple: if the Nova is already so good, what does the third generation Nova Pro actual …

North made a notable update to the Seek lineup for 2026. Instead of one model covering the entire size range, the Seek is now split into two versions: the Seek and the Seek Pro. At first glance they look similar, but they serve slightly different purposes. We spent some time going through the new boards with our North rep and getting a few sessions on them ourselves. The updates focus on lighter construction, improved takeoff efficiency, and giving riders clearer options depending on skil …

The 2026 North Nova Wing 2026 sits right in the heart of North’s wing lineup. It’s the wing many riders start with, but after spending real water time on it in La Ventana, it’s clear the Nova isn’t just for beginners. It’s a balanced freeride wing with impressive wind range, solid upwind drive, and a smooth feel that makes sessions easier whether you're learning your first jibes or chasing swell downwind. North didn’t reinvent the Nova for 2026. Instead …

When two kites share the same name, the same designer, and the same big air DNA, but are built on completely different platforms, it’s worth slowing down and taking a deeper look. After spending weeks riding both models in strong Brazilian conditions, the Brazilian Brothers set out to answer one key question: “Which version of the Trigger truly delivers when it comes to big air, hang time, and kite loop progression?” In this detailed breakdown, we’ll unpack the dif …

For most of the year, if you want to be on the water, you’re zipped into something thick. And once fall rolls into winter, that suit better be legit. Ryan and Jeff been riding the 6/5/4 hooded suit from Soöruz through real Great Lakes conditions. Not just quick sessions. Not “kind of cold.” We’re talking high 40s water, air temps in the 30s, wind in your face while you’re rigging. After a bunch of sessions in it, here’s what Ryan and Jeff have foun …

When riders ask us about flotation, the first thing we usually have to do is slow the conversation down. Not all vests are built for the same purpose. And if you kiteboard or wing foil, what you need on the water looks very different than what a boater might need. The Ride Engine Empax Vest has become one of our go-to recommendations because it strikes a balance that actually works in real riding conditions. We’ve used it kiting in powered summer sessions, winging in choppy Lake Mic …

The 2026 Duotone twintip lineup has officially landed, and it's refined, more responsive, and purpose-built for every riding style. In this Tech Talk breakdown, board designer Valentin Peiker walks through the updates across the entire range, from all-around freeride boards to full-throttle competition big air machines. Below, we break down what's new for 2026, highlight key performance updates, and make it easy to compare models. Freeride Lineup: Select, Soleil, and Shred The freeride c …

The Naish Hatch is Naish’s performance-driven entry into the evolving parawing category, positioned as a more upwind-capable, speed-oriented option compared to the brand’s earlier Morph model. Where the Morph leaned toward a downwind glide and a beginner-friendly grunt, the Hatch shifts focus toward better upwind angles, a broader usable wind range, and a lighter, more refined feel. If you’re building a multi-wing quiver or looking for strong price-to-performance value, …

There are a lot of kite brands in the world. Some have been around for decades. Some are backed by massive distribution. Some dominate podiums. Harlem started as none of those. When Alex Monstan founded Harlem Kite Surfing, people genuinely asked, “Who’s Harlem?” The name didn’t carry weight. There wasn’t a long legacy. There wasn’t a marketing machine behind it. There was just an idea: Change the tide. And that wasn’t meant as a catchy slogan. It …

Aaron catches up with Kevin Wade to break down two of Eleveight’s most popular wings—the WFS and the WFS Pro. The conversation blends real-world learning with performance-driven design details, offering a clear view of why these wings have become standouts in the freeride and progression categories. WFS | The Bread-and-Butter Progression Wing The WFS has been in Eleveight’s lineup for six years and continues to be one of the most accessible and widely used wings in their …

Brainchild DNA | Two Very Different Big Air Personalities The Brazilian Brothers are back with another high-level big air showdown—this time comparing two of the most hyped five-strut kites in the game. Both are built at the Brainchild Production facility and designed by Ralf Groesel, but that’s where the similarities start to diverge. On paper, they look like close cousins. In the sky, they feel radically different. This breakdown covers: Jump performance Loop characteristics B …

Ryan and Hunter have been quietly battling over this mast—and that alone says something. The new North Integrated Ultra High Mod Carbon Mast isn’t just another accessory in the Foil Drive ecosystem. It’s a purpose-built, performance-focused solution for riders who are already pushing their limits in waves, downwinders, and pump sessions. After significant time on the water, their takeaway is clear: this setup changes how a Foil Drive feels underfoot. Tech Specs | What You …