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Should I use kiteboarding boots? This is a common question among new kitesurfers. After all, most of the pro riders use boots. Funny thing is, it's not that common on the beach. This is because shops are hesitant to recommend boots to a new rider. This is for good reason; it is best to learn in straps. That said, for some making the switch boots might actually be a fun idea. For example, Tye is a semi-pro street snowboarder and a decent wakeboarder making the crossover. I was surprised to …

The aim of this video is to help you decide if the Duotone Rebel is the right kite for you. What kind of kitesurfing kite is it? Performance Freeride / Old School / Big Air Lofty Massive wind range Rip-you-off-the-water feel Easy to use Who is this kite for? The Rebel is one of the most unique-feeling pull-and-go kites. It's aimed at strictly hooked in riders who want an easy-to-use kite that feels aggressive. You can expect the Rebel to rip you off the water and be extremely lofty. I …

This video is for riders who have experience with basic loops and are looking to take things up a notch. Remember to start small and underpowered when learning loops. You might spend months practicing these or longer, slowly working your way up. These tips should help those of you who want to take your loops higher and harder. The first step is to watch Shaun's advanced jumping tips video. To summarize, the key is to load your edge and sheet out a little so you can load more power into th …

When I first started kiting, unhooked freestyle and strapless surf were king. Athletes were pushing the sport forward at an incredible pace. We started to wonder what it would be like if athletes from other sports took notice. Would world-class surfers pick up a kite? What about wakeboarders or snowboarders? As things panned out, some did but never quite on the level we hoped for. Tye is the rare example of a pro crossing over from another sport and excelling at kite. The only other pro snowbo …

Chris Bobryk, aka "The American Sledgehammer", needs no introduction. He's one of the original North American riders from the second wave of freestyle and an innovator of the sport. He's even claimed a few NBD (Never Been Done) tricks in kiteboarding. He's still touring the world and chasing the kite dream. Most recently he's posted up in south Florida teaching lessons and riding as much as possible. While he is an innovator in freestyle, his freeride game is on fire. Check out this edi …

The North Atmos Carbon is a pretty specific tool and a fun option for a kiteboarder looking to get as much upwind performance and pop as possible. I've had this board for a few months now and I think I have a good feel to break down everything you can expect. I've been using the 139 Atmos, and for perspective my personal go-to is a 147 Slingshot Refraction. The 139 is super small for me but the speed, rocker and outline allow this board to ride upwind as well as, if not better than, my 147 …

The Non-inverted Sent Hooked-in Front Roll Tail Grab is a super easy beginner trick. Keep your hands close to the middle of the bar and get some speed with the bar sheeted slightly out. Come in with good speed and send the kite up to noon. At the same time, sheet the bar in and pop off your back leg. As you leave the water, look over your back shoulder and swing your hips. Bring your back knee into your chest at the same time. Since this in a non-inverted roll, your body will automatica …

This at a glance review is to help you decide if this kite is for you! What kind of kite Freestyle Big Air & Wave Crossover The Dice is a crossover kite for high level kitesurfers in all disciplines from freestyle, big air and loops to waves. It sits between the Evo and the Vegas in regards to performance and feel. Think of the Evo as an automatic transition while the Dice is a stick shift. Of all the bridled kites in Duotones range, it unhooks the best only sitting second to the Vegas. If …

When I first started kiting, unhooked freestyle and strapless surf were king. Athletes were pushing the sport forward at an incredible pace. We started to wonder what it would be like if athletes from other sports took notice. Would world class surfers pick up a kite? What about wakeboarders or snowboarders? As things panned out, some did, but never quite on the level we hoped for. Tye is the rare example of a pro crossing over from another sport and excelling at kite. The only other pro snow …

Hardshell harnesses have helped a lot of people by preventing the harness from riding up or twisting into your ribs. They work for some, but not for everyone- especially the ladies! When I first tried them, I found them to be too rigid and I wasn't sold. That's when I can across the Mystic Gem. It had the right amount of stiffness and flex. It was much more comfortable and most of the time it did not ride up on me. Us ladies do have more curves and it's really easy for a harness to ride up i …

This video and blog are meant to give you perspective and to help you decide if the Evo is the right kite for you.  What kind of kite is the Duotone Evo?  The Evo is a true modern All Around kite. I'ts meant to please everyone and it does a good job of it. It’s easy to use, and you’re just as likely to see someone teaching on this kite as you are to see someone riding on a completion level for big air. Fast, playful and fun is a good way to describe the traits of this kite.&n …

Hey guys, for this video we're going to cover a new angle on a basic freeride trick. I've done frontroll and backroll videos before, but I wanted to take the angle of a brand new rider attempting their very first backroll. The Light Wind Pop Learning to Backroll in Light Wind I've always advocated that it's best to learn new tricks in light wind because the falls are super chill and it's easier to build muscle memory. Thing is, with the exception of our kite loop tutorials, I rarely film …

The Orbit and the Reach are two offerings from North Kiteboarding. One's a big air specialty kite and the other is an all-around kite. The North Orbit 2021 North Orbit Let's start with the Orbit. This is a five-strut big air specialty kite. The Orbit implements a two-stage arc in the canopy. This means the top of the kite is flat to help with a hanglider-floaty feel. The wingtips are curved so the kite turns faster than it should. This makes the kite exceptional at kite loops. It's design …

This blog is a quick look at the Swithcblade. Hopefully it will help you decide if the 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade is the right kite for you.  What kind of kitesurfing kite  Cabrinha classifies the Switchblade as a Performance Freeride and big air. This means the kite excels at hooked in and sent jumps. Things like bankroll hand drags, board offs, simple low kite loop based tricks. Jump transitions and getting a ton of height. Its okay but not the best for waves and an unhooked. I …

Today we're going to review a wing I've had on my list forever. Unifoil is actually a foil brand taking a fresh look at the design of a wing. I found that I truly enjoyed this wing on the waves and it had some fun benefits for that style of wingsurfing.  The UniFoil Wing This is available in 4,5, and 6 meter sizes. With the wing, I’ve had this for a really long time and I’ve putt it off for far too long. The good news is I have more perspective on this wing than normal. First things f …