Latest News, Blog & Videos

Sam Light on the Slingshot Refraction: Sam Light Model Sam Light, team rider for Slingshot, offers his expertise on the 2016 Refraction Sam Light Model. We love seeing riders give their opinion, especially one that lets us sit back and think, "man, we've got a good board on the shelves". Opinions from Sam Light on the Refraction: Incredible graphic, a tribute to Sam Light The board slices through the water smoothly while offering loads of pop Durable and tested for ultimate balanc …

2016 Ion Apex & Vertex Select w/Ben Skaggs Sometimes you have questions. And, well, we don't always have the answers. In those cases, it's better to get the answers from the person who would know the product best, our brand reps. Ben Skaggs, one of North's representatives, was able to give us the low-down on the 2016 Ion Apex Select and 2016 Ion Vertex Select harnesses. 2016 Ion Apex Select & 2016 Ion Vertex Select Wire_Tec on both harnesses allows even load distribution, thanks t …

Keahi De Aboitiz at Teahupoo (Cabrinha Kitesurfing) Keahi is no stranger to the well-known surf break Teahupoo, with it’s heavy, glassy waves offshore, it’s arguably the most dangerous surf breaks in the world. For those brave enough to face it, it’s one of the most intense session of their lives. The waves have a unique combination of size, power and speed. Enjoy this hypnotic show as Keahi’s smooth style with slow mo camera work make it look like a walk in the park. Sp …

MACkiteboarding Package Kiteboard Comparison So, you're a first-time rider or buyer looking for the best deal possible, right? Well, we don't blame you. Like you, the crew at MACkite is all about getting the most bang for their buck. Bearing that in mind, we've crafted our packages to maximize performance while being budget-conscious. Nathan breaks down the package boards featured in the Learn 2 Ride, Instructor's Choice, and Performance Plus packages. Not sure which to choose? Enjoy Nathan's …

Where the wind blows Colleen Carroll is and has been a prominent figure in kiteboarding for quite some time now. Needless to say, she didn't get to where she is today by just batting her eyes at the camera. Rather, Colleen has consistently put in the work, evidenced by her substantial video catalog. The progression is so glaring, you might have to wear shades. This girl is a true athlete dedicated to her practice. Frankly, we find that quite inspiring. It's no secret that kiteboarding is a male …

Streif Trailer If you're interested in the skiing world in any way, you'll obviously know about Streif. Streif can be considered one of the most dangerous downhill race courses in the world. With an average gradient of 27% and a maximum gradient of 85%, only the strong-willed and courageous brave this track. Red Bull shows us Streif in a new light, showing the passion behind every run, and the danger that can be seen along the way. This trailer has us pumped for the next skiing season, and …

2016 Ride Engine Overview feat. MACkite's Nathan The 2016 Ride Engine harness has broken through the kiteboarding industry with a revolutionary design and fit. Sticking to a classic form, the Ride Engine is able to be customized based on your desired riding. The exchangeable spreader bar is a nice touch, with the ability to change sizes as well as material. Nathan breaks down the differences in the Ride Engine harness types as well as getting the perfect fit.  The Line Up: Hex-Core Widest …

Cabrinha Kite/Bar Compatibility Chart So, this post doesn't necessarily have any cool videos featuring women in bikinis or Nick Jacobsen running around in a flower thong, but it does have some valuable information for everyone looking for a Cabrinha control bar. We've heard your questions, and we've decided to post Cabrinha's Compatibility Chart here, along with some tidbits about the latest Cabrinha bars. (It's a very lengthy post, so bear with us as we try to give you as much information as po …

Back to the Future by Best Kiteboarding One of the most important movies to ever grace pop culture has now coupled with our favorite sport. Hit 88mph in your Delorian, and you're ready to visit the future - and that future is Best Kiteboarding. While we're seeing Throwback Thursday kites in this video, we're looking towards the future. Ever since 2003, Best has been improving kiteboarding, and this year (and the next) is no different. The 2016 Roca is a smash hit, just about as wonderf …

2016 Best Roca - The First Feedback Best Kiteboarding unleashed the Roca for 2016, and they've taken it to the test in Tarifa to gather feedback from riders, dealers, and distributors. The first feedback seems promising, with some of the major highlights featured below: Very durable and strong Easy to turn Great low-end Tons of power Quick relaunching Perfect for kite schools Good for basic unhooked maneuvers  Nice upwind performance What Best has to say about …

An island getaway off the beaten path Looking for your next kiteboarding vacation destination? Want to stray from the beaten path? With a variety of attractions, kiteboarding related and more, Union Island might be a place you want to check out. Kiteboarding aside, picture yourself going for a scenic hike or swimming with sea turtles. After your session in the Caribbean blue water, there is the man-made Happy Island Bar where you can enjoy a post-session drink and unwind. If you want to up you …

Craig Cunningham - The B:Roll Craig Cunningham has been on the scene for a few years now. Without a doubt he has emerged as one of the top north American riders. On top of that he has been on the forefront of the wakestyle movement in kiteboarding. It’s safe to say he did not get there by resting on his laurels. Craig puts in a lot of work behind the kite and behind the camera. Knocking out edits on a regular basis takes a lot of time and energy. On that note, we salute …

2016 Ride Engine Harness Overview Ride Engine’s Armor harness features a revolutionary design that will forever change expectations of how a kiteboarding harness should look, feel and perform. The core of the Armor is an ergonomic hard shell designed around hundreds of precision molds and contoured to distribute load evenly across the lumbar and hips and lock the harness low on your back where it’s supposed to be. The result is a low-profile, form-fitting harness that will dramatica …

2016 Liquid Force Foilboard at 2015 Surf Expo Gary Siskar talks The Kiteboarder Magazine through Liquid Force's lineup of 2016 foilboarding products.  As a recap of the 2015 foilboard, the Liquid Force Foil Fish, was the first foil "for the people". Easy to learn, ride, expansive, and affordable donned the characteristics of this 2015 foil. Check out Siskar's overview of the latest foilboarding gear. 2015/16 LF Foil Fish A continuation from their successful predecessor, this  …

Summer Memories With RyGo Update about September - Pumpkin Spice Latte is now available! While one of us (read: me) is excited for this season, all of us around the shop are rather nostalgic of the summer days gone away. RyGo's summer was one of trying new things, enjoying MACkite as a full time employee, and experiencing cable riding. Read through as he reflects on his Michigan Summer. RyGo's Michigan Summer "This was my first summer as a full timer at MACkite. I have been instructing here for …