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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 …

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 …

With 2025 North closeouts hitting the sale rack, we asked Jeff, Tucker, and Ryan to weigh in on the wings they'd personally build a quiver around. From Jeff's decades-long connection to the North brand to Tucker's appreciation for the consistency and polish across the lineup, this isn’t a spec-sheet rundown. It’s a look at what we believe actually works on the water, why it works, and who each piece makes the most sense for. Jeff's Go-To For 2025 North Wings North Sails and I go bac …

F-One has officially introduced the biggest structural update to its foil system in six years. After a week of riding in La Ventana alongside the F-One crew, customers, and the MACkite team, one thing became clear — the new T2 connection is not a cosmetic tweak. It’s a foundational shift in how the front wing connects to the mast. If you’ve been riding F-One for years, you already know the Titan T1 system has been incredibly reliable. Many riders have put serious miles on i …

At MACkite, we love anything that will help us get up on foil. You've probably seen us gush about Foil Drive's mast-mounted propeller. Now there's an exciting new take on the foil assist concept: the FLITELab AMPJet. As you can probably guess, it uses a jet instead of a propeller, and it's lodged right inside the board for a completely clean and drag-free foil. Jeff caught up with creator Chris Reynolds at AWSI to chat about what the AMPJet is, who it's for, and what went into developing …

The Reedin WhisperModel makes some impressive claims for light wind riding. Jeff decided to put it all on the line and rigged up, heading out on a twintip in just 9-11 knots. So, are these claims fact or just a flaunt? Not only was he able to get up and ride, but he could even tack back upwind in choppy bumps. He had to stay focused, but he came ashore where he put in, no Walk of Shame required. It would seem that the Whisper is a win in light wind. Shop Kites MACkite Subscription Lin …

Jeff's got four decades of experience on the water but has only recently decided to begin wearing a helmet, and his pick is the Surf Convertible helmet from Gath. So far he's had two sessions with it, and he hasn't looked back. So why did it take him so long to start protecting his noggin, and how has the Gath SFC helmet overcome those objections? Do I Really Need a Helmet? Ultimately, it is up to you whether you want to wear a helmet. We know that they can feel heavy, especially if they …

Jeff had a chance to catch up with Kevin Langeree at the Reedin tent at KoGL to chat about the brand new 2026 MasterModel big air kite. Damien had been wanting to design a 5-strut kite, but they were just too heavy to achieve the turning speed, lift, and hangtime he was looking for. Now, with the weight-reducing technologies developed by Brainchild, that vision has finally become a reality. Who Is the MasterModel For? Before you write this off as a high-performance kite that's just for t …

Tucker and Jeff have an early review of the 2026 Cabrinha Union foil. Cabrinha sent them some prototypes to ride, and so far they're stoked about it. Now they're ready to chat about what it is, what each wing is for, and who might want to pick this new system up. What Is the Cabrinha Union Foil System? This is a complete redesign that uses a monobloc construction, with the front and rear wing pieces each forming half of the fuselage. It's streamlined and incredibly stiff, and a few brand …

Slingshot has designed a couple new foilboards for 2026, and Tucker and Jeff are pretty excited about them. When you think of Slingshot's Craft line of boards, you might envision a chicken nugget shape, but they've gone back to the drawing board with the Flow Craft and Glide Craft. These have been updated with a sleeker surfy approach and a clean white top that gives off surfboard vibes. What's the difference between them, and how do they feel out on the water? Flow Craft: Construction T …

Jeff is back for another session chat, this time with Skip. What did the day bring, what gear did they take out, and how did it go? How Were the Conditions? In West Michigan, windy days can be few and far between during the summer. We can get thermals that pop up for a few hours in the afternoon on sunny days, but genuinely windy days are a rare treat, and we finally got one. Jeff got up before dawn to catch an early session and arrived at the beach to be greeted with 27-32 knots from the …

Whether by divine will or simple serendipity, local surf legend Marc just happened to walk into the shop as Jeff and Tucker were getting ready to film a discussion on surf foils. Marc was even wearing an NP shirt, one of his favorite foil brands from back in the day. Naturally, the guys pulled him into the studio to join the conversation, totally unscripted, yet clearly meant to be. A few weeks ago, Tucker and Jeff talked about which wings they like to use in the waves, so this is a natu …