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Last year, the Drifter became one of our most popular kites. Not only for kiteboarders who love to ride the waves but for advanced riders looking for a more reactive kite.  The Drifter came on the scene a few years back and didn’t change to much over the years. In 2018 we saw noticeable improvements and in 2019 the kite remains unchanged from 2018.This year we’ll be giving an in depth review behind this popular wave kite.The Drifter is a dedicated wave kite that somehow caught t …

There are few places as epic as Portugal!  WIND BY SEASON Summer season is the best time to kite in the Lisbon area - anytime from May to September. You'll have wind several days a week, and warm summer conditions on the beach! Water temperature on the Atlantic calls for a 3/2 wetsuit, and lagoon riders can get by with much less. Winter wind is typically storm conditions and you'll want to watch the forecast if you want to plan a winter trip. Expect strong wind, heavy surf, and col …

Today, we’re going to review the 2019 cabrinha Switchblade. 2019 marks the 15th Year of Cabrinha's flagship kite. This is the kite we use to judge all others. Why? Aside from the fact that is one the most popular models we’ve ever carried, it’s the right kite for most kiteboarders. Be that new or experienced. In 2019 Cabrinha’s doing something different, and by different, I mean the switchblade remains unchanged this year. Shocking I know. But , after 14 years of refin …

At first glance, the Moto and the FX might look comparable. They both have three struts. They offer an alternative to riders who want to upgrade their original quiver. And intermediate riders have been gravitating to three strut kites in droves. All that said, these kites are significantly different and they each have attributes that make a big difference on the wate Wind Range The Moto and the FX both like to be flown on the higher end of their respective range but are similar. You will get …

Heads up, This video is to help clarify where the Moto stands in the Cabrinha line up. As the season progresses, we'll be updating our review with more insights. The last couple years, it seems that many kiteboarders are looking for something different. Something a more advanced rider can enjoy. Many turned to Freestyle kites like the FX or surf kites like the Drifter. The problem is, not everyone wants to ride a freestyle kite or a surf kite. The Moto is designed for riders who might love thei …

The FX, has only been around for a few years, yet in that time, it’s dominated the crossover freestyle category. So much so, Cabrinha has discontinued the Chaos. Making the FX their premier freestyle kite. While the FX has carved it’s place as one of our favorite freestyle kites, it may or may not be the right kite for you. In 2019, the FX remains for the most part, unchanged from the 2018. Rather than update you on the new features we’l be doing an in depth review of this year …

While the contra is a dedicated light wind kite, It’s also a versatile all around kite in general. To get some bias out of the way, This has been my go to lightwind kite for 3 years in a row. You’ll never catch me without one in my trunk. This is largely in part to that fact that not only is it an excellent light wind kite but its all around characteristics appeal to me. Some lightwind kites might jump a bit higher or have more power and loft yet the Contra seems to hit the spot w …

In 2019 Cabrinha has two kites that both fit into the same category yet take different approaches to meet the same end. The long standing Cabrinha switchblade and the new three strut Moto. You might be asking, why make two freeride kites and which one is better? With the Switchblades long standing history how doe the new Moto Stack up? This week, we’ll break down everything you need to know and do a back to back review. Let’s Dive into some common attributes between these kites …

If you've followed our chanel for a while, you know that I also do a series called Versus. For the last year, I've really put in the work testing gear and focusing on creating the most detailed object kiteboarding reviews on youtube.  This takes quite a bit of time and energy to get these right, all that said, with every review it gets easier. When testing the Moto, I realized that all the hard work was worth it. While riding the kite, my mind was racing with the applications and potentia …

While not incredibly exciting, trimming your kite is important. It is imperative if you unhook, and it does help you jump better when your kite is set up correctly. Let's be honest, no one likes it when their kite isn't flying right!  Most importantly, a properly trimmed kite will prevent back stalling.  Step One: Find Some Space Find somewhere safe to park your kite, ideally over water or a large beach. You don't want any obstacles downwind of you or solid objects that you might …

WIND BY SEASON In most of the DR's North Coast, the windy season is strongest from April-September with lighter winter wind from December-February and a rainy season from approximately October-November. When the skies are clear, there can be wind year round in the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, and especially in Buen Hombre. The wind often blows much stronger than it does in Cabarete in the summer. The forecast is somewhat reliable, and you can check online before planning your trip …

Welcome DUOTONE! We know that there has been a tornado of speculation and questions regarding the re-branding of the well known and loved North Kiteboarding brand.  To put it as simply as possible, nothing is changing except for the name!  Customers can expect the same highly developed product, improved service, and a fresh brand energy.  Duotone is essentially what "North" for 2018 was - same designers, products, and distribution channels "Duotone is going to go forward …

The Butter Slide is hands down the easiest trick I’ll ever teach you. Just remember to come into this with good seed and power. The rest will sort its self out.  Once you learn the butter slide, try to incorporate into tricks you already know like transition or even front rolls! Step One Start Small Come in with good speed on your heel side edge, kite at 45. Ride slightly downwind lean back your your tail and put most of your weight on the back foot. At the same time, pull up with y …

WIND BY SEASON WIND BY SEASON Kite season in the Dominican Republic is typically from December to September, with conditions typically being stronger in spring and summer and a heavy rainy season in October and November. Punta Salinas is in a micro climate where it is possible for there to be wind year round, but those who wish to visit this spot should watch the forecast and be sure to go when the forecast looks good. When the rest of the island is cloudy and rainy, you may still find s …

If you can do a transition and jump, then you are ready for this trick! 4 Printable Steps for the Beach Step One: Start Small The smaller you go at first, the easier this trick is. It should feel similar to a regular transition except your doing it a few inches or feet off the water. This is going to help you build a good foundation to progress this trick into bigger variations that require more height and time.  Step Two: Pop Hard & Early  You will want to stomp your back f …