Latest News, Blog & Videos
Kiteboarding Tricks | How To Do A Backroll Hat Drag
You can use a little creativity to switch up even the more basic tricks and add a little flair and style. David has a couple simple tips for your Backroll Hand Drag... and one involves your favorite beverage!The Backroll Hat Drag is a natural addition to the Backroll Hand Drag. You won't really change how you do the trick, but it'll look that much more impressive.First, make sure you've got your Backroll Hand Drag locked in. Next, wear a hat you can take off and put back on.As you come
…
26th Jul 2024
Event Highlights | GKA Big Air Kite World Championships Gran Canaria 2024
The 2024 Qatar Airways GKA Big Air Kite World Championships, Gran Canaria, was met with 35-plus knots of wind, ready to help boost the women and men who were competing to impressive heights. Jamie Overbeek and Pippa van Iersel had just won the title in France... would they be able to find their way to the top again? They'd been training hard, but so had the other competitors.Jeremy Burlando, a local, set the tone with an impressive altitude of 15.3 meters. But it wasn't just about the bi
…
16th Jul 2024
Big Air Kiteboarding Basics, Episode 2: How To Get More Inverted Front Rolls
Are you looking to add more style and more inversion to your front rolls? David is back with another guide on how to progress your kiteboarding skills, and here he presents two different ways for you to have a more stylish front roll to show off. Plus, it's just more fun this way!
First, you'll need to already be able to do a front roll smoothly and consistently. Once you're ready to take it to the next step, try these methods:The Cartwheel Method
1. Come in with speed and then
…
11th Jul 2024
Big Air Kiteboarding Basics, Episode 3: Full Scorpion to Front Roll Waterstart
Crashing is an inevitable part of big air, but the good news is that there's a way to get back up in style after you find yourself floating on your belly in that scorpion position. Sure, you can simply send the kite up, sheet in, and pop up and out of the water, but why do that when you can add some flair and turn it into a trick? David has a tip on how to do exactly that.
Add a Front Roll Rotation to Your Waterstart
1. You're in the water, on your belly, with your board attached
…
11th Jul 2024
How to Remove a Deck Pad from Your Surfboard | A Step-by-Step Guide by Appletree Surfboards
The Deck Pad Dilemma
Deck pads are a great addition to your surfboard, providing extra grip and comfort. However, over time, you might find the need to remove or replace them. Whether it's because they're worn out, you're upgrading to a new design, or you simply don't like the fit, taking off a deck pad can be challenging. This guide will show you a few easy tricks to remove your deck pad in one piece without damaging your board.Tools You’ll Need
A broomstick
Thinners (be cautiou
…
24th Jun 2024
Lieuwe Awesome Review | Why This All-Around Kiteboard Lives Up to Its Name
We've got a new board brand at the shop, and Jake took one of their twintip kiteboards, the Awesome, out for a spin. The brand is Lieuwe, pronounced "lee-wa". Admittedly, that's even a bit harder to get right than "Naysh", "Cabreenya", or "Dakeen". Lieuwe is a Dutch company, but we're finding that name tricky, even being located just one town north of Holland, Michigan. However, in terms of performance, the Awesome is a really fun board that lives up to its name.Overview of Lieuwe's L
…
21st Jun 2024
2024 Airush Lithium V13 and Lithium Team Review | Advanced Kite Constructions
We've got a special appearance by Kristen Cooper today, and she's going to give us the scoop on the 2024 Lithium V13 and Lithium Team Series kites. What is the Lithium good at, how is the Team Series different, and who is each kite for?
Lithium: A Legacy of Loft
Airush has been part of the kiteboarding scene since 1999, and while a variety of kites have come and gone, the Lithium has long been a staple in their lineup. This year, the Lithium is in its 13th generation, and there ha
…
21st Jun 2024
2024 Reedin Kite Lineup Explained
Reedin has a fairly modest kite lineup with only 3 models, but they're essentially different versions of the same kite, so Dustin and Jake are here to explain what the differences are and which one might be right for you.Out with the Old, In with the New
Although the Reedin kite range has been expanded for 2024, they did retire the original SuperModel in favor of the SuperModel HTF2. HTF stands for Hybrid Torsion Frame, and it's a significant upgrade to the leading edge that allows
…
7th Jun 2024
Harlem Force Review | A High-Performance Kite for Active Riders
It's been a minute since we've heard from Jake. He's been busy getting some all-important daddy time with his two lovely daughters, but he recently got back on the water with the Harlem Force. It labels itself as a "game changer", but does it live up to that bold claim?
What Makes the Force a Game Changer?
While "game changer" may be a bit of a stretch, it is an interesting kite that's worth a look. Harlem is a European company with their own factory that's powered 100 percent by
…
5th Jun 2024
Is Kiteboarding the Same as Kitesurfing?
Let's dial-in a common mix-up that's as persistent as it is puzzling—the difference between kiteboarding and kitesurfing. Yes, they both involve harnessing the power of the wind with a kite, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. So, let’s dive in and untangle it.What’s in a Name?Kiteboarding | The All-Rounder
First up, let's talk about kiteboarding. This sport typically involves a twin-tip kiteboard, which is somewhat similar in appearance to a wakeboard. It's designed to be ri
…
9th May 2024
Kitesurfing Progression | How to Perform Strapless Airs on Your Surfboard, with Evan Netsch
Introduction to Strapless Airs
Strapless kitesurfing offers a unique challenge compared to traditional strapped methods. It involves more balance, control, and technique, making it a rewarding experience for those who master it. According to Evan, performing a two-foot air on a surfboard can be as thrilling and rewarding as a 25-foot air on a twin tip.
Choosing the Right GearLightweight Surfboards
A lighter board is crucial for strapless airs, especially in light wind conditions. He
…
3rd May 2024
Big Air Kite Test - Harlem Force / North Orbit Pro / Duotone Evo D/Lab / Cabrinha Nitro v2
Today's big air kite review from Jason focuses on the Harlem Force, comparing it to the North Orbit Pro, Duotone Evo D/LAB, and Cabrinha Nitro v2. As always, he'll highlight his favorite aspects of each while being as fair as possible.Harlem ForceI had the benefit of testing the Harlem Force over five sessions, but unfortunately four of them were under 30 knots due to the summer conditions here in Auckland not being very favorable for big air. In the end, some of us did a little road tri
…
30th Apr 2024
Kitesurf Control Bar Review | North Navigator Pro / Duotone Trust / Core Sensor 3 Pro
Jason is an excellent reviewer of kiteboarding gear, limited only by what he's able to get his hands on in New Zealand. He and MACkite have teamed up to get more gear in his hands, so hopefully you'll be able to enjoy even more of these in-depth reviews in the near future.
Today Jason is talking about the North Navigator Pro control bar but, as is true of any of us, his perception of it is going to be influenced by what he's ridden in the past. So a little backstory will help bring
…
29th Apr 2024
Kiteboarding | Crafting the Harlem Force Kite with Sustainability and Performance
Unparalleled Performance Meets Unmatched Sustainability
The kiteboarding industry is on the brink of a revolutionary shift, spearheaded by the introduction of the Harlem Force, a product of Harlem Kitesurfing's innovative Game Changer Lineup. What sets the Harlem Force apart is its rare combination of high speed, exceptional hang time, and reliable performance in down loops. It's not just a kite; it's a testament to the possibilities of combining high performance with environmental c
…
24th Apr 2024
North Navigator Pro Quick Release | How to Swap Yours Out With Ease
What You Need
Before starting the replacement process, ensure you have all the necessary tools and parts. Here’s what you’ll need:
Multi-grips
2.5 mm Allen key
Drift punch (less than 4 mm or 1/4 inch, ideally 3 mm)
A 3D-printed jig (optional, but helpful)Step-by-Step Replacement ProcessStep 1: Prepare the Control Bar
First, lay out your control bar and run the lines out fully. Locate the end of the landing line, grasp it, and pull through until you reach the loop-to-loop co
…
18th Apr 2024