Latest News, Blog & Videos

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 …

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 …

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 the Roca: "The new Roc …

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  …

Designer Notes - Cabrinha Double Agent The all-new Cabrinha Double Agent has taken the foilboarding industry by storm. Now, one of the most well-known kiteboarding companies has created a board that conveys two functions: a foilboard and a wave, directional board. While jargon may be shown throughout this video, no words can describe our utter fascination and excitement over the Double Agent. Why we're stoked about Cabrinha's Double Agent: The Double Agent has a twin tip constru …

Slingshot Sports - Down the Line Slingshot's new Wave SST kite has redefined kitesurfing. We are thrilled to have this kite in our lineup, and can't wait to break it out during those choppy days. In this video, Slingshot shows off the Wave's power and precision while kiting and also shows the complimentary action that comes when pairing the Wave SST with the Slingshot Angry Swallow, Slingshot Tyrant, and Slingshot Screamer. What Slingshot has to say about the Wave SST: Slingshot …

Jake Reviews Kiteboarding Trainer Kites You may have heard of Jake. Perhaps it was for his friendliness, or the fact that he gives some of the best deals in the shop. Either way, Jake has decided to take over the reviewing session for a bit to chat about trainer kites. Trainer kites are a great option for those that are looking for a cheaper kite to learn basic flying skills before, during, or after a kiteboarding lesson. If you're just learning how to fly, we definitely recommend spending abo …

Nathan's 2015 Airush Livewire Review Nathan is polished, prepped, and prepared to chat it up about the 2015 Airush Livewire, a kiteboard that has everyone talking (even Alex Pastor)! If you've been clicking through our site trying to find some awesome deals for your money, it may be time to float your mouse on over to Airush's kiteboarding page. Recommended riders for the 2015 Airush Livewire: Beginners to advanced riders can enjoy the Livewire. This thing rips and is crazy comfortab …

2015 Cabrinha FX Kite Review MACkite's Nathan has been riding the 2015 Cabrinha FX Kiteboarding Kite for a couple of weeks, and he's ready to unleash some knowledge to the masses. Cabrinha released the FX mid-season, making it the newest kite in their inventory. If you're looking for a "poppy" kite, take a look at what we have to say about the FX. (Also, if you're looking for a really fun afternoon, check out this video with the subtitles. It's a riot!) Preferred Riders: The FX is great …

2015 Airush Lithium Kite Review Tucker's back with another installment of the "Tucker Reviews", a chance for him to chat about the things he pretends to know about.* This time, it's the 2015 Airush Lithium Kiteboarding Kite. You know the drill, fellow readers/viewers. Take a look at the video, then take a look at what we have to say about the 10 meter Lithium and the 18 meter Lithium Zero. Who's it good for: Beginners People who like to ride on the waves What Tucker likes: Super fun and …

Tucker Reviews: 2015 Airush Razor Kiteboarding Kite MACkite's Airush-lover and all-around riding extraordinaire Tucker gives his review for the 2015 Airush Razor, a powerful C-kite that acts like a freestyle/wakestyle machine. What Tucker likes: Gives a pure "C-kite" feel The Razor slacks like no other kite The feeling is perfect for wakestyle, unhooked, and freestyle tricks It's a stable, predictable kite Great for progression and performance riding What Tucker would improve: The kite …

2015 Slingshot Turbine Lightwind Kite Slingshot's goal has always been to design gear that will allow anyone to get out on the water in any riding condition. The  2015 Slingshot Turbine is re-defining what is considered "ride-able conditions" by getting you up and going in wind speeds as little as 5 - 6 knots. Slingshot's Open Delta-C Platform and their Cascading 5-Point Bridle attachment system. This winning combination creates a consistent and smooth feel along the power stroke along wi …

The Road Down Under - Cabrinha Kiteboarding The 2015 Cabrinha FX Kite has definitely made a name for itself in the past few months it has been available. It's the kite that Cabrinha never had, but the industry had always wanted. The FX is the penultimate design for a poppy freestyle experience. Join James Boulding, Liam Whaley, Alec Sheather, Luke Smith, and Dan Sweeny on a journey through Australia's picturesque kiteboarding locales. The Missing Kite, a Review by MACkite's Nathan Patters …