Latest News, Blog & Videos

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 …

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 …

The Self Rescue is your ace in the hole when it comes to kiteboarding.When in doubt, if you’re in trouble you can count on this method to systematically get yourself and your gear back in safely. When it comes to foilboarding, the process is mostly the same but there are some subtle differences. I originally intended this video for riders who already know how to do a self rescue but it occurred to me that a full recap is always a good idea. I’ll break down all the steps below and t …

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 …

If you can do a backroll and you know how to pop toe-side, then you are ready for this trick!   4 Printable Steps for the Beach Step One: Pop Harder You are going to want to edge a little harder so that you can pop harder.  Fly your kite a bit higher (around 11 - 1 o'clock) for this as well. This will help offer you a little more time in the air to finish that full 180* rotation into a back roll.  Make a tight, arching, smooth, carving turn and pull in on your bar right a …

  Get a behind the scenes look on our trip to Hatteras with Danny.  WIND BY SEASON Kite season in Hatteras goes from about April to October, but the wind blows year round. The kiter with a complete quiver of kites and boards will be able to get a session on any windy day. Most windy days will see wind blowing 10mph or more, with the best wind direction being SW on the slicks on NE on the ocean. Strong windy days are few and far between and typically accompanied by storms. I …

Yes, These are the rules...but you should know that not every kiter follows them or knows what they are!   If you see someone who doesn’t seem to know what they are doing, just kindly inform them of what you have learned from this video.  Safety is Key!  Don’t expect other kiters to get out of your way.  You can tell by watching their kite movement as they approach you, if they are going to give you respect or not.  If you have any questions, give us a …

This is Blake Olson here at Smathers Beach in Key West, Florida. I'm about to teach you how to do your first starts on a kiteboard. Ben, the person behind the camera, is going to be demonstrating as he's learning. Here are five simple steps for a successful waterstart.  5 Steps to a Waterstart  1) Fly the Kite with One Hand  The first thing you need to do is to practice flying the kite with one hand while holding the board in your other hand. Be sure to grab the bar in the middl …

This week we thought it would be fun to teach you something a little unconventional. While it's not your typical trick tip, giving a piggyback ride with your kite can be pretty fun!  This is a great way to share the stoke with anyone! If you have any questions, give us a call 800.622.4655  Printable Steps for the Beach   Step 1 Be Comfortable You're going to get close!  Be confident and comfortable in your skill level before taking anyone out with you.  Make sure yo …

Breakdown for two really fun pop grabs that every kiteboarder needs to know: The Mute Grab and the Nose Grab. These are simple grabs that are easily improved and tweaked out as you progress. If you have any questions, give us a call 800 622 4655 We're going to keep these short and sweet. Use these steps to visualize the trick in your mind. If you can see it, you can do it! Printable Steps for the Beach Tips for getting started: Use your thumb for more control on the bar when riding one hande …