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Today we hear from guest blogger Philip Simons, owner of Kiteflip in Thailand. If you're looking for a unique kite or wing getaway on an island in paradise, this might just be the ticket.Introduction Hi, my name is Philip Simons and I am the owner of Kiteflip on Koh Phangan island in Thailand. I changed the grey weather and countryside of Belgium for the tropical sunny island vibes of Koh Phangan 12 years ago. I fell instantly in love with the place, the people and of course the lifestyle. I …

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 i …

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 big …

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 attache …

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 th …

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 cautious with …

"UP THE COAST: A Must-See Kitesurf Movie!" Kiteboarding is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle, a passion, and a journey that takes enthusiasts to the most stunning and remote locations in the world. One such journey was recently embarked upon by Kevin Langeree and his team of Reedin riders. This blog takes you through their unforgettable road trip up the coast, filled with adventure, camaraderie, and, of course, epic kiteboarding sessions.The Dream Begins Kevin Langeree, a legend in the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Dustin has been riding the new 2024 North Navigator Pro control bar, and he's super stoked on it. Is a control bar really something to get that excited about? What makes it so special?Auto-UnswivelThe auto-unswivel feature is absolutely amazing. The ceramic bearings are like butter, and nothing's going to get caught up there. There isn't going to be any wear and tear on it.Quick Release and LoopThe release is rock solid. It's got 20mm of travel before it releases, so you won't accidentally …

Dustin from MACkite got a chance to get out on the 2024 Reedin Supermodel HTF V2. It's had some tweaks and upgrades, but do they make a difference?What Is the Supermodel? The Supermodel is Reedin's 3-strut do-it-all kiteboarding kite. If you like to cross over disciplines but want just one kite, this is one you should look at. You can get big air, foil, it's fast, and it even drifts so well you can ride right at it, so you'll be very happy if you like to surf in the waves. Although Dust …

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 rid …

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. Here are …