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A Strapless Afternoon Located on the white, sandy shores of the Dominican Republic, Encuentro beach makes for a prime secret kitesurfing spot. Kiteboard rider, Alexis Pierret, claims these waves as his own. The late-December conditions give him the perfect opportunity to test out strapless kitesurfing. Pierret is able to ride wave after wave, without the tireless paddling that accompanies a regular afternoon of surfing. With no attachment to the board, Pierret is granted the creative freedom to …

STRU at Giant Nazare Nazare, Portugal is known for their tremendously huge waves. Many people have braved the Nazare waves; while many people are successful, some aren't. The gigantic Nazare waves loom over Portugal, creating a frightening but awesome display of the power of nature, and surfers think, "I am on that like peanut butter on toast". Nuno Figueiredo takes it to the next level and decides to be the first kitesurfer to take on the Nazare waves. With his Best Cabo and not …

The FX Man ( A Cabrinha Kiteboarding Short Film) Nick Jacobsen's videos have always been eclectic. This time around, I found myself practically rolling around on the floor with his latest video, "The FX Man". Jacobsen poses as a hero, transformed by extraterrestrial forms, in order to save the Earth from gigantic shellfish. Will Nick save the day? Will he ever enjoy consuming lobster ever again? Some questions may be answered in this video; even so, it will leave you wanting more.  Video …

Four years ago, I moved from Michigan in search of endless summer. I found a piece of paradise in Key West, Florida where you can Kiteboard in gorgeous, neon-blue water, ride with board shorts in January, and explore the southernmost islands of the Florida Keys. This winter was unusually windy and cool due to El Nino; as a result, temperatures stayed around the 70’s and the average wind speeds clocked in at around 15-25 mph. Locals who have lived in Key West for over 30 years said they ha …

Jessie Richman Joins Ride Engine Photo credit: Ride Engine Here's the latest from Ride Engine's email blast... Few fits in the kiteboarding industry could be more appropriate and well-suited than Jesse Richman joining the ranks of  Ride Engine. As an innovative new brand, Ride Engine is focused on challenging the status quo and setting ourselves apart from the standards set by the industry. Jesse has been doing the same thing over his decade-long career as a professional athlete, and nothi …

2016/17 Naish Kite Collection Naish has unleashed their kite collection for this year and color us impressed. Subtle changes grace these kites, with an emphasis of creating the perfect balance. What's new? Let's break it down: Naish Ride The Naish Ride is considered a favorite for a majority of riders. There's no specified level of riding necessary for this all-around freeride kite. The ride offers easy water relaunch and a flattened arc for slightly more lift and easy jumping. New to this …

So I have been asked by several of our staff, “Why the Roca?” Well, it is basically quite simple. I have flown the Best TS 17 almost exclusively for the past 3 years and while I liked, more like loved, the 17 TS, I was always riding the 12m on the wakestyle setting to slow the kite down. The Roca was said to be a little slower and more stable. And since I am really just a freerider who rides to relieve stress and be on the water with friends rather than trying to throw down handle p …

Best Sessions Taiba from Sam Medysky on Vimeo. Best Kiteboarding - Session in Taiba We love when team riders band together to create something awesome. Not only are they showing off their stuff, but they are kind enough to let others shine as well. Kiteboarding offers a special type of comradery that is only found in sunny, windy, and sandy conditions (sometimes snowy as well). Watch as Sam Medysky, Rita Arnaus, Hannah Whiteley, and Val Garat remind us that good times are ahead and that th …

Also check out Jake V's take on switching to the new 2016 Roca Rider Weight:179lbs Wind Speed: 16-17mph Board: 144 Cabrinha Custom CBL with RAD Bindings It was a cold 40-degree morning, with the water ranking in at a not-so-balmy 30 degrees. Not exactly what comes to mind when you think of a quality session. Of course, this is a reality for most of us during the winter months. A quick session before work, in frigid water. Whatever it takes to get it in, right?  The first thing that struck …

Photos courtesy: Christian Black/ World Kite League Team Slingshot came out firing last week at the opening stage of the 2016 IKA World Championships, making a big statement to the freestyle world by claiming first and second place in the men’s field and first place in the women’s. Among a stacked lineup of competitors, the final men’s heat came down to Slingshot teammates Carlos Mario and Youri Zoon. With Mario fresh off an amazing 2015 season and gunning for a world title a …

Alex Thomson - HUGO BOSS Have you ever looked at something and thought, "I could jump that". While it's not always recommended, sometimes it's fun to watch other people try to push the limits. Not only does this video create chills down our spines, the cinematic quality is incredible (it makes us want to buy a regatta and a suit). Watch as this kiter attempts extreme sailing stunts (like a boss).  HUGO BOSS presents the third installment of their extreme sailing stunts - following the Mas …

Colleen Carroll & Bruna Kajiya - "Rendez-Vous" Colleen Carroll & Bruna Kajiya are not only two influential kiteboarders, but they are also huge advocates for having fun (no matter your gender). What was once considered a "gentleman's" sport is now available for everyone, and we're excited to see Bruna & Colleen team up and create an edit that shows that when you say "ride like a girl" it actually means "ride tough".  From our friend, Colleen:  "I am very happy to share wi …

Bret Sullivan & Best Kiteboarding - "African Vibes" Africa can be considered the "wildlands". It's where people go to help, to find themselves, and to experience a new type of freedom. Freedom can be found in many ways. One way we experience freedom is through kiteboarding. Bret Sullivan experiences the same thrills behind the kite that we do, but only in a much more picturesque location. Lions, kitesurfing, and warm weather (oh, my) fill this video. While you're watching from your office o …

Jake M has seen his fair share of kiteboarding blows. Last summer, after winds had topped around 30-knots, Jake ran to the beach for his "lunch break". Not only did the wind die, but he ended up having to swim a quarter of a mile back to shore as a result. With a rip current and five-to-eight-foot waves to fight against and no floatation vest, Mitchell found himself red-faced, short of breath and wishing that he had worn a vest.  What Jake Recommends Since my incident last summer, I've foun …

Craig Cunningham - "Habitual" in Taiba, Brazil When you're traveling, the rush of being out from your office and into the world can have your vacation missing out on the little things, like fishing villages. These little villages and pit-stops may look run-down or abandoned, but they may be some of the best areas to stop (especially for kiteboarding). Every year, Craig Cunningham jumps down to Taiba, Brazil (a little fishing town) to grab some wind. Watch as North's rider Craig Cunningham shows …