Latest News, Blog & Videos

A Fresh Kite for A Fresh Rider What’s the definition of versaility? Slingshot’s newest RPM kite for 2016. And what better way to debut a new generation of Slingshot kites than with a young, Brazilian Slingshot rider: Carlos “The Freak” Mario. At 17 years young, Carlos sure has made a name for himself in the freestyle kiteboarding world. He throws down with massive air that rivals some of the most talented and weathered pros. For a rookie, he sure knows how to put on a sh …

Best Kiteboarding - Feel The Flow Ah, Sweden. Home of vikings, rich culture, and...kiteboarding? Yes!  From Habo Ljung to Lundakra to Mellbystrand, Sweden is growing in popularity as an alternative riding location to Brazil or Australia. Not only are the waters a unique combination of fresh and salt water, but the snowkiting is on-point and lasts for a good portion of the year. Niklas Langseth embraces his ancestry to conquer the cold, sweet waters with the 2016 Best TS. Video Synops …

The Golden Glow Never have I seen a video title so accurately represent its content as does Cabrinha's "The Golden Glow." The film is literally glowing, as though a sepia Instagram filter was poured over the shot. Viewers are transformed back to the 1920's film era, while Cabrinha rider James Boulding effortlessly floats through the air, over rolling waves and plastic freestyle features.  "What would you like to do if money were no object? Better to have a short life that is full of what …

2016 North Mono...Shop Tested, Aaron Approved So, a 2016 North Mono 12M showed up at the shop today. I walked in just as it came off of the truck and Jake offered first dibs. Bam; I’m out the door. Gear Used & Riding Conditions Kite: 2016 North Mono 12M Conditions: Side-onshore around 13 knots Rider Weight: 190lbs Years Riding: 16 Board: 6’0” Surfboard Experience Riding the Mono Single Strut Kite There was already plenty of buzz about the 2016 North Mono, well be …

Wave Day w/ the 2016 Slingshot Rally Conditions Water temperature: Low 40s Wind: 20 - 25 knots Gear Used Water wear: NP Mission 5/4 Wetsuit NP Neoprene Hoodie NP Thermal Pants NP Mission Booties Xcel Gloves Ion Beanie Kite: 2016 Slingshot Rally w/ Slingshot Guardian Bar Kiteboard: 2016 Airush Cypher Experience Having made it to May without a session, I figured it was long overdue that I get out on the water. With water temperatures in the low 40s, I grabbed my NP Mission 5.4, neoprene hoo …

Freeride Project 3: The Movie We've heard of great riders like Ruben Lenten, Craig Cunningham, Aaron Hadlow, and Tom Court, but do we really know them? Their lifestyles are as unique as the waters they ride. Their stoke is beyond measure. Their ability to transcend beyond the traditions of kiteboarding make team riders some of the most innovative, creative individuals in the kiting world.  What do you get when you take these eclectic riders and pair them with videography? An edit that is …

Growing With Kiteboarding It's time to get back into the water. As we begin to approach the kiteboarding season here in the Midwest, I start to get excited about returning to the water. Yes - others have been kiteboarding for months now (Marc Hoeksema has over 25 sessions so far!) while I've yet to dip a toe into Lake Michigan. This is actually a first for me in years, not rushing to get back into the water as soon as the ice clears. I'm taking advantage of the mild weather with some of my other …

First Impressions with the 2016 Best Roca Rygo's Riding Conditions & Gear 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? Rider weight: 179 lbs. Wind Speed: 16-17 mph Kiteboard: Cabrinha Custom CBL - 144 cm with Rad Bindings K …

The Cape Town Effect - Hannah Whiteley Let's go through the history of kiteboarding. Kiteboarding has been known as far back as the 13th century, but we know much of the current kitesurfing style from the Legaingnoux brothers, Dominique and Bruno from France. Many people still view the kiting industry as how it was when it first started: dangerous, extreme, and full of adrenaline-filled water junkies. As generations have come and gone, the sport has changed and is now developing into a spo …

ACQUA: A Kiteboarding Film Slingshot's teaser for their new kiteboarding film, "ACQUA," will have you questioning everything. Why do you not own a sailboat? When will your professional kiteboarding career take off? The film follows two Slingshot riders, Alex Fox and Sam Light, as they sail around the British Virgin Islands in search of their own treasure: the perfect kiteboarding spot. Kind of like "Pirates of the Caribbean," minus Johnny Depp, but not the Rum.   With s …

Women of Kiteboarding Girl Power We loved watching these chicks hit the water and lay down their sick tricks. This video follows 6 female kiteboarding athletes as they tear up the town, including Cynthia Brown, Gisela Pulido, Dioneia Vieira, Kirsty Jones, Sabrina Lutz, and Bruna Kajiya. Join them in their early 2015 season highlights. And who ever said girls couldn’t shred? I’m a poet and I don’t even know it! Watch out boys, the Women of Kiteboarding are coming! Music: "Visio …

Youri Zoon on the 2016 Slingshot RPM The Slingshot RPM has been the powerhouse and championship kite since 2009. Youri Zoon, recent competitor in the IKA World Championships, gave his two cents in this latest #RPMisWHAT video.  “For me, to come back to Slingshot is like returning home from a travel,” Zoon said. “We have a lot of history together and I’m very excited to add more to it. Slingshot is the ruler of quality, innovation and performance. I’m …

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 …