Back to the Surf Expo for more images and info on new kiteboarding gear for this year.
But first, a side trip to the runway. The runway is up and uh, running!
Speaking of styling, on to something a bit different, like ...
Kiteboarding Fashion!
Excess Sport Follows (www.excess-sport.com ):
is shown here proudly sporting
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Now on to Faction Kites (
www.factionkites.com ):
The Faction ENERGY kite is a remarkable innovation coming to kiteboarding out of Vancourver, Canada. I spoke with Lukas Stanek pictured above. Faction Kites is the first company to deliver an effective kiteboarding double surface wing profile kite with an integrated rib structure, which they call MAP. MAP is short for Maximum Aerodynamic Profile. The MAP technology allows for stable top and bottom wing surface configuration despite differential wind loading. The result of a more stable, thin “wing” shape is greater influence and control over kite performance, increased stability and gradual power characteristics. The ENERGY is the first of the Faction Kites to be released and is a medium performance kite. This medium aspect ratio kite is designed to provide intermediate or medium flight characteristics combining performance and comfort. The MAP double surface minimizes water pooling behind the leading edge bladder allowing more easy relaunching particularly in waves and lighter winds. Jack Webb, Maui Pro rider and a frequent subject in riding videos is also a member of Faction Kites.
Luke indicated that he normally rigs a size smaller than other riders on conventional LEI or Leading Edge Inflatable kites. He indicated that it has very good low end grunt. The power of the kite is very smooth, with gradual acceleration. Luke stated that the wind range is similar to other medium range kites with the addition of improved low end power. He indicated that with conventional LEI kites if the area between the leading edge bladder and outer surface of the kite fills up with water, such as can happen in wave impacts, you have little chance of being able to relaunch your kite. Faction kites are designed to not take on much water at all and what little water that might get into this space can be readily released through scupper holes. They are currently working on a high performance, high aspect kite.
A view of the wingtip. The fabric ribs are visible in the leading edge.
The Faction control bar with load tested pin releases.
A view of the underside of the leading edge.
Diagonal zippers are placed to allow access to the inflation valves for the kite battens.
The wing tip showing multiple kite line attachment points to modify flight characteristics.
Faction Kites won Thermolite® Boarder Award at the ISPO Brandnew show, the worlds largest sports trade show in Munich, Germany.
http://www.ispo-brandnew.com/
Kite surfing is the fastest growing water sport, a fact that keeps design studios in this sector very busy. The latest development comes out of Canada and gives rise to great expectations: Faction Kite is the first kite surf glider shaped like the wing of an airplane. Wolfgang Block, publisher of the special interest magazine Surfers and enthusiastic kite surfer himself, is delighted: “The new shape increases performance by 25%, which means that it no longer takes a strong sea wind to get a good glide, but just a light breeze at a lake. Starting out of the water is easier, too.” Dimitri Lehner, of Delius Klasing publishers, adds: “There is less turbulence due to the aerodynamic covering, similar to the wings of an airplane, and the inflatable leading edge. What’s more, less water gets caught in the kite. That means that starting becomes a lot easier, especially for beginners.”
There were quite a few individual clothier runways for showing off water wear
Now to Flexifoil ( http://flexifoil.com/ ):
Now to Gaastra ( http://www.gaastrakites.com/ ):
Going away to pull out more photos but will be back soon!
More to come, stay tuned ...