Innholdsfortegnelse for #65 i TheKiteMag

As we round out the year here at TheKiteMag (I think our eleventh!), it’s a time to reflect on another year in the sport we all love and which consumes many of our waking hours. Whether we are on the water, thinking about being on the water, or planning our next trip to get on the water: it’s what keeps us smiling and keeps us sane. And I, for one, am eternally grateful that I get to spend plenty of time in this environment I love… If – like most of us – kitesurfing is a recreational endeavor for you, then I hope you have had a great year with some memorable sessions. Whether that has been at your local spot, or on an overseas trip to check off another…

It is the age-old dream of discovery: silky flat water without a soul in sight… a noble goal when you are an intrepid single carload of explorers, maybe overly optimistic thinking when you’re four cumbersome vanloads of high-school students and teachers?! As we round the bend towards the sleepy town of Krik, the vans begin to buzz with an infectious excitement. Music is cranked up and conversation reaches a shrill crescendo as we spot the white caps furiously whipping up over the jetty under the mood-streaked sky. We pile out of the van, warm up, and commence the kite rigging frenzy. ‘Oooh’s and ‘ahhh’s, winces and cheers interrupt conversations on the beach as riders land the improbable or come down with an inevitable splash. Calm focus written across his face,…

HERMANUS Camdyn: Hermanus is an incredibly unique spot with nothing quite like it anywhere else on earth. It is the mouth of the Klein River which often doesn’t have enough water to flow into the ocean so it backs up into a lagoon, sometimes mere meters from the waves without mixing. However, when a big enough storm rolls through, the river mouth opens and the whole lagoon drains, leaving behind an extremely shallow but flat-water playground. The last few years the lagoon has been drained but this winter had the right conditions to top it up perfectly. I’ve had my eyes glued to this spot this winter and finally a big storm with the perfect direction appeared. For some reason this spot is often on in the early morning and…

HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEW FREESTYLE GEAR WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE MARKET? The response has been really good so far. I expect it to be well received from a large part of kiteboarding fans, especially those who have grown with the sport for many years. Freestyle has had a huge part to play in kiting and many people still love the discipline even if they no longer do it or try those types of tricks. There are also some core riders that love it and I am really happy to give back and try to inject a bit of life back into freestyle. WHAT HAVE YOU TAKEN FROM YOUR YEARS OF FREESTYLE EXPERIENCE AND PUT INTO THIS GEAR, AND WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO DIFFERENTLY? Freestyle is…

THE LOWDOWN Famously known as the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, the Calabria region, in the extreme southwest, is fantastic yet one of Italy’s least visited regions. It’s an ideal spot for kitesurfing, with perfect wind every day from April until August. As well as the fantastic kiting conditions you can also expect fantastic Italian food and an exceptionally vibrant night life. KITING SETUP At Hang Loose there is a sandy beach with a clear launch. If you head off the front or downwind from there, then you’ll find many kilometers of completely empty beach. At Hang Loose Beach there is a kite school, test center and surf shop, beach club, kids area, restaurant, bar, and disco as well as basketball and beach volleyball areas. Then there is also a camping…

THE LOWDOWN Dakhla Lassarga is the link between the Atlantic Ocean and lagoon. The unique location means riders have benefits from the windy lagoon and magic waves ocean side. Experts to beginners have the versatility to choose the conditions they want to experience and this desert oasis is only 25 minutes from Dakhla town and airport. KITING SET UP Ocean Vagabond’s Surf Camp is located right on the beach, offering rentals, tuition and an onsite bar and restaurant. The huge beach is ideal for launching and a safety boat service runs from 10am to 7pm. For kiters who want to improve their strapless wave riding, one of the longest clean waves in Morocco can be found here while beginners have the perfect opportunity to get to grips with things on…

THE LOWDOWN Imagine your perfect kitesurf holiday – luxury, style, and unbeatable wind conditions. At the elegant St Regis Resort Mauritius, you’ll wake each morning beside the turquoise lagoon of Le Morne, home to what many call the world’s best all round kitesurf spot. The resort’s kitesurf center features the latest Duotone gear, or you can bring your own and enjoy free storage and on-water safety cover. When the day’s sessions are done, relax in spacious suites, unwind at the Iridium Spa, or sip a sundowner while watching the reef light up in golden hues. Now imagine all this with a 35% discount during the peak season, plus complimentary dinners across four exceptional restaurants offering everything from refined Mauritian flavors to laidback beach grills. Families are perfectly catered for too…

What does stepping into the role of owner and CEO mean to you after more than a decade with Airush? It’s an incredible honor, and still feels unreal that I’ve made it this far. Airush has been part of my life and career since 2009, and stepping into this role feels like a natural continuation of that journey. I’ve grown with the brand as a rider, developer and ambassador – now I get to help shape its future in a much bigger way. So why does now feel the right moment for Airush? The transition to new shareholders gave us a perfect opportunity to reset and refocus on what Airush has always stood for: innovation, performance, and authentic connection with riders. This is the moment to streamline the brand, strengthen…

Eleveight WS V9 WAVE KITE DEPOWER LOW END  DRIFT TURNING SPEED ACCESSIBILITY  RELAUNCH Writing the review of the new Eleveight WS V9 has been quite a challenge for us! The WS stands for “Wave Series”, and since we had a 7m, we had to patiently wait for the right conditions to give this kite the sessions it deserves. It sat in storage for nearly two months, but just as the review deadline approached, Tarifa rewarded us with perfect sideoff Levante winds and amazing waves, ideal conditions to put this kite to the test. The WS remains a 3-strut kite with an “open C” shape. The first impression when taking it out of the bag matched our expectations from previous Eleveight experiences: not the lightest kite in its category, but a…

THE LOWDOWN Located on the pristine shores of Limnos Island, Greece, Surf Club Keros is a paradise for kitesurfers and wingfoilers seeking the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Set beside the turquoise waters of Keros Bay – a vast, shallow, safe bay blessed with consistent Meltemi winds – this eco-friendly resort and surf station offers ideal conditions for every level, from curious beginners to seasoned pros. The club’s modern facilities include top-quality kite, wing and windsurf equipment, expert instruction, and a vibrant community of water sports enthusiasts. After a session, guests can unwind in luxurious safari-style tents overlooking the Aegean, enjoy fresh local cuisine, or soak up the sunset vibes at the beach bar. At Surf Club Keros, nature, comfort and stoke come together – making it not just…

THE LOWDOWN Viana do Castelo is the perfect spot for everyone wanting to connect with nature and sports, a charming village, surrounded by nature, with great gastronomy and good wines. Its strong ties with river and sea have turned Viana do Castelo into a nautical city with a huge natural, cultural and archaeological heritage. If you´re a kiteboarder, Viana do Castelo, in particular the Cabedelo beach, is the perfect option. Great weather, great wind conditions, approximately three hours’ flight time from most of Europe, there’s a whole lot of culture and many other activities to enjoy at FeelViana. KITING SET UP The Cabedelo Beach has extraordinary natural features for kitesurfing that make it the perfect spot for all levels of rider. These features were acknowledged as the beach hosted the…

DAHAB HURGHADA THE LOWDOWN Harry Nass stands for excellence, with over 25 years of experience in running top-notch centers – operating year-round in Dahab and Hurghada, just a four-to-five-hour flight from Europe, offering consistently warm temperatures and reliable winds for water sports throughout the year. Kitesurfers should come to Harry Nass for top-quality equipment and expert instruction in world-class locations. The Dahab and Hurghada centers offer a full range of equipment from Cabrinha. Whether you’re a beginner looking for lessons or an experienced kiter seeking high-performance gear, our trained instructors and well-maintained equipment ensure a safe, fun and unforgettable experience. With ideal wind conditions, warm waters, and all gear available on-site, you can focus entirely on maximizing your time on the water. KITING SETUP Fantastic mountain scenery and a safe…

THE LOWDOWN Tucked within 2.25 acres of untouched native landscape, Villa Esencia is a tranquil beachfront sanctuary on Long Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos. The villas blend harmoniously with nature, where winding paths follow the rhythm of the land and the air is scented with wildflowers and orchids. It feels like a place discovered, not built – peaceful, private, and profoundly restorative. With just twelve elegant suites, ranging from intimate studios to a spacious four-bedroom villa, Esencia offers a boutique sense of space and exclusivity. Five private pools and a pickleball court invite relaxed enjoyment between sea breezes and sunset swims. Whether you’re drawn by the joy of kiting or the stillness of the Caribbean, Esencia is where nature, comfort and ocean life meet in perfect balance. Recognized by Condé…

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT FOR HARLEM – A TRIPLE PODIUM AT KING OF THE AIR 2025 – HOW DOES IT FEEL?! It’s incredible. Lorenzo winning KOTA and completing the Trilogy, Leo finishing second at only 16 in his debut, and Lana taking third in the Women’s division… it’s unreal. It’s something you dream about. For us as a brand, it’s the confirmation that we’re doing things the right way. It shows what’s possible when you combine world-class riders, the right mindset, and the best performing gear. LET’S GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING. YOU GREW UP AROUND THE MOUNTAINS OF AUSTRIA. WHEN DID KITESURFING FIRST GRAB YOU? My first real spark was in New Zealand. I saw a kiter blasting across a bay in Wellington and thought, I have to try this.…

WE FEATURED THE NEW H2 ULTRA PE IN OUR PREVIOUS ISSUE. FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE ARTICLE PLEASE SUM UP HOW THIS MATERIAL DIFFERS FROM WHAT WAS USED IN THE PREVIOUS LIFT TEAM AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO USE IT? The previous Lift Team (v3) used Aluula Aeris, which featured a lightweight UPE reinforced composite laminate. H2 takes this further with a 100D woven Ultra PE that comes in under 85gsm. This material truly blends the benefits of the initial steering speed of woven kites with the rigidity and responsiveness of composite airframes. On the water, it holds its shape better, reacts instantly, and remains precise under extreme load. It was the next natural step for us in pushing the high-end performance of the kite. THE LIFT TEAM ALSO INCORPORATES…

THE LOWDOWN The 300 days of sunshine a year, consistent cross-onshore Meltemi winds, 220km of accessible shoreline, and a whole lot of culture makes Rhodes a perfect option for a kiting holiday. The prevailing conditions are flat, clear and sometimes choppy water, so a great spot for both beginners and advanced riders who want to improve their skills. There’s plenty of island fun to be had out of the water too, as well as renowned Greek dinners and live music. A great destination for water sport enthusiasts, culture lovers, families and singles. KITING SET UP Located on the west coast, just 5km south of the airport, you’ll find Surf and Kite Theologos, with ample space for launching and landing right outside the center. The shingle beach is safe, with no…

THE LOWDOWN Located at the two prime spots of Dakhla Lagoon, New Spirit Dakhla and KBC Dakhla, both kitesurf and wingfoil centers powered by KBC World with affiliated bungalow hotels, offer the best conditions for kiting and wingfoiling, and provide a perfect blend of comfort and style for an unforgettable stay. New Spirit appeals to active, community-minded travelers who love to connect and share the vibe, while Dakhla Club, featuring its own spa, offers a haven of comfort and indulgence for those seeking a touch of luxury. Both resorts are terraced on a hill overlooking the lagoon, offering breathtaking views, with the centers just steps away offering lessons and the latest, high-class F-ONE gear rentals. With consistent sideshore winds, flat, deep water, and perfect conditions for beginners and advanced riders…

C MAURITIUS C RODRIGUES THE LOWDOWN C Resorts is more than just a hotel brand – it’s an invitation to live fully, play freely, and embrace the moment. Designed for curious minds and travelers seeking authenticity, C Resorts breaks away from traditional luxury to offer a vibrant, laid-back, and immersive experience. Adventure and fun take center stage. Our resorts, including C Mauritius and C Rodrigues, are set in breathtaking natural surroundings and offer a perfect blend of well-being, creative gastronomy, local discoveries, and playful experiences. With its mantra “Come Play. Let Go. Feel Free.”, C Resorts speaks to those looking for a different kind of escape – one that is fun, welcoming, and effortlessly chic. C Mauritius Palmar is set on the pristine Palmar Beach, with steady winds, warm waters,…

THE LOWDOWN Babaomby Island Lodge is a unique eco-retreat located on the remote Babaomby Peninsula, overlooking Madagascar’s breathtaking Emerald Sea. Accessible only by boat, the lodge offers an intimate escape where nature, turquoise waters, and endless horizons define the experience. Blending rustic charm with comfort, its tents and bungalows are built from local materials and surrounded by untouched vegetation, creating a peaceful atmosphere far from mass tourism. The lodge is internationally renowned for its exceptional wind conditions, making it one of the best spots in the world for kiting, wingfoiling and windsurfing. Its location on the Emerald Sea means the spot benefits from a rare Venturi effect that delivers strong, reliable wind almost every day from April to November. After sessions, the lodge offers personalized service, fresh local cuisine, and…