Rider: Reo Stevens letting the world move around him. Punta Luna, Peru / Photo: Juan de Heeckeren
LAYERS & OUTLIERS
This issue is for those who are willing to look above and beyond the present, and features interviews and insight from visionaries and adventurers.
RESERVED: THE RIGHT TO RIP AND PROTECT
The world’s best ‘new kite spot’ – Punta Luna – lies secluded and very private in the Illescas National Park, Peru. Two-time PKRA World Champion, Martin Vari, is head of the range where there will only ever be eight riders shredding at once, due to it being a naturally protected area. Reo Stevens went to visit and explains the vivid tale behind its creation and how visitors are helping support the resurgent ecosystem.
280KM UPWINDER?
Andre Penna is an experienced and intrepid downwind expedition guide for Surfin Sem Fim. When not leading groups on once-in-a-lifetime kiteboarding experiences long the Brazilian coastline, he loves nothing more than heading off on remote multi-day kite-missions on his own. He recently completed a 280km UPWINDER, from Atins to Prea in six days!
CROSSING-OVER
This issue we speak to three people who are at the cutting edge of change, shaping the future and leading adaptation. First up: Airush MD and shaper, Clinton Filen, on the fast pace of change in the industry and how maturity will mean we need even more garage / van space; Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker is a three time big wave surfing champion and explains why kiting gives him the edge; finally, Peter Stiewe gives us some details on the rapid rise and successful start-up of Eleveight.
THE WING-SURF SITUATION
Rarely has an activity come along and caused such a stir. The hype, excitement and the volume of brands who’ve jumped onboard with wing-surfing reminds us of kitesurfing’s early days. So, the big question is: how will it fit in with a kiting lifestyle? We’ve had a go ourselves and listened to those who are producing them; here’s the situation…
Should you embrace change?
CAPE TOWN’S ‘OTHER SIDE’
One of the world’s most popular kiting locations has so many amazing spots that few visitors ever manage to reach. Kyle Cabanno helped us compile this spot guide, taking you 500 kilometres east, from Cape Point to the awesome lake kiting of Knysna.
CEARA’S SEARING HOT-SPOTS
Highlighting some of Brazil’s more famous spots, from Jericoacoara down to Cumbuco, plus we also track 500 kilometres south of Fortaleza to Gostoso, a quiet spot that also holds some golden nuggets for wave riders.
TESTS
On review this issue:
Kites: Airush’s Ultra 9, 12 and 17m
Airush Union 10m
Flysurfer’s Stoke 9m
North Orbit 10m
Peter Lynn Nova 10m
Boards: Ozone Infinity light wind twin-tip
Hydrofoils: Duotone’s Pace foil board and a trio of wings
Shinn’s Sunburner and K2 wing set-up.
FOIL KITE OR TUBE KITE?
In his regular column, double World Champion Mark Shinn debates this age-old question to help you understand whether the time is right for you to switch.
MOTOR DRIVE
Key moves: nail better pop technique and then move onto the back roll transition.
All that, plus regular features, including: Gallery, Spy Network news, Van Vice, safety advice and more!
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