You’ve also added the brand-new, groundbreaking WhisperModel to your range. Tell us more!
Yes, this one is super exciting to me. Ever since I moved to San Diego where winds are like 7 knots, (or 12 when it’s really firing), lightwind riding has been a big focus for me, which is already seen in our lightwind wing range and foilboard. This year, working together with Brainchild allowed us to create something that just wasn’t possible before. I was fortunate again to work with Ralf on this kite and to have it manufactured using Brainchild technology. I think we have created the lightest and most reactive lightwind kite on the market, opening a new world of fun lightwind riding in as little as 4 to 6 knots. The kite is so efficient and so quick, I really get excited to go out in those light conditions and just kite way more than ever! Of course, big lightwind kites have been around forever, but people don’t realize how special WhisperModel is until they actually see it fly when no one else is out, or when they ride it themselves for the first time. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been blown away by it. This excitement from people loving our gear is really what drives me!
And what about your twintip range – what are the biggest changes compared to the previous year’s?
All of our boards have gotten updates in lay-up, and some shape changes. KevPro has a new outline that helps you keep your edge in those strong Cape Town-like conditions. Super E and Big E are now lighter and have a new layup for increased response and smoother glide. Big E has a new rocker line for better upwind capability, grip and power. SpaceAgency is also lighter and rides smoother thanks to the new lay-up.
The biggest release in our twintip category this year is actually our totally new bindings. ‘Toasties’ are a whole new design with a major focus on weight savings and comfort. One binding is now only 320 grams which is almost half of last year’s, and as far as I could find, the lightest bindings out there. It just makes your whole board feel much lighter and hugely improves the feeling on your feet. Most of the weight savings actually came from focusing all the strength right where the load goes, which in turn makes them much stronger too. I think the fact that all of our photoshoot samples have been confiscated by team riders says enough about how much everybody loves them, haha!