NATURE’S FURY
In this issue we see kiteboarders tackling nature at its most extreme. From the challenges of polar exploration by kite in the arctic circle to big wave charging in Portugal and the biblical destruction wrought on parts of the Caribbean during this year’s hurricane season – we see what happens when nature delivers its full payload.
Cover: Jesse Richman / Photo: Ydwer van der Heide
HIGHLIGHTS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE
Richman rides monsters at Nazare
Jesse Richman recently flew into Nazare on a stellar forecast (check the cover!) and photographer Ydwer van der Heide was on hand to capture some of the most outrageous big wave kiting action we’ve seen so far. He gives us the inside line on that in KW #90 and we also get an insight into the mind of Jesse in These Things I Know!
Jacobsen goes storm chasing
Nick Jacobsen is part of a small core of elite riders who make sure they’re ready to drop everything and get on a plane at a moment’s notice when a serious forecast looms into view during storm season. When a recent storm surge hit the UK in October, Nick answered the call!
The Aftermath
We also spoke to another kiter, Piti Gutierrez who, alongside his fellow Puerto Ricans, recently faced a battle against the elements when Hurricane Irma devastated the island leaving scores of people dead and unaccounted for. In KW 90 he gives us an idea of the savagery of the storm which he experienced first hand as well as the challenges the island and its inhabitants now face as the cleanup operation continues. We also spoke to a forecasting expert from Surfline.com to find out more about why hurricanes have been getting more ferocious in recent years.
GEAR TESTS
We continue our reviews of the latest 2018 gear releases as we test out a broad range of equipment including some heavy-hitters like the 11th version of the F-One Bandit and the new Cabrinha Switchblade. We also take a first look at some of the freeride staples of the North 2018 range and chief tester Chris Bull gets to grip with the new F-One line-up too (spoiler alert: he’s a BIG fan of their 2018 foils). The beautifully crafted, solid wood Say No More twintip from Lieuwe gets put through its paces as well and we also review the Dry Bag – an intuitive new invention for getting your wetsuit dried out even as it hangs in the back of your car or van.
TECHNIQUE
It’s all about rotations this issue as Steven Akkersdijk takes us through a stylish twist on the regular front roll while Dioneira Viera show us how to add some flair to your transitions with a backroll.
We also draw on our own cold water kiting experience to give you some tips on staying safe on the high seas this winter season.
X-MAS GOODNESS
Looking for some Christmas gift ideas for the kiter in your life? We’ve put together a plethora of options for you to choose from in KW #90.
Kari finds her true north
Kari Schivebaag and three friends navigated challenging waters of an entirely different nature when they made a gruelling attempt to traverse the ice covered seas and frozen tundras of the Svalbard Peninsula high in the arctic circle by kite. No doubt a life-changing experience for them all: find out how they got on in the new issue.
REGULARS
And of course, the same expert opinions and comments from our columnists, epic galleries and the latest gear releases and news is all packed in for good measure.
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