ISSUE #49 PLUS 2011 TRAVEL GUIDE

The last couple of months have produced more than their average share of excitement. For starters it seems that the once mystical speed target of 50 knots is now a thing of the past, with Charlotte Consorti recently passing the mark and joining the elite crew of male speed kiters who are now pushing towards the 60 knot barrier. Rob Douglas now holds the overall World Speed Sailing record over any other wind powered vessel, with an average speed of 55.65 knots. We talk to him and take a behind-the-scenes look at the Luderitz Speed event with first time entrant, Fred Kloren from Xelerator kiteboarding.

We also take a look at Ben Wilson's efforts at targeting the surf market with his new brand, Ben Wilson Surf, we talk to Udo Hoelker – the man behind the epic World Kite and Windsurfing Guide books, Jon Modica and Corky Cullen score amazing kiting waves in Baja, Mexico that will leave you freeing up some work time to book a trip on a forecast and we tap into Alaska's raw beauty in an incredible snowkite gallery.

Elsewhere in the mag you'll find a finely seasoned peppering of the latest gear reviews, including Shinn's new Monk board and Cabrinha's Crossbow kite, a boosting Motor Drive Project, an intro to wave riding - including preparation, knowledge and tactics to stay safe, kiting in high heels, oh, and Lewis jumped a bigger pier...

All that plus the usual views, news and kite schmooze.