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So I have been asked by several of our staff, “Why the Roca?” Well, it is basically quite simple. I have flown the Best TS 17 almost exclusively for the past 3 years and while I liked, more like loved, the 17 TS, I was always riding the 12m on the wakestyle setting to slow the kite down. The Roca was said to be a little slower and more stable. And since I am really just a freerider who rides to relieve stress and be on the water with friends rather than trying to throw down handle passes and po …

Best Sessions Taiba from Sam Medysky on Vimeo.Best Kiteboarding - Session in Taiba We love when team riders band together to create something awesome. Not only are they showing off their stuff, but they are kind enough to let others shine as well. Kiteboarding offers a special type of comradery that is only found in sunny, windy, and sandy conditions (sometimes snowy as well). Watch as Sam Medysky, Rita Arnaus, Hannah Whiteley, and Val Garat remind us that good times are ahead and that they …

Also check out Jake V's take on switching to the new 2016 RocaRider Weight:179lbsWind Speed: 16-17mphBoard: 144 Cabrinha Custom CBL with RAD BindingsIt was a cold 40-degree morning, with the water ranking in at a not-so-balmy 30 degrees. Not exactly what comes to mind when you think of a quality session. Of course, this is a reality for most of us during the winter months. A quick session before work, in frigid water. Whatever it takes to get it in, right? The first thing that struck me was …

Photos courtesy: Christian Black/ www.worldkiteleague.com Team Slingshot came out firing last week at the opening stage of the 2016 IKA World Championships, making a big statement to the freestyle world by claiming first and second place in the men’s field and first place in the women’s. Among a stacked lineup of competitors, the final men’s heat came down to Slingshot teammates Carlos Mario and Youri Zoon. With Mario fresh off an amazing 2015 season and gunning for a world title and Z …

Alex Thomson - HUGO BOSS Have you ever looked at something and thought, "I could jump that". While it's not always recommended, sometimes it's fun to watch other people try to push the limits. Not only does this video create chills down our spines, the cinematic quality is incredible (it makes us want to buy a regatta and a suit). Watch as this kiter attempts extreme sailing stunts (like a boss).  HUGO BOSS presents the third installment of their extreme sailing stunts - following the Mastw …

Colleen Carroll & Bruna Kajiya - "Rendez-Vous" Colleen Carroll & Bruna Kajiya are not only two influential kiteboarders, but they are also huge advocates for having fun (no matter your gender). What was once considered a "gentleman's" sport is now available for everyone, and we're excited to see Bruna & Colleen team up and create an edit that shows that when you say "ride like a girl" it actually means "ride tough". From our friend, Colleen: "I am very happy to share with you my  …

Bret Sullivan & Best Kiteboarding - "African Vibes" Africa can be considered the "wildlands". It's where people go to help, to find themselves, and to experience a new type of freedom. Freedom can be found in many ways. One way we experience freedom is through kiteboarding. Bret Sullivan experiences the same thrills behind the kite that we do, but only in a much more picturesque location. Lions, kitesurfing, and warm weather (oh, my) fill this video. While you're watching from your office …

Jake M has seen his fair share of kiteboarding blows. Last summer, after winds had topped around 30-knots, Jake ran to the beach for his "lunch break". Not only did the wind die, but he ended up having to swim a quarter of a mile back to shore as a result. With a rip current and five-to-eight-foot waves to fight against and no floatation vest, Mitchell found himself red-faced, short of breath and wishing that he had worn a vest. What Jake RecommendsSince my incident last summer, I've found …

Craig Cunningham - "Habitual" in Taiba, Brazil When you're traveling, the rush of being out from your office and into the world can have your vacation missing out on the little things, like fishing villages. These little villages and pit-stops may look run-down or abandoned, but they may be some of the best areas to stop (especially for kiteboarding). Every year, Craig Cunningham jumps down to Taiba, Brazil (a little fishing town) to grab some wind. Watch as North's rider Craig Cunningham show …

2016 North Mono Kiteboarding KiteNew for 2016, North Kiteboarding is debuting the Mono, a one strut kite that finds itself in the company of the Airush Lithium One and Liquid Force Solo. Able to be flown on both a 4-line and 5-line control bar, you can expect a light-weight, quick turning kite that’s perfectly suited for light to medium winds. With one strut, expect some canopy flutter. This will make the kite slightly more difficult to handle in heavy winds that require consistent depowering. …

The Slider Project It's pretty rare to find a kiteboarding Indiegogo campaign. At MACkite, we wanted to help promote this campaign for The Slider Project's installation of a shorter kicker and a new entry-level slider. Not only does The Slider Project create public awareness of kiteboarding, it also has helped develop the sport and has supported riders like Colleen Carroll, Craig Cunningham, Sam Light, and James Ropner.  Donations start at $10 and move up from there. Each donation offers …

Nathan's Fireside Chat: 2016 Slingshot FoilsWith foiling taking center stage lately in the kiteboarding world, a few companies have either started to include foils to their lineup or expanded their current offerings. For Slingshot in 2016, we've been introduced to a program that will take you from true beginner to advanced, and everything in between.Slingshot's "Learn to Fly" ProgramSlingshot's "Learn to Fly" program features the all-new Hover Glide aluminum-masted foil aimed at those …

Best Kiteboarding - East Coast Snowkiting While winter may mean February kiteboarding in some areas of the world, us Midwest folks get to experience the thrill and the beauty that is snow. In Michigan, almost half of our year has the anticipation of snowfall. That leaves us with two options: go outside and play, or stay inside with cocoa. While I like to do both, there's no question in my mind that there wouldn't be at least three guys out snowboarding or snowkiting if given the chance.  Th …

Brazil Through RyGo's Eyes About 5 years ago I discovered the sport of kiteboarding through a lesson at MACkite no less. I took a lesson with a young kid named Chris Bobryk. We formed a solid friendship chasing the wind over the next year. Eventually, Chris moved to Hatteras, North Carolina to pursue kiteboarding.  While I spent my days working my 9 to 5 (that more often than not was a 7 to 7 kind of job), I started dreaming of a better life - by a better life I mean one where I could spen …

Commuting To Work... In Style w/ Jake M With weekend temperatures in the mid-50s doing away with most of the snow, the staff has been finding alternative ways to commute to work. Jake M breaks down how he's been getting to work the past week.Running Living 2.3 miles away from work, a brisk morning run is a great way to start the day. The big downside - arriving to work drenched in sweat. (We think it's time to invest in some MACkite shower systems.)Biking / Unicycling I broke down and bought a 3 …