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Shop Latest Ride Engine Releases. Jake here from MACkite, I recently got my hands on the new Ride Engine Hyperlock harness line, and spoiler alert—I’m impressed. Ride Engine, the OGs of the hard-shell harness game, are back with a vengeance, and this time, they’ve added a ratchet system that’s as satisfying as clicking into snowboard bindings. I’ve always liked Ride Engine harnesses—except when they jabbed my ribs like a cranky toddler. But the new Hyperloc …

As you can tell from its "V14" designation, Airush's Lithium kite has been around a while. It's a staple of their lineup as an all-around kite, and after this many versions, it's become quite refined. Rather than release a new version with minimal changes every year, Airush takes their time to develop a Lithium with impactful and meaningful changes every two years. Kristen is familiar with the V13 Lithium and has spent some time on the new V14, so she's got some insights to share about what …

We all know about the basic gear you need to get out for your session: a kite, a board, a harness, and a wetsuit if it's chilly, but what else might you want out there, and how essential is it? Dave is here to share his top 5 items that he uses for most, if not all, sessions.Sunscreen This one is a must. Even if you're in a full wetty, you'll still want to protect your face, as well as your hands and feet if you're not using gloves and boots. Some people like the zinc ones because of the …

Have you ever considered traveling to northern Perú for a kite trip? Up until a couple months ago, I hadn't either. I'm Cole from MACkite, and I'm going to share my experience kiting in Perú and give you tips on how to get there, where to stay, and things to do outside of kiting.When to GoNorthern Perú is an epic spot that you're definitely going to want to put on your list. The kiting is good from about April through December, with the most consistent wind coming in August through November …

A few weeks ago, we highlighted F-One's commitment to sustainability, so it should come as no surprise that they've teamed up with Brainchild to produce their latest kite, the Trigger. Its bold look is matched by its big air ability, but that's not the only reason to love it. It also makes full use of Brainchild's eco-friendly technologies.What Is the Trigger?Legendary kite designer and Brainchild founder Ralf Grosel is responsible for this kite that is ready to visit the clouds. Although i …

With Andrea Principi back on the water to defend his crown and the first-ever Women's Division being added to the event, the 2024 Red Bull King of the Air in Cape Town was one for the history books. A crowd of 7,000 lined the beach, with thousands more joining the livestream to watch the event unfold. Day 1 brought light morning conditions, but that all changed in the afternoon. Epic wind ushered the competitors onto the water, where they displayed some incredible tricks. In a bid for a bac …

The third and final stop of the GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup tour in 2024 could hardly have been more exciting. Maxime Chabloz from Switzerland was leading the rankings, but not by much and faced stiff competition from the other board leaders. Adding to the uncertainty was a less-than-perfect wind forecast for the normally reliably steady spot. The finals were held at Fuwairit Kite Beach on a lagoon that opens to the Arabian Sea in Qatar. Typical conditions offer mirror-flat waters an …

Have you ever tried what seems like a million of something, only to find they all fall short in one way or another? And then you finally find THE ONE, and it's the greatest feeling, knowing that your search is over and you can enjoy using that perfect thing. For Kristen, that perfect thing may well be the AK Durable Supply Co. Method RS harness.The Ratchet SystemThe standout feature of the Method is the ratchet system, which is what RS stands for. With more of an hourglass shape, Kristen fo …

How far back can we throw for Throwback Thursday? How about November 2012? Check out Tucker as he goes over MACkite's lineup of boards for 2013. If you've been riding a while, do you recognize any of this gear? Maybe one was even in your quiver?Oh, and be sure to watch to the end (or skip ahead) to see the outtakes!2013 Cabrinha SubwooferThe 2013 Cabrinha Subwoofer was a complete kite surfboard, with Aircore Quad fins, front and back pads, and footstraps if you like to use them. The board' …

In the world of kiteboarding, innovation and performance are essential to meet the ever-evolving needs of riders. Reedin Kites, known for creating products that enable users to progress with ease, has partnered with Brainchild to push the boundaries even further. This collaboration introduces groundbreaking technologies, notably with their high-performance Hypermodel, designed to deliver unmatched responsiveness and ease of use. The Brainchild partnership enhances Reedin's ability to cre …

MACkite's Dave has been spending some time in Brazil working on one of his favorite transition tricks, the Front Roll Hand Drag. It's a slide type trick that's a play on the Back Roll Hand Drag. While nearly identical to that in terms of the kite movement and steering, it's very different when it comes to body movement and positioning, so he's put together a guide to walk you through nailing your own Front Roll Hand Drags.Prerequisites You'll want to have your Back Roll Hand Drags d …

Reedin has always done things a little differently, so it's no surprise that they've embraced the emerging technologies offered by Brainchild. This exciting collaboration is going to benefit kiteboarders, wingers, and even the environment.What Is Brainchild?Brainchild is a development lab and production facility that has recently launched in North Macedonia, Europe, not far from Greece. Founded by kite designer Ralf Groesel, Brainchild is focused on revolutionizing the water sports indus …

David is in Prea, Brazil, where he's had a chance to get a couple sessions on the new 2025 Orbit Pro from North. How does it fly, and how is it different from the 2024 Orbit Pro?Which Sizes Did He Test? David got out on both a 10m and the 8.1m, thanks to North Team Rider Josue San Ferreira, aka "Baby Shark" (named after his dad "Shark", not the epic song). Dave has been flying the 2024 Orbit Pro in an 8 and 10m for the past year, so he could feel the differences right away. What …

The Slingshot One Lock Hydrofoil System represents a major step forward in hydrofoil design, engineered to make it easier for riders to select the right equipment for their level and style. Fred Hope from Slingshot shares insights into the new system, highlighting the changes made to ensure seamless progression and improved performance across various disciplines, including kite foiling, wing foiling, and wake foiling. Three Years of Development | The Slingshot One Lock Hydrofoil System …

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a thin strip of sand stretching out into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Living in such a unique environment brings a lifestyle deeply connected to the sea and an understanding of the delicate nature of life on this barrier island. The history, the surf culture, and the resilience of its residents make the Outer Banks a special place. This blog dives into the life, the waves, and the challenges faced by those who call the Outer Banks home. A Changin …