Kiteboarding

As a beginner the Core Era 152x48 has shortened my learning curve. The size makes getting up and riding super easy and feels stable and controlled. A lot of boards get much wider as you size up. This one doesn't and feels less like a boat than others I've ridden. It's very forgiving, especially when my technique isn't perfect and helps me stay upwind without fighting the board. It also handles chop better than I expected so I feel more comfortable in rougher conditions.

I've used both the robust velcro style footstraps and these foam foot straps and I much prefer these. Once set up properly, after a little trial and error on the water, they are just as secure even without the velcro adjustability. I use them for winging and frequently jump and crank turns in open ocean swell without any issues. They also release easily when switching stance. I like the flex because, when needed, you can stand right on top of the strap and it won't deform for re-entry later since it pops back open.

I weigh 170 lbs wing a 65L Armstrong mid length, 85cm mast, HA580 with the dart 140 tail, and it is a very lively and fast set up. The tail makes hard turns, fast tacks, and race style jibes feel snappy. You can change direction and accelerate really well with little turbulence. I use this tail on downwinders in large rollers, in small shore breaking waves, and for jumping. No complaints. I would recommend the Dart 140 to anyone who feels that there current set up is slowing them down. Riding this tail makes me feel like the only limiting factor on my speed is my willingness to push the gear faster.

Needed a winter suit in the OBX and this thing did the trick. I used it for both wing foiling and surfing. Coldest session winging was low 40'sF water temp with like 10F wind chill. Is it necessary to get in the water when its like that, no, but this suit made it totally doable with a solid pair of gloves and booties to go with. The only thing that ended my session was the wind chill on my face and my gloves were not thick enough. Bottom line, warmest wetsuit I've owned by far. Of course flexibility is more limited but not as bad as I thought.

Honestly, have always despised helmets and never wore one growing up skating, snowboarding, and surfing. Always thought they felt like they got in the way. I've finally came around as I've gotten older and wiser. This thing is comfy and sturdy on your dome. The boa system tightens down uniformly and stays snug even during high speed crashes wing foiling and kiting. I forget I'm even wearing it while out on the water.

As a beginner I took a lesson here at REAL in light wind and used the Whisper 15M. The first thing I noticed right away (besides the gorgeous colors) was how easy it is to fly. In lighter wind this kite stays in the air really well and doesn't feel like its constantly on the verge of dropping. That alone makes a big difference when you're still learning and don't have perfect kite control yet. Power delivery is smooth and manageable, which made it way less stressful trying to get up and ride in marginal conditions. It generates enough pull without feeling overwhelming so I could focus more on technique instead of just fighting the kite.

As a beginner kiteboarder, the Code V2 9M has been the kite I've had the most time with. It's played a huge role in helping me progress faster and feel more confident on the water. What stands out the most is how predictable and smooth the power delivery is. The kite doesn't yank you around or feel twitchy. It builds power in a really controlled way, which makes learning things like water starts and riding upwind way less intimidating. It helped provide me my first successful upwind session!

I’ve been using this tool for about half a year now as my go-to tool for on-water adjustments, as well as for general assembly in the garage and at the beach. I have one in my truck, one in my PFD, and another in my garage -can never have enough! The L is short enough to spin the T-nuts in place without hitting the mast.

Pro tip: Put a spare tail wing screw in the hole in the foam in case you drop one while swapping shims.

Been riding the Boost 5'0" 40L the past 4 or 5 months, and I am blown away at how well it works. The trench is legit. Take offs instantly felt smoother when cruising centimeters from the water's surface, no drag or interference from the FD unit. You can especially feel this if there is a bit of chop on the water. The trench also puts the foil closer to the deck which makes for a real connected feeling when giving the foil input. Connectivity is seamless, control of the throttle is always there, no cutting out, no antenna or foam inserts needed. The other thing I love is that the board is really light, easy to carry to and from the beach, and makes for a really responsive ride when surf foiling. The mid-length shape is superior for take offs, gets up quickly and smooth. The narrower shape also goes rail to rail quickly which is what you want for cut back and carving. North has done an amazing job with this board.

Decided to get my parawinging journey started and chose the Plume to make it happen. Coming from a kiting, wingfoiling background seemed like the way to start. This thing is so easy to use, very intuitive to fly. You start to figure out how the bar works to move and power/depower it immediately. Was able to get up and get going right away, good power range. It was blowing 18-25mph and I was on the 4M. Going upwind was pretty easy, and was able to figure out gybes and turns after a few attempts. Pretty excited to try this out in the ocean in some surf. Way less lines and bridles to deal with compared to a standard parawing. Will this what I ride when doing downwinders? I think the traditional parawing would be better for that, the ability to stow it and it disappears is optimum. With this you are still holding on to something, but much lighter than a standard wing. More to come...

Been using this bag for travel the last year and love it. One, it is light, without wheels, the bag is not heavy. This helps when checking in at the airport to not go over the weight limit. The zippers are heavy duty and made not to corrode, a long term feature which has failed on bags I have had before. Love the interior straps for holding everything together. Definitely recommend this one for a seasoned traveler.

This wing is so good for all disciplines. Huge range of what conditions you can ride it in and unparalleled for carving and that surf feel everyone is looking for. I have used the 990 and 1190 for both wing and Foil Drive and it works so well for getting up easily, connecting waves, and rolls rail to rail so easy and smooth. The 890 was amazing in windier, bigger conditions, incredible speed control. This wing has been out for awhile but is still a shop and personal favorite.

Was able to get out on the new Rocket Free Surf Foilboard, 6'5" @79L and immediately noticed more stability compared to the Rocket Mid Length, 5'10"@72L, I have been riding last year. Yes, it does have a bit more length and volume but what I noticed is with the added width it just felt a bit better for water starting. Wind was cranking 25-30 plus so really choppy conditions and having a board with a bit more stability just allowed me to get up quicker and ride longer. Board surfed really well and did not feel big at all. Love this style of board for winging as they feel much smaller when turning rail to rail. Would be a great board for parawinging as well. F-One nailed it with this one.

The Hyperlock type 1 is the best harness experience I have had so far. Ratchet design is pretty clean and keeps the harness in place throughout the session. Makes tightening up on the fly really easy when riding. Love the change Ride Engine made with the lower back support being a little flatter and less curve. Makes the fit and support a lot more comfortable to the Elite V8 unity system. Definitely recommend as your next harness.

This controller wrist leash is a nice add-on with your Foil Drive kit. Definitely feels a bit more secure to the wrist when riding in waves. The cuff is much more comfortable and is unnoticeable. This is a nice upgrade to check out.