Features

THE COMMITTED: Karina Oliani

Brazil’s north-eastern coastline is famous amongst kiters for its epic multi-day downwinders, and if you’ve never done one you should definitely put it on your bucket list. But how about doing one with a difference? Join medical professionals and non-medical volunteers, and discover the thrill of a ‘medical’ downwinder, a journey of adventure and compassion, organized by Karina Oliani, one of the most committed kiters we’ve had the pleasure to meet.

Reflections: Kite for the Ocean

Warming up before kiting

The purpose of warming up before physical activity is to prepare mentally and physically for your activity. Warming up increases your heart rate and therefore your blood flow. This enables more oxygen to reach your muscles. A warmup also activates and primes the connections between your nerves and muscles, which improves the efficiency of movement. Additionally, your flexibility should be increased by dynamic stretching. Preparing your joints and nerves for exercise can prevent injuries and improve your performance.

This is a selection of a few exercises I do before every kite session. No matter what your discipline or level in the water, you should get your body ready for kiting action. I perform each exercise 10 times or for 30 seconds.

Olympic Games

The 2024 Olympic Games are seeing kiting, in the genre of foil racing, as part of the excitement. We hear from Andy Rice, a journalist who has been reporting on racing for the past few years, then from one of the favorites to win a medal, Lauriane Nolot, two times World Champion.

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A Closer Look

Noè Font and Xander Raith headed to Patagonia, and as well as bagging some epic kite sessions they discovered how important the practice of drinking ‘yerba mate’ is in Argentinian culture and how it is just one part of the incredible hospitality that the locals display towards visitors. Needless to say, Noè and Xander’s cups were filled…

Impromptu Plans

Brands usually have to arrange photoshoots weeks if not months ahead of time. But sometimes last-minute plans can work out just as well. Florida-based Chris Bobryk and photographer Nicole Laiben met up for a few days of impromptu photoshoots in some unusual locations south of Miami, roping in a couple of talented locals for the ride.

Saved the Day

The first event of this year’s Kite Park League tour recently took place in remote Patagonia, an ambitious location to hold a competition that involves impressive rails and features. The event very nearly had to be cancelled but organizer and competitor Ramiro Gallart wouldn’t let that happen, and called in all the favors to ensure it went ahead.

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TELL ME ABOUT IT: Naish Psycho Nvision

Take a closer look at this issue’s cover and you’ll spot the brand-new kite in Naish’s range, the Psycho Nvision, dedicated to Big Air and incorporating Aluula material. Ewan Jaspan tells us all about it.

Photos Andy Troy and Samuel Cardenas

TELL ME ABOUT IT: Flysurfer Indie

FLYSURFER have just added an all-new, one-strut kite, the INDIE to their LEI range. We got the lowdown from Brand Manager Christoph Hesina.

Photos Miriam Joanna