Naish Pivot

It’s that exciting time of year when most brands unveil their new models and updates, and Naish is no exception. We’ve just got our hands on the latest Naish Pivot, the brand’s flagship model that’s been a staple in the lineup for over a decade, securing multiple King of the Air titles and numerous other event wins over the years.

For those new to the sport or unfamiliar with Naish’s offerings, the Pivot is their do-it-all kite, featuring three struts and a medium aspect ratio. It’s constructed with standard Dacron on the leading edge and struts, while the canopy is made from Naish’s QuadTex 4×4 yarn fabric, known for its exceptional tension and longevity. There aren’t major changes in construction from last year’s model, but a few updates are worth mentioning. Notably, the way the panels are stitched together, including the profile lock seam along the canopy and also the load seams. This year, an extra seam has been added, enhancing steering response and distributing the load more effectively. Additionally, the new thinner bridles improve aerodynamics and make water relaunches easier by reducing drag. One of the standout features of the Pivot, and Naish kites in general, is that they haven’t followed the industry trend of shaving off weight by sacrificing reinforcements. Instead, they’ve maintained a balance, keeping the weight manageable while ensuring the kite remains durable and reliable over time. This careful construction means that even after years of use, the kite will still perform as well as its first season.

For our first session, we wanted to test the kite’s low-end capabilities. We used a 9m Pivot while others were on 12m kites. The first thing we noticed was its impressive power; the kite has excellent low-end performance and moves quickly even in light wind conditions. We managed to pull off high jumps with good hangtime, and its water relaunch was outstanding.

In our next session, we took the Pivot out in Tarifa’s famous Levante winds, known for its strength and for its mega gusts. The kite performed brilliantly, maintaining its shape even in the wildest gusts. It transformed into a Big Air machine, with outstanding lift, great hangtime and incredibly easy and controlled loops. If we had to highlight one thing about its performance in strong winds, it would be the kite’s predictability as you can push it to its limits with confidence. As the wind picked up and we became fully overpowered, we decided to test the new adjustable front bridles. Switching to the high-wind setting considerably reduced bar pressure, which normally is medium-high, allowing us to ride comfortably even when fully overpowered. The trade-off? The kite becomes slightly less focused and sharp on Big Air, but better suited for freeride sessions.

For those who enjoy foiling in marginal conditions, we tested the 9m Pivot in about eight knots of wind and had a blast. Water starts were easy thanks to its power and we had fun jumping as well. The kite’s good drift allowed for smooth transitions and downwind riding, making it a solid choice for riders who like to mix in some foiling.

So, how does the Pivot stack up across different disciplines? For freeride, it ticks all the boxes: powerful, quick, predictable with effortless jumps and super easy water relaunch. Its versatility also makes it ideal for beginners, whether as a first kite or for progressing in any discipline. In Big Air, while it’s not a dedicated Big Air kite, it will still deliver epic sessions, especially in its upper wind range, and offers plenty of room for progression with its excellent hangtime and easy kiteloops. If you enjoy strapless wave riding, the Pivot is a great option for occasional wave sessions. While not a pure wave kite, it offers plenty of fun when the waves are good, thanks to its tight turning and reliable drift. And for foiling? With its quick turning, lightweight build and good drift, the Pivot is a fantastic choice for those occasional foil sessions.

So, who is this kite for? Essentially, riders of all levels will find something to love about the Pivot. But the rider who will truly appreciate the Pivot 2025 is the one who loves to make the most of every session, regardless of the conditions. Whether it’s just cruising around, foiling, wave riding or chasing Big Air on a very windy day, this kite is sure to deliver smiles during and after every session.