We have a full review of the Boxer, along with an interview with Damien Girardin about all the new gear, in the next issue of TheKiteMag. For now, whet your appetite with this:
With one of the largest ranges of kites on the market, Naish spend incredible time and attention developing kites that excel for a wide range of users with specific needs and requirements. In their mid season launch they're focusing on simplicity with the Boxer – pitched as a light touch kite ideal for freeriding and foiling, the Dash – a more accessible high performance freestyle kite, the all round Ride for those who just can't choose, and the Fly – the light wind session saver.
It's almost impossible to choose, especially now there are so many disciplines of kiteboarding and they're all so freaking fun. This handy guide might help you figure out which kite is going to work best for you.
Regardless of what you choose, you know you're going to get high quality and, now more than ever, a kite that holds its value over a good few seasons.
Check out the video below, and then take a read of what Naish have to say about each of their new additions to the range…
The New Range
BOXER: THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF VERSATILITY & INNOVATION
SIZES: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Uncover your personal riding style with the adaptable and accessible Boxer. A nod to the straightforward design of its namesake, the all-new Boxer blends efficiency and innovation for a riding experience that is both versatile and forgiving.
A single luff strut marries the best characteristics of strutless and strutted kite designs. The strut’s relaxed connection to the canopy creates a dynamic structure, which allows the canopy to freely expand and contract, while maintaining the strength of a strutted framework to handle heavier loads with ease.
An outstanding underpowered kite, the Boxer is incredibly easy to relaunch, light to the touch, responsive but gentle. Very easy to sheet in and go, this kite is quick, easy to control and generates power quickly. It’s light and lively feel at the fingertips makes it approachable and forgiving. In short, the Boxer is the proverbial “yes man”—eager to please, easy to control and supportive enough to explore your own style.
DASH: POWERFUL PERFORMANCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
SIZES: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
If the words, “fast” and “intense” are part of your everyday vocabulary, then this is the kite for you. Designed for more engaged riders, the Dash is a powerful performer for any core-kiter with the skills to unlock its strengths.
Not easily tamed, the Dash generates powerful pull with ample bar pressure and more direct feel. Incredibly fast when turning, this kite is built to move. Active kiters that like to keep their kite moving will appreciate the quick steering and dynamic feel.
For those that push the limits, for those that refuse to follow a straight line, for those that appreciate the huge payback from a little challenge, the Dash is dedicated to you.
RIDE: DISCOVER THE ADVANTAGE OF INTUITIVE EASE
SIZES: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
Effortless and accessible, the Naish Ride is a fast favorite among riders of all levels. Ideal for those looking to progress their skills quickly, the open center section of this lightweight, two-strut design delivers superior low-end performance and maintains smooth power delivery through turns. Easy water relaunch provides added convenience while a slightly flattened arc generates more lift for easy jumping and “sheet-in-and-go” feel. A consistent performer with incredible control, its versatility will have both new and experienced kiters choosing the Ride as their “go-to” kite for a wide range of styles.
FLY: NEVER GET SKUNKED BY LIGHT WINDS AGAIN
SIZE: 17
Log more days on the water with the fast-turning, lightwind Fly. Lightweight and tremendously fast for a kite of its size, the Fly delivers a smooth, yet powerful ride in light-to-marginal wind conditions. The swept-back wing tip and anti-stiction window improve water relaunch, while the two-strut design offers exceptional low-end power. Riders will find themselves in super light wind, yet the speed of the kite will make it feel like a normal, windy day. A modified leading edge diameter allows the kite to fly farther forward for improved upwind ability and easy handling.
GO-TO: THIS BOARD CAN DO IT ALL
SIZE: 5’9”
Early to plane with fast upwind ability, the Go-To is the versatile choice for both strapped and strapless riding. With a slightly wider outline than the Global, the Go-To delivers solid performance in marginal winds and features a large sweet spot—making it easier to land strapless tricks.Equipped with a tail pad and fins, this affordable wave board is a solid performer in anything from sloppy waves to sideshore, onshore and everything in between.
CHECK THIS OUT: INTRODUCING SHARK TEETH (WITH QUAD-TEX)
In 2017 Naish introduced the world to Quad-Tex, the strongest, stiffest canopy material on the market featuring 4x-reinforced ripstop. With the launch of the 2017/18 kite collection, we are stoked to keep the innovations coming with our all new Shark Teeth Trailing Edge. Made with Quad-Tex, this strategically placed triangular swath minimizes weight while buffering and dispersing canopy flutter to reduce wear on the leading edge and enhance durability. To put it in simpler terms, our kites are lighter, stronger and have an even longer lifespan.
