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From Away.com

Kiteboarding: The Gear

By Ted Stedman


Overview & Players | The Gear You Need | Top Kiteboarding Destinations

Slingshot Diesel
Slingshot Kites ($790-$1,200 for complete package):
Kiteboarding is a rarified world all right, a jumbo combo of the best of the board sports: the power of surfing, the edge control of wakeboarding, the lift of carving a halfpipe, and the drive of alpine skiing. First up, get schooled. Then, after the obligatory lessons and time spent with a trainer kite, you can move up to your own package rig (yes, save yourself the hassle by getting a package) like the Slingshot Diesel Package.

The Diesel is the all-in-one pre-inflatable kite for cruising kiteboarders who've just earned their chops...user-friendly but with enough performance to advance to more techie freestyle riding. Deployment is simplified with an integrated single-valve inflation system that lets you inflate the entire kite in one step, with one valve apportioned to each strut. The kite—in seven sizes—features Slingshot's new Autopilot Flight Control System that delivers forgiveness in the gusts, provides superb stability, and (maybe best of all) gives crash-and-burners simple re-launch ability in the water. For the more hands-on rider, the Autopilot feature can also be disengaged to change the flight characteristics of the kite. The package deal includes all the necessary rigging, such as the Diesel Control Bar, along with lines, chicken loop, a wrist release system, and a pump and patch repair kit. Contact 509-493-3979, www.sskiteboarding.com.
Slingshot Boards ($589):
Slingshot LFT
Slingshot's LFT (Little Fat Twin) is an ultra-light kiteboard that hits all the levels, from beginner through pro. It allows any avid kiteboarder to launch on a barely breezy wind day, and beginners will find the LFT stable, easy to mount, and good-mannered with speed. In addition, the board comes complete with deck grip, a Doyle fin set up for better upwind ability, and grab handle. And like a good snowboard, the LFT has a twin-tip rocker that allows the board to cut through junk and chop with ease. Contact 509-493-3979, www.sskiteboarding.com.

DaKine Storm Harness ($89):
Kiteboarding takes the cue from windsurfing where a rider's harness is concerned; the harness takes the pull of the kite through your body rather than through your arms—which would leave
Dakine Storm
you like limp spaghetti in no time. You could spend more on a harness, but with the DaKine Storm harness there's really no need. This is the perfect entry-level seat harness with all the bells and whistles you'd need starting out, including an aluminum kite knife (should you need to do a little untangling). The Storm harness offers minimal restrictions on your lower body but still has plenty of support for your lower back. It's got an adjustable hook height, stainless-steel leash attachment rings, and heavy-duty leg cinch straps—the key features that make the Storm a sweet deal. Contact 800-827-7466, www.dakine.com.


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Overview & Players | The Gear You Need | Top Kiteboarding Destinations