Gary Siskar: The Quiet Architect Who Helped Shape Modern Kiteboarding
Articles | Issue 114
Editorial
Rou reflects on 26 years of chasing wind and waves, and on a winter session in Pembrokeshire that reminded him exactly why he fell in love with kiteboarding in the first place. It is a story about risk, reward, and those rare moments when everything lines up: wind direction, swell, sunshine, and a little touch of magic.View on
Competition
We’ve teamed up with Ride Engine to bring you a fantastic prize this issue. All you have to do is subscribe to be in with a chance of winning! The Air Box Mini is the biggest thing to happen in pumping your kite since we got rid of the hand pumps in 2001! Get on the water faster, let the pump do the work while you do your lines, it’s also great for travelling, being considerably smaller than a traditional pump!View on
Beyond Big Air
Kiteboarding has never been just one thing. Yet right now, it feels like we are in danger of forgetting that. In chasing progression, numbers and extremes, the sport has narrowed its focus, even though its greatest strength has always been versatility. This is a reminder of where kiteboarding came from, where it has been, and why its future depends on embracing everything it allows us to do on the water.View on
Lewis Crathern’s New Chapter With Harlem
Kiteboarding has seen many characters, but few have shaped the sport through as many roles as Lewis Crathern. From body dragging at Whitstable without a board to becoming a national champion, from soaring over Brighton Pier to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in global events, his journey has always been defined by passion and purpose. Now, with a fresh chapter at Harlem Kitesurfing, Lewis brings new energy to his riding, a deeper commitment to young people and a renewed focus on wind-powered education.View on
Anywhere Anytime: The Rise of Finn Flügel
From winning the Youth Big Air World Championship to taking on the world’s best in Brazil and Tarifa, at just 17, Finn Flügel is proving himself as one of the sport’s most versatile young riders. Jen Tyler caught up with Finn to talk progression, competition, and carrying both German and Egyptian roots onto the world stage.View on
Gary Siskar: The Quiet Architect Who Helped Shape Modern Kiteboarding
Some people shape a sport from the spotlight; others do it quietly, through ideas, innovation and a deep love for the wind. Gary Siskar is the latter. In this episode, we trace his journey from SoCal surf grom to Ride Engine brand leader and explore how his work helped push kiteboarding into the future.View on
Steven Akkersdijk Full Circle
Steven Akkersdijk has spent more than a decade riding at the sharp end of big air, pushing limits in Cape Town and standing on the podium at the world’s most extreme events. These days his focus has shifted from chasing results to shaping riders, blending experience, style and precision through coaching and camps around the world. We caught up with Steven to talk progression, fear, modern kiteboarding and why slowing down might be the fastest way to ride better.View on
GKA X WOO Big Air Challenge
The second edition of the GKA Kite World Tour Big Air Challenge in collaboration with WOO Sports delivered huge airtime and a stack of personal bests along the windy beaches of South Africa’s Western Cape from January 17 to 24, 2026. The event set a series of new records and highlighted the explosive growth of team-based big air competition in our sport.View on
ROODE Boards: Performance With Purpose
Roode is not trying to reinvent kiteboarding, it is refining it. With a focus on performance, durability and clean design, the brand is positioning itself as a serious contender for riders who care about feel as much as function. The statement became even louder with big air powerhouse Jamie Overbeek signing with the brand, a move that signals serious intent and puts Roode firmly in the high-performance spotlight.View on
Technique
We’re keeping it low this issue with a couple of moves which require absolutely no sending. First off, the rather fun and delicate Blind Downloop Transition to Toeside. Don’t let the rather substantial name put you off. If you’re the proud owner of a decent blind, can slide a turn and downloop, then this could be low-hanging fruit in your kiting orchard. Secondly, a trip down memory lane with a move that every self-respecting kiter should have in their bag of tricks, the Popped Nose Grab, hooked in. It’s a feel-good move ,which requires a solid pop and has the potential for your most stylish holiday snap.View on
Tried and Tested
In this issue, we take a closer look at the Ride Engine Air Box Mini Electric Pump, the ION Seek Select 5.5/4.5 Hood Front Zip 2026 and the Mystic Legacy Helmet. From smart inflation tech to premium cold water protection and low profile impact safety, this is a cross-section of gear designed to make your sessions easier, warmer and safer. Here is what stood out and what you need to know before investing.View on
Movie Night
Grab the popcorn! It’s the 4 most popular videos from the website over the last two months, blending insight, progression and pure riding heritage. From Lewis Crathern’s honest reflections on change and sustainability, to technical breakdowns that will sharpen your looping game, plus in-depth gear insights and a dose of freestyle nostalgia from Aaron Hadlow in Taiba, this issue covers every angle of modern kiteboarding. Press play and dive in.View on
