Tried and Tested
Articles | Issue 113
Editorial
What began as a simple idea has grown into a full-time source of news, videos, podcasts, and inspiring content created by a team of passionate kiters. The sport has evolved, and so has the media landscape. Rou opens up about the challenges, the changes, and a new way for our community to support the future of independent kite media.View on
Competition
This issue, we have teamed up with Xenon to offer you the chance to win one of their new big air and freeride boards, the Elixir!View on
In Memory of Graham Howes - 1987-2025
The kite community has lost one of its brightest lights. Graham was more than a rider; he was a force of nature whose energy, laughter, and fearless spirit brought people together from every corner of the world. His legacy runs deep through Dirty Habits, the crew he built, and the countless lives he inspired. Here, we share a few words from those who knew and loved him, remembering the man who made every session, every party, and every moment unforgettable.View on
Chasing Summits
Not many riders know the art of snowkiting in the mountains like Johann Civel. For more than two decades, he and the Ride Up crew have chased wind and snow across peaks from the Lautaret Pass to Alaska and beyond. We caught up with Johann to hear how it all began, what drives his passion for kiting up and skiing down, and the lessons he’s learned in the high mountains.View on
Hood River: Was It Worth the Hype?
Hood River has long been whispered about as the ultimate US playground for wind sports, and so Hannah Whiteley finally packed her bags to find out if the hype was real. Two weeks, countless sessions, and a few blueberry scones later, she can confirm that Hood River more than lives up to its legend!
Inside Duotone 2026, Innovations, Insights And Marketing In The Modern Age with Philipp Becker
Behind the Duotone brand is Philipp Becker, the brand’s Marketing and Communications Manager, who’s been part of the ride for 15 years. As the new gear hits stores, we caught up with him to chat about Young Blood, D/LAB, and how Duotone keeps pushing the sport forward.
Aaron Hadlow: Two and a Half Decades at the Top
Few names in kiteboarding command the same respect as Aaron Hadlow. A five-time World Champion, two-time King of the Air winner, and one of the sport’s defining figures, Aaron has been part of kiteboarding’s story since the very beginning. Over the years, Rou Chater and he have crossed paths at beaches, competitions, and photoshoots all over the world, and his passion for the sport has never faded. In this feature, we rewind to where it all began: from those early Cornish days to the world stage, tracing the evolution of a rider who helped shape modern kiteboarding.
Through Andy Troy’s Lens
From chasing storms to chasing sheep across Irish beaches for the perfect kiteloop shot, Andy Troy has become one of the most recognisable photographers in the kitesurfing world. Jen Tyler finally catches up with him to talk ocean roots, road trips, and the stories behind some of his most iconic shots!
Tech Focus: Power in Your Hands: Eleveight CS AUTO Bar V2 and the CS Vary Bar
In this Tech Focus: Power in Your Hands, we speak with Robert Bratz about the evolution of Eleveight’s CS AUTO Bar V2 and CS Vary Bar Plus, exploring how these refined systems deliver smoother handling, cleaner lines, and the confidence to push your limits. Find out more here!
Storm Ready: Giel Vlugt on the XR PRO 2
Tarifa’s Balneario was once off-limits; now it’s the go-to big air arena. On any windy afternoon, you’ll find Giel Vlugt parked in his van, watching flags whip and waiting for the call. We caught up with him as the new XR PRO 2 hits the water to talk progression, pressure, and why this kite raises the bar while keeping that unmistakable CORE feel!
Woo Worlds 2025
WOO’s fifth annual kite and wing throwdown brought riders together worldwide from September 13 to October 12, turning everyday sessions into a month-long battle for glory! With over one hundred thousand dollars in prizes and leaderboards changing with every storm, WOO Worlds once again proved the power of a small blue sensor to unite a global community of riders.
Technique
In this issue, Christian and Karine are keeping the stoke high with another round of CKPerformance Technique, and it’s all about toeside mastery. They’re breaking down two essential moves that every rider should have in their toolkit: the toeside waterstart and the jump transition with a toeside landing. Whether you’re looking for smoother transitions, new ways to keep your sessions flowing, or just want to spend more time riding and less time swapping feet, this one’s for you.
Tried and Tested
For Issue 113 of IKSURFMAG, the team put the latest ION Amaze CORE 4/3 Front Zip womens wetsuit and the men's Seek CORE 4/3 Front Zip, Ozone’s latest Edge VT and Ozone Edge VT Ultra X, The Line Smith SK99 premium lines and Duotone’s Blur DLAB to the test during the UK spring sessions. Curious to know how they performed out on the water - click here!
Lightroom
More shots with no particular place to go this issue - Feast your eyes!
Movie Night
Kai Lenny tops the list with 7 Sports in 1 Day at Jaws, showing off a mix from tow-in surfing to wing foiling. At #2, [UN]ORDINARY celebrates 56-year-old Eugenio Pavone’s passion for freestyle kitesurfing. For tips, Alex Buss shows how to fix crossed or inverted lines, and Alexander Lewis-Hughes explains his kitefoil bar tuning for the ultimate 2025 setup.