On The Fly
Issue 100 / Wed 9th Aug, 2023
What's new in the kitesurfing world? On The Fly is your place to catch a quick update on the latest news. This issue, find out about Harlem's game-changing new kite, take a look at travel to the Bahamas, hear about Evan Klijn's latest moves, and go sailing in Sardinia with Tanguy Nef. It's all right here in On The Fly!
EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK //
The New Harlem Kitesurfing Game Changer Lineup
Are you ready for the future of kitesurfing? Harlem is stepping up their game! The new Game Changer Lineup showcases top-of-the-line performance with a jaw-dropping CO2 footprint and stunning looks!
Focused on performance, sustainability, and customisation, these kites are designed in the Netherlands and made in the heart of Europe.
Do you want to see more?
Stay tuned for what's coming at the end of August!
THE BAHAMAS // KITE BOAT CRUISES
Ever since Rou Chater joined the crew of Kite Boat Cruises for an unforgettable luxury sailing holiday back in December, we've been daydreaming about a visit to the Bahamas with Aritz, Lauren, and their crew!
What beats cruising the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, chasing down kite spots that will take your breath away? Perhaps doing so on one of their two luxury sailing yachts while dining on fresh seafood, snorkelling vibrant coral reef, riding the latest kite and foil kit, and sharing the island-hopping adventure with your nearest and dearest! With the sailing season about to kick off again, now is the best time to book a trip to the Bahamas!
Check out our Travel Guide video for Kite Boat Cruises, which highlights the newest catamaran in their fleet, the 58-foot Windchaser 1.
TURNING HEADS // Evan Klijn X FLYSURFER
With the recent move to the FLYSURFER team, Evan Klijn is already turning heads and breaking records. Evan has claimed the WOO World Record for Airtime with a 26.0 second jump on the latest version of the Sonic closed-cell foil kite. He's also put short lines on it to perform some insane low loops! Have you ever seen anything like it?! We look forward to seeing what's next from this Dutch athlete!
EXPLORING WINDY WONDERS // TANGUY NEF
Embarking on an unforgettable journey through the captivating waters of Sardinia, Tanguy Nef takes us on a sailing and kitefoiling adventure that will immerse us in the beauty of this incredible destination. From the untamed landscapes of the Maddalena Nature Park to the exhilarating winds that propelled them, every moment of this extraordinary journey was made possible by the guidance and expertise of Tanguy Nef. Join Gin Kites and Tanguy Nef as they recount the remarkable experiences, breathtaking locations, and the unparalleled performance of Gin Kiteboarding products that made this adventure an unforgettable chapter in their lives.
Can you share your overall experience of your sailing trip in Sardinia?
Tanguy Nef: For our annual holiday, my brother and I decided to rent a sailing yacht, creating an opportunity for us and our friends to share in the joy and excitement. Navigating through the stunning northern islands of Sardinia, each stop along our journey unveiled a new realm of endless possibilities. To ensure an unforgettable experience, I packed all my essential equipment, including two GIN Instinct HB foil kites (8m & 15m), the Geek 4, a 35L board tailored for kitefoiling, pumping, and winging, and a 60L board designed for winging. With favourable wind conditions accompanying us throughout, we relished a tranquil vacation immersed in the captivating embrace of the open water.
What factors made Sardinia an ideal destination for your kitefoiling adventure?
TN: To begin with, Sardinia is an exceptional destination. The Maddalena Nature Park presents exceptionally preserved and untamed landscapes, coupled with nearly constant wind. We enjoyed a consistently strong wind exceeding 15 knots from the west, enabling fantastic sailing and, particularly, kitefoiling. Whenever the wind picked up, I would swiftly transition from my kitefoil board to my Geek 4 board and continue exhilaratingly riding the RAM kite.
How did Gin Kiteboarding products enhance your kitefoiling experience in terms of performance and manoeuvrability?
TN: The Instinct HB kites exhibit remarkable lightweight design, enabling effortless launch from any location while delivering impressive power across various wind conditions. Anchored in an offshore shelter, our sailboat encountered gustier winds during takeoff. Fortunately, these new kites effortlessly soared through the air, demonstrating their inherent desire to stay aloft. Additionally, I never encountered any difficulties when relaunching the kites, contributing to an enjoyable and hassle-free experience of flying them.
Could you describe some of the most memorable moments?
TN: After an entire day of sailing from the northernmost point of Sardinia, we made our way back to the main island, specifically Porto Pollo, just as the sun began its descent. Accompanied by a steady breeze of approximately 15 knots, I made the decision to venture out onto the water with my Instinct HB 15m kite and Geek 4. Unlike the bustling atmosphere that characterises the bay during the day, dusk bestowed upon us the real golden hour of tranquillity. Gliding over the serene, glass-like waters with my kite fully charged, I relished in the blissful serenity. Upon returning to the boat, the temperature was idyllic, prompting us all to raise a glass of Aperol Spritz, toasting the cherished moments we shared.
Did you explore any specific kiteboarding spots in Sardinia? If yes, which ones stood out to you and why?
TN: We were mostly off the radar with the ability that the sailboat offers, but we visited two known spots: Porto Pollo and Spiaggia le Saline near Olbia. Both were world-class, with warm waters, kite schools, and enough space for everyone to enjoy. La Saline even has a small lagoon with flat water.
Were there any particular features of Gin Kiteboarding products that impressed you during your trip?
TN: People usually get scared with ram air kites and relaunching. I must say, those kites are impressive and super lightweight - definitely an ideal companion for such an adventure!
What advice would you give to other kiteboarders who are considering Sardinia as their next kitefoiling destination, and which Gin Kiteboarding products should they choose for their adventure?
TN: If you can rent a boat, it will make for a unique experience, and I advise you to take your foil along so you are sure to spend as much time on the water as possible. And obviously, the all-you-can-do GIN Instinct HB kite is the perfect companion!
JUST WING IT
Have you given wingfoiling a go yet? At IKSURFMAG, we're always up for a challenge, and have all given the wing thing a shot! While we're not all beautiful butterflies yet, it's clear; Wingfoiling is here to stay.
We are so impressed by the amount of familiar faces we see when browsing through Tonic Mag; it takes a true waterman or waterwoman to excel in both kiting and wingfoiling. The amount of development and progression that has been achieved in just a few short years blows us away. In addition to the radical freestyle moves, wingers are reaching new heights with massive boosts that seem impossible. If you need to see it to believe it, check out this epic action video, and head over to Tonic Mag to see what's new in the world of winging...
MAUI MISSIONS // Lukas Hanson
Talented young rider Lukas Hanson is making his way up in the world of kiteboarding! But there's always time to take a break from training to go on an adventure. He fills us in on his trip to Maui…
Lukas Hanson: "Warm rain and swift winds hit my skin as we arrived at the spot. I admired the luscious backdrop of green mountains that shot up into the sky. Various wild animals played in the tropical surroundings of palm trees and sandy beaches; I felt sure this was somewhere special. A threatening raincloud passed overhead as I carried my 9m to the beach to prepare for a stormy session. Suddenly, before I could get my kite pumped, crystal clear skies appeared, and the rain had stopped. The sun had emerged, and the dark clouds had simply moved on. As I set up my gear, I noticed families emerging from their houses to enjoy the beautiful weather, smiles spread across their faces. The wind had turned back on, too; it was time for an epic session in paradise."
Videos
By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.
