In Focus: Naish Kiteboarding 2018 Product Overview
Features / Wed 17th Jan, 2018 @ 1:30 pm
This is Your Moment
“Measured in seconds shooting through an epic barrel; in minutes shaved off your fastest downwinder; or in the hours taken to finally pull off that next big trick—no matter how diverse, how thrilling, or how fleeting, each significant experience comes down to one unforgettable moment. It’s those moments, coupled with the lasting feeling that lingers long after the moments have passed, that we all live for.
Whatever the purpose, whatever the condition, we’re compelled to make memories on the water.” – The wise words of Robby Naish
Since 1979, Naish has been crafting the tools for you to heighten each and every one of those cherished moments. Fine-tuning every curve, edge, and seam along the way, each product is thoughtfully constructed, not only to excel in the moment but to stand the test of time.
Driven by a passion for the sport and a thirst to innovate, Naish fuses the talent of top engineers and athletes with cutting-edge technologies and premium materials. The result is a wide range of SUP, windsurfing, kiting and surfing products developed to suit the individual needs of anyone from the seasoned professional, to the weekend warrior, to someone just getting their toes wet for the first time.
Whatever the reason, whatever the impulse, wherever the water takes you . . .
This is your moment, make it extraordinary.
Check out Naish Kiteboarding 2018 Product Overview
Pivot
Freeride/Wave
Predictable power development, direct bar feel, intuitive steering and plenty of “sheet-in-and-go” are just a few characteristics that make the Pivot one of the most sought-after kites on the market. Adapting to a wide variety of wind and wave conditions, this kite features a medium aspect ratio for substantial low-end power, easy jumping, and great upwind performance. Dynamic and responsive, it pivots quickly and easily on a small axis of rotation—with minimal power increase through turns—for super-smooth carving through waves and enhanced control going into and out of kite loops.
The Pivot continues its subtle evolution with an adapted profile, making it more balanced, reliable and predictable. Incorporating the Shark Teeth feature on the trailing edge gives the Pivot an even more aerodynamic profile. This makes the Pivot lighter while keeping it forgiving, with outstanding low-end power and direct bar feel. Easy-handling, well-rounded and incredibly versatile, it’s clear to see how the Pivot has become the all-around choice.
Features
- New Shark Teeth Trailing Edge = Buffers and disperses flutter + reduces wear + enhances durability
- Quad-Tex = Strongest kite canopy material on the market featuring 4x-reinforced ripstop
- “Sheet-in-and-go” feel + easy jumping
- ABS Bridle = Consistent forward drive + maximum depower + no back-stalling
- Quick water relaunch
- Natural drifting effect
- Constant leading edge taper
- High-flow valve
Win a Riot Curv Harness from ION this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
For more information about the Pivot 2018, please click here
Slash
Pure Wave/Strapless
Known for its outstanding drift and consistent pull, the next generation of the Slash features subtle modifications for improved all-around performance. Constructed with Quad-Tex, the strongest kite canopy material available on the market featuring 4x-reinforced ripstop, this kite is built to last. A smaller leading edge and tapered wing tip deliver faster turning helpful feature for quick reactions in waves. The Shark Teeth Trailing edge enhances durability, lightens and balances the kite overall and further supports faster turns by providing better torque transfer from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The addition of 11 m and 12 m sizes mean you can now ride in lighter winds and start perfecting those strapless airs.
Features
- New Shark Teeth Trailing Edge = Buffers and disperses flutter + reduces wear + enhances durability
- Quad-Tex = Strongest kite canopy material on the market featuring 4x-reinforced ripstop
- Ultra-reinforced wingtip construction
- Precision turns on a small axis with minimal power increase in the turn
- ABS Bridle = Consistent forward drive + maximum depower + no back-stalling
- Quick water relaunch
- Unmatched drifting ability
- Constant leading edge taper
- High-flow valve
Win a Riot Curv Harness from ION this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
For more information about the Slash 2018, please click
Torch with ESP
Pro Performance Freestyle
Developed in collaboration with the world’s best kiteboarders in the most demanding conditions, the Torch has built a reputation for its exceptional freestyle/wakestyle ability. Perhaps the ultimate, fastest-flying C-kite around, the Torch delivers precision response for hooked and unhooked riding.
Its ESP setting allows riders to adjust the depower for more forgiving control while maintaining performance. Quad-Tex, the strongest kite canopy material on the market, and the addition of the Shark Teeth Trailing edge evenly spreads the tension throughout the canopy for a stiffer, smoother feel throughout. Shark Teeth also creates a lighter kite overall, while protecting the trailing edge against wind damage and boosting longevity. Engineered for solid control and handling in strong winds, the Torch with ESP is the pinnacle of freestyle performance.
Features
- New Shark Teeth Trailing Edge = Buffers and disperses flutter + reduces wear + enhances durability
- Quad-Tex = Strongest kite canopy material on the market featuring 4x-reinforced ripstop
- ESP = Adjustable power
- Direct bar feel
- Solid power through turns
- Superior unhooked control
- High-flow valve
- Reduced leading edge taper
Win a Riot Curv Harness from ION this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
For more information about the Slash 2018, please click
Naish Kiteboarding 2018 Twintip Boards Product Overview
Motion
Performance Freeride
The Motion is for riders looking for unrivaled versatility in one “do-it-all” design. This board offers everything from freeride and freestyle performance to twin tip wave riding functionality.
Its surface area, full rocker, new beveled razor channel rails and responsive flex provide balanced power, superior edging, soft landings and a smooth ride in chop. The added fin beam in the tip section adds rigidity to the fin mounting area, thus increasing the edging ability of the board. Its solid pop and directional stability help riders of all abilities take their riding to the next level.
https://vimeo.com/229079347
For more information about the Motion 2018, please click here
Drive
Performance Freeride
The Drive is designed for intermediate-to-advanced riders who demand an extremely lightweight and responsive board for speed and upwind performance. Lighter than most boards in the Naish line, its carbon glass fusion heightens durability while providing a crisp, responsive ride. The Drive’s rails gradually taper, providing lightweight tips and defined edges for outstanding grip and optimum flex.
When paired with Beveled Tunnel Edges, riders will experience unmatched edging, aggressive pop, and dynamic ride through both chop and flat water conditions.
https://vimeo.com/229079712
For more information about the Drive 2018, please click here
Hero
All-around Freeride
Delivering reliable, all-around performance, the Hero is designed to take riders to the next level and is the ideal user-friendly freeride board.
The outline, rocker, and flex have all been engineered to provide a forgiving ride and on-demand control. Its outline blends moderately parallel rails with a progressive curve at the tips for easier edging control.
https://vimeo.com/229077123
For more information about the Hero 2018, please click here
Monarch
Pro Performance Freestyle
The Monarch is designed for riders looking for a state-of-the-art design with no-compromise freestyle performance. It delivers very direct power for up-wind drive and explosive freestyle pop on-demand.
The Monarch features defined edges for outstanding grip, powerful engineered flex and directional stability with deep channels in the tips and the rails. A lightweight basalt fiber construction delivers an incredible strength-to-weight ratio and uniquely responsive flex. The radiated Carbon V construction provides outstanding reflex for increased pop when loading for huge jumps/maneuvers while keeping the center section free of Carbon fiber, which makes the board very comfortable to ride in all conditions.
Its 3D bottom shape, composed of beveled channel rails and steep quad tips, provides increased tracking and phenomenal edging. The further reduced concave in the center section also improves water entry and optimizes flex in between the rider’s feet.
https://vimeo.com/229077537
For more information about the Monarch 2018, please click here
Stomp
Performance Freestyle/Wakestyle
The Stomp offers riders the best of all worlds: superior freestyle and free-ride performance with the advantages of a wakestyle-inspired design. Ideal for aggressive wakestyle riders using foot straps or boots, this board delivers insane drive, edging and pop.
The Medium-to-high rocker provides upwind performance and increased speed while maintaining a smooth ride—even in large chop. Its tapered rails reduce weight in the tips, defining the edges for increased grip and solid directional stability.
The newly developed 3D bottom shaping utilizes center razor channels for increased edging performance and trapezoidal skidplates with a large vertical area for unmatched grip when loading for a huge maneuver.
https://vimeo.com/229078372
For more information about the Stomp 2018, please click here
Alana
Women’s Freeride/Freestyle
The Alana is designed for women who want all-around freeride, freestyle and TT wave riding versatility within a single board. Its outline, flex, and dimensions have all been fine-tuned to respond to lighter degrees of rider input and lower loads.
A medium rocker profile provides a forgiving ride and lively feel, while its supreme wood core delivers a soft, natural flex with a high strength-to-weight ratio. This, combined with its 3D bottom shaping, provides superior grip, forgiving landings and directional stability in a wide range of conditions.
https://vimeo.com/229075507
For more information about the Alana 2018, please click here
Orbit
Lightwind Freeride
The Orbit is designed with a large surface area and low rocker for early planning and freeride fun in light wind conditions.
Its surface area, flat rocker, double concave bottom shaping and responsive flex provide easy planning, a smooth ride, superior edging and soft landings. Its outline is designed to provide a playful and forgiving ride—even when small chop starts to develop. It also features an angled heel-side center fin for strong upwind performance while still maintaining a playful ride.
For more information about the Orbit 2018, please click here
Naish Kiteboarding 2018 Directional Boards Product Overview
Global
Performance Wave
The Globals are designed for riders looking for total confidence and unmatched all-around performance for both strapped or strapless wave riding.
Responsive yet forgiving due to, their thinned-out rails, flowing outline, unique bat-tail, and progressive rocker—the Globals are equally at home ridden slow and snappy, or fast and powerful. Driving off the bottom and snapping or carving off the lip, while still holding speed down the line, has never been easier. The relatively narrow release in the tail yields great power, grip, and stability while its thruster design delivers the right combination of speed, control and drive—regardless of wave size and wind conditions. Whether in flat water, big waves or small, the Global will have even the most novice rider ripping like a pro, session after session!
https://vimeo.com/229199882
For more information about the Global 2018, please click here
Skater
Versatile Wave/Freeride
A great fit for beginner up through advanced kiters, the modern shape of the Skater takes directional strapped or strapless riding to new levels in any condition.
The outline and length of the Skater is finely tuned to deliver optimal control and balance, helping riders execute aerial tricks and hit critical sections with ease and confidence. An angled channel flow, rocker and single concave combine to improve grip and maneuverability for a tighter turning radius. Thinner rails help twin tip riders transition to directional riding faster, while the compact shape makes for tighter, faster, snappier turns.
https://vimeo.com/229199603
For more information about the Skater 2018, please click here
Go-To
Versatile Wave
Early to plan 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 side-shore perfection.
https://vimeo.com/229198489
For more information about the Go-To 2018, please click here
Mutant
Lightwind
Whether strapped or strapless, the Mutant is the solid, easy-to-ride choice for light wind and underpowered conditions.
Incredibly stable, with its wide shape and low rocker line, this board planes early for unparalleled light wind performance.
Thinned-out rails and low rocker contribute to fast upwind speed and controlled driving off the front foot reinforces its nimble feel. Channels in the tail improve water flow over the fins, enhancing grip and control, making the Mutant very easy to maneuver.
https://vimeo.com/229196317
For more information about the Mutant 2018, please click here
Naish Kiteboarding 2018 Foil Boards Product Overview
Thrust Surf Foil
All-around Freeride Foil
Designed in collaboration with Kai Lenny, the Thrust Surf Hydrofoil develops lift at low speed and launches with minimal effort—a huge advantage for those getting started in kite-foiling. The combination of early take-off and excellent maneuverability makes it great for wave riding, cruising, and racing. The extra long fuselage creates a large sweet spot and provides stability, while the downturned stabilizer (rear foil) makes wave riding and turning intuitive and easy.
The small (55 cm) extruded alloy mast can be retrofitted to any style box system. Whether surfing, kiting or down winders, the Thrust Surf Foil will keep you stoked session after session!
For more information about the Thrust Surf Foil, please click here
Thrust KS 1 Foil
All-around Freeride Foil
Developed by the Naish team, the Thrust KS 1 Foil is fast and stable, inspiring confidence yet delivering plenty of straight line mojo. The kite-specific flat main wing planes up quickly for smooth take-offs, and situates itself naturally in the water for a balanced ride – it tracks beautifully thanks to a rudder integrated into the stabilizer (rear wing), and moves upwind and downwind with ease.
The long fuselage adds more stability, and Naish’s unique stabilizer adjustment system allows the entire set up to be optimally tuned for individual riders.
The long (90 cm) extruded alloy mast can be retrofitted to any style box system. This deceptively clean design has dominated our side-by-side testing, and the Naish team of riders is growing every day as more people try our foil.
For more information about the Thrust Surf Foil, please click here
Hover 130
Intermediate-to-Expert Foiling
The Hover 130 foil board is the perfect way to take your foiling to the next level. A flat midsection with rounded edges delivers early and forgiving planning to assist with launching. The nose section—transferring into a V-bottom and pulled-up nose—reduces the potential to pearl when touching down.
https://vimeo.com/229355339
For more information about the Hover 130, please click here
Hover 155
Beginner-to-Intermediate Foiling
Versatility is deeply embedded in the DNA of the Hover 155. Offering an endless amount of fun, this board can be ridden with or without a foil for kite-foiling, skimboarding, wake-foiling or even wake-surfing! Thanks to its wide outline, the Hover 155 has a large sweet spot for incredible stability.
Gifted with just the right amount of nose rocker, this board limits the potential to nosedive by bouncing off the water with ease—a characteristic especially helpful for beginning foilers just getting the feel for positioning. Four aluminum tracks make for easy adjustments while providing a precise and secure connection to the foil and rounded edges make for a more forgiving ride.
Whether you are riding behind a kite, boat, with a foil or without, the Hover 155 is sure to keep you stoked!
https://vimeo.com/229354955
For more information about the Hover 155, please click here
Hover 160
Beginner-to-Intermediate Foiling
Whether just getting started or looking to take your foiling to the next level, the Hover 160 foilboard is a fantastic and forgiving choice for gliding above the water.
Featuring a PU foam core, fiberglass, and top sheet construction, the Hover 160 is incredibly durable. Its flat rocker line, rounded edges and generous buoyancy translate to early and forgiving planing. Nice and wide, with plenty of volume, the Hover 160 offers a hefty sweet spot and great stability. Drastically limiting the potential to nosedive, the Hover 160 is the “ace up your sleeve”. Master the art of foiling with the durable and easy-to-use Hover 160.
https://vimeo.com/229200210
For more information about the Hover 160, please click here
Hover 112
Expert Foiling
Highly compact with minimal volume, the Hover 112 takes full advantage of the minimalist design. Intended for experienced-to-expert foilers, this petite board delivers superior control in tight turns for a dynamic and responsive riding experience.
When riding strapless, another key advantage of its size is the ability to sink thIt’soard and position it on its edge for easier take-offs. It’s precise, CNC cut, closed cell core is wrapped in lightweight, high-tensile fiberglass, which heightens durability without weighing it down.
The dual track system allows riders to instantly adjust where the foil sits on the board, for a more customized riding experience. Experience the zen of being “one with your foil” with the Hover 112 foilboard.
https://vimeo.com/229355880
For more information about the Hover 112, please click here
Hover 138
Race Foiling
Conceived to push the boundaries of speed, the Hover 138 foilboard challenges the limits of race foiling with its sleek and narrow shape. It’s precise, CNC cut, closed cell core is wrapped in lightweight, high tensile fiberglass, providing excellent strength with minimal weight.
Its flat, straight rocker and beveled rails deliver excellent stability — especially helpful when edging hard upwind and making micro adjustments under pressure. For a more customized ride, two, ten-inch US boxes create a dual track system allowing riders to easily fine-tune where the foil sits on the board.
https://vimeo.com/229355766
For more information about the Hover 138, please click here
To view more Naish Kiteboarding products, please click here
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.
