Naish Kiteboarding Ride 10m 2013
Reviews / Kites
98,602
At A Glance
The Ride is a totally new kite, and a new concept from Naish, aimed at the rider looking for a simple kite that can just be “sheeted in” in order to deliver power. The concept is aimed at making the position of the kite in the window less important. Having deliverable power on demand means you can worry less about your kite flying skills and concentrate on learning new tricks. To deliver this Naish went for a two strut kite, the first of its kind from a major manufacturer in modern times. This two strut design allows for a flatter arc and gives the kite more power, so when you pull on the bar you can get up and riding easily. It also incorporates more rounded wingtips to allow for easy relaunch. As usual the Octopus Inflation System is present, and with just two struts the kite is pumped up in a matter of seconds rather than minutes! The kite also features the “Anti Stiction Window” which is a mesh panel that allows water to flow through the wingtip during relaunch. The kite features a simple bridle, which incorporates a high quality Ronstan pulley with bearings to spread the load for the front lines; the rear lines are a direct connection to the kite.
The Bar
The Ride Control System from Naish has been designed specifically for the Ride kite and it is designed around the 4 line bridled kite. It features 24m fixed lines, a through-the-bar safety flagging line so you don’t get tangled and can easily ditch all the power from the kite if necessary. Plus the Naish Smart Loop with its proven release system and below the bar depower cleat. There is also a sliding stopper and bar-end floats, the grip is soft EVA and very comfortable on the hands.
In The Air
The lightweight canopy and frame of the Ride means it will get flying very early, coupled with the flatter profile and the large power area in the centre of the kite it has a very good low end range to it. This is great as you can use a smaller kite than you would perhaps normally, which adds an element of safety. Remember this kite is aimed at the sort of rider who wants something simple that works, is easy to fly and safe. Having that low end power makes the Ride a good choice for riders looking to improve their skills in a comfortable environment. Turning speed is good, but more predictable than rapid which again makes it easy for riders to control and ensure they keep the kite where they want it to be. The real revelation is the “sheet and go” functionality, just pull the bar in and the kite powers up, sheet out and the power goes. Power delivery throughout the window is consistent and upwind performance is excellent. The Ride is a very easy kite to fly, dependable and predictable it will allow you to improve your riding at an alarming rate.
Overall
A new concept that delivers on its promises of offering “sheet in and go” kiteboarding that you don’t have to worry about. Excellent build quality and a very well made bar system complete the package nicely.
Videos
This review was in Issue 34 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Naish KiteboardingRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
