Edson showing his style.

A hot January summers day with a very light nor east sea breeze and a few good sets of dumping swell was not going to stop Edson from having a kite surf. It was pretty spectacular stuff watching him work his kite furiously while coming back into the beach with a big Wainui dumper chasing his ass, like a true pro Edson even pop a few jumps!

Latest "must have" kitesurfing accessory.

This season, like all those before it brings the latest offerings from kite boarding manufacturers. From new kites, bars, boards, lines, vests, harnesses, wetsuits etc but we at Katapolt work day and night to bring you news on only the most cutting edge and coolest of the cool products.

Our pick of the bunch is a new kite boarding vest. This is the latest on-the-water fashion statement, normally reserved for billionaires who own their own tropical island but we have limited stock available now. We suggest you only purchase the "super model" size as opposed to the chubby girlfriend size as we have concerns about stability, flotation and jump performance. Some critics have suggested that the super model vest is all about fluff but nothing that a good bit of board wax won't rip off. Some have said that the vest is too thin and won't keep you hot, while others have said they are as bony as hell and uncomfortable. I say once you have tried it you will never go back, so call us on 0800 katapolt to order now!

Katapolt staff comment: Andy will you return the demo model vest please.....

Long Winter

Well it's turning out to be a long cold winter with hardly any wind.. at the half way point. But looking on the upside the days are getting longer and the northerlies shouldn't be too far away. With all this R & R we'll all be ready to charge hard for summer.

We have a winter discount running on all the girls and guys bags in stock at the mo - 25% off - just email me your wishlist.
andy@katapoltkiteboarding.com

DVNT Kiteboarding boards are #1

I took delivery of my new 2008 DVNT kiteboard with the "plug-in" graphics, a couple of weeks ago and I am totally thrilled with my new board.

I started kitesurfing with an expensive international brand name kiteboard and struggled in progresing as a learner to a half decent rider. Andy from Katapolt Kitesurfing loaned me his older 128 X 36.5 (board on the right) DVNT board and in just a few sessions I was able to carve up wind and generally spend more time on the board than in the water. In other words turn my frustrations into hours of fun on the water. A couple of weeks ago I received my new board from Ian at DVNT, a 2008 125 X 38 board. Within two session on the water I am now popping some great jumps.....and landing them. Showing off on the toeside rail and just having a ball. In Gisborne we have some big surf days and when the wind is from the south it can hit 3o knots pretty easy and quite often. This board just loves these conditions. Apart from Andy's great teaching, selecting the right size board for your weight/kitesurfing experience is very important. It can mean the difference between a great day on the water pushing your limits and learning new tricks or just getting more and more frustrated while those around you rip the surf up. If you are in the market for a new kiteboard, don't waste your time or money looking at all the different brands out there, just head straight to DVNT and ask for Ian!

Melissa at Midway

Melissa getting the hang of the onshore at Waikanae/Midway.

6m Naish Code

The new 6m 2008 Naish Code getting a workout in the latest southerlie. Winds were up to 35knots - just right for this kite.

Edson Charging at Okitu in about 10 knots of wind (if that).