The 4 fin North board was 2 generations ago.
New model arrived this week-
This is the previous model (which dominated most PKRA production class races)
OK boys and girls new things are happening..
I have now riden the new 2012 north boards, 59 and 69 they are both three fin boards, they are weapons and a thinng of beauty.. PLus amazingly fast, very early planning, easier to ride then last year, but still a little bit of work to get a hold of if you haven't done it before..
I have to say the new sculptured deck help make the baord stable,a nd the big benefit make it easier to walk the board, for tacks and gybes so you can feel where you are on the baord and not miss a step :)
On the upwind, cranks and not sure how much better then last year..
Off the breeze however, entirely new beast, I have yet to find the top end excelleration point, the thing was just continually excellerating till I was scared and had more to go, I got tossed several times, and am truely impressed with the speed I can ride in control and even more scared at the speed which the board can ride too as I am yet to find it's limit I may reach mine before it reaches it..
As for the fins, well I the smaller 330, and 320 that come with the 59, are incredible, super fast and allow the baord to be incredibly responsive, today in gusty conditions from 12knts to 18 knts I rode the 69 with the small fin sets on an 11m rebel, over powered the board continually excellerated and was just amazing as I wrote above..
I have to wonder though I think the bigger fins are slightly slower top end wise, but better for pointing and more stable, easier to ride..
I think long term fin selection will be as important as board selection..
Take care of them fins..
Would love to try another board as good as this, super stoked ...
www.thekiteboarder.com/2012/03/kite-racer-interviews/
Some very interesting interviews with some of the big guns in the scene.
http://www.internationalkiteboarding.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5966:kiteboarding-proves-to-be-ready-for-the-olympics-2016-&catid=1:general&Itemid=140
Olympic selection update........ Were looking good !,,,,,
www.sportsfeatures.com/presspoint/pressrelease/53141/kiteboarding-is-ready-for-rio-2016-olympic-games
The mission for the kiteboard sailors from 10 countries and 4 continents was to showcase that they are ready - and succeeded. The five day long trials saw a good mixture of all possible wind and water conditions, ranging from 4-5 knots and rolling surf to 18 knots and seas up to 1.5 meter. The performance that the kiteboards showed on all courses was superb - the sailors of the equipment trials for multihulls and skiffs that took place at the same time and venue were surprised to see sailing vessels going upwind in 6 knots of wind at board speeds of 14 knots, and blasting downwind at 25 knots - 4 times the wind speed.
Got got to love this sort of publicity , we have the cheapest set up of any of the Olympic classes , we have the most transportable gear for competitive sailing full stop ,and we have the fastest sailing vessels around a coarse , the guys in San Fran Bay are racing against the americias cup cats (ac45's) and matching them for speed if not beating them , keeping in mind the kite guys are running off the shelf gear probably worth under 6k , the cats are worth hundreds of thousands of $ take a number of crew to sail and a small army to rig / transport /maintain .
Our Fleet in Newcastle is getting bigger 
Three bright green boards and more on the way
Just need some decent wind to practice in now 
Had a great day on the race boards with ric and Dave today. 20knts out there on 3 different kites and all had there moment in the sun followed usually be a heavy crash in most cases over the handlebars. It's going to be an awesome year of racing on lake Macquarie. There are a few more boards about here so Hoping to have 5-6 racing over winter. Bring on more wind and more racing.
Not really any weed issues. Occasionally there are big weed lines but is only an issue after bigger storms. Has been perfect riding there recently. Would be great to get the Sydney crew involved as I'm sure we will be there when Sydney runs racing. Going to be an awesome year of learning and racing.
Nice stacks! I haven't raced yet, but have been having a great time on my Sector 60. Got some gybes happening, but not with downloop turns yet, and no duck tacks.
Here is a video I just shot of a "light wind tour" on the Sector 60 with my 10m kite in 10-15 knots. I am still amazed by how far upwind this board goes. And the speed!
Hi all,
With all the talk of kiteracing....guess its time to pull the trigger and buy a race board, but can not seem to find much available in Sydney. What new boards are currently available as I can't seem to find much around other than the Naish and North boards from out of state. Does anyone know if the new 2012 boards will be coming into stock and when, particualy interested in checking out the new Airrush monaro V4?
Also for those with the North LTD, did you buy the north fins with the board? and what is the quality like?
I know Steve down at Kite Power Botany Bay has a couple of 2012 Cabrinha raceboards in stock which are worth a look but not sure who stocks the Airush boards :)
)
Flybywire - pm me as there is quite a lot going on with racing in Sydney and can help you to try a couple of boards before making your decision. Anyone in Sydney feel free to contact me regarding racing as we are trying to build a crew for regular casual racing and practice. Boards & fins have been changing so quickly that it is hard to choose. Certainly North is more than worth a look. I have been impressed with the new Cabrinhas. The 183 is a fast & light board. Other option is to look at custom. However the waiting times for these are rapidly increasing.
The narrow boards will be aimed towards the Slalom side of racing.... (yes there are two areas of racing).
I've used the Naish Venturi 180 with Rista fins as well as the production fins and the Rista fins performed better by a long way. They will cost you $550 excl shipping but well worth the money.
With regards to the racing in Oz and the Olympics, even tho it is 4 years away there is a lot to do. There is 1 place for both male and female racers per NOC, however you will need to place in the 2015 and 2016 Worlds. Will AKSA or other have a team they send to the Worlds. Back in 1994 I was invited to the South African Olympic meeting to compete in the IMCO Class (which was the One Design Class for the windsurfing) to try get a spot on the team.... even that was a tough time and comps like the Nationals will be a good place to start but think that a week of racing aside from the Freestyle will be the better option.
thanks for all the replys,
Will be checking out kitepowers stock hopefully this weekend, just wanted to find out exactly what was available.
Quite suprised the monaro V4 won't be out for so long as the pro's are already riding them and there is a video on youtube showing it in action.
Archie00 we will have to arrange some road trips. There Is a crew on lake Macquarie that are starting to hit the racig hard. With the Olympic selections we will no doubt have a huge influx of people coming to play. We are looking to have a mini race meet this Saturday on the lake.
I don't have a race board yet ... But I'm keen ... Maybe I can borrow Archie00's north race board :-) what time are you guys planning to meet at lake Macquarie ? And where exactly are you guys meeting ????
Kite and SUP Newcastle, will have more stock of north boards shortly and is also stocking Airush boards as well, demo's available as well.
Also a LM Race series is in the planning as welll, 2 races a month if conditions are suitable and finishing with a Harbour race in sept or october..
More information will be provided once everything is Finalized.
Cheers Dave
Looking forward to seeing everyone at nationals and talking and trading advice tips and helping progress this awesome sport.
Anyone got any pics of bar set ups...ie purchases etc and how you are running your depower lines?
Hey I have just recently modified my Ozone bar to a 3:1 system with 2 pulleys and the standard clam-cleat which seems to work great. Ill try take a photo when Ive got it out :)
