We rode at a new spot in Galveston yesterday (2Mar10). It is located off of sportmans drive at the end of 8th street. See pics below. Great shallow spot with lots of islands to play with and around. Was great on a North West wind, but could be even better…

We took a recent trip to St Martin and thought we would write a little review about its kiteboarding and atmosphere. 
Saint Martin is a tropical island in the northeast, about 186 miles east of Puerto Rico and is split between the Dutch and French.  It is the smallest inhabited sea island to be divided between two nations. …

Our normal shop hours will be cut on Wednesday Feb 17th to 4:30-6pm and Thursday Feb 18th to 3pm-6pm. 
Leave us a mail message at houston@xlkites.com or a phone message at 281-50806485 and we’ll get back with you when were back in the shop.  Normal hours will resume Friday Feb 19th. 
Thanks, Phil

2010 Slingshot Key kite reviewed and available for sale

The new buzz from slingshot is the debut of one of the easiest flying kites on the market for 2010.  The Slingshot key is a delta hybrid kite.  We were able to demo the new key a few weeks ago in various wind conditions.  The reason…

HQ demo at the Levee in Texas city from 9am to 12pm.
Chris from HQ will be on hand for a demo at the Levee riding area tomorrow, Tuesday 2Feb10 from 9am to noon. There will be light winds but a good time to checkout some of the new foils from HQ including the scout,…

La Ventana Classic kite race and expo went off without a hitch.  There was $18,400 raised for the local school in La Ventana.  The 12mi open water  race was a Phenominal!  With over 100 racers, great wind, and fairly large swell the Houston crew held their own, we also met a few competitiors from the Dallas area. …

We just updated the used gear selection on the site check it out here

This will be a one hour introduction to kiteboarding held in our shop in Kemah, Texas. Attendees will be lead by kiteboarding instructor Phil Midler.

We will be going over some of your basic kiteboarding knowledge, including types of kites, sizes appropriate for local conditions, as well as where we ride…

Bacliff Spillway Park, 7Jan10
The winds were strong and the weather cold this morning, but a few of us braved the elements to get a piece of this front before the weather turned too cold for even the toughest Houston kiteboarders.  The morning started with a meet-up at Bacliff for a 10am start.  Winds averaging around…

For those looking for fun options and variation in lightwind kiteboarding or behind the boat, Slinghot brings you the all NEW 2010 SCUD skim style board as the latest addition to the LIGHTWIND KITEBOARD COLLECTION  and WAKE SURF SERIES.
XL Kites has the 2010 SCUD’s available, so feel free to order one today. Just give us a…

XL Kites has been accumulating some used gear over the past months and we are looking to get it out of our hands! This means a chance for you to get some new gear at a great price.
Currently our Used gear selection is as follows:
11m T3 demo-Kite only         $600
12m RPM kite only                  $650
11m REV…

The new 2010 RPM
WE GOT THEM…Give us a call and get yours…281-508-6485 or email us at houston@xlkites.com

Slingshot is proud to announce its
second generation RPM. The RPM is changing
kiteboarding with its innovative 3 strut “Open
C” Canopy design. It delivers limitless high end
performance options for all conditions. Excel
your riding regardless of your style. Discover
what the pros…

While you guys are down in Houston living up the warm winter winds during the holiday break, I’m up in Minnesota with my family.  Here are some pics from snowshoeing the last few days on the St Croix river.  The wind has been light the last couple of days or I’d be out on…

Ride from Bacliff spillway park to Red Fish island for some tanker surfing and flat water riding.

2nd Attempt at Levee/Bolivar flats crossing
Local ripper Darrin Ramsey and I attempted the Levee/Bolivar flats crossing again this morning.  The weather was clear with winds from the ENE at about 16-20mph, I was on the 11m Slingshot Octane and Darrin was on his 12m Liquid Force Assault.  We both took twin-tip boards 133cm and…

Deals on new and used gear in Houston

Phil Midler solo ride across galveston bay riding with dolphins, hitting tanker waves, and navigating the dangerous waters of the Houston shipping channel

Call 281-508-6485 or email houston@xlkites.com to use your local or student discount, these kites also qualify for a free board with purchase.  Buy local and save!
The 2010 Cabrinha SB is the best kite for the Texas Gulf coast out of their 2010 line, it is fast responsive but has the stability that Cabrinha’s are…

A group of H-town locals headed to the Bacliff Spillway Park today to take advantage of the huge winds following that cold front that pushed through early on Monday. There were the two Chris’, Big Mitch, Me (Phil), Matt, Dru, John, and a few others. I sacrificed part of my session to get shots…

RPM’s on closeout for $1189 complete or $1499 (10m and 12m sizes), with a new 146 Misfit or 147cm SX board complete. 
The RPM is by far my favorite kite for the gulf coast area.  The new RPM kites will be out in 3months or so.  Don’t wait for the 2010 kites get the…