The only Bow kite trainer kite in the world….The Method Trainer Kite!
 -Learn to kitesurf in half the time
-Practice on your own 4 line c-kite or bow-kite bar
-Use the trainer kite with the INCLUDED 2-line bar and line system immediately
-Hone your jumping skills on the beach before trying new tricks on the water
-Practice unhooked tricks
The Method Trainer kite is the world’s only 2 or 4 line trainer kite.  Using its patented bridle system, it can be used with any regular C-kite or bow kite 4-line bar system so riders can practice flying with thier own bar and safety system!!  On average this decreases student lesson time by 50% saving you time and money.  We have Method Trainer kites in stock and are shipping world-wide.  

More more information see the company website: http://www.methodtrainerkite.com

There has been a lot of talk about light wind kites for summer riding and everyone has an opinon on what to get and what works the best.  Here are a few things to consider from a guy who has been on most of them. 

In light winds you want the following characteristics in a kite:

- Light Weight (for easy relaunch)
- Grunty pull to get up on the board and up to speed quickly increasing power using relative wind
-Enough canopy support to keep the kite ”open” when it is in the water…meaning enough struts
-As fast as possible so you can easily pump the kite through the window to produce power

A lot of the above items are probably contradictary to what you have experienced in very successful light winds kites.  This is because you cannot have all of these things in one kite there are trade offs for each.  An example of this would be the enormous bar pressure and slow turning of the Cabrinha Contra (2007-2009) were two negatives that were traded for an extremely grunty kite with great relaunch.  Another example would be the North Rhino 20m (2004-2005-ish) which had low bar pressure and lots of grunt, but was super slow and would not relaunch unless you had magical powers. 

What is up with the sizes?  Why are some light wind kites 25m and other are only 12-14m?  Well anything over a 17m or so is probably a C-kite, so the projected or working area of the kite actually a lot less than the kite size.  Bow kites are much better in light air because of the relaunch factor…C-kites are next to impossible to get out of the water unless you are a Jedi-kite-master.  If you’re 200lbs and under a 14m bow kite is the largest size you’ll need and will even accomidate riders up to 240lbs if they are efficient and experienced on their board and kite.  If you weigh more than that, you’ll have to move to a even larger kite 17m-20m bow, these will be slower and harder to pump but heavier riders will need the lowend grunt to get up on the board initially.  Smaller kites are actually usually better in lighter winds becasue you can pump them very fast provided you are on a larger board.  I’m sure many of the locals have seen us at the Levee on a light air day (10-13mph) pumping a 7m or 9m and riding the Litewave Wing board around out there with everyone else on 14-16m kites.  This is possible becasue we can pump those little kites and loop them really fast making up for thier size.  That being said most riders will need a larger kite in the 14m region to provide enough power to get on the board and up to speed.  

So what is out there now?  Every brand has a light wind kite, but not all are created equal…some brands consider anything under 18-20mph light winds.  On the gulf coast light winds are under 13mph.  Brands like Naish, Best, and Liquid Force have never made a really good light wind kite no matter what their marketing says…not to say their kites don’t work well in more wind:)  Cabrinha, Slingshot, North, GK, Airush, etc have always tried to make light wind products, which brings me to the light wind choices we have today: 

Cabrinha: After they finished production of the Contra series the beginning of 2009 the next best light wind kite is the Crossbow IDS.  Very slow and gruty with one of the largest wind ranges of any kite.

Slingshot: After they finished production of the T3 series in 2008 Slingshot came out with the RPM in 2009.  The 14m RPM is the best light wind machine on the market right now.  It has the perfect fusion of Speed in the air, lighter bar pressure, and low end grunt to make riding it in light winds a joy.  The RPM only has 3 struts and an over sized leading edge (light most light wind kites) giving it more lift in slow flight and the ability to relauch easily in only 8-9mph winds off the water.  The kite is designed for the rider to get up on the board and up to speed so it is a better choice more experienced kiteboarders.  Newbees will have to stick with the Key kite, little slower and heavier, but cheaper and a lot better if you are having a tough time getting up on the board and riding.  

North: The North Rhino has always been their go to light wind kite and nothing has changed.  The Rhino is still the best choice for light wind flying but is now a Bow style kite instead of the old dumpy C-kites. 

Airush: Their making great strides to get back into the game after a few years of slacking on thier kite design.  The new Airush Lithium light wind kite is great except for 2 things (adjustable bar and the missing middle strut).  Flys great, but will not relaunch in light air…also do not adjust the bar while in flight!!  See the full review I did of that and most of these other kites a few months back. 

GK: The V-sonic or Sonic comes in a 14m size and is the new light wind machine from GK.  The Sonic doesn’t relaunch the best in really light air because of its bomber construction but flys and pulls great in 10-13mph. 

Foil Kites:  Foils are great light wind machines! Bad news is no matter what the manufacturer says they will not relaunch in light winds…maybe medium light winds..15mph or so but not summer on the Gulf Coast light winds.  Another downside is they’re hard to produce with a lot of stiching and bridle work so they are very expensive.  But, for experienced riders who want the best light wind kite made…go with a foil…go with a Flysurfer!   

Don’t forget the board!!  For light air riding you’ll need a big board like the Litewave Wing 161cm, Liquid Force Proof 161cm, Flysurfer Spleene Door 164cm and similar boards.  You can also use a skim board or surf board if you have skills on either.

Phil Midler breaks world record by riding 200 nautical miles in over 17 hours.

The Whole Story:
Click here for the Podcast
Check out local news coverage: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=7479519
Over 200 Nautical miles rode using only kite power along the texas coast for over 17.75hrs using a Slingshot Celeritas 5′4″ Surf Board, Slingshot RPM 10m kite, Mystic Razor life vest, GoPro HD head cam, etc

Monday started out at 4am getting our gear ready and making sure the chase crew had everything they needed.  Our chase crew consisted of Mitch’s girlfriend Pepper for the southern portion of the ride and my wife Alesha for the finish area.  First off, Pepper is the coolest chick ever and flew down from Houston to chase us using Mitch’s car.  She left SPI for Corpus at around 5am, which would be the first area she would see us.  Mitch and I geared up and had a sending off by a few brave souls: Dave Horn, Chris Summers, and Norberto Ponce (local deputy sheriff).  Dave Horn is an ordained minister so he gave us a quick prayer and we hit the water working our way down wind.  The breeze was averaging around 20mi/hr out of the south-south/east, so it was almost directly side shore so the going was tough.  Mitch was on a 12m and I was on a 10m because the wind was going to get much stronger as the day went on. 

 
            The first 70mi was very hard due to the wind strength and direction so we were constantly jibing back and forth in the surf averaging around 10-14mi/hr.  It was slow going, Mitch felt that I had a better chance to make the record alone so he stopped south of Corpus at the first point we met Pepper.  From that point forward it was a solo mission.  Once I got near Corpus around the 100mi point the coast line started to curve so that south-south/east wind was more side shore allowing me to make better time (still constantly pumping the kite but making a better angle down the beach).  In this area the wind was averaging high twenties and gusting well over 30mph so I was glad for the 10m size decision.  After 100 miles my legs already felt like Jell-O and I knew it would be a hard second half to finish that day.  Neil Hutchinson (previous record holder for his ride from Key West to Cuba 94mi) had given me some pointers on the ride and told me a lot of it would be mental.  The next 5-6 hours of riding would be a brutal test of my mental toughness.        

The next point I would see the chase crew was in Port Aransas before the jetties.  After that point I would enter a very remote section of the Texas Coast called Matagorda island, these are a set of barrier islands about 65-70 miles long with no access, no people, and nothing resembling civilization.  I met Mitch and Pepper at Port Aransas after about 9hrs of riding and made the decision to go for the record riding solo across the Matagorda island section.  From Corpus to Port Aransas was the fastest section of the ride with a great side shore wind.  I averaged 22mi/hr and had a max speed of 38.4mi/hr!  This was the best section for me flying past people swimming in the surf and blowing by all the kiteboarders at Bob Hall pier.  I even managed a high-speed high five from one of the boogie boarders as I rode by. 
           
           After meeting Mitch and Pepper at Port Aransas I left and started the process of cutting up wind to get around the .5mi long Port A jetties.  This is no small feat on a surf board set up for down wind riding and in 15ft breaking surf.  After 30 minutes of struggling I finally made it around the jetties and stepped into the most remote section of the ride, the Matagorda barrier islands.  For the next 65-70mi I would see no other vehicles, people, or buildings.  By this time the coast line had shifted enough so that I was now edging on my board, cutting slightly up-wind to stay with the coast line.  I was still making great time, but made getting around the inlet jetties and debris in the surf very difficult.  The toughest jetties to make it around were just past the Port O’Conner inlet to the east.  I was cutting hard upwind riding parallel to huge breaking surf when I was actually thrown onto the granite jetty because I was too close.  I was very tired and the heel-side tack was so much easier that I kept getting closer and closer to the jetty on my heel side before switching to toe-side to get around it.  I landed board first and managed to escape to the other side of the jetty with only scraping the skin off the front of my right shin.  I stopped on the other side after clearing the jetties to inspect the injury and was surprised to see that despite all of the blood it was only a flesh wound.   

By now I was approaching 12-13 hrs of riding and it was starting to get dark.  I knew that I had one more set of jetties to get around and I was worried about doing it at night.  I rode for about an hour after dark and finally stopped.  The wind was blowing about 25-30mph and was directly onshore if not slightly onshore the wrong direction, I had been riding upwind hard for the last 2 hours.  I committed to spending the night on this remote spit of land until it was light enough to finish the ride.  This was 180 nautical miles (via GPS) from our start point in South Padre Island.  I wasn’t worried about my night on the island and knew I’d be fine.  I’ve been in much worse situations climbing remote mountains around the world.  I set up camp digging a hole in the sand and putting my kite over it to protect me from the wind.  I took a space blanket with on the trip incase of something like this so I used it to keep my upper body warm until it was light again.  I knew the chase crew was worried about me and didn’t want them to scrabble the authorities so after a short reprieve I left my makeshift shelter, got my cell from the dry bag and tried to climb around on the dunes to find a signal to get them a message.  I was finally able to get a 1x signal and get a short text to Mitch and Alesha telling them I was fine. 
          
           Daylight came slowly as it was a cold windy night.  At around 5am I started gearing up for the final push to safety.  After lying down for so long my whole body ached from the previous day’s accomplishments.  I remembered a talk I had with Neil Hutchinson about his trip from Key West to Cuba (94mi) in the open ocean and was just thankful that I was able to make it to shore for a safe night sleep.  I had run out of food and water over the night so was pretty anxious about getting to the finish.  The last 20 nautical miles were upwind riding in a crazy shore break and took me a long time.  I finally got to the last set of jetties and after a battle made it to the inside of the inlet and the end of my trek.  The beach that I finished on had woman (Dorthy) who was on duty with a construction crew keeping people out of the construction zone.  They were refurbishing the jetty system with large machinery.  Well I came riding right into the construction zone onto a narrow beach that Dorthy happened to be standing on.  She said “you’re not supposed to be here” and I said “I’ll only be a second, I just broke a world record”.  She replied “where did you come from” and I said “South Padre Island”.  Dorthy decided to let me stay I the end and even signed an affidavit to the fact.  It was 8:15am and I had finished a total of 200 nautical miles over 17.75 hours of almost continuous riding.  

What: Slingshot Demo with XLKITES
When: Thursday 29Apr10 from 12 noon to 5 or 6pm
What:  All kiteboarding equipment will be available for demo including boards and kites.  Sales made during or in the few days following the demo will be 20% off!  This goes for kites and boards. 
We just bought a bunch of 2009 Closeout RPMs in 10m, 12m, 6m as well as some Octane 13m kites.  Email or call the shop houston@xlkites.com  281-508-6485 for more info or to order, they will go fast.  $999-1249 complete.

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 we’re so pumped about it here in Houston is because of its light wind ability for our summer teaching season. 

So here is the skinny:
They Key’s bar pressure is more than the RPM but a lot less than the T3 so it provides feedback to the rider but not fatige.  In extremely light winds the kite will reverse relaunch by pulling on both rear lines at the same time.  In high winds the kite depowers as much as a normal bow kite.  In the air the kite is slower than any of the other kites slingshot is making this year, so it is a good choice for beginner to intermediate riders.  I do have to say I was surprised by the jumping ability of the kite when I took it out in higher winds.  The kite comes with a super simple bar and lines set that has a below the bar leash attachement that is similar to the Cabrinha IDS system.  I personally self rescued on it and it worked great.  The normal Slingshot stopper ball has been removed which is great for new riders and will avoid accidental power lock from a sliding stopper. 

Overall, very impressed with the kite and believe it will be the best kite for new kiteboarders for 2010.  Super stable, easy to fly and depower, with plenty of performance.  The kite price is the best part!!!  You can get a complete setup with slingshot board and kite for less than $1560 totally complete.

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, Hydra, and Neo. The Neo is HQ’s newest foil design which is a relaunchable water foil. Similar to the neo is the hydra which is a trainer kite version of the Neo that allows students to take their trainer kite in the water for body dragging.

Meet XLKITES in front of the convention center Wednesday am for a surf session in the waves. The wind should be out of the ENE which is side shore and should be great for surf riding. We’ll be out there till 11am or so.

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

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 Complete                $650

17m Contra Complete           $1000

11m Slingshot GTO                 $250

20m North Rhino (2006) brand new $225

11m Fuel Complete                $225

15m Fuel                                   $300

11m T3 Complete                   $600

14m T3 Complete                  $600

5m T2 no pump, new bar    $475

Slingshot 157cm board       $75

That’s it for now, but keep in mind that our used gear selection is ever changing. So, hurry in to get a great deal on some used kites or give us a call at 281-508-6485 to inquire/ask any questions you may have. You can also email us at houston@xlkites.com

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 already know. The RPM is the
one kite that allows for top performance while
executing un-hooked freestyle, wakestyle and
surf style.
“The kite has a great low and high end range.
For me it is perfect. It has explosive pop for
unhooked tricks. It has massive boost so I have
time for double handle passes or powered kite
loops. The new refinements shine where I can
feel even pull, increased stability, and
forgiveness. Relaunching is also fast and
effortless. The RPM has accelerated me up the PKRA podium.* – *The RPM is the first and only non “C” kite to take a PKRA championship podium finish ever.

New for 2010:

• Our full suspension bridle has been refined to perform in two critical
modes of flight.
A. When the bar is sheeted out, and increased depower and passive stability become desired, performance requirements of the bridle react automatically. This auto adjustment of the bridle allows the kite to take on a latent role by transferring flying loads to the LE.
B. When the bar is sheeted in, the bridle kicks in to what Slingshot kite
designer Amery Bernard calls “Full Suspension Mode”. In this configuration
the bridle is in overdrive. The kite now becomes more, powerful, fast and
responsive giving it an overall feeling that is very intuitive. The bridle can
read and predict your every move.

1. Refined Sizing (New 4.5, 6, 8, 10,12 ,14 meter)
• Allows riders to precisely build quivers to their specific riding conditions.
2. NEW Compstick Control Bar\Compatibility
• The NEW Compstick Control Bar offers the highest level of safety,
performance and convenience in a single system. It is the most versatile control bar you will ever own. NEW features such as the Surefire Spinner, Auto Indexing Chicken Loop, Active Stopper Ball and Push Up Center Safety System makes it the first choice for freestyle riders who demand more.
3. Progressive Power Steering (industry first)
• Progressive custom line lengths synchronizes rider and kite to match
wind conditions. Benefits include optimum tracking ,precision feedback,
custom power and range.

Check out this video detailing the all new Slingshot Comp Stick bar control system

We have some smaller to medium sized kites that we’re moving out to get the new 2010 gear in stock.  Here is a list of what we have:

2009 10m North Vegas complete $1099
2009 10m Slingshot RPM complete $1099
2009 9m Slingshot T3 complete $899
2010 10m Switchblade IDS (locals discount)
2009 12m Slingshot RPM complete 12m (limited quantities) $1199
08 $415 Crazyfly RockyPro Edition 130×40 deck and fins only
08 $350 Crazyfly Raptor Pro 132×39 deck only (no fiins)
08 $390 Crazyfly Girls Allround 135×41 deck and fins only
08 $199 Liquid Force Proof 161 deck, fins only
2009 Misfit boards complete $450 (less with local discount)

Used Gear:
Slingshot T3 $525 on the 11m no pump
Slingshot T3 $275 T3-5m kite only
Slingshot T3 $ 300 7m kite only
Rev $ 325 7m kite only
HQ Montana 9.5 $595 complete 
Pyro Pro Drysuit MT no leaks $300 (in fresh water only)09 NPX Lucifer
Pyro Pro Drysuit XXL no leaks $550 (new)
Pyro Pro Drysuit XXL warranty repair less than 3 hours in fresh water $480
17m Cabrinha Contra 17m New condition never flown
11m Slingshot Rev complete $750
11m Slingshot GTO complete $250
11m Slingshot Fuel complete $225
15m Slingshot Fuel Complete $300
20m North Rhino (brand new condition never flown) Complete $425
179cm Litewave Freeride complete with bag $350
Slingshot SST 6′2″ with bag $399
152cm Slingshot board $100 complete

Give us a call or email to get in on some of these new or used deals…we have a lot more but cannot list it all.  281-508-6485 or houston@xlkites.com

We also just got in the following gear:
Sand bags
Wind meters
Helmets
booties
Magazines
New Ben Wilson surf dvd
New snowkiting dvd
Pyros and Renegade harnesses
More 12m RPMs
All sizes of 2010 Switchblade IDS
HQ spinners and recreational kites
Give us a call if you have specific questions 281-508-6485 or houston@xlkites.com

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 known for.  If you’re looking for the best you’ve found it.  We have all sizes in stock give us a call today. 

Now in it’s 5th season, the 2010 Switchblade IDS remains the premier Wakestyle Freeride kite. The Switchblade is designed to perform in a wide range of conditions, hooked or unhooked. The steady predictable pull and it’s ability to fly forward when unhooked makes the Switchblade perfect for hitting kickers, sliders and just about any wakestyle trick in the book. In 2010 improvements have been made to increase the Switchblade’s turning speed and relaunch.

For more pics hit “Continue Reading”

New XLKITES-Houston shop 

Here is where the new shop is located.  We moved in yesterday and are operating out of here from new on.  This shop will give us more frontage on 2094 and should be easier for everyone to find.  You can still reach us a 281-508-6485 or houston@xlkites.com

30 mile ride from East Beach to St Luis pass this Sunday. 
Details will be posted as we get closer to Sunday and the forecast gets more accurate. 
Meet at East beach at 1pm for skippers meeting about the ride.  The ride will start about 1:20-1:30pm (all times are tenative).  Final times/plans will be announced at the swap meet Saturday at the new shop (details below), they will also be posted on www.houstonkiteboarding.com as well as the twitter account.  We will be dropping the XLKITES truck at St Luis Pass and taking my black van back to East beach leaving St Luis at 12:30 SHARP!  Everyone needs to provide there own transportation or get with other riders to get to East beach.  If you’re at St Luis with no ride you can hitch with the XLKITES crew at 12:30 I have room for 10-15 brave souls.  This down-wind ride will be about 30mi and with the Easterly wind direction fast riders will make it in about 2 hours slow guys may take as long as 6+ so it is not for beginners.  The Keg of beer at the end of the ride will be for everyone (provided you’re of age).  There will be a number of us camping at St Luis after the ride…beer, tents, fire etc.  Please join us if you have a flexible work schedule for Monday or can go in late.  
 
Highlights:
 
-30mi down-wind ride for confident wave riding kiteboarders
-keg of beer and camping for every level of rider or freinds and family
-No watercraft will be in chase so self rescue compatancy is a must
-Down wind riding skills should be a prerequisite as it could be a seriously long ride if riders can’t ride down wind easily.   
-Skipper’s Meeting 1pm East Beach, ride start 1:30pm or so. 
 
ALL RIDERS ARE PARTICIPATING AT THIER OWN RISK, THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED EVENT…SEE YOU THERE!
______________________________________________________________________________________
Kiteboarding Swap meet
Where: New Shop 1207 Marina Bay Drive, Kemah TX 77565 (see map)
When: Sat November 7th (10am-6pm)
Details:
 
Rules are the same as every year.  Bring used gear in to sell, have it to the shop by Friday Nov 6th.  Fill out the information below to put on a tag on your stuff.  No commission will be claimed by the shop for gear sold and money reinvested in new equipment.  A 20% consignment fee will be assessed for sellers wishing to get cash or check for their sold gear.  We’ll start all equipment at full marked price (the price you put on your tag), and at 1pm the price will drop 20% to ensure we get as much equipment sold as possible.  Some items people are looking for:
-Quad and tri surf boards
-Regular boards that are cheap
-Fins, Pads, Straps, etc
-Kites (Larger bow kites for light wind, or smaller bow kites for this time of year). 
 
No matter what you have, bring it by the shop and we’ll see if we can get it sold next weekend!  here is the information that you should have to put on your kite:
Item Name
Item Description
Item starting price
Owners name
Owners phone
Owners email
 
All sales will go to the customer’s XLKITES account, emails will be sent out if you’re not around on how you did with the equipment sale and you can decide what to do with the proceeds.
New Shop Location is in the old North Canvas Shop:
View Larger Map

Welcome to the new XLKITES – Houston website.  You can contact us M-F 12pm-6pm at 281-508-6485 or email us at houston@xlkites.com.  Our address is: 1005 Aspen Rd Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565.  See Map.

Check out the 2010 Slingshot Octane bar system video: