Get your light wind Turbine 

Light Wind Kiteboarding Kites

Everything about the 2011 Slingshot Turbine light wind kite has been optimized to perform on days when wind ranges are in there low end.

Head to Head test between 2011 Cabrinha Crossbow and 2011 Slingshot Turbine in 8-10mph with same large light wind board. No comparison…the lighter 3-strut design of the Turbine coupled with its high aspect shape proved to be much more efficient on relauch and easier to keep in the air when trying to get up on the board. Light wind is when you prove the metal of a kite and the 2011 Turbine just proved it is the best light wind kite of 2011. With a skilled rider behind the wheel and a large board wind range down to 8mph is possible with this kite in your quiver.

The number one way to increase your time on the water is by extending what conditions make kiteboarding fun. The Turbine can be combined with a Competition Race board, surf boards or a Glide for mind blowing speed, power, upwind and downwind performance. Bottom line is this kite increases the fun factor and time on the low end of the wind range. The Turbine is the perfect example of the way we build, the way we ride and the way we live. Its our commitment to the core!

Kite Package Includes
17m Turbine Kite
Comp Stick Control Bar
Kite Backpack
Jena J XL Double Pump
Kite Patch Kit, CSS and Butter Box Bungee
Turbine Quick Start Guide
Lifetime Rider Service Hotline Support

Kites in light wind surf....17m Blade pumping the the 17m Turbine lit up!

Check your local shop to see if this great new light wind kite is in stock.

Florida
850 598 3735
sales@xlkites.com

Texas City
281 508 6485
houston@xlkites.com

Everything about the Slingshot Turbine has been optimized to perform on days when wind ranges are in there low end. The number one way to increase your time on the water is by extending what conditions make kiteboarding fun. The Slingshot Turbine can be combined with a Competition Race board, surf boards or a Glide for mind blowing speed, power, upwind and downwind performance. Bottom line is this kite increases the fun factor and time on the low end of the wind range. The Slingshot Turbine is the perfect example of the way we build, the way we ride and the way we live. Its our commitment to the core!

Turbine kiteboarding closeout

INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERTS FREERIDE, COURSE RACING, LIGHT WIND AND SURF

Includes: 2011 Slingshot Turbine 17m kite, Comp stick control bar and lines, leash, bag, pump

-Riders looking for a light wind specific kite. -Riders who demands performance in light wind and want to extend their time on the water. -Excels in efficiency, speed, power and upwind/downwind performance.

Features + Advantages

-Split Strut integrated 3 strut design Blends the core C kite performance characteristcs like power, stability, edging, control and direct feel with the advantages of the latest advancements in four line technology. Advancements like the positive Delta attributes of incredible low end power, maximized range, upwind ability, depower, speed, re-launch,hang time and safety.

-Accelerated power steering bridle Light and crisp in the sky with added durability, increased stability and canopy shaping control. Less struts and lighter profile will enable better water re launch in light winds. Packs down tight

-Custom fuel injection Allows for smooth responsive steering, power delivery and adds more support to the wingtip. Clean and tight to the leading edge to maximize performance and lightens up the bar pressure.

-Scalloped trailing edge Customize kite tuning performance from freeriding to course racing to maximize power and efficiency.

-Slingshot 1-pump The trusted original single point inflation system to get you out faster and easier

-Low profile wing tips Increases turning speed, while reducing drag and creating more efficiency

-Slingshot legendary construction Surf tough, abrasion proof, reduced flutter wear. Ensures long lasting durability and performance

-Lifetime rider hotline support Communicate directly with our friendly in houseprofessional customer service department

Kite Package Includes: 17m Turbine Kite Comp Stick Control Bar Kite Backpack Jena J XL Double Pump Kite Patch Kit, CSS and Butter Box Bungee Turbine Quick Start Guide Lifetime Rider Service Hotline Support

Bar: 23 Inches Lines: 27 Meters

Comp Stick Control Bar Truly innovative design and engineering with superior safetyand performance in mind, Slingshot introduces the COMPSTICK CONTROL BAR. This bar has the highest level of CSS safety and Center of the Universe performance / convenience in the cleanest 4 line configuration available. The clean and uncluttered 4 line configuration also allows for easy and speedy set up. Features such as the Surefire Spinner, Progressive Line Lengths, Auto Indexing Chicken Loop, Active Stopper Ball and Push Away Center Safety System makes it the first choice for crossover riders who demand more.

What the Kiteboarder Magazine has to say about the 2011 Slingshot Turbine:

On the Water: Even in really light wind, the Turbine remains stable and has no tendency to overfly when along the edge of the window. Is has a surprisingly light feeling in the sky for a 17m kite and the kite gives great feedback to the rider, making the Turbine a kite you can easily fly without having to constantly look at it. Bar pressure is in the light-medium range with the rear bridle on the rear setting and the Turbine delivers a very smooth pull. Low end power is fantastic and with a light wind specific board you should be able to ride upwind in less than 10 knots. The Turbine flies forward in the window and is easy to get upwind for such a big kite. Handling is relatively quick for a 17m and the kite handles well when depowered. Jumping performance is good and jumps tend to have a lot of hang time. Even unhooked, the Turbine remains very stable.

PROS:

• The Turbine is light-feeling and surprisingly nimble for such a large kite.
• Rock-solid stability, even in sub 10-knot winds.CONS:
• The trim system can be challenging to adjust, especially when under a lot of tension.
• When you depower the Turbine a lot, you are stuck with the excess line dangling near the rider.
  

  Turbine Kiteboarding Package

What XLKITES says:

Lighter, Faster, more Efficient
When you want to stay on the water and still have fun in 5-6 knots, you have to be light. To save weight we started with a new bladder material that is 25% lighter, reduced the leading edge diameter and introduced a smaller strut size. Efficiency is king, so we completely updated the design geometry. To make it more efficient and faster in light wind we’ve increased the aspect ratio much like on a glider or wind turbine wing. This improves lift thru kite speed and allows it to fly further forward in the window.

Free-Twist Technology
In the wing tips, we introduced a new concept called Free-Twist Tip Technology. Developed to increase the narrow wind range of large kites, the steering line attachment is positioned to allow the wingtips to freely pivot and the trailing edge panel to open and twist. The result is a lighter, faster feel with a wide apparent wind range and quick turning radius for such a large kite.
The Turbine has plenty of low end grunt to get you planning with a competition race board, surfboard, or large twin tip. Once up to speed, the kite stays efficient and in control as the apparent wind ramps higher.

Most Efficient Light Wind Kite Ever Made
The bottom line is this kite increases your riding time and gets you off the beach when there’s not a whitecap in sight.

Who Should buy this kite?
1.  Anyone looking for more time on the water, with the extended wind range you can Double your riding time with this kite!
2.  This is a great kite for heavier riders who are learning to ride up wind…new riders are very inefficient and a heavier person will appreciate the extra grunt
3.  Wake-style riders who want to practice their tricks on a small board in light winds.  It is a perfect power source for wake jumps without loops or large kite movements

Kite Specs and Attributes:
+ UPDATED OPEN DELTA-C” DESIGN PROFILE
+ SPLIT STRUT INTEGRATED 3 STRUT DESIGN
+ FREE-TWIST TIP TECHNOLOGY
+ REDESIGNED WING TIP STRUTS
+ NEW TRAILING EDGE SHAPE + FLEX BATTENS
+ IMPROVED POWER STEERING BRIDLE
+ SLINGSHOT ONE-PUMP
+ TRI TECH PROTECTION
+ SLINGSHOT LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION
+ LIFETIME RIDER HOTLINE SUPPORT

• The higher aspect ratio improves lift through kite speed instead of angle of attack. The new geometry allows the kite to fly forward in the window, frees up the wingtips and keeps them from oversheeting.
• Light and crisp in the sky with added durability, increased stability and canopy shaping control. Less struts and lighter profile will enable better water re launch in light winds.
• Packs down tight even with the added flex battens.
• Free pivot wingtips act as a natural governor and twist open automatically to extend the apparent wind range.
• Conical taper shape for low drag and efficient control.
• Reduces flutter and aids canopy stability and maximizes efficiency while still allowing the panels to open and flex.
• Allows for smooth responsive steering, power delivery and adds more support to the wingtip. Clean and tight to the leading edge to maximize performance and lightens up the bar pressure.
• No pulleys!
• The trusted, original Slingshot patented single point
  inflation system.
• Ballistic Kevlar , Mark Cloth, and Neoprene. Individual scuff guards, strategically placed in the most vulnerable areas of the kite to optimize durability.
• Long lasting durability and performance by using only the latest new high tech materials in our LE, canopy,bladders and finish trim materials.
• Communicate directly with our friendly in house professional customer service department. 

  The turbine is the best light wind inflatable kite on the market we have tested it against over 10 other “light wind” kites and it out performed them all!

      

  2012 Slingshot Kite package

   

  

  2012 Slingshot Turbine Light wind kite

  

  2012 Slingshot Turbine Wind Range

Feel uneasy with deep water operations?  Well many people do and the reason for it most of the time is because they learned in shallow water and have never had to do a full emergency release and self-rescue in deep water.  Another fear is losing your board in deep water.  Both of these items will be covered and practiced by each clinic participant in deep water on their own equipment under the watchful eye and instruction of Phil Midler from XLKITES.

We will cover each of the exercises on land, practice on land then do a actual board recovery and self rescue and pack down out in the deep water.  This class has a limited number of participants so if you’re interested email the shop at houston@xlkites.com or call 281-508-6485 as soon as you’re sure you can do it.  It will be run like a normal lesson so we’ll call each participant the day before to confirm the time on Sunday.  It will most likely be in the afternoon after everyone is done riding for the day.  Prerequisites for the class are:

1. Being able to ride upwind
2. Land/launch your own kite
3. Know emergency procedure theory (in shallow water etc)
4. Know how to swim (hopefully this is not an issue)
5. Have equipment with working safety release and safe operating condition

Price for the clinic is $35/person and can be payable the day of the clinic. it will be 1-2 hours long.

Testing the new Cabrinha Chopstick board

We met at East Beach in Galveston to park everyone’s cars and transfer all kiteboarding equipment to the black van and drive to St Luis Pass.  We got to the pass around 9am and unpacked.  We were pumped up and ready to  ride by 930am.  These are the kites everyone had: 17m Slingshot Turbine, 17m Blade Fat Lady, 14m Slingshot Rally, 14m Cabrinha Contra, 12m Cabrinha Switchblade.  Boards were mostly Slingshot surf boards between 5’4″ and 5’11″.  The winds were light but it was plenty for the reach we had down the beach.  The surfing wasn’t too good because the winds were lighter…anytime you got on a wave you had to watch to make sure your kite stayed in the air.  The first group finished the ride in 2.5 hours and the second group in about 3.5 hours.  After we were done we drove to the Levee to get some more riding in as the winds were much better there for sure.

The entire trip down the beach, we were all just listening to our music, jumping, and carving on the wave faces…riding like this in the surf is one of my favorite experiences.  You don’t need to worry about heading back to where you started you can just concentrate on the ride in front of you.  When you ride with a buddy like this you also can take turns riding in front and exploring the beach line and the different parts of the Galveston area.

Everyone made it to the end of the ride just fine but we did have one brave soul who had a catestrophic pulley failure on his Cabrinha 12m about 2mi into the ride.  This was a no-fix situation so he had to pack it up.  Things like this happen some time kiteboarding so its important to be ready for unforseen problems.  You can be the best rider around and if a pulley on your kite breaks you’re sill screwed just like everyone else.  Things to practice if you’re looking to join the ride next time we do it:

1. Get in the surf and practice your skills riding in the waves
2. Practice getting your board back in deep water
3. Practice self rescue in deep water (when preforming a deep water self rescue make sure you wrap you your lines on the bar while swimming to your kite to prevent wrap up)
4.  Make sure you know how to self launch and self land incase you need it somewhere on the open beach

If you’re unsure about the above items or just want some additional help with your progression give the shop a call at 281-508-6485 and get some refresher lessons.  A cheaper way to do it is to sign up for your IKO level 3 certification ($40), when Phil takes you out for the practical test he will make sure you konw how to do the above items and can demonstrate…he can also give you some pointers.  Houston@xlkites.com

Thanks for everyone who came out for the ride it was fun!!

Winds for ride

Here are some pics from the ride:

Meet at East Beach at 7:45am!  Meet at the last beach entry to the East…it is at the end of Boddeker rd.  Call the shop phone if you get lost we’ll have the cell with us. (281-508-6485)

What:30mi ride on Galveston Island
When: Monday 16Jan12 …Meet at East Beach at 7:45am and we’ll car pool to St Luis pass at 8am…bus leaves at 8am SHARP!  See you there!
How: The wind will be South so we’ll meet at East beach and car pool back to St Luis Pass then ride from there back to East beach…about 30 mi.

Remember to bring some floatation, hook knife, booties, cell phone in dry bag, water, keys. I always wear a small bag with waterproof audio, water, and a cell phone.  If you are very uncomfortable with losing your board in deep water a Reel type leash may be a good idea as well.  Remember NEVER attach any type of leash to your board at the handle or the straps!  This is very dangerous and any type leash should only be attached to a lanyard off the fin screws.

Surfboards are the easiest way to get down wind in the surf but if you’re more comfortable on a twin-tip that is probably a better option.  There are a couple reasons surfboards are easier to go down wind in the surf, but the main reason has to do with the location of the footstraps.  A normal twin-tip board has it’s straps located equidistant from both tips.  Going downwind in the surf on a twin tip you’ll need to keep the front of the board up and out of the waves so you’ll be constantly putting pressure on your rear foot.  Alternatively, a surf board has the straps already set to the rear of the board so you can maintain your normal stance while riding downwind.  The surf board will also have more displacement so it will float easier over the waves and swell.  It isn’t a big deal, but your rear leg will be tired by the end for sure on a twin tip.

Why is riding down wind hard for some riders?  When you’re riding down wind you’re riding with the wind so your kite feels less relative wind.  This lack of wind will test the skills of even an advanced rider when he/she is being pushed by a wave.  Also, the front of the board digging in is common as many riders don’t put enough rear foot pressure on the board when they ride down wind.  The keys to riding down wind successfully in the surf are:

1. Keep rear foot pressure on the board to keep the nose up.

2. Keep the kite moving to produce relative wind while you’re moving down-wind.

3.  Use your edge to put tension on the kite lines when you’re making large control movements…like a down loop or just the bottom section of a normal kite stroke to keep your kite out of the surf.

4. Stay relaxed…if you’re up tight the ocean will tear you apart…just like surfing keep your knees bent and stay loose so you can move with the sea.

5.  Have fun!

XLKITES has plenty of surfboards in stock that would be a good match for the Houston/Galveston area, here are a few:

2012 Slingshot Dialer 5’11″
This is a quad fin light wind machine.  Lots of buoyancy to keep you up wind on light days or easily glide over mushy Galveston waves.

2012 Slingshot Pit 5’11″

This is a narrow fast board and is incredibly agile in the waves.

2012 Slingshot Celeritas 5’8″ or 5’11″
This is Phil’s Favorite surfboard for 2012 in the 5’11″ size.  The 5’8″ would be good for someone who rides in high winds or is lighter than 170-180lbs.  This board is a tri-fin with a pin tail so it is easy to move around in the surf and cut back on the face of a wave.  It is also large enough that jibs are a breeze and you can get back up wind in lighter air.

2011 Wainman Gambler 5’7″
This was the go to board from Wainman for 2011, great in the surf and much lighter than any of the slingshot boards albeit not as strong/durable .  This is a really good fit for a kiteboarder that already surfs and wants to get into kitesurfing.