Hello,

I just wanted to touch base and bring you up to speed on my activities since my departure from Best Kiteboarding and tell you about my new company and venture, KiteSurf.

For background, I was introduced to the sport in 1999 by Kitesurf.com. Facing productions difficulties with their licensor at the time, KiteSurf’s owner supported my departure to start, with a few investors, Best Kiteboarding in 2003. My number one goal was to build the best gear possible and have fun, because in all truth, that’s what kitesurfing is, Fun. Indeed, for the first few years it was fun and it showed in the great response we had from everyone along the way to becoming the largest kite manufacture in the world!

As the company expanded, our controlling investor’ priorities shifted and a new management team was hired. I never got involved into the finance or management of the company and had little to say at the time but the dwindling bottom line became the most important thing and the bean counters stepped in, attempting to control not only the business but also the design and development of our products. This was catastrophic and their involvement led to poor quality and failed designs resulting in a collapse of the sales. Although touting his Harvard degree and proclaiming to be the only one qualified enough to manage a company of that size, the new CEO proved to bring about the collapse of Best Kiteboarding from a $21 million a year of sales to less than $4 million last year.

This was the beginning of the end and it is with great frustration that I watched the company that I founded and which was carrying my name make one mistake after another and completely lose sight of its core ideas. Having been diluted along the way, but for voicing my repeated objections, I had no say in Best Kiteboarding direction and we finally parted ways at the end of 2012. Contrary to what was published, it was not on very good terms.

Returning to my sources, I joined once again with KiteSurf this past January and was able to go back to my initial philosophy. Without having to deal with large corporate politics and bureaucracy, I’m finally free again to design, build the best kitesurfing equipment on the planet and most importantly to once again have some fun. After assembling a team of the most talented individuals within their respected fields in the industry and who share my philosophy, we have designed and tested a new line of kitesurfing equipment which we are ready to bring to the market.

The design of our new kites reflects a combination of both old school and new school directions both in shape and graphics. Working without restraint and with an enthusiastic and competent team we were able to achieve our goal and create two unbelievable kite lines.

The MP kite meets all our expectations; light, responsive, massive wind range and lift. This kite jams up wind, capitalizes on any condition that is thrown at it and rides through gusty squalls. From beginners to advanced riders, the MPs (available from 5m to 13m) were fine-tuned to provide any rider with the performance they expect from beginners to advanced riders. The MP is available now.

For light wind, extra lift and racing, we also designed a second line of high aspect ratio kites, the SB (only in large sizes from 10m and up). The SB should be available within the next 2 months.

Our web site will be up in a few weeks but you can already go to KiteSurf.com were we posted a bit more information and some pictures of the new gear. If you want to view and test the MPs and you are in south Florida (USA) or in Catalina (Colombia) contact me so we can be arrange for it.

Air-head.com would like to thank Shannon for keeping us up to date on what he is doing, we are sure this range of kitesurfing equipment will perform every bit as good as it looks, whatch this space for more information on what Shannon is doing.

The Polar Bears & Paddleboards project will demonstrate how the world’s fastest growing water sport can be used to enjoy the rivers, canals, lakes and the coastline of Britain. Paddling in one of the most remote and extreme locations on the planet, we will endeavour to showcase how safe and accessible paddleboarding can be.

Polar Bears & Paddleboards is an exciting new project that will cover a number of community, social and environmental topics these include:

Highlight the underuse of the UK waterways for recreational and sporting activities.
Raise awareness of the effect of pollution and litter on waterways and marine wildlife.
Examine the impact of climate change on the Icecaps and local wildlife in Greenland.
Demonstrate the versatility of SUP as a water-sport, form of exercise and social activity.
Actively fundraise for and raise awareness of several great charitable causes.
Over the duration of the project we will be organising a number of events and challenges in London and across the UK, these events will give people the opportunity to participate in paddleboarding and help to raise money for charities.

The highlight of the Polar Bears & Paddleboards project will be a group expedition to Greenland paddling 100Km through the Sermilik Fjord in August 2013. This stunning area of Greenland coastline is littered with icebergs that calve off the icecap at the head of the Fjord and is one of the best locations for viewing icebergs on the whole of the east coast of Greenland.

We wish the team good luck on their expedition and a safe return.

To purchase XM leashes check your local dealer or Click Here

We would like to congratulate Flynn on his cover photo for the April issue out now,

VW Photo Frame – Island Dub

These Volkswagen themed photo frames from i-pic make your photo extra special, a unique memento or gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and celebrations for your VW fanatic in the family, i-pic custom-made photo frames bring your favourite images to life. i-pics are tough magnetic A5 photo frames that will look fantastic in any house, comes with stand and a strong magnet you can even stick it on the fridge. You can find out more about how to personalised your frame at iPic-UK.com

VW Photo Frame – LOST UNDERWATER

VW Photo Frame – Moonlight

Free Postage on all UK mainland deliveries

Surf More XM leashes have always been known as a quality product throughout the US, the brand has also been gaining ground throughout the EU and UK providing users with the piece of mind that they are using one of the best made products on the market, designed with innovation and quality at its heart. Over the years Surf More XM have given surfers what they demand and now expect, the range has grown from a simple leash in to a complete and comprehensive range, the Tangle Free, the SUP Coil and the Power Clip leashes to name only a few in the extensive range, all these leashes will preform make life safer and easier on the water. If you are tired of always getting the leash tangled around your feet on takeoff then the Tangle Free is what your looking for but if your are a Race Paddle Boarder then speed is what you need the SUP coil will reduce drag staying out of the water but never compromising on safety.

Take time to get the right Surf More XM leash for your needs, check with your local retailer to see the range, you will not fine better value for a similar leash.

for more information on what will be happening at the 2013 Paddle Round the Pier check out their website PRTP 2013

Mens Open Surf
1st Andre Le Geyt
2nd Jim Richardson
3rd Arron Rowe
4th Titou Minster

Womens Open Surf
1st Maria Buchanan
2nd Abigal Barker Smith
3rd Kath Jones
4th Mi Richardson

Jnr Boys Surf
1st Arron Rowe
2nd Ollie Laddiman
3rd Louie Harrow

Jnr Girls Surf
1st Holly Basset

Battle of the Paddle – Men’s 12’6″ Class
1st Charlie Grey
2nd Ryan James
3rd Oliver Shilton

Battle of the Paddle – Mens 14′ Class
1st Matt Smilt
2nd Andrew Peterson
3rd Tim Rowe

Battle of the Paddle – Women
1st Maria Buchanan
2nd Lizzie Bird

Rapanui Wave Expression Session
1st Gareth Grant
2nd Matt Thomas
3rd Will Rogers
4th Jim Richardson

2012 Watergate Bay Waterman
Andre le Geyt

For more info check ipaddle board

ALLROUNDAIR 9’8″x31″ x 4″ relatively short and wide, slightly more wave oriented all-round board which works well for flatwater beginners to wave experts.

ALLROUNDAIR 10’2″x32″ x 4″ super stable all-round board which works in all conditions from flatwater to small surf as well as for white water rivers – for every rider from beginner to expert.

CRUISAIR 11’4″x30″ x 6″ inflatable version of the Cruiser 11’4″. Fast and very stable all-round cruising and touring board which works for every rider level. 6″ (15,2cm) thick and super stiff and durable.

SPORTSTAIR 12’6″x29 x 6″ probably the fastest inflatable today, great compromise between Race and Cruisier, 6″ (15,2cm) thick and very stiff. Works well in flatwater, rough conditions or for downwinders.

They all come in the most advanced and durable drop-stitch construction and include backpack, pump and repairkit.