Next demo day is at Hunstanton on the 5th July during the third round of the BKSA freestyle event. The demo may be held at Old Hunstanton or Brancaster depending on weather conditions.
We have a couple of Primadonna2s, a Wildthing 2 and a DaVinci BAT in the demo fleet.
However, if there's something you especially want to try, let me know and I'll do our best to have a demo kite available.
Drop an email to info@leftfieldkitesports.co.uk to be kept up to date with demo days and locations.
PS. Demos also available at Hunstanton/Brancaster on 28/29th June. Email for details.
Thursday 19 June 2008
Thursday 5 June 2008
JN Online Shop
Leftfield Kitesports has now gone online offering the full range of JN Kites, Boards and Clothing.
www.leftfieldkitesports.co.uk
www.leftfieldkitesports.co.uk
Da Vinci Bat
Had the new Da Vinci to test recently. A 12m 'Bat' version, the unusual shape is optimsed for low wind use.
I'm not really a bow kite fan and wasn't expecting much from the new kite. How wrong I was!
More of a hybrid design than the Primadonna, it's still a 5line kite, but has double front line attachments (no pulleys) and a slightly flatter overall shape. The DV also comes with one-pump which is welcome on a large kite. Only 5 struts on this kite (as opposed to 7 for most JNs), but the canopy shape is very clean - not a wrinkle in sight.
In flight it felt similar to the 13m Primadonna on the turn, slightly more depower but retaining that linear feel. The 12m Bat has a better low end than the 13m Primadonna, and boosts very well indeed, even in light winds. It also pulls nice and cleanly in kiteloops although not quite as smooth and tidy as the Primadonna, but really not far off.
Sadly, I never got to try it fully lit to test the top end, but I'd imagine that you would get excellent range on this kite.
I lent the kite to a landboarder who usually flys Ions, and he was amazed at the low wind performance and boosting ability.. "easily better than the 12.5 Ion" and that's hardly a bad kite.
The Da Vinci has been quite a surprise. I think it's possibly the best kite in the range for the majority of riders. JN deserve to shift a lot of these this season.
Monday 2 June 2008
08 Switchcraft Bar
Been a while since I last posted and a lot has happened, so I'll attempt to catch up in rough chronological order!
Was lucky enough to be one of the first riders to get the new Switchcraft bar. This is JN's new 08 bar and a welcome upgrade to the CBS system which was starting to show it's age against some the latest bar/line sets on the market.
The 'alex' release of the previous JN bars is now a simpler affair that releases by pushing away from the body. This has two advantages - you can fire it without pull from the kite, and it's doesn't fire accidently if you pull it whilst hooking in.
The bar itself is thinner than the CBS and features 'horns' on the end enabling you to select effective bar length by switching between the two ends (there's a larkhead on the end of line connecting to a knotted stopper line that passes through the horn ends). You can also turn the horns through 180 giving you 4 sizes in total from one bar.
Other features include two sizes of chicken loop included, an anti-tangle fifth line and perhaps the best bit of all - an 'autolock' system which locks the chicken loop facing the right way when unhooking.
The bar is also very adjustable. It has a moveable stopper ball on the centre line and the depower trimmer can be very easily moved up or down too. It's very simple to set it up just how you want.
As you can probably tell, I'm pretty impressed by the Switchcraft. It was the one place where JN were lacking in comparison to their competitors and they've come up with a well thought out deisng.
Was lucky enough to be one of the first riders to get the new Switchcraft bar. This is JN's new 08 bar and a welcome upgrade to the CBS system which was starting to show it's age against some the latest bar/line sets on the market.
The 'alex' release of the previous JN bars is now a simpler affair that releases by pushing away from the body. This has two advantages - you can fire it without pull from the kite, and it's doesn't fire accidently if you pull it whilst hooking in.
The bar itself is thinner than the CBS and features 'horns' on the end enabling you to select effective bar length by switching between the two ends (there's a larkhead on the end of line connecting to a knotted stopper line that passes through the horn ends). You can also turn the horns through 180 giving you 4 sizes in total from one bar.
Other features include two sizes of chicken loop included, an anti-tangle fifth line and perhaps the best bit of all - an 'autolock' system which locks the chicken loop facing the right way when unhooking.
The bar is also very adjustable. It has a moveable stopper ball on the centre line and the depower trimmer can be very easily moved up or down too. It's very simple to set it up just how you want.
As you can probably tell, I'm pretty impressed by the Switchcraft. It was the one place where JN were lacking in comparison to their competitors and they've come up with a well thought out deisng.
Sunday 13 April 2008
Atmosphere is go and Primadonna finds it's legs
Looks like we're on for sponsoring Atmosphere08. Details should be confirmed over the next few days, but I'm hoping to be at the event in an official capacity for JN. I'll be getting some additional demo kit for the event, but if there's anything you particularly want to try then you can get hold of me via Kiteboarder, Kiteforum or Flexiforums, or I'll be posting something on the Atmosphere forum once we're officially on board.
Got out again on Sunday. Was more of a lightwind cruising session though and I thought I'd be way underpowered on the 13m. However, for the second time in as many weeks it's surprised me with it's low end.
Not sure if the kite has 'bedded in', the colder (and more dense) UK wind is making it work, or my light wind technique has improved.. but either way I was able to keep upwind of the general rabble who were often armed with much bigger kites.
Was good to fly the WT2 and Primadonna back-to-back. I think that if you're coming from older kit, the WT2 will feel the more instinctive kite. The Primadonna requires a period of adjustment to get the best from it. However if your into freeride, wave riding or wakestyle mentalism it is worth it.
Where I think the WT2 may work well is on a landboard. It requires less edge to boost high, and works well at lower winds - the PD2 can go huge, but goes better on the land when well lit and using the ample depower.
Got out again on Sunday. Was more of a lightwind cruising session though and I thought I'd be way underpowered on the 13m. However, for the second time in as many weeks it's surprised me with it's low end.
Not sure if the kite has 'bedded in', the colder (and more dense) UK wind is making it work, or my light wind technique has improved.. but either way I was able to keep upwind of the general rabble who were often armed with much bigger kites.
Was good to fly the WT2 and Primadonna back-to-back. I think that if you're coming from older kit, the WT2 will feel the more instinctive kite. The Primadonna requires a period of adjustment to get the best from it. However if your into freeride, wave riding or wakestyle mentalism it is worth it.
Where I think the WT2 may work well is on a landboard. It requires less edge to boost high, and works well at lower winds - the PD2 can go huge, but goes better on the land when well lit and using the ample depower.
Saturday 12 April 2008
The New Old School
Yay! Spring has finally landed.
Having watched the wind blow in from the north-west for the last few weeks (about the only direction that doesn't work at the local spots) and bringing snow and general gnarlyness with it, I relieved to report that I have finally got out for a couple of sessions.
Clare's just bought a pair of Waroos (11m & 7m) in turquoise and a funky crazyfly girlies board. Got a stonking deal too, and Waveriders were the only shop we visited that pitched their sales speak at her and not me. Come on guys - Girls do ride too!
We got out last friday for a relaxed sunset session. Was so nice to be on the water again, and our new wetsuit purchases did their job admirably keeping us both toasty, even if I do look like a hamster in my hooded rashie!
Today saw just me out. Wind was in the 20's, so thought I'd give the 10m WildThing2 a go.
Whilst setting up, it was pretty obvious a big squall was about to come in. However, some idiot seemed intent on going out on 13m Fuel whilst the wind was gusting and really picking up. (The rest of us were sat on the beach waiting for it to blow through and the blue skies on the horizon to reel in a bit closer). I'm sure he felt terribly macho as he scudded off downwind barely holding it (or himself) down on maximum depower.. tw*t
After a few minutes, it all died down and we got a good few hours of splendid sunshine and 20mph+ wind. The WT2 is certainly a different animal from the Primadonna. Even laid out on the beach with it high AR profile and pencil-thin struts, it's obvious that this kite is designed to go fast and high.
On the water it lived up to it's looks, boosting very high indeed with little effort. However, this is a high-ar kite and to get good float you have to go into your jump with speed, redirect and glide. You cannot simply hang under the kite. Upwind ability was excellent and it really did accelerate when pointed slightly downwind. Depower is not as good as the Primadonna, and pulling in the trim doesn't do that much. It's way ahead of the old WildThing, but doesn't have the range of it's flowery cousin.
Overall, it's an old school kite with some new school manners. If you want to go huge or fast, then this is your kite. I've compared the Primadonna/WildThing to North's Vegas/Rhino range before and with the latest iterations this comparison is still valid, although the WT2 is probably closer to the Rhino 07 (minus the mad strut arrangement).
The WT2 is a specialised beast for the intermediate-advanced rider, and will appeal to those who find the latest crop of kites a little too tame. There's also some great deals to be had on these kites now that the Primadonna/DaVinci are out.
I will probably stick with my Primadonna 2s for general riding. They offer a bit more versatility and range, whilst sacrificing a little of the dramatic lift and speed of the WildThing, although the WT may come out when I need an altitude hit!
I am also hoping to try my hand at racing at one or more of the BKSA rounds this year and the Wild Thing may well end up getting an outing here too.
Having watched the wind blow in from the north-west for the last few weeks (about the only direction that doesn't work at the local spots) and bringing snow and general gnarlyness with it, I relieved to report that I have finally got out for a couple of sessions.
Clare's just bought a pair of Waroos (11m & 7m) in turquoise and a funky crazyfly girlies board. Got a stonking deal too, and Waveriders were the only shop we visited that pitched their sales speak at her and not me. Come on guys - Girls do ride too!
We got out last friday for a relaxed sunset session. Was so nice to be on the water again, and our new wetsuit purchases did their job admirably keeping us both toasty, even if I do look like a hamster in my hooded rashie!
Today saw just me out. Wind was in the 20's, so thought I'd give the 10m WildThing2 a go.
Whilst setting up, it was pretty obvious a big squall was about to come in. However, some idiot seemed intent on going out on 13m Fuel whilst the wind was gusting and really picking up. (The rest of us were sat on the beach waiting for it to blow through and the blue skies on the horizon to reel in a bit closer). I'm sure he felt terribly macho as he scudded off downwind barely holding it (or himself) down on maximum depower.. tw*t
After a few minutes, it all died down and we got a good few hours of splendid sunshine and 20mph+ wind. The WT2 is certainly a different animal from the Primadonna. Even laid out on the beach with it high AR profile and pencil-thin struts, it's obvious that this kite is designed to go fast and high.
On the water it lived up to it's looks, boosting very high indeed with little effort. However, this is a high-ar kite and to get good float you have to go into your jump with speed, redirect and glide. You cannot simply hang under the kite. Upwind ability was excellent and it really did accelerate when pointed slightly downwind. Depower is not as good as the Primadonna, and pulling in the trim doesn't do that much. It's way ahead of the old WildThing, but doesn't have the range of it's flowery cousin.
Overall, it's an old school kite with some new school manners. If you want to go huge or fast, then this is your kite. I've compared the Primadonna/WildThing to North's Vegas/Rhino range before and with the latest iterations this comparison is still valid, although the WT2 is probably closer to the Rhino 07 (minus the mad strut arrangement).
The WT2 is a specialised beast for the intermediate-advanced rider, and will appeal to those who find the latest crop of kites a little too tame. There's also some great deals to be had on these kites now that the Primadonna/DaVinci are out.
I will probably stick with my Primadonna 2s for general riding. They offer a bit more versatility and range, whilst sacrificing a little of the dramatic lift and speed of the WildThing, although the WT may come out when I need an altitude hit!
I am also hoping to try my hand at racing at one or more of the BKSA rounds this year and the Wild Thing may well end up getting an outing here too.
Monday 18 February 2008
Cabarete Days 12-14
Had a good last few days. The swell has settled down a bit and the wind has been a good 18-22mph.
North rider Ania Grzelinska arrived in town and promptly set about throwing down some very impressive moves.
As for us mere mortals of the kitesurfing world, Clare achieved IKO status 3.J which just leaves upwind riding and jumping, which given the determination shown the last few days isn't going to be that far away.
Clare did try going out on my gear. She liked the smaller lighter Spleene 134 over the barn door she'd been using with the school, but the Primadonna wasn't such a success. In fact, I'd be surprised if she flys it again! Whilst she prefers bows over C kites for certain, the JN bar remains too reachy and too thick for those with small hands and short arms. Clare often steadies the kite with one hand around the depower rope, and this proved difficult on JN. (The bar pressure is also a little higher, which I personally like, on the Primadonna over the Waroo).
Whilst there is the option of a DaVinci on a different bar, Clare has taken an interest in the new North Evo - which does look pretty funky. The only downside is that North must be the only manufacturer who we do not know anyone who works or rides for them. Any North dealers out there want to offer a deal? :)
(The Paris board looks nice too)
As for me - I decided on the last day that I really did need to knock out a few kiteloops before I got back. I had hoped to get out on the 9 again, but is simply wasn't windy enough, so the 13 would have to do.
I'm glad to report that even the larger kite loops very smoothly indeed - less 'yank' than the old kite and more of an elastic surge. I, being old and fragile like this a lot, but some die-hard C kiters maybe prefer the snappier delivery of the older kite. However, this was on a fairly big kite and I'm sure the 9 will be a bit more brutal in it's delivery.
There are two sides to this though.. you can be lulled into a false sense of ability and talent and be convinced that you are Ruben Lenten. In this case, the kite will still make it perfectly clear that this isn't the case and dish out a good spanking.
North rider Ania Grzelinska arrived in town and promptly set about throwing down some very impressive moves.
As for us mere mortals of the kitesurfing world, Clare achieved IKO status 3.J which just leaves upwind riding and jumping, which given the determination shown the last few days isn't going to be that far away.
Clare did try going out on my gear. She liked the smaller lighter Spleene 134 over the barn door she'd been using with the school, but the Primadonna wasn't such a success. In fact, I'd be surprised if she flys it again! Whilst she prefers bows over C kites for certain, the JN bar remains too reachy and too thick for those with small hands and short arms. Clare often steadies the kite with one hand around the depower rope, and this proved difficult on JN. (The bar pressure is also a little higher, which I personally like, on the Primadonna over the Waroo).
Whilst there is the option of a DaVinci on a different bar, Clare has taken an interest in the new North Evo - which does look pretty funky. The only downside is that North must be the only manufacturer who we do not know anyone who works or rides for them. Any North dealers out there want to offer a deal? :)
(The Paris board looks nice too)
As for me - I decided on the last day that I really did need to knock out a few kiteloops before I got back. I had hoped to get out on the 9 again, but is simply wasn't windy enough, so the 13 would have to do.I'm glad to report that even the larger kite loops very smoothly indeed - less 'yank' than the old kite and more of an elastic surge. I, being old and fragile like this a lot, but some die-hard C kiters maybe prefer the snappier delivery of the older kite. However, this was on a fairly big kite and I'm sure the 9 will be a bit more brutal in it's delivery.
There are two sides to this though.. you can be lulled into a false sense of ability and talent and be convinced that you are Ruben Lenten. In this case, the kite will still make it perfectly clear that this isn't the case and dish out a good spanking.
Well.. it's now time to pack up and go home. It's been a fab trip and the wind has been good for us throughout the whole two weeks. I would wholly recommend Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding if you are thinking of coming out here - they can hook you up with accomodation and the instructors and general atmosphere are really good. They are also positioned on the best bit of the beach.
I'm very happy with my new kites. It's true than JN's first lady has become softer with age, but the performance is still on hand when you need it. As a freeride,freestyle and wave kite it works really well. Other kites may have more ability in one particular area, but the Primadonna2 seems to cover all bases pretty well.
Camber Sands just isn't going to feel the same.....
(Watched the new Ben Wilson DVD last night - why are there no waves in Kent?)
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