Naish 2020 Kiteboard Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Kiteboards 2020

Brand: Naish
Interviewee: Scott Trudon, Brand Manager

Trends

Do you see a significant growth in the kite market, compared to last year?
Yes, we have seen some slow, healthy growth in the kite market compared to last year.

What are the main trends for 2020 in the kite market, in terms of riding discipline?
Big air is definitely trending, seeing our riders learning all the board off kite loop variations is great. Wave riding’s always hot here and we have been putting more energy into our directional boards. Foiling in all conditions is also getting more and more popular.

Have you noticed any shifts in trends from last summer’s expectations?
Not really, people are adding wings to their quivers to get even more time on the water.

Where have you seen the biggest growth so far in 2020? Where do you expect the biggest growth in the remaining of the year?
The sport has gone in so many different directions; gear that works for different disciplines is popular like the Hover wake and the Pivot.

Foilboards Hover Wake

Boards

Which of your boards are selling well in 2020 so far and why?
Hover Wake because it works for wake surfing, foiling behind a boat, prone, and with a kite and kiting as a small to medium size wave board.

The Motion – because it is a fun, easy to ride board that has the performance that lets Ross – Dillon Player use it for kiting in insane conditions.

The Monarch – because it is fast and powerful, great for freestyle and big air.

The Switch – because it gives riders more options.

TwinTips Monarch

What new board design and construction features from your 2020 range are working well?
The Switch is a new design. Each rail is a different length; it has centered inserts and can be ridden on either side depending on conditions and preferences.

Are there any trends in terms of board design and construction that you are observing in your SS21 product development?
We have an exciting new board in the line called the Traverse. It is a really fun, smooth, easy to ride board.

When will your SS21 board range be launched?
The boards will be launched in June.

Sustainability

How have your initiatives in terms of sustainability in your SS20 range been received?
Very well. We’ve had an overwhelming response. We have been working on getting rid of plastics in our packaging and will continue to evolve all aspects from materials used for product construction to packaging

Are you implementing new sustainable initiatives in the design and construction of your SS21 range?
Yes, we are implementing sustainability in some of our construction methods that will be revolutionary within the industry.

Best Sellers
Please name and describe your 3 highlight pieces and items that retailers should definitely order.

Hover Wake – If there is a will, there’s a wave. And those who have a Hover Wake 4’6”, 4’10” or 5’2” can ride it. Whether wake foiling, wakesurfing, foil surfing, foil kiting or kitesurfing, this board lets foilers do it all, and with ease. Designed initially with wakesurfing and foiling in mind, the Hover Wakesurf has the ideal outline, volume and rocker for performance riding. Attach any of the Naish Jet foils to a board and add a whole new level of riding. Experienced foil surfers will appreciate its nimble handling. Kiteboarders have also latched on to the Hover Wakesurf as a do it all board for strapped/strapless kitesurfing and foil kiting. If there is a will, there’s a wave. And those who have a Hover Wake 4’6”, 4’10” or 5’2” can ride it. Whether wake foiling, wakesurfing, foil surfing, foil kiting or kitesurfing, this board lets foilers do it all, and with ease. Designed initially with wakesurfing and foiling in mind, the Hover Wakesurf has the ideal outline, volume and rocker for performance riding. Attach any of the Naish Jet foils to a board and add a whole new level of riding. Experienced foil surfers will appreciate its nimble handling. Kiteboarders have also latched on to the Hover Wakesurf as a do it all board for strapped/strapless kitesurfing and foil kiting.

Motion – The Motion has built a global following over the years, providing unrivalled versatility in one “do-it-all” design. This board offers something for kiters of all stages and styles from freeride and freestyle performance to twin tip waveriding functionality. Adding more appeal to this popular design, the new flex tips make the ride smoother and landings softer. We’ve also centered the inserts for this year allowing riders to easily transition between rails which dramatically extends the life of the board. Its full rocker and bevelled razor channel rails handle even the choppiest of waters smoothly. The pop wood core gives the Motion responsive flex while providing balanced power and superior edging while helping to absorb hard landings. The added fin beam in the tip section adds rigidity to the fin mounting area, increasing edging ability and hold when traveling upwind.

Monarch – The Monarch has built a loyal following of freestyle kites all over the world thanks to its State-of-the-art, no-compromise freestyle design. Delivering direct power for upwind drive and explosive pop on demand, this is the board Kevin Langeree and top freestyle riders choose to ride when pushing the limits of big air kiteboarding. Defined edges, powerfully engineered stiff flex and deep channels provide outstanding grip—even when at speed in choppy water. A lightweight basalt fibber construction gives the Monarch an incredible strength-to-weight ratio and responsive flex. Its radiated Carbon V Delivers insane pop when loading for freestyle maneuvers or huge jumps. The performance proven 3D bottom shape is composed of bevelled channel rails and steep quad tips for increased tracking and phenomenal edging. The reduced concave in the center section improves water entry and optimized flex between the rider’s feet. Highly engineered and sleek in design, this board is ready to perform to the rigorous demands of every bold kiteboarder.