Peter Lynn Kiteboarding SS21 Kite Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Kites SS21
Brand: Peter Lynn Kiteboarding
Interviewee: Rik Haenen, Head of Marketing

Current Trends

What are the main trends for 2020 in the kite market, in terms of riding categories (big air, wave, foil, wing…)?
It is interesting to see that all markets (Windsurfing, Kiteboarding and Surfing) are coming closer, depending on conditions, vibes, location etc. The distinguish between riding style are getting smaller. When the wind is up, the megaloop and going big is a growing discipline. The challenge of who has the kite that jumps the highest is a fun challenge between designers and riders.

Where kites become lighter and special fabrics become more available, the wind range increases and so are kites changing again.

It’s fun to see that it doesn’t matter that much if you ride with an inflatable kite or non-inflatable. The difference is speed versus ease of use, while the majority will stay on inflatables, depending on location. Fun factor is most important. Therefore, the largest growing market will be the foil industry, not only with the Olympics coming up, but also the endless possibilities that are yet to be discovered.

Synergy

In what riding category have you seen the biggest growth so far in 2020 and why?
Because of the Covid-19 virus, all sales grew because people spend as much time on the water as possible this year.

We have seen a big increase in the sales of single strut kites and foil kites. Both kites are easy to use and make foiling even more fun. Kites that have a very broad range of use and will get more popular in the future.

Future Trends

What do you believe will be the main trends for 2021 in the kite market, in terms of riding categories?
Foiling in its broadest sense. Wing-ing will increase in popularity but also because it’s the newest. People are redefining what ‘sport’ and style fits them the most. The broad range of foil equipment will continue to grow and so are all products related to it.

NOVA UL

Kites

What is new for your kite construction, materials and design for 2021? Are there any trends in terms of kite design, construction and materials that the entire industry seems to be progressing towards?
We’re launching new materials this turbulent year. We save our progression for next year. New materials are changing the market and increase the low wind of every kite and increasing its wind range. It makes it possible to make a super stiff kite with high depower and remain its low wind abilities.

The progression towards the highest jump is a slow progress with many variables. A fun race to participate in.