In 2010, Sir Richard Branson teamed up with UK kitesurf company Flexifoil in an attempt to become the oldest person to kitesurf from England to France. Sir Richard was also joined on the crossing by his family and friends who collectively tried to become the largest group of kitesurfers to cross from England to France. Unfortunately the attempt was unsuccessful due to almost hurricane force winds on the first day followed by no wind at all. This year, Sir Richard Branson will team up again with Flexifoil to attempt crossing the English Channel with his family and friends....... Hey Richard, if you need advice just ask! We did it in 2005 :)

Gisela Pulido takes the GP to top spot at round 2 of the 2012 PKRA tour, Mondial Du Vent.

After a shaky first round start in Dakhla it's business as usual once again for the 2011 champion. Gisela Pulido came to Leucate with something to prove. With a new sponsor and new kites for 2012 Gisela had to prove that she was still No1. The women's heats and single elimination finals provided no surprises with Gisela comfortably making the most of the changing wind. Looking comfortable on her new GP C-kites she threw down some powered and 100% committed moves to take the win. When asked Gisela commented, " I'm happy to have the support of my family at Leucate, it makes focusing on the win easier. Hopefully I will be able to take the single elimination success all the way through to the double elimination finals".

On day 5 Leucate delivered the conditions it is famous for, strong, shifting winds that put competitors and equipment to the test. In the gusty winds Gisela rode strongly to capture the double elimination win with Karolina taking 2nd place and Bruna 3rd. Gisela commented, "Conditions today were tough with gusty, shifting winds. I'm happy, the GP performed well in these challenging conditions allowing me to take my first win of the season".

2012 Best TS

Apr 11, 2012

Author: SBC Kiteboard / Shane Thompson

Size tested: 9, 12 m
Sizes available: 4.5, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17 m
Design style: 4-line, 5-strut SLE

The Best TS is a high-performance SLE for which sizes are uniquely engineered to fly for a specific set of riding conditions. The Best designers recognize that many of today’s more advanced riders seek a different performance character between the small-, medium- and large-sized kites in a quiver; the mid-size kites tested in this round had all the performance that advanced-level new-school riders would appreciate. The Best TS had a crisp and smoother overall feel this year, with good power generation through its wider wing tips. The C kite riders of the test were blown away by the big pop and smooth unhooked performance of the TS in the 12-metre size. It was a forgiving enough kite for intermediate riders to push it to the next level, while allowing advanced riders to dial in new tricks, with easy unhooked pop and balanced drift for handlepassing. There was enough de-power in the nine-metre to haul out into the waves, and for anyone who likes to unhook and smack the face, the TS should be considered a top choice. 

Versatility over entire size range vs. individual size
The TS offers versatile discipline performance across the range of sizes, but the 12 may be too freestyle-oriented for waves and lesser skill levels. 

WHAT THE SBC TEST TEAM RIDERS ARE SAYING:
“The TS has smooth handling unhooked, and feels C-like, but with easier handling and better water relaunch.”
“If I had a flatwater slick in my backyard, the TS would be my go-to kite every day.”
“The 12-metre TS has tons of performance for freestyle and wakestyle riding. I like the extra pop it offered, and it felt similar to a full-on C kite, but without the hassles of water relaunch and less de-power.”

Tech Features
  -Ride-optimized geometry   
  -EZ pump
  -TS micro-bridal

2012 TS product video from Best Kiteboarding on Vimeo.