North 2011 X-Ride 140cm Kitesurfing Board

On the upper and lower sides, the board core is covered with a foil that is resistant to shocks and abrasions.
 

2009 was a big leap forward in board technology as North Kiteboarding introduces the 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich in combination with the Responsive Center Flex. Still lots of boards are just not able to compete with this NKB standard. Combining the unique properties of wood core and carbon fiber, with an advanced flex pattern from a CNC milled 3D deck and concave bottom, the 2011 North Kiteboard range is again setting a new standard in performance, comfort and durability.

Technology leader
The unique thing about the 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich is the fully 3D shaped wood core with the advanced deck flex pattern and concave bottom. This type of advanced step cap sandwich construction, in combination with a concave bottom has previously only been possible to manufacture with foam cores, which have certain limitations regarding flex, core thickness and shear strength.

Thanks to our strong R&D focus and collaboration with one of the world’s leading snowboard factories, North Kiteboarding is the first company in the world to introduce 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich. This technology opens up a new door for flex development. In terms of kiteboards it means a significant performance boost and a whole new level of comfort for the rider.

Why an expensive 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich?

Comfort
The strong, fibrous structure of the wood core allow for a thinner core profile and a higher amount of bending compared with a traditional foam core, without the risk of breakage. The result is a board with a greater amount of flex, working as an active suspension while riding, providing a smooth and controlled feeling even through rough water.

Responsiveness
Thanks to the natural flex characteristics and spring back of the wood core, our new boards have a responsive and lively feel on the water, without sacrificing the comfort. To get that extra boost in the pop we’ve added carbon fiber beams on the Jaime and Pro Series. A further step in technology is the Responsive Center Flex. The result is a highly responsive, yet still forgiving board, with instant feedback to the rider’s input.

Control
The 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich construction has a higher amount of flex and torsion than a traditional foam core. This allows the board to quickly adapt to every impact from the water surface, giving the rider more space for mistakes, without the risk of loosing control. What the rider will experience is a board that’s easy to set up for take off and forgiving in the landings, and maintains good grip when riding full speed through choppy water.
On the Jaime and X-Ride, the concave bottom keeps the board sucked to the surface of the water while effortlessly blasting through knee high chop, drawing full speed turns or carving in the waves.

Strength
Our wood core has three times higher density than a standard foam core, and much greater strength and impact resistance. Fatigue resistance, the ability to withstand stress caused by thousands of impacts and hard landings over time, has been significantly improved. Heel dents, split cores and cracked laminates are history. The new 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich is the strongest construction we’ve ever made, reassuring a long life and functionality for your kiteboard.
 

Based on a unique new construction of the board in the tip area, the scoop rocker line ensures better response to changing situations. In underpowered riding, the board remains flat for fast planing. In overpowered riding, the scoop bends and provides for an increased level of control and stability. The flex tips absorb shocks and enable soft landings.
 

Your pads are too hard? Your pads are too soft?
You don’t know really what you think about your pads? Just customize ‘em!
You can now choose between three different levels of customizing the heel hardness of the foot pad. Different colours help to separate between the levels soft, middle and hard.
The soft pads offer lots of comfort. The middle ones deliver good response with still a great amount of comfort. Last but not least, the hard pads give you the most direct board feeling and the most pop response. The choice of our team riders.
Customize your pads in seconds and have the pad you want to have!
 

On the upper and lower sides, the board core is covered with a foil that is resistant to shocks and abrasions.
 

Thanks to the ABS protection sidewall, the boards have become almost indestructible. The hard ABS material protects the rail against shocks enabling accurate rail shapes.
 

The 3D footpads can be individually adjusted by using the loops’ screws according to the rider’s needs. Thus, every single board gets a unique touch and the 3D foot support in the pad will have a real effect!