Tech Focus - Core - Section 5

We caught up with Phil Janke to dive into the story behind CORE’s latest wave kite, the Section 5. From testing prototypes in Indonesia’s breathtaking reef breaks to fine-tuning the design for ultimate drift and versatility, this kite is built to elevate your wave-riding experience. Let’s find out what went into creating this wave-riding masterpiece!

Congratulations on another exciting CORE release! We just watched the Section 5 video, and it was incredible. Can you tell us about the trip?! 

The trip idea came from Gabriel and Willow, who’d travelled to Chile with the Nexus last winter and got inspired by former teammate Rob Kidnie to check out Indonesia. It had been on Willow’s bucket list for ages, so it was the perfect chance to test and shoot Section 5 prototypes in Sumbawa.

How did Willow River-Tonkin and Gabriel Benetton’s testing in Indonesia’s reef breaks help shape the final design of Section 5?

The team had been working on the Section 5 for quite some time, exploring new paths alongside proven methods. Willow and Gabriel’s mission in Indonesia was to evaluate different bridle positions for each kite size and determine the perfect setup based on precise requirements established earlier in the design process.

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Can you tell us what optimisations have been made to enhance the kite’s drift and how these improvements impact wave riding performance?

The Section 4 already had exceptional drift due to its surf profile, Future-C shape, and lightweight. The team achieved weight savings in the construction and optimised the kite’s tips to enhance its drift capabilities further.

How does Section 5’s design cater to the full spectrum of wave conditions?

In contrast to an all-round model like the Nexus or XR, the wave specialist Section has a very precise set of requirements, with the goal of being the ideal wave kite in all conditions. It allows for snappy turns in small waves through its ultra-direct steering without ripping you off the board, excels with great drift in medium waves, and down-the-line rides in big waves without losing control despite your slacking lines.

In what way does the Section 5’s compatibility with CORE’s surfboards enhance the kite’s performance for both strapless freestyle and foiling?

For strapless big air, you would prefer the Nexus or XR. But for smaller jumps, you will benefit from the Section’s great bar feedback, and it’s great for practising kiteloops with its non-accelerating fast turning. At foiling, you also benefit from the Section’s unmatched drifting qualities that allow you to foil waves without stalling.

What are the key differences between the Section 5 and previous models?

The biggest change has been made in the geometry and construction of the leading edge. The Section 5 received the latest version of our exclusive low-stretch-dacron ExoTex 2 with an elaborate tempering and coating process. It achieves an extremely high tensile strength while remaining lightweight. Due to intelligent volume distribution in the leading edge, the Section 5 has more stability in the wingtips and an overall faster turning and flight behaviour.

How does the Section 5 compare to the Nexus 4, which is very good in the waves? What advantages does the Section 5 have over the Nexus 4?

The Section is lighter than the Nexus and has an even better drift. When it comes to strapless jumping and twintip riding, the all-rounder Nexus will make you happier.

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What tuning options are there on the kite to help it suit different conditions and riding styles?

To squeeze out the optimum of your wave riding, the Section 5 comes with the CORE intelligent trim system that lets you adapt it to the wind direction onshore, sideshore, and offshore. The onshore setting sits the kite deeper in the wind window, giving it more grunt and better drift. The offshore setting sits the kite more forward in the wind window, giving it higher depower and faster forward speed.

Are there any plans for a Section 5 Pro version with Aluula?

Currently, there are no plans for an Aluula version of the Section. We want a soft and easy-turning wave kite; the stiffness of Aluula is simply not the best choice for this; it is less forgiving and more punchy. We think that a thoughtful, designed, lightweight kite made of our premium Exotex 2 and Coretex 2 offers the optimal material mix for a wave-dedicated kite.

When can the readers get their hands on them?

The Section is now available – ask your local CORE dealer for a test ride!