Tech Focus - FLYSURFER: The New Soul

When FLYSURFER released the first version of the SOUL a few years ago, it was a game-changing design. A ‘soft kite’ that had the potential to excite even the most committed tube kite riders. With the 2nd version of the SOUL arriving on the market, we spoke to designer Benni Boelli to get some insights!

When FLYSURFER released the first version of the SOUL a few years ago, it was a game-changing design. A ‘soft kite’ that had the potential to excite even the most committed tube kite riders. With the recent release of the second edition of the SOUL, we caught up with designer Benni Boelli to find out more.

Benni, what was the inspiration and the goals for the design of the original SOUL? 

I always liked the way ‘soft kites’ fly, but they were never so easy to fly and launch. In other words, not so easy to use. When I was travelling around with my wife, she started kiteboarding on tube kites while I was riding soft kites. The number of kites needed was just too much for travelling. 

Ride Engine | View in Mag

FacePlant | View in Mag

So I decided there has to be a way to create a design meeting both of our requirements. On the one hand, easy to use for my wife and, on the other hand, a lot of jumping performance. I think the design of the SOUL excellently combines those two characteristics. 

The new SOUL launched on April 30th. What has changed in the new version? 

We didn’t change the character of the SOUL. If you have flown a SOUL and jump on the new SOUL, you will feel at home straight away. We did change the internal construction and materials to give the customer better durability and faster inflation of the kite. We changed some details like the wingtip shape, drainage system, etc. We’ve also managed to slightly improve the turning and sporty feel on the bar.

How does this kite perform compared to a traditional tube/LEI kite?

It will give more hangtime for sure and will fly in a lot less wind, which comes in handy when on a hydrofoil. The better upwind performance helps you when doing tacks on a hydrofoil, and you will spend less time trying to go upwind and enjoy more time jumping on a twin tip. 

My first experience flying a foil kite on the water was on the new SOUL while the FLYSURFER team was shooting in Cape Town a few months ago. After a quick lesson on rigging and launching and shaking off the nerves of trying something so foreign, I went out and had the boostiest session of my life! The lift and float are incredible! For LEI riders that are hesitant to try a foil kite, what is the learning curve like, and should they step out of their comfort zone and try this kite?

I think the learning curve is very steep. I think most people are afraid of the number of lines on a soft kite. There are techniques to avoid any issue with the bridle lines, such as specific packing and unpacking techniques. If an experienced soft kiter explains those techniques, the fear of the bridle lines will fade in no time. 

Riding on the water is not so different from the SOUL than an LEI kite, except the jumps will be higher and longer. My suggestion is to get a soft kite handed over already flying to get a sense of the different feeling while riding without stressing about the rest. If you like it, dive into the techniques of launching and packing. 

Harlem Kitesurfing | View in Mag

Woo Sports | View in Mag

For those aiming to achieve the highest speeds, the VMG is the proven design for racing performance. For mere mortals looking for a forgiving, user-friendly kite, is the SOUL the one to try? 

Yes, the SOUL has the best overall package to enter the soft kite world of FLYSURFER. I ride the new SOUL in small sizes when it’s super windy on a twin tip, but you can use it on every terrain (land, water, snow) and board because it is so stable and user friendly. The second edition of the SOUL is a refined version of FLYSURFER’s most successful product of all time. I love it, and I hope most of you do too!