North Launches 2023 Big Air Collection
Tue 13th Sep, 2022 @ 12:00 pm
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The team at North are stoked to announce the launch of the new Orbit, Atmos Carbon, Atmos Hybrid, Astra and Flex LX and we’ve got all the pics and links right here for you. Dive into North’s Big Air Collection NOW!
Courage is calling. Big Air ’23.
Defying gravity and putting your body on the line, and embracing risk. Do you know that feeling? At North, we understand that even the courageous feel fear. But, as kiters, what sets us apart is our ability to rise above fear. North has engineered its new Big Air ’23 Collection to rocket you skyward on that journey. Refined it to feel even lighter, faster and perform more intuitively.
The 2023 Orbit
The lighter the kite, the faster the steering, the more lift it creates, and the higher you jump. For 2023 we’ve constructed the Orbit leading edge and struts in our lighter N-Dure Dacron to save significantly more weight without compromising strength or durability. We’ve also introduced two additional bar pressure options to choose from a lighter, more forgiving feeling in cruise mode, right through to ultra-direct steering with shorter depower travel in megaloop mode. This new fourth setting gives you the confidence to loop the kite even lower on those crazy 40knot + days.
“With the Orbit 11m, I can make the amazing progression from 15knots+. Practising all the megaloop manoeuvres in lighter conditions than before lets me improve even faster. The 10- 8m kites are perfectly tuned for all the big air moves, and riding on any of these size kites is an extremely addictive feeling – you get that extra height and yank from the kite in those extra knots. The 7/6m are impressive for double loops” – Marc Jacobs
“The Orbit feels like the Ferrari of kites. Both the 8m & 9m Orbit are very responsive, allowing me more reaction time on short lines. I also find the kite recovers much quicker after a low loop (I had a scare on the shoot that would have ended in disaster on any other kite). The combination of the 2023 kite and board is like a fitted suit; the crisp feel of both takes my Big Air confidence to the next level.” – Jett Bradshaw
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“When I first flew the 2023 Orbit, it felt half a size smaller than the 2022 version. In other words, the 2023 10m Orbit performed like it was a 9m Orbit 2022. I felt this with all the sizes (8,9,10) – not only did I feel an improvement in the turning speed of the kite, but the hangtime also increased, as did the catch coming up from a loop. I am super excited to see what the smaller sizes will be capable of – specifically with the double loops and S-loops. ” – Luca Ceruti
“The New Orbit is unreal; I love how I can ride it in such overpowered nuking conditions, 45knots and still be on my 9m. When a big gust comes, I just put in a powerful edge, the kite shoots to the edge of the window, and I go upwind like mad. I rarely feel like I’m overpowered and have to downsize when the wind picks up. As for the 12m, I’ve never really liked big kites and light winds since it’s usually always nuking in Cape Town.
But I’ve started to ride lighter wind now because you can still loop and do big air on the 12, which I love. You have to feel comfortable and trust your gear when riding Cape Town’s gnarly, strong winds. When I am on the water in full send mode, I can really focus on my riding and my mind – the gear becomes an extension of me.” – Graham Howes
For more information on North’s 2023 Orbit, please click here.
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The New FLEX LX
Your feet let you fly. Your Flex LX take care of the landings. A human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 ligaments and tendons – the complex biomechanics that makes these parts work together lets you walk, run, jump, and fly.
Hugh Pinfold, North Director of Engineering, has crafted the all-new anatomically-shaped TwinTip bindings to support and stabilize your feet, spread the load evenly and prevent slipping.
“The 2023 Flex LX have a sense of luxury that speaks to the perfect balance between performance and design. We’ve added structure and stability with a more contoured footbed and ramped chassis for improved fit and increased lateral support. Outerangled heel inserts ensure your foot rolls properly, providing a stable landing and protecting your knees and ankles.” – Hugh Pinfold
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“The Flex LX bindings are a massive game changer. It feels like a custom shoe for kiteboarding. You feel locked in better, without excess material. Your board is even lighter, with more comfort.” – Marc Jacobs
“Having the new binding fitted to my feet gives me a better feeling of my board – the padding gives me a sense of grip and makes for a softer landing.” – Karlie Thoma
For more information on North’s new FLEX LX, please click here.
New FlipTech Twintip Technology
For 2023, North has engineered all TwinTips with a new FlipTech Mounting System. The new centreline inserts mean if you wear out one side of your board, flip your bindings around, and have a shiny new heelside rail again.
The 2023 Atmos Carbon
Master-crafted for mega-boosting, looping and controlled landings, the Atmos Carbon ’23 is a dynamic ride with powerful upwind, precise edge control, rapid response and explosive pop. The 100% carbon laminate layup provides balanced torsional stiffness and flex.
“This board can definitely hold down a load of power. I never once felt like I would lose my grip or spin out going max speed. Not only is the board great for taking off kickers, but also for fast landings. I never felt my board skidding out from underneath my feet.” – Luca Ceruti
For more information on North’s 2023 Atmos Carbon, please click here.
The 2023 Atmos Hybrid
A high-performance freeride board for explosive boosting, looping and stable, predictable landings. Graham Howes: The Atmos Hybrid is my favourite board for super-lit, overpowered riding. In big Cape Town winds, your landings are always super fast, and often you land in choppy water. The Atmos gives clean and controlled landings every time.
For more information on North’s 2023 Atmos Hybrid, please click here.
The 2023 Astra
North has crafted the Astra for lighter-weight riders, with a responsive flex pattern for explosive pop, softer landings, and comfort in chop. The smaller sizes and narrower foot positioning allow smaller riders to stay in control across every manoeuvre.
“During the photo shoot in Maui, I got to test the full abilities of the Astra 132. I love the way it feels so aggressive yet smooth to ride.” – Karlie Thoma
For more information on North’s 2023 Astra, please click here.
North Brand Director Mike Raper is humbled by the performance gains riders are experiencing with the new collection:
“Our 2023 Big Air collection has a level of technology that allows riders to trust their gear completely. We look after the performance – riders bring their spirit. In the Big Air category, bravery and courage are vital qualities. But for me, courage is more than megaloops at extreme heights. Courage is showing a sense of fortitude in the face of adversity. Courage is inspiring others with your example. At North, we continue to refine our products. We’re always chasing performance, simplicity and ease of use, so our riders can keep flying forward when others hold back and challenge us all to go big. “I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and of the direction in which we’re heading,” says Mike Raper
To view all North products, please click here.
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Big Air Rider Style Collection
