North Kiteboarding Atmos 138 x 41cm 2022
Reviews / Twin Tips
12,673
At A Glance
North's most popular high-performance board returns for another year with some lovely new features and bold graphics while still following suit with two different construction builds. The Atmos is built around all things Big Air and Freeride and paired with the all-new Orbit. As Marc Jacobs has recently shown, it's a match made in heaven proven to take you to new heights.
Designed to ride overpowered yet still allow the rider to be in control, get on a plane early and have great low-end performance. As mentioned above, the Atmos comes in two constructions, like in previous years. The Atmos Hybrid features carbon taping in strategic areas alongside a Paulownia wood core, or the more premium full carbon Atmos.
The shape of the Atmos is very similar to its 2021 model, very freeride orientated and pulling in at the tip and the tail. It's medium-high outline curve allows easy, manoeuvrable carving and that buttery feel. The board's base features a single concave that splits into quad-channel tips, and the medium rocker gives the rider an early plane. Best of all, the Atmos has an efficient pop and release from those kickers to send it to the moon!
When you have a feel of this board in person, it really is a solid bit of kit. As with the North Trace, all screws on this twin tip are the same, so losing a screw isn't the end of the world.
Now we have to chat about the graphics. In my opinion, it's the best-looking board North has produced. For those that think it might clash with the colour of the sea, I wouldn't be too worried… it POPS and for sure turns heads on the beach. The online images make it come across a little 'Neon', but it's still such a lovely looking board and paired with the new Flex bindings, which also incorporate that blue tint, you'll have yourself one sexy looking board.
Sizes: 133x39, 136x40, 138x41, 141x42, 144x43
On The Water
With a single concave that leads into quad-channel tips, this makes Freeride and Big Air kiting that little bit easier. This construction ensures stable landings where the board absorbs impact and spreads the water out, and with a medium-high rocker line, the Atmos gives riders the confidence to jump big without catching that edge on take-off.
40mm fins are included with the board offering tremendous grip and a playful feel when carving around. It's important to note that each board size has a customised core thickness that's fine-tuned to allow consistency in performance across all sizes in the range.
Although the board features carbon tapes, there's still that flex you want, giving that little bit more pop and exciting feel. For those that would rather have a lighter and stiffer board, it's an easy transition over to the Atmos Carbon.
The handle on the board was not just a bit of plastic that's found on some boards, but actually super comfortable and felt ergonomic in my hand, making board-off's very simple. A new feature North has is the option to purchase a Grab Rail that can fit along the toe side rail.
Overall
The 2022 Atmos Hybrid is a fantastic board. It's durable and has countless features that perform well across the board but excel within the freeride and big air discipline. It's a great board for that intermediate-advanced level yet also a great fit for a beginner who wants a board that will help them progress and be great for many years to come. The Flex Bindings offer a lovely feel, and with new updates for 2022, your feet feel better connected than previous North foot straps. I can't recommend this board enough and would highly recommend demoing this at your local centre!
Videos
This review was in Issue 91 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit North KiteboardingRelated
By Liam Dredge
Liam fell in love with all Watersports after completing numerous seasons aboard, he then picked up kiting whilst in the warm tropics of the Carribean and has been obsessed ever since! Anyone that knows him would say it's near the only thing he talks about (which drives some crazy), and he loves to keep up to date with all the latest news, equipment and events that kiting has to offer. Liam also runs his own Watersports Centre along the south coast of the UK, LOOP Watersports, which is where our IKSURFMAG Test Centre is located!
